Saigon Travel

2026-02-23

Looking for the best beaches near Ho Chi Minh City? This practical guide breaks down how far each beach really is, how to get there, and what resorts actually cost. From a quick Vung Tau beach day trip to a Con Dao or Phu Quoc island getaway, you’ll find transport options, local insights, and realistic planning advice to help you choose the right coastal escape from Saigon.

2026-02-16

Lunar New Year in Ho Chi Minh is beautiful — but it’s not what most tourists expect. While New Year’s Eve brings fireworks and flower streets, the city becomes unusually quiet for the first three days of Tet as locals return to their hometowns. Many restaurants close, services slow down, and prices rise due to holiday pay. This guide explains exactly what happens each day, where to celebrate, where to eat during Tet near District 1, 2 and 3, and whether you should stay in Saigon or travel elsewhere.

2026-02-10

This post isn't a travel guide; it’s a confession. As Saigon during Tet transforms into a silent ghost town, we explore the untold stories of those who stayed behind. From the "golden handcuffs" of holiday pay to the heartbreaking cost of flight tickets, this article draws a powerful parallel between Expats missing Christmas and locals missing Tet. It’s a raw, honest look at the "Tet Orphans"—the students, workers, and professionals who sacrifice reunion for a better future. If you are feeling lonely in the empty city today, this story is for you.

2026-02-10

Planning Valentine's Day in Vietnam this year? You are walking into a unique cultural storm. February 14, 2026, lands on "28 Tet" - the peak of the Lunar New Year rush. The streets are gridlocked, flower markets are buzzing, and many shops close early. This guide is your survival map for Ho Chi Minh City. We reveal the best "sanctuary" workshops for the afternoon, updated fine-dining spots that remain open, and strategic rooftop bars to escape the traffic. Plus, discover why an Eat Saigon tour on a vintage Vespa might be the smartest romantic move you make this holiday.

2026-01-21

Planning a trip to Saigon can be overwhelming with so many tour options. In this comprehensive 2026 guide, we analyze the best travel agency in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam based on your preferred travel style. Whether you want the vintage thrill of Vespa A Go Go, the luxury speedboats of Les Rives, or the comfort of Saigon Adventure's limousines, we break down the top 10 operators. We provide honest reviews, transparent price ranges ($30 - $150+), and expert tips on avoiding tourist traps like Ben Dinh tunnels, ensuring you choose the perfect partner for an authentic Vietnamese experience.

2026-01-19

Just 40km from Ho Chi Minh City, the Can Gio Mangrove offers a perfect escape from urban chaos. This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is not just "Monkey Island" but a vital ecological lung and historical site. Our comprehensive guide breaks down everything an expat needs to know: understanding the region's recovery from wartime "ecocide" , choosing between a luxury speedboat tour or an adventurous DIY motorbike trip , and navigating police speed traps. Finally, we explore must-visit spots like Vam Sat Ecopark and the seafood haven of Hang Duong Market, ensuring a deep and authentic experience.

2026-01-19

Saigon is a city where coffee is more than just a daily habit, it’s a lifestyle. From quiet hidden cafés tucked away in old apartments to modern specialty coffee shops in the heart of the city, Saigon offers an endless variety of places for coffee lovers to explore. In this article, I’ve curated 15 coffee shops located in central Saigon that I truly enjoy and would highly recommend. Whether you’re looking for a cozy space to relax, a work-friendly café, or simply a great cup of coffee, this list will help you find the perfect spot during your time in Saigon.

2025-12-30

If there is one night when Saigon truly refuses to sleep, it is Ho Chi Minh City New Year’s Eve. As the final hours of December 31st tick away, the city shifts into a very particular rhythm: part celebration, part chaos, part collective release. Fireworks crack over the Saigon River, street corners turn into spontaneous dance floors, cafés overflow onto sidewalks, and traffic transforms into a slow-moving parade of horns, laughter, and phone cameras pointed skyward.

2025-12-19

Binh Thanh District is where ancient Saigon ground meets everyday local life. Beyond the shadow of Landmark 81, this district reveals quiet temples, old markets, and some of the city’s most underrated street food - still cooked for locals at local prices. This guide walks you through Binh Thanh the way it’s meant to be experienced: light on history, rich on food, and practical enough to turn into a real one-day plan.

2025-12-15

For travelers and expats, the gridlock can be shocking. But if you shift your perspective, you’ll find yourself in the middle of one of the most unique cultural displays on the planet. This guide dives deep into the phenomenon of "Di Bao Noel", the unofficial Saigon Christmas motorbike parade, and how to navigate it without losing your mind (or your phone).