all of your burning questions answered

I had the pleasure of experiencing life in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam for two months as I taught English at a summer season camp within the coronary heart of town. Earlier than arriving, I’d heard nothing however glowing opinions of Vietnam, and I used to be anxious to expertise solo feminine journey in Ho Chi Minh!

Reader Mail: Hello Trisha! I adopted your Southeast Asian adventures in 2011 and I used to be tremendous amazed on how you might be nonetheless touring thus far! I’m beginning my solo feminine journey in Ho Chi Minh and can go all the way in which to totally different SEA international locations. I do know you might be an skilled on this however I’d like to ask some questions! Is it secure? What are your important ideas? I hope you’ll get to reply this query! Extra energy to your weblog!

Annika, USA

Hello Annika,

I’m glad you select Vietnam to your solo feminine journey escapade! I really like Ho Chi Minh and it’s one of many international locations I’ve visited greater than as soon as. I’ve a number of articles about Vietnam however on this submit, I invited a fellow solo feminine traveler who has expertise in Ho Chih Minh Vietnam

Brittany Varano runs the weblog Lifetime of Brit the place she shares her adventures as an American lady touring solo. If in case you have extra questions, please be at liberty to succeed in out with me through Instagram, @psimonmyway.

Good luck and I hope you make it to HCMC! Now I give the ground to Brit.

Xx,
Trisha

🪭 Solo feminine journey in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, often known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s bustling capital within the south. House to a darkish but fascinating historical past comprising of French colonization and the Vietnam Struggle, immediately it’s a contemporary hub within the nation the place the standard and new collide.

I had the pleasure of residing and experiencing life in Saigon for 2 months as I taught an English summer season camp within the coronary heart of town. Earlier than arriving, I’d heard nothing however glowing opinions of Vietnam, and I used to be anxious to expertise solo feminine journey in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis for myself!

It didn’t take lengthy for me to fall in love with life in Saigon. The town has a vigorous and vibrant ex-pat scene making it really easy to make mates, an abundance of insanely scrumptious avenue meals, and an inexpensive and straight-up enjoyable lifestyle.

However earlier than I knew it, my two months in Saigon have been up, and it was time to say goodbye to my pretty little life in Vietnam. Now I’m right here advocating all my fellow solo feminine vacationers – Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is well worth the hype, and I’ve a sense you’ll fall in love identical to I did!

📅 Greatest time to go to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam

The perfect time to go to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam is in the course of the dry season of December to April. This era is usually thought of the very best time to go to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis weather-wise. The dry season sees much less rainfall and humidity, making it extra comfy for exploring town and fascinating in out of doors actions.

Throughout these months, temperatures vary from a snug 21°C (70°F) to 34°C (93°F). The cooler months, notably December and January, are particularly nice.

The most cost effective time to go to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam is in the course of the moist season of Could to November. Journey prices, together with lodge and flight costs, are usually decrease throughout these months. It’s a superb time for budget-conscious vacationers.

The moist season is characterised by quick, heavy afternoon showers. Mornings usually stay sunny and clear, so sightseeing remains to be very possible.

The countryside and pure landscapes round Ho Chi Minh Metropolis are notably lush and exquisite in the course of the wet season.

👉🏽 See additionally: Touring Vietnam alone for 1 month: native household keep, volunteering, and extra!

🛺 Getting round Ho Chi Minh Vietnam

Getting round Ho Chi Minh Vietnam provides a wide range of choices, every offering a novel expertise of town’s vibrant and bustling nature. Listed below are a number of the commonest and handy methods to navigate this dynamic metropolis:

Probably the most standard and quintessentially Vietnamese modes of transport is the motorcycle taxi, regionally often known as Xe Ôm. These aren’t solely ubiquitous and versatile but in addition fairly inexpensive, usually costing round $1-$3 for brief journeys.

You may guide a motorcycle taxi utilizing the apps Seize and Gojek (previously Go-Viet). Please notice that Uber shouldn’t be extensively utilized in Vietnam as they’ve their very own taxi apps.

Conventional taxis are one other handy choice, notably appropriate for longer journeys or when touring in teams. Providing the consolation of air-con and security, respected firms like Vinasun and Mai Linh cost round $0.50-$0.70 USD per kilometer.

The town’s public bus community, whereas not as quick, is a cost-effective selection, costing as little as $0.30 per journey. Buses present a extra eco-friendly method of journey and are geared up with English signage, making them pretty tourist-friendly.

