When seeking a premium experience in Ho Chi Minh City, travelers often look toward the shimmering skyline of District 1. However, the true luxury of Saigon lies in its secrets—the stories preserved in amber within its hidden alleys.

At the heart of our Ho Chi Minh Hidden Alleys & History: Private Motorbike Tour is a stop that defines the city’s heritage: Cheo Leo Café.

The Oldest Living Legend: Since 1938

Established in 1938, Cheo Leo is more than just a coffee shop; it is a living museum of Saigonese culture. While the city outside has transformed into a bustling metropolis, Cheo Leo remains a sanctuary of nostalgia. For the discerning traveler, this isn’t just a caffeine fix—it’s an exclusive invitation to witness a fading art form.

The Craft: The Art of the “Vợt” Coffee

In an era of espresso machines, Cheo Leo honors the traditional “Vợt” (cloth net filter) method. The coffee is brewed in century-old clay pots, ensuring a temperature and texture that cannot be replicated by modern technology.

As part of our curated travel experiences, we ensure you don’t just drink the coffee—you understand the craft. Watch as the owners meticulously filter the beans to create the perfect Bạc Xỉu (white coffee), a creamy, aromatic delight that has been a local favorite for over 80 years.

Why Visit Cheo Leo on a Private Tour?

Navigating the labyrinthine alleys of District 3 to find this hidden gem can be daunting for the solo traveler. By choosing a private motorbike tour, you elevate your visit from a simple outing to a professional, seamless experience:

• Expert Storytelling: Our professional, English-speaking guides provide deep historical context that you won’t find in guidebooks.

• Safety & Comfort: Skip the stress of traffic. Sit back on a vintage-style ride as we navigate the city’s dynamic streets safely.

• Personalized Itinerary: Because this is a 100% private tour, you can linger longer at Cheo Leo, soaking in the jazz music and the scent of roasting beans without feeling rushed.

Beyond the Coffee: A Gateway to History

Cheo Leo is just one chapter in the story we tell. Our tour bridges the gap between the aromatic quiet of the cafes and the pivotal historical landmarks of the 20th century. From the Secret Underground Bunkers to the Thich Quang Duc Monument, we offer a narrative-driven journey through the authentic heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Plan Your Exclusive Saigon Adventure

If you are looking for an authentic Ho Chi Minh City experience that balances comfort with raw local culture, look no further. Our “Hidden Alleys & History” tour is designed for those who value depth, privacy, and the stories that make a city unique.

Ready to step off the beaten path? Book your Private Motorbike Tour and visit Cheo Leo Café today.

Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City. Call it what you will, but one thing is undeniable: this is Vietnam’s buzzing heart, an exhilarating metropolis that demands to be explored with an adventurous spirit. From the constant symphony of motorbike horns to the intoxicating aroma of Saigon street food on every corner, it’s an adventure for all five senses.

At Saigon Adventure, we want you to dive in headfirst. This comprehensive guide is packed with local insights and practical tips to ensure your trip to Ho Chi Minh City is smooth, exciting, and unforgettable.

1. Logistics: Visas, Currency, and When to Go

The Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon has a tropical climate with two main seasons:

• Dry Season (December to April): Hot, sunny, and the most popular time for travelers. December and January are slightly cooler, making them ideal for sightseeing.
• Rainy Season (May to November): Expect heavy, brief downpours, usually in the mid-afternoon. These storms rarely last long and often provide a welcome cool-down. Don’t let the “rainy” label deter you—it’s a great time to find flight and hotel deals!

Vietnam Visa Essentials

• Always check the latest requirements from a government source.
• E-Visa: The easiest option for many nationalities. Apply online via the official government portal before you travel.
• Visa Exemptions: Many countries qualify for short-stay (e.g., 15-45 days) visa-free entry. Confirm your status before booking!

Handling the Vietnamese Dong (VND)

• Currency: Get used to big numbers! 100,000 VND is a common note.
• Quick Tip: To estimate US Dollar cost, drop three zeros and divide the remaining number by 24 (e.g., 240,000 VND is roughly $10 USD).
• Payment: Cash is essential for street food, markets, and local cafes. Larger establishments accept credit cards.
• ATMs: Widely available, but most charge a transaction fee. Withdraw larger amounts to save on bank fees.

2. Navigating the Chaos: Transport Tips for Adventurers

From SGN Airport to City Center (District 1)

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is only about 6km away.

