she to ho chi minh city last year

A & Em Saigon Hotel. 7.8 Very good. Based on 1969 reviews. A & EM Thu Khoa Huan is probably one of the best value hotels in district 1. really pretty interior deco, clean and spacious, comfortable living and even a personal computer in your room. 168 Bài tập viết lại câu Tiếng Anh cơ bản và nâng cao có đáp án chi tiết - cô Tạ Thanh Hiền; Bộ tài liệu chuyên đề các năm. Năm 2017; Năm 2018; Năm 2019; Trích đoạn tài liệu. The last time I went to Ho Chi Minh City was ten years ago. Fast Facts: Ho Chi Minh Known For: Ho Chi Minh was a revolutionary who led the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Also Known As: Nguyen Sinh Cung, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Bac Ho Born: May 19, 1890 in Kim Lien, French Indochina Died: September 2, 1969 in Hanoi, North Vietnam Spouse: Zeng Xueming (m. 1926-1969) Early Life Only the nicest apartments are listed here at good price value for expats and tenants looking to rent in Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City.\r\n. Hotline: +84 911 50 2121 Whatsapp/Viber: +84 911 50 2121; Home; (1 Year) Better Rates; Short Term Rent Top 50 Rental Places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. D1. Vinhomes Golden River; The One Saigon; New Question 46: She last visited her home country ten years ago. She hasn't visited her home country for ten years. She didn't visit her home country ten years ago. She has visited her home country for ten years. She was in her home country for ten years. Question 47: "I'll help you with the washing-up, Mary" he said. Pseudo Sympa Pour Site De Rencontre. Michelin is pleased to present the very first restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City. Among the 103 recommended restaurants 48 in Hanoi and 55 in Ho Chi Minh City, 4 are recognised with one MICHELIN Star for their high-quality cooking 3 in Hanoi and 1 in Ho Chi Minh City, and 29 establishments – the inspectors’ best value-for-money - receive a Bib Gourmand for offering good food at moderate prices.“We’re very proud to finally present the first restaurant selection in Vietnam, with a total of 103 restaurants in the Guide, highlighting 4 restaurants awarded with one MICHELIN Star.” said Gwendal Poullennec, International Director of the MICHELIN Guide. “The first selection in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City highlights the differences and variety in what these two cities have to offer. Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, offers a very laid back and relax vibe with small shops and restaurants found mostly in the old quarter. Traditional Vietnamese cuisine with Northern flavour is prevalent in this city, with a clear presentation of natural flavour, enhanced with different types of spices and herbs for complexity. Ho Chi Minh City on the other hand, is a bustling and rapid-growing city that offers a unique energy to all travelers and has a diverse variety of cuisine. Both modern and traditional cooking techniques are well seen, and there is also a great mix of talents and young local chefs eager to present their ideas and creations on the plate. This is just the beginning of the MICHELIN Guide’s journey in Vietnam, and our inspectors have been more than pleased to have discovered many gastronomic spots in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, and I am sure, many more in the coming years.” Newly minted one MICHELIN Starred Anăn Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City and Gia in Hanoi. © Anăn Saigon, Gia 4 Restaurants Awarded One MICHELIN StarAmongst the 103 restaurants in the selection, one MICHELIN Star is awarded to 3 restaurants in Hanoi, and 1 restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City, for offering high quality cooking and outstanding culinary experience that is worth a stop when travelling to Saigon Ho Chi Minh City, a Vietnamese contemporary restaurant, whose Chef Peter Cuong Franklin applies modern cooking techniques to street food recipes to create enticing flavours, earned the one MICHELIN Star recognition. Whether you order the fresh tuna tartare, a roasted duck-mozzarella-herb mini pizza, shrimp and pork tacos, or bone marrow wagyu beef phở, every dish is a masterclass of well-balanced flavours and Hanoi is a Vietnamese contemporary restaurant, run by Chef Sam Tran, receiving one MICHELIN Star recognition for its menu that changes with the seasons and is inspired by Vietnamese culinary heritage. Deceptively complex, the beautifully crafted dishes showcase well-judged combinations of subtle flavours, with acidity and texture playing prominent by Koki Hanoi presents a theatrical experience at a 14-seat counter in the basement of Capella Hotel, with Chef Hiroshi Yamaguchi skillfully and precisely cooked teppanyaki dishes rich in complex flavour. The menu features a distinctly decadent edge, epitomized by the premium ingredients flown in twice a week from Japan, such as abalone, spiny lobster, sea urchin, Yaeyama Kyori beef and Hokkaido hairy Vị Hanoi a vintage tea house that feels distinctly northern Vietnamese with its nostalgic collection of Chinese furniture and hand-written signs. They serve northern Vietnamese dishes with some central and southern options. The Vietnamese ham with periwinkle Chả Ốc snails comes with fresh herbs, vegetables and rice vermicelli with fish sauce. The crab soup with Canh Cua Mừng Tơi malabar spinach has a subtle crab flavour in a clear broth. 1946 Cua Bac and Don Duck Old Quarter in Hanoi. © 1946 Cua Bac, Michelin 29 Establishments Awarded a Bib Gourmand Inspectors’ Favourites for Quality Cooking at Moderate PricesThe Bib Gourmand distinction highlights the restaurants within the MICHELIN Guide restaurant selection that stand out for value-for-money offers. Often considered as the “top tips” from the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors, the Bib Gourmand restaurants are much followed and highly appreciated by users of the Guide seeking affordable establishments, without compromising on the quality of the cuisine and the products year, a total of 29 restaurants and food establishments are awarded a Bib Gourmand distinction, with 13 based in Hanoi and 16 in Ho Chi Minh City. Out of the 29 Bib Gourmand establishments, more than half are Vietnamese cuisine or street food, strongly reflecting the high popularity of street food being rooted in the local Bib Gourmand Establishments in Hanoi1946 Cua Bac – a Vietnamese restaurant, whose signature dish is the fried crab and rice porridge hotpot. Served in small bowls at the table, the crab, pigeon, beef balls and vegetables combine in a naturally sweet medley of Cha Ta Nguyen Huu Huan Street offers various bún chả and fried spring rolls. The classic bún chả features tender, smoky grilled pork, well-seasoned meat patties and smooth rice noodles with a balanced soup base. Among the crispy spring rolls, the seafood crab version delivers a consummate umami flavour, while the chicken is rich and meaty. They also offer rice noodles with fried tofu and tomato sauce and fried spring rolls for Cá Thăng Long – not to be confused with two other outlets with the same name in the same street run by the same family, make a beeline for number 6B; a century-old, pale yellow painted townhouse reached through a small courtyard. The highlight is chả cá, grilled catfish with turmeric, cooked at the table in a sizzling saucepan with spring onions and dill, and deliciously paired with vermicelli noodles, coriander, shrimp paste and peanuts for an intriguing combination of Bạn which means “hello friend” in Vietnamese, it is the epitome of friendly and easygoing. In the kitchen, Chef Madame Hang gives traditional Vietnamese recipes a new spin with modern techniques and much aplomb. Her nem rán cua, or crab spring rolls, deliver balanced flavours and contrasting textures. The menu’s Dac Biet section is a treasure trove of her creative signature Duck Old Quarter is a bliss for duck lovers. This eatery in the bustling Old Quarter conjures up almost every conceivable form of your favourite poultry. For an authentic local taste, try the duck phở noodle soup. For a variation of the Chinese classic, order the grilled à la Peking duck or enjoy duck in hot pots, spring rolls, or even deep-fried and tossed in a sweet and sour – a restaurant tucked away in a narrow side street, Habakuk doesn’t stand out, so keep a lookout for the blue back-lit signs. By day, it's a specialty coffeeshop serving single-origin coffee and a small brunch menu. In the evening, it morphs into a modern bistro. The concise dinner menu is modern European with distinct Mediterranean accents. The cooking is confident, neatly presented and steeped in well-judged flavours. Phở Bò Ấu Triệu and The East. © Michelin Phở 10 Lý Quốc Sư - One of three branches in Hanoi, this small pho eatery