For these in search of a extra cultural expertise, cyclos or pedal rickshaws, supply a leisurely method to see town. Best for brief distances and slow-paced sightseeing, a typical cyclo journey may cost round $5-$10 USD, relying on the space and your negotiation abilities.

Alternatively, renting a automobile with a driver, a extra comfy choice for households or teams, particularly for day journeys exterior town, can fluctuate in worth however usually begins at round $50 USD per day.

For the extra adventurous, bicycle leases can be found, providing a novel and eco-friendly method to discover town at your individual tempo. Rental prices are often round $1-$2 USD per day.

Lastly, Ho Chi Minh is a walkable metropolis for brief distances, particularly within the central districts, permitting you to immerse themselves within the native environment for free of charge. Nevertheless, given town’s dense visitors and restricted pedestrian infrastructure, be very cautious when strolling.

🧭 Greatest issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam

Generally known as a really low-cost metropolis, actions in Saigon are tremendous low-cost with excursions ranging from $29 USD. Listed below are the very best issues to do in Ho Chi Minh the place you’ll get the chance to satisfy fellow vacationers:

1. See the Basic Ho Chi Minh Vietnam Points of interest

As with all new journey vacation spot, visiting the primary vacationer sights is a should! Among the finest issues to do in Saigon embody:

• Snapping a pic in entrance of the Tan Dinh Pink Church.
• Sending a postcard from the Previous Put up Workplace.
• Marveling on the French-built Notre Dame Cathedral.
• Seeing the intense yellow Metropolis Corridor and the historic Ho Chi Minh Statue.
• Taking a tour of Independence Palace to be taught the Vietnamese facet of historical past.
• Visiting the Jade Pagoda and Buu Lengthy Pagoda.

🛵 The easiest way to see the highest sights of Ho Chi Minh is thru a motorcycle tour with locals! These motorbikes are secure as accident insurance coverage can be coated.

2. Discover the nightlife in Bui Vien

Bui Vien Road is Ho Chi Minh’s loopy backpacker avenue and the place the motion occurs because the sunsets. Right here you’ll discover the very best hostels to satisfy fellow solo vacationers, enjoyable bars and golf equipment, and scrumptious meals.

The road is legendary for its nightlife, with a plethora of bars, nightclubs, and pubs that keep open till the early hours of the morning. It’s a spot the place the celebration environment is nearly at all times in full swing, attracting a various worldwide crowd.

Bui Vien provides a variety of eating choices, together with Vietnamese avenue meals, worldwide delicacies, and cafes. It’s a superb place to pattern native dishes at cheap costs.

Whereas it’s a hotspot for worldwide vacationers, Bui Vien Road additionally attracts locals, providing a novel mixture of Vietnamese and world cultures.

🎉 In case you are doing solo feminine journey in Ho Chi Minh, that is one of the best ways to satisfy folks. A nightlife tour in Saigon is a must-do, and it’s additionally very enjoyable and inexpensive!

3. Eat avenue meals and purchase souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is among the metropolis’s oldest surviving landmarks and hosts a neighborhood market promoting numerous wares and goodies. At night time the market transforms right into a avenue meals fest the place you possibly can pattern many Vietnamese classics.

Ben Thanh Market provides a vivid glimpse into the native tradition. It’s a spot the place locals store and socialize, giving guests an actual style of day by day life in HCMC.

One of many highlights of Ben Thanh Market is its meals part. Guests can bask in a wide range of Vietnamese avenue meals and conventional dishes, making it a unbelievable spot for meals lovers.

The market operates all day, with totally different sections opening at totally different instances. The daytime market runs from early morning till early night, whereas the night time market, situated exterior the constructing, begins within the late afternoon and continues effectively into the night time.

🍲 The market can get fairly crowded, particularly throughout peak hours and on weekends. For a extra genuine expertise, do that avenue meals tour in Ben Thanh with a neighborhood.

4. Discover Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown in District 5

In District 5, you’ll discover Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s colourful Chinatown and extra unbelievable Saigon sightseeing alternatives! You should definitely try Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market and pattern some scrumptious dim sum at Tien Phat Dim Sum.

5. Seize a espresso within the picturesque Cafe Flats on Saigon’s Strolling Road

An condo complicated that after housed US army personnel in the course of the warfare after which Vietnamese officers after the warfare, immediately you’ll discover solely cute and classy boutique outlets, cafes, and eating places.

After you are taking a stroll alongside Saigon’s well-known Nguyen Hue strolling avenue, cease for lunch or a cup of espresso on the Cafe Flats.

