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The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Ho Chi Minh City On a Budget

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Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city and at first, it may seem like there isn’t much to see because there aren’t a lot of obvious sights, but once you do a little research, you’ll find that there is a lot to see and do.  Ho Chi Minh City is a lifestyle city, meaning it’s packed with great cafes, restaurants, rooftop bars, nightlife, street food, art galleries, culture and shopping.

14 Ton That Dam Ho Chi Minh City
14 Ton That Dam

The city also has a very intriguing contrast of architectural styles with the classic, exceptionally skinny and tall Vietnamese buildings mixed with modern skyscrapers, French colonial architecture, and ornate temples and pagodas.

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
The view from The Cafe Apartments

If you travel to Vietnam, there’s a good chance that you’ll find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City at some point.  Depending on how much time you have and what you want to see, 2 days is probably enough time unless you want to explore the city deeper, as well as take the popular day trips.

Ho Chi Minh City is a massive city of 9 million people and it’s very busy and noisy and very hot and humid.  The traffic is crazy as the city has the largest concentration of motorbikes in the world, which is a sight to be seen in itself.  Considering these factors, you will either love or hate Ho Chi Minh City, but it’s definitely worth giving it a chance because there is something for everyone.  I really liked Ho Chi Minh City because there are so many things you can see and do to look past all the noise, chaos, heat and humidity.

 

IS IT SAIGON OR HO CHI MINH CITY (HCMC)?

 

The city was Saigon before the Vietnamese War and before Communism took over the south.  It was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the Vietnam War, when the north and south were reunified.  Officially, it’s Ho Chi Minh City, but many older southern Vietnamese call it Saigon in every day conversation.

Fine Arts Museum Ho Chi Minh City
The Fine Arts Museum

 

19 FUN THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN HO CHI MINH CITY

 

LEARN HOW TO CROSS THE STREET

 

Forget Halong Bay, the most impressive sight in Vietnam is watching pedestrians cross the hectic streets of Ho Chi Minh City as hundreds of motorbikes speed toward and around them in every direction.  If you’re a fresh off the boat traveler and you see a pedestrian cross a busy street in Ho Chi Minh City, it legitimately looks like that person is committing suicide because traffic is coming at them from all directions and there aren’t any traffic lights or crosswalks.

Learning how to cross the street in Ho Chi Minh City is an essential skill to survive the city (along with the rest of Southeast Asia).  It’s a rite of passage.  The trick is to walk into the traffic at a steady pace because the drivers are very experienced, so you need to trust that they’ll drive around you.  If you freak out and stop, that’s when accidents can happen.  You can follow locals across the street until you feel comfortable crossing on your own.

Crossing the street in Vietnam
Crossing the Street in HCMC

 

THE WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM

 

Learn the truth about the Vietnam War, if you don’t already know.  Americans love to rewrite history to be in their favor.  But the truth about the war is that the US never should have been there, their side was fueled by imperialism and racism, and they unnecessarily and brutally killed millions of Vietnamese civilians and injured over 5 million more.

In addition, Laos, Vietnam’s neighbour, is the most heavily bombed nation on earth, thanks to the Americans.  To this day, the effects of Agent Orange are still an ongoing issue and millions of unexploded bombs riddle the rural areas of Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia and they continue to kill and maim civilians.  Despite America’s “efforts”, Vietnam is still Communist.  40,000D ($1.70US).

The War Remnants Museum HCMC Vietnam
The War Remnants Museum

 

JOIN A FREE WALKING TOUR

 

Walking tours are always a great introduction to a new city.  And they’re a great way to make new friends, especially as a solo traveler.  Saigon Free Day Tours is a popular free walking tour company and you can also take a street food tour if you don’t yet feel comfortable choosing your own street food.  Make sure you tip your guide.

