Things to do in South Vietnam

South Vietnam boasts many beautiful places to visit, a quick search will bring up many places, but I will only speak about the ones I personally visited. Plus these are excellent things to do while you are solo travelling.

Ho Chi Minh City:

‍Also known as Saigon (at least that's the name the locals tend to still use) is the economic and financial hub of Vietnam. It is the busiest city in Vietnam but is not the capital; that crown belongs to Hanoi (in the north).

Historical Significance:

The city played a crucial role during the Vietnam War and was the capital of South Vietnam. It was the centre of many significant events, including the Fall of Saigon in 1975. Today, visitors can explore various historical landmarks and museums that provide insights into the city's past. Here are tours with Tripadvisor to visit the most popular attractions in and near the city.

Architectural Marvels:

Ho Chi Minh City features a mix of architectural styles, blending traditional Vietnamese architecture with French colonial influences. Iconic landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Independence Palace showcase the city's architectural charm.

Rooftop Bars:

‍The city is renowned for its stunning rooftop bars, offering panoramic views of the skyline while enjoying drinks and socializing.

Karaoke:

‍Karaoke is a popular form of entertainment in Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh City has numerous karaoke venues where visitors can enjoy singing their favourite songs.

Malls:

Ho Chi Minh City is home to a variety of modern shopping malls that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Each mall has its own unique atmosphere and selection of stores, catering to different preferences and budgets. Visitors can explore these malls to shop for fashion, electronics, souvenirs, and enjoy a range of dining and entertainment options. Find the malls nearest to you in Ho Chi Minh.

Phu Quoc Island:

‍Phu Quoc was a great respite from the busy and often hectic Ho Chi Minh City. It's a picturesque tropical paradise located in the Gulf of Thailand, off the southwestern coast of Vietnam, just 'below' Cambodia. It is the largest island in Vietnam and covers an area of approximately 574 square kilometres. More on this beautiful island coming soon. I loved Phu Quoc and in part two I go into detail about my stay there.

With daily flights available, find the perfect time for your escape with ease using Skyscanner. It's what I use to book my tickets and they're always the best money saver.

Vung Tau:

Vung Tau is a city further south of Ho Chi Minh, along the coast. The coast was not great, the water was quite rough and the seafront seemed almost abandoned in some places. It was evident that people don't use this beach much to swim in. However, Vung Tao does offer a very vibrant nightlife with casinos, bars, clubs, and great accommodations.  More on this coming soon.

The best way to get to Vung Tau is a taxi/transfer you can get great deals with Viator.com. Click the link for more. Alternatively, you can get full-day beach tours from Ho Chi Minh City. Check them out on Viator.

Related: Where to go in South Vietnam?

Accommodation in Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City)

I usually stay in apartments when I travel, whether I am travelling solo or not. It was no different in Ho Chi Minh City. Booking.com offers great selections wherever I travel. The selections do include hostels if you prefer to save on expenses and meet like-minded travellers. Hostels are a great way to meet other solo (and group) travellers. The downside is that you may find yourself wanting a little more time and space for yourself. Both, apartments and hostels are safe options in the city, in my opinion. However, cleanliness isn’t always a main priority, so this is something to keep an eye on in the ratings before booking.

Luckily booking.com offers cleanliness ratings so you can see how clean a place is before booking. For full affordable accommodation options for solo travellers in Vietnam check out booking.com.

Best district to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

This question played on my mind as I planned my visit. After careful consideration and gathering insights from fellow travellers, I discovered that District 1 is a popular choice for solo travellers. This bustling district offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury, and is centrally located, making it convenient for exploring the city's attractions, dining, and nightlife scenes.

I also stayed in District 2, I didn't find much difference between these two districts. Similar amenities, traffic, and prices. This doesn't mean that you can't find whatever you need in the districts further out, but, for me, these two worked out well.

Food and Drink

You can find great food for very little in Vietnam. The side streets and back roads usually have someone offering something on the go. Pho – which is a popular local cuisine, akin to ramen or noodle soup is a great option to grab something quick to go. I do have to mention that these types of fast food aren't the most sanitary options, although I never felt ill once; I was careful not to eat poultry in some places. Even some of the 'nicer' restaurants are not too big on cleanliness and this can have an effect on your cuisine experience.