6. Go to the highest of Bitexco for sweeping metropolis views

The Bitexco Monetary Tower is a trademark of Ho Chi Minh’s skyline and as soon as held the title as town’s tallest skyscraper. On the high of the constructing’s 68 flooring, you’ll discover the Bitexco Skydeck, an commentary platform open to vacationers. Entry is $8 USD.

Professional tip: Go to the Eon Heli Bar situated one story under the commentary deck as a substitute. Right here you’ll pay about $9 USD for a cocktail, and also you’ll get to get pleasure from related metropolis views whereas sipping a cocktail!

7. Go on a meals tour of Ho Chi Minh’s finest eats

It’s no secret that Vietnam has a fame for killer dishes and avenue meals, so clearly consuming all-you-can ought to be on the high of the record for issues to do in Vietnam! There are a lot of organized avenue meals excursions you possibly can select from or choose to hop round your self!

Some must-try eating places in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam embody:

• Ban Xeo 46A: Vietnamese seafood savory pancake
• Banh Mi 362: traditional banh mi chain
• Cong Caphe: Vietnamese espresso chain, get the coconut espresso!
• Pho Hoa Pasteur: a number of the finest Pho within the metropolis
• Propaganda: fashionable Vietnamese restaurant
• Be adventurous and go to the native Seafood avenue market.
• Vinh Khanh is one among Saigon’s finest locations for native avenue meals and recent seafood.

Experiencing avenue meals tradition in Vietnam is a lot extra than simply shopping for meals from a avenue vendor – it’s a lifestyle. Within the evenings, large teams of mates sit at low hanging plastic chairs, sipping Tiger or 333 beer, ordering plate after plate of traditional Vietnamese dishes.

🍲 I extremely advocate making an attempt something and every thing from traditional sea snails, giant grilled prawns, expertly seasoned clams, recent crab claws, and extra! Take a look at this cool backstreets of Saigon meals tour!

8. Take a day journey to the Chu Chi Tunnels

On the outskirts of town, lie the Cu Chi Tunnels, a community of underground pathways that have been as soon as utilized by the Viet Cong troopers in the course of the Vietnam Struggle. The tunnels acted as hiding spots throughout fight and as a way to move provides and messages between fighters.

Immediately you possibly can take a tour and check out squeezing into the tiny tunnels your self! Excursions are sometimes along side a visit to the Mekong Delta, the place you’ll sail alongside a maze of waterways set in opposition to lovely inexperienced rice paddies and rural villages.

⚔️ I visited Cu Chi tunnels on a scooter however you may as well go on a automobile or higher but, a luxurious ferry journey that features a go to to the villages.

9. Traverse by way of the Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is an enormous community of rivers, swamps, and islands with a novel panorama that’s each picturesque and numerous. It’s house to a wealthy biodiversity, together with numerous hen species, reptiles, and aquatic life, making it a haven for nature lovers.

The delta provides a glimpse into the standard Vietnamese lifestyle, notably the agricultural and agricultural way of life that’s central to the nation’s heritage.

One of many highlights is the area’s floating markets like Cai Rang and Cai Be. These bustling markets aren’t simply vacationer sights however very important facets of native commerce and day by day life.

🚣‍♂️ It’s comparatively near HCMC, making it an excellent vacation spot for day journeys or longer stays. In case you are solely visiting for a day, join this Mekong Delta full-day tour!

10. Go to the Cai Rang Floating Market

Cai Rang Floating Market is among the largest and most genuine floating markets within the Mekong Delta. It provides a glimpse into the standard lifestyle within the area, the place commerce and day by day actions are intertwined with the rhythms of the river.

The market is a dynamic place the place distributors promote a wide range of items from their boats, together with recent produce, home items, and native delicacies. It’s a novel buying expertise not like any typical market on land.

🌸 The market is most energetic within the early morning, round 5 AM to 9 AM. To catch the market at its peak, plan to reach early. I did a Cai Rang Floating Market tour with a go to to close by villages for a full day!

This record solely scratches the floor of the numerous unimaginable issues to do in Saigon! Nevertheless it’s a terrific place to start out first-timers excited to see Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s principal sights.

🚫 What ought to I watch out of in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis?

Alright, so we’ve already established that solo feminine journey in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam is completely secure and beneficial, however there are nonetheless a number of key issues to recollect when visiting.

You understand how it’s while you’re a solo lady touring world wide!

