Ho Chi Minh City: Humidity, Motorbikes, and a Whole Lotta Pho
okay, so. i’m back. from… Ho Chi Minh City. yeah. it was… something. i’m still peeling the grime off my soul, honestly. i’m going to try and organize my thoughts, but no promises. expect tangents. expect rambling. expect me to forget what i was saying halfway through. that’s just how it went down.
first things first: the weather. i just checked and it’s… a damp hug right now. like, the air itself is trying to cling to you. nineteen point nine five degrees, feels like twenty point three five. ninety percent humidity. you’re basically marinating in your own sweat. pack light, breathable fabrics. seriously. don’t even think about bringing anything wool. you’ll regret it.
and the motorbikes. oh, the motorbikes. they are everywhere. like, a swarm of metal bees. crossing the street is an art form. a terrifying, exhilarating art form. don’t make eye contact. just… walk with purpose. like you own the road. even if you absolutely do not. i almost got flattened three times. it’s a miracle i’m still here.
I spent a lot of time wandering around District 1. It’s touristy, sure, but it’s also where a lot of the action is. The *Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is surprisingly beautiful, even if it feels a little out of place. And the Central Post Office? Gorgeous. Seriously, go check it out. It’s like stepping back in time. I even sent a postcard to my mom. She’ll probably think I’m dead before she gets it.
Food. Okay, let’s talk about the food. Pho. Obviously. I ate pho every single day. It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and it’s exactly what you need after battling the traffic. I found a little place down a side street - can’t remember the name, honestly - but it was amazing. Someone told me that the best pho is always found in the most unassuming places. They were right. I also tried banh mi, bun cha, and a million other things I couldn’t pronounce. It was all incredible. Check out some reviews on TripAdvisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g293732-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html if you want some recommendations, but honestly, just wander and see what smells good.
I stumbled upon a really cool vintage shop in District 3. It was crammed full of old clothes, records, and random knick-knacks. I picked up a silk scarf for like, five bucks. Bargaining is essential, by the way. Don’t be afraid to haggle. They expect it. I found a bunch of other cool shops listed on Yelp https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=vintage+clothing&find_loc=Ho+Chi+Minh+City%2C+Vietnam.
I overheard some drunk tourists complaining about the noise. They were saying it was “overwhelming” and “unbearable.” I kind of get it, but I also found it… energizing? It’s a city that’s constantly buzzing. It’s chaotic, it’s loud, it’s a little bit crazy. But it’s also incredibly vibrant and alive. I’m already missing it, weirdly enough.
if you’re looking for something a little quieter, I heard that Vung Tau* is just a short bus ride away. Apparently, it’s got some nice beaches. I didn’t make it there this time, but maybe next time. Or maybe I’ll just go back to Ho Chi Minh City and brave the motorbikes all over again.
Oh! And a local warned me about the scams. Apparently, there are a lot of people trying to rip off tourists. Be careful who you trust. Don’t get into unmarked taxis. And always double-check the prices before you buy anything. It’s a good idea to check out some travel forums for more tips https://www.lonelyplanet.com/vietnam/ho-chi-minh-city.
Honestly, just go. It’s an experience you won’t forget. Just… bring a fan. And maybe a helmet.