Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is an interesting place that attracts many visitors, but experiences can vary. The busy streets are full of life, with many local coffee shops and a nightlife that keeps going. The cost of living here is quite low—good for people on a budget or working online—especially outside of the busy District 1. If you like street life, you can enjoy the lively markets and the different types of Vietnamese food, although some people feel the quality of food can change a lot. However, some aspects can be challenging. The traffic can be very busy with fast motorbikes, and the sidewalks are often hard to walk on. Air pollution can make it hard to breathe, and not all locals are friendly (compared to other places in Southeast Asia). Also, service at cafes and restaurants can vary, as can safety in some areas. For a short visit, enjoy the culture and history, check out the cafes, and take in the view from rooftop bars. Just remember to keep your things safe...See more and be careful when walking around. If you plan to live here, you might want to think about visiting other nearby places after some time!