A customer recently asked us “where can i buy a sim card in Ho Chi Minh City?”. We always do a lot of research when we get a question like this from a guest. We were actually really surprised to see that quite a few people had been taken advantage of by purchasing sim cards from random tourist kiosks in the airport. If you are looking where you can buy a sim card in Ho Chi Minh City you should only purchase from reputable suppliers at their shops or kiosks. I recommend buying from Viettel or Mobiphone at their locations inside the city or their Kiosk inside the airport. These companies are the two biggest networks in Vietnam so you can have some of the best coverage available. Random shops or kiosks aren’t certified to give you a sim card, so avoid these suppliers at all costs. Where to Buy a Sim Card in Tan Son Nhat Airport?The whole reason for writing this blog article is to hopefully help a few people that are looking at buying their sim card inside of the airport before getting onto the street. After being on a long flight I know that most of us are ready to connect online and let everyone know that we arrived safe and sound to our destination. Also, it’s a comfortable feeling to be able to look up answers to questions you might have when trying to get to your accommodation. It didn’t take very long when doing research on Sim Cards to see that so many people have been taken advantage of when buying a sim card in Tan Son Nhat airport. The biggest scam it seems is that sim cards that work for just a short amount of time and then are shut down after 7-8 hours. This is why my piece of advice for getting a sim card is to ignore all of the other Kiosks except the official Viettel and Mobiphone Kiosks. These companies are the only recommendations I am going to make in this article. If there is another kiosk offering a sim card for a few dollars less, I personally wouldn’t even consider it. The headache of getting a sim card that stops working way before its supposed to isn’t worth it. If you are like myself and want to avoid any type of headache after a long flight to a new place you can order your simcard through Klook for or even While these sim cards don't use my favorite providers, Vinaphone is still a popular and reliable service provider in vietnam.
Where are the Viettel and Mobiphone Sim Card Kiosks in Tan Son Nhat Airport?These Kiosks are located after you get out of customs. That means you’ll have to wait until you go through immigration in order to get to the correct Kiosks. In our research we found that the biggest complaints about being ripped off happened at the kiosks before immigration so we highly recommend you avoid these options. The Viettel and Mobiphone kiosks are located at the exit of the terminal after baggage claim. You’ll be able to see that their brand name is prominently shown on their Kiosk. Where to buy a SIM card inside District 1, Ho Chi Minh City?If you aren't going to buy your sim card in the airport. You can seek out the official Viettel and Mobifone stores. Viettel and Mobiphone have a few locations in District 1, we recommend making a trip to their stores to buy a sim card directly if you didn’t buy one in the airport. Viettel Address: 166 Tran Hung Dao Hours: 8am-8pm Mobifone Address: 81b Nguyen Du, District 1 (near the Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office) Hours: 8am-10pm These locations are always quite busy, so it could take a little while to be helped. You can rest assured though, if you buy your sim card from here it will be fully functional and official. Which Sim Card should you buy?I believe hands down the best network is gonna be Viettel. I have used mobiphone for my entire time in Vietnam, but looking at the coverage for both Viettel and Mobiphone it is easy to see which one has the superior network. Viettel has much more 4g coverage spread across the areas of Vietnam. Mobiphone’s coverage isn’t bad but their 4g network isn’t as large as Viettel. What are the requirements to buy a sim card in Ho Chi Minh City?In 2016, there was a crack down on agency enforcement to prevent the illegal sale of sim cards. This was due to issues with phone scammers and national security. This means that all sim cards require an ID or Passport to be registered. If a sim card is sold without the request of your passport information, you can bet that this isn’t an official card or there is something fishy going on. How much do Sim Cards cost in Ho Chi Minh City?There are a few different plans available for tourist sim cards. You’ll have the option to choose just data if you don’t think you’ll need to make any phone calls during your trip in Vietnam. The price range for a few Gigabytes of data will range from 200-300,000 VND. Everyone’s phone usage differs but a few gigabytes of data should be good enough for a 2-3 week vacation in Vietnam. Can I top up a Sim Card that I bought?Topping up a sim card in Vietnam is extremely easy. You can buy a scratch off card for both Mobiphone and Viettel from most any small mom and pop shop and convenience store in Vietnam. If you get a number from a convenience store it will come on a receipt instead of a scratch off. Type *100*, then your number on your scratch off or receipt, and then the # key. You’ll receive an sms from the carrier to let you know they received your top up. We hope this information has helped you when you go to buy a proper sim card. Traveling around with a good connection to the internet is important in a country where you don’t speak the native language. Hopefully you have a great time in Vietnam with some full bars on your phone! Read Full Article Here: Where to Buy a Sim Card in Ho Chi Minh City? https://backofthebiketours.com/where-to-buy-a-sim-card-in-ho-chi-minh-city/
