Backpacking Ho Chi Minh 2016

Backpacking Ho Chi Minh 2016 with mr.hotsia

Many might be a bit confused whether “Ho Chi Minh” is the capital city of Vietnam or not? I, mr.hotsia, would like to clarify clearly that Ho Chi Minh, also known by many as “Saigon,” is not the capital of Vietnam. The real capital is Hà Nội, located in the northern part of the country. Ho Chi Minh is a major city and an important center in southern Vietnam, a must-visit spot for many backpacker travelers at least once in their lifetime.

For those traveling to Ho Chi Minh on their own, I recommend starting at thePham Ngu Laoarea immediately, as this is a popular district for backpackers. There are many budget accommodations to choose from, local restaurants with bold flavors, bars and clubs for nighttime entertainment, massage shops to relax after a long day of travel, as well as tour companies ready to book trips such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, Cần Thơ Floating Market, or boat tours to see coconut gardens in the Mekong Delta.

Comfortable accommodations in a small alley of Pham Ngu Lao

On my latest trip to Ho Chi Minh, I stayed atbi Saigon hotelwhich is located in a small alley off Pham Ngu Lao Street. This accommodation impressed me from the first step. It has an elevator, is clean, features beautiful and unique wall paintings, and most importantly, the staff provide excellent service. Even when I checked in at 4 a.m., they welcomed me with smiles and no complaints.

There is also a dining area where the owner, a woman fluent in English, makes ordering food or asking for travel advice much easier. The room rates here range from about 600 to 1,000 baht per night, which is very good value for a central city location.

Nightlife and Activities in Pham Ngu Lao

If you visit Pham Ngu Lao and don’t take a walk at night, you’re really missing out. The atmosphere is lively with tourists and locals gathering around street food stalls serving authentic Vietnamese dishes like Vietnamese chicken rice and grilled squid, which I tried and loved (if interested, check out the accompanying videos atVietnamese Chicken RiceandVietnamese Grilled Squid)

). There are also beer bars and clubs open late, perfect for those wanting to relax after a day of sightseeing. Some venues even offer live music. This kind of atmosphere makes Ho Chi Minh different from other tourist cities that feel more commercial; here you get to experience the real local nightlife.

Recommended Tours and Activities from Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh is a great hub for booking tours to southern Vietnam and the Mekong Delta, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Temple, or the Cần Thơ Floating Market. I once met a group of Thai tourists who booked a two-day, one-night tour from Ho Chi Minh to cruise the coconut gardens and stay in Cần Thơ for less than 1,000 baht per person, including some meals. It’s a great deal for those with limited time.Read more about booking tours in Ho Chi Minh

Additionally, for those planning to continue to Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh is a very convenient stop. The bus from Ho Chi Minh to Phnom Penh takes about 5-6 hours, making it easy and fast for travelers wanting a relaxed cross-border trip.More Travel Information about Ho Chi Minh

Connecting Travel with Hà Nội, the Charming Northern Capital

Although Ho Chi Minh is a major southern city, if you have time you should visit Hà Nội, the capital, which has a distinctly different atmosphere. Hà Nội is like Thailand’s Chiang Mai, with its ancient city charm and cooler weather compared to Ho Chi Minh.Backpacking Hà Nội 2016My trip to Hà Nội was a memorable travel experience, from the old markets and colonial architecture to the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake.

Traveling from Hà Nội to Ho Chi Minh can be done by plane, train, or bus. For my trip, I flew with Lao Airlines, with tickets around 4,000 baht, then continued to Ho Chi Minh to start my southern adventure conveniently.Explore Hà NộiThis offers another perspective to better understand Vietnamese culture fully.

Tips for Finding Cheap Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh

For solo travelers looking for budget stays, I, mr.hotsia, recommend using Google Maps to search for “hotel” or “guesthouse” in the Pham Ngu Lao area. Then, browse each hotel’s prices and reviews to help you choose easily. Areas with many hotels together tend to be safer and more convenient for transportation and dining. You can also walk around this district comfortably.Recommended Affordable and Good Hotels in Pham Ngu LaoI personally used this method to find and was very pleased with bi Saigon hotel.

Summary of Impressions from mr.hotsia

For me, Ho Chi Minh is not just a transit point but a vibrant city full of stories and colors of southern Vietnamese life. Pham Ngu Lao is a hub for backpackers wanting to experience authentic Vietnam through food, lifestyle, and affordable relaxation.

If you’re planning to backpack Vietnam, I, mr.hotsia, recommend spending at least 2-3 nights in Ho Chi Minh to fully absorb the atmosphere. Don’t forget to visit Hà Nội in the north to make your Vietnam trip complete and more valuable.