 

THE CAFE APARTMENTS

 

What used to be an apartment building is now a unique, hip space that’s full of fun boutiques, hipster cafes and bars, character and style.  This is a very unique must-see in Ho Chi Minh City because it’s fun to explore and experience the new generation of Vietnamese.  And the spaces are very photogenic.

The Cafe Apartments Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
The Cafe Apartments

All the cafes have views of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the famous pedestrian street, which is another popular attraction.  With 9 floors, the stairs make for a great workout, or you can pay 3,000D ($0.13US) to use the elevator.

A hipster cafe in the Cafe Apartments

 

ART GALLERIES

 

There’s no shortage of diverse art galleries in a modern city like Ho Chi Minh City.  Some examples:

 

MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Located in a French Colonial mansion, which is a work of art within itself, this museum displays the city’s most important art from the 7th-20th centuries.  30,000 ($1.30US).

Museum of fine arts Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Museum of Fine Arts

 

THE FACTORY OF CONTEMPORARY ARTS CENTRE

The Factory displays avant-garde contemporary art by local artists in a huge warehouse-style setting.  And it hosts events like workshops, live art, talks and film screenings.   50,000D ($2US).

 

COULEURS BY REHANN

Rehann is a French photographer who took portraits of the 54 recognized ethnic groups in Vietnam, along with a story behind every colorful photo.  The groups’ traditional costumes, dialects and traditions are fading due to modernization and globalization, so Rehann’s goal is to help preserve and present their culture.

There are two Couleurs galleries in Ho Chi Minh City- one in the InterContinental Hotel, which is by the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office; and the other is located near The Cafe Apartments.

I visited The Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum in Hoi An (which I highly recommend), but unfortunately, I didn’t know there are two more galleries in Ho Chi Minh City until after I left.  Free entry for all locations.

Rehann Precious Heritage Museum Hoi An Vietnam
Rehann’s work in the Precious Heritage Museum in Hoi An

 

SAIGON OUTCAST

 

Saigon Outcast is a social and creative space for artists, musicians, skaters and people with chill, good vibes.  It’s also a restaurant, bar and venue for fun events like jam sessions, concerts, outdoor cinema nights, live graffiti and more.

 

BEN THANH MARKET

 

The most famous market in Ho Chi Minh City is known for souvenirs, cheap knockoffs, handicrafts, fresh and cheap meals, and fresh groceries.  This market is a major tourist attraction so you have to get your bargain on.

 

14 TON THAT DAM

 

If you fell in love with the unique Cafe Apartments, you definitely need to visit the lesser known (and harder to find) 14 Ton That Dam.  It lacks the funky façade, but what it lacks on the outside it makes up for on the inside, which is full of colorful and charming photogenic spaces, funky boutiques, cool cafes and hipster hangouts.

14 Ton That Dam Ho Chi Minh City

If you need a break from the noise and relentless heat and humidity, the chill spaces at 14 Ton That Dam are perfect, peaceful oases.  This was one of my favorite places in Ho Chi Minh City.

14 Ton That Dam Ho Chi Minh City

 

14 Ton That Dam Ho Chi Minh City

 

Like The Cafe Apartments, 14 Ton That Dam is also an old apartment, so it doesn’t have an obvious entrance and signage.  Walk through a covered alley, past the motorcycle parking and then walk up the staircase on the right.

14 Ton That Dam Ho Chi Minh City
The staircase to 14 Ton That Dam. It looks sketchy and uninviting, but I promise you it’s fine. The signs on the wall are the names of the places upstairs

Some people actually live in this space, so be aware of this while you are exploring.

 

CHO VUON CHUOI MARKET

 

If you want to get away from the touristy spots and experience a proper local market, this is the market for you.  You won’t find any souvenirs here, but instead you’ll find fresh groceries and fresh Vietnamese dishes.

 

BUI VIEN STREET

 

This is the busy, lively and touristy backpacker street of Ho Chi Minh City.  It’s also known as the “no sleep street” because it’s like Khao San road in Bangkok with bars, street food, restaurants, souvenir shops, massage parlours, hostels… and old western men with young Vietnamese prostitutes.