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My first trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels actually came after I had already been living in Ho Chi Minh City for a few years. In all honesty, my friend and I were up pretty late the night before having some adult beverages out on the town. When 8 am came, it was time for us to meet our tour guide and open air jeep for a tour to the Cu Chi. I stumbled out of bed bleary eyed and still tired, I quickly grabbed some simple clothes out of my wardrobe, slipped my feet into my flip flops right before heading out the door. I wish I had thought ahead and prepared some better clothing options especially my shoes. The Cu Chi Tunnels does not have a dress code, but I have learned the clothing you should wear would be a simple top or t-shirt, jeans or shorts, and sneakers. The clothes you bring for the cu chi tunnels should also be old. Everything you wear you shouldn't mind if it gets dirty or sweaty, because it will. Do not bring a large bag for your trip as it will be difficult to bring through the tunnels. What kind of Shirt to Wear to the Cu Chi Tunnels?Super simple but something a bit dark that won't stain up if you get it a bit dirty. You don't want to wear your brand new or favorite shirt on this day trip from Ho Chi Minh. As you pass through the underbrush of the jungle you'll be brushing up against mother nature which could leave some dirt and stain marks. Even more obvious though, is when climbing through the tunnels you are gonna bump up against dirty walls that are gonna make you a bit messy. If you did bring a small bag, I would consider keeping an extra t-shirt to change into on your way back home so that you aren’t as dirty and smelly during the 2 hour trip back to Saigon. Why wear pants or jeans to the cu chi tunnels?After living in Vietnam for such a long time, I have learned the valuable lesson of wearing pants or jeans even when the weather is hot. If you looked at most photos of Vietnam you would see that everyone is wearing clothes that cover large parts of their arms and legs. This isn't out of a shyness about showing off skin, but rather to keep skin out of the sun. This lesson can be applied to running around at the Cu Chi Tunnels, some pants or jeans are gonna help keep bugs and sun off of your skin. It will also be a bit gentler on the knees if you crawl through the tunnels. Hopefully you brought a pair of pants that you can use on some adventure tours on your trip to Vietnam. Won't my jeans get ruined if I wear them crawling around the tunnels?I wouldn't worry too much about that if you're not going to rough through the tunnels when on your hands and knees. Just take it easy, what will happen is your gonna get a little dirt on your jeans but if you aren't cruising like a toddler who has mastered crawling, everything should be just fine! Does that mean I shouldn't wear shorts?No, not at all. It's just a suggestion since you will be crawling on your hands and knees. Jungle foliage will brush up against you a little bit here and there. Also, some of us are more susceptible to being bit and bothered by bugs than others. If you love shorts, which I personally wear 95% of the time, then go ahead and rock some shorts when you visit the Cu Chi. I would just recommend not wearing Basketball shorts that are loose fitting as it seems a bit easier for bugs to get into or dirt to find crevices to fall into. When I wore a pair of gym shorts on my first visit, I honestly just felt like they were gonna come off as I was crawling around the tunnels, so I wouldn't suggest them. How about wearing sandals or flip flops to the Cu Chi Tunnels?Sandals were my first choice when I made the trip the Cu Chi with my friend. She had a solid laugh a few times on the trip while walking around the jungle foliage I was slipping around. We had a little bit of rain that day which made everything a slip and slide for my no grip sandals. I just kept picturing me slipping on some of the loose dirt and leaves to find my backend sitting in a muddy puddle. That would have been a fun ride home! So, my recommendation is to put on a pair of sneakers or slip on shoes to avoid any of the issues I had. It's a fun day of hanging out in the underbrush of the jungle outside of Ho Chi Minh City, better to dress the part from head to toe. What to Wear to the Cu Chi Tunnels if you think it’s gonna rain?This is probably gonna happen if you are visiting Southern Vietnam in between May and Early December. If you aren't sure about the weather in Vietnam, you can read up about it at our best time to visit Vietnam weather article. Honestly, I think if you are following this guide, I would wear exactly the same things recommended above. Here is a little trick for you though as someone who has been around Vietnam for a while. If you wanted to bring a smallish backpack that you only put sandals in, this would be great for you to store your wet shoes and socks in while you slip your sandals on during the trip back to Ho Chi Minh City. What else Should I Pack into my Bag for the Cu Chi Tunnels?Be careful when bringing a bag to the Cu Chi Tunnels because you are gonna have to carry the bag through the tunnels with you. Packing some bug spray would be a great idea as there are a lot of insects in the Cu Chi area. Last but not least, be sure to pack some suntan lotion for the trip. Taking care of your skin will be important no matter where you are visiting in Vietnam. Originally Published Here: What to Wear to the Cu Chi Tunnels? https://backofthebiketours.com/what-to-wear-to-the-cu-thi-tunnels/You have just arrived at your hotel or resort from a super long flight to Vietnam, they greet you with a nice glass of juice or tea. But Wait! There is ice in it! Can I drink this ice? Oh no, you are so thirsty though! What do you do? Can I Drink Ice in Vietnam? Yes, most of the ice you will encounter is clean and you will be able to drink it. There are two types of ice in Vietnam and one of them isn’t filtered and should not be drunk. As a customer, you will rarely ever encounter this type of ice. This is for commercial use only, and not for drinking. Most Restaurants, Hotels, and even street vendors will not serve dirty ice to customers, this would be really bad for their business as everyone, even local Vietnamese, can not drink dirty ice. That’s why a company like Back of the Bike Tours exists providing Vietnamese food tours so we can navigate our customers to safe and hygienic eating places. How do you Avoid Dirty Ice in Vietnam?There isn’t a 100% guarantee that you can avoid ice that is a bit dirty from being mishandled, for example. I’m