• Reputable Taxis: Use only Mai Linh (green) or Vinasun (white/green/red). Always insist the meter is running. Avoid random touts.
• Ride-Hailing Apps: Grab is the king. Download the app to book fixed-price cars or motorbikes. It is reliable, cheap, and eliminates language barriers.

Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

• Grab Motorbike: The fastest, cheapest, and most authentic way to move around. It’s a core part of the Saigon adventure!
• Walking: District 1 is walkable, but save your strolls for the cooler mornings and evenings.
• The Saigon Crosswalk Rule: Walk slowly and predictably. The traffic flows around you. Do not suddenly stop, step back, or run. Maintain your pace and the motorbikes will adjust. It feels like a leap of faith, but trust the flow!

3. The Culinary Adventure: Must-Try Saigon Street Food

The real heart of Ho Chi Minh City lies in its culinary scene. Forget the fancy restaurants—the best food is found on a tiny plastic stool in an alleyway.

Check our Best Street Food Tour By Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City 

4. Top Attractions & Day Trip Adventures

Essential Saigon Landmarks (District 1 Focus)

• War Remnants Museum: A sobering but essential visit. Offers a powerful, localized perspective on the Vietnam War (American War). Go early to avoid crowds.
• Reunification Palace (Independence Palace): The historical site where the war officially ended in 1975. The 1960s architecture is a fascinating time capsule.
• Central Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral: Beautiful French colonial architecture side-by-side. The post office is fully operational and worth a look inside.
• Bitexco Financial Tower (Saigon Skydeck): Pay to go up for the best panoramic view of the sprawling city. The view at sunset is unbeatable.

The Top Two Saigon Day Trip Adventures

For the true “Saigon Adventure” experience, you need to leave the city center.

1. The Cu Chi Tunnels: An incredible network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the war. You can crawl through sections (if you dare!) and learn about the incredible ingenuity and resilience of the soldiers.
   • Adventure Tip: Book a small-group tour for a more insightful and less hurried experience.
2. The Mekong Delta Day Trip: Escape the urban jungle for the “rice bowl” of Vietnam. You’ll cruise down the maze-like network of rivers, visit fruit orchards, see a coconut candy workshop, and experience life on the water.
   • Adventure Tip: Look for tours that take you beyond the main tourist stops and include a small sampan boat ride down a narrow canal. You can also choose option Mekong Delta Tour by Luxury Speed Boat.
   • If you’re looking to explore the beauty of Vietnam while keeping an eye on your travel fund, our Classic Mekong Delta Tour is a fantastic choice. With prices ranging from $21 to $26.

5. Staying Safe: Local Tips & Advice

• Petty Theft: Be vigilant in crowded areas like Ben Thanh Market or Bui Vien. Keep your phone and camera secure. Carry bags across your body and keep them facing forward.
• Haggling: In local markets (like Ben Thanh), haggling is expected. Start at 50% of the initial price and work your way up to a fair middle ground. Note: Prices in cafes and established restaurants are fixed.
• Water: Only drink bottled water. Ice is generally safe as it’s machine-made with filtered water.
• Travel Insurance: A must-have. Don’t leave home without comprehensive travel insurance that covers emergency health issues and accidents (especially if you plan to ride a motorbike!).

Read more about Safe Travel Tip in Ho Chi Minh City

6. Hidden Gems & Local Culture: Beyond District 1

To truly experience the Saigon adventure, you need to step away from the major landmarks. The city’s soul lives in its bustling residential neighborhoods and charming hidden corners.

The Alleyway Life (Hẻms)

The narrow alleys known as hẻms are the DNA of Ho Chi Minh City. Venture off the main street (take a Grab into District 4 or Bình Thạnh) and you’ll discover:

• Tiny, family-run food stalls serving just one dish perfectly.
• Neighborhood shrines and temples tucked between houses.
• The genuine, community atmosphere of local life.

Saigon’s Unique Cultural Spots

• The Pink Church (Tan Dinh Church): (District 3). An unmissable, stunningly beautiful cotton-candy pink Catholic church built during the French colonial era. It’s an Instagram favorite and a genuine spiritual landmark.
  • Adventure Tip: It looks best on a bright, sunny morning!
• Chợ Lớn (Saigon Chinatown): (District 5). Explore the largest Chinatown in the world, a maze of markets and ancient pagodas. Visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda (Temple of the Sea Goddess) for a truly atmospheric experience filled with spiraling incense coils.
• The Café Apartments (42 Nguyễn Huệ): This old, nine-story apartment block is an architectural marvel where each window houses a boutique café, fashion store, or co-working space. It’s a perfect symbol of Saigon’s blend of old structures and new creativity.