enjoys a fine reputation, but beware of imitations in the city. The menu offers 10 impressive pho options, including tái and chin brisket, nạm flank beef and bắp trần beef fillet. The pho itself is hearty and supremely refreshing with tender pieces of beef that melt in the Bò Ấu Triệu is a shop which lacks any signage, but boasts a single distinctive feature phở bò, to the exclusion of anything else on the menu. Served in an intense beef bone stock, cooked for 10 hours, it comes with tender beef flank and Gà Nguyệt serves chicken noodle dishes with a variety of chicken parts but the tender thigh is a standout – perfect for both soup and dry noodle dishes. Mix and match from thigh and wings or wings and back with condiments to your Gia Truyền a street food establishment that offers numerous hearty options including phở tái nạm slices of flank steak, phở tái round steak and phở chín brisket. Add the crispy fritters to perfect your dish like the local does. For the complete and satisfying meal, splash out a little extra for a trứng gà golden egg yolk.The East stands out from the crowd with its excellent northern Vietnamese cuisine. Start with the crab spring rolls wrapped in a fine, crispy skin packed with savoury filling, followed by bún chả grilled pork and rice vermicelli, which is the signature dish here and a street food staple in the Bún Chả 34 is famous for its bún chả, or rice noodles with fresh herbs and pork, chargrilled to order. Dip the noodles in the flavoursome broth and feel free to order an extra spring roll for added Cơm presents authentic Northern Vietnamese home cooking in its cosy restaurant with retro decor reminiscent of Hanoi houses in the 1980s and 1990s. The menu options vary from day to day and week to week, with simple yet delicious dishes like stir-fried water spinach with garlic and deep-fried tofu with green onion. The broken rice grains at Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền and traditional Cantonese at Dim Tu Tac Dong Du in Ho Chi Minh City. © Michelin, Dim Tu Tac 16 Bib Gourmand Establishments in Ho Chi Minh CityBếp Mẹ ỉn Le Thanh Ton is a hidden gem near Ben Thanh Market. With its pleasant buzz, the restaurant offers a welcoming atmosphere. Perch on one of the wooden stools, as the regulars do, and sample the signature Vietnamese pancake with shrimp and pork, served in a shallow bamboo basket. The fried rice with shrimp and egg, served in a coconut shell, is also worth trying. The service is friendly, portions are perfect for sharing and MSG is Garden - located at the end of a quiet pedestrian street in the busy city centre, this vegetarian restaurant crafts delicious, affordable Vietnamese nosh, such as braised eggplant with banana and green beans. The old colonial-style house sports a charming tree-lined patio, which provides the perfect foil to this fine dining Tấm Ba Ghiền - The Saigonese have always held food in great respect, so broken rice grains never go to waste. Since the 1990s, this unassuming stall has been serving what many locals consider to be the best cơm tấm or broken rice dish in town. Their most popular version is steamed broken rice topped with pork chop marinated in a secret sauce and perfectly grilled over charcoal, along with pickled radish and sweet and sour fish Gach Quan sports two dining rooms facing each other on the same street, flanked by a supremely relaxing koi pond and leafy garden. The menu is mostly traditional Vietnamese, such as đậu hũ chiên sả ớt deep-fried tofu with finely chopped lemongrass, and the signature canh chua cá hú fish soup, rich in tangy sweetness. Make sure you save room for desserts like deep-fried banana or the sương sâm jelly with an intense herbal Tu Tac Dong Du Out of the four restaurants in the city, the Dong Du branch seats over a hundred and is always busy, particularly at lunchtime. They serve traditional Cantonese cuisine in a comfortable, modern setting, including a large selection of dim sum, BBQ dishes, soups, seafood and much Phát District 3 - Hủ tiếu hồng phát noodles symbolise the culinary marriage of Choazhu and Khmer culture that was introduced to Saigon in the 1970s. Friendly service is de rigueur at this simple shop, which offers all-day dining but where locals particularly flock for breakfast. The soft rice noodle soup comes with minced meat, liver, fresh tiger shrimps or braised blood curd accompanied by an assortment of herbs and bean sprouts. The chả giò tôm cua shrimp and crab spring rolls make a great Garden is an attractive house with a pleasant courtyard, patio and quaint furnishings outside the city centre, nestled on a quiet street in a residential area. The Vietnamese-inspired vegetarian cuisine, rich in modern twists, uses mostly organic, fresh ingredients, sourced direct from farmers. The deep-fried mushroom rolls are simply out of this Chào should be on everyone's bucket list. Mama Dung started out in the northern city of Nam Dinh in 1986, armed with her grandmother's recipe for a light, clean, pure broth. Now, in her Ho Chi Minh City shop, diners choose between a three-day beef-bone stock or chicken broth; stand-out dishes include the phở bắp hoa, featuring crunchy medium-rare beef, and Mama Dung's gà tôm mắm sốt crispy fried chicken. There is also phở tine – a creative Western-style take on phở, served with golden French fries, beef noodle soup and cheese. Xôi Bát serving steamed sticky rice and Phở Hoà Pasteur, a popular pho joint since 1968. © Xôi Bát, Michelin Phở Hoà Pasteur is a popular restaurant has been serving delicious phở to the locals since it opened in 1968. The interior and service may not be glamorous, but the food is appropriately affordable and their delicious hallmark broth is a masterclass of balanced flavours. The menu offers a wide range of quality toppings including beef brisket, flank, tendon and tripe, as well as meatballs. Small Vietnamese side dishes are also Hoàng – This phở shop has been around since 2008 and the owner Mr Hoang is justly proud of his clear beef broth that takes over 12 hours to make. Feel free to customise your beef noodle soup by ordering tendon, flank, minced beef or even a raw egg on the side. Every bowl comes with garnishes like coriander, basil, lime wedges, onions and bean sprouts. For drinks, try their monk fruit herbal tea made with over 10 different Hương Bình is a simple stall that has been proudly serving Vietnam’s national rice noodle soup dish, phở, since 1958. There are only two items on the menu – phở gà chicken noodle soup and phở bò beef noodle soup. Feel free to order additional toppings such as chicken skin, egg yolk, beef brisket and tendon. The broth is clear and light, rich in full-bodied flavours and a savoury Lệ District 5 - Vietnam’s national noodle soup dish has taken the culinary world by storm, and Pho Le, one of the leading restaurants in town, insists on making it exactly the same way they have been doing for over 70 years. Come here for authentic southern Vietnamese style pho – in rich broth with a robust meaty flavour and a hint of sweetness from Miến Gà Kỳ Đồng is a true gem in the bustling city. The chicken phở here is nothing short of amazing. The essence of its deliciousness lies in the rich, aromatic chicken broth made by slow-cooking chicken bones for 3-4 hours. The tender chicken slices and rice vermicelli are also cooked to Minh - Despite its hard-to-find location down a narrow alley, Phở Minh has been attracting hungry Saigonese with its traditional beef noodle soup since 1945. Choose between beef tenderloin, brisket and a mix of different cuts available on the day. Their freshly baked pâté chaud is a must the puff pastry is flaky and the meat filling piping Phượng - Like most phở shops, you can order the house special to sample different beef cuts with the ubiquitous noodle soup. But the most popular ingredient here is oxtail – braised for 40 hours until the meat is tender and the skin Bát - Xôi steamed sticky rice is a Vietnamese staple popularly eaten as a quick breakfast or lunch. Determined to shatter the stereotype of xôi as a frugal fast food, in 2021 a young team opened Xôi Bát, a charming little eatery with a contemporary design and great attention paid to detail. They put their recipe for a relatively soft sticky rice into dishes such as xôi phá lấu trứng non, which includes quail eggs, pig ears and fried shallots, and is served with soup and kimchi as a simple, appetising meal. dining in Hanoi and Truffle restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City. © dining, Truffle 70 Other Establishments Recommended in the MICHELIN GuideA total of 70 other establishments 32 in Hanoi and 38 in Ho Chi Minh City also joins the MICHELIN Guide Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City 2023 selection, known as the MICHELIN Selected street food and local cuisine are here again widely