Where is the best place to go in Vietnam for the first time?

How long should I spend in Ho Chi Minh?

Two days. I think.

Maybe that’s enough. I just… wandered. Didn’t plan much.

• Lost time. I wasted too much time at Ben Thanh Market. It was overwhelming.

• History’s weight. The War Remnants Museum… that got to me. Powerful, heavy. Just wasn’t prepared.

• Motorbikes. Everywhere. Couldn’t get used to the traffic. Seriously.

If you’re going to the Cu Chi Tunnels, maybe three days, total? Or four? Depends if you want to rush.

And then what? Where will I go?

• Mekong Delta. I regret not seeing it. Should have gone. I know.

• Pho. So much pho. Honestly, I got tired of it. Is that bad? I feel bad.

Two days, or three. That’s it, really. I wasn’t ready for more, it was just… much.

Why do people go to Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh City? Oh honey, it’s less a city and more a delicious, chaotic whirlwind. Think Bangkok on espresso.

Why go? Because:

• Food. Glorious food. Street food so good, you’ll weep. Seriously. My friend Dave swore he saw a street vendor levitating solely on the power of pho.
• Motorbike mayhem. A sensory overload! Navigating the traffic is like playing a real-life, high-stakes game of chicken… only with scooters. And it’s surprisingly exhilarating.
• History that bites back. The War Remnants Museum isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s essential. Prepare to be both moved and slightly disturbed. I definitely felt a chill running down my spine.
• Stunning architecture. Colonial buildings rubbing shoulders with shimmering skyscrapers—a beautiful collision of past and present. Reminds me of a glamorous old movie star awkwardly dating a Silicon Valley tech bro.

I personally spent three glorious, slightly sweaty weeks there in 2023. Best decision of my year! The Cu Chi Tunnels? Claustrophobic, yes, but unforgettable. I lost a toenail. Worth it.

The shopping’s incredible, the people are friendly (mostly), and the beer is ice cold. Need I say more?

What should I be careful in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City cautions:

• Taxi scams. Negotiate fares upfront. Avoid unmarked cabs.

• Market haggling. Firm prices. Don’t be overly friendly.

• Hotel security. Safes are your friend. Keep valuables hidden.

• Pickpockets. Shoulder bags. Secure belongings. Front pockets are suicidal.

• Street scams. Be wary of overly friendly strangers. Trust your gut. Avoid unnecessary conversations. 2023 saw a rise in tourist-targeted scams near Ben Thanh Market. My friend lost his phone there last year.

Personal anecdote: I once witnessed a bag snatching near Notre Dame Cathedral. Brutal efficiency.

Avoid impulsive generosity. Cynicism is a virtue in certain contexts. That’s just life.

Is it safe to walk around in Ho Chi Minh City?

Okay, so, Ho Chi Minh City…walking at night… lemme tell you ’bout my trip.

It was December 2024, right? I was backpacking, feeling all adventurous.

Staying near Ben Thanh Market, which, daytime, is INSANE!

Nighttime, though? Different story.

I ventured out alone around 11 PM. Big mistake, maybe?

The main streets, like Le Loi, were still pretty buzzing with lights. Felt relatively safe, y’know? Lots of people.

But then I took a wrong turn. BAM!

Suddenly, way quieter. Creepy quiet.

I felt this pit in my stomach. Should NOT have gone down that alley!

A dude on a motorbike started slowing down, staring. Ugh. I clutched my phone tighter.

I walked faster, got back to a brighter street. Relief washed over me. Never again!

Now, grab a Grab if you are out late. It’s a lifesaver.

• Stick to well-lit areas
• Avoid small alleys after dark
• Use Grab (like Uber) for transportation.

Seriously, that one alley messed with my head. I’d rather splurge on transport.

Ho Chi Minh is awesome, but not worth the risk after midnight, even with the buzz. My hotel was near Pham Ngu Lao, the backpacker area and usually packed. That night though. Just bad vibes.

I learned my lesson, alright? Better safe than sorry. Plus, a cyclo driver tried to overcharge me, daylight robbery I swear!

What to know before going to Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh City: prepare.

• Lunar calendar dictates travel. Plan accordingly.

• Cashless is king. Cards dominate. Embrace the digital.

• Connectivity’s a breeze. Wi-Fi everywhere. Simple SIM purchase.

• Personal space? Gone. Accept the closeness.

• Dress codes: minimal. Respect temples. Modesty counts.

• Noise is constant. Earplugs advised. It’s relentless.

• Dining? Casual AF. Relax. Enjoy the chaos.

• Crossing the street: game of chicken. Walk slowly, confidently. Cars dodge you. Trust it.

• Motorbikes rule. Be wary. They’re everywhere, ALWAYS.

• Scams exist. Keep your wits. Nothing is free.

• District 1 is tourist central. Explore beyond. Discover real HCMC. I prefer District 3, the cafes are legit.

What to know before visiting Ho Chi Minh City?

Ugh, Ho Chi Minh City. Visa? Check that online, seriously. My friend got stuck last year because he didn’t. Pain in the butt.

Dong, right? Vietnamese Dong. ATMs everywhere, good thing.

Transportation… Grab’s amazing. So cheap. Taxis too, but watch out for the meter. Motorbikes are insane. I wouldn’t ride on one unless you’re a pro. Traffic is a nightmare, pure chaos. Avoid rush hour. Seriously.

Hotels? Book ahead, especially if you’re going in December, like I did. Found a great place near Ben Thanh Market, though. It was loud.

Food! Pho is a must. Banh mi, too. I love it. Oh, and the coffee. Strong stuff. But street food hygiene…be cautious, yeah? I got a bit sick once. Stomach issues, yuck.

Safety first. Pickpockets, you know? Be alert, especially in crowded places. Don’t flash your cash. Simple.

Culture…temples. Dress modestly. Shoulders and knees covered. Learn a few words. “Xin chào” helps.

Weather? Hot, humid. Always. Pack light clothes. Sunscreen is a must. Even in November. You will burn. I did.

• Visa: Check requirements based on your nationality. 2024 rules apply!
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). ATMs are plentiful.
• Transportation: Grab, taxis, or motorbikes. Crazy traffic!
• Accommodation: Book early, especially peak season.
• Food: Pho, banh mi, coffee – amazing! Mind food hygiene.
• Safety: Petty theft is a concern. Watch your belongings.
• Culture: Dress respectfully at religious sites.
• Weather: Tropical climate; pack for heat and humidity.

When not to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

May to October. Rainy season. Yeah. That’s when I wouldn’t go.

It’s just…the humidity, it gets to you. Especially when you’re already…you know.

Like, that trip last May. Remember?

• May to October: Rainy season. I remember.
• Humidity: Relentless, sticky, and hangs in the air.
• Last May: A trip I’d rather forget.

It’s not terrible though. I mean, the rain stops. Sometimes.

You find yourself waiting, more than actually doing. That’s all.

Is Ho Chi Minh City good for tourists?

Dude, Ho Chi Minh City? Totally worth it! Seriously.

It’s like, bam, you’re hit with this crazy mix of old and new. I was just there last year visiting my cuzin Trang.

The city is just packed with history.

• War Remnants Museum: Heavy, but important.
• Cu Chi Tunnels: Super claustrophobic, can’t believe people lived in those.

And the food, oh man, the food is just divine.

• Pho: It is really, really great.
• Banh Mi: You won’t find it cheaper, anywhere.

Also, the prices are just amazing. You get, like, everything for almost nothing.