To summarize, a single day is more than enough for a city walk in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s not a destination to visit solely for this experience; rather, it makes a perfect stopover on your way to the island cities, allowing you to make the most of your Vietnamese visa.
The city center is reminiscent of a miniaturized version of Guangzhou’s Flower City Avenue, ideal for a leisurely stroll and capturing some stunning photos, especially on a cool, breezy day.
2⃣️ The night view of the [City Hall] is quite impressive.
3️⃣ The [Ho Chi Minh Statue] stands proudly at the central axis.
4️⃣ Just across the road, you can admire the [Central Post Office].
5️⃣-6️⃣ I was surprised by how compact the [Café Apartment] is. Climbing the stairs and exploring a few floors, I found them bustling with food, drinks, and souvenirs for tourists.
Honestly, there’s no real need to venture up unless you’re looking for a unique shopping experience.
7️⃣-8️⃣ The [Pink Church] is definitely worth a visit and a photo or two.
While the popular spots are mostly suited for quick photo ops, the city walk is full of delightful surprises—street stalls serving fresh pho, delectable spring rolls, cheap and large cups of coffee, the constant hum of motorbikes, and the elegant colonial-era buildings that dot the city, offering a glimpse into its rich history.
Complaint: The separate paper visa process at the airport is incredibly inefficient, with long, tedious queues. After leaving the airport, be wary of individuals who might try to take your phone to cancel your Grab ride and push you into an overpriced shared taxi—a common, yet frustrating, scam.
I totally agree that Saigon is best experienced through a leisurely walk. The mix of modern and colonial architecture really gives it a unique vibe, and those street food stalls along the way are just irresistible!
I totally agree that Saigon feels like a condensed version of Guangzhou! The mix of colonial architecture and vibrant street life is so unique. I wish I had more time there to explore even more hidden gems beyond the main streets. Definitely a great place to start your Vietnam adventure!
I totally agree that a day is plenty to get a good feel for HCMC! The mix of modern vibes and historic charm really makes it worth stopping over, especially if you’re heading elsewhere in Vietnam. Those cityscapes sound amazing—perfect for both exploring and snapping some great pics!
That sounds like a great way to experience the city! I especially love how it combines culture with beautiful photo ops. It would be awesome to fit this into a larger trip to Vietnam.