We spent 3 weeks in Saigon, working out our Visa extension. In this post we discuss what worked, what didn’t and what we learned. During our stay, we spent two weeks in the Bến Thành, the backpackers/walking street/bar area, and one more week across the river in the Phường 12 area, which had a flower market, but didn’t really have much going on.
What was the most surprising thing about Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)?
Evalynn: Despite the size, you expect there to be more funding and support for history and promotion and culture, but I didn’t feel like it promotes its history.
Ehren: I guess just the chaos. It’s a very busy town and not the safest for pedestrians.
What would you change about this trip?
Evalynn: Being OK with not choosing the place for location because it didn’t turn out to our advantage. The first place wasn’t great.
Ehren: I’ll agree and expand on that. Our first BnB in Saigon flooded, lost power, the entrance had very low ceilings, shower puddled around the toilet, so we were always standing in water in the bathroom and it was uncomfortable and loud day and night. The surrounding businesses were nice and accessible, but this wasn’t a good rental property selection if chosen just because of its location. Our second BnB was nicer, with a great view, but there were no restaurants in the area and it was a decent walk across the river to get anywhere.
Scale of 1-10, how easy is it for a US Citizen visiting for the first time to communicate and find the things you need?
Evalynn: 7. Just because of technology that it’s as easy as it is. And this city is very safe. Crime is low.
Ehren: 5. Again, it’s very dangerous to be a pedestrian or to attempt to drive yourself. And again, the language barrier, there are very few people who speak English. Also, we never found a great grocery store in Saigon with meats and breads. They’re there, but not necessarily easy to find. However, with Grab, with a large selection of good restaurants and translation services, this was one of the best places in Vietnam for first timers as far as communication and accessibility.
How long would you optimally stay there (+/- how long we stayed)?
Evalynn: I think the 3 weeks that we were there was the perfect amount of time.
Ehren: As much as I loved having McDonalds available to us again, I would say 2 weeks would be about my max, just to figure out the city and the people and see some of the more interesting museums. I was ready to go to a smaller city.
Could you move/live here?
Evalynn: No. Too loud. I could see why other people would enjoy it, but I don’t think I would on a permanent level.
Ehren: I would rather not. It’s too big, dirty and loud. We’re made for a more sedate way of life.
What did you learn about travel?
Evalynn: Location isn’t everything when you choose housing.
Ehren: Learning to be more agile when you’re dealing with uncertainty. We didn’t know when we would get our passports back, and when we did, we had a flight out the next day. When we left the US, we had every flight and BnB booked from January until August, but all of that fell through. Here, we check the conditions and jump at a moments notice because we can.
Anything else you want to add?
Evalynn: I liked the SkyDeck. I wish that the Elisa (Junk Boat restaurant) had been open at some point.
Ehren: Everywhere we’ve gone in Vietnam has had drilling & hammering upstairs very early in the morning. I often wonder if it’s even construction or if there’s some sort of industrial food preparation that everybody does here. I’ll just say that if it hadn’t been for needing to get our Visas extended, we wouldn’t have visited Saigon, and I’m glad we had the opportunity. Although a lot of it was shut down due to COVID, the museums were very insightful to me, and the experience eye-opening.
Quick Fire Favorites:
Restaurant:
Eva: Shamoji
Ehren: Chickita Flame Grilled Chicken
Hang out Joint:
Eva: East West Brewing Company
Ehren: East West Brewing Company
Best Shopping:
Eva: Satrafoods Le Thi Rieng (for Groceries)
Ehren: FamilyMart (for Groceries)
Point of Interest:
Eva: Book Alley next to Notre Dame Cathedral
Ehren: War Remnants Museum