Living in Ho Chi Minh back in 2019, I loved wandering around the city. Everything is within walking distance and it's easy to get anywhere living downtown in District 1. Today, I'd like to share some photos from my days wandering around Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The Pre-Covid Series is a series of posts about my trips and adventures pre-pandemic. You'll get to hear about some of the amazing places that I was able to visit before travel was extremely limited. Hopefully soon, I'll be able to return to a life of traveling soon.
Don't Forget to Wear a Mask!
Even though these photos were taken way before COVID was a thing, I learned that you need a mask when walking around during the daytime in Saigon. Air quality could reach extremely unsafe levels and I spent the first few days sick and coughing from not wearing a mask.
Coffee and Pho to Start the Day
I would start my day with a hearty bowl of noodles and a strong cup of coffee almost every morning. You can find countless pho restaurants that offer bowls of noodles for less than $2 USD.
Almost every coffee shop will serve your drink with an additional drink. Trà đá is a traditional Vietnamese tea that is served with many meals and at almost every cafe. The coffee in Vietnam is exceptionally strong and the unsweetened tea is a refreshing contrast to the coffee.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
The first stop for this trip down memory lane is the Ho Chi Minh City Museum. Here you can learn more about the history of Vietnam. Entry tickets are only 30,000 VND ($1.30 USD).
Next Up, I Head to the Cat Cafe
After a few hours of wandering through the museum, it's time for some relaxation. Nothing calms me more than chilling with some cool cats! At the end of Bui Vien Street in District 1, I found this amazing cat cafe. While the drinks might be a little more expensive than a regular cafe, it's totally worth it.
Lunch at the Asiana Food Court
On to lunch at the underground Asiana Food Court in district 1. This food court features tons of restaurants that offer foods from around Asia. You can find Thai, Indian, Chinese, Vietnamese food, and more. the price is always great as well.
The food court also has a nice park outside and I had a chance to take some 360 photos.
Time to Get Ready for a Night on the Town
It's probably getting late so I need to start prepping to head out for a night of partying and DJing. First stop, new sneakers, and some new tunes.
Of course, there's always time for a trim. The BEST barbershop in Vietnam has to be Liem Barbershop in District 3. This hipster paradise has plenty of professional barbers that will have you looking like a superstar. The price is right as well. I think the rate for beard and hair cut was less than $3 USD. Don't forget to tip these artists!!!
Ending the Day With the Best Burger in Ho Chi Minh City
After a long day of wandering, it's time for a hearty dinner. If you are looking for the best burger in Vietnam (maybe all of SE Asia), I would recommend Marcel Gourmet Burger. Their burgers rivaled anything I've had in Asia or back home in the US. A quick stop here is the perfect end to a long day of wandering around Saigon.
Balcony Views from my Home
Phew, that was a long day. Time to chill on my patio and wait for the night to start!
Want to see what Saigon is like once the sunsets? Check out these previous articles about Saigon at night.
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Nighttime Parties on Bui Vien Street
Hope You Enjoyed These Photos!
I hope everyone is enjoying these posts. I'm sure everyone is anxious to get back out on the road and enjoy life the way we could before the pandemic.
Don't Forget: Get Travel Health Insurance!
To make your trip a worry-free experience, TravelFeed recommends SafetyWing Nomad Insurance. It provides comprehensive health coverage while you travel, so you can focus on exploring, not the unexpected. Get a quote here
I encourage everyone to do what they can to stay safe and stop the spread of Covid. This doesn't mean living in fear. Do what's right and do what you can to stay healthy! Let's beat this thing and get back to traveling!
Currently based in Siem Reap, Cambodia, I'm a solo-traveling digital nomad. Due to the pandemic, I've been living in Siem Reap for almost 2 years now. While I'm hoping to get back on the road soon, I'm not in a rush.
I'd love to connect with other travelers, digital nomads, gamers, or residents of Cambodia. Don't hesitate to say hi or send me an upvote!
You can learn more about me and my company at OneZen.me.
Travel Resources for your trip to Vietnam
Recommended by TravelFeed
Flights: We recommend checking Kiwi.com to find the best and cheapest flights to Vietnam.
Accomodation: Explore the best places to stay in Vietnam on Booking.com, Agoda and Hostelworld.
Travel Insurance: Medical emergencies abroad can be pricey, but travel health insurance is not. We always use SafetyWing for affordable and reliable coverage.
Car Rental: For hassle-free car hiring, DiscoverCars is our trusted choice with a wide selection of vehicles.
Internet: Got an eSIM compatible phone? Airalo is perfect for reliable internet access during your trip. Just install it before you go, and you're set!
Day Trips & Tours: We recommend GetYourGuide for a variety of well-organized and enjoyable activities.
Travel Planner: Need a hand planning? Our free travel planner chatbot is your personal guide to Vietnam. Chat now.
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