represented in this selection, the traffic of international travelers to Vietnam allows the blossom of various cuisine types. A good mix of French, European, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Latin American or Mediterranean restaurants are for example examples are La Badiane Hanoi, a charming French restaurant with fusion cuisine; Truffle Ho Chi Minh City, a French contemporary restaurant; dining Hanoi, The Monkey Gallery Dining Ho Chi Minh City both with European contemporary cuisine; Akira Back Hanoi serving Japanese cuisine, and Octo Ho Chi Minh City serving Spanish MICHELIN Special AwardsIn addition to recommending quality restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide also aims to highlight talented individuals who contribute to enhancing the gastronomic dining experience. By doing so, it also acknowledges the diversity of jobs and know-hows involved in the restaurant the inaugural edition of the MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, the inspectors have found three worthy Service AwardThe MICHELIN Service Award aims to highlight and encourage skilled and talented front-of-house professional who dramatically adds to the customer experience. This award goes to Thi Nu Nguyen from MICHELIN Selected restaurant Vietnam House in Ho Chi Minh City. Ms Nguyen is very pleasant, she has good knowledge about food, wine and tea, with good recommendations for guests. With good understanding of the menu and the restaurant, she is happy to offer information during engagement with guest with a bright smile and the right service Sommelier AwardThe MICHELIN Sommelier Award recognises the skills, knowledge, and passion of talented sommelier of the industry, and is given to Yu Yamamoto from MICHELIN Selected restaurant Lửa in Ho Chi Minh from Japan with great passion in wine, Mr Yamamoto is well equipped with excellent wine knowledge. Managing around 70-100 labels with regular updates on the wine list, he is always fascinated to share quality wine as a daily special with diners. Not only that he will make sake on his own way, but also a will to promote wine culture in Young Chef AwardThe MICHELIN Young Chef Award recognises a young chef working in a restaurant of the selection and whose exceptional talent and great potential have impressed the inspectors. This year’s award is given to Sam Tran from one MICHELIN Starred restaurant Gia in Tran is a talented chef, as a Vietnamese chef at the age of 33, possessing smart cooking where Vietnamese culture is well incorporated into Western cooking. Her cuisine is impressive and filled with personality with precise preparation and accurate MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023 at a glanceTOTAL ESTABLISHMENTS 103- Total one MICHELIN Star 4- Total Bib Gourmand 29- Total MICHELIN Selected 70HANOI 48- One MICHELIN Star 3- Bib Gourmand 13- MICHELIN Selected 32HO CHI MINH CITY 55- One MICHELIN Star 1- Bib Gourmand 16- MICHELIN Selected 38The full selection of the MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City 2023 is attached to this press release. It is also available on the MICHELIN Guide’s official website and the MICHELIN Guide mobile app available on iOS and Android. The restaurants join the MICHELIN Guide selection of hotels, which features the most unique and exciting places to stay locally and throughout the world, alongside a full booking up-to-date with the latest MICHELIN Guide news, on MICHELIN Guide Asia Facebook page and MICHELIN Guide Asia Youtube channel. MICHELIN Guide Ceremony New Stars & Awards - MICHELIN Guide Germany 2023 Today Michelin revealed the new restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Germany. With a new 3-Star restaurant in Munich, German gastronomy shines brighter than ever. The festive event with the presentation of the stars took place this year in the Konzerthaus in Karlsruhe. Three Istanbul restaurants that made an impression on our inspectors Istanbul's abundance of beauty is bound to make a lasting impression on any visitor. This city is steeped in history, and the sight of the Bosphorus, its unique lifeline, will stay with you for a lifetime. The restaurants in our MICHELIN selection often share in that beauty, too. Our inspectors have selected three establishments where the captivating splendour of Istanbul comes into its own. The MICHELIN Guide Arrives in Vietnam Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City join the list of destinations covered by the MICHELIN Guide’s inspectors with the inaugural MICHELIN Guide Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City selection set for public release in June 2023. MICHELIN GuideMagazineMICHELIN Guide Ceremony 103 Restaurants Shine In The Inaugural Edition Of The MICHELIN Guide Hanoi & Ho Chi Minh City, Including 4 MICHELIN Stars Quick Facts Best Time to Go How Long to Stay What to Expect How to Get There Choose a Tour Style Where to Stay Vietnam has eased its travel restrictions from March 16, 2022. All travelers are exempt from quarantine to visit Vietnam now as long as you're fully vaccinated. As 'the most delicious city' in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City HCMC is suitable for travel all year round. Two to four days is enough to include the most famous tourist spots in the city, and also a trip to the Mekong Delta. As international flights, buses and cruises connect with the city, HCMC has become one of the most popular ports of entry and departure in Vietnam. Quick Facts The months November to April inclusive are the best months to visit. During festival times especially Lunar New Year, Christmas and western New Year, the city is crowded and prices rise. Two to four days' stay is enough for both a city tour and a trip to the Mekong Delta region. A foodie tour is one of the must-do things in HCMC. Guests from Australia, Europe and America will need at least one transit before arriving. There are many international flights from other popular Asian cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. A guided tour to the Mekong Delta region is recommended, for public transport is not too convenient in the region. Most travelers will choose to stay in the 1st District or the 3rd District. Recommended Itinerary positive customer reviews among 10,000+ positive customer reviews among 10,000+ Vietnam & UAE FANTASTIC tour! Thank you Albee Ning! Albee was INCREDIBLE. She arranged a 9-day private tour of both North and South Vietnam. No stone was left unturned a private cruise up the Mekong; excellent hotel reservations; personal, caring tour guides; More Consumer, Jun 2020 We traveled with Asia Highlights… My husband and I had an absolutely wonderful 5 1/2 week trip that was organized by the exceptional Ruby Zhao. We have traveled a lot and Ruby is the VERY BEST AGENT we have ever had! More Lurinda Smith Barton Barnwell, Mar 2020 We satisfied with Asia…Four Great Weeks in China and Viet Nam Asia Highlights was very efficient at advising us on what to see and the best routes to take, but they were also very flexible in integrating our own ideas in regard of travel destinations and accommodations. More Eva and Jim, Oct 2019 Trip to Vietnam with Asia Highlights was well above expectations My 12-day private trip to Vietnam was a very rewarding experience, and every day was fantastic, and well above expectations. My trip was perfectly well prepared and organized by Lissy Syoo from Asia Highlights, More cdietp, May 2019 Repeat Customer We traveled with China Highlights in 2015 and were completely satisfied, so when they emailed that they now were arranging trips to SE Asia we didn't even consider looking at other tour companies. More Terry, Feb 2019 7-Day Vietnam Tour - Hanoi, Halong Bay, Hue, Danang/Hoi An Asia Highlights did a great job planning and executing our family’s trip around Vietnam. We have two young girls and wanted to have a balance of sightseeing and activities so nobody got bored. More Andrew, Jan 2019 We would like to thank Asia Highlights We would like to thank Asia Highlights for a wonderful trip. Lissy was a joy to work with, in planning a vacation that took into account all our interests and was able to give us so much more than we expected. More Victor Cognato, Dec 2018 Vietnam with Asia Highlights Just returned from Vietnam trip arranged by Albee at Asia was very helpful with the arrangements even when I requested multiple changes in the itinerary. More Tom, Oct 2017 Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia… Just came back from Vietnam/Cambodia trip via Asia Highlights and had a wonderful experience. The hotels they chosed for us were all very food. the guides were all very professional and spoke good English More Yumin Zheng, Feb 2017 Best Time to Go Ho Chi Minh City is suitable for a visit all year round. The months November to April are probably the most