Ho Chi Minh City, famously known as Saigon, is the economic hub of Vietnam. Featuring many entertainment venues, unique restaurants, and incredible hospitality, HCMC has long been known as one of the must-see cities in Vietnam. Although HCMC is relatively easy to get around, it can be intimidating for some foreigners, so we have made a guide to assist even the newest travelers through this large city.

 

Right now, $1 US equals about 25,000 VND.

 

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City?

Downtown HCMC

 

There are many different forms of transportation to get to this bustling land. Because this is such an important economic center, Ho Chi Minh City has all kinds of means for arrival. You can reach HCMC from all parts of Vietnam or any other country, from planes to trains, buses to motorbikes.

 

• Planes: HCMC has a large international airport that makes getting in or out of the city easy. The name of the airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

 

• Trains: HCMC is a hub for Vietnam’s extensive railway system. It is easy to purchase a ticket to many places in Vietnam such as Mui Ne or Da Nang. These tickets can be found on the Vietnam Railway Systems website.

 

• Bus: There are many options for traveling by bus. It is possible to use public bus systems, but it is easier, faster, and more comfortable if you purchase a ticket on a sleeper bus or limousine bus. These tickets are generally very cheap, even for a nice quality seat.

 

• Motorbike: This is also an option for people traveling from nearby cities. Motorbikes are quite economical, although tiring and dangerous for long distances. It is easy to find a motorbike to rent anywhere throughout Vietnam.

 

Once you’re in HCMC

Now, transportation is quite simple. But, if you have not been to Southeast Asia before, the main form of transportation might be quite jarring.

 

Motorbikes!

 

Vietnam has over 70 million registered motorbikes, with almost 8 million of them residing in the city of Ho Chi Minh. This may seem like a traffic jam waiting to happen, but motorbikes take up much less space on the road than cars, so wait times are much shorter than in other major cities.

 

So, how do you gain access to one of these motorbikes? Well, there are a couple of ways.

 

Rideshare apps: Grab is the most popular rideshare app used in Vietnam and other parts of Southeast Asia. Others include GoJek and Be, making it easy to order a motorbike or car from wherever you are. Most motorbike rides cost about 17,000–20,000 VND, which is less than $1 US.

 

Renting: It is easy to rent a motorbike in HCMC. There are many spots offering rentals at very low costs. But be careful with this option. The traffic in HCMC moves quite fast and is chaotic. It is better not to use this option unless you are experienced in driving a motorbike and are confident in your traffic navigating skills.

 

Motorbike traffic in HCMC

 

There is also the option to rent a bicycle

Recently, the city has been offering bicycles for rent in the central areas with low prices, making them extremely easy to rent. It is not possible to roam around and see the sights of the city with a beautiful bicycle that is both economically and environmentally friendly.

 

Cost of Staying in Saigon

Accommodation in Saigon is very affordable. The average cost for a place to stay is 500,000 VND, which is about $20 US a night. It is possible to find places cheaper, but the stay will not be as nice. Many other places in HCMC are a bit more expensive but totally worth it. In some places, you may spend $100 US for an average hotel room that does not offer many benefits. But here in Saigon, your money means something. For the same amount, you can rent a luxury hotel room that comes with many perks

 

SILA Urban Living is our favorite example of a luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. SILA is a boutique hotel ranging from 1,900,000 VND for a studio deluxe apartment complete with a kitchenette to 3,300,000 VND for a 2-bedroom apartment. On top of that, this hotel offers discounts throughout various times of the year. There are many amenities, such as a steam room, sauna, hot tub, and pool, all open 24 hours, a restaurant, and 24/7 receptionist staff. This is the perfect luxury hotel for you, whether you want to stay for just a night or many months. Read more about it here!

SILA Urban Living 

 

Entertainment and Sightseeing

Saigon is the tourist services capital, and there are many attractive places for you to explore here. Entrance fees at tourist sites and monuments in Saigon are generally quite cheap.

 

Here is the fare information on some prominent places in Saigon:

 

• Thao Cam Vien Park, Zoo and Botanical Gardens: 40,000–60,000 VND/Person

 

• Suoi Tien Theme Park and Waterpark: 75,000–120,000 VND/person

 

• War Remnants Museum: 40,000 VND/person

 

• Independence Palace: 40,000 VND/person

 

• Bui Vien Walking Street: Free

 

Top left, Suoi Tien Waterpark.  Top right, War Remnants Museum. Bottom left, Archbishops Palace. Bottom right, Bui Vien.

 

Food & Beverage in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon is quite well known for its cuisine. The city offers diverse flavors and prices. It is possible to buy a Banh Mi sandwich for just 15,000 VND, but it is also very easy to unnecessarily spend hundreds of thousands at some restaurants. But keep an eye out for those high prices and keep in mind that there are many options for affordable food. It is also important to make sure that the place you are eating at looks clean and sanitary, especially at street food stands. Here we have listed some of our favorite places to find a meal:

 

• Cho Lom, Chinatown: This neighborhood, obviously, has very delicious Chinese cuisine for you to choose from.

 

• Ho Thi Ky food market.

 

• Su Van Hanh Street in District 10 is a long street but the section between Ngo Gia Tu and Nguyen Chi Thanh is particularly well known for its food offerings.

 

• And of course, Cocotte Restaurant located inside SILA Urban Living, offering delicious French and Vietnamese fusion cuisine.

 

Top left, Chinatown. Top right, Ho Thi Ky. Bottom, Cocotte.

 

Shopping

Saigon is a shopping paradise for customers wishing to buy gifts and souvenirs.

 

Saigon offers a variety of shopping centers that make it easy and fun to bring something back home to your loved ones. Some of our favorites include:

 

• Binh Tay Market, Chinatown, District 6: $

 

• An Dong Market, District 5: $

 

• Ben Thanh Market, District 1: $-$$$

 

• Takashimaya shopping mall, District 1: $$-$$$$

 

At the markets, it is common that the seller will try to sell to you at a higher price and you can try to get the price lowered. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your bargaining skills! Don’t be shy; it is expected and fun once you get the hang of it!

 

Hopefully, this article has helped you feel more prepared and less intimidated for your trip to Ho Chi Minh City. If you need a great place to stay, Try SILA Urban Living serviced apartments in District 3! We will ensure the enjoyment of your stay in HCMC and bring you a luxury experience!

 

 

SILA Urban Living – Where Lifestyle Meets Harmony

 

District 3, the home of the luxury serviced apartments at SILA Urban Living. Here we provide:

• Prime location: SILA Urban Living is located on the main road in the center of District 3. From here, customers can easily get to major places in the city. This location is close to commercial centers, supermarkets, schools, banks, and consulates. Moreover, you can find local bars, cafés and restaurants convenient and reasonable for your personal or business trip.
• Luxurious and classy space: Built in a modern style, delicate colors, and luxury furniture, SILA Urban Living will give customers the perfect living space, separate from the hustle and bustle of the city center.
• Fully furnished: SILA Urban Living will provide you with everything you need, including a TV, refrigerator, air conditioner, washing machine, bed, chair, and wardrobe.
• Guaranteed security: SILA Urban Living serviced apartments in Ho Chi Minh City always have a security team operating 24/7. Each apartment is fitted with CCTV systems and an RFID door lock with magnetic card access, always ensuring absolute safety for guests during their stay.

We hope that the above information from SILA Urban Living serviced apartments in Ho Chi Minh City will help you know the best place to visit right in District 3. Stay with us, and you can live in luxury while exploring nearby destinations.

 

SILA Urban Living

Hotline: +84 28 39 300 800

Email: info@silaliving.com

Website: www.silaliving.com

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