24 Aug 2024
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
What is the best way to get there?
Flying
Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the usual destination for those coming to the south of Vietnam.
Do I need a visa?
Most visitors will need a visa to enter Vietnam. People in many African countries and parts of Asia are exempt from Vietnam visa requirements. Citizens of North American and European countries will need to obtain a visa. Check out this website to find out if you need to apply for a visa.
When is the best time to visit?
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the drier months of December to March when temperatures range between 70 Fahrenheit (21 Celsius) and 93 Fahrenheit (34 Celsius). Many like to visit during the Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year) in late January or early February. The whole country joins in the festivities and it’s a colorful spectacle, but prices are higher and getting around may be difficult due to the large numbers of people traveling.
See more about the weather in Ho Chi Minh City here.
Get around
Walking
Crossing the road in Saigon can be a nightmare. The trick is to disconnect the part of your brain that processes fear. Be Moses. Walk slowly and confidently — the sea of motor scooters will part every time.
Motorcycle Taxi
This is the absolute most fun way to see this town. Note that your moto driver will be getting a kickback from some places he’s recommending. He needs it to live, so if you get a good moto, tip well.
Motorbike Rental
If you decide that you want to experience riding around the city yourself, you can hire a motorbike for about 10$/day. Riding a motorbike requires a Vietnamese driving license, if you get a visa longer than 3 months, you are eligible for one.
Read more about getting around Ho Chi Minh City here.
On the ground
What is the timezone?
Indochina Time.
What are the voltage/plug types?
220V at 50Hz. Plugs are type A (two flat vertical pins), type C, and type F (two round pins).
What is the currency?
Vietnamese Dong (VND).
Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes.
Are credit cards widely accepted?
Only usually accepted at hotels and restaurants.
Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes.
How much do I tip?
Tipping is not part of the culture in Vietnam, and you are not required to tip anywhere. There will be a service charge for more upscale restaurants. People more accustomed to receiving tips are tour guides and in Western-style hotels.
Are there local customs I should know?
Friendliness
Vietnamese people for long have been famed worldwide for their grace, politeness, generosity, and hospitality. When coming to the country, the locals are so friendly that you can rest assured that they will make every possible effort to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. And expatriates who reside in Vietnam for study or work are normally not so astonished when they are invited to visit and dine with a local family with whom they have just become acquainted. That’s simply the inherent hospitality of the Vietnamese.
Dress well
Generally speaking, Vietnamese people are careful in their dress, especially in public areas. In order to avoid this culturally sensitive matter, foreign travelers are strongly advised to put on proper dress when they are out. For example, when visiting a local temple or pagoda, you should never wear a short-sleeved shirt or shorts. Instead, a long-sleeved and shoulder-covered shirt and long pants will be much more appreciated. Do keep in mind that, no matter how open-minded and care-free you are, others around you may be judgmental.
Read more about the culture in Vietnam here.