talking about a bag of ice that is put on the ground for a minute or some lady scooping ice with a dirty hand. Will that bit of mishandling make you incredibly sick? I highly doubt it. As a traveller, you need to be concerned about a vendor or restaurant who is grossly mishandling their ice or purchasing from an unreliable source to save money. If it’s a hygiene problem and safety issue, then that isn’t the ice’s fault and you can’t avoid that 100% of the time no matter what you do, even in Western Countries. The common sense approach to this is going to be thinking about it logically. Which type of vendor or restaurant is trying to save such a small amount of money and risk their reputation by serving dirty ice? These are going to be street food vendors serving a very cheap meal in a very poor area or a failing restaurant that is being mismanaged. If you eat in popular busy restaurants, street food vendors, cafes, and hotels that aren’t located in very rural poor areas, You aren’t going to be at much risk of getting contaminated Ice. These places will not risk their reputation for such an easily solved problem. How does Ice become Contaminated or “Dirty”?A lot of quality inspections are carried out regularly by the food and safety authorities but dirty ice cannot be completely controlled and prevented from being served to customers across Vietnam. Contamination can occur at the source used to make the ice, the packaging process, the transportation of the ice, or the distribution. That is a lot of moving parts to control in a developing country like Vietnam. As long as a vendor or restaurant are purchasing the right type of ice, a risk of serious contamination is still rather low as the reputation of so many are on the line to deliver a safe product to customers. What does clean ice look like?While there’s no way to be 100% certain that the ice you consume in Vietnam is safe for health, there are a ton of safe and qualified ice manufacturers. A big safety tip with ice is to look out for commercially made ice with cylindrical shape and a hole in it. Generally speaking, this type of ice is the safest, costliest to produce, to store, and to preserve. Only large manufacturers having more modern machines can produce it. This type of ice is usually found at large “beer restaurants” where it is common to drink beer over ice. It can also be found in coffee shops and restaurants perfect to drink with juice and coffee. The other type of clean ice you will commonly come across will be the small “chips” of ice. These are commonly found in Ice Coffee, Juice, and Tea as well. What Kind of Ice in Vietnam should I be Wary of or Avoid Completely?Large blocks of ice that get broken into smaller pieces. This is where you are gonna see your biggest issues. If you are at a vendor or restaurant who looks like they are breaking up giant chunks of ice, perhaps you can avoid it. 99% of the time, you would probably be okay. If you are easily susceptible to getting sick though, it may not be worth the risk. These big chunks of ice are the cheapest and easiest to make, so these companies are probably not hiring the most astute employees. Which is where you might come across more of likelihood of some type of contamination. Another tip is to look at the color. From the outside, if the ice shows signs of slightly turbid color and contains many bubbles, strange smell, it is dirty ice. Purified ice, on the other hand, has a clear crystal-like color, without any strange smell or residue. Can I drink Ice Safely in Restaurants and Hotels in Vietnam?Restaurants, Hotels, and even local restaurants aren’t going to serve you dirty ice. At least not on purpose, there would need to be a major mismanagement of the ice in order for it to be contaminated in a way that would make someone sick. These large companies would not dare risk their brand, and smaller mom and pop owned restaurants would not risk their livelihood. When contamination does occur at a restaurant or hotel, it isn’t going to be from someone buying dirty ice, it would be contamination coming from staff most likely not the water source. Iced Tea is everywhere, should I drink it?In Vietnam, the water is sometimes replaced by a light tea called “Tra da” in Vietnamese. It is a popular drink usually served with street food for free. I have never had a problem from drinking ice tea from cafes, restaurants, or even street food vendors. This does come down to common sense though, if you think a restaurant or vendor is a little too dirty or slow, don’t feel bad about not drinking the tea they offer. Iced Coffee is huge in Vietnam as well, check out this article about drinking and buying safe coffee in Vietnam if you want to learn more. If after all this information you still feel skeptical, that is totally okay. It is your trip so you should do the best you can to enjoy it without any concerns. Simply, tell the waiter or waitress to serve you drinks without ice. In Vietnamese, that would be “Khong Da”. You are being a smart traveler asking great questions about food safety and hygiene. Check us out if you want to know more about our Vietnam Travel Tips. Overall, being prepared is the best tip for travelling to anywhere including Vietnam. After reading this guide about Ice in Vietnam, I hope that you feel more comfortable and ready for your trip to my beautiful country. If you find our tips helpful, please feel free to share our article so that other travelers can gain some local knowledge and feel even more confident about their future trip as well! Vietnam Travel More Information Source Here: Can I Drink Ice In Vietnam? https://backofthebiketours.com/can-i-drink-ice-in-vietnam/While it is quite easy for anyone to look up on TripAdvisor or Agoda for the best hotels in Saigon (and get some great deals), we have decided this time to search some accommodations here that stands out (to us) for their decor and style. As always, this is purely based on our team's opinion and this is not a sponsored post by any of the hotels mentioned below. Check out the video for the best boutique hotels here and scroll down for the list of addresses: Our Best Boutique Hotels: #5 L'Odeon, 63-65, Lê Văn Thiêm Street, District 7 #4 Town House 50, 50 Bùi Thị Xuân, Bến Thành District #3 Cinnamon Hotel Saigon, 74 Lê Thị Riêng, Bến Thành District #2 The Alcove, 133A Nguyễn Đình Chính, Phú Nhuận District #1 I Am Vietnam, 30/57B Nguyen Cuu Van Street, Bình Thạnh District. Are you planning to stay at one of these boutique Hotels in HCMC? Which one did you choose? Source Here: The Best Boutique Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City https://backofthebiketours.com/best-boutiques-hotels/
