Trip Planning Archives – Page 4 of 4

Is Vietnam Safe for Tourists? What About American Tourists?

Walking on the street in Hoi An, Vietnam, behind a motorbike and ladies on bicycles in conical hats.

I moved to Vietnam from the USA in 2018. As someone who’s lived in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, I can shed some light on the ...

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Vietnam Visa Requirements: Do I Need a Visa to Visit Vietnam?

Daytime at the People's Committee Building in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam? How do I apply for one? How much does a Vietnam visa cost? Can I enter Vietnam visa-free? How do I ...

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Da Nang or Hoi An: Which is Better to Stay?

Hoi An's Old Town, showing people riding motorbikes, tourists, locals, old buildings, trees, lanterns, and various shops along the road.

I moved to Da Nang from the USA in 2018. I visit Hoi An regularly on my motorbike for coffee, to eat, or to explore. I was talking ...

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17 Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

The People's Committee Building lit up at night, with the Vincom mall in the background, and locals and tourists on motorbikes in downtown District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City can be overwhelming to navigate for first-time visitors. The city’s infrastructure isn’t fully developed, and the overall travel experience isn’t as streamlined as nearby ...

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Ho Chi Minh City vs. Bangkok: Best Destination for Travelers

Landmark 81 skyscraper in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City, the tallest building in Vietnam and second tallest in Southeast Asia.

I moved to Da Nang, Vietnam, in 2018 and then lived in Ho Chi Minh City. I’ve lived in four different districts in HCMC: District 8, District 7, ...

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Ho Chi Minh City 3-Day Itinerary for First-Timers

The courtyard of the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, with tourists and two army tanks in the foreground and the palace in the background.

Three days is a great amount of time to spend in Ho Chi Minh City. I’ve put together a three-day itinerary that takes you to HCMC’s best attractions, ...

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How to Use Grab in Vietnam: Alternative to Uber and Uber Eats

Grab app delivery driver picking up food from restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City before making the delivery

Over the years of living in Vietnam and Thailand, I’ve spent thousands of dollars on the Grab app. Not for taxis, though – for food deliveries! The Grab ...

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18 Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City for First-Timers

After living in Da Nang, I moved to Ho Chi Minh City, where I’ve since lived in five different districts. With a population of around 10 million, Ho ...

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Should You Say Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh Statue with People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City in the background

When I started traveling abroad by coming to Vietnam in 2018, I also wondered if I should be saying Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City. Since then, I ...

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How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City for First-Time Visitors

Parking on Le Cong Kieu Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, showing my orange Yamaha motorbike and the street lined with old French achitecture

I have lived in four different districts in Ho Chi Minh City (Thao Dien in District 2, District 7, District 8, and Phu Nhuan) and have traveled throughout ...

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