Ho Chi Minh City

Originally, my plan was to take a bus from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. I asked people staying in my hostel and also locals about the cost and time it would take to get there because I was looking for the cheapest way. They told me that flying and taking the bus were similar in price, the only difference was the time duration. So I opted to fly down to Ho Chi Minh. I flew with Vietjet and paid $75 US. The flight was about 2 hours. I landed around 2 pm and took a cab to my hostel. The weather was the total opposite of Hanoi, it was so hot and humid! I stayed at Saigon Youth Hostel.

Like most Asian countries motorbikes are the most popular mode of transportation. Be very careful crossing the street because motorbikes have the right of way. I literally ran across every street dodging these things.

When I got to my hostel I immediately had a shower and got ready to go out. There isn't a ton of attractions in Ho Chi Minh, but there were a few I wanted to see. I walked  over to Ho Chi Minh Square. They have lots of old building and very expensive shopping as well.

There were people but it wasn't overly crowded because I went late.  I've been trying to figure out what this yellow building and finally found out that it is the People's Committee Building. It's got a French style to it and looks well maintained.

Above is the Inauguration Monument of President Ho Chi Minh. He was a very significant to Vietnam because he declared Vietnam's independence in 1945 and became the first president in 1954. Today he is ranked one of the most famous and influential politicians of the 20th century.

This building is beautiful! It is the Municipal Theatre (Opera House) in French Architecture. 

I didn't hang around long because there really wasn't much I wanted to do. I wanted to go to Ban Thanh Market but it was overly crowded and I had a friend warn me about pick pocketing so I skipped out. I wanted to go to a rooftop lounge so I followed googled maps and headed to OMG Restaurant as it was getting dark. OMG Restaurant is a rooftop lounge/ restaurant with a great view of the city. The vibe was amazing and the music was great.

This place was full of couples, it kind of had a swanky atmosphere and was dark. I would definitely hang out with a boyfriend or girlfriend.

View from OMG Restaurant

My view from the restaurant!

I walked back to my hostel and didn't feel scared at all. There were lots of people out and about, even just sitting in the park. I can definitely see what the appeal is about Ho Chi Minh with expats. Lately every time I visit somewhere I think about if this place is livable to me. Compared to Hanoi this places is a lot more livable for me.