Experience in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam by Thao

What is it like to live in Ho Chi Minh City? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Ho Chi Minh is a crowded city, over 10m people in about 2500km square. Main transports are motobike, bus and car. Motobike is recommeded. Everything is value for money, diferently between areas. Local market is recommended. A lot of space for rent, or you can stay long time in a central hostel, they are clean, cheap and convenient. You need to experience to find good places for food, clothes and fun. Otherwise there are many job opportunities. Try to join in many community on facebook, or website to figure out.

What is the student lifestyle like in Ho Chi Minh City?

Study, fun, work... Same same all over the world. Most of student is trying to improve English/culture so be open and you will have a lot of good friends. They will give advice, take you on a trip around Vietnam. Its cheap and big fun to backpack around Vietnam.

How much does it cost to live in Ho Chi Minh City?

To me around 6 million vnd/ month = $300 (food, transport, rental...). Its much, can be less. But to people enjoy eating out, shopping, bar, travel tour, luxury food...etc it will take more.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City? Is there any advice you can give?

No absolutely.
There are many level: small room, hostel, big house to share, apartment to share,... I rank them from low to high price. You can pay 1-10 million vnd/month for a space in centre. If you are willing to pay you will get a nice individual space enough for relaxing, working, meetup, pets, flowers...

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

As i mentioned, you need experience to find good food and your taste also. If you are not type of cooking. You can try a lot of decious restaurant, we have safe and sexy food everywhere, everywhere, Japanese, Korean, Thailand, Indian, French...

Street food to is less quality and you need friends to find out a good place, but its worth to try if you are type of adventue.
Seek chance for a local meal is recommened.

What places would you recommend visiting in Ho Chi Minh City?

Meetup with friends in cafe shop
Walking around parks
Ride motobike from district to district. They are different.
Traveling nearby: mekong delta, Tay Ninh, Dalat-highland, Cambodia, Thailand, Lao, Sing, Malay,...

Is it good to eat out in Ho Chi Minh City? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes

Is the nightlife good in Ho Chi Minh City? Where is good to go?

Around tourist area.

What advice would you give future students heading to Ho Chi Minh City?

The more friendly you are the more fun you get.