Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: Experience of Saigon self-guided traveling

Saigon, the most dynamic and modern city in Vietnam, is the economic engine of the country, as well as an unmissable destination for visitors from far away to Vietnam... For countless reasons, Saigon always possesses a strange attraction for any visitor.

This comprehensive Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide will serve as your trusty companion as you embark on an unforgettable journey through this captivating metropolis. We'll delve into the city's rich history, explore its vibrant cultural tapestry, and uncover its hidden gems, ensuring that you make the most of your time in Saigon.

Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, this guide will equip you with the knowledge and insights to navigate Saigon's bustling streets, discover its culinary treasures, and immerse yourself in its unique atmosphere. Get ready to be captivated by the city's infectious energy, its diverse neighborhoods, and its endless array of experiences.

So, pack your bags, embrace the spirit of adventure, and let's embark on a journey to uncover the enchanting charm of Saigon together!

1. First of all in Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: Ideal time to travel to Saigon

Located in the tropical monsoon region with an average year-round temperature of 25 - 35 degree Census, people living in Saigon often joke that there are 2 seasons here: hot season and very hot season. However, to be fair, Saigon's climate is divided into 2 distinct seasons.

• The dry season starts from the beginning of January to the end of April - Right after the streets resound with melodies welcoming a new year, it is time to feel the hot days approaching. This is the time when Saigon is sunny from early morning, the weather is generally dry, it is unlikely to rain, perfect for walks. However, the temperature will be quite high, the bright rays of sunlight will only stop when the sunset falls at 5-6 pm every day.
• The rainy season lasts from May to November with cooler weather. Depending on the time, the city will have sudden big and small rains. When traveling to Saigon on your own this season, don't forget to bring an umbrella or raincoat with you.

A special season that only those who have been in Saigon for a while can feel, is the festival season. Starting from November to the end of December, when Christmas music hums on every street, high-rise buildings, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants are bustling with Christmas decorations, it is also the coolest season, with the wind blowing at night, the sunlight during the day seems to soften to welcome a sacred season of the year.

2. Notes for self-guided tour to Saigon:

For domestic tourists, you should book air tickets at least 1 month in advance and hotels at least 1 week before departure to avoid sold-out tickets and rooms.

For foreign tourists, check and make sure whether you and your relatives need a visa to enter Vietnam for a short-term stay (90 days). Currently, with Vietnam's tourism promotion solutions, citizens of many countries like Japan, South Korea, Scandinavian countries, ASEAN countries… are allowed to enter Vietnam without a short-term visa or the visa application procedure upon landing at international airports is very quick and easy.

Indispensable items for a trip to Saigon on your own are personal documents, wallet, hat, sunscreen, some basic medicine, phone, camera to capture memorable moments in this city. For international tourists, it is not redundant to suggest buying travel insurance for the entire stay in Vietnam.

In addition to daily clothes, you should bring a polite, discrete set of clothes to visit historical or religious destinations

Follow the weather forecast to arrange your schedule, there are many destinations suitable for the sunny or rainy season or both, but sudden rains cannot interrupt the time to explore the city for tourists, especially when traveling to this city in the rainy season.

To round out this Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide, here are some Silverland Hotels tips that might be helpful for your future adventures in the city.

3. A few useful tips for a complete self-guided tour of Saigon:

• Be careful to protect your personal belongings when going to crowded places.
• Rush hours in Saigon are from 8:00 to 9:00 in the morning and from 5:30 to 7:00 in the afternoon everyday, especially the traffic density on the main roads from District 1 to other districts will be very high.
• Getting around Saigon is easy with many reputable taxi companies such as Vinasun, Mai Linh... and hailing services such as Grab, Be... However, be careful to avoid getting into the wrong taxis that often appear in crowded tourist areas such as around Ben Thanh market, Bui Vien walking street...
• Crossing the street for pedestrians is an "art", look for places that allow crossing with traffic signals, if you are afraid, try asking any local people standing nearby, they will be ready to help you cross the street in the middle of the bustling traffic.
• Don't be afraid to bargain when shopping, especially at the markets to avoid being "overcharged". Haggling is sometimes an art and a way to communicate with local people.

A modern city that still retains its own cultural beauty, colorful nightlife, or check-in locations that are constantly springing up to satisfy the pleasures of the city's young residents and tourists... and countless other interesting things. To fully explore Saigon with its unique stops, tourists often choose to travel independently to be proactive in their schedules and save money. This Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide hopes to suggest to you the experiences of self-guided travel to Saigon from those who have come and fallen in love with this land.