 

VISIT THE FAMOUS PINK CHURCH – TAN DINH 

 

It’s popular because it’s uniquely bright pink (and therefore also very “Instagrammable”).

 

VISIT NOTRE DAME BASILICA

 

If you enjoy beautiful and historical architecture.

Notre Dame Cathedral Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Notre Dame Cathedral

You can also visit the Central Post Office nearby.

 

SAIGON SKYDECK

 

You can enjoy the 360 degree view of the city from the 49th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower for 200,000D ($8.50US).

 

SING YOUR HEART OUT AT A KARAOKE BAR

 

Karaoke is a BIG deal in Vietnam.  They love it!  You can find karaoke bars around every corner and it’s a great way to make local friends 🙂

BE AMAZED BY AO

 

Which is like a Vietnamese Cirque du Soleil, but it also tells about Vietnamese history, rural life in the countryside and the culture.  It’s performed at the Saigon Opera House, which is a sight to be seen in itself as it’s a great example of French colonial architecture in Vietnam.  700,000D ($30US).

 

DAY TRIPS

 

CU CHI TUNNELS

 

This is a very popular day trip and it’s considered a must-see, but I skipped it.  I’d seen some war tunnels on Cat Ba Island in northern Vietnam and from the many reviews I read about the Cu Chi Tunnels, it seems extremely overcrowded and touristy and some people got stung by scorpions in the dark tunnels (and as someone who has been stung by scorpion in Africa, I never want this to happen again).  And the machine gun shooting range is kind of inappropriate, but the bros and lads on tour love it.

 

MEKONG DELTA 

 

Take a boat ride in the delta and a bike ride in the countryside, which is quite the contrast from the busy city life.  It’s a long journey to get there, so consider more than just a day tour.

 

WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

 

STREET FOOD

You don’t need to spend a lot of money to eat well in Ho Chi Minh City.  Some of the best and most authentic food can be found at street food stalls and very modest restaurants for $1-2US per meal.  And you won’t have any problems finding late night street food.

Try phở, which is Vietnam’s most famous dish, which is made with rice noodles, bone broth, bean sprouts and fresh herbs.  And you can add chilies, lime and sauces to your liking.  You can either get Phở Ga (chicken) or Phở Bo (beef).  Pho is traditionally eaten for breakfast, but it’s available all day.

I didn’t eat much in Ho Chi Minh City due to having the flu, but I did eat a lot of pho because it’s everything you need when you’re sick.

See 17 Must-Try Food and Drinks in Vietnam for other famous dishes to try.

Pho Vietnam
Pho

 

ROOFTOP BARS

There’s no shortage of trendy rooftop bars with a view in Ho Chi Minh City.

Eon Heli Bar  –  This bar is in the Bitexco Tower (where you find the Saigon Skydeck) and it has great views, but it does not have an outdoor space.

Banana Mama   –  This trendy bar and restaurant has great drinks, food, service and view in an outdoor space.

 

Banana Mama View Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
The view from Banana Mama

 

HIPSTER CAFES

As mentioned above, The Cafe Apartments and 14 Ton That Dam have really fun, trendy cafes and bars.  This is where you’ll find the new generation of Vietnamese.

The Cafe Apartments

 

CHOLON

If you’re craving Chinese food, visit Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown.  It’s must-visit if you’re in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet (Chinese New Year).

 

LITTLE JAPAN

If you’re craving sushi, ramen or izakaya, visit Little Japan for Japanese food and whiskey bars.

 

BUI VIEN STREET

The backpacker street, which is Ho Chi Minh City’s Khao San Road, has loads of street food and restaurant options.  I went to the Melbourne Cafe twice for lunch because it was so good and the staff are so nice.

 

BEN THANH STREET FOOD MARKET

This food court carters to westerners and it’s exceptionally clean and higher (but still cheap) prices.  It’s a different building than Ben Thanh Market.

