Experience of traveling to Ho Chi Minh City: What to eat and what to do

Ho Chi Minh City is not a place people visit in search of peace and quiet. It is where the full rhythm of urban life pulses through every street, where culture, cuisine, history and modern energy blend like a powerful, unstoppable current. Exploring this city is not just about ticking off famous landmarks, but about understanding the true pace of a city that never sleeps. What you need is not just a list of destinations, but a compass to guide your way: how to move smart, eat well, experience differently and leave with something that lasts.

Getting to Ho Chi Minh City is not difficult, but making the most of your time and money is another matter. For travelers coming from the North or Central Vietnam, flying is the most common option, with flight times around two hours. Domestic airlines often offer promotional fares during early mornings or late nights, ranging from 900,000 to 1.7 million VND for round-trip tickets if booked early. Seasoned travelers often choose to land at Tan Son Nhat Airport during off-peak hours to avoid severe traffic congestion when heading downtown, typically between 9 and 11 a.m. For those coming from nearby provinces like Binh Duong, Dong Nai or Vung Tau, intercity buses or vans are more budget-friendly, costing around 80,000 to 150,000 VND. A helpful tip is to choose operators that drop off at the old Mien Dong Bus Station if you want easier access to the city center, instead of the new station in Thu Duc.

No other city in Vietnam rivals Ho Chi Minh City in culinary diversity. What’s fascinating is that in just one small alley, you can taste everything from Hue specialties to Mekong Delta treats, or even fish noodles from Kien Giang and crab noodle soup from Hai Phong. Must-try dishes include broken rice with grilled pork and egg in De Tham alley, Ly Quoc Su-style Phnom Penh noodles, grilled pork baguettes on Nguyen Trai street, and beef offal stew at Xom Chieu market. Locals often judge a good eatery by the number of motorbikes parked in front or the lively chatter inside. They avoid overly decorated places and prefer long-standing joints where the kitchen is right by the sidewalk, steam fills the air, and the bowls are basic but clean. Another trick is to ask traditional motorbike taxi drivers around central areas. They often have personal favorite spots that serve authentic flavors at affordable prices.

When choosing where to stay, you should consider not just the price but also accessibility and safety at night. District 1 is a popular area, home to many boutique hotels priced between 500,000 and 1.2 million VND per night, ideal for business travelers and solo tourists. Homestays in the Nguyen Cu Trinh or Bui Vien neighborhoods are loved by young travelers for their modern design and communal spaces, usually priced around 250,000 to 450,000 VND. Those seeking luxury can opt for four-star hotels such as Liberty Central, The Myst or Fusion Original, which cost about 2 to 3 million VND. These places offer international standards while preserving local charm. A lesser-known tip: staying during weekdays can save you up to 30 percent compared to weekends, as many three and four-star hotels offer significant midweek discounts.

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City should go beyond standard city tours. The most memorable experiences include early morning walks along Nguyen Hue street, where locals cycle, sip street-side coffee and greet the day with gentle calls from street vendors. During the day, the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace are essential stops for anyone wanting to grasp modern Vietnamese history. Yet on scorching days, locals often seek shelter in quiet havens like the General Sciences Library or book cafes along Tran Hung Dao street. At night, the city lights up in a symphony of neon, music and food smoke. From rooftop bars at Bitexco or Chill Sky Bar to the bustling Ben Thanh night market, each place reflects a different face of urban life.

For photography lovers, Ho Chi Minh City offers no shortage of check-in spots, but getting the perfect shot depends heavily on timing and angles. The Central Post Office is best visited around 8 a.m. when sunlight streams through the arched glass roof and crowds are sparse. The pavement cafe in front of Notre Dame Cathedral provides a vintage setting if shot with a wide lens at shoulder height. Alley 144 Pasteur is known as an outdoor studio, with weathered walls, tangled wires and sunlight filtering through tin roofs to create a cinematic background. Those who’ve photographed here suggest visiting on days with thin clouds to avoid harsh shadows. Another scenic spot is Thu Thiem Bridge 2 at sunset, offering a panoramic view of the modern skyline by the Saigon River.

Ho Chi Minh City is not the kind of place where you can just follow your instincts and hope for the best. Small details can make a big difference in your experience. For example, avoid using ride-hailing apps between 5 and 7 p.m. as fares often surge and drivers may struggle to reach pickup points. Instead, flag a traditional motorbike taxi near parks or walk to a main road to catch a cab, which is faster and cheaper. When shopping at Ben Thanh Market or in backpacker districts, always ask for the price upfront and don’t hesitate to bargain down to half then negotiate up slowly, since sellers often start with high reserve prices. If you're buying specialties like dried pangasius fish, salted cashews or durian pastries, it’s better to visit trusted shops like Ba Tu, Ly Gia or VAT-registered stores to ensure quality and avoid counterfeits. A local tip not many know about is that Nguyen Tri Phuong street in District 10 hosts numerous Chinese-style dessert shops open from evening to late night, serving authentic black sesame soup, egg custard and herbal sweet soup at low prices that are loved by locals.

Ho Chi Minh City is not a place to simply breeze through over a few days. This is a city made for returning, where every visit uncovers something new to see, a flavor you haven’t tried or a perspective yet to be captured. Those who have lived or traveled here for an extended time often agree on one thing: this city doesn’t win hearts with polished appearances, but with the vibrant life coursing through its alleys and backstreets. Arrive the right way, at the right time, with the right rhythm, and this city will never disappoint.