# Ho Chi Minh City – Chaos, Food & First Impressions

- Link: https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/vietnam-chaos-in-ho-chi-minh-the-beginning-of-an-adventure-part-1/
- Published: 2024-12-22T16:03:50+01:00
- Author: Filip Chochół

Ten wpis jest również dostępny w języku:  [⌊Switch to Polski⌉Polski](https://warsawtravelers.pl/azja/wietnam-ale-sajgon-w-ho-chi-minh-poczatek-przygody-czesc-1/)

 Table of contents

## Hello! 👋

This time, we’re taking you to 🇻🇳 **Vietnam** – specifically to [**Ho Chi Minh City**](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=13170),
where our journey began in November 2023. We spent almost a month in Vietnam, trying
to see as much as possible without rushing. Our goal was to experience the country
as it truly is – without sugarcoating or overplanning.

This post is also a summary of the past few months on our blog. We’ve finally gathered
all the information to share with you – honestly and without embellishments, but
packed with practical tips that might come in handy for your own travels.

Our Vietnam journey is divided into five parts to make it easier to cover all the
places we visited. We’re starting with [Ho Chi Minh](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=13170)–
a city that greeted us with chaos, street noise, and a unique atmosphere. This is
where we took our first steps on Vietnamese soil and began learning how to navigate
this new world.

We’ll be talking about landmarks, food, the chaotic street traffic, and all the 
things that surprised us. We invite you to read more!

 [ ⌊Ho Chi Minh City street scene with a colorful flower cart and scooters by a brick church facade in Vietnam⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-018-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Ho Chi Minh City street in Vietnam with overhead string lights, apartment buildings, and parked scooters⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-019-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Woman smiling in Ho Chi Minh City at night with lit landmarks in the background, Vietnam⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Procedures and requirements

Before entering Vietnam, obtaining a visa is mandatory. This process can be conveniently
completed online through the official government website at [evisa.gov.vn](https://evisa.gov.vn/).
Be sure to submit visa applications only through official sources to avoid potential
scams or extra fees charged by intermediaries.

To avoid any issues, it’s advisable not to leave this process until the last minute,
as visa applications can take 3 to 5 business days to be processed.

Make sure all the information matches your identification document, as even minor
errors can lead to application rejection or issues at the border. The visa fee is
$25 for a single-entry visa and $50 for a multiple-entry visa. Payment is made online
during the application process.

## How did we get to Vietnam?

Our journey to Vietnam wasn’t direct and required several layovers. While this option
can be tiring, it helped us save a significant amount of money—funds we could later
spend on exploring and sightseeing.

### Departure from Warsaw

We bought our tickets to Asia during a promotion on the Turkish Airlines website.
Initially, we planned to fly from Kraków to Kuala Lumpur, but after some minor schedule
changes, we managed to rebook our tickets—at no extra cost—for a flight from Warsaw
with a layover in Istanbul. The total cost was around 2300 PLN per person, including
checked baggage.

Since our final destination with Turkish Airlines was Malaysia, we also had to comply
with Malaysian visa regulations. This was an additional detail we needed to consider
while planning the entire trip.

Our departure from Warsaw went smoothly. We flew on a narrow-body aircraft that 
looked like it had just undergone a recent upgrade. The interior was modern, clean,
and made a great impression. The flight lasted about 2.5 hours, which was short 
but enough to relax a bit before the next leg of our journey.

 [ ⌊Passengers smiling inside an airplane cabin during the Poland, Warsaw Airplane to Turkey trip⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Airplane cabin with Warsaw Airplane to Turkey route screens displaying a flight attendant.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### Transit in Istanbul and flight to Kuala Lumpur

After landing in Istanbul, we had about a four-hour layover before our next flight.
We used this time to grab a meal and enjoy a coffee at Starbucks, getting ready 
for the next leg of our journey.

Opened in 2018, Istanbul Airport is one of the largest in the world, initially designed
to handle 90 million passengers annually, with plans to expand its capacity to 200
million. Its modern infrastructure and vast spaces might feel similar to the long
walks experienced at Dubai Airport (DXB).

The flight from Istanbul to Kuala Lumpur takes approximately 10 hours and 5 minutes.
We spent most of that time resting and watching a few episodes of “ER”. Thanks to
this, the journey felt quick and comfortable.

 [ ⌊Inside an airplane cabin from Istanbul to Malaysia, with passengers seated at windows and screens in Turkey⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊In-flight screen showing Istanbul departure and route toward Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur on the map⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### Coffee at the airport and a connecting flight in Malaysia

Despite feeling tired, I was pretty excited to get another stamp in my passport—
even if it was just for a short while. Those stamps always look cool!

