{"id":5855,"date":"2024-12-22T16:03:50","date_gmt":"2024-12-22T15:03:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/?p=5855"},"modified":"2026-01-03T18:07:09","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T17:07:09","slug":"vietnam-chaos-in-ho-chi-minh-the-beginning-of-an-adventure-part-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/vietnam-chaos-in-ho-chi-minh-the-beginning-of-an-adventure-part-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Ho Chi Minh City \u2013 Chaos, Food &amp; First Impressions"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"5855\" class=\"elementor elementor-5855 elementor-5740\" data-elementor-post-type=\"post\">\n\t\t\t\t<main class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7069651 e-flex e-con-boxed e-con e-parent\" data-id=\"7069651\" data-element_type=\"container\" data-e-type=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"e-con-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-329ea32 elementor-toc--minimized-on-desktop elementor-widget elementor-widget-global elementor-global-10937 elementor-widget-table-of-contents\" data-id=\"329ea32\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;exclude_headings_by_selector&quot;:[],&quot;no_headings_message&quot;:&quot;No headings were found on this page.&quot;,&quot;minimized_on&quot;:&quot;desktop&quot;,&quot;headings_by_tags&quot;:[&quot;h2&quot;,&quot;h3&quot;,&quot;h4&quot;,&quot;h5&quot;,&quot;h6&quot;],&quot;marker_view&quot;:&quot;numbers&quot;,&quot;minimize_box&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;hierarchical_view&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;min_height&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_tablet&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]},&quot;min_height_mobile&quot;:{&quot;unit&quot;:&quot;px&quot;,&quot;size&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;sizes&quot;:[]}}\" data-widget_type=\"table-of-contents.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__header-title\">\n\t\t\t\tTable of contents\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--expand\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__329ea32\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Open table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-down\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M207.029 381.476L12.686 187.132c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941l22.667-22.667c9.357-9.357 24.522-9.375 33.901-.04L224 284.505l154.745-154.021c9.379-9.335 24.544-9.317 33.901.04l22.667 22.667c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941L240.971 381.476c-9.373 9.372-24.569 9.372-33.942 0z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__toggle-button elementor-toc__toggle-button--collapse\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\" aria-controls=\"elementor-toc__329ea32\" aria-expanded=\"true\" aria-label=\"Close table of contents\"><svg aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"e-font-icon-svg e-fas-chevron-up\" viewBox=\"0 0 448 512\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M240.971 130.524l194.343 194.343c9.373 9.373 9.373 24.569 0 33.941l-22.667 22.667c-9.357 9.357-24.522 9.375-33.901.04L224 227.495 69.255 381.516c-9.379 9.335-24.544 9.317-33.901-.04l-22.667-22.667c-9.373-9.373-9.373-24.569 0-33.941L207.03 130.525c9.372-9.373 24.568-9.373 33.941-.001z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div id=\"elementor-toc__329ea32\" class=\"elementor-toc__body\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-toc__spinner-container\">\n\t\t\t\t<svg class=\"elementor-toc__spinner eicon-animation-spin e-font-icon-svg e-eicon-loading\" aria-hidden=\"true\" viewBox=\"0 0 1000 1000\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><path d=\"M500 975V858C696 858 858 696 858 500S696 142 500 142 142 304 142 500H25C25 237 238 25 500 25S975 237 975 500 763 975 500 975Z\"><\/path><\/svg>\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9fdd26b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9fdd26b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Hello! \ud83d\udc4b<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">This time, we\u2019re taking you to \ud83c\uddfb\ud83c\uddf3 <b>Vietnam<\/b> \u2013 specifically to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;city=13170\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Ho Chi Minh City<\/b><\/a>, 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 \u2013 without sugarcoating or overplanning.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">This post is also a summary of the past few months on our blog. We\u2019ve finally gathered all the information to share with you \u2013 honestly and without embellishments, but packed with practical tips that might come in handy for your own travels.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Our Vietnam journey is divided into five parts to make it easier to cover all the places we visited. We\u2019re starting with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;city=13170\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ho Chi Minh<\/a> \u2013 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We\u2019ll be talking about landmarks, food, the chaotic street traffic, and all the things that surprised us. We invite you to read more!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a60601d elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"a60601d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-018-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-018-650x650.jpg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Ho Chi Minh City street scene with a colorful flower cart and scooters by a brick church facade in Vietnam\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-018-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-018-148x148.jpg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-018-296x296.jpg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-018-1300x1300.jpg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--huge-square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-019-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"1300\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-019-1300x1300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_huge-square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_huge-square\" alt=\"Ho Chi Minh City street in Vietnam with overhead string lights, apartment buildings, and parked scooters\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-019-1300x1300.