Vietnamese Jicama Roll, Bò BíaThe little brother of the famous Vietnamese Spring Roll a.k.a Goi Cuon, Bo Bia is one of the easiest snacks to find when walking down the street of Ho Chi Minh City. This spring roll packs a unique punch of flavor and texture in comparison. With rice paper on the outside, Jicama, Beef Sausage, Dried Shrimp, fried egg, fried shallots, and multiple herbs on the inside this little roll is not to be missed. You can find this served with a peanut dipping sauce, don’t forget to add the chili for that added heat. Vietnamese Rice Paper Salad with Dried Beef, Bánh Tráng TrộnThe question “What is your favorite Vietnamese Food?” is a staple during our Interview process at Back of the Bike Tours. Eighty percent of the time I am given the quick and enthusiastic answer of, “Banh Trang Tron!” Like so many other dishes in culinary history, this dish started out just trying to solve a problem. What to do with all of that scrap rice paper? Well, make a salad out of it! Using thin strips of rice paper to compose the bulk of the salad, Dried beef, Dried Shrimp, Quail egg, Vietnamese Hot Mint, Julienned Green Mango, toasted peanuts, and fried shallots are tossed together with a loose, dark, sweetened soy sauce with kumquat juice. After being thoroughly mixed, it’s tossed into a bag with disposable chopsticks shoved inside. This concoction is a fun texture experience and bursting with a great combination of flavors. This dish is great for accenting the strong and unique flavor of Vietnamese Dried Beef. Quail fried in Butter, Cút Chiên BơIt’s not difficult to miss the man on the street corner with a rotisserie over open flames. What might be difficult to miss is the small birds that are strung through the poles roasting over the flame. Every few minutes, the quail vendor will brush these little birdies with his own oil or butter mixture that will usually contain a dried herb and spices to add a unique flavor to each vendors quail. These quail can be taken to a whole another level when they are deep-fried in sweet butter and served with a baguette. Fried Quail will normally come with pickles, Vietnamese Hot Mint, and Cucumber as an accompaniment to the dish. Some might be grossed out by the serving of the quail head still attached to the neck. No worries, it has a great pop to it when you take it in one bite. Pork and Pork Sausage Skewers, Heo Nướng - Hồ Lô Nướng
Grilled pork over an open fire! Count me in! These meat skewers are a great pre-game to hold you over before dinner. Heo Nuong, Marinated Pork Skewers, find an excellent balance between chewy and tender. Pork comes into the markets around 4 AM here in Saigon. That is when the pork shoulder is purchased, then cut, and marinated for 6-8 hours in a mixture of honey and sesame seeds. Holo Nuong, Sweet Pork Sausage balls, can’t help but leave a smile on your face when your teeth pop the roasted casing on the outside to find yourself enjoying a great balance of fat and sugar that is mixed into the sausage. Named for its resemblance of a round squash, these sweet morsels of meat are typically found in Southern Vietnam. Don’t miss the chili sauce and pickles that are a necessity in balancing out the rich meaty flavor. Also, a nice cold beer goes quite well. Try it out on our food tours in Ho Chi Minh City on your next visit. Grilled Vietnamese Rice Paper, Banh Tráng NướngHailing from the mountain area of Dalat and one of the newest to arrive in the food scene of Ho Chi Minh City, Banh Trang Nuong, has been dubbed the “Vietnamese Pizza”. Here are the basics for almost every Banh Tranh Nuong, Rice paper, open flame, egg, and cheese. Top this with anything from Dried beef, green onions, spicy chicken, or even take the desert approach and try some banana. This crispy snack is being served in little restaurants or right on the street so it isn't hard to miss. If you are interested in then be sure to check out our, if you are looking to check out a specific food in Vietnam then ask about our private tours and chefs tours!Source Here: Vietnamese Street Food Snacks You Should not Miss in Saigon https://backofthebiketours.com/vietnamese-street-food-snacks/Back in May, Our team and I had the chance to go on a custom History tour with a man from the UK named Tim Doling. Tim’s knowledge of Historic Vietnam may be unparalleled by any foreigner living in Vietnam. Researching into some of the most historical figures, architecture, railways, and history of Vietnam, Tim will blow you away on his Historic Walking Tour of Ho Chi Minh City or Cho Lon.
When meeting with Tim, we had the chance to sit down over coffee and discuss the details of Historic Vietnam starting around the 1600’s into the 1950’s with the exit of the French from Vietnam.
This chance to jump into your imagination and experience Saigon in the past is one that has stuck with me since. It has changed the way I even drive down the street. Now my eyes are constantly darting to the sides looking for old architecture that I might have driven by thousands of times before but never realized.
This has also led to a major shift into our City Tours here at Back of the Bike Tours. Armed with new knowledge from an excellent Historian we were able to adapt some of the things we learned working with Tim Doling to help us create what we feel must be the best City Tour on a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tim has actually released a new book called “Exploring Ho Chi Minh City”. This book has 13 interesting walking tours for anyone who is interested in diving into the History and Architecture of old Ho Chi Minh City. If you are an expatriate living here in Ho Chi Minh City, please get up right now and go to the book store to purchase your copy.
