How walkable is Ho Chi Minh City?

Is it easy to walk around Ho Chi Minh City?

Okay, Ho Chi Minh City… walking… hmm.

Not easy! Sidewalks are scooter parking lots & vendor central. Forget a pleasant stroll, seriously.

Is it safe? Yeah, mostly. I mean, I haven’t been mugged yet. Touch wood.

Moving around? A motorbike taxi is the way. Or maybe those green taxis are good too, but you know, i never use them. I like the bikerides better.

Walking at night? Hmm, risky. Maybe stick to the main streets? Like Dong Khoi or something. My friend told me about some crazy things, i cannot even mention. Omg.

Dangerous? Nah, not dangerous. Just chaotic and… watch your stuff. Like, REALLY watch your stuff. Pickpockets are a thing.

• Walking: Painful because of sidewalk obstacles
• Safety: Generally safe, but be aware
• Transport: Motorbike taxis are the best
• Night: Stick to well-lit areas

I was in Ho Chi Minh in 2023, and the traffic… it was insane. Trying to cross the street was like playing Frogger IRL. Still miss the pho though. It’s so good, especially the beef one at that place near Ben Thanh Market, you know?

What is the most walkable city in Vietnam?

Hanoi. The air, thick with the scent of pho and jasmine. A symphony of motorbikes, a gentle chaos. Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a labyrinth of delights, whispers of history in every cracked paving stone. Easy, a stroll. So easy.

Feet fall, softly, onto ancient paths. The weight of centuries, felt. Each step, a meditation. I wander. Lost, willingly lost. Finding myself in the heart of it all.

Ho Chi Minh City? A concrete jungle. Impressive, yes, but breathless. Not for walking. Not truly. A relentless surge. A different kind of energy. Not the same gentle rhythm.

Hoi An’s ancient town, charming. Incredibly charming, small. Beautiful, but quaint. A lovely village, not a city’s grand walk. Hanoi wins, decisively. My feet know. My soul knows. Hanoi, the most walkable, undeniably. The pulse of Vietnam, beneath my feet. Its heart beats strong, a constant thrum. The rhythm of a thousand footsteps. A thousand stories.

• Hanoi’s Old Quarter: The undeniable champion of walkability. A dense, captivating network of streets.
• Ho Chi Minh City: Walkable sections exist, but overwhelmed by traffic. A jarring experience.
• Hoi An Ancient Town: A charming, walkable area, but lacks the sprawling city feel.

Hanoi. I felt it in my bones. The city breathes. It pulses. You walk it, and it walks you. A city built for wandering souls. 2024. My own personal truth.

How long do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?

Four days? Honey, four days is barely enough time to properly sample the pho. You’ll need a week, minimum. Think of it as a culinary marathon, not a sprint.

Must-sees? Forget lists. Lists are for tourists. You want experiences.

• The War Remnants Museum – profoundly moving. Prepare for a gut punch.
• The Cu Chi Tunnels – claustrophobic, fascinating, like a subterranean escape room designed by Mother Nature herself. Expect sweaty palms.
• Ben Thanh Market – a sensory overload. The best kind of chaos. Bargain ruthlessly. It’s a sport. I got my silk scarf for a steal last year.
• Notre Dame Cathedral – surprisingly serene amid the urban buzz. It’s like an oasis of calm within a bustling anthill.

More days? Absolutely. Consider this:

• Saigon Opera House – catch a show. Dress to impress. Maybe even slightly over-impress.
• Jade Emperor Pagoda – spiritual serenity, ornate beauty, a vibrant contrast to the city’s frenetic energy. Imagine a jewel box hidden in a crowded street.
• Bike tour – explore hidden alleyways, discover local gems, accidentally eat the best banh mi of your life. I highly recommend avoiding the tourist traps, trust your instincts. Last time I tried a tourist trap, it was a disaster.

Seriously, plan for at least a week. Two weeks? Even better. Unless, of course, you prefer to leave with unfinished pho business. Then four days will do. But don’t say I didn’t warn you. My friend spent a whole month there, and still felt like she missed things!

Whats the best way to get around Ho Chi Minh?

Xe om. Best, maybe.

Traffic is… dense.

Motorbike taxi, Ho Chi Minh’s pulse. A dance on two wheels. Fares? Negotiate. Always.

• Pros: Swift. Nimble. Cheap-ish.

• Cons: Risky. Negotiations. Helmets? Questionable sometimes lol.

• Consider Grab bike. App-based. Price is fixed, allegedly.

Safety first, perhaps. Still, a shortcut through chaos. Oh and always check the bike before you get on. I knew a guy, okay it was me, I ended up going to the wrong district once. Cost me 300k VND to get back. Live. Learn.

Which Neighbourhood is best in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ah, Ho Chi Minh City, a delightful organized chaos!

District 1, it’s the Beyonce of HCMC neighborhoods. Central, fabulous, everyone wants a piece. But, darling, prepare for the paparazzi (tourists) and a hefty price tag! Think Notre-Dame Cathedral meets Ben Thanh Market madness. Dining? Everything! Nightlife? Prepare for stories you may half-remember.

District 3 is…quirky! It’s that friend who loves vintage and drinks coffee with a side of existentialism. Charming cafes and colonial architecture galore. Perfect for pretending you’re in an indie film.

Then there’s District 2 (Thao Dien). Expat haven, think yoga mats and avocado toast. Relaxed? Definitely. Authentic Vietnam? Debatable. Picture gated communities and international schools. I once saw a poodle wearing a tiny áo dài there. No joke.

District 1: Best for the first-timer who wants it all. Expect crowds and inflated prices.

District 3: Best for the bohemian soul searching for the perfect banh mi. Bring your Instagram filter.

District 2 (Thao Dien): Best if you’re allergic to chaos and fluent in English. And prefer your pho with a side of kale.