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-019-148x148.jpg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-019-296x296.jpg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-019-650x650.jpg 650w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1300px) 100vw, 1300px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-6\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"Woman smiling in Ho Chi Minh City at night with lit landmarks in the background, Vietnam\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-800x1067.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-512x683.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-1024x1365.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-920x1227.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-017-1600x2133.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-15bee39 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"15bee39\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Procedures and requirements<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Before entering Vietnam, obtaining a visa is mandatory. This process can be conveniently completed online through the official government website at <a href=\"https:\/\/evisa.gov.vn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">evisa.gov.vn<\/a>. Be sure to submit visa applications only through official sources to avoid potential scams or extra fees charged by intermediaries.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">To avoid any issues, it\u2019s advisable not to leave this process until the last minute, as visa applications can take 3 to 5 business days to be processed.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2d2dc89 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2d2dc89\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>How did we get to Vietnam?<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Our journey to Vietnam wasn\u2019t direct and required several layovers. While this option can be tiring, it helped us save a significant amount of money\u2014funds we could later spend on exploring and sightseeing.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f8fd39 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8f8fd39\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Departure from Warsaw<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">We bought our tickets to Asia during a promotion on the Turkish Airlines website. Initially, we planned to fly from Krak\u00f3w to Kuala Lumpur, but after some minor schedule changes, we managed to rebook our tickets\u2014at no extra cost\u2014for a flight from Warsaw with a layover in Istanbul. The total cost was around 2300 PLN per person, including checked baggage.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e41b203 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"e41b203\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"Passengers smiling inside an airplane cabin during the Poland, Warsaw Airplane to Turkey trip\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-300x225.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-1024x768.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-320x240.jpeg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-800x600.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-512x384.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-920x690.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-1600x1200.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-3200x2400.jpeg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-002-1920x1440.jpeg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-7\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/poland-warsaw-airplane-to-turkey-001-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Airplane cabin with Warsaw Airplane to Turkey route screens displaying a flight attendant.\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-4351979 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"4351979\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Transit in Istanbul and flight to Kuala Lumpur<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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).<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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 \u201cER\u201d. Thanks to this, the journey felt quick and comfortable.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bbf47cc elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"bbf47cc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-001-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Inside an airplane cabin from Istanbul to Malaysia, with passengers seated at windows and screens in Turkey\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-8\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"In-flight screen showing Istanbul departure and route toward Malaysia, with Kuala Lumpur on the map\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-225x300.jpeg 225w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-800x1067.jpeg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-512x683.jpeg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-1024x1365.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-920x1227.jpeg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/turkey-istanbul-airplane-to-malaysia-002-1600x2133.jpeg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1db451a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1db451a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Coffee at the airport and a connecting flight in Malaysia<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">Despite feeling tired, I was pretty excited to get another stamp in my passport\u2014even if it was just for a short while. Those stamps always look cool!<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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\u2019d be staying. We explained that we were just passing through for a few hours before our next flight to Vietnam. Passports checked, stamp added\u2014ready to move on!<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We had some time for coffee and food before dealing with our luggage. Since our flight to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;city=13170\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ho Chi Minh City<\/a> was with a different airline\u2014VietJet Air\u2014we had to leave the transit area, collect our bags, and check them in again.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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\u2014so it all worked out without any issues.