Other apps that I greatly recommend are Klook and Booking. Both helped me plan my trip very easily, and allowed for comparing different options around the same visit topics or experiences. Whatsapp and Facebook/messenger are also commonly used.
- Trees in SaigonImage shot by @Qwarkyl
- Pink Church in SaigonImage shot by @Qwarkyl
- Buddhist temple in the Mekong DeltaImage shot by @Qwarkyl
Carry with you a shawl if you have very short sleeves (i.e. tank tops) and wear pants for these occasions. You can often buy pants nearby as many tourists discover or forget about that rule, but these may not be to your fashion taste.
Ho Chi Minh City
History should not be avoided, it should be shared and learnt from. This is excatly what this museum is about, although sometimes uncomfortable.
Housing -
Pick accomodation in either district 1 or 3, as both are central and have good historical buildings and food/coffee options. Read platforms and google reviews before booking for the best pick :)
Food & Drinks
I tried and enjoyed these
Naii Specialty Coffee
The Running Bean (several locations)
Kiaacups Café
ARRI COFFEE & MORE
Tiệm cà phê Sài Gòn Xưa
Phở Hòa Pasteur
Gánh - Truly Vietnamese Cuisine
O Phương - Món ngon sông Hương
Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò - Nguyễn Trung Trực
I still have those on my list
Là Việt Coffee Saigon (Hai Bà Trưng)
Mew in Saigon - Specialty Coffee
I have kept some locations private. Contact me :)
I have been to
Reunification/Independance Palace
Bến Thành Market (you will not be the better negotiator so try on something small at first)
Mekong Delta
THE SPA SAIGON (amazing spa)
Provincial Cooking class (was really fun)
Did the city bus tour, which was quite worth it to get the scale of the city. Do both bus tours if you feel like it, as I did not explore China town.
I wish I had the chance to go
There are enough coffee, food and art galery places to enjoy a slow stay in Saigon and to craft a unique experience.
Beautiful architecture in the historical heart of the city. An unexpected sight for those whom only know Hanoi through its more recent architectures.
Housing -
Pick accomodation in the historical district for a maximum of food/coffee options and walkability. I would recommend picking above the Hoan Kiem Lake.
Hair salon - Miracle Barbershop
Exceptionally good service/price balance and good expertise even for curly hair.
Food & Drinks
Places where you can work with good coffee, chill atmosphere and a sometimes a piece of cake
Dacia Tea And Bakery
Café Maison - by LEVA
Piraha Vietnamese Tea & Coffee
Hidden Alley
Ta Coffee
Places with hearty food and helpful staff
Bánh Mì ơi - Hà Nội
Banh Mi 180
I have been to
Ninh Bình day trip
Water puppets
Train street
Quốc Tử Giám / Literature Temple
Ho Chi Minh Mosoleum & Residence & Museum
Thành Long Imperial Citadel (was not exceptional when I visited but is historically important)
I wish I had the chance to go
During my stay, I preferred to enjoy relaxing activities that could fit my total budget and expectations. I left these for future travels:
Ha Long Bay 2-3 days cruise
Ha Jiang Loop
Sapa
