Explore Ho Chi Minh: Hidden Cafes and Navigating the Bustling City Life

📍Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City, once known simply as Saigon, underwent a name change after the unification of North and South Vietnam. The new name, chosen by the North Vietnamese authorities, honored their revered leader, Ho Chi Minh—an ironic twist for what was once a capitalist stronghold [doge].

Strolling through the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of déjà vu, as if I had been transported back to Tianjin. It dawned on me: both cities were built under French colonial rule, so it’s no wonder they share a similar aesthetic 🤣🤣🤣.

The city boasts excellent security, and the locals are incredibly warm and courteous. On my first day, I encountered a hiccup with my hotel booking payment and found myself unable to withdraw cash from my bank card. The hotel staff graciously allowed me to leave my passport with them and settle the bill the next day.

I didn’t see any of the notorious motorcycle gangs, and there were no signs of telecom fraud; the only real challenge was navigating the bustling streets. In just two days, I felt like I could master the art of waving down traffic with ease…

Sending a postcard from the historic Ho Chi Minh City Post Office is quite an experience, costing about 20 RMB each. Initially, I got carried away with selecting the perfect postcards and didn’t pay much attention to the cost. Later, I realized I had spent a whopping 130 RMB 😅.