You can also contact Tim to set up a walking history tour with him on his website at www.historicvietnam.com
As always, if you are interesting in experiencing the History and modern culture of Saigon you can check out our Morning City Tour all done with local, experienced, and professionally trained drivers. To learn even more about Ho Chi minh City explore our articles in depth! Learn More Here: Exploring Ho Chi Minh City https://backofthebiketours.com/exploring-ho-chi-minh-city-with-tim-doling/There has been alot of buzz around the world with the new concept of the "underground" or "pop up" restaurant. The idea is that Chef's who can't afford to jump right into starting their own restaurant can have the chance to do it inside of their homes or at featured venue's. This is an exceptional idea and a unique way for Sous Chef's or Cook's to show their chops without their hard work being hidden by the name of a restaurant or the Executive chef. All of this without the risk of crippling debt that comes with a failed restaurant. I have lived in Saigon for the last two years and suffer from "Great food envy". This is the dark and deep depression that might enter a cook, chef, or foodie's life when he is not able to book a dinner at a new restaurant with a creative menu from a young aspiring chef. The excitement that comes from seeing a cook push the envelope or take a step on the ledge with a new tasting menu or restaurant concept. Why do I suffer from this when I am surrounded by some of the best street food in the world? Well, in all honesty, I grew up on it. Spending away the hard earned minimum wage money that I earned on my Externship eating my way around the Big Apple at 18. It was just what I was into at the time, and I have not grown out of it. It seems that Saigon is lacking a movement of Chef's who are looking to remove labels from their food such as "Vietnamese Cuisine", "French Cuisine", or anything else that will restrain the creativity in which a chef or cook looks at when planning a menu or dish. Sure, you can find a few restaurants out there who are serving great Vietnamese, French, Spanish, or Italian cuisine. This isn't what I want though! I want someone who went to the market in the morning, found fresh ingredients, and came back to the restaurant to create.. Whatever the hell they wanted! Without the labels or confining themselves to stick to a certain realm of techniques just to satisfy the classification of their restaurant. This is where Chad and I stepped in to take care of business ourselves during the summer of 2013 when we created, Tasty Inc. Chad and I met in Culinary School in New York in 2005, we were both cooks, and in 2013 we were living in Saigon with some time on our hands. Chad being the owner of Back of the Bike Tours. Fredrick, that is me, was looking at starting up cooking classes and was already restaurant consulting. Both of us had a bit of extra time on our hands and were interested in starting up a new project. We looked at the size of our apartment, kitchen, and the interest of possible foodies in the city. It would be difficult to do but nothing worth doing isn't. So we picked up a few kitchen equipment supplies, dishes, and had some furniture built. Within 4 weeks, we were serving our first guests.
Chad took the role of Executive Chef in the way of planning our menu's. I took the role of Sous Chef, which meant doing whatever was needed to make the dinner a success. Our first dinner was an excellent experience with Chad showing a bit of his time at Daniels Restaurant in NYC and some inspiration from his time at Alinea in Chicago. These two styles combined with the fresh local ingredients at the market were a huge success.
Braised Beef and Chili Shrimp salad Pork Belly The above dishes are 3 of the 6 courses that were served on our first night. We would continue to serve out of our house for the next two months and begin to get some regular guests and great feedback. Among our greatest moments, we got a write up in Oi Magazine which you can read here: Secret Supper Club Unfortunately, we had to close the door when Chad and Thuy, his wife and co-founder of Back of the Bike Tours, decided that it was time to move back to America. When I think about my favorite time of cooking in my entire life, I think of the days of Tasty Inc. The idea of going to the market and cooking whatever looks best that day was a consuming desire when I was a young cook. This was the backbone of Tasty Inc and what made us so unique and interesting for our guests. The techniques and ways of thought about food that I learned while working with one of my best friends in our small apartment kitchen will never allow me to look at cooking the same way again. This was also the heart of Tasty Inc, pushing the envelope on what people have come to expect when eating dinner in Saigon. I hope that someone else takes the torch that was lit by Chad and I. There are hungry people in Saigon who are looking for something new and different. I am one of them!
