A Casual Day in Ho Chi Minh City
As our Vietnam adventure drew to a close in April 2025, we spent one of our final days soaking up the sights, sounds, and surprises of Ho Chi Minh City. With just a couple of days left before flying back to the UK, we decided to take it easy… or at least, as easy as you can in a city where 20,000 steps is considered “casual sightseeing.”
From history at the Independence Palace to bargaining in the markets, we packed in plenty of memories — and a few mishaps.
Morning Market Breakfast at Bến Thành
No trip to Saigon is complete without a wander through Bến Thành Market. The food court here quickly became one of our favourite breakfast stops — delicious bánh mì with perfectly toasted bread, fresh smoothies, and Vee’s daily obsession: bubble tea.
Not only is the food excellent, but it’s also a fraction of the price you’d pay at street cafés. And being right in the thick of the market adds a buzz that makes every bite taste even better.
The Coconut Water Scam (10/10 for Effort)
After breakfast, we managed to fall into one of those classic tourist traps. A friendly chap thrust two coconuts into our hands, and before we could say no, we were out of pocket 150,000 VND. Pricey, but at least refreshing. If nothing else, it’s a reminder that even seasoned travellers can get caught out — and sometimes you just have to laugh it off.
Independence Palace – History Frozen in Time
The real highlight of the day was visiting the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace. Almost exactly 50 years ago, on April 30th, 1975, North Vietnamese tanks stormed these gates, bringing the Vietnam War to an end and uniting the country.
Walking through the palace felt like stepping back in time. From grand reception halls and cabinet rooms to the president’s private quarters, everything has been preserved as it was in the 1970s.
- Rooftop helipad and dance floor where leaders once entertained.
- Elegant banquet halls and even a private cinema.
- A wartime bunker with rotary phones, maps, and radios — a chilling reminder of the decisions made here.
Outside, the very tanks that ended the war still sit on display, while locals in traditional dress posed for photos in front of them as part of upcoming reunification celebrations. It felt like living history, unfolding right before our eyes.
Bùi Viện Street & Turtle Lake
Later in the afternoon, we headed to Bùi Viện Street, the so-called backpacker district. Honestly? It was fine, but a little underwhelming compared to the history we’d just experienced. If you’re in the area, it’s worth a stroll, but we wouldn’t rush back.
A short walk away, we visited Turtle Lake (not to be confused with Turtle Island in Bali, which caused a laugh between us). In reality, it’s more of a traffic roundabout with a murky pool in the centre — not quite the romantic landmark we’d pictured.
Bình Tây Market – A Whole New World
Our final stop was Bình Tây Market, about 6km away, where we grabbed a quick Grab taxi to escape the afternoon heat. Unlike the touristy Bến Thành, this wholesale-style market had a much more laid-back vibe.
Each section was neatly organised — bags, shoes, food, dried flowers, spices, even bathroom fittings. Upstairs we found clothes and homewares at bargain prices, with none of the hard-sell hassle of other markets. It felt like a market for locals first, tourists second, and we loved that.
When Things Go Wrong: Our Hotel Nightmare
Of course, no day of travel would be complete without a hiccup. That night we returned to our hotel only to discover… no water. No shower, no toilet, nothing. When we asked for help, the receptionist shrugged and said, “I’m not a handyman.” Not exactly the service you want on your last days of a trip!
Lesson learned: always read hotel reviews carefully, and maybe keep a backup option in mind for emergencies.
Reflections on Our Last Days in Vietnam
This day in Ho Chi Minh City summed up everything we love about travel — the mix of history, culture, food, laughter, and the occasional disaster.
- Best moment: standing in front of the tanks at Independence Palace, surrounded by locals preparing for reunification celebrations.
- Funniest moment: realising Turtle Lake was… well, just a pond in a roundabout.
- Worst moment: being ripped off for coconuts and dealing with a hotel with no water.
But that’s travel — it’s never perfect, and the mishaps make the best stories.
Practical Tips for Ho Chi Minh City
- Breakfast: Head to Bến Thành Market for cheap and tasty bánh mì, smoothies, and bubble tea.
- History fix: Don’t miss the Independence Palace — allow at least 2 hours.
- Markets: Bến Thành for atmosphere, Bình Tây for bargains.
- Scams: Politely decline unsolicited coconuts or photos — or agree knowing you’ll pay a premium.
- Transport: Use Grab taxis to avoid the heat and chaos of the city.
Conclusion
From history at Independence Palace to haggling in the markets, our day in Ho Chi Minh City was packed with memories we won’t forget. Even the scams and hotel dramas are part of the adventure.
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