 

GETTING IN

 

YOU NEED A VISA

Most nationalities who are flying into Vietnam need to apply online for a visa on arrival.  If you’re arriving by land from Laos or Cambodia, you need to arrange a visa in advance because Vietnam does not have a visa on arrival system at it’s land borders.

There is no official website for the visa on arrival service.  All the websites offering the pre-approved visa letter are private agencies.

For more information, see Everything You Need to Know Before You Go to Vietnam.

FROM AIRPORT TO THE CITY

Download the Grab app (which is like Uber in Asia) and get a ride to the city centre for only a few dollars.

 

WHEN TO GO 

 

Ho Chi Minh City only has wet and dry seasons.  It is always hot and humid in Ho Chi Minh City, but there are times when it’s “cooler”.

The dry season is from December to April, with December being the “coolest” month (at around 30C) and April being the hottest month at 35C+.  However, because of the high humidity year round, it always feels much hotter than it is.

I was in Ho Chi Minh City in early January and it was 35C during the day and very humid.  And this was the “cool” season.

 

WHERE TO STAY

 

District 1 is the most popular neighbourhood for travelers to stay if it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City.  But there are also other great, less touristy districts to stay instead.

I stayed in District 1 and I typically stay in dorm rooms at social hostels, but I arrived to Vietnam with the flu, so I chose a private room in quiet hostels, so I could be sick and disgusting and jetlagged alone in peace.  Then I was lucky to stay with a friend who is teaching in Saigon, who also lives in District 1.

Long Hostel  –  A very popular family-run hostel which is located in the backpacker area in a quiet, tucked away alley.  $6US for a 4 bed dorm or $20US for a private room with an en-suite bathroom.  Breakfast included.

Khoi Hostel  – Across from Long Hostel, so I stayed here when Long was booked.  The prices are the same as above.

The Common Room Project  –  One of the most popular hostels in Ho Chi Minh City, which is located in District 5 (so a little further from the main sights).  It’s a boutique hostel with lovely design and decor, a rooftop bar and lots of social events. But it’s double the price of the hostels above for a large dorm room and nearly triple the price for a private room.

 

GET AROUND

 

WALK AND USE GRAB FOR LONG DISTANCES

A lot of the sights are close enough together.  Remember to wear sunscreen.  Grab is the Asian form of Uber and you can choose a car or motorbike to pick you up.  Get the app here.

The Fine Arts Museum Ho Chi Minh City
The Fine Arts Museum

 

SAFETY

 

IT’S COMMON FOR MOTORCYCLISTS TO DRIVE ON THE SIDEWALK

Where you think you’re safe.

BEWARE OF YOUR PHONE, CAMERA AND PURSE AROUND PASSING MOTORCYCLISTS

Drive-by snatchings are a thing.  Carry your cross-body purse in front of you and guard your things from pickpockets.  This also goes for exploring busy places like markets and busy tourist hot spots.

WATCH YOUR MONEY DURING TRANSACTIONS BECAUSE SOME BILLS LOOK THE SAME

A 500,000 can pass as a 50,000 ($21US vs $2US); 100,000 as 10,000; and 20,000 and 500,000 have a very similar shade of blue.  Be extra careful while intoxicated.

 

MORE INFORMATION ON TRAVELING VIETNAM

 

14 FREE AND CHEAP THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY

VIETNAM – EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

17 MUST-TRY FOOD AND DRINKS IN VIETNAM

HOW TO STAY SAFE IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

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2 thoughts on “The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Ho Chi Minh City On a Budget

  • chalkandcheesetravels July 8, 2020 at 10:58 PM Reply

    Great write up just been writing about Ho Chi Minh myself such a amazing city with so much to do and see. I love the people to I found them so friendly.

    • thetravelinggypsy July 9, 2020 at 1:38 AM Reply

      Thank you! It is a great city and the people are so lovely 🙂

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