Check our Saigon Unseen Tour By Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City

7. The Saigon Coffee Culture: More Than Just a Drink

Ho Chi Minh City’s coffee culture is legendary. It’s not just about the caffeine; it’s a social ritual, a meeting spot, and a way of life inherited from French colonialism and perfected by Vietnamese ingenuity.

Top Coffee Spot Styles to Explore:

• Modern Third-Wave Cafés: Focused on specialty beans and pour-overs, great for remote work (e.g., The Workshop Coffee).
• Vintage Apartment Cafés: Hidden gems inside old buildings, offering a peaceful, creative escape from the street noise.

8. Saigon After Dark: Nightlife & Rooftop Views

When the sun sets, Ho Chi Minh City nightlife explodes. From cheap local beer corners to world-class rooftop bars, the city truly refuses to sleep.

The City’s Nightlife Hubs

• Bùi Viện Walking Street (The Backpacker Street): Loud, chaotic, and vibrant. A must-see for a night of cheap drinks, street performances, and global backpacker energy.
  • Adventure Tip: Be extremely vigilant with your belongings here and stick to fixed-price bars/restaurants to avoid scams.
• Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street: A sophisticated, family-friendly evening spot. Locals gather here for socializing, street food, and dancing. The nearby colonial buildings (City Hall, Opera House) are beautifully lit up.

Chasing the Skyline: Saigon Rooftop Bars

For an elevated adventure, treat yourself to a drink with a view.

• Chill Skybar: The classic, high-end rooftop experience atop the AB Tower. Expect a strict dress code and high prices, but the panoramic view is worth it.
• Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar: (Caravelle Hotel). Historically significant, this bar was a meeting spot for war correspondents. It offers incredible, lower-level views of the Opera House and the heart of D1.
• The View Rooftop Bar: (Duc Vuong Hotel). A fantastic budget-friendly option located in the backpacker area, offering great views without the luxury price tag.

Alternative Evening Adventure: Saigon River Cruise

For a more romantic or relaxing night, book a Saigon River dinner cruise. It offers a beautiful perspective of the city’s glittering skyline as you enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dinner.

Check our Saigon River Dinner Cruise

1. Explore Cho Lon: Saigon’s Historic Chinatown

• Thien Hau Pagoda: The most famous temple in the area, dedicated to the Sea Goddess. Famous for its beautiful architecture and spiraling incense coils.
• Chua Quan Am Temple: A beautiful Chinese temple known for its colorful statues and tranquil atmosphere amidst the market chaos.
• Cha Tam Church: A striking Catholic cathedral located within the Chinatown district, serving as a powerful symbol of the diverse religious history and cultural blending in Saigon.

2. Historical & Modern Landmarks (French Quarter – Must-Visit Sights)

• War Remnants Museum: A powerful, essential, and often sobering look at the Vietnam War (American War). Allow plenty of time for reflection.
• Reunification Palace (Independence Palace): A fascinating mid-century time capsule where the war officially ended in 1975.

The Iconic French Quarter

• Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: This imposing red brick building was built between 1877 and 1883, with materials entirely imported from France. The two iconic towers in the front of the cathedral rise majestically above visitors at nearly 58 meters tall. (The statue of the Virgin Mary in the square is also an intriguing sight, especially when neon-lit at night).
  • Note: The cathedral is often undergoing restoration, so check ahead of time if you wish to view the interior.
• Central Post Office: Located directly opposite the cathedral, this stunning, still-operational post office was designed by Gustave Eiffel. Step inside to admire the grand, vaulted ceilings and period architecture.
• Bitexco Financial Tower (Saigon Skydeck): Pay to go up to the 49th floor for the city’s best panoramic views of the sprawling urban landscape. Perfect for capturing sunset over the Saigon River.

3. Uncover the Mystique of the Jade Emperor Pagoda

• Visitor Tip: The air is thick with the smoke of spiraling incense coils. This is a working temple, so please maintain silence and dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered) to honor the local worshippers.

4. Ben Thanh Market: Shopping & Street Food Hub

• Handicrafts & Souvenirs: The perfect place to pick up bargain souvenirs, clothing, coffee, and Vietnamese traditional crafts.
• Traditional Vietnamese Food: The food stalls along the outer perimeter (especially at night) are a great, inexpensive place to try local favorites like Bánh Xèo and Phở.