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s a good lesson\u2014always double-check your tickets because the stress really wasn\u2019t worth it. The flight to Ho Chi Minh City flew by\u2014literally. We passed out right after takeoff and woke up just as we were landing. But what happened next? We\u2019ll tell you all about it in the next part!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-8f7a29a elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"8f7a29a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>We have arrived in Ho Chi Minh City<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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\u2014our visas were checked without any issues, so we were able to move on quickly.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Public transportation in HCMC can be a bit tricky. The system operates in a somewhat unique way, and dragging suitcases around on foot wasn\u2019t exactly appealing\u2014especially since sidewalks are often narrow, crowded, or suddenly disappear when you least expect it.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">So, we decided to order a Grab\u2014an Asian equivalent of Uber that works seamlessly here. The app makes it easy to book a ride, and payments are cashless\u2014you just link your card, and you\u2019re good to go.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-63df2a0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"63df2a0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-006-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-006-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Airport: a Vietnam airline jet at the gate with ground crew and a mobile staircase\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-006-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-006-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-006-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-006-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-007-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-9\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-007-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Crowd waiting at Ho Chi Minh Airport arrivals hall with overhead signs and boarding gates\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-95c2160 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"95c2160\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Traffic conditions<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Well, let\u2019s just say\u2014things on the roads here are different. <b>Very different<\/b>. If you\u2019re 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We\u2019ll 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\u2014so you can be prepared, or at least mentally brace yourself for the experience.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Let\u2019s start with what stands out the most\u2014traffic, scooters, honking, and rules that don\u2019t always resemble those found in driving manuals.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-cddacba elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"cddacba\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Car rental in Vietnam<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019re considering renting a car in Vietnam, let me say this upfront\u2014it\u2019s possible, but you need to be well-prepared. This is definitely not a place for inexperienced drivers, especially if you haven\u2019t navigated the chaotic traffic typical of Asian roads before.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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\u2014someone who knows the local rules (or lack thereof)\u2014is often the preferred option.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">There are, however, rental companies that offer cars without a driver. To rent one, you\u2019ll need an <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/guides\/what-is-an-international-driving-permit-and-when-is-it-needed\/\">\ud83e\udeaa International Driving Permit (IDP)<\/a> issued under the 1968 Vienna Convention or obtain a temporary Vietnamese driver\u2019s license.<\/p><p>Is it worth it? If you don\u2019t 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\u2014which we\u2019ll cover later in this post.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-027fd30 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"027fd30\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--2 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-008-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-008-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Street scene in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with motorbikes and delivery boxes outside Piaggio.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-008-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-008-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-008-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-008-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-009-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-10\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-009-650x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Traffic with motorbikes and masked riders on a street in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-009-650x650.jpeg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-009-148x148.jpeg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-009-296x296.jpeg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-009-1300x1300.jpeg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1294cb7 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1294cb7\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Traffic regulations and reality<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">Traffic laws in Ho Chi Minh City do technically exist\u2014there are speed limits, road signs, and traffic lights. However, in practice, the flow of traffic operates on a completely different system\u2014one that relies more on instinct and improvisation than strict adherence to rules.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Speed limits? On paper, it\u2019s 30\u201340 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Parking follows a similar pattern. In theory, there are rules, but in practice, cars often end up wherever there\u2019s space\u2014on sidewalks, by curbs, or even partially blocking traffic lanes. And, honestly, no one seems too bothered by it.