Customs, Culture, Norms, and Food

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a vibrant blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and modern influences. Here are some key aspects:

Respect for Elders: Vietnamese culture places a high value on respecting elders. It’s customary to greet them with a slight bow and use polite language.

Traditional Dress: The Ao Dai is the traditional Vietnamese dress, often worn on special occasions. It’s a long, flowing tunic worn over trousers.

Festivals: Ho Chi Minh City hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, such as Tet (Lunar New Year), which is celebrated with family gatherings, traditional foods, and fireworks.

Religion: Buddhism is the predominant religion, with many temples and pagodas scattered throughout the city. Visiting these places requires respectful behavior, such as removing shoes before entering.

Greetings: A common greeting is “Xin chào” (hello), accompanied by a smile and a slight bow.

Public Behavior: Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon. It’s also polite to avoid loud conversations in public places.

Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, leaving small change or rounding up the bill is common.

Ho Chi Minh City is a food lover’s paradise, offering a wide range of delicious dishes. Here are some must-try foods:

Pho: A popular noodle soup with beef or chicken, served with fresh herbs and lime.

Banh Mi: A crispy baguette filled with various ingredients like pork, pate, and pickled vegetables.

Bun Bo Hue: Spicy beef noodle soup from the central region, known for its rich broth and lemongrass flavor.

Com Tam: Broken rice served with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, and a variety of sauces.

Banh Xeo: Crispy pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, often served with fresh herbs and lettuce.

Here are some top attractions to explore:

• War Remnants Museum: A museum dedicated to the Vietnam War, featuring exhibits and artifacts from the conflict.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A stunning example of French colonial architecture.
• Ben Thanh Market: A bustling market where you can find everything from souvenirs to fresh produce and street food.
• Cu Chi Tunnels: A network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, offering a glimpse into the history of the conflict.
• Saigon Opera House: A beautiful building with a rich history, often hosting cultural performances.
• Tao Dan Park: A large park in the city center, perfect for morning walks and people-watching.
• Suoi Tien Theme Park: A unique theme park with a blend of Buddhist and Hindu themes, featuring impressive architecture and water rides.

Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City Center to Suoi Tien Theme Park is quite convenient with the newly opened Metro Line 1. Here’s how you can do it:

By Metro

Metro Line 1: This line connects Ben Thanh Market in District 1 to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Thu Duc City. The metro journey takes approximately 45 minutes.

Ticket Prices: Single-ride tickets cost between 6,000 VND and 20,000 VND (approximately $0.26 to $0.87), depending on the distance traveled. There are also one-day, three-day, and monthly passes available.

Other Options

Bus: You can take bus line 19, which travels directly from downtown Ho Chi Minh City to Suoi Tien Theme Park. The journey takes around 45 minutes and costs about 10,000 VND (less than $0.50 USD).

Taxi/Grab/Vin Xanh: You can book a taxi or Grab/Vin Xanh ride for a more convenient but slightly more expensive option.

Private Car or Tour: Hiring a private car or joining a tour that includes transportation to and from the park is another convenient option