Discover Ho Chi Minh City Like a Local: Top Tips from Countless Trips
Frequently travel to Ho Chi Minh City for business, here are some suggestions for families coming to Ho Chi Minh City for tourism!
0. Regarding entry, it’s best to apply for a separate visa in advance, which is very convenient and only requires providing a passport photo. Vietnam also has a visa on arrival, but you need to queue up after landing, which is not as convenient as the separate visa!
The queue for exiting Ho Chi Minh City is usually over an hour (rarely no queue), so try to take daytime flights 🤝!
1. After leaving the airport, how to get to your hotel: The preferred method is to rent a car at the rental counter outside the airport. I believe that when you first come to Ho Chi Minh City, most people will stay in District 1 (the busiest area). A regular taxi from the airport to District 1 costs about 60 RMB, while renting a car might cost around 90 RMB (300,000 VND).
It is indeed a bit more expensive, but definitely more cost-effective than taking an airport taxi (those who know, know). Another way to travel is by calling a Grab, which costs about 60 RMB, but the pick-up point for Grab at the airport is very hard to find, especially for first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.
It’s not recommended; it’s better to choose a car rental to the hotel [selfie R].
2. For daily travel, install the Grab app (equivalent to Didi in Vietnam) so you can call a car anytime to go anywhere. You can bind a credit card for payment, so Grab is the preferred choice for travel 🚚!
3. Regarding accommodation 🏨, make sure to choose a hotel in District 1, which is the busiest area in Ho Chi Minh City. Good hotels include Sheraton, Le Méridien, and JW Marriott, all located in District 1. There are many other hotels in District 1, so choose according to your budget! Staying in District 1 is mainly for safety, as there are many foreigners, and it’s always brightly lit. Additionally, it’s convenient with many dining options!
4. Regarding food (all my recommendations are in District 1, as I usually stay there):
🍲 Try the local Vietnamese grilled meat, and in District 1, 5KU station is a good choice with a high cost-performance ratio!
🍲 For Vietnamese cuisine, Ngon restaurant and Bếp Nhà Lục Tỉnh are both good (these two are a bit more expensive)!
🍲 For Chinese food, choose Dim Sum at the opposite of Sheraton Hotel or Haidilao!
🍲 Try the shrimp cakes from street vendors, they taste good too!
5. For sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City, the post office, church, Saigon River, and coffee shops are all close by and can be reached on foot. Popular spots can be easily found online. Taking a double-decker bus tour at night is a good option, and women can get their nails done in Ho Chi Minh City, which is very cheap!
6. When it comes to shopping, Vietnamese coffee is a must-buy. For a wide variety and great deals, head to Aeon supermarket in the city. It’s a shopper’s paradise with competitive prices, and you can even grab a bite at KFC while you’re there! If you’re looking for affordable branded goods, Ben Thanh Market is the place to be.
As the largest market for counterfeit items in Vietnam, it offers everything from high-end brands at surprisingly low prices. Don’t forget to haggle to get the best deals. Even if branded goods aren’t your thing, the market is perfect for picking up small, unique souvenirs to bring back as gifts. For more detailed shopping tips and recommendations, check out the homepage.
7. When it comes to currency exchange 💰, if you don’t have any Vietnamese Dong for a taxi, it’s a good idea to exchange a small amount at the airport counter—just enough to get you to your hotel. Once you’re settled, you can exchange more in District 1, where you’ll find better rates. Wishing everyone a smooth and enjoyable trip!