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">When it comes to traffic lights, things can be pretty flexible. Red light? It depends. If there\u2019s 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.<\/p><h3>Pedestrians on the road<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s 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\u2014it usually works!<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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\u2019s best to approach it with plenty of patience\u2014or simply let someone else do the driving.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-69ee12f elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"69ee12f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/e3IJDmYtpn4&quot;,&quot;yt_privacy&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;lazy_load&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1b16418 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1b16418\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>How did we move around the city?<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Traffic like this doesn\u2019t scare me anymore\u2014thanks to previous trips, I\u2019ve 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\u2014overall, a great adventure!<\/p><p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019re planning to rent a scooter in Vietnam, stay alert. We\u2019ll share all the details in a separate post, but here are a few key tips right now:<\/p><ul><li class=\"p1\"><b>Never leave your passport as collateral.<\/b> Provide a copy of your document or leave a cash deposit. Your passport should always stay with you.<\/li><li class=\"p1\"><b>Take photos and a video<\/b> of the scooter before you ride. Focus on scratches, cracks, and damage to avoid surprises when returning it.<\/li><li class=\"p1\"><b>Check the scooter\u2019s condition<\/b>\u2014lights, horn, and brakes are essential. Scooters in Vietnam are often heavily used, so it\u2019s best to verify everything works.<\/li><\/ul><p class=\"p1\">We ended up with a scooter that had <b>electrical issues<\/b>. 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.<\/p><h3 class=\"p1\"><b>Why the scooter?<\/b><\/h3><p class=\"p1\">A scooter is probably the fastest and most convenient way to get around HCMC. Taxis and Grab are fine, but during rush hours, you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-18ffa91 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"18ffa91\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--2 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"Two travelers pose with a red scooter at a fuel station in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-320x240.jpg 320w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-512x384.jpg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-920x690.jpg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-1600x1200.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-3200x2400.jpg 3200w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-010-1920x1440.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-11\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"2560\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment- size-\" alt=\"Man riding a red scooter in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, outdoors among trees and greenery\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-768x1024.jpg 768w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-800x1067.jpg 800w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-512x683.jpg 512w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-1024x1365.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-920x1227.jpg 920w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-011-1600x2133.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f3302d6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f3302d6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Public transport<\/h2><h3>Public transportation<\/h3><p class=\"p1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/busmap.vn\/index\/en\/Ho_Chi_Minh_City-hcm\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ho Chi Minh City has an extensive bus network<\/a> 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\u2014so it\u2019s best to have the exact amount ready.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Although buses are an affordable way to get around, their quality and comfort might not match what you\u2019re 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7d70ab1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7d70ab1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Passenger transportation in Ho Chi Minh<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">In HCMC, one of the most popular ways to get around is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.grab.com\/vn\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Grab<\/b><\/a>\u2014the local version of Uber. It works similarly\u2014you book a ride through the app, choose your option (car or scooter), and you\u2019re ready to go.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">What about safety? Well, as the saying goes\u2014one 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\u2019s always smart to stay alert. Double-check that the car or scooter matches the details in the app. If something feels off, it\u2019s better to cancel and book another ride\u2014there\u2019s no shortage of drivers here.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-245c695 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"245c695\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Subway<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">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) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.aljazeera.com\/gallery\/2024\/12\/22\/historic-achievement-vietnams-ho-chi-minh-citys-first-metro-line-opens\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">was officially inaugurated on December 22, 2024<\/a>.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Line 1 is 19.7 kilometers long and includes 14 stations\u2014three underground (B\u1ebfn Th\u00e0nh, 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s 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.