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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
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.
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!
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.
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.