The Heat is on in Saigon: The Ultimate Guide to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is one of the most vibrant cities in Southeast Asia. Not
only does it boast of being Vietnam’s economic hub, it also flourishes as the county’s cultural center.
No wonder that this quintessential metropolis is a favorite destination for travelers, who want the
perfect fusion between the hustle and bustle of the urbanscape and the traditional feels of cultural
heritage.

Sounds like the perfect destination for your next travel, right? But before you pack your bags, let us
provide you with the ultimate guide for your travel to the Peart of the Far East!

1) Ready your documents.

Just like any other destination, travelling to Ho Chi Minh will entail documentary preparations. In
addition to your passport and ticket itinerary, you may also need a visa depending on which country
you will be coming from. Applying for a visa may seem like a hassle but thanks to the initiative of the
Vietnamese Government, visa applications can now be done online for eligible countries. If you to
apply for a Vietnam visa or to check your eligibility, you may visit reliable websites such as
www.visagov.com.

2) Do your research!

Usually, talking to the locals is the best way to get around a strange city. However, since English is not
a primary language in Vietnam, foreign travelers may have a hard time getting directions. To avoid the
hassle or wasting your time figuring out where to go or where to eat, it will be best to do your
research and plan your itinerary.

3) Meet locals.

While we have mentioned that language barrier may become a potential problem when asking for
directions, your Saigon experience will only get better if you meet and mingle with the locals. The
Vietnamese people are some of the most hospitable and fun-loving people you will ever meet. Just be
sure to go out with a full stomach because these people know how to drink and party!

4) Visit cultural sites.

Your travel to Ho Chi Minh will not be complete without getting to know the rich heritage of this
historic city. Embedded in their culture is the resilience that they have exhibited when they were
invaded by colonizers, which can be seen through their temples and war remnants displayed around
the city.

5) Taste their world-famous coffee!

Ho Chi Minh is known for their traditional way of making coffee. Unlike the instant brew that we may
have been accustomed to, coffee-making in this city is considered as an art. As they say, you have
never lived unless you have tasted Vietnam’s coffee. Be sure to bring a bag or two for your families
back home!

While this list may have convinced you that traveling to HCMC is easy as ABC, these are just some of
the things that you can do to make the most out of your trip. Trust me, Saigon is so much more than
this guide and definitely deserves to be on your travel list!