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a22a839 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"a22a839\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/watch?v=KJU_I2Lv1rQ&quot;,&quot;yt_privacy&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;lazy_load&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-9881898 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"9881898\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Accommodation<\/h2>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1dc6229 elementor-widget elementor-widget-google_maps\" data-id=\"1dc6229\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"google_maps.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-custom-embed\">\n\t\t\t<iframe loading=\"lazy\"\n\t\t\t\t\tsrc=\"https:\/\/maps.google.com\/maps?q=Aristo%20Saigon%20Hotel%2C%20ho%20chi%20minh%2C%20vietnam&#038;t=m&#038;z=15&#038;output=embed&#038;iwloc=near\"\n\t\t\t\t\ttitle=\"Aristo Saigon Hotel, ho chi minh, vietnam\"\n\t\t\t\t\taria-label=\"Aristo Saigon Hotel, ho chi minh, vietnam\"\n\t\t\t><\/iframe>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-254ad3f elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"254ad3f\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"p1\">During our stay in Ho Chi Minh City, we stayed at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;hid=1196034\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>Aristo Saigon Hotel<\/b><\/a>, which we booked through Agoda. The hotel is located in the city center, in <strong>District 3<\/strong>, close to major tourist attractions. <\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The hotel itself was fairly modest\u2014nothing 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.  <\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">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 caf\u00e9s instead. Service? No complaints here\u2014helpful and friendly staff.    <\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-615135b elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"615135b\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>SIM card<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">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 <b>Mobifone<\/b>\u2014I opted for an eSIM, while Jadzia chose a physical SIM card.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Looking back, we realized that <b>Viettel Mobile<\/b> might have been a better choice, as it offers wider coverage across Vietnam. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;city=13170\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ho Chi Minh<\/a> and nearby areas, we experienced some signal issues, especially outside the city center, where network access was more limited. It\u2019s also worth noting that 5G technology in Vietnam is still in the development phase and isn\u2019t widely available yet.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">When it comes to purchasing an eSIM through apps before your trip, we wouldn\u2019t recommend it due to the higher costs. It\u2019s much better to get a local SIM card upon arrival.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f486b81 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"f486b81\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3>Wi-Fi Calling<\/h3><p class=\"p1\">Wi-Fi Calling is a really useful feature, especially during international trips\u2014and 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">In practice, this means that when you\u2019re connected to Wi-Fi\u2014for example, in a hotel or caf\u00e9\u2014your phone can use Wi-Fi Calling to connect with your Polish operator. The key is to check that your operator\u2019s name appears on the status bar with the label Wi-Fi Calling.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bee97e5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bee97e5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Food<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">We could easily dedicate an entire chapter to Vietnamese cuisine\u2014and we probably will\u2014because every region served something different. In <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;city=13170\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ho Chi Minh<\/a>, 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 \u201cVietnamese\u201d restaurants back home.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We were hoping for something familiar, but we were quickly surprised\u2014here, the food is authentic and deeply local. Street food is a paradise for those who love bold flavors. Seafood takes center stage\u2014everything from crabs and shrimp to things you might not even want to ask about. It\u2019s all fresh, straight off the grill or out of the pot.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">But that\u2019s not all. Vietnam is famous for classics like <b>B\u00e1nh m\u00ec<\/b>\u2014crispy baguettes filled with meat, vegetables, and p\u00e2t\u00e9\u2014and <b>Ph\u1edf<\/b>, a flavorful noodle soup that\u2019s perfect for a quick recharge. Vegetarians won\u2019t feel left out either, as street stalls offer plenty of options based on tofu and rice noodles.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">If you\u2019re a bit picky and prefer your chicken to look \u201cpresentable\u201d, you might be in for a surprise\u2014here, nothing goes to waste. Fortunately, fast food options like McDonald\u2019s and KFC are also available if you need a quick and familiar bite.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">To sum up\u2014it\u2019s 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!<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-f75a4a6 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"f75a4a6\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-001-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-001-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Ho Chi Minh Foods in Vietnam at night, with people queuing outside a street food stall under bright lights.\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--portrait\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-002-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"1300\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-002-650x1300.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait\" alt=\"Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Foods night street food cart with a vendor holding a tray and hanging grilled seafood sacks\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--portrait\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-005-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"1300\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-005-650x1300.jpg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_portrait\" alt=\"Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh Foods: bottles of Bia Saigon beer on a table outside a storefront with a parked car nearby\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-003-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-003-650x650.jpg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Woman eating Vietnamese food at Ho Chi Minh Foods, with spring rolls and drinks on a wooden table.