The line for passport control took a little while, but everything went smoothly.
The officer asked about the purpose of our visit and how long we’d be staying. We
explained that we were just passing through for a few hours before our next flight
to Vietnam. Passports checked, stamp added—ready to move on!

We had some time for coffee and food before dealing with our luggage. Since our 
flight to [Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=13170)
was with a different airline—VietJet Air—we had to leave the transit area, collect
our bags, and check them in again.

We had a bit of a stressful moment along the way. I accidentally mixed up the order
of our first and last names when booking the tickets. VietJet Air wanted $50 to 
fix it. We decided to take the risk, and luckily, no one even noticed the mistake
at check-in—so it all worked out without any issues.

It’s a good lesson—always double-check your tickets because the stress really wasn’t
worth it. The flight to Ho Chi Minh City flew by—literally. We passed out right 
after takeoff and woke up just as we were landing. But what happened next? We’ll
tell you all about it in the next part!

### We have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City

Fatigue was starting to catch up with us. After check-in, we boarded the plane, 
and before it even fully took off, we were both already fast asleep.

After a long journey, we finally landed in Vietnam. Instead of using a jet bridge,
we were transported to the terminal by bus. Immigration control went smoothly—our
visas were checked without any issues, so we were able to move on quickly.

Public transportation in HCMC can be a bit tricky. The system operates in a somewhat
unique way, and dragging suitcases around on foot wasn’t exactly appealing—especially
since sidewalks are often narrow, crowded, or suddenly disappear when you least 
expect it.

So, we decided to order a Grab—an Asian equivalent of Uber that works seamlessly
here. The app makes it easy to book a ride, and payments are cashless—you just link
your card, and you’re good to go.

 [ ⌊Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Airport: a Vietnam airline jet at the gate with ground crew and a mobile staircase⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-006-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Crowd waiting at Ho Chi Minh Airport arrivals hall with overhead signs and boarding gates⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

## Traffic conditions

Well, let’s just say—things on the roads here are different. **Very different**.
If you’re expecting the order of European streets or even the controlled chaos of
the Middle East, think again. Vietnam has its own unique style of traffic that, 
at first glance, might seem like complete madness.

We’ll do our best to shed some light on this and give you a glimpse of what everyday
life on the streets of Ho Chi Minh looks like—so you can be prepared, or at least
mentally brace yourself for the experience.

Let’s start with what stands out the most—traffic, scooters, honking, and rules 
that don’t always resemble those found in driving manuals.

### Car rental in Vietnam

If you’re considering renting a car in Vietnam, let me say this upfront—it’s possible,
but you need to be well-prepared. This is definitely not a place for inexperienced
drivers, especially if you haven’t navigated the chaotic traffic typical of Asian
roads before.

Most car rental companies in Vietnam primarily offer vehicles with a driver. Locals
are well aware that navigating the roads here can be quite a challenge, so renting
a car with a chauffeur—someone who knows the local rules (or lack thereof)—is often
the preferred option.

There are, however, rental companies that offer cars without a driver. To rent one,
you’ll need an [🪪 International Driving Permit (IDP)](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/guides/what-is-an-international-driving-permit-and-when-is-it-needed/)
issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention or obtain a temporary Vietnamese driver’s
license.

Is it worth it? If you don’t have experience driving in challenging conditions or
simply prefer to avoid road stress, renting a car might end up being more of a hassle
than a convenience. We decided to skip it after a quick analysis and opted for other,
more practical options—which we’ll cover later in this post.

 [ ⌊Street scene in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with motorbikes and delivery boxes outside Piaggio.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-008-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Traffic with motorbikes and masked riders on a street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

### Traffic regulations and reality

Traffic laws in Ho Chi Minh City do technically exist—there are speed limits, road
signs, and traffic lights. However, in practice, the flow of traffic operates on
a completely different system—one that relies more on instinct and improvisation
than strict adherence to rules.

Speed limits? On paper, it’s 30–40 km/h in cities and up to 60 km/h outside urban
areas. In reality, with the constant swarm of scooters and cars, reaching those 
speeds can be a challenge. Drivers tend to adjust their pace to the flow of traffic,
and road signs often feel more like suggestions than strict rules.

Parking follows a similar pattern. In theory, there are rules, but in practice, 
cars often end up wherever there’s space—on sidewalks, by curbs, or even partially
blocking traffic lanes. And, honestly, no one seems too bothered by it.

