Roughly 60km from the centre of Saigon — a beautiful two-hour trip by motorbike and ferry away — sits Can Gio, an island formed where the Saigon River hits the sea. Over the last few years this island has become a popular getaway day trip for savvy locals. Tourists to Can Gio don’t come for … read the full post

A trip to Ho Chi Minh City isn’t complete without a quick visit to the Cu Chi district, where the city’s big buildings melt away and morph into rural countryside. While the area is most famous for its tunnels and war history, Cu Chi has something else worth a visit: a Cu Chi cricket farm. … read the full post

When you visit a city like Saigon sometimes your initial short stay can become a more permanent re-location. With new apartment buildings being constructed at a breakneck pace, the housing market here has plenty of openings, and most are furnished, making getting set up a rather simple affair. Here are some some tips and some … read the full post

Watching traffic cruise by from the back of a xe om or the backseat of a taxi can leave an adventurous traveller wanting to join the madness and drive their own motorbike. With motorbike rental spots all over the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area there is something available for almost all motorbike needs, but with … read the full post

After a few nights out on the Saigon club scene, you may grow tired of the recycled house beats and ringing in your ears. An alternative? Checking out one of the many live music venues the city has to offer. Live bands, classical music, jazz: Ho Chi Minh has something for everybody. If you’re in … read the full post

A staple of the Saigon street food world is banh mi (pronounced bun-mee), or Vietnamese baguette sandwiches. These tasty sandwiches are extremely popular and can be found all over the city, and make a perfect meal on the go if you’re walking around the city. Knowing what to order from a cart, however, can be … read the full post

I’m a walker. When I travel, if there is any reasonable chance for me to walk to my destination, I will. When I walk I feel like I get a better feel for a city, and I see the everyday life that I would miss from the back seat of a taxi. My love of … read the full post

There are many reasons I recommend visiting Ho Chi Minh City, from the shopping to the traffic it is a place to be experienced. The best reason to come however is to taste the food, the most famous of which is the legendary pho. But finding a great bowl can be tricky if you don’t … read the full post

Saigon street food isn’t all about main meals — yummy drinks and sweets are also on offer. Among the sugary offerings is che dau hu, a confection that can be tricky to find, but is worth the effort. Keep your eyes peeled: the roaming vendors are often surrounded by groups of students or children seeking … read the full post

If you are anything like me when you travel you always tend to be in a hurry, trying to check all of the sights off your to-do list. It can get especially bad here because Ho Chi Minh City is such a fast-paced place. It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of neon … read the full post