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-003-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-003-148x148.jpg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-003-296x296.jpg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-003-1300x1300.jpg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-004-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-12\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-004-1300x650.jpg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Fried spring rolls with cucumber and tomato dipping sauce on a plate, Vietnam Ho Chi Minh Foods\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6fe3184 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6fe3184\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Exchange office or ATM?<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">In Vietnam, we expected cash to be king\u2014both 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">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\u2014and it turned out to be a great decision.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Not all ATMs are fee-free, so it\u2019s worth keeping an eye on that. We used the purple <b>VPBank<\/b> ATMs, which didn\u2019t 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">For a trip this far from home, it\u2019s always a good idea to carry more than one card, just in case\u2014your bank might block a transaction, or your card could get lost or stolen.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-7852cf5 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"7852cf5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Climate and weather conditions<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Southern Vietnam, including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;city=13170\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ho Chi Minh City<\/a>, has a tropical climate. It\u2019s warm all year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25\u00b0C (77\u00b0F). The weather is divided into two main seasons\u2014dry 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s also worth mentioning that air conditioning is practically everywhere here. However, you need to be careful with sudden temperature changes, as it\u2019s easy to catch a cold. We experienced this firsthand\u2014after spending a day in air-conditioned spaces, Jadzia started feeling unwell, and we had to take a forced break from sightseeing. So if you\u2019re planning a longer stay, it\u2019s better not to overdo it with the cooling.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c04a226 elementor-widget elementor-widget-video\" data-id=\"c04a226\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-settings=\"{&quot;youtube_url&quot;:&quot;https:\\\/\\\/youtu.be\\\/CrFGuC9csLk&quot;,&quot;yt_privacy&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;lazy_load&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;,&quot;video_type&quot;:&quot;youtube&quot;,&quot;controls&quot;:&quot;yes&quot;}\" data-widget_type=\"video.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-wrapper elementor-open-inline\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-video\"><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-0032082 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"0032082\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Safety<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">In terms of safety, Ho Chi Minh City feels quite secure, although, as always, it\u2019s important to use common sense. We didn\u2019t encounter any dangerous situations, but petty theft can happen\u2014especially 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">A bigger hazard than pickpockets here is definitely the traffic. Crossing the street is an art you\u2019ll need to learn. In theory, there are crosswalks, but in practice\u2014no one pays attention to them. The best strategy? Simply step onto the street slowly and confidently, keep moving at a steady pace, and don\u2019t 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.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">And then there were the rats. Yes, they were there\u2014especially around markets and in narrow alleys, where street life goes on until late at night. I\u2019m not a fan of these rodents, and I won\u2019t lie\u2014I 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\u2019t stop laughing whenever I tried to avoid them.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-742d3c1 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"742d3c1\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>Places we were able to see<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">During our action-packed days in <b>Ho Chi Minh City<\/b>, we managed to visit plenty of interesting places \ud83d\udeb6\u200d\u2642\ufe0f\ud83d\udef5. We also took a short trip outside the city to explore the famous <b>Cu Chi Tunnels<\/b>\u2014a historic site that left a lasting impression on us.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">A lot of our time was spent on a <b>scooter<\/b>, exploring the city from all angles to get a true sense of everyday life. \ud83d\udea6 In addition, we enjoyed many long walks\u2014we love experiencing a city from the street level, as it\u2019s the best way to immerse ourselves in its atmosphere.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">Unfortunately, we had to skip one day due to Jadzia\u2019s illness \ud83e\udd12\u2014well, these things happen, and it\u2019s a good reminder that not every trip goes exactly as planned. We had hoped to visit the Mekong Delta \ud83c\udf3f, but we had to save that adventure for another time.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We\u2019ll share more details about what we managed to see in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.agoda.com\/partners\/partnersearch.aspx?pcs=1&amp;cid=1933139&amp;city=13170\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ho Chi Minh<\/a> and the surrounding areas in a separate post \u2013 <b>\ud83d\udc49 <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/vietnam-ho-chi-minh-city-what-to-see-here\/\">click here<\/a><\/b>.