5. Nature Escape: Can Gio Mangrove Forest & Island Adventure

6. Uncovering the Legend of the Sea Goddess: Ba Thien Hau Temple

• Intricate Artistry: The halls are filled with countless porcelain figures, detailed dioramas covering the roof, and ornate wood carvings depicting Buddhist and Taoist legends.
• Atmosphere: Look up to see the iconic, giant spiral incense coils hanging from the ceiling, filling the air with a sacred, smoky scent.

8. Culinary Immersion: Master Vietnamese Cuisine with a Cooking Class

• Market-to-Table Experience: Many classes include a guided market tour where you shop for fresh ingredients, transforming your trip into a Saigon food tour with class.
• Recommended Adventure: We highly recommend the Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc. Led by passionate chefs who expertly combine classic and contemporary Vietnamese dishes, it offers a high-quality, memorable experience.
  • Budget Tip: Tours typically start from around 909,000 VND (~$39.50 USD), but great alternatives and more budget-friendly options can easily be found when you shop around online!

9. The Ultimate Foodie Adventure: Saigon Street Food Tour

• Conquer the City & Cuisine: Join a motorbike food tour HCMC to zip through the city chaos like a local, safely hitting hidden spots that tourists rarely find.
• What You’ll Taste: On a good tour, you will safely sample a huge variety of dishes, including Southern staples like rice vermicelli with BBQ pork (Bún Thịt Nướng), refreshing coconut juice, and, of course, authentic Vietnamese coffee.
• Recommended Adventure: Companies like Street Food Adventure Tours specialize in guiding you safely to the best local vendors, ensuring a delicious and memorable night out.
• Pricing Tip: Food tours are an excellent value, typically starting around $27 USD for several hours and many tastings. Be sure to check what’s included (e.g., drinks, helmet, insurance) when booking!

MEET OUR FEMALE RIDER TEAM

10. The Ultimate Foodie Adventure: Saigon Street Food Tour

  The Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best-preserved examples of French colonial architecture in the country. It was built in 1897 for the opera but now also hosts lots of different performances, including ballet and Vietnamese traditional dances and plays. Check the website to see what’s on during your visit.

More advices:

HOW TO SPEND 1 DAY IN HO CHI MINH CITY HOW TO SPEND 3 DAYS IN HO CHI MINH CITY 10 BEST PLACES TO GO SHOPPING IN HANOI Click me for our latest Promotions!

Phu Quoc

Danang beach

THAILAND

Railay Beach, Krabi

Clear blue waters, small islands on the horizon and majestic cliffs surround the small beach, is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is absolutely stunning. Aside from rock climbing, swimming and snorkeling, there’s not much else to do here but admire the gorgeous scenery, so bring a book and prepare to relax. Though Railay Beach is still much quieter and less developed than most popular Thailand beaches, there is more development here every year, and during high season it can feel crowded.

Phra Nang Beach – Krabi

Part of the Railay Peninsula, this broad beach is flanked by two huge cliffs. It’s incredibly remote, you’ll have to take a longtail boat here from Ao Nang, but it’s a great option. Visitors can rent sea kayaks, explore caves, or even take rock climbing lessons.

How to get to Krabi : From Bangkok, you can catch a bus, train, or plane to Krabi.

Maya Bay, Koh Phi Phi

Koh Phi Phi is an island you absolutely can’t miss, especially if you’re traveling alone. It has something for everyone, from water activities to a young crowd of partiers. Make sure to take a boat trip to Maya Bay on Koh Phi Phi Ley, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach was filmed. The bay is surrounded by cliffs on three sides, and has impossibly colorful underwater marine life. Try to visit early in the morning or after 17:00 to avoid the crowds.

How to get to Koh Phi Phi: There is no airport on Koh Phi Phi. The nearest airports are Krabi Airport and Phuket Airport. Ferries go to Koh Phi Phi from both Krabi and Phuket every day.

READ MORE: 3 DAYS IN HO CHI MINH CITY (SUGGESTED ITINERARY)

READ MORE: 5 IMPRESSIVE AND USEFUL SOUVENIRS TO BUY IN VIETNAM

1. SAPA

The 1st destination to visit in November is Sapa. Situated in the northwest of Vietnam, Sa Pa is a highland district of Lao Cai Province that has hidden beauty in the wonders of nature.

The natural landscape of Sa Pa travel is combined with the creativity of the people along with the terrain of the mountains, the green forest. That magical look is regarded as the picture that owns a harmonious arrangement to have many romantic scenes.

