Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City: Grab, Taxis, and Walking Guide

The first thing that hits you when you step out of Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the heat. The second thing is the noise. And the third is the sheer, overwhelming volume of traffic. Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is famous for its “sea of motorbikes.” With over 9 million residents and an estimated … Read more

Saigon Cafe Culture: 5 Hidden Cafes in District 1 You Can’t Miss

Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world. But in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), coffee is not just a commodity; it is a religion. It is the fuel that powers the chaotic energy of the streets, and it is the pause button that allows locals to sit back and watch the world go … Read more

Beyond Pho: 7 Must-Try Street Foods in Saigon and Where to Find Them

When people think of Vietnamese cuisine, one word usually comes to mind: Pho. Don’t get us wrong—a steaming bowl of Pho Bo (beef noodle soup) is delicious. But limiting yourself to just Pho in Ho Chi Minh City is like going to Italy and only eating spaghetti. You are missing out on 90% of the … Read more

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Best Hotels in District 1 vs. District 3

Choosing where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) can make or break your trip. The city is divided into numbered districts, and while there are 24 districts in total, for 99% of travelers, the choice comes down to just two: District 1 and District 3. They are right next to each other, yet … Read more

The Perfect 3-Day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary for First-Time Visitors (2026)

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a sensory explosion. It is a place where French colonial architecture stands next to modern skyscrapers, and where the smell of incense mixes with the aroma of roasting coffee beans. For first-time visitors in 2026, the city can feel chaotic. Millions of motorbikes fill the streets, and the … Read more

The Best Shopping Itinerary for a 1-Day Trip in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is a shopper’s paradise, but it can also be overwhelming. The traffic is intense, the heat is sweltering, and the sheer number of shops is endless. If you are in Saigon for a layover, a short business trip, or just a quick weekend getaway, you don’t have time to waste … Read more

Saigon Square vs. Ben Thanh Market: Which Should You Visit?

If you have researched Ho Chi Minh City travel even for five minutes, you have undoubtedly heard two names: Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Square. They are the two titans of shopping in Saigon. Both are located in District 1, both are packed with goods, and both require serious bargaining skills. But for a traveler … Read more

Why Ho Chi Minh is the Best City in Asia for Golf Shopping

For decades, avid golfers have flocked to Southeast Asia for the pristine fairways and year-round sunshine. Thailand has its beaches, and the Philippines has its islands. But in 2026, a new trend has emerged among savvy golfers from Korea, Japan, Australia, and the US. They are flying to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) not just … Read more

5 Common Shopping Scams in Vietnam and How to Avoid Them

Vietnam is widely considered one of the safest travel destinations in Southeast Asia. Violent crime is extremely rare, and the locals are known for their warmth and hospitality. However, like any major tourist hub in the world—be it Paris, Rome, or Bangkok—Ho Chi Minh City has its share of scams targeting unsuspecting visitors. For travelers … Read more

The Ultimate Guide to Bargaining in Ho Chi Minh Markets (2026 Edition)

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City is an exhilarating experience. From the bustling aisles of Ben Thanh Market to the fashion-forward stalls of Saigon Square, the city is a treasure trove for travelers. However, for many visitors, the lack of price tags can be intimidating. “Am I paying too much?” “Is this a tourist trap?” … Read more