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(HCMC) Things to do in HCMC

In HCMC, the more you explore, the more crazy things you will find. Here are a handful of those crazy things:

Take a cooking class


You’re a big fan of Vietnamese cuisine, why not learn to make it yourself? Tons of cooking classes online are available to find, including a trip to local markets to buy ingredients. If you have one special and that specific dish that keeps you craving at night, take some private classes that often allow you to choose what dish to cook.

Visit the apartment cafés


It was once nothing more than a block of housing for military personnel. Now,  42 Nguyen Hue Street is transformed into a block of quirky cafes and boutiques that occupy all 9 floors of the building. Since the event of being pedestrianized in 2015, the road is now known as ‘Saigon Walking Street’ and is a lively night-time hotspot for locals.

Go to the Artinus 3D Art Gallery

The Artinus 3D Art Gallery contains a number of rooms, each painted with 3D images that are very lifelike. The rooms relate to a number of different themes, including Renaissance art and ancient Egypt, as well as famous views in Vietnam. These paintings might not be the best in the city, but it is indeed a fun alternative for hanging out. Plus, you’ll have plenty of selfie opportunities!

Take a motorbike taxi


While wandering on your journey in HCMC, you’ve surely noticed men napping on bikes, occasionally shouting“Motorbike!”. These people are Xe Om, also known as, motorbike taxi drivers. You can make an arrangement with them on where to go and for what price, and then hop on to continue your journey like a local. In theory, it is cheaper than taxis, but the price is all about bargaining. I personally advise you to use Grabbike instead. The price is cheaper and fixed, no bargaining required. But we are here for the experience right?

Get some tailored clothes

Hoi An is usually a place to look for tailored clothing, but don’t overlook Saigon! This is the home of plenty of skilled and experienced tailors, who can help you whip up anything you want: trousers, tops, dresses or shirts in days. There are some renowned places, but it is best to research online first and find ones with an interesting portfolio of clothing.

Drink egg coffee


Normally this dessert is found in Hanoi, where it first originated. However there are a few places that serve this dessert in HCMC. The drink is made of egg yolks, sugar and condensed milk, whisked together to make a meringue-like foam, and then poured on top some strong Vietnamese coffee. This is called “egg coffee”, which is arguably more like a dessert than a regular coffee. One of the best places to find the sweet treat in Ho Chi Minh City is at Lưu Gia Café on 8 Duong Hoa Cuc Street.

Try fertilized duck egg (hot vit lon)


For many of us, cuisine from another country is the most exciting part to look forward to. And, for some adventurous, the weirder the better! HCMC certainly makes it easier for tourists to eat the unusual, and fertilized duck egg is one of the weirdest! The egg is served and eaten just like how you would eat a boiled chicken egg, except for what you will find in the egg is not yolk and white base, but a whole in-developing-stage duck fetus. If you are brave enough, give it a go and you don’t have to look very far to discover this popular Saigon snack.

Visit the 3A Alternative Art Area

In the event that you need to experience Saigon's imaginative side, the 3A Alternative Art Area is an awesome place to begin. The road used to be loaded with surrendered stockrooms, which have since been changed into shops, studios, displays and bistros. Huge numbers of the structures are brightened with vivid spray paint and are regularly used for creative occasions such as screenings.

Explore Antique Street

While in Ho Chi Minh City, you're certain to visit a number of  popular markets. However don't pass up a great opportunity for the lesser-known shopping spots. Just over the street from Bến Thành Market is Antique Street, or Le Cong Kieu Street. Here, you can filter through uncommon collectibles – some genuine, some not – come away with a unique pearl that nobody else has.

Karaoke!


Karaoke in Asia. When you think of that, images of Phineas and Ferb in Tokyo might come to mind. However singing your heart out to your friends in a karaoke room is just as much fun in HCMC. There are more karaoke bars in this city than you can ever imagine, and getting together with colleagues or friends is a popular pastime activity in the city. Vietnamese people seem to have no end to confidence when it comes to performing on stage, and the enthusiasm is pervasive. Not all places have English songs, but some Vietnamese songs can be very entertaining to sing along (with singer mode on)!


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