Original Post Here: Seeking New and Great Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City https://backofthebiketours.com/seeking-new-and-great-restaurants-in-ho-chi-minh-city/Health issues are one of the top concerns of a traveler when visiting or moving to a new country. As Vietnam is one of the developing countries in the tropical area, it is necessary that you know what to eat and drink safely to avoid epidemics in this hot and humid weather. Our article will guide you on whether you can use water in Vietnam depending on where you are located and what you use it for. Can I Drink Water in Vietnam? No, you cannot drink water straight from water sources without boiling or filtering. Bottled Water, Filtered Water, or Green Tea are the main sources of drinking water in Vietnam. You should never drink water straight from the tap or ground source to avoid contamination. Vietnam’s Water SupplyWater supply and sanitation is still a huge challenge for Vietnam’s government. Besides urban areas, there is limited access to pipe water systems in rural areas. The local people there still have to use groundwater, river water, and rain water for daily activities. Even in major cities, during dry seasons, there can also be a shortage of water due to poor operation and management. “Can I Drink Water In Vietnam?” is one of the most frequently asked questions of travelers first coming to Vietnam. This is natural as many countries are lucky that they have the infrastructure to drink straight from the well or tap. Can I Drink Tap Water in Vietnam?Water is vital for everyone. In developed countries, people can drink water right from the tap. Unfortunately, you must not do that in Vietnam. Tap water is considered to be suitable for only basic use like watering trees and washing. Though the government has announced that water supply system in urban areas are under strict surveillance and censorship, it is uncertain that the water filtration systems can purify water from the river. Instead of drinking water directly from the tap, local people boil the water for at least one minute to kill bacteria and viruses. Then they store it in their own pitchers. Water is used within the day only. The remaining boiled water will be poured away to ensure the quality of water. Some local people also use bottled water from reputable firms with a water purifier. Some popular bottled water suppliers you can consider in Vietnam market are Lavie, Nestle, Aquafina from Suntory Pepsico, Dasani from Coca Cola, etc. But if you travel during a few days in Vietnam only, portable bottled water in small bottles of 350ml to 1500ml, ranging from $0.2 to $1, is the most convenient choice for you. You can buy them at any convenience stores, supermarkets, and local markets throughout Vietnam. In some rural areas where there are almost no facilities like in the cities, you can ask the local where the nearest mom-and-pop stores are and pick up some bottles there. Can I Eat Vegetables Washed in Water?If you were to avoid eating fresh vegetables in Vietnam because they were washed in tap or well water, I believe you would be missing out on a ton of great food in Vietnam that depends on fresh herbs and vegetables. We use a common sense approach for this in Vietnam, it is okay to eat vegetables washed in tap water as long as you don’t consume a lot of water. The most important factor here will be the food safety of the actual restaurant. If there are a lot of locals eating here and the restaurant or vendor looks and feels safe to you, you will be okay. I would not stress about it. Can I use tap water to brush my teeth in Vietnam?Yes, you can brush your teeth with the water in Vietnam. You can be sure that the tap water in urban areas is safe to brush your teeth and bathe. In most rural areas, the water is going to be safe as well for bathing and brushing your teeth. If you are in a very poor village with no infrastructure, brushing your teeth and taking a bath with bottled water will be better for you. Though it is a bit costly, it can prevent you from using the dirty water and getting sick. What else can I drink in Vietnam?Green Tea is by far the #1 drink that is consumed on a daily basis in Vietnam. Coffee must be a close second. As a country located in the tropical area, Vietnam is well-known for a lot of fruits which you can’t find or are too expensive to buy in your own country. There are a variety of smoothies and fruit juices made with these fruits. One favorite drink that many tourists love to drink is fresh coconut water. You can order this drink almost everywhere in Vietnam, even street food stalls. This can be drunk directly from the coconut with a straw and you can be sure that it is safe for your health. You will regret traveling to Vietnam without trying Vietnamese traditional iced coffee. It is regarded as one of the strongest coffee’s in the world. But the way we make coffee is special and a large part of our Culture. Coarsely ground beans go into a French drip filter (called a phin), which sits on top of the cup. The beans are pushed down with a thin lid, hot water is added to the phin, and then the water slowly trickles through into the cup. You can drink coffee with sugar or condensed milk. You can also drink with or without ice. A cup of coffee costs you from $0.5 if you drink in local cafeteria to $4 if you drink in luxurious coffee shops and restaurants. If you want to know if drinking coffee is safe in Vietnam, go ahead and check out our blog post. If you love drinking beer, there are a variety for you to choose from. While local beer such as Saigon Beer, Huda, Ha Noi Beer is quite affordable for those who are on a budget, costing you around $0.5 per can. If you prefer international brand name, you can consider Heineken, Budweiser, Beck’s, costing you from $0.8 per can. Drinking beer on ice is very common in Vietnam, we recommend you check out our blog post about “Is Ice Safe to Drink in Vietnam?”, if you want to learn more. Where to go if you get sick from drinking water in Vietnam?Sad but true, however careful you are when you choose where to eat and drink, you may suffer from some incidents. If your stomach is not strong enough, keep in mind some ways to get medication. You can ask the locals to guide you to reliable drugstore to buy medicine if it seems to you that the illness is not serious. Otherwise, it is highly recommended that you go to the doctor or the hospital. If you travel around Ho Chi Minh city, you can go to Vinmec International Hospital, which has branches spreading all over Vietnam with good customer service and modern facilities. Vinmec International Hospital
