A traveler's guide to Ho Chi Minh City
The center is a base. The city reveals itself in the food and in one honest look at the recent past. Do not skip either.
Ho Chi Minh City moves faster than Hanoi and eats just as seriously. The war museums are a necessary morning. The rest is markets, a river that still works, and a coffee culture that will rearrange your afternoon. Cross the street like you mean it.
When to go
The dry months from December into April are easiest. The rainy season is daily downpours, often in the afternoon, and the city keeps moving. Tet changes family restaurants. Heat is the constant.
Neighborhoods
District 1 for the first sights and the night. District 3 and the alley kitchens for food. The Chinese district of Cholon for a different city. The river promenade at night. The Cu Chi tunnels are a long day and not required to understand the museums.
Eating
Com tam, banh mi from a serious shop, seafood, and southern sweets. The sidewalk is the dining room. A rooftop bar is a view you pay for in the price of the drink.
If you only remember this
- Use a ride app. Traffic is the local weather.
- Rain arrives hard. A poncho is more useful than a prideful jacket.
- Museums deserve time. Do not stack three.
- Watch bags in the market crowds.