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Ho Chi minh city FAQ

How easy is it to get around Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is a large city, and there are several options for getting around. The most popular way to get around is by motorcycle taxi or Grab (a Southeast Asian ride-sharing service). This is quick, convenient and easy, but it can be quite dangerous if you don’t have experience riding motorbikes in the city. Other options include taking a bus or taxi, both of which can be found throughout the city and are more affordable than motorcycle taxis. If you want to explore further afield, renting a car is an option, but it’s recommended that you hire a driver who knows the city well. Walking around the city is also possible, though some areas may be too dangerous to explore on foot. Finally, there are also local boats which can be used to get around the river and access parts of the city that are not accessible by road.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from hotels and hostels to apartments and homestays. Popular areas for tourists include District 1, which is close to the city centre and many attractions, as well as Pham Ngu Lao Street in District 1, which is popular with backpackers and budget travellers. For those looking for a more luxurious stay, there are also many high-end hotels in District 1 and the surrounding areas. For those on a tighter budget, hostels are plentiful and offer good value for money. Apartment rentals can also be found throughout the city, providing an affordable alternative to hotel stays.

Whats Eating and drinking in Ho Chi Minh City?

The city has a vibrant food scene, with an array of local specialties to try. Vietnamese dishes such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) and goi cuon (spring rolls) are must-tries. Other popular options include cao lau (rice noodles), bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and banh xeo (Vietnamese crepes).

There are a wide range of restaurants in the city serving up international cuisine, from Japanese to Mexican. Nightlife is also plentiful, with plenty of bars and nightclubs offering music, drinks, and more.

What is there to do in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has plenty of attractions for sightseers. The War Remnants Museum provides a sobering look at the Vietnam War, while the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office are stunning examples of French colonial architecture. Other highlights include the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Cu Chi Tunnels, Nha Rong Wharf and Saigon River.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport and several regional airports. The city is also connected to the rest of Vietnam by an extensive network of roads, so it’s easy to travel around the country by bus or private car. There are also river routes along the Saigon River linking Ho Chi Minh City to other parts of the country. Trains are also available from Ho Chi Minh City to destinations throughout Vietnam, as well as neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Laos. Within the city itself, you can get around by bus, taxi or motorbike. Uber and Grab are also widely available for convenient transport.