Be conscious of the way you gown

A normal security journey tip for girls, however simply be conscious of the way in which you gown. Vietnam is a little bit of a conservative place, so you might get some stares you probably have a number of pores and skin displaying, and also you’ll additionally want one thing that covers your shoulders and knees when visiting temples.

All that to say, I didn’t have any drawback sporting shorts or tank tops within the metropolis, however I wouldn’t push it a lot farther than that. And also you’re positively going to need shorts and a few quick sleeves as a result of it’s a scorching place!

Petty theft is widespread

As secure as I felt in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam, petty theft might be an important factor to be careful for. You’ll need to preserve your eyes in your costly gadgets like your telephone, pockets, and bag. Scooter seize and runs and pickpockets are fairly widespread.

The perfect factor to do is to maintain your telephone tucked away from the skin world and to keep away from sporting any flashy jewellery or costly issues. I might put my telephone within the waistband of my shorts, out of my arms and pockets, and it was wonderful. I additionally wore a backpack, so it wasn’t really easy to seize off of me.

Petty theft is nothing to worry, actually simply one thing to know so you possibly can put together your self! I by no means had any private expertise myself of pickpockets or theft, and for those who take minor precautions, you’ll be all good!

You’re going to get a number of consideration for being totally different

When you’re not Vietnamese, you’ll very seemingly get a number of consideration it doesn’t matter what you do. It’s often not destructive however entails a number of staring, folks inquisitive about chatting with you, and doubtless requests for images.

When you’ve by no means traveled to Asia earlier than, this is usually a very overwhelming expertise at first! I do know it made me slightly uneasy – like why have been these folks paying a lot consideration to me?

Nevertheless it will get simpler, and a well mannered agency no is your finest device to keep away from images you don’t need to take. And if that fails, confidently stroll away.

Watch out of taxi scams

A ceremony of passage whereas visiting Vietnam is to hop on a Seize motorcycle taxi to get throughout town. They’re exhilarating, extraordinarily low-cost, and actually slightly scary at first. The principle visitors rule in Vietnam is that there isn’t a visitors rule, making a chaotic frenzy of bikes on the street!

However simply be cautious of any taxi scams or motorcycle drivers making an attempt to select you up that aren’t your precise driver or from an official firm. I like to recommend downloading the Seize App and utilizing that to guide your rides.

The app tells you the motive force’s opinions and license plate quantity and allows you to share your location with a buddy. The drivers additionally ought to have official Seize gear, so you understand they’re legit and secure.

Nights out are okay and tremendous secure

Among the best issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam is to indulge within the vibrant night time scene on Bui Vien and past, and fortunately you don’t want to fret about going out as a girl.

Simply comply with commonplace feminine security protocol when out consuming – don’t let your drink out of your sight, attempt to meet mates on the hostel to exit with, and keep away from strolling alone at night time in your method again to the hostel.

Medicine are a giant factor in Vietnam too, and also you’ll in all probability run into folks on the streets providing them to foreigners strolling by.

Whereas legal guidelines in Vietnam are fairly strict in opposition to medication, police are inclined to look the opposite method and don’t strictly implement drug legal guidelines like in different SE Asian international locations.

However please be cautious, these medication aren’t at all times what you’re instructed they’re.

📍 Which district is finest to remain in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis?

Selecting the place to remain in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam is a frightening process due to how giant and unfold out town is. There are 24 complete districts/neighborhoods, and every one has its personal distinct vibe and record of issues to do.

As a vacationer, I like to recommend staying in District 1, 3, or 5. These are the recent spots (1 and three are town heart, 5 are near the middle however much less crowded and quiet) and can present the very best place to remain in Saigon.

Every district in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis provides a definite expertise:

District 1 is finest for first-time guests and those that need to be near main sights

District 1 is town heart, house to main vacationer sights, bustling markets like Ben Thanh, and landmarks such because the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Opera Home.

Vacationers who need to be in the course of the motion, near buying, eating, nightlife, and cultural websites. You’ll discover a vary of choices from luxurious resorts to finances hostels. Beneath are the very best resorts in District 1:

District 2 is right for a extra westernized, expat-focused expertise

District 2, particularly the Thao Dien space, is standard amongst expats. It’s recognized for its tranquil residential streets, worldwide eating places, and classy cafes. Vacationers in search of a extra upscale and worldwide surroundings, or these on prolonged stays.

Right here, you’ll find a mixture of mid-range and boutique resorts:

👉🏽 See additionally: How residing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis modified this American household’s lifestyle

District 3 provides a quieter stick with quick access to town heart

District 3 is thought for its French colonial structure, charming streets, and a extra laid-back environment in comparison with District 1. It’s finest for these searching for a central location with a quieter, extra native really feel.

Serviced residences and upscale resorts are widespread right here:

District 5 immerses you within the cultural richness of town’s Chinese language group

District 5 is legendary for its vibrant markets, particularly Binh Tay Market, and Chinese language temples. It provides a glimpse into town’s multicultural heritage. This space is finest for these inquisitive about tradition, historical past, and meals.

On this district, there are extra budget-friendly choices and conventional guesthouses:

🫱🏿‍🫲🏻 Learn how to meet folks in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam

The perfect a part of solo feminine journey in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is assembly different vacationers from all walks of life! And it’s really fairly simple to satisfy new mates right here if you understand the place to look. Listed below are some tips about methods to meet different folks in Saigon.

Keep in a hostel

One of many very best methods to satisfy fellow vacationers on the street is by staying in a hostel, and it’s even higher for those who keep in a shared dorm.

In a hostel, you’re put head to head with different like-minded folks additionally itching to discover town and make mates. And most hostels have shared lounges that may assist join you with others who will not be staying in your room.

Go to expat hangout spots like Saigon Outcast, Indika Saigon, and so on.

Saigon Outcast and Indika Saigon are two prime examples of killer locations to satisfy different expats. Saigon Outcast hosts a wide range of occasions each month and has a Fb web page you possibly can comply with to remain updated.

Indika is a hopping bar well-known for his or her free flows (all you possibly can drink) evenings and is a good place to satisfy new mates.

Be part of Ho Chi Minh Fb Teams

Fb teams are an effective way to attach with fellow solo feminine vacationers both after you’ve arrived or earlier than you are taking off! Fexpats is solely for feminine expats seeking to reside within the metropolis lengthy or quick time period and has tons of useful recommendation.

And I really like the Solo Feminine Traveler Community for any solo journey journey as a result of it’s a group of different avid solo vacationers with tons of expertise and connections all through the world. Be part of a number of of those teams and put out a submit to prepare a meetup!

Go on an organized tour

I’ve at all times discovered that occurring an organized tour is an effective way to satisfy folks since you’ll be spending a number of hours with different backpackers, permitting you to strike up some conversations and hopefully make some good connections.

Among the finest excursions in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis are the Chu Chi Tunnels I discussed above, a metropolis meals tour, and a conventional Vietnamese cooking class.

There you could have it! My final information to solo feminine journey in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and Vietnam generally. Protected and blissful travels!

🆚 Is it higher to remain in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh Vietnam?

Selecting between staying in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in Vietnam relies upon largely in your private pursuits, the experiences you’re in search of, and the environment you like.

Each cities supply wealthy cultural experiences, however they’ve distinct characters and sights. Hanoi, the capital metropolis, is thought for its centuries-old structure, a wealthy historical past deeply embedded in its streets, and a extra conventional and cultural ambiance.

It’s house to historic websites just like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Previous Quarter, and quite a few temples. The town can be well-known for its street-side cafes, puppet theaters, and the scenic Hoan Kiem Lake. Hanoi is famend for its conventional Vietnamese delicacies, with well-known dishes like Pho and Bun Cha.

The town experiences 4 distinct seasons – a scorching summer season, a cool and dry winter, and transitional intervals of spring and autumn.

Previously often known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh Vietnam is the industrial hub of Vietnam, recognized for its dynamic and quickly modernizing character. It’s extra Westernized and bustling in comparison with Hanoi.

Well-known for landmarks just like the Cu Chi Tunnels, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Struggle Remnants Museum. The town additionally boasts a vibrant nightlife and a thriving meals scene. The culinary expertise right here is numerous, with a mix of conventional Vietnamese and worldwide influences.

Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has a tropical local weather, usually hotter and extra humid, with two principal seasons – the moist and the dry season.

When you’re extra inquisitive about exploring Vietnam’s wealthy historical past and conventional tradition, Hanoi is likely to be the higher selection. For these in search of a extra trendy metropolis expertise with vigorous nightlife and a cosmopolitan environment, Ho Chi Minh Vietnam is preferable.

Take into account different locations in Vietnam you intend to go to. Hanoi is a gateway to Northern sights like Halong Bay and Sapa, whereas Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is nearer to the Mekong Delta and seashore locations like Phu Quoc.

If in case you have a robust desire for cooler climate, Hanoi’s winter is likely to be extra comfy for you, whereas Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is usually heat year-round.