Besides, there are other prestigious hospitals in Vietnam. In Ho Chi Minh City, FV Hospital, City International Hospital are considered to have the best and fastest service for foreigners. In Ha Noi, HFH is known as the first International hospital in Hanoi. Thu Cuc International General Hospital is also a reliable address if you have health problems when staying in Ha Noi. If you travel to Hoi An or Da Nang City, you can bear in mind hospitals such as Hoan My Hospital, Gia Dinh Hospital. FV Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)
City International Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City)
HFH (Ha Noi)
Thu Cuc International General Hospital (Ha Noi)
Hoan My Hospital (Da Nang)
Gia Dinh Hospital (Da Nang)
In brief, drinking water in Vietnam isn't as serious of an issue as some travelers may think. With the rapid development of tourism, food services in Vietnam are gradually improving in recent years. Like going to any other Southeast Asian countries, being prepared and choosing wisely will help you prevent unfortunate incidents so you can enjoy your trip. We hope that our guide in this blog will help you understand how and where to choose potable water when you travel to Vietnam and have a safe and memorable journey here. Learn More Here: Can I Drink Water in Vietnam? https://backofthebiketours.com/can-i-drink-water-in-vietnam/District 3, Saigon has been a part of my daily life for two years since I started my career as a freelance tour guide. As a guide, I like discovering new places in my free time, either by myself or with a group of friends. As a result, I found so many interesting things to do in my current area. District 3 to me is a quiet town where a majority of the middle-class Saigonese live. When darkness falls, District 3 starts coming to life as people from other parts of Saigon flock here for a night of stress-killing. What to do in Ho Chi Minh City District 3 at night? District 3 nightlife has many coffee shops, boutique stores, hipster bars, restaurants, and clubs. Down below I will recommend my favorite spots to spend a night out in District 3. The price, vibe, and experience are different and diverse depending on which location you pick. Feel free to mix and match from these recommendations to create a fun night out that is customized for you and friends! For me, a night date with my boyfriend would start with watching live music with a drink at the Acoustic Bar, then a lovely dinner at Shri, and a late night filled with dancing at the Social Club. Acoustic Bar - Cafe RockAcoustic Bar to me is one of the leading bars with live music in Saigon. They hire fantastic bands who jam out classic rock ballads for customers to dance and sing to. These smart choices of rock ballad songs keep the faithful regulars coming back to the Acoustic Bar night after night. What we love about Acoustic Bar, besides the music, is the lounge itself which is not too big so we can actually feel the beat of the music. There are several familiar bands playing at the bar each night as their regular customers always praise them highly. My favorites are the Stick-it-tu-da-man (Rock ballad), Akalika (Alternative Rock) and Acoustic Band (R&B, Pop Ballad, Blues). When coming to the bar I would recommend taking a grab bike or taxi cab. Acoustic Bar is located at the end of an alley so parking is very limited. There are two things I would like to see improved in the future at the Acoustic Bar. The first is that smoking is allowed inside which becomes a bit heavy and smelly for non-smokers. My second suggestion is that the cocktails could have a better taste and variety if compared to other cocktail bars in the city. However, if you're here just for the live music then a bottle of Strongbow or beer still works perfectly for a fun night out. For fans of rock out there, remember to come before 9:45 PM, as this is when the bands ignite the crowd with impressive rock beats! Afterwards, feel free to request your favorite songs for the band to play. These bandmates are always happy to please their fans! Address: 6E1 Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, Ward 7, District 3, HCMC Open hours: 06:00 PM - 11:30 PM Phone number: (+84)816 777 773 Price: $
Biacraft Artisan AlesI'm more than happy to include Biacraft Artisan Ales to any of my guests or friends every time they ask me for recommendations. I always come here at least once a month because Biacraft has the most extensive collection of craft beers in Vietnam, both locally brewed and imported. The Space is cozy and delightful, which is fantastic for a discussion with customers, a romantic date, or simply a stress-killing night. Biacraft founders did an excellent job in offering a wide range of beers that differ in their taste and smell. The way they name their beers is cool and exceptional. You can find some beers with their funny names such as Holy Grail, Short But Arrogant, or Ugly But Vain. In addition to the beer itself, the food is very tasty. Biacraft offers some classic comfort food along with more creative dishes. I have really enjoyed their Chicken Skin Nachos, Fresh Oysters, and Fish and Chips. If you are craving some great craft beers and comfort food then don’t miss Biacraft for a night out in D3. Address: 1 Le Ngo Cat Street, District 3, HCMC Open hours: 11:00AM - 11:00PM Phone number: (+84)2839 330 903 Price: $$
SOHY – Sky Lounge and DiningSOHY comes to my mind when I need a panoramic view of the city and a deep conversation with my friends. To me, SOHY is a lot more than just being the highest rooftop lounge in Saigon. My experiences with SOHY usually start at around 7 PM, a great time for dinner. I prefer booking a table for a group of 4 somewhere near the glass window. I enjoy the vibrant view when looking down at the buildings lit up at night. I’m a devoted fan of Vietnamese cuisine , but there are times when I'm desperate for a new cuisine to taste. That's when SOHY pops up in my head with its wide range of European cuisine besides Vietnamese food. Even though the food is very good, what I think SOHY does best is its theme as a drinking establishment rather than a restaurant. I prefer coming here for a glass of wine, and I love how diversified its wine choices are. The space at SOHY is fancy, serene, charming, and cozy. Since the lounge attracts a huge number of celebrities in the city, the quality of staff, food and drinks are second to none, which make sense of the price. I think SOHY is a great choice for a drink at a rooftop lounge to enjoy the company of friends or a date. The price is on the expensive side so do expect to pay for the view. Address: Floor 25-26 Centec Tower - 72 - 74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, HCMC. Open hours: 5:30 PM - 1:30 AM Phone number: (+84)907 878 778 Price: $$$
The Gangs – Grill and BeerBeer and grilled meat definitely cannot go without each other, and The Gangs does a great job in combining the two together. This is indeed an exciting and popular spot where people can gather for a fun night out for delicious food and beers. The Gangs offer both indoor and outdoor dining spaces, which I prefer the outdoor setting more as it's spacious, refreshing, and better for smoky grills. The grilled meat platters here are all excellent in taste and diversity. When I come with my close friends, we go for The Gangs Meat Platter. On the platter my favorite dish is the lamb shank. The meat can sometimes be a bit on the chewy side, which is the preferred texture for Vietnamese. If this is an issue for you, please be sure to let your waitress know. The next thing I would say about The Gangs is the atmosphere is very lively and crowded. This is a typical example of a memorable hangout or even a date with someone you like. Hence, there's no reason why you should skip this place when looking for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City District 3 at night! The staff are active and quick when called, which means your girls' night out or boys' night out with beer, BBQ, talkfest, and laughter will be handled well with no issues. Some of their staff also speak a little bit of English to make it easier for travellers. Address: 131 Nguyen Phuc Nguyen Street, Ward 10, District 3, HCMC Phone number: (+84)971 565 557 Open hours: 11:00 AM - 02:00 AM Price: $$
The Square Restaurant - Novotel Saigon CentreSince I’m a big fan of casual fun talk and crowded nightlife, I don’t really go to a buffet restaurant quite often. In case I need some changes once in a while, I’ll be opting for The Square Restaurant at Novotel Saigon Centre for their famous seafood buffet. The Square is located on the second floor of 4-star hotel in District 3 – Novotel Saigon Centre. That's why interior decoration and staff quality are undoubtedly excellent. This open kitchen allows you to feast in a wide array of Asian – European cuisine every day, where you can observe the cooking process up-close. The seafood buffet is universally praised by patrons of the restaurant. Their seafood is fresh, tasty and diverse, which comes in a range of about 50 – 70 different dishes. Oysters, lobsters, crabs and fish can be grilled upon request. Sushi and desserts are available as well. While an expensive option, this is an excellent and fancy choice for a night out on the town. Address: Novotel Saigon Centre - 167 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3, HCMC. Open hours: 06:00 PM - 11:00 PM. Phone number: (+84)2838 224 866 Price: $$$
Rico Taco SaigonRico Taco is where big fans of authentic Mexican food can satisfy their needs when in District 3, Saigon. I'm honestly not an expert when it comes to Mexican food, but Fish Taco here really wake up my taste buds. It's crispy and delicious with a sweet corn salsa. I highly recommend Fish Tacos for anyone intending to check it out. At Rico Taco Saigon, the staff are well-trained and the atmosphere is perfect. There are two dining sections, one with A/C indoor and one outdoor. The Mexican background music boosts the dining space even more. They also offer pizza for those who aren’t in the mood for traditional mexican fare.
Address: 29 Ngo Thoi Nhiem Street, District 3, HCMC Phone number: (+84)2839 300 233 Open hours: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM Price: $$
Shri Restaurant and LoungeIt's not hard to find Shri mentioned in multiple platforms and blogs advising people where to have fun in District 3 at night. What I like about Shri beside its fantastic view are the food and drink selections. Shri is well known for its stunning view from the outside patio on the 23rd floor. While Shri does serve food throughout the day on their lunch and dinner menu, I highly recommend checking out the Bar and Tapas menu for some small plates. This will go great with a cocktail on the patio as you sit and enjoy the gorgeous view of the city with a drink in your hand. I would recommend Shri for a romantic view and some cocktails with your significant other or a quiet conversation with a group of friends. Address: Floor 23, Centec Tower - 72-74, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, HCMC Open hours: Mon – Fri: 10:30 AM - 12:00 AM | Sat – Sun: 04:00 PM - 12:00 AM Phone number: (+84)2838 279 631 Price: $$$
Social Club - Hotel Des ArtSitting up above the rooftop of the Hôtel des Arts Saigon, Social Club Rooftop Bar is where I drop by for an overview of the hectic streets of District 3 down below. The first time I came to Social Club, I was joining a networking event by Travel Massive. I knew right away I would be back soon. You will find a setting of standing tables and tall chairs scattered throughout the outside lounge, which is a thoughtful design for different group sizes. The quiet and high-end atmosphere here makes it perfect for a meet-up with customers or a date. I don't just come here for a sip of cocktails, because the vibrant ambient music and DJs playing also help chase my stress away, especially at the end of a hard-working day. Uplifting music by the local DJ is in between 8:30 PM and 1:00 AM weekdays, and 8:30 PM – 2:00 AM weekend. Social Club's staff are fluent in English, well-trained, and active. If you are staying nearby this area, you may consider coming here at least once during your stay. Address: 76 78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 3, HCMC Phone number: (+84)2839 898 888 Open hours: 12:05 PM - 12:00 AM Price: $$$ What to do in Ho Chi Minh City District 3 at night? It’s not a problem anymore with the list above. I believe you will have up to two or three fun nights out with these 8 places. Feel free to save this list for later use and don't hesitate to share it with your friends! Read More Here: What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City District 3 at Night? Best 8 Places in District 3 at Night https://backofthebiketours.com/what-to-do-in-ho-chi-minh-city-district-3-at-night/Smoking isn't cool but riding the mist is! While vaping has gradually competed with traditional cigarettes in many countries worldwide, it is now facing a new obstacle: vaping while traveling. Nowadays, vaping is banned in many Asian countries like Thailand and Singapore, but is it the same state of affair in Vietnam? Thankfully, Yes, you can vape in Vietnam legally! You can freely vape in public when travelling to Vietnam, and you can even purchase a new vaporizer or oil in a shop. However, let's read more to know the stance of the Vietnamese authorities about this "cloud chasing game", and also where to find the best vape shops in the most popular destinations throughout Vietnam. Does the Vietnamese Government Ban Vaping in the Country?As a matter of fact, the Vietnamese Government has been struggling with chooing to either outlaw or legalize vaping in the country. You can tell that vaping is not illegal by easily spotting out people vaping on the streets in big cities, such as Hanoi and Saigon. There's no discrