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Commonly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnamese: Thnh Ph H Ch Minh) is a bustling

city in Vietnam. It is also the former capital of Vietnam, as well as the largest city in the country. Two
or three days in the city will allow for plenty to see the sights, however if you have an extra day
spare, be sure to take a day trip to the nearby Mekong River to appreciate rural Vietnamese life.
Heres what to see, do, and discover in our guide to Ho Chi Minh City!

Population: 7.982 +
City Motto: Vibrant Ho Chi Minh City
Climate: Tropical climate, 78-82% humidity

A Guide to Ho Chi Minh City


Prior to Arrival
Before coming to Vietnam, be sure to research your visa requirements as many nationalities are
required to have a visa prior to arrival. There are also visa waivers and visa-on-arrival, depending on
your nationality (and are subject to change without notice be sure to check with your consulate for
up-to-date information).

On Arrival

Once here, your primary modes of transport are taxi and tuk-tuk. For arriving into HCM, if youre on a
budget consider taking the No. 152 (air-conditioned!) airport bus to arrive in the city centre for just 50
cents including a ticket for yourself + your bags.

Getting Around
If staying centrally, the best way to get around is on foot or to rent a bicycle (though be prepared for
chaotic traffic nearly 24 hours of the day).
Otherwise, taxis are relatively cheap or hiring a motorbike is popular among backpackers staying for
a longer period (though again, beware of the chaos on the streets!!!)

Getting By
If this is your first visit to a Southeast Asian country, be prepared for a culture shock! Nearly
everything will be different and exciting including the culture, food, language, customs and more.
Vietnamese is the official language and locals speak limited English. To show your respect, try
memorising the following phrases:
Hello: Seen-Chow
Excuse Me, Sorry: Seen-Loy
Thank You: Gam-Un
Bye: Tham-Beet

What to See
Interested in the history of Vietnam? Youll be spoiled for choice here in Saigon! Here are a few
points of interest not to be missed: War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Museum of
Vietnams History, City Hall.
Just after a damn good view over the city!? Head to Saigon SkyDeck.
Architecture more your style!? Check out the National Opera House and perhaps see a show.
Want to embrace the local culture and chaos!? Head for the Ben Tanh Market.

What to Eat & Drink


Ho Chi Minh has excellent coffee (try the Vietnamese special sweet iced coffee with condensed
milk), cheap beer, cheap eats, PHO, and fresh summer rolls. Youll be spoiled for choice.

Get Out
Ready to see Vietnam beyond the chaos and craziness of Saigon!? If you have a spare day,
consider taking a day tour to the nearby Mekong River.

Osaka
Lets talk about Osaka Japans third largest city where one should stick to the right (instead of the
left in Tokyo), one should be willing to try a variety of tasty street foods on offer, and one should aim
to explore a little piece of each different district where possible as this huge city truly has so much to
offer!

A Quick Guide to Osaka


When travelling extensively throughout Japan you will soon begin to notice that each region is
distinctively different from another and no two are the same. Osakas food scene is much more
casual and relaxed than other cities, with street food being available almost everywhere you turn.
And while the city is a bustling metropolis (with over 2.5 million residents), the most iconic monument
of the city is actually a late 16th century castle which still to this day retains its original charm.

Getting to Osaka
Visitors to Osaka arrive mainly by plane, train, or bus. With an incredibly well connected subway
system and very convenient JR Osaka Loop Line in place, public transport throughout the city is
very well established.
Most International flights arrive at Osaka International Airport whilst domestic flights usually fly in
to Itami Airport. Taxis are expensive, however a viable option that is easy to figure out on arrival
are the airport limousine buses to central areas.
If you are already visiting Kyoto whilst in Japan, you absolutely must make a day trip to Osaka at
the very least, as it is a mere 30-minute express train ride away (1100 yen round-trip fare).
If looking to travel by train from Tokyo, Osaka can be reached in 155 minutes on Nozomi trains or
three hours by Hikari trains.
The bus journey from Tokyo to Osaka takes around 8 hours.

What to See
Osaka Castle
The historic Osaka Castle is arguably Osakas most important attraction, if not its most visited by first
time visitors. You can enter the castle (which is more like a museum) between 9:00-17:00 daily,
though the best views are from outside the castle which is absolutely free!
How to get there: The easiest route is to travel by the Osaka JR Loop Line to Osaka-j Koen
station.

Dotonbori

Without a doubt the busiest part of town is around Namba and in particular Dotonbori. This is a great
places for people watching (though you can expect crowds), as well as eating some of Japans best
street food right here in the centre of the city. Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki are local specialities.
How to get there: The closest subway is Namba station which is a huge station and connects with
multiple lines.

Tstenkaku
This landmark tower built in the middle of Shinsekai is a popular viewing platform for cityscape views
at 600 yen per person.
How to get there: The closest subway station is Dobutsuen-mae Station one the Midosuji and
Tanimachi lines.

Shitenn-ji
If you are interested in local culture then be sure to head to Osakas most famous buddhist temple
for a little cultural insight.
How to get there: Head to Shitennoji-mae-Yuhigaoka Station on the Tanimachi Subway Line.

Universal Studios Japan


If youve had enough of the city and are looking for a little light hearted fun for the day, then you
simply cannot beat a trip to Universal Studios Japan! Just a short train ride out of the city.
How to get there: Universal City Station is located on the JR Yumesaki Line (also referred to as JR
Sakurajima Line). This can be reached directly from Osaka station with trains departing every 15
minutes.

Where to Explore More


Shinsekai This neighbourhood, created in 1912, is a testament to Japans quirkier side. The area
is modelled half after New York (in the south) and half after Paris (in the north) and allows you to
walk through flashing neon lights, gaming areas, and see Osakas quirkier side.
Namba Also known as the city centre of Osaka, Namba is the most happening part of the city and
always bursting with life in the form of crowds, entertainment, and great food! Dotonbori is located in
this area and is a great place to wander both day and night for different experiences each time. Put
simply, a trip to Osaka would not be complete without spending some time exploring Namba!
Tsuruhashi This is Osakas quirky Korean town that offers plenty of gritty charm (unlike other
clean cut neighbourhoods around the city).

Food to Try in Osaka


Animal donuts Head to Floresta for these super kawaii animal donuts! Theyre just 200 yen a
piece and are almost too cute to eat!
Okonomiyaki Another famous battered dish in Osaka is negiyaki made of flour, water and
cabbage with a deliciously rich sauce. Try Okonomiyaki Restaurant BOTEJYU in Dotonbori for some
of the cities best.
Takoyaki Essentially made of flour batter and octopus, takoyaki is one of Osakas specialty dishes.
You can grab some on the go in Dotonbori at the famous Honke Ohtako.

Negiyaki Made of thin batter and plenty of spring onions, negiyaki is a great vegetarian alternative
to okonomiyaki, which typically includes pork. Try Negiyaki YAMAMOTO for the best (with multiple
locations throughout the city).
Taiko-Manju If sweets are more your style, be sure to try taiko-manju, a cakey-doughy
consistency with steamed bean paste oozing in the middle. Gozasouro are located throughout the
city and offer a classical take on the dish.

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