Buy Tours in Ho Chi Minh

Buy Tours in Ho Chi Minh with mr.hotsia

If you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, also known by many as its old name “Saigon,” without booking tours in advance from Thailand, I, mr.hotsia, recommend buying tours right here. Especially around Pham Ngu Lao street, which is the hub for backpackers and travelers from all over the world visiting Ho Chi Minh.

This street not only offers affordable accommodations and delicious restaurants but is also full of tour companies ready to take you to experience the charm and history of southern Vietnam. The prices are very reasonable compared to the convenience and experiences you get. I once met a Thai group who bought a two-day one-night boat tour to explore coconut gardens and visit the Cần Thơ floating market. The price was under 1,000 baht per person, including some meals, and I can say it was very worthwhile for those with limited time.

Highlights of Interesting Tours in Ho Chi Minh

Besides the Cần Thơ floating market I tried, another popular tour not to miss is visitingCao Dai Temple (Cao Dai)which is a new religion worth studying due to its uniqueness and the beauty of the temple that blends art from many religions. This tour often includes a visit to the Cu Chi tunnels, an important historical site of southern Vietnam during the Vietnam War. This trip offers both knowledge and deep experience. I have been there myself and still remember the excitement of crawling through the underground tunnels like real soldiers in the past.

Walking Around Ho Chi Minh, Experiencing Local Life and Night Atmosphere

After the daytime tours end, I, mr.hotsia, enjoy walking around Pham Ngu Lao street at night, which is full of vibrant life. You will see bustling crowds, street food stalls, beer bars with live music, and vendors selling Lonely Planet travel books at affordable prices. This street is lively like Bangkok’s Khao San Road but still has its own unique Saigon charm.

Another area I like to stroll is the street behind the computer district. It’s not as crowded or hectic as the main areas and is perfect for those wanting to experience the real lifestyle of Saigon locals. I enjoy sitting and drinking Vietnamese smoothies at small roadside shops under large trees as tall as the century-old rubber trees in Lamphun or Chiang Mai. This atmosphere makes me feel relaxed and gives a genuine glimpse of local daily life, not just from a tourist’s perspective.

Accommodation and Transportation in Ho Chi Minh

For travelers looking for affordable and convenient accommodation, I recommend staying in the Pham Ngu Lao area,which has many good and cheap hotels.I stayed at "bi Saigon hotel," located in a small alley off the main street. It was clean, had an elevator, and very good service. Even when I returned late at night, I was warmly welcomed. The hotel also has a restaurant where the owner speaks fluent English, making it easy to ask for information or order food.

For travel from Ho Chi Minh to nearby cities like Vũng Tàu, there are buses operated by Phuong Trang company, which are convenient and affordable. Most tourists board from the Pham Ngu Lao area. The trip takes about 4-6 hours depending on traffic, with rest stops along the way to buy food or fresh fruit. I have traveled this way and recommend it; if there’s no traffic jam, it’s a good option for long-distance travel in southern Vietnam.

Experience Vietnamese Food in Ho Chi Minh

When it comes to food, I, mr.hotsia, never miss tasting signature dishes at street stalls and markets in this city, such asVietnamese Chicken BiryaniorNem Fangwhich have bold yet balanced flavors, including seafood dishes likeGrilled Button Squidwhich are easy to find in markets and street restaurants. Every place I tried was clean and budget-friendly.

For those who want to know more about Ho Chi Minh and plan to travel independently, I recommend readingHo Chi Minh Travel Informationfrom me. It contains travel details and interesting places to help you prepare better.

Summary of Experience from mr.hotsia

Buying local tours on Pham Ngu Lao street in Ho Chi Minh is a great option for those with limited time who want to fully experience the charm of southern Vietnam. This includes important sites like the Cu Chi tunnels, Cao Dai Temple, Cần Thơ floating market, and the local lifestyle in a big city that remains classic and lively in perfect harmony. I, mr.hotsia, guarantee that the experience will deepen your understanding and love for Vietnam.