When it comes to traffic lights, things can be pretty flexible. Red light? It depends.
If there’s no police around, many drivers treat it more as a suggestion to slow 
down rather than a strict order to stop. But the moment officers are present, the
traffic suddenly becomes much more organized.

### Pedestrians on the road

It’s not easy for pedestrians either. Crosswalks do exist, but crossing the street
often feels like navigating an obstacle course. You have to step onto the road with
confidence and keep walking at a steady pace, trusting that scooters and cars will
weave around you without stopping. And surprisingly—it usually works!

The whole scene might look chaotic, but it has its own rhythm that locals are completely
used to. For outsiders, it can be quite a challenge, so it’s best to approach it
with plenty of patience—or simply let someone else do the driving.

## How did we move around the city?

Traffic like this doesn’t scare me anymore—thanks to previous trips, I’ve gained
some experience. So, we decided to rent a scooter for two days. For me, it felt 
like business as usual, but for Jadzia, who was riding this way for the first time,
it was a completely new experience. A mix of adrenaline and fun—overall, a great
adventure!

If you’re planning to rent a scooter in Vietnam, stay alert. We’ll share all the
details in a separate post, but here are a few key tips right now:

 * **Never leave your passport as collateral.** Provide a copy of your document 
   or leave a cash deposit. Your passport should always stay with you.
 * **Take photos and a video** of the scooter before you ride. Focus on scratches,
   cracks, and damage to avoid surprises when returning it.
 * **Check the scooter’s condition**—lights, horn, and brakes are essential. Scooters
   in Vietnam are often heavily used, so it’s best to verify everything works.

We ended up with a scooter that had **electrical issues**. When we returned it, 
the owner tried to blame us for the damage. We calmly explained that we received
the scooter that way, and it was his responsibility for renting out poorly maintained
equipment. In the end, we sorted things out, but the owner was clearly not pleased.

### **Why the scooter?**

A scooter is probably the fastest and most convenient way to get around HCMC. Taxis
and Grab are fine, but during rush hours, you’re likely to get stuck in traffic 
for a while. A scooter lets you weave through every corner of the city, but you 
need to feel confident navigating this kind of chaotic traffic.

 [ ⌊Two travelers pose with a red scooter at a fuel station in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Man riding a red scooter in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, outdoors among trees and greenery⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## Public transport

### Public transportation

[Ho Chi Minh City has an extensive bus network](https://busmap.vn/index/en/Ho_Chi_Minh_City-hcm)
with around 152 routes covering various parts of the city and its suburbs. Ticket
prices range from 3,000 to 10,000 VND, depending on the distance. Payments are typically
made directly to the driver when boarding—so it’s best to have the exact amount 
ready.

Although buses are an affordable way to get around, their quality and comfort might
not match what you’re used to in other countries. Vehicles can get crowded, especially
during rush hours, and most signs and schedules at bus stops are only in Vietnamese,
which can be challenging for tourists. On top of that, punctuality and frequency
can be unpredictable, so using buses often requires patience and flexibility.

### Passenger transportation in Ho Chi Minh

In HCMC, one of the most popular ways to get around is [**Grab**](https://www.grab.com/vn/en/)—
the local version of Uber. It works similarly—you book a ride through the app, choose
your option (car or scooter), and you’re ready to go.

What about safety? Well, as the saying goes—one rabbi says yes, another rabbi says
no. Most people praise Grab for its convenience and transparency. You get a fixed
price upfront, can track the route in the app, and pay either by card or cash. That
said, it’s always smart to stay alert. Double-check that the car or scooter matches
the details in the app. If something feels off, it’s better to cancel and book another
ride—there’s no shortage of drivers here.

### Subway

During our stay in Vietnam, the metro in Ho Chi Minh City was not yet open to the
public. However, according to the latest information, the first metro line (Line
1) [was officially inaugurated on December 22, 2024](https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2024/12/22/historic-achievement-vietnams-ho-chi-minh-citys-first-metro-line-opens).

Line 1 is 19.7 kilometers long and includes 14 stations—three underground (Bến Thành,
Opera House, and Ba Son) and 11 elevated. Trains on this line can carry up to 930
passengers, with 147 seats and 783 standing spots.

It’s also worth mentioning that from December 22, 2024, to January 21, 2025, metro
rides are free of charge for all passengers. This initiative aims to encourage both
locals and tourists to start using the new mode of transportation.

## Accommodation

During our stay in Ho Chi Minh City, we stayed at the [**Aristo Saigon Hotel**](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&hid=1196034),
which we booked through Agoda. The hotel is located in the city center, in **District
3**, close to major tourist attractions.

