Saigon Adventure – All Things You Need to Know 

Here are a few things from Vietnam Adventure about the city that you need to know by heart before your Saigon adventure. Saigon, or more widely recognized as Ho Chi Minh City, is one of Vietnam’s three major economic hubs.

It is also among the top tourist destinations in this S-shaped nation because of the full amenities, welcoming locals, diverse cuisine, and a rich history!

An Overview of Saigon

Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam but second in importance after Hanoi. It is now a commercial hub as well as a center for science, technology, industry, and tourism. Amidst its bustling streets, the city retains its timeless traditions and rich history.

History

The city used to be a small fishing village of Khmer people in Cambodia. Then it was under the rule of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1698 and was colonized by the French colonialists from 1950 to 1975.

After that, Saigon was the capital of the Republic of Vietnam government until 1975. After the fall of the old regime, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, but the old name Saigon is still used by both many Vietnamese and foreigners.

Geography

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam with  a population exceeding 7 million and spans an area of approximately 2,096 km² (around 909 square miles). It also lies at the heart of the Mekong Delta and is encircled by a vast network of rivers and canals.

By the way, Saigon port was established in 1862 and can accommodate ships weighing up to about 30,000 tons – This is a very big advantage for an inland river port.

Climate 

The climate is typically hot and humid with warm weather throughout the year. It features two main seasons, inlcuding the rainy season from May to November and the dry season between December and April. The average annual temperature here is 27°C. April is the hottest month and December is the coolest one.

Best Time For A Nice Saigon Adventure

The ideal interval to visit Ho Chi Minh City lasts from December to April, which is the dry season. 

Marked by minimal rainfall and dry conditions, the dry season provides ideal travel opportunities to various destinations. April brings the highest temperatures of the season, while December offers cooler weather.

During the rainy season, on the other hand, the city experiences significant rainfall and high humidity (around 83%).  Afternoon and evening showers are common, which can negatively impact your trip. Additionally, the rainy season can bring severe storms and floods, which aren’t good for tourism at all.

Some Of Saigon Adventure Tours At Vietnam Adventure

Want to explore Saigon but don’t know where to start? Let’s check out some Saigon adventure suggestions from Vietnam Adventure:

Trip 1: 4 Days Dear Sai Gon!

If you have 4 or 5 days for your vacation, the 4 Days Dear Sai Gon trip is probably your best bet. During this trip, you’ll explore the Mekong Delta by wooden boat, discover the underground Cu Chi tunnels, enjoy a dinner cruise on the Saigon River, and watch water puppet shows.

Trip 2: 3 Days Hello Saigon

The 3 Days Hello Saigon tour guides you to two significant tourist attractions: the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta. This tour is ideal for those interested in the history of the heroic Vietnam War or seeking a day trip close to Ho Chi Minh City.

Trip 3: 5 Days Favourite Ho Chi Minh Highlight

The 5 Days Favourite Ho Chi Minh Highlight trip is one of the most popular tours attracting all domestic and foreign tourists. This 5 -day-4 night trip will take you to a heroic district in the resistance war against American imperialism and admire the amazing tunnel system in Cu Chi Tunnels.

You also have the chance to explore Saigon’s iconic landmarks, including the War Crimes Museum, Reunification Hall, Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market. Additionally, you’ll observe the production of candy and various handicrafts made from coconut, and experience the daily life of the Mekong Delta people at Cai Rang floating market.

Saigon Adventure Tips

As always, you need to keep a few tips in mind before heading over to Saigon for the best experience, or at least to keep you safe. Here they are:

Don’t Wear Valuable Jewelry When Going Out

Sadly, 99% of people here are honest, but the city is still plagued by a lot of street snatchers. So our sincere advice is to never wear precious jewelry such as necklaces, earrings and watches when walking on the street lest you become a victim of unexpected incidents caused by this snatching.

Avoid Boasting Your Valuable Stuff Around Here

Similar to your valuable jewelry, avoid leaving your wallet, camera, or any other items that appear expensive in plain sight. Some of your belongings might be worth several months’ salary to the locals, and some loser guys may be tempted to take them from you.

Be Cautious Of Crowds

Crowded gathering places are often ideal environments for pickpockets. So be cautious of wandering hands in busy areas such as markets and public transportation. Put your camera away and keep your hands in your pockets, bag, or anywhere you store your valuables.

Be Careful When Traveling By Random Means

Some cyclo and taxi drivers might try to scam you by charging exorbitant fees for the distance traveled. They may take a longer route or circle around to maximize the price displayed on the meter. So we recommend choosing reputable taxi brands such as Mailinh, Vinasun, or Grab (similar to Uber), or booking a cyclo through a travel agent.

The Bottom Line

Above is all you need to know for your upcoming Saigon Adventure. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions, Saigon promises an unforgettable experience. Enjoy your trip and embrace the unique charm of this place!