There is something very important that I must tell you before we go any further. In order to survive in Ho Chi Minh, you need to know how to cross the road. But hang on a minute, you might think, I’ve been crossing roads since I could walk. I can cross a road, thanks very much. Well, that’s a sweet thought to carry with you – but I promise you, nothing can prepare the uninitiated for crossing a road in the bustling, frantic city of Ho Chi Minh. In order to prepare for the road crossing, a stiff drink is recommended. Steel your resolve. Walk to the curb. You will notice a large amount of traffic coming from both directions. There may be multiple people aboard a moped. Those same people may be clutching all manner of things; chickens, children, a brightly coloured drink in a plastic bag with a straw poking out haphazardly from the top. Ignore those people. You may also notice traffic lights. Ignore them too.
When you are ready to cross, simply walk onto the road in your intended direction. Walk purposefully, maintain your pace and your direction and whatever you do, don’t stop. As Moses did for the Red Sea, the vast number of mopeds and cars (and buses) will simply navigate around you as you cut a swathe through the hubbub. When you find yourself on the other side of the road safely, shake it off like it ain’t no thang and congratulate yourself. You are now safe to travel around Ho Chi Minh.
This pretty much sums up life in Ho Chi Minh. You need a certain way of operating that the people who call Ho Chi Minh home seem to have in spades. You’ll pick it up very quickly, don’t worry. You should allow around four days here to capture all of the wonderful memories and day trips that you are sure to want to fit in. Want to find out more? Get a Ho Chi Minh City Attraction Pass and fit it all in! For a play by play, take a look at these activities and sights:
Jade Emperor Pagoda
This stunning structure was built in 1909 as a means to honour the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or the King of Heaven – Ngoc Hoang). This is a truly atmospheric spot and a stunning way to spend an afternoon (or a whole day!).
War Remnants Gallery
If you’re even slightly into the war history of a place like Vietnam then this is your first stop. The War Remnants Museum was formerly called the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes – giving you an idea of what you’re in for. Few museums display the brutality of war and its civilian victims, but the War Remnants Museum bars no holds here. A sobering trip.
Cu Chi Tunnels
This is a remarkable tunnel network cleverly devised by the Vietnamese during the American war in Vietnam, and you can travel to them for a trip through the tunnels and a trip through history. Some of the spaces are tiny – so claustrophobes beware – and you’ll be sure to hear much of the sad history of the time here. Marvel at the ingenuity of the Vietnamese as they fought courageously against the American firepower.
Saigon Cooking Course
The flavours of Vietnam are truly a sight to behold – and you’ll want to take them home with you. Make sure you take home the right kind of flavours with a Saigon cooking course which will teach you the right way to balance out the flavours and why it’s really important to put salt in your dessert.
Ben Thanh Market
Don’t have enough souvenirs yet? The market at Ben Thanh will surely fill that gap in your luggage! Be sure to keep your wallet and/or bag close, and don’t forget to haggle hard for items that you want. Don’t start haggling unless you intend to buy, and if you do start to haggle and walk away, prepare for a barrage of abuse in Vietnamese as you shuffle off.