The hotel itself was fairly modest—nothing particularly impressive, but also nothing
to complain about. The rooms were clean and average in terms of decor. The bathroom
was stocked with basic toiletries, and cleaning was done regularly, so in that regard,
everything was just fine.

Breakfast? We tried it once and decided that was enough. It was pretty average, 
so for the rest of our mornings, we opted for coffee at nearby cafés instead. Service?
No complaints here—helpful and friendly staff.

## SIM card

During our stay in Vietnam, we decided to purchase local SIM cards at the airport
right after landing. Before the trip, we checked opinions in groups of Polish travelers
and expats living in Vietnam to choose the best provider. In the end, we went with**
Mobifone**—I opted for an eSIM, while Jadzia chose a physical SIM card.

Looking back, we realized that **Viettel Mobile** might have been a better choice,
as it offers wider coverage across Vietnam. In [Ho Chi Minh](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=13170)
and nearby areas, we experienced some signal issues, especially outside the city
center, where network access was more limited. It’s also worth noting that 5G technology
in Vietnam is still in the development phase and isn’t widely available yet.

When it comes to purchasing an eSIM through apps before your trip, we wouldn’t recommend
it due to the higher costs. It’s much better to get a local SIM card upon arrival.

### Wi-Fi Calling

Wi-Fi Calling is a really useful feature, especially during international trips—
and Vietnam is no exception. It allows you to make calls and send SMS messages using
your home network rates, as long as the connection goes through the internet rather
than local GSM providers.

In practice, this means that when you’re connected to Wi-Fi—for example, in a hotel
or café—your phone can use Wi-Fi Calling to connect with your Polish operator. The
key is to check that your operator’s name appears on the status bar with the label
Wi-Fi Calling.

## Food

We could easily dedicate an entire chapter to Vietnamese cuisine—and we probably
will—because every region served something different. In [Ho Chi Minh](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=13170),
we had no trouble finding something to eat, although you need to be prepared for
flavors that are completely different from what you might know from “Vietnamese”
restaurants back home.

We were hoping for something familiar, but we were quickly surprised—here, the food
is authentic and deeply local. Street food is a paradise for those who love bold
flavors. Seafood takes center stage—everything from crabs and shrimp to things you
might not even want to ask about. It’s all fresh, straight off the grill or out 
of the pot.

But that’s not all. Vietnam is famous for classics like **Bánh mì**—crispy baguettes
filled with meat, vegetables, and pâté—and **Phở**, a flavorful noodle soup that’s
perfect for a quick recharge. Vegetarians won’t feel left out either, as street 
stalls offer plenty of options based on tofu and rice noodles.

If you’re a bit picky and prefer your chicken to look “presentable”, you might be
in for a surprise—here, nothing goes to waste. Fortunately, fast food options like
McDonald’s and KFC are also available if you need a quick and familiar bite.

To sum up—it’s tasty, bizzare, and sometimes surprising. Give yourself a moment 
to get used to the local cooking style, and then feel free to try it all!

 [ ⌊Ho Chi Minh Foods in Vietnam at night, with people queuing outside a street food stall under bright lights.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Foods night street food cart with a vendor holding a tray and hanging grilled seafood sacks⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)

 [ ⌊Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Foods: bottles of Bia Saigon beer on a table outside a storefront with a parked car nearby⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Woman eating Vietnamese food at Ho Chi Minh Foods, with spring rolls and drinks on a wooden table.⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Fried spring rolls with cucumber and tomato dipping sauce on a plate, Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Foods⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## Exchange office or ATM?

In Vietnam, we expected cash to be king—both of us had previous experience with 
Asian countries, so we knew what to expect. This time was no different. Cash is 
definitely essential here, although more and more places are starting to accept 
card payments.

Before the trip, we did quite a bit of research about currency exchange offices 
and where to find the best rates. But, as it often happens, reality quickly adjusted
our plans. Instead of wasting time hunting for the perfect exchange spot, we opted
for ATM withdrawals—and it turned out to be a great decision.

Not all ATMs are fee-free, so it’s worth keeping an eye on that. We used the purple**
VPBank** ATMs, which didn’t charge any extra fees. We also tried to withdraw smaller
amounts, just enough for each stage of our trip, rather than carrying large sums
of cash around.

For a trip this far from home, it’s always a good idea to carry more than one card,
just in case—your bank might block a transaction, or your card could get lost or
stolen.

