This is the last post of my #ProjectMVietnam series before you fly over to Singapore, with me, on the blog.
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, aka Saigon. The first thing I said when I arrived was, ‘What. The. F**k’.
It’s a city on steroids. Mopeds will drive wherever and whenever they want. The first thing you will need to learn is how to cross the street (it took me a couple of days).
This picture sums the city up.
But you should go.
Why?
You should learn about their fascinating history. Head to the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam’s side of the story.
We climbed inside the famous Cu Chi tunnel, which was a network of sneaky hiding spots for the crafty guerrilla’s soldiers. Built so that only small people could fit inside — it was of great importance to the resistance of the American soldiers.
Next reason to visit is, of course, the food. This is a special post because I celebrated my Birthday with a good ole’ BBQ.
I love the BBQ experience in Saigon. It’s like eating in a nightclub: It’s loud, energetic & everyone has a cracking time feasting together.
The best BBQ spots are:
Lang Nuong Nam Bo (Vietnamese)
Quan Ut Ut (American)
Saffron (Mediterranean)
Ho Chi Minh has some real good food if you know where to go. If you’re looking for places to eat, I’ve got you covered.
If this is your first time to Vietnam and you’re not heading to other parts of the country, then Pho and Bun are the obvious must-eats. Try:
1. Pho Hung – they say it’s the best Pho in town.
2. Bun Bha Ha Noi – Northern Style Bun Cha. It’s good, fresh, clean & cheap.
3. Pho 2000 – made famous by Clinton’s visit. Located in the heart of District 1, It’s easy to find.
A very traditional Vietnamese dish is Banh Cuon (steamed rice rolls). My cousin took me to a restaurant that did a variation.
This is a bite size version — topped with dried pork & shrimp. They taste like little clouds; the crunchy & soft texture takes you to heaven.
If you want, authentic Vietnamese food and you’ve got an iron stomach, head to Oc Dao. Warning, it’s where the locals eat — this isn’t the spot for high-quality service or hygiene. It’s the stuff you want to eat for Bear Grylls adventure training.
You come here for ‘tasty’ snails — this place is for the foodie ambitious. Don’t even think about going if you’re vegetarian.
If you’ve overdosed on the Vietnamese dishes and you’re wanting something different, awesome — the western food is shockingly good.
You don’t need to book another flight for decent gourmet pizza. I went to visit my (British) expat friend at 4ps pizza restaurant. It’s just as good as London pizza.
If you’re looking for a cheap takeout and greasy pizzas are your thing: Espy Pizza is your match. It’s a ‘spot on’ New York pizza. It’s f-ing delicious.
Does anyone else go on holiday and then for the last night, they go big or go home?
I’ve got yours planned.
Head to San Fu Lou (situated at the heart of District 1) to gobble up Dim Sum. Then pop over to Chill Skybar (next door) for a shiny view of the city. It’s a swanky sorta’ place so dress up. At the time of my visit, David Beckham was launching his new whisky brand.
The city has fantastic nightlife, head to a rooftop bar to look over a very sparkly city.
1. I already mentioned Chill Bar above
2. Glow Skybar
3. Saigon Saigon Bar
For shopping, the only place I recommend Ben Thanh Market – please be careful, the market is crowded and rife with pickpockets, but it’s the place to pick up a bargain.
Ho Chi Minh is a crazy city with everything happening at once, it isn’t for everyone and may take some time for some people to adapt, but it has so much to offer. Any expat or backpacker will tell you their crazy stories.
Enjoy, stay safe and please tell me your stories as I would love to hear them!
Location: Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam
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