That being said, if you plan your meals in advance and research the best restaurants near you, you can find some very nice restaurants that offer great service and food, albeit at a slightly higher price.

Safety and Health

Ensuring your safety as a solo traveller is of paramount importance. The below points should help but it's worth noting that...

There was never a moment in Vietnam that I felt unsafe. I stayed in an apartment in the back alleys of back alleys and the other residents in the area were so welcoming. Some of the residents didn’t speak a word of English yet whenever they saw me they would come over to 'talk'.

Do I need vaccinations for Vietnam?

There are some vaccinations that are recommended. For instance, a tetanus jab is a good choice, as there is quite a bit of debris and trash in some areas. When I was in Vung Tau, I walked along the beach and noticed so much trash in some areas. That could become a hazard if you don't notice it and are bare-footed. Other recommended vaccinations are for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid Fever, and Rabies.

Other health and safety issues...

I never once felt scammed or taken advantage of in Vietnam - but I'm also under the impression that if someone tries to make an extra dollar off you, then let them. I know, shock advice, right? But think about it: they likely need it way more than you do and unless it's an extortionate rip off then I wouldn’t bother with the haggling too much. For the most part, I try to give a tip anyway. For example, a haircut cost me about $3 dollars and I gave a small tip which equated to around $5 total, the barber was overjoyed. Gestures like that can make someone’s day when the cost of living is so low.

I have a post that describes a comprehensive list of packing essentials for any trip – check out How to Pack Like a Pro here. However, something that I haven't mentioned there that is definitely needed in Vietnam (and Asia in general) is mosquito repellent. The main cities in Vietnam pose very little to no risk for malaria but that doesn't mean they don't exist.

I use mosquito repellent everywhere I go because they LOVE eating me and while the repellents with deet included do work best for me, they are not good for your skin and can be an irritant.

Other than facemasks, there were no Covid restrictions during my time in Vietnam. Although, it is probably a good idea to wear a mask in the city anyway as the pollution and air quality can become quite bad. It is not uncommon to see the locals doing that.

How to stay gym healthy while travelling solo in Vietnam?

This was another aspect I had to consider. As always, I need a good gym to attend and this is usually something I plan before leaving.

For more tips on gyming abroad, check my post on how to Stay Fit and Healthy while Travelling.

Luckily, Vietnam has plenty of gym options at relatively low prices with most districts offering a good gym usually within a 30-minute walk. This is another great way to meet new (local) people.

A quick tip: Try to leave your headphones in the bag every now and then; this will allow other people to feel like you could be approachable.

Staying hydrated in this city is so important, as the heat and humidity will catch up with you if you aren't careful.

If you are training, walking, and enjoying the city, just ensure you are drinking enough water. Luckily, there are plenty of places to grab a fresh coconut for only a few pounds to revitalise your body.

Something to consider in a humid environment like Ho Chi Minh City is that it's essential to maintain a balanced diet that provides sufficient protein to support your body's needs and prevent excessive weight loss. The high humidity can affect your appetite and make it challenging to consume enough protein to sustain your desired physique. This is something made even more difficult if all you're doing is eating Pho all day.

Ensuring an adequate protein intake becomes even more crucial to preserve muscle mass and avoid unwanted weight loss. By incorporating protein-rich foods into your meals and snacks, you can safeguard your body's size and maintain optimal health even in the humid conditions of Ho Chi Minh.

Stay nourished and energized as you navigate this vibrant city.

Final Thoughts on Vietnam

Overall I spent 2 weeks in Ho Chi Minh City- aka Saigon -and enjoyed myself thoroughly, although I would say that 2 weeks is a long stay there as a solo traveller. I like visiting all types of cities but the hustle and bustle becomes tedious after a while. I met good people there, that I still speak to today, an opportunity that would have passed me by if I didn't travel solo.

‍It can be daunting but getting out of your comfort zone is important for growth, and, while you may not always make friends while abroad, you may gain experiences that you never thought you could have had.

Take the leap and explore Vietnam solo! Try to visit more than one city to really feel the benefits; just stay safe and look both ways when crossing, even on a one-way street!

I continue my exploration of Vietnam's enchanting destinations. Part 2 takes us to the captivating island of Phu Quoc and the vibrant city of Vung Tau. Join me as I delve deeper into these remarkable locales and unravel more of the southern regions of Vietnam.