Ho Chi Minh City Chaos Culture Coffee

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's exciting southern hub. Formerly known as Saigon, it's a perfect mix of French colonial charm, modern skyscrapers and endless street food. In this episode, I'm going to take you on a journey of history, culture and tasty flavours. After an incredible few days in central Vietnam, we're leaving Da Nang's laid-back vibe for the non-stop buzz of Ho Chi Minh City. Da Nang International Airport is modern and efficient and conveniently located a quick 10-minute ride from the city centre. Check-in with Vietjet Airlines is quick, the staff are friendly and there's just enough time to grab a coffee before boarding. In less than 90 minutes, we'll be swapping Da Nang's calm coastline for the iconic city of Saigon, a place where history, hustle and modern life all collide. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Ho Chi Minh City. Within easy walking distance of many of Saigon's main tourist landmarks, the Marriott Hotel is a beautiful slice of luxury located in the heart of the city. Sleek, modern and designed for maximum comfort, the rooms are spacious and quiet, a welcome retreat from the chaos outside. It's the perfect base to rest before diving headfirst into the energy of Ho Chi Minh City. Behind me is the Saigon Central Post Office, which is one of the most beautiful buildings here in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the late 19th century and designed by Gustave Eiffel, it's a stunning mix of Gothic, Renaissance and French colonial styles. Step through the grand entrance and you're instantly transported into another era. The hall stretches out beneath a vast arch ceiling and is lined with ornate tiled flooring. Beneath the watchful glaze of Uncle Ho, the Central Post Office, a symbol of Vietnam's rich cultural heritage, remains one of the oldest working post offices in Southeast Asia. Here, visitors from all around the world browse postcards and local artwork, admire vintage maps painted on the wall and shop from a wide range of historic, modern and locally produced souvenirs. Behind me is the Notre Dame Cathedral and it's actually under renovation at the moment and it was built in the 1800s by French colonists and still remains as one of the most recognizable structures in Saigon. Begun in 1863, the cathedral's red brick façade and ornately carved stonework create a striking impression even while under renovation. Inspired by its famous namesake, the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, it remains a central symbol of Catholic faith in Vietnam and continues to be a popular landmark for both tourists and locals. There's literally a spa in every single corner. If you're needing relaxation, Ho Chi Minh is the place to be. Ah, this is what it was saying in the pink hotel. How much is your massage? Hair therapy. How much massage? Full body. Just a short walk from the Marriott and some of the city's main landmarks, the area around Pasteur Street, once part of an old canal waterway, is where Saigon starts to loosen up and get ready for the evening. Lined with boutique hotels, massage spas and a wide mix of cafes and restaurants, it's now considered to be one of the city's most desirable streets. So whether you're after a quick foot massage, a place to dine or a classy bar to unwind in after a day of sightseeing, this is the place to find it. Finger looking good. Yes, one of my favorites. Behind me is Bieu Vinh Walking Street, which is the heartbeat of Saigon's nightlife. By day, it's just another ordinary street. But at night, it transforms to a neon-lit playground of bars, clubs and live music. Let's go inside. It's my club. Once the sun goes down, Bieu Vinh really ramps up a few levels. Neon lights flash from every angle, music pumps from every doorway and the street becomes a blur of movement. Bars spilling out onto the pavement and crowds dancing in the road. It's wild, messy and completely alive. The kind of chaos you must experience to believe. They've even got a club dedicated to the toilet just over there. The Refreshing Club. I've never seen anything like it. People from all over the world. It's just incredible. I think we've reached the more chilled part of the street. It's a little bit more quiet here and a few more restaurants. I'm nearly getting run over. So we've reached the more chilled part of Bieu Vinh Walking Street where all the restaurants are. Back down there. It's absolutely wild. What a vibe. And it looks like it's about a one kilometre strip. So if you are coming out on a night out, this is the place to be. I don't know. I'm too old for this. Look at this thing. It's literally like a novel. I think it's got everything under the sun. You know, when it's like this, it's really hard to choose what you really want because there's too much choice. Maybe let's ask the waitress. There's too much choice. What's the name of your place? Dai Vid. Okay. So Dai Vid. What is your bestseller here at Dai Vid? Bestseller is lobster. Okay. Lobster. Lobster is a big size. You can cook two. You can have sashimi and half veggie. This one. One person. Yeah. One take about 600 people. Okay. One piece is 600 grams. Yeah, 600 grams. Big size. Oh, it's not quite my birthday yet. How about Vietnamese food? The best fish. Fish, may fish. You can cook steamed. Ah, steamed red grouper with soy sauce. How many grams is the fish? Okay. Very nice. Okay. What we'll do is we'll look through the menu first. Yes. And I'll see tomorrow because it's going to take so long time. So many. Yeah. Everybody seafood and with western food. Oh, yes. Some spinach with oyster sauce. Very nice. Okay. Give us five minutes and we'll order. Okay. You can check everything. Okay. Thank you. Did you say mineral water? It's free. Wow. Free water, binoculars, touchscreen. What's this touchscreen information? You can use that to share information of favorite places here. Thank you very much. But we