comfortable months to visit. From November to April the weather is cool and dry, suitable for outdoor activities. This is the best time to visit. From May to October it is hot and wet. Rainfall increases sharply but the showers do not last long, and the rain can help by cooling down the temperatures. The peak travel season is in August, when all prices rise steeply. You are strongly recommended to book in advance for August. Festivals Compared to other cities in Vietnam, HCMC is more inclined to embrace western holidays, not simply focusing on traditional holidays such as Lunar New Year and National Day. During Christmas and western New Year, the city is busy and there will be a shortage of rooms and flight tickets, so booking in advance is necessary. Luxury Mekong Cruise between Vietnam and Cambodia How Long to Stay In one or two days, you can have a city tour and take a visit to My Tho the gateway to the Mekong Delta. If you stay for two to four days, we recommend you do the city tour, and later stay a night in the heart of the Mekong Delta, for you can explore the boisterous floating market early the next morning. For a better experience, we sincerely recommend that you stay one night in Can Tho. If you have a week or more, you can extend your trip to Phu Quoc Island. As one of the best beach resorts in Vietnam, the Island will never let you down. Recommended Itinerary What to Expect In the City Scenic Spots The Independence Palace, Central Post Office, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral and War Remnants Museum are landmarks of the city. Shows The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre, only offers three shows Ao Show, the DAR and the Mist. Among these, the Ao Show is not only the most famous, but is also regarded as the best. For the show timetables, you can refer to Saigon Opera House. Activities Motorbike Tour As a motorbike kingdom, a Vespa Motorbike Tour is the last thing you should miss in Vietnam. Not only can you join a city tour by motorbike, but you can also use the motorbike to negotiate the narrow streets and look for delicacies. Saigon River Dinner Cruise This is one of the most popular night activities in HCMC. Although the set menu is not that exceptional, the night views over the river really deserve a try. Night View from the Financial Tower The viewing deck is on the 49th story, but there is also a restaurant on the 51st floor and a cafe on the 52nd. Simultaneously tasting the delicious dishes and enjoying the stunning scenery will be one of the highlights of your stay in HCMC. Food Paradise If you would like to taste the most authentic dishes, joining a Foodie Tour should do the job. Not only will you taste the delicious dishes, but you will also learn from your guide about them and about local life in general. The street food culture in HCMC is popular, and eating street food should be one of the experiences you have here. In addition, there are also many fancy restaurants with both eastern and western menus, which will surely satisfy your stomach. Special Restaurant Recommendation Noir ranked No. 1 on TripAdvisor Have you ever eaten in an invisible environment? Have you ever imagined that those who serve you are blind? Dining in Noir will revolutionize your dining experience. When your eyes cannot see, your sense of taste will be stimulated. It will be interesting to guess what food you are putting into your mouth! Around the City Cu Chi Tunnel This will take you back into the time tunnels of the Vietnam War. Since the tunnels are short and it is damp and musty inside, some visitors will feel it is stuffy and uncomfortable as they walk through. But it is definitely an unusual and memorable experience. My Tho The gateway to the Mekong Delta. The easiest way to reach the Mekong Delta area is by joining a day tour from HCMC. Compared to other parts of the Mekong Delta, this is the most commercial area. Vinh Long Located between My Tho and Can Tho, Vinh Long has a lot of small islets awaiting your exploration. Can Tho At the heart of the Mekong Delta. We recommend our guests to stay one night in Can Tho, so they can visit the Cai Rang Floating Market, which is the highlight of Can Tho as well as the whole Mekong Delta area, early the next morning. Chau DocFrom here, you can get to Phnom Penh Cambodia by boat./p> How to Get There Flights The most popular international routes are to and from the capitals of some other Asian countries such as Bangkok, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and some other popular cities such as Hong Kong, or Shanghai, which can be transit stops for travelers departing from Australia, Europe and America, who need at least one transit before arriving in HCMC. For more information, you can refer to How to Get to Vietnam by Air. Trains or Buses There are no international trains, but international buses run regularly to and from Cambodia. Cruises There are regular cruises traveling along the Mekong River from other Southeast Asian countries such as Cambodia, Laos, and even Myanmar. Besides, many international cruises stop at Phu My Port, which is a two-hour drive from downtown HCMC. Shore excursions are very popular. Recommended Itinerary Choose a Tour Style Inside the City If you like to explore by yourself, renting a bike or a motorbike to travel round the city is a very good option. But doing so is not convenient or comfortable during the scorching summer or the rainy season . Outside the City Taking a guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta will be more appropriate than going on your own, due to the inconvenience of public transport. You can either choose a private tour or a group tour. Both are well worth it. Where to Stay Most visitors choose to stay in the 1st District or the 3rd District. [Is this really true? This is the same as Hoi An! ]If your budget is adequate, however, choosing a hotel along the river is also a good option, for you can enjoy the serene environment there and the beautiful view over the river. There are about 252 hotels in the Cho Ben Thanh Market area. The market is in the city center, so it is convenient to go from there to the main attractions by foot. There are also many high-end hotels nearby, but the area near the market is noisy. There are about 193 hotels around the train station or Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral. You can reach the downtown area in about 30 minutes by foot, and it is very convenient. You can choose from 109 hotels in the River District. But the price of the accommodation here is relatively high. It is more suitable for who prefer a quiet environment. Explore Asia with Asia Highlights At Asia Highlights we offer tailor-made tours through Asia, where you can enjoy all highlights as well as amazing cultural experiences. To get started, send us an email. [ Grammar ]She __________to Ho Chi Minh city last goesB. has goneC. goD. wentSelect your answer A B C D E Random Topics Complement vs. Compliment VocabularyComplement vs. Compliment Simple Past or Past ContinuousSo - Too - Either - NeitherReported Speech and Reported QuestionsWho am I?Verbs - third personPassive Voice in Past and Present TenseOther quiz Grammar › ViewWhat is the function of the pronoun? We finally decided to give the houseplant to they, them.A. subjectB. indirect objectC. direct objectD. object of a preposition Tenses › ViewI …………… that book next have not buyB. don’t buyC. didn’t buyD. will not buyHow to use Read the question carefully, then select one of the answers button. report this ad The number of foreigners in Ho Chi Minh City has decreased by 50 percent year-on-year to about 60,000 as of early December due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to statistics. The information was announced during a meeting organized by the Ho Chi Minh City Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs on Wednesday, the Vietnam News Agency reported. More than 800,000 foreigners, including approximately 80,000 overseas Vietnamese, have arrived at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in the southern metropolis so far this year, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Vo Chien Thang, deputy head of the city’s immigration office, said at the gathering. The number of foreign arrivals in Ho Chi Minh City in 2019 was over four million, including 400,000 overseas Vietnamese, Thang continued. About 60,000 foreigners currently stay in the southern metropolis, down by 50 percent compared to the same period last year, the official said, adding that the number is expected to continue decreasing in the coming time. According to a representative of the Southern Airports Authority, the COVID-19 pandemic has directly impacted aviation operations at Tan Son Nhat. As of November 15, the number of flights to and from the airdrome was 153,654, down by percent year-on-year. The number of passengers on these flights was million, deceasing by percent compared to 2019. The number of international flights to and from Tan Son Nhat in 2020 reduced by 65,000 compared to 2019. In 2020, more than 17,000 international flights arrived at the airport, carrying over million passengers including stranded Vietnamese citizens, experts, and diplomats. At the meeting, competent authorities also answered questions from representatives of overseas Vietnamese communities regarding immigration and quarantine procedures, investment policies, and dual nationality policies. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Nick and I have had “Live Abroad as an Expat” on our bucket list for several years now. We’ve dreamed about being immersed in another culture – learning the language, eating the food, and making local friends. We originally thought we’d move to Bangkok but after our trip to Vietnam in 2018, we quickly changed our minds. During this trip, we fell in love with the quaint neighborhoods of Ho Chi Minh City aka Saigon. The winding alleyways take you past Vietnamese families with their doors wide open and welcoming. We found the cuisine to be spectacular and endless. And we found the locals to be warm, friendly, and always happy to meet new foreigners Even after visiting many of Vietnam’s most popular destinations, Saigon was our favorite. And so we settled here in September of 2019. We signed a lease on an apartment and even gave birth to a healthy baby boy in Saigon. As much as we love living in Vietnam, at times it’s been a struggle to figure out the ins and outs of being an ex-pat in Saigon. We thought it would be helpful to pass along everything we’ve learned over the last 9 months living in Saigon. We hope this helps you to settle into your own ex-pat life in Vietnam! Disclaimer This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you. Neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts. It’s a massive metropolis that encompasses almost 800 square miles and has a population of over 10 million! Luckily, most of the city’s main attractions and best neighborhoods are concentrated in a handful of centrally located districts District 1 The District 1 D1 is the downtown area – it’s where many of Ho Chi Minh City’s major tourist attractions are located, including Ben Thanh Market, the Reunification Palace, Historic Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Bitexco Financial Tower. District 1 is home to most foreign consulates and corporate headquarters for foreign companies. If you plan on working in finance, real estate, or for a foreign business, there is a high likelihood that your office will be in this district. If you’re just visiting, this is also where you’ll find Saigon’s best hotels. There are also loads of amazing restaurants, lively bars, and great shops. Plus, D1 has several malls with popular Western shops like H&M, Zara, and Pull & Bear but you can also expect Western prices. Da Kao is a hip neighborhood in District 1 with popular eating and dining establishments. Te Te Taphouse and The Vintage Emporium are a few that keep us coming back to Da Kao. If you choose to live in Da Kao, you’ll be right near the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden so you’ll have access to green space for walking or just enjoying the outdoors. District 2 District 2 specifically the Thao Dien neighborhood is where most ex-pats living in Saigon tend to end up, especially families. Thao Dien has some great international schools. It also has a ton of restaurants, cute cafes, boutique shops, bars, and nightclubs. There are also lots of high-rise apartment buildings. You can rent an expensive spot complete with a gym and rooftop pool. For us, D2 feels a bit insulated from the rest of Ho Chi Minh City due to the high volume of foreigners living there. District 3 District 3 D3 is northwest of District 1 and is another popular place to live in Ho Chi Minh due to its proximity to Downtown. One of the things that made us fall in love with Saigon and ultimately decide to move here was one of the cute little areas in D3. It encompasses the alleyway leading to Acoustic Bar and the surrounding neighborhood. Here you’ll find fun bars and restaurants filled with young, hip Vietnamese locals! District 4 District 4 D4 is the area where we chose to live in Vietnam. In the past, it was one of the poorest areas of Ho Chi Minh City. It was run by a crime boss – Nam Cam, the “Godfather of Saigon”. The neighborhood was full of brothels and people gambled illegally behind closed doors. If you parked your motorbike wrong in D4 you could get yourself stabbed. But thankfully he was arrested so the area is now an up-and-coming place for ex-pats, tourists, and locals alike. There are several large apartment buildings in District 4 where you can get a long-term, furnished rental, or just an Airbnb. The buildings are the Saigon Royal, the Tresor, the Icon, the Millenium, and Rivergate Residences. All of these are newer buildings with a gym and a pool. And since D4 is just across the canal from District 1, it’s easy to walk Downtown to eat or to shop. We love that the area isn’t overrun by ex-pats or drug lords. District 7 District 7 D7 is another popular area for ex-pats to live. The area around Crescent Park seems to be far less chaotic than the rest of Vietnam. Motorbikes aren’t as prevalent and actually stop pedestrians from crossing the street. And ex-pats love the access to green space as well as the conveniently located Crescent Mall and French Vietnamese hospital. District 10 District 10 D10 is popular with some foreigners, especially those that teach English. It also offers many of the same amenities as District 3 but with much cheaper rent. Plus, it’s very local so you’ll immerse yourself in the Vietnamese way of life. Binh Thanh Binh Thanh is an area not included in the 24 districts. It sits right in between District 1 and District 2 so you’ll have easy access to both. Binh Thanh is home to Landmark 81 the tallest building in Southeast Asia. There are lots of apartment buildings clustered nearby. We have friends that live in City Garden. It is a lovely building with lots of green space, a beautiful pool, and cute shops and cafes in the common areas. The other districts aren’t nearly as popular for ex-pats to live in Vietnam. And they certainly aren’t popular places to stay if you’re just visiting. Vietnam Visas for Expats Vietnam has a variety of visa options for foreigners but every visitor must apply in advance – even the visa-on-arrival requires a pre-approval letter from a Vietnamese travel agency. Most tourists on vacation opt for the single entry 30-day e-visa but there are also options for longer-term multiple-entry tourist visas. Americans even have the option of a one-year, multiple-entry visa which is what we chose. Unfortunately, each entry stamp is only good for 90 days so we still have to leave Vietnam every 3 months to get stamped out and stamped back in. Luckily several tourist agencies can assist in obtaining your initial visa, as well as extending the visa or making border runs. We outlined the process for obtaining your initial tourist visa in our article on Vietnam travel tips. And for visa renewal assistance, we recommend Jane Snvi or Viet Dream Travel. Most ex-pats living in Vietnam get a work permit through their employer. That’s the easiest way to have a hassle-free stay in Vietnam because you don’t have to worry about exiting the country every few months. There’s also an under-the-table way to get a work permit where a company “sponsors” you but you don’t actually work there. It will cost you anywhere from $300 – $1,000 USD depending on what service you utilize. It’s unlikely that this method is totally legal but it appears to work for people who take that route. Cost of Living in Ho Chi Minh The cost of living in Ho Chi Minh City can vary wildly depending on your budget and preference. You can find simple apartments as inexpensive as $300 USD per month, or you can live in the lap of luxury for $1,000. If you’re looking for a nice apartment with some amenities, you’ll probably want to set a budget of $600 – 800 USD per month for rent. We chose to live in a furnished apartment on the 32nd floor of a new-ish building that has a gym and a pool. Our monthly rent is $900 USD and we are responsible for paying for water which is usually only $5-7/month and electricity which is quite expensive – usually $80-160/month. The cost of food varies widely in Ho Chi Minh City as well. You can find Vietnamese classics like banh mi or a bowl of pho for $1-2 USD. Or you can go to fancy Western-style brunch spots and spend $10 on an eggs benedict. We generally try to do both – we eat at local Vietnamese restaurants often although many don’t have air conditioning which can make eating a