Especially, the street festival “Brilliant Sa Pa” will take place on November 1 in Sa Pa town, Lao Cai. When you join in the iconic festival, you will be able to admire the performing arts with the cultural nuance of the Mong, Dao, Tay, Giay people.

2. HANOI

Hanoi, Vietnam is one of the few cities in Vietnam showing the most characteristic weather all four seasons. Especially, our capital is listed in best places to visit Vietnam in November. Because in that month, Hanoi travel has the charming beauty of autumn and winter in Northern Vietnam.

In detail, the amazing landscape is on the streets full of yellow leaves, the perfume of milk flowers or two Dracontomelon duperreanum rows near the end of Tran Hung Dao Street. Furthermore, daisy flower in Hanoi blooms in a few short weeks of Novemeber. The fragile beauty of daisy in Tay Tuu is a goergous background of your check-in images?

And in this ideal weather, you should not be overlooked these following popular attractions: One Pillar Pagoda, Hoan Kiem Lake, West Lake, Temple of Literature and so on

3. HALONG BAY

In November, the weather is quite pleasant, so Halong tourism becomes the interesting choice of sightseers. This is a great opportunity for individuals who want to experience taste peaceful Ha Long Bay.

No longer is the peak season for Vietnamese tourists, traveling in November is the perfect time for international tourists. Because there are many sites for you to take an exploration such as Bai Tho mountain climbing, Thien Cung cave …

4. MOC CHAU

Moc Chau is one of best sites to visit Vietnam in November due to wildflower season at that time. Moreover, the tourism in November is also striking with beautiful scenery of yellow daisies and red poinsettia flowers. In particular, the heaven of daisy flowers in Ba Phach village has dozens of large fields full of colorful flowers. Situated on Highway 6, the village is 5 km far from the town.

Another place that you should not miss when coming to Moc Chau is visiting Moc Chau farm, where there are dairy companies and Moc Chau tea company. Visitors can admire the green tea hills, vast green fields, enjoy taking some photogenic pictures or sightsee the dairy farm, or buy fresh cow milk.

On the other hand, you can visit Phieng Luong peak. The top has a large area where visitors can participate in outdoor activities such as climbing, walking, horse riding. Also, Dragon Cave, Ban Ang pine forest and Dai Yem waterfall are also attractive destinations in Moc Chau.

5. HA GIANG

Referring to the most beautiful destination in November, we must remember Ha Giang. This place is very well-known for buckwheat flowers. Ha Giang tourism at this time you will be overwhelmed by the brand new coat due to the blossom season. At the end of November, there are gorgeous rice terraced fields on the mountain slopes of the Ha Giang rocky plateau. Also, Ha Giang is one of amazing non-touristy places in Vietnam to visit. Therefore, this is also the traditional and peaceful trip for you to discover Ha Giang.

Additionally, you can discover more attractive destinations in Ha Giang such as Lung Cu Flag Pole, Quan Ba double mountain, Dong Van stone plateau and so on.

6. CON DAO

“One of the 20 most mysterious islands in the world,” “Top 10 Most Romantic Islands in the World, and Top 10 Islands with the best hotel quality in the world” are great titles to talk about the wild beauty of Con Dao Island.

Calm waves, beautiful beaches along with the nice. sunny day in November are top reasons to travel to this famous island.

Con Dao Island will bring you a wonderful scenery including pristine wilderness of blue ocean and colorful coral reefs such as An Hai, Dam Trau, Loi Loi, Suoi Ot, Hon Ba …

7. HO CHI MINH CITY

November is the last month of the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City. Therefore, the weather with low rainfall and low humidity is more favorable than in the past few months. That time brings us a perfect trip to Ho Chi Minh City.

Cool weather at night is the perfect condition for visitors to immerse in the magnificent beauty of the city lights and enjoy the wonderful dinner on the peaceful Saigon River. In addition, guests can walk at Bach Dang Park to enjoy the fresh air.

8. HO TRAM

Ho Tram has a tropical monsoon climate, the weather is separated into two distinct seasons: the rainy season (from May to October), dry season (from November to April next year). Therefore, Ho Tram weather in November is quite pleasant, cool and stable. That helps us to fully discover the inner beauty of this island.

Ho Tram Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world voted by the American magazine. The sea here is pristine and clear, surrounded by beautiful wild scenery. Going along the coast, you will see green cotton-wood forests. Sitting on the seashore brings you fresh and calm feeling away from modern cities.

