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TOP THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY (SAIGON), VIETNAM The big city of southern Vietnam! There isn’t a ton here by way of historic tourist sites, but there’s still a lot to do. With arguably the best food scene in Vietnam, it’s a foody paradise. We spent about three days here, but could’ve probably spent at least a couple more just taking in the city and getting to all the restaurants on our wish list!  We primarily used Grab and our two feet to get around the city. The traffic here is insane and we wouldn’t recommend using a rented motorbike unless you’re a really experienced driver. Lane discipline isn’t a thing and traffic signals are suggestions. That, plus potentially corrupt police mean you could be pulled over simply to help pay for someone’s lunch.  We skipped a lot of the most common tourist attractions in Saigon because they just weren’t very appealing to us. Many of them have to do with Vietnam’s violent struggle towards independence and unification. We understand t...

  TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO VIETNAM Area Overview - Vietnam is one long, s-shaped country, capped at either end by its two biggest cities - Hanoi (north) and Ho Chi Minh City (south). Ho Chi Minh is also known by its former name, Saigon. In the middle of the country, you’ll only be an hour away from Laos on side and have beautiful beaches on the other. Most people do a trip starting in the north and then make their way south. Others, like us, go the other way, but we’re definitely the minority. You’ll find the most transportation options going in the southern direction and you’ll end up in or near Ho Chi Minh City, which as a ton of options for travel to other neighboring countries (like Malaysia, Cambodia, or Laos).   Brief History - Vietnam was originally heavily influenced by Chinese culture, then the Japanese used central Vietnam as a trading port for its ships. Historic Vietnam was different kingdoms. North / south. American war, then united in 1974.  Getting Arou...