HO CHI MINH CITY, A VIBRANT CITY - A safe place with friendly people

Saigon Central Post Office

The largest city in Vietnam is Ho Chi Minh City. It was originally known as Prey Nokor, then changed its name to Gia Định, then to Saigon, and again changed its name in 1976 to Ho Chi Minh City. This name change was to honour Ho Chi Minh, a famous Vietnamese leader who was prime minister and president from 1945-1969. 

Ho Chi Minh City is located in the south-eastern region of Vietnam, 1,760 km south of the capital  city Hanoi. It is made up of 19 urban districts and 5 rural districts. District 1 is the central urban district of Ho Chi Minh City. It is the main centre of business, finance, shopping, culture and entertainment. This is where many historic and modern hotels are located.

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant city full of history, culture and progress and home to more than nine million people.

It is a fascinating city which has retained influences and buildings from its past history. Vietnam became independent from China in 938, and became independent from France in 1945. North and South Vietnam came together in 1976. 

Chinatown

The Ho Chi Minh City past is reflected in its vibrant Chinatown in Districts 5 & 6. Historic Chinese buildings include Phung Son Pagoda, Quan Âm Pagoda, Thiên Hậu Temple and the Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda.

Many buildings from the French Colonial era are still in use today. These include Saigon Central Post Office, Opera House, City Hall, Bến Thành Market, and hotels such as The Hotel Continental, Hotel Majestic and Rex Hotel. They have all been restored in recent years to their former glory and are well worth a visit.

On a recent two week trip to Ho Chi Minh City I found it a very safe city to visit, full of friendly people. 

During the first week I was part of an organised group attending ITE 2015, (International Travel Expo 2015) so I had the benefit of tour hosts and guides helping me in my explorations of the city. During the second week there were less organised activities and more free time for me to explore Ho Chi Minh City by myself. 

Pedestrian boulevarde- Ho Chi Minh City

I felt safe at all times as I wandered the streets sightseeing, shopping and dining. Even late at night, when it was not so hot and many people emerged from air conditioned buildings, I felt safe on the streets. I was not robbed, pick-pocketed, short-changed, intimidated or threatened by anyone I met. Of course, I took precautions like any sensible traveller takes when visiting any city in the world. I kept my valuables in the hotel safe, did not wear expensive clothes or accessories, wore a money belt for the small amounts of cash I took each day, and was cautious with my camera and mobile phone. When walking at night I stayed on well lit streets and did not go to isolated places. I drank bottled water, not tap water. 

I carried a map of District 1 with me each day I went out sightseeing. There are several different maps provided free of charge by hotels and tourist venues. I used the one which had the street names written in large letters so that I could easily read them. I also carried my hotel business card with me in case I needed to ask for directions if I became lost, which I didn't. By the end of my two weeks in Ho Chi Minh City I became familiar with the main streets and boulevards without having to keep referring to the map.

Street scene - Ho Chi Minh City

The most potentially dangerous part of visiting Ho Chi Minh City is crossing the busy streets. There are so many motorbikes, cars, trucks and buses weaving, wending, intertwining their way around the city. The millions of scooters, mopeds and motorcycles teem through the streets carrying individuals, family groups, and goods and chattels. They do not really stop for you at pedestrian crossings, they jump the gun at traffic lights, and they are everywhere. Sometimes you have to walk on the streets, as the footpaths are full of parked motor bikes. 

Crossing the street takes some courage and getting used to. It is a matter of picking the right moment, starting to walk, not stopping, not running, and walk at a steady pace until you are safely at the other side. When I first arrived in Ho Chi Minh City I waited until a group of Vietnamese people crossed the street to join. I felt safer in numbers! By the time I left Ho Chi Minh City I was more confident in crossing the streets by myself.

One standout feature of Ho Chi Minh City is the friendliness of the people you come across. The staff at the hotels and tourist attractions that I had dealings with were very welcoming and friendly. The shop assistants helped explain what the various Vietnamese products, food, drinks and meals were, and their pricing, when the wording was just in Vietnamese. 

Bird fanciers

The general public of local Vietnamese residents were also welcoming and friendly. For example, on quite a few occasions complete strangers offered to help me cross busy streets. Smiles were common on people as they were working, shopping or resting.  People gathered in parks or pedestrian boulevards to chat, sing or dance. In one park I walked through a group of bird fanciers who were gathered around a table showing their pet birds off to other people who stopped to look. 

Ho Chi Minh City is a friendly place for tourists to explore on holidays. I found various historical & art museums; pagodas, temples & churches; ancient and strikingly modern buildings; bustling shopping malls & markets; cafes, coffee shops & restaurants and cinemas to occupy my time. The people I met at these were very friendly, and most could speak enough English to allow for good communication. 

Ho Chi Minh City family

If you travel to Ho Chi Minh City you will also come to discover the charms of this fascinating city in Vietnam. You will appreciate, like me, that it is a very safe and enjoyable city to visit.

You will be warmly welcomed by the friendly people of Ho Chi Minh City.