Ho Chi Minh City, often referred to as Saigon, is a vibrant metropolis in Vietnam that has captured my heart.
Even if it's just a brief 3-hour transit between flights, this city always leaves me yearning for more. I can envision myself escaping the chilly Australian winters and making Ho Chi Minh a more permanent seasonal home in the future.
An Unexpected Destination
Surprisingly, Vietnam, let alone Ho Chi Minh City, was never on my travel radar. In 2017, we spontaneously chose Vietnam for our winter getaway, enticed by $150 airfares. Leading up to the trip, I was riddled with anxiety, thanks to horror stories I found online about theft and scams. I almost cancelled the trip entirely!
First Impressions: A Rocky Start
Before our departure, a friend advised us: "It should only cost you $10 by taxi to get to District 1. Use Vinasun, make sure it's metered, and go to the rank. Beware of scams." I clung to this advice like a lifeline. However, the moment we landed, chaos ensued. The immigration process was tedious, and stepping outside the airport felt overwhelming with persistent taxi offers. In a moment of weakness (or perhaps influenced by the in-flight alcohol), we fell prey to a taxi scam, paying $40 instead of $10.
Finding Our Footing
Despite the rocky start, our hotel turned out to be a sanctuary with stunning rooms and wonderful staff. We ventured out for dinner, navigating the chaotic traffic with pounding hearts. After a delicious meal at a local spot and a few Vietnamese beers, I felt a flicker of optimism. Even a miscommunication at an ice cream store turned into a daily mission to get what we initially wanted.
 Lunch with the locals. |  Ummm .. that;s not what we ordered! |  Success! We got there. |
Exploring the City
The next morning, fueled by a hearty breakfast, we decided to explore the city. Without set plans, we found ourselves hopping onto rickshaws without discussing the price—a rookie mistake that cost us $30 AUD (they originally wanted $100) after some firm negotiation. Feeling disheartened, we contemplated staying in the hotel for the rest of the trip to avoid further scams.
Embracing the Adventure
Determined to turn things around, we booked a city tour and visited the War Museum, slowly warming up to Ho Chi Minh's unique charm. Each evening, we made it our mission to dine where the locals did. We also navigated the chaotic traffic with newfound confidence, discovering that it somehow just worked.
Our own Titanic Moment On the Mekong.
Memorable Moments
Our days were filled with unforgettable experiences—from a mesmerizing Mekong Delta tour to self-guided city explorations. We stumbled upon a renowned Banh Mi spot, and it became a tradition to grab a pork roll whenever in transit through the city. Watching the bustling traffic over Vietnamese coffee, we marvelled at the organized chaos. We stocked up with quirky souvenirs from a local supermarket.
One of the spots we would sip coffee and watch the traffic go by.
A Bittersweet Farewell
As our trip neared its end, I found myself reluctant to leave—a stark contrast to my initial dread. We returned to our favourite dessert place and nailed our order from the first night. My partner even tried a deep-fried frog, selecting it from the tank himself.
A Lasting Love for Ho Chi Minh
Looking back, I'm immensely grateful I didn't cancel the trip. Ho Chi Minh City has become one of my favourite places, and every time we explore other parts of Vietnam, we always carve out time to revisit this incredible city. If you're considering a trip to Vietnam, get in touch and let Ho Chi Minh surprise you as it did me—you might just fall in love.
 Daniel tries snake wine. |  Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels. |  Don't we all need a side of Nivea with our helmet!? Supermarket fun. |
