Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
My Unforgettable Adventure in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): From Wedding Bells to World-Class Food!
Ho Chi Minh City, affectionately known as Saigon, is a buzzing, cosmopolitan gem in southern Vietnam, bursting with endless discoveries and unforgettable moments. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or embarking on a solo adventure, this city promises an amazing time.
✈️ Quick Tips for Your HCMC Adventure:
Airport Code: SGN
Vietnam Visa for US Visitors: A visa is required. You can apply online, through your closest Vietnamese consulate, or upon arrival. (Be warned: the visa-on-arrival lines were horrificallylong during my visit!) In 2017, I paid $135 for a 30-day, multi-entry visa, which I highly recommend if you plan to hop over to neighboring countries like Cambodia or Thailand.
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND). Roughly $1 USD = 22,759 Dong (as of 2017).
Getting Around: Uber, UberMoto (a must-try!), traditional taxis, and local public buses.
Accommodation: I used a mix of comfortable hotels and charming Airbnbs.
LGBTQ+ Friendly: Yes!
Why Saigon? A High School Wedding & an Epic Trip!
My last visit to HCMC was for a truly special occasion: one of my high school besties chose this incredible city for her destination wedding this past February! Receiving that invitation was a stroke of luck, as it led to one of the best trips I've ever had. The Vietnamese people are incredibly helpful and friendly, and the food? Simply out of this world.
Planning the Journey: From SFO to Saigon via Hong Kong
With only a few weeks to plan, my first step, as always, was booking flights. As a devoted United frequent flyer (or, as my friend Darren jokingly calls me, 'a United hoe'!), I booked with them. Since there are currently no direct flights from the US to Ho Chi Minh City, I meticulously researched routes. I settled on SFO to Hong Kong (HKG) on United – a direct flight of just 13 hours, which allowed me to add a fantastic two-day layover to explore Hong Kong! For the final leg, I hopped on VietJet Air, a convenient 2.5-hour flight from Hong Kong to Saigon.
Arrival & My Saigon Sanctuary
I touched down in Saigon around 10:30 PM. Having my visa already sorted meant immigration was a breeze. After grabbing my luggage, I easily requested an Uber to my hotel. The ride, being late at night, took less than 20 minutes. I spent my first few days at the Le Meridien Saigon in District 1 (or just 'D1' to locals). My room was a delightful surprise: modern, chic, and boasting a beautiful view of the Song Sai Gon river and the glittering city skyline.
The Wedding Oasis: Villa Song in District 2
The wedding itself was held at the exquisite Villa Song in District 2. This charming colonial villa hotel offers 23 uniquely designed rooms nestled along the serene banks of the Saigon River. The grounds are a lush paradise, overflowing with vibrant flowers and greenery. I indulged in pure relaxation by the pool, sipping a cold rosé and enjoying fresh fruit – utter peace! A lovely perk was the daily made-to-order breakfast, featuring delicious authentic Vietnamese cuisine alongside a great selection of Western options. That smoked salmon croissant? Divine!
Ho Chi Minh City: A Food Lover's Paradise
One of the absolute highlights of Saigon is undoubtedly the food. From late-night Pho stalls after an evening out, to bustling local markets, all the way up to upscale restaurants that grace the 'World's 50 Best' lists, Ho Chi Minh City caters to every palate and budget. It's a true culinary adventure! Here’s a list of my favorite spots that are guaranteed to delight your taste buds. (I'm already dreaming of revisiting and exploring the plant-based options now that my diet has shifted!)
🍽️ Where to EAT:
Quan Bui
Urban Kitchen
Qui Cuisine Mixology
Secret Garden Restaurant
Shri Restaurant
Pho Quynh
Cut Gach Quan
Saffron Mediterranean Bistro
The Racha Room
Boathouse Restaurant
🥂 Where to DRINK:
Layla Bar
Whiskey & Wares (Tell Derek and Phong I said hi!)
The Backpackers Street (A vibrant hub for travelers!)
La Cave
Heart of Darkness (A fantastic brewery!)
The Deck Saigon
📍 MUST SEE Attractions:
War Remnants Museum
Vietnam Museum and Botanical Garden
The bustling City Center and its grand boulevards
Explore the vibrant local Markets
