Saigon Travel Tips to Make your Stay a Great Experience

If you are currently planning a holiday in Vietnam to celebrate the end of the pandemic, you certainly won’t be alone in your thinking, as millions of people look to enjoy their first holiday in 3 years. Vietnam is one of the most popular destinations for European and American tourists, and for very good reason. This unique nation is the jewel of South East Asia and has a long and colourful history, with the war with the US and prior to that, were colonised by the French.

Saigon, or Hoh Chi Mihn City, as it is also known, is located in the south of the country and here are a few tips to make your stay more enjoyable.

• Avoid wearing valuable jewellery – Like most big cities, Saigon has its fair share of thieves and pickpockets, so when you are out an about, store expensive jewellery in the hotel safe deposit box.
• Local money – As Vietnam is a developing country, many shops do not accept credit cards, so you should carry enough cash for the day in local currency, preferably small denomination notes. If you have travel cheques, keep them with your passport and insurance in your money belt.
• Book your hotel online – Check out khách sạn sài gòn quận 1, an affordable boutique hotel where you can enjoy 5-star luxury at regular rates. The low cost of your hotel gives you more spending money, which is always a good thing.
• Crossing the street – If you thought Bangkok traffic is bad, wait until you experience Saigon traffic; mainly small motorcycles with a growing number of cars and crossing a busy street is not for the faint of heart. Try sticking close to locals, who are experts at judging the speed and distance of the vehicles.
• Metered taxis & tuk-tuks – When you hail a taxi or Tuk-tuk, ask the driver if they will turn on the meter, as some do not and ask for a higher than normal fare. If the driver refuses to turn on the meter, simply smile and wait for another.
• Keep your bag in front – When out in Saigon, always keep your bag in front of you, as pickpockets are known to cut open bags with a cutter and if your bag is behind you, it is easy and quick for someone to remove your wallet or purse.

Saigon has much to offer the tourist and if you are going between the months of May to October, remember that this is the rainy season.

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