Saigon- City Introduction

by
by

Saigon is the capital city of Vietnam. Currently it is known as Ho Chi Minh. But locals love to call it Saigon and even me. Because it feels traditional and modern at the same time.

Vietnam was divided into two parts North and South Vietnam. Saigon was the capital of South Vietnam. But one year after Independence, name got changed to Ho Chi Minh. But for Saigonese it’s always Saigon. Previously Saigon has only 3 districts but now it has 25 districts-12 in numbers and 13 in name.

Saigon is totally different from any other South East Asian Capital City. Only one similarity i.e. presence of Family Mart and Seven Eleven. Vietnam for many years was under French colonization. So you will find a lot of Similarity like any other French city. Lots of street facing cafes, coffee culture and breads constitute Saigon.  You will find these all over Saigon. Vietnamese coffee taste is totally different then we found in any other country.

Vietnamese dong is the currency accepted in Vietnam. You will get exchange counter all over the city.

Best area to stay in Saigon is District 1. It’s the main location in Saigon. Whether you want to go for shopping, fancy restaurants, Night party, you have to come to District 1. There is one street in District 1 which is known as Backpackers street. Here you will find lots of Hostel, street side cafes and local restaurants.

What to do in a city

• For souvenir shopping, go to Ben Thanh Market.
• Take a day tour to Mekong Delta, Cu chi Tunnel
• Take a city tour
• Dinner Cruise
• Bitexco Tower
• Walking around District 1
• Walking Street for experiencing Night Life
• Shopping at Saigon Centre
• Walk around Riverside
• Museums
• Palace

How to travel in City

• Grab
• Local Taxi
• Bus
• Metro (Work in Progress)

Things not to be missed in the city

• Highlands Coffee Shop
• Walking Street
• Ben Thanh Market
• Sky Bar in Bitexco Tower
• Mezze Platter at any local restaurant or any coffee shop
• Walking all around district 1

Points to be Noted

• Don’t take bike on rent because locals ride as if they will be the next star of Fast and Furious
• Always cross the road when the signal is green
• Don’t get caught in any scam
• Footpaths are wide, so walk on footpaths
• Most of them understand English but speak slow so that they can understand you
• Wifi is all over the city
• Lots of Coffee J

Please share the article. If you have any questions regarding Saigon please feel free to write it in the comment section.

by
by