## Climate and weather conditions

Southern Vietnam, including [Ho Chi Minh City](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=13170),
has a tropical climate. It’s warm all year round, with temperatures rarely dropping
below 25°C (77°F). The weather is divided into two main seasons—dry and wet. We 
visited in November, which marks the beginning of the dry season. The weather was
mostly stable and sunny, although the humidity could still be quite noticeable at
times.

It’s also worth mentioning that air conditioning is practically everywhere here.
However, you need to be careful with sudden temperature changes, as it’s easy to
catch a cold. We experienced this firsthand—after spending a day in air-conditioned
spaces, Jadzia started feeling unwell, and we had to take a forced break from sightseeing.
So if you’re planning a longer stay, it’s better not to overdo it with the cooling.

## Safety

In terms of safety, Ho Chi Minh City feels quite secure, although, as always, it’s
important to use common sense. We didn’t encounter any dangerous situations, but
petty theft can happen—especially in crowded areas, markets, or near tourist attractions.
We mostly carried our backpacks in front and kept our phones hidden, as we had heard
stories about thieves on scooters snatching bags or phones and speeding off before
anyone could react.

A bigger hazard than pickpockets here is definitely the traffic. Crossing the street
is an art you’ll need to learn. In theory, there are crosswalks, but in practice—
no one pays attention to them. The best strategy? Simply step onto the street slowly
and confidently, keep moving at a steady pace, and don’t stop or step back. Somehow,
scooter drivers will adjust and swerve around you. Sounds terrifying? Maybe a little
at first, but after a few days, it starts to feel almost natural.

And then there were the rats. Yes, they were there—especially around markets and
in narrow alleys, where street life goes on until late at night. I’m not a fan of
these rodents, and I won’t lie—I had a few moments of discomfort when they got a
little too close for comfort. Jadzia, on the other hand, found it hilarious and 
couldn’t stop laughing whenever I tried to avoid them.

## Places we were able to see

During our action-packed days in **Ho Chi Minh City**, we managed to visit plenty
of interesting places 🚶‍♂️🛵. We also took a short trip outside the city to explore
the famous **Cu Chi Tunnels**—a historic site that left a lasting impression on 
us.

A lot of our time was spent on a **scooter**, exploring the city from all angles
to get a true sense of everyday life. 🚦 In addition, we enjoyed many long walks—
we love experiencing a city from the street level, as it’s the best way to immerse
ourselves in its atmosphere.

Unfortunately, we had to skip one day due to Jadzia’s illness 🤒—well, these things
happen, and it’s a good reminder that not every trip goes exactly as planned. We
had hoped to visit the Mekong Delta 🌿, but we had to save that adventure for another
time.

We’ll share more details about what we managed to see in [Ho Chi Minh](https://www.agoda.com/partners/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&cid=1933139&city=13170)
and the surrounding areas in a separate post – **👉 [click here](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/vietnam-ho-chi-minh-city-what-to-see-here/)**.

 [ ⌊Ho Chi Minh City wall mural featuring anime-style characters with parked motorbikes in the foreground⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-012-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Ho Chi Minh City street storefront with “ĐẠI VIỆT” signs, “SEAFOOD - Phố LỬA,” and red lanterns⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-014-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Ho Chi Minh City street view with Vietnamese storefronts and hotel sign Loan Vo Hotel on a building facade⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-015-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

 [ ⌊Ho Chi Minh City mural in Vietnam showing two figures in a wooden boat with a cat face⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg)

## We pack our bags and continue on our way

Our next destination was **Da Lat** – a picturesque city located in the Annamite
Mountains in southern Vietnam, at an altitude of about 1500 meters above sea level.
With its unique climate and charm, it’s often referred to as the “City of Eternal
Spring”.

After analyzing different transportation options, we decided to go with a sleeper
bus. In Vietnam, it’s common to have buses equipped with beds instead of standard
seats, which provides comfort during longer journeys. We bought our tickets from
[**FUTA Bus Lines**](https://futabus.vn/).

We’ll cover how to get around between towns in Vietnam in a separate post. In the
meantime, [join us for the second part of our adventure!](https://warsawtravelers.pl/en/asia/vietnam-in-the-heart-of-the-mountains-peaceful-da-lat-part-2/)
🗺️ ✨

 [ ⌊Ho Chi Minh City street scene with motorbikes and a green bus near a building labeled Vietnam, Ho Minh City?⌉ ](https://warsawtravelers.pl/cdn-cgi/image/quality=80,format=auto,onerror=redirect,metadata=none/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/vietnam-hochiminh-016-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg)