Ho Chi Minh Travel Information

Ho Chi Minh travel information by mr.hotsia

Many people often confuse whether the capital of Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh or Saigon. But actually, the current capital of Vietnam isHanoiYes. Ho Chi Minh, or what many still casually call Saigon, was once the capital of South Vietnam before the war. After the North and South Vietnam reunified, this city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, which remains an important economic and cultural center of southern Vietnam.

For me, mr.hotsia, my first visit to Ho Chi Minh City was on January 3, 2012. At that time, I traveled from Phnom Penh by Mai Lin bus company for 300 baht. The bus departed early at 6:00 AM and took about 7 hours to arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 1:00 PM. Then I checked into a budget accommodation costing 18 USD per night, suitable for 3 people. I chose to stay in the “Pham Ngu Lao street” area, which is considered the heart of backpacker tourists because it offers cheap accommodation, many restaurants, and bars.

But honestly, for me, Ho Chi Minh City feels like a rather busy city with many tourists, similar to Pattaya in Thailand. The feeling of truly experiencing authentic Vietnam is somewhat lacking. The Pham Ngu Lao area used to be a quieter relaxation spot, but now it has many beer bars and loud music, turning it into a lively nightlife area. However, if you like this kind of atmosphere, it definitely has its own unique charm.

Pham Ngu Lao Area – Accommodation and Dining Hub for Tourists

If you travel to Ho Chi Minh City on your own and don’t have a tour plan in advance, I recommend finding accommodation and buying tours around Pham Ngu Lao street. This area is the center of budget tourism, including accommodations, restaurants, massage shops, and various tour companies. It offers convenience and prices suitable for backpackers like me.

The place I stayed for two nights wasBi Saigon Hotelwhich is a small hotel in a side alley off Pham Ngu Lao street. The hotel has an elevator, is clean, and the staff are very helpful. Even when I checked in at 4 AM, they opened the door and arranged the room without complaint. Also, on the ground floor, there is a small restaurant run by the owner who speaks English fluently. It felt like a warm stay, just like being at home.

What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh? Try Local Food and Recommended Restaurants

Southern Vietnamese food in Ho Chi Minh offers a wide variety, from cheap street food to international restaurants in tourist areas. For me, “Pho” is a must-try. A large bowl costs about 50 baht, which is very worthwhile considering the portion size and taste.

The restaurant I recommend isPho Presidentlocated near the city roundabout. This restaurant was once visited by former U.S. President Bill Clinton. The prices may be higher than usual, but the taste and atmosphere are worth trying.

Another restaurant I really like isCom Tum 77located in a side alley of Pham Ngu Lao. This place sells chicken biryani and traditional Vietnamese dishes. I ate here almost every morning during my stay in Ho Chi Minh City. This restaurant shows that Vietnamese local food is more diverse and interesting than you might think.

Besides local food, Ho Chi Minh also has many international restaurants. If you want to try Western, Japanese, Korean, or Thai food, it’s easy to find.

Popular Tours and City Travel

If you haven’t bought a tour from Thailand, I recommend buying tours on Pham Ngu Lao street. This is the central point for tours in southern Vietnam, especially the Mekong Delta. There are also very popular tours within Ho Chi Minh City and nearby provinces, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-visit attraction when coming to Ho Chi Minh City. This is the actual place where the Viet Cong hid and fought against American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Anyone who has seen the Rambo movies can imagine it. Now it is open for visitors to experience closely.

Cao Dai Temple is the center of a new religion that emerged less than 100 years ago in Vietnam. This religion combines ideas from several religions such as Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. Visiting this temple not only lets you see beautiful architecture but also learn about a unique and interesting belief system.Read more about Cao Dai Temple

If you are interested in detailed and cost-effective tours, try reading the articleBuying Tours in Ho Chi Minhthat I wrote. I found a boat tour to see coconut gardens and the Can Tho floating market for less than 1,000 baht per person, including some meals. It’s suitable for those with limited time but want to see everything.

Transportation and City Exploration

In Ho Chi Minh City, most local travel is by taxi, motorbike taxis, or walking in the downtown area. For me, who likes to stroll and explore local life, I follow maps provided by hotels or accommodations, which usually highlight interesting spots not far from each other, such as Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the walking street.

If you plan to visit nearby provinces like Vung Tau, traveling by public bus from Ho Chi Minh City is a good and economical option. Several bus companies operate on Pham Ngu Lao street.Read travel details to Vung Taufrom this link.

Nightlife Atmosphere in Ho Chi Minh City

When the sun sets, the Pham Ngu Lao area becomes lively with tourists and locals. People come out to stroll, drink beer by the street, and bars and massage shops play loud music until late. For those who want to experience city life and this kind of atmosphere, Ho Chi Minh City has a unique charm.

Recommended Vietnamese Food Clips in Ho Chi Minh

Besides my words, I invite you to watch Vietnamese food clips I have collected inVietnamese Grilled Squid, Vietnamese Chicken BiryaniandVietnamese Nem FangThese clips will help you see the food and eating experience that I, mr.hotsia, have encountered.

In short, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city full of tourists and locals. Transportation is convenient, accommodations vary in price, suitable for backpackers and lovers of contemporary culture. But be prepared for the hustle and bustle of a big city.