hot bowl of soup unpleasant and splurge on fancier restaurants every now and again. Transportation costs in Ho Chi Minh City are also quite low. Grab is like the Uber of SE Asia but at a fraction of the price. If you opt for a Grab Bike where you ride on the back of a motorbike, with a helmet of course you’re unlikely to spend more than a dollar or two to get anywhere in the city. But unfortunately, public transportation in HCMC is not widely available currently. How to Find an Apartment in Ho Chi Minh Finding an apartment in Ho Chi Minh City is actually much easier than you might imagine. There are quite a few Facebook groups dedicated to finding apartments and real estate in Saigon. All you need to do is post in each of these groups stating your desired living space for example “2-bedroom furnished apartment with pool and gym in District 2“ and your monthly budget. You’ll almost certainly be bombarded by rental agents offering to show you dozens of apartments. The rental agents will typically send you photos of each apartment with a few details regarding the building amenities and associated costs. Just choose the apartment listings you are interested in and set up a time to see them in person. Most of the rental agents speak English so they can answer any questions you may have along the way. And you don’t have to stick to just one rental agent – you can meet with as many as you’d like. Once you choose an apartment, they will help you negotiate the rental terms with the apartment owner and draw up the contract. Monthly rent is often negotiable in Vietnam so be sure to ask for a discount before agreeing to a price. And you’ll likely be expected to pay the first and last month’s rent plus a deposit. Of course, the rental agency receives a commission from the landlord for helping them rent the property, but it’s nice to have a 3rd party drawing up the contract. We have heard horror stories of shady business dealings with landlords in Vietnam. As such, we liked having a real estate agent to act as a buffer. If you prefer you can reach out to our rental agent directly – Andee Nguyen – or post on one of the Facebook groups listed below Housing/Apartments for Rent in Saigon Apartment for Rent in Ho Chi Minh City Apartment for Rent Saigon Real Estate Forum for Expats NOTE Landlords in Vietnam are required to register any new tenants with the local police. They’ll need to take your passport to the police station and pay a small fee. You may need proof of this registration in the future so make sure that it gets done correctly! Furnishing Your Apartment When we first moved to Ho Chi Minh City, we had a hell of a time figuring out where to buy odds and ends for our apartment. We wanted to invest in some quality towels and linens to make our stay more comfortable, as well as some kitchen accouterments like a toaster, plates, and a cutting board. Unfortunately, Amazon does not deliver to Vietnam and Ikea is not here yet. We checked the various Facebook groups for recommendations and were sent to JYSK for home goods, Minh Ha Bedding for linens, Linh’s Furniture for decor, and MM Mega Market for everything else. Other than Mega Market, all of those options are outrageously expensive, even by US standards. So unless you’re planning on investing in items that you’ll keep for a long time, they simply aren’t great options. We ended up buying our towels at Minigood, our comforter and cover at MM Mega Market, our dishes at VinMart and Ben Thanh Market, our baby stuff at Shop Em Be, and everything else on Lazada. Lazada Shopping online in Vietnam Lazada is Vietnam’s frustrating and bizarre online shopping platform. The shipping dates are poorly estimated and the photos are often not at all accurate. Because Lazada does not provide a specific delivery time and date, you’ll just get a call out of the blue from the delivery driver asking you to come downstairs and pick up your package. If you’re not at home and you don’t have a front desk willing to accept your packages, you’re just out of luck. Sometimes they will agree to re-deliver the next day, other times they just cancel the order and send the item back. The good thing is that Lazada allows you to pay for your items “cash on arrival” so if you’re not available to pick up your package and it just gets canceled there is no cost to you! How to Find a Job in Ho Chi Minh Many ex-pats that move to Ho Chi Minh City end up teaching English. So many people that we’ve met have either moved here specifically to teach English in Vietnam or have simply ended up teaching English after not having any luck with finding other job opportunities. You’ll have more luck getting a job teaching English in HCMC if you have completed your TEFL certification. Other ex-pats have had success in opening restaurants or coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City. We rarely encounter foreigners working as servers at restaurants or as sales associates at stores. My assumption is that because the average wages are quite low in Vietnam 100,000 VND/hour or approximately $4 USD, it just doesn’t pay well enough to justify living here. English teaching jobs pay substantially better which makes them much more attractive. Foreigners are often in demand for modeling jobs in HCMC so if you don’t mind relying on infrequent gigs, check out the Saigon Casting Foreigner Facebook group page for opportunities. And Jobs in Saigon for Foreigners is another Facebook group that could help with your search. Other resources for finding a job in Ho Chi Minh City include Vietnam Teaching Jobs CareerJet Vietnam Works CareerBuilder Indeed Opportunities at the US Consulate Internet and Cell Service Cell service and data plans are incredibly accessible and affordable in Vietnam. All you need is an unlocked cell phone. You can easily buy a SIM card at the airport when you arrive, or at several establishments around HCMC. Then you load a monthly plan on your phone for 300,000 VND ~$13 USD for 2GB of high-speed data per day for 30 days. There are 3 major mobile carriers in Vietnam – Viettel, Vinaphone, and MobiFone. We recommend Viettel because they have the best coverage. For more info, we wrote a detailed post about Vietnamese SIM cards! How to Open a Bank Account in Vietnam We’re more comfortable continuing our banking in the US. The only problem is that ATMs in HCMC rarely dispense more than 2,000,000 VND at a time, which is just about $80 USD. So paying our $900 rent each month takes lots of ATM transactions thankfully we have the Charles Schwab debit card that refunds all of our international and domestic ATM fees. If you do choose to open up a bank account in Saigon, we’ve heard that Timo is the best choice for foreigners. The documentation to open a Timo account is as follows a valid passport and one of the following valid documents issued for at least 12 months a Vietnam visa or temporary resident card or permanent resident card. Apply for a Charles Schwab Debit Card Safety in HCMC Overall Ho Chi Minh City is an incredibly safe city and we’ve never felt remotely unsafe during our time here. The only crime that we ever hear about is petty theft through purses and cell phones getting swiped by motorbike drivers. We’d advise against having your phone out while riding on the back of a motorbike, no matter how tempting it is to take a video. Wear a crossbody bag and keep it in front of you. Also, leave large amounts of cash and your passport at home. Late at night, you’re better off catching a Grab home rather than walking, just in case. Vietnamese Laws to be Aware of The Vietnamese law that will likely affect ex-pats the most is the compulsory helmet law. All drivers and passengers over the age of 6 must wear a helmet on a motorbike. Why kids are exempt from the law is beyond us. Theoretically, foreigners are also required to have a Vietnamese driver’s license or an international driver’s permit. Although, if your country is not a signatory to the 1968 convention on road traffic, your permit will not apply for example, the USA, UK, and Canada are all countries whose international driver permits are not accepted in Vietnam. A few other laws that might apply to you as an ex-pat include Foreigners are required to register with the local police once they move into a residence in Vietnam. Generally, your landlord or real estate agent will do this on your behalf. It is illegal for foreigners to work on a tourist visa and must obtain a work permit. This is usually handled by the company that hires you. Gambling is illegal unless it takes place in a government-licensed casino Possession of pornography is illegal Possession of drugs is illegal and comes with a hefty sentence Online Resources for Expats We have found Facebook groups to be an absolute lifesaver in Ho Chi Minh City! They can provide a wealth of information regarding where to buy