Vietnamese is often considered one of the most difficult languages in the world for English speakers to master. It has six tones, complex grammar, and sounds that don’t exist in English. But here is the good news: You don’t need to be fluent to survive and thrive in Ho Chi Minh City. In 2026, many … Read more
Ho Chi Minh City is incredible, but the noise and traffic can be intense. Sometimes, you just need to escape the city limits. Luckily, Saigon is the perfect base for exploring Southern Vietnam. Within a 2-hour drive, you can find yourself crawling through historic underground tunnels or rowing a sampan down a jungle canal. In … Read more
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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