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-3244607 elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"3244607\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--3 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-012-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-13\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-012-1300x650.jpg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Ho Chi Minh City wall mural featuring anime-style characters with parked motorbikes in the foreground\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-014-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-13\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-014-650x650.jpg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Ho Chi Minh City street storefront with \u201c\u0110\u1ea0I VI\u1ec6T\u201d signs, \u201cSEAFOOD - Ph\u1ed1 L\u1eecA,\u201d and red lanterns\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-014-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-014-148x148.jpg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-014-296x296.jpg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-014-1300x1300.jpg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--square\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-015-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-13\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"650\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-015-650x650.jpg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_square\" alt=\"Ho Chi Minh City street view with Vietnamese storefronts and hotel sign Loan Vo Hotel on a building facade\" srcset=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-015-650x650.jpg 650w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-015-148x148.jpg 148w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-015-296x296.jpg 296w, https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-015-1300x1300.jpg 1300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 650px) 100vw, 650px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-013-mfrh-original-scaled.jpg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-13\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-013-1300x650.jpg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Ho Chi Minh City mural in Vietnam showing two figures in a wooden boat with a cat face\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2315d6d elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2315d6d\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>We pack our bags and continue on our way<\/h2><p class=\"p1\">Our next destination was <b>Da Lat<\/b> \u2013 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\u2019s often referred to as the \u201cCity of Eternal Spring\u201d.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">After analyzing different transportation options, we decided to go with a sleeper bus. In Vietnam, it\u2019s common to have buses equipped with beds instead of standard seats, which provides comfort during longer journeys. We bought our tickets from <a href=\"https:\/\/futabus.vn\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><b>FUTA Bus Lines<\/b><\/a>.<\/p><p class=\"p1\">We\u2019ll cover how to get around between towns in Vietnam in a separate post. In the meantime, <a href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/asia\/vietnam-in-the-heart-of-the-mountains-peaceful-da-lat-part-2\/\">join us for the second part of our adventure!<\/a> \ud83d\uddfa\ufe0f \u2728<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e7fb83a elementor-widget elementor-widget-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry\" data-id=\"e7fb83a\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-e-type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"qi_addons_for_elementor_image_gallery_masonry.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-shortcode qodef-m qodef-qi-image-gallery-masonry qodef-qi-fslightbox-popup qodef-popup-gallery qodef-image--hover-zoom qodef-qi-grid qodef-layout--qi-masonry qodef-items--fixed qodef-col-num--2 qodef-responsive--predefined\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-grid-inner\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"qodef-qi-grid-masonry-sizer\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"qodef-e qodef-image-wrapper qodef-grid-item qodef-item--landscape\">\n\t<div class=\"qodef-e-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"qodef-popup-item\" itemprop=\"image\" href=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-016-mfrh-original-scaled.jpeg\" data-type=\"image\" data-fslightbox=\"gallery-14\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1300\" height=\"650\" src=\"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/vietnam-hochiminh-016-1300x650.jpeg\" class=\"attachment-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape size-qi_addons_for_elementor_image_size_landscape\" alt=\"Ho Chi Minh City street scene with motorbikes and a green bus near a building labeled Vietnam, Ho Minh City?\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/main>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Vietnam adventure begins in Ho Chi Minh City \u2013 street chaos, delicious food, transport tips, safety advice, and first sightseeing impressions.","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5741,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"csco_display_header_overlay":false,"csco_singular_sidebar":"","csco_page_header_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[104],"tags":[174,342,166,175,173,171,153,170],"class_list":{"0":"post-5855","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-asia","8":"tag-culture-and-habits","9":"tag-motorcycle-rental","10":"tag-motorcycle-travels","11":"tag-travel-planning","12":"tag-travel-safety","13":"tag-urban-tourism","14":"tag-vietnam","15":"tag-visas-and-documents","16":"cs-entry"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5855","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5855"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5855\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5741"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5855"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5855"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/warsawtravelers.pl\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5855"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}