specific items or what new restaurants to try. They can help you find friends, find a job, or help you to furnish a new apartment. Here are a few of the groups that we’ve found helpful during our time at HCMC Fexpats – specifically for female ex-pats Foodies in Saigon – endless food recommendations both Vietnamese and international cuisine Vegetarians and Vegans in Saigon – pretty self-explanatory Vietnam Creative Circle – for creatives living in Vietnam Empty Your Closet HCMC – for buying and selling clothing and accessories HCMC Buy Sell Swap – for buying and selling any and all preloved items Buy and Sell Cheap Things in Saigon – for buying and selling secondhand goods Expats in HCMC – this is for anything and everything under the sun and tends to attract some negative Nellies Saigon International Families – for parenting discussions and to buy and sell kid stuff Saigon Casting Foreigner – for ex-pat modeling and acting gigs Vietnam Legal Group – for any questions related to Vietnam law Health Services in HCMC Hospitals and Medical Clinics Vietnam has excellent hospitals, dentists, medical clinics, and plastic surgeons. You’ll find that the services offered are on par with those you can get in the US or Europe. However, the price is significantly lower, even without insurance. As I mentioned earlier, we actually had a baby in Saigon. We went to FV Hospital French Vietnamese Hospital for all of our prenatal appointments and the delivery of our baby boy. He was 4 weeks early and delivered via c-section so he spent a few days in the NICU and we spent a total of 5 days in the hospital. The total cost for his birth was about $3,300 even without us having health insurance. We felt very well taken care of and were quite pleased with the care we received. If you choose to live in District 2, you’ll probably want to choose Hanh Phuc as your hospital of choice as they have a conveniently located medical center. American International Hospital AIH is another popular choice for ex-pats. We’ve chosen to see Dr. Orly at Raffles Medical Clinic for our baby’s pediatric care as we’ve found her to be an excellent communicator who takes her time to answer any and all of our questions. A Note on Insurance Since giving birth to Humphrey, we decided to be responsible parents and now carry travel medical insurance through SafetyWing. It was perfect for us because, unlike many other travel insurance options, you can sign up for SafetyWing even if you have already started your trip. You also don’t have to pre-determine an end date for your time abroad – you just pay the premium every month while you’re on the road and your travel medical insurance policy extends for another 30 days. An additional reason we chose SafetyWing is that coverage is included for one child under 10 years old for each adult on the policy. So we get insurance for Humphrey at no additional cost! SafetyWing provides coverage in 180 countries around the world including Vietnam. It definitely gives us more peace of mind while living in Saigon with little baby Humphrey! Dentists There are dentists of varying price points all over Ho Chi Minh City but the one that we trust above the rest is Westcoast International Dental Clinic. It’s incredibly clean and the dentists are friendly and knowledgable. Most everyone on staff speaks English which is a huge plus in terms of understanding your care assuming you aren’t yet fluent in Vietnamese. Plus, they have multiple convenient locations in District 1 and District 2. Skin Care If you have sensitive skin as I do, you’ll want to be careful when using the laundry services in Ho Chi Minh City. Most laundry ladies in the city wash clothes with OMO soap which is inexpensive but not the best for sensitive skin. After breaking out in a horrible rash, I had to go on the hunt for a dermatologist. Grace Skincare Clinic is popular for ex-pats who are experiencing unexplained rashes, or those who are just looking to rejuvenate their skin. There are a variety of packages to help you feel and look your best and the clinic is conveniently located near Bui Vien Street in District 1. If you’re looking for cosmetic procedures like botox or tattoo removal, Sian Skincare Laser Clinic is a great choice. You’ll pay a bit more here, but it will still be less than what you’d pay in the US and you can trust them with your skin. Beauty Services in Ho Chi Minh City Hair Salons Finding a hair salon that specialized in blonde highlights was a priority for me when I moved to Ho Chi Minh City. And I found two that I have trusted with my finicky hair and they have done a great job – Concept Coiffure and Ace London Hair. Concept Coiffure in District 2 is a salon that caters almost exclusively to foreigners. In fact, I’ve only ever seen ex-pats getting their hair done here. The prices here are much higher than you’d expect for Vietnam, but still slightly lower than you’d pay for the same service in the US. I especially love that they utilize multiple stylists for coloring and blow-drying, and the luxuriously long hair wash with a head massage. Ace London Hair in District 1 has been my most recent go-to as it is closer to my apartment and also slightly cheaper than Concept Coiffure depending n the stylist that you choose. Their service is reasonably priced, efficient, and professional. Even if you choose one of the less-expensive stylists, you can trust that you’ll leave feeling beautiful! Nail Salons The price that you’ll pay to get your nails done in Ho Chi Minh City can also vary wildly. But after trying several places with questionable hygiene practices, and getting our cuticles sliced to the point of bleeding, we’ve found our favorite spot. The Nail Garden has a cute interior with comfy chairs and super friendly nail technicians. The prices are a bit on the higher side but it’s worth it for the quality of their products and care. Plus, the price includes the tip! Massage Therapists The cost of a massage in Ho Chi Minh City is higher than those in Thailand, but still significantly lower than you’ll pay in the states. And as with the other services listed here, you can find incredibly cheap massages or you can pay significantly more by going to a fancy spa. If you’re looking for a cheap, no-frills massage where they’ll really dig into your back and butt, then check out Quynh Nhu 137. You can get a massage in a large room around others we had a funny experience next to a loud snorer once or pay a bit more for a private room. Keep in mind that you should tip 50-100% of the price of your massage here because the employees make very little. For more of a high-end experience, check out Moc Huong Spa. They have multiple locations around Ho Chi Minh City although the one in District 2 is the fanciest. When I was pregnant I scheduled weekly 90-minute pregnancy massages and it was absolute heaven! I tipped my masseuse 120k VND ~$5 USD every time. Now that I have a baby at home, I absolutely love Yok Home Massage! It’s super easy to book an appointment through their Facebook page and they’ll come to your house or apartment and massage you right on your bed. They bring relaxing music and oil, you just need to supply two towels. The prices are really inexpensive so I always tip well. Be sure to request Lieu! And finally, if you want to enjoy a relaxing foot massage, check out Saigon Heritage Spa. They have skilled massage therapists and calming space. It includes a tip in the price of your massage of course you can always give more if you wish. Eyebrow and Lash Maintenance One service that is most certainly worth getting in Vietnam is eyebrow microblading as it is significantly cheaper here than in the US. Michelle Truong is well known among the Fexpat women for providing a professional service in the comfort of her home. Her Facebook page is covered in recommendations and before and after photos of her happy clients. NP Brows and Lashes also come highly recommended for microblading, permanent makeup, and eyelash extensions. Where to Purchase Beauty Supplies The two beauty supply stores that I’ve frequented during my time living in Ho Chi Minh City are Guardian and Watson’s. They are both chains and have multiple locations all over the city. Here you’ll find brands that you love like Olay, Revlon, Palmers, Cetaphil, and Vaseline. Prices are relatively comparable to what you’d find in the US except for certain higher-end brands like Eucerine which are quite a bit more expensive here. Both Guardian and Watson’s have imported products and Vietnamese-brand products. And they stock all kinds of products ranging from skin and hair care, dental care, vitamins, make-up, and more. Don’t be surprised that the sales attendants like to follow you around the store – they don’t think you’re shoplifting, this is a common occurrence in Vietnam. Learning to Speak Vietnamese While there are literally