Explore Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam: A Romantic and Vibrant Destination for Travel Enthusiasts 🇻🇳

"The world is a book, and those who travel alone read it more deeply." —In 2019, during the National Day holiday, I embarked on a solo journey to Ho Chi Minh City, a place where the buzz of motorcycles and the allure of French colonial charm blend seamlessly. This adventure became Chapter 23 of my life's story.

🏙️ 24-Hour Guide to Roaming in Ho Chi Minh City 7:00 AM Dive into a street corner pho stall Start your day with a steaming bowl of Pho, where tender slices of beef swim in a rich, aromatic broth, complemented by the zesty freshness of mint and lime. The friendly owner smiles warmly, gesturing, "A dash of fish sauce will give you the authentic Vietnamese flavor!"

10:00 AM Step into the fairy tale of the century-old post office Step inside the Central Post Office, an architectural marvel with its vaulted dome and historic charm. Take a moment to send yourself a postcard, capturing the essence of this timeless space.

2:00 PM Be struck by the girlish charm of the pink church The Jesus Sacred Heart Church, with its soft pink facade, resembles a dreamy scoop of strawberry ice cream. Sunlight filters through the stained glass windows, casting a warm glow on the praying nuns. As you snap a photo, a local girl in a traditional áo dài turns and offers a radiant smile.

5:00 PM Get lost on Bui Vien Street In just three seconds, a motorcycle carrying a family of five whizzes past; in five minutes, the aroma of egg coffee lures you into a narrow alley; in one hour, watch the sunset paint the Saigon River in shades of amber.

8:00 PM A feast of spring rolls and a solo traveler's celebration Savor the delicate flavors of fresh spring rolls, wrapped in transparent rice paper, filled with succulent shrimp and herbs, and dipped in a sweet and sour sauce. The backpacker at the next table raises a glass, "Hey! Traveling alone? Cheers to the free spirit!"

🛵 Must-Do Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City ▫️ Join the "Crossing the Road Challenge": Take a deep breath, close your eyes, and follow the locals as they navigate the bustling flow of motorcycles! ▫️ Sit on a plastic stool and enjoy a baguette sandwich, with butter and crispy meat that melts in your mouth.

✈️ Tomorrow → Complete Guide to Independent Travel in Vietnam 📝 Visa • On-arrival visa: Obtain an approval letter in advance (around 200 RMB on Taobao), pay $25 and provide two white background photos at the airport. • E-visa: Apply online (issued within 3 working days, single entry for 30 days) Remember to play it cool when going through Vietnamese customs, or you might be asked to pay extra fees.

🚌 Transportation ① Major transportation ✔️ Air: Fly from Kunming Changshui to Ho Chi Minh City Tan Son Nhat (direct flight 3 hours, round trip price around 1500-2000 RMB during National Day). ✔️ Land: Take a bus from Kunming to Hekou Port (5 hours), then cross to Lao Cai, Vietnam, and catch an overnight train to Hanoi (14 hours) before transferring to Ho Chi Minh City.

② In-city transportation ▫️ Use Grab (bind a VISA card to avoid being overcharged). ▫️ Rent a motorcycle for approximately 100,000 VND/day (requires an international driver's license).

🏠 Accommodation Recommendations ▪️ Bui Vien Street: The Common Room (the best hostel! Enjoy a rooftop pool and a social kitchen). ▪️ Ben Thanh Market: Silverland Central (French vintage style, with a rooftop bar offering stunning city night views).

📅 3-Day Itinerary Highlights DAY 1: Start your adventure at the historic Central Post Office, a stunning example of French colonial architecture. Next, visit the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral, known for its striking red brick façade. Stroll down the charming Book Street, where you can browse through a variety of local and international books.

In the afternoon, delve into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum. End your day with a breathtaking night view from the unique Coffee Apartment, sipping on a delicious Vietnamese coffee.

DAY 2: Begin your second day with a visit to the picturesque Pink Church, a hidden gem in Ho Chi Minh City. Then, immerse yourself in the vibrant art scene at the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum. In the evening, enjoy a relaxing Saigon River Cruise, taking in the city’s skyline as the sun sets.

DAY 3: Embark on a half-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible network of underground passages used during the Vietnam War. Before you leave, treat yourself to one last bowl of authentic Pho, a must-try dish that will leave you craving more.

🍜 Foodie Hotspots ✔️ Pho Hung: A legendary beef noodle shop where locals line up for hours to get their hands on a steaming bowl of Pho. ✔️ Banh Cuon 37: Savor the "breathing" thin rice paper spring rolls, a delicate and flavorful local specialty. ✔️ Bep Me In: Discover this hidden gem tucked away in an alley, serving up hearty Vietnamese home-style cooking that will make you feel like part of the family.

💰 Budget Tips Plan for an approximate budget of 4000-5000 RMB per person, including airfare. Don't forget to carry small US dollar bills, as they are widely accepted, and consider using UnionPay ATMs for lower withdrawal fees.

📍 Independent Travel in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City Guide #SoutheastAsiaOffTheBeatenPath 📍 [Solo Global Plan] Stay tuned for updates!