For many travelers who fly into Vietnam, the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City is the launching point to start their journey in the South. While plenty of information exists regarding the city’s war-wrenched history, the top cultural attractions, and why locals still call the center by its former name of Saigon, this article will touch on the alternative favorites that may have fallen below the radar. What did I truly love about this city, and how did it win me over?
First, a quick note. Before I knew much about Vietnam, my mind imagined jungle vibes, wildlife, and boat rides. I am elated to share that all these notions were true throughout the diverse country! However, what I also found in the needle-narrow alleyways of the city, in the outskirts of the districts, and beyond any major attractions were the following hidden highlights, doused in a strong dose of personality, charm and mystique.
The Rush of the Streets
Not for the faint of heart, the streets of Saigon are a real thrill. Well, if you’re the type that loves the adrenaline rush of a rollercoaster or racecar, you will enjoy it – others may not! Either way, exercise caution on these streets.
The streets are lawless, meaning basically anything goes. (Mom, you should stop reading now). Traveling the opposite direction headfirst into traffic? Our drivers risked it. Multiple vehicles racing beside each other in one lane? Normal. Any sort of dividing lines, signs, or traffic lights? Forget about it!
Hopping on the back of a motorbike became a devilish thrill to me. I actually looked forward to calling Grab bikes (an Asia alternative to Uber rideshare). I can’t say you won’t get hurt, as street accidents are the leading injury in Saigon, but you may as well trust these drivers, as they do this every day.
Even crossing the street on foot was a rush as there are rarely traffic lights for pedestrians, so you must walk into the direct path of hundreds of motorbikes that seem to magically maneuver around you at the last possible second As a local told me as he was walking into the mouth of the madness… “Just go!”
Festive Celebrations
This one was a complete coincidence, as our trip plans kept getting pushed back due to scheduling, but we happened to visit Vietnam during Tet Festival, or Vietnamese New Years. Lucky lucky! Because of this fluke, we had the privilege of celebrating with the city during the most joyful time of the year.
Colorful flowers, banners, flags and over-the-top décor lined the streets and downtown squares for weeks. At night, illuminating lights adorned every hotel, restaurant, and shop, just like Westerners do for Christmas. We witnessed lion dancers, street performers, and electric nightlife throughout the holiday.
Beds of flowers and creatures adorn Ho Chi Minh Square during the weekend of Tet Festival 2020.
The Tet Holiday lasts over a week, and keep in mind that prices will be slightly higher if booking last minute for hotels or transportation, and many places will be closed. However, in my opinion it was worth the trade off for such a special occasion.
While Tet takes place in January or February depending on the year, there are other celebrations throughout the year to plan your trip around, like the Mid Autumn Tet festival.
Thought-Provoking Temples
While trotting around Southeast Asia, you might amble through temples on every block, but hear me out – the most memorable temples that borrow your breath are the ones tucked away behind farmhouses, fields or alleyways… the ones that are not necessarily in the center of town or crammed with sardines of onlookers.
Every religious temple is special and holy, but I found solace in the harmony of hidden pagodas such as “Ten Thousand Buddhas Temple” Chua Van Phat, which blocks your gaze from the street out in the urban area of District 5, or the “Floating Temple” Phu Chau (Mieu Noi) out in the boonies of the Go Vap District, that calls for a ferry ride after a 40 minute drive from the city. The feather in your cap for going the extra mile to reach these sanctuaries is more space for prayer, reflection, and of course, private photos!
Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda is one temple worth a visit off the beaten path.
Fearless Food
Another fortuitous feature of Saigon is the hole-in-the-wall street food. Often, the street vendors dish out fresher food than some restaurants or hotels. Even more delectable is the friendly atmosphere – we were treated more like family members dining in the living room at certain establishments, while the nicer restaurants offered less appetizing service and felt impersonal.
Every street in each district is lined with tempting tastes - I don’t savor a go-to spot to recommend, as I like to sample dewy new picks every meal. My favorite dishes (though I eat primarily vegetarian) were eggplant clay pot, potato pancakes, stir-fried tofu noodles and fresh vegetables.
And how could I forget… the exotic fruit here is deliciously sweet!
Thumping Techno
To my pleasant surprise, the Vietnamese love their techno, house, and electronic dance music. Saigon sings its own recognizable sound (think big-room dance bangers, with occasional trap breakdowns and royal crooners) heard every day in nightclubs, bars, taxis, on TV, and in establishments. The sound systems from even the smallest shops blasted so loud you could probably hear them from the Mekong Delta River!
I understand that this type of music is probably not everyone’s cup of tea, but for high energy music fans that desire a dance floor, you can tip tap to several throughout the diverse districts, not just the downtown areas of District 1.
Wandering around on foot allows for the most spontaneous days in this charismatic city.
Getting Lost on Foot
Don’t be afraid to get lost. Turning down the “wrong” corner leads to finding surprise adventures. I recommend taking a cab to another district you haven’t explored yet (there are 19 in the city area), and then walk around to stumble upon treasures you could only run into on foot.
Troves we unearthed unexpectedly: a restaurant where each table sits in the water surrounded by koi fish. A weathered theme park in the middle of Chinatown. Shrines with signs detailing the repercussions of good and bad karma. Temples with monks chanting. Historical buildings with French architecture. A sweet little old lady who spoke no English but grabbed our hands and guided us across a bridge. Flute-playing street performers. And a bamboo basket full more, but I will end the list with this one: my favorite treat after a humid 95-degree walk… sweet, cold coconut drinks!
Gallery
Barely a snippet of the topics discussed in this lively city.