thousands of ex-pats living in Ho Chi Minh City who can’t speak a lick of Vietnamese, it will certainly enrich your experience if you at least try. Granted you definitely don’t need to know the language, most people working in the establishments that you’ll be frequenting have a solid grasp of the English language. But we found that it was really nice to be able to attempt to communicate with the locals. And everyone got a good laugh out of hearing us try. It’s an extremely difficult language to master as there are 6 different tones that can give the same word 6 different meanings. For instance, “va” can mean “and”, “patch”, or “rushed”. And “ga” can mean “chicken”, “jaw”, or “the guy” depending on what tone you use. We took twice-weekly Vietnamese lessons from Kim Kim which we found to be extremely helpful in perfecting our pronunciation. She is very patient and takes her time to make sure that you are speaking clearly and correctly. She gives group lessons at a coffee shop in District 2 and we found it helpful to have other people in our class. If you’d rather watch YouTube videos on your own time and then be able to practice casually with others, there are often language exchange meet-ups around HCMC. This allows Vietnamese people to practice their English with you, and you to practice your Vietnamese with them. These Facebook groups can help you to find events near you Language and Culture Exchange – HCMC Swaps Language Exchange Ho Chi Minh Exchange Languages in Ho Chi Minh City Tipping for Services Tipping in Vietnam is one question that I’ve never gotten sufficiently answered during my time living in Ho Chi Minh City. It appears that most locals do not tip at restaurants or bars but tip quite generously for massages. And some restaurants that cater to foreigners will add an automatic gratuity to your bill but it’s much lower than what most Americans are used to tipping. Here are the general tipping guidelines that I follow in HCMC No tip or just small change at the local Vietnamese restaurants 10% tip at Western-style restaurants that cater to ex-pats and tourists unless a “service charge” has already been added to the bill 100,000 – 150,000 VND ~$4 – $6 USD tip for a cut and color at the hair salons that I mentioned above 100,000 – 120,000 VND ~$4 – $5 USD for a 60-90 minute massage even if a small tip is included in the price, I tip more on top 10 – 20% for nail technicians unless the tip is included in the price Where Expats Love to Eat and Drink in HCMC Best Coffee Shops Since we work from home and often get sick and tired of working from home, we’ve explored many of the coffee shops around town. We wrote an entire blog post about our favorite coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City as well as listed a few of the best options here The Workshop – for fancy pour-over coffee and quality beans Okkio Caffe – a hip little coffee shop just beside Binh Thanh market Cong Ca Phe – for a huge cup of coconut coffee The Loft Cafe – for daily coffee + dessert specials Hidden Elephant Books and Coffee – for some peace and quiet to work or read Padma de Fleur – for a beautiful setting full of fresh flowers Goc Ha Noi – the cutest little cafe with the best egg coffee in Saigon Best Brunch Spots Brunch was one of the things that we missed the most about living outside of the United States. It took us a few months to learn that Saigon actually has an amazing brunch scene! We made it our mission to find the best brunch spots in Ho Chi Minh City so we could indulge our tastebuds every weekend! You’ll definitely want to check out Godmother Bake and Brunch – for the cutest Instagramable ambiance Cafe Marcel – for the best Croque Monsieur in town The Vintage Emporium – for unique latte concoctions L’Usine – for free-flow bubbles on the weekends Best Restaurants for Dinner Bep Me In – for delicious and reasonably priced Vietnamese classics The Wagon Wheel – for amazing southern comfort food Baozi – for the best chicken ramen in HCMC House of Chay Vegetarian delivery only – for decadent non-cheesy mac n cheese La Fiesta – for bubbling hot chili and tasty fish tacos Gringo Tacos – for warm, cheesy wet burritos Pizza 4P’s – for the best pizza in all of Vietnam Secret Garden – for a lovely ambiance and upscale Vietnamese cuisine Thai Street – for amazing khao soi gai and great lunch specials Thao Dien, District 2 Best Spot for a Cocktail at Sunset Vo Roof Garden – for a low-key drinking and dining experience The Deck Saigon – for upscale food and views of the river Thao Dien, District 2 Saigon Social Club – for a swanky night out on the town Pasteur Street Brewing Co. – Our favorite place for craft beer in Saigon Best Bakeries Another treat from home that I initially missed terribly when we first moved to Ho Chi Minh City was baked goods! I would dream about bagels smothered in cream cheese and warm banana bread slathered with butter. But turns out that Saigon has a bustling baked goods scene as well! Greta’s Cakes – for banana bread, apple crumble muffins, and salted caramel shortbread – yum! Harvest Baking – for cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting Saigon Bagel – for delicious bagels in a variety of flavors Au Parc – for buttery, flaky croissants Best Desserts Maison Marou – for drinking chocolate, chocolate bars, and the best brownie you’ve ever eaten Rawberry – for vegan, gluten-free decadent treats Villa Royale Downtown Antiques and Tea Room – for tea time and yummy cakes Teaspoon Coffee and Tea Room – for the cutest tea sets and a delicious dessert case Food Delivery Services Food delivery is incredibly cheap in Ho Chi Minh City. You can get a delivery of a delicious meal in 30-45 minutes for under a dollar. Several food delivery services operate in Saigon but the two that we found to be the most punctual and reliable are Grab Food and Vietnammm. Grab actually allows you to track your delivery driver’s progress, whereas Vietnammm just gives you a time estimate. Both apps are easy and free to use! Where to Shop in Vietnam There are plenty of huge malls in Vietnam where you can find your favorite brands like H&M, Zara, Pull & Bear, MAC, Nike, Adidas, and more. But we’ve found that the prices at these stores are higher than they are in the US! My favorite MAC cosmetics cost about 1/3 more than what I’d pay back home which is why I make an order with anyone coming for a visit. You’ll have better luck shopping for factory overruns or Vietnamese brands if you want to find good deals. Virion is absolutely my favorite shop in Ho Chi Minh City because they have actual brands like Forever 21 and Mango at just a fraction of the price. Plus, you can shop on their Facebook page and have the clothes delivered to your door! Ombre is similar to Virion but the store is an absolute mess. Which is pretty fun if you have time to dig around for hidden treasures. And if you’re looking for an affordable Vietnamese clothing brand, Libé Workshop is the best I’ve found to date. For custom-made bras, I absolutely love Nhái và Bông Lingerie! You can order directly through their Facebook page after browsing various design and fabric options. Just provide your cup size and rib cage measurement and they’ll have your bra made in about a week. They’ll even deliver it to your apartment so you can try it on and then do any alterations – free of charge! Check out my complete, detailed post about the best places to shop in Ho Chi Minh City and what to buy! Making Friends with Other Ex-pats There are countless opportunities to make friends with both locals and ex-pats while living in Ho Chi Minh City. Many of the Facebook groups mentioned above have meetups, especially the Fexpats group which is only for females. Women can also join the Ladies Get Social group or Network Girls HCMC and participate in the regular get-togethers. The Hive and L’Usine often have events like “Paint and Sip” parties or you can peruse the goods at the regular flea market at Saigon Outcast. You can meet people through your Vietnamese lessons, help Saigon’s homeless population, play pick-up soccer, join a photo walk, or just chat someone up in one of the coffee shops listed above. So many people here are in the same boat and looking to connect with other ex-pats in the city. Other Miscellaneous Services Below is a list of a few resources that didn’t fit into the categories above but that we’ve found useful during our time living in Ho Chi Minh City. MyStorage – if you need to store any belongings in Ho Chi Minh City US Mart – for inexpensive bottles of imported wine Annam Gourmet – for luxury gourmet imported grocery items Phuong Ha – for imported groceries at reasonable prices We hope you have an amazing time living in Vietnam! Planning to move to Vietnam? Check out our favorite travel guides and resources! SHARE THIS ON PINTEREST

she to ho chi minh city last year