Mẹo Du Lịch · Survival Tips
Saigon Travel Tips
how to not get played in the city
Powered by ITINE
Get this guide as a tappable itinerary
Day-by-day plan, audio tours, and one-tap Google Maps — completely free.
Destinations
Your Itinerary
Google Maps
We update this page every few months based on what we're seeing on the ground. Saigon changes fast.
Di Chuyển · Getting Around
Getting Around
Grab is your best friend
Download Grab before you land. It's Uber for Southeast Asia. Fixed prices, no negotiation, GPS tracked. Use GrabCar for AC, GrabBike for speed. Never get in an unmarked taxi.
How to cross the road
Walk slowly and steadily. Don't stop. Don't run. Don't wait for a gap — there isn't one. Just walk at a consistent pace and the motorbikes flow around you. Trust the system. It works.
Xe ôm (motorbike taxi)
The old-school way. Agree on the price before you sit. 'Bao nhiêu?' means how much. 20,000–40,000 VND for most District 1 trips. More fun than Grab, less predictable.
Buses exist
The public bus system covers the city for 5,000–8,000 VND depending on route. Slow, occasionally air-conditioned, always an adventure. Bus 109 from the airport to District 1 is legitimate and cheap.
Taxi rules
Vinasun and Mai Linh are the only legitimate meter taxi companies. If it's not one of these, negotiate price before entering or use Grab. The airport taxi touts will quote 5x the real price.
Airport to city
Grab from Tan Son Nhat airport: 150,000–200,000 VND to District 1. Bus 109: 6,000 VND, 45 minutes. Never take the touts outside arrivals — 400,000 VND minimum.
Tiền Bạc · Money & Bargaining
Money & Bargaining
ATMs and cash
Vietnam is still mostly cash. Withdraw from Vietcombank or BIDV ATMs — lowest fees. Most restaurants, markets, and street food are cash only. Keep small bills: 20,000 and 50,000 VND.
Bargaining rules
Markets: always negotiate. Start at 40–50% of asking. Shops with price tags: fixed. Street food: fixed and cheap — don't bargain at food carts, it's embarrassing.
Exchange rate reality
1 USD ≈ 25,000 VND. A street food meal costs 30,000–80,000 VND (under $4). A Grab across town: 40,000–80,000 VND. A proper restaurant meal: 150,000–400,000 VND. You'll feel rich. Don't be cheap anyway.
Card payments
Bigger restaurants, hotels, and some shops accept Visa/Mastercard. Street food, markets, xe ôm: cash only. Always carry at least 200,000 VND in small bills.
An Toàn Ăn Uống · Food Safety
Food Safety
Street food is safe
Busy cart = fresh food = safe. If locals are eating there, you should too. Our food guide has the full breakdown on what to eat and what to skip.
Water rules
Don't drink tap water. Bottled water everywhere costs 5,000–10,000 VND. Ice in established restaurants is made from filtered water and is fine. Ice from street carts — use judgment.
Ice is fine (mostly)
Cylindrical ice with a hole through the middle is factory-made from filtered water — safe. Irregular crushed ice from wet markets — avoid. Cà phê sữa đá ice is always fine.
Spice levels
Central Vietnamese food (bún bò Huế) is properly spicy. Southern Saigon food is milder and sweeter. 'Không cay' means not spicy — say it if you need to. The chili sauce on the table is always optional.
Lễ Phép · Etiquette
Etiquette & Culture
Temple etiquette
Remove shoes before entering. Cover shoulders and knees — carry a scarf. Don't turn your back to altars for photos. Don't point feet toward Buddha statues. Quiet voice inside.
Photography
Ask before photographing people — 'Chụp ảnh được không?' Most will say yes and pose. Avoid photographing military buildings. Markets are fine. Always fine at food stalls.
Bargaining etiquette
If you name a price and the seller accepts, buy it. Walking away after they've accepted is considered rude. Only negotiate if you intend to buy.
Dress code
Casual everywhere except temples and upscale restaurants. Shorts and t-shirts are fine. Saigon is hot — dress accordingly. Smart casual for rooftop bars.
còn nữa... · there's more...
Beyond Sài Gòn
Mekong Delta
2 hrs by roadRice paddies, river life, bánh xèo hot off the pan.
Vũng Tàu
2 hrs by ferrySaigon's beach escape. Seafood and sunset.
Đà Lạt
7 hrs or 1 hr flightVietnam's hill station. Cool air, French villas, strawberries.