don't have any coffee shop or bar out there. No problem. Just water is fine. Thank you. So we got our tickets. $240,000 per person. Stand back. As you look over the river, an interactive display gives you the chance to explore the city from above. You can rotate and swipe the screen and tap on the icons to reveal key landmarks from historic buildings to modern skyscrapers, each with detailed information. It's a fun hands-on way to get your bearings while taking in the panoramic views all around you. For a bird's eye view, head up here to the 49th floor on the Skydeck and you'll see modern Saigon stretched out in every direction. McDonald's. I've seen McDonald's. Yes. Oh, I see a big head. I saw a big ear. Near the Skydeck models, there's a small but fascinating museum dedicated to the Yo-Yo, the iconic Vietnamese attire traditionally worn by women. It offers a closer look at the garment's history and cultural significance and leads into a mini theater where you can watch a short film that traces its evolution through the ages. If you're trying to decide the best time to visit the Skydeck, late afternoon is the perfect time to go. As the sun begins to set, the city becomes bathed in sunset shades of red, orange and gold. Gradually, Saigon lights up, its modern towers reflecting the fading light. Windows beginning to glow. It's a breathtaking view that offers a whole new perspective on the city before you head back down to the vibrant streets below. Behind me stands one of the most iconic buildings in Saigon, the Ho Chi Minh City Hall. Built in the 1900s by the French, its colonial architecture and striking facade makes it one of the most photographed buildings in the city. And in front of the building is a statue of the man himself, Ho Chi Minh, who is a revolutionary leader and founder of modern Vietnam. More than just a namesake of the city, Ho Chi Minh led Vietnam through one of the most defining chapters in its history, freeing the country from decades of French colonial rule, achieving independence and reunification. It's fitting that his statue stands here, in front of the very building once used by the French to govern. Today, City Hall remains a symbol of the colonial past while Uncle Ho's presence serves as a reminder of the movement that reshaped his nation. So this is the very famous, I can't pronounce it, Nguyen Huu Walking Street. I'm sure that's not the way to pronounce it, but that'll do for now. Just a few steps from the City Hall, Nguyen Huu Walking Street stretches out like a grand urban promenade. Flanked by modern buildings, cafes and hotels, it's a popular gathering spot for locals and tourists alike, especially in the evenings when the fountains light up and the street becomes alive with music, families and street performers. Guys, check this out. Absolutely incredible here on the walking street, the cafe apartment building, which is an old apartment building that they converted into a maze of vertical boutique shops, restaurants and bars like nothing I've ever seen before. Here's my Grab. You gotta love Grab. Download it on your phone. Very useful in Vietnam. The next morning, as the My Philippines crew made our way through the scooter-packed streets of downtown Saigon, we came across an unexpected taste of home. Jollibee, Filipino classic. Hi, hi. This is amazing. I think Nick's missing Jollibee. Taste of home. Taste of the second home. That's right, Jollibee. Jollibee is everywhere, taking over the world. Located in District 3, the War Remnants Museum is one of the most visited and most powerful experiences of any trip to Ho Chi Minh. Just outside the entrance, you're met with a striking display of war relics, such as tanks, helicopters, artillery, bulldozers and aircraft once used by US forces during the war. It's a sobering reminder of the scale of the Vietnam War and a preview of the difficult but very important human stories told within. The museum grounds also contain some of the most confronting aspects of war, including tiger cages, sunbathing rooms and other instruments of torture. Not for the faint-hearted, these displays offer a stark glimpse into the suffering endured by prisoners and the brutal reality of the conflict on all sides. Inside, the museum presents a powerful series of exhibits that document the full cost of war, from personal stories of hardship to unimaginable civilian loss, including the massacre of Thanh Phong in 1969. The exhibits confront visitors with the harsh realities of conflict and the lasting scars that echo through the generations. From fresh spices to handicrafts, Chor Ben Thanh Market is a feast for all senses. Let's go inside. In the heart of District 1, Chor Ben Thanh Market is one of Ho Chi Minh City's busiest and most recognisable landmarks. In the late afternoon, the market hums with activity, showcasing a huge range of stalls packed with well-known Vietnamese delicacies such as pho, banh mi, lots of trinkets and accessories and other quirky souvenirs, as well as a range of Vietnamese coffee to spend your last few dong on. It's chaotic, colourful and full of character, a true taste of everyday Saigon. Of course, no visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without diving into its street food scene. From the classic pho to banh mi to unique regional dishes, Vietnamese street food is served hot, fresh and is great value for money. Pork noodle. Two. Okay. Thank you. Although these tiny tables and stools at which it's usually served are clearly not built for someone like me that's six foot two. Thank you. Legit street food, guys. Tuck in, let's tuck in. It's good. Ho Chi Minh City is a place where the past and the present live side by side. From the bustling markets to the quiet corners of history, this place leaves a lasting impression. Well, that's it, folks. That's the end of our Vietnam adventure. Thanks for watching. Please don't forget to like, subscribe and share and I'll see you on the next episode. Bye.