READ MORE:  DO NOT GO TO HO CHI MINH CITY

Traditional, beautiful, flowing Ao Dais are central to Vietnamese ceremonial life. Worn for weddings, festivals and formal occasions, the Ao Dai lends majesty and grace to any wearer. They make a breathtaking gift for anyone with exotic dress sense. However, be careful: Ao Dais are usually made to fit, so make sure you have a rough idea of the recipient’s size, and if in doubt, over-estimate: you can always get it brought in back home. A good option for travellers is to check out the Ao Dai Museum’s Si Hoang Show on Saigon’s walking street Nguyen Hue (Ho Chi Minh City). They also sell magnificent Ao Dais!

There is little more iconic and unmistakably Vietnamese than the Non La straw hat. The supporting star of every Vietnamese film of the last 50 years, it is instantly recognizable and, still today, ubiquitous throughout the nation. Our advice is to seek out a market stall selling only Non La, and haggle down to no more than VND 100,000 (maybe less if you have enough patience). Plain Non La are preferable to the gaudy painted variety in tourist traps, so head out to smaller, heartland markets and rummage around with the locals for authentic hats and best prices.

You can easily find Non La in markets in Vietnam.

With their ubiquity throughout Vietnam it’s easy to forget that these delicate, simple novelties are unique to the country. Hand-painted and infuriatingly easy to break, they demand extreme care in transit, but get them back in one piece and they will mystify kids with their graceful balance and gentle movement.

Where to buy it: Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City). 

Vietnamese coffee with its unique smell and taste is the ultimate gift for anyone who likes a morning brew. Quintessentially local in flavour but with a universal richness that any coffee lover will enjoy, it can be ground to suit any coffee maker in most shops. However, for an authentic experience, why not buy a Vietnamese coffee filter to go with it, that simple three-part aluminium ensemble that sits on your morning cup of ca phe sua (coffee with condensed milk)? Slightly more expensive stainless-steel gift sets are widely available and provide a functional gift for even the most discerning coffee snob. Trung Nguyen Legend, Phuc Long (coffee and tea), Highlands Coffee and Shin Coffee are the classics for coffee souvenirs.

Ceramic products have long been a typical souvenir of Vietnam. The idyllic life of Vietnamese people is exquisitely portrayed as painted illustrations on these porcelain cups. They come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. There is no doubt these handcrafted items and their production have turned into a tourist attraction for foreigners who are enchanted by Vietnamese culture.

However, transporting these fragile goods can get extremely tricky so we suggest you save your ceramic purchasing to your last day.

Where to buy it: Ben Thanh Market (Ho Chi Minh City). If you do it well, you can pick up a few good bargains which are less than one third of the initial asking price. 

READ MORE: 4 PERFECT DAYS IN HO CHI MINH CITY (SUGGESTED ITINERARY)

Buying things in the market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the most exciting places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a chance to truly get stuck in with the locals and test your bargaining skills.

Some Tips To “Survive” In Ben Thanh Market

Do not leave money or valuables in your hotel/hostel

Always keep laptop, camera, cash and so on…on your person. Better safe than sorry.

Do not carry any valuables in an opened pocket

Suddenly, an unknown person approached and bumped into you and you think that is a very normal thing because the street is very crowded and bustling until…you realize your belongings took wing.

Let’s smile

Until now, I do not have many opportunities to travel to broaden my horizons but I know for a fact that you would always find numerous big smiles on the welcoming locals’ faces. Let’s smile because not only make this life more beautiful, but also bring you to become closer to others.

Socializing with the locals

 If you head towards Bui Vien Walking Street on the weekend, you would see that Vietnamese people sit on one side and foreign tourists would on the other side. One street but has two different worlds. If you want to find out why the majority of women in Vietnam desire to have a fair skin, how to say “cheers” in this country and leave Vietnam with a head full of memorable experiences…so let’s join with us, it would be “wicked” awesome.

Be careful when traveling by taxi

Taxi scam is quite popular in Vietnam and such a real concern for many tourists. Some taxi drivers could rip you off and charge you at a very high price. They might choose a longer path or go around to maximize the price on the meter.

In this case, you should be careful when you get into a taxi. Only choose reliable taxi brands such as Mai Linh, Vinasun. If possible, let’s take some pictures of the taxi’s plate or the meter and confirm to the driver about the shortest path to your destination (We highly suggest you to use Google Map). Last but not least, make sure you have arrived at the right destination before paying and getting off the car. Nowaday, Grab (like Uber) is very popular, you can use it also.

READ MORE: BEST BANH MI IN SAIGON – 3 PLACES YOU MUST TRY!