Vietnamese Travel Experience - Part 1

My hostel was located not far from the famous Bui Vien Street, in the heart of District 1, the area most travellers choose as their base. On my first morning, I decided to walk and simply get lost in the streets. The sidewalks were narrow, often shared between pedestrians, food vendors, and parked motorbikes. Everywhere I looked, there was something happening: women selling tropical fruits, old men sipping iced coffee on plastic stools, and the constant chorus of honking horns that somehow blended into a kind of urban symphony.

One of the most meaningful places I visited during my stay was the War Remnants Museum. It is not an easy place to visit, but it is one that leaves a lasting impression. Inside, the museum displays powerful photographs, old tanks, aircraft, and personal stories from the Vietnam War. Walking through the exhibitions, I could feel a mix of sadness for the suffering that people endured, and respect for their resilience and ability to move forward. It reminded me that every destination has layers of history beneath its modern surface, and that travelling is not just about beautiful views, but about understanding people and their past.

After such a heavy but important visit, I needed something to lift my spirits, and there is no better way to do that in Vietnam than through food. I made it my mission to try as many local dishes as possible. My absolute favourite, without a doubt, was the Bánh Mì, a symbol of Vietnam’s street food culture. The crispy baguette, filled with grilled meat, pickled vegetables, herbs, and chili sauce, is an explosion of flavour in every bite. I also enjoyed a comforting bowl of Phở, the famous noodle soup, and several cups of strong, sweet Vietnamese coffee that kept me energised throughout the day. The food scene here is a reflection of the country’s soul – simple, flavourful, and made with heart.

In the evenings, Ho Chi Minh City transforms completely. The heat of the day gives way to cooler air, and the city’s nightlife awakens. The most famous area is Bui Vien Street, often compared to Bangkok’s Khao San Road, but with its own unique personality. As soon as the sun sets, neon lights flicker on, music starts blasting from the bars, and the street becomes alive with travellers, locals, and performers. It’s chaotic, noisy, and absolutely captivating. I spent my nights walking along the street, grabbing a cold beer, chatting with backpackers from all over the world, and watching the endless stream of life pass by. At some point, I realised that this street perfectly captures the spirit of the city – energetic, unpredictable, and full of surprises.

Beyond the chaos, though, I found moments of calm. Early in the morning, before the traffic builds up, the city feels almost peaceful. I visited Ben Thanh Market, and took a short walk along the Saigon River, where locals gather to exercise, drink coffee, and chat. These quiet moments allowed me to see another side of Ho Chi Minh City, one that is warm, human, and deeply connected to everyday life.

After a few days, I felt like I had only scratched the surface of this incredible city. Ho Chi Minh City is a place of contrasts – modern skyscrapers rise next to French colonial buildings, trendy cafés stand beside centuries-old temples, and history meets modernity at every corner. It is chaotic and sometimes overwhelming, but that is exactly what makes it so fascinating. As I packed my bags to leave, I knew this was not goodbye. I was already thinking about my next visit, to explore more of Vietnam and to feel once again that unique energy that only Saigon can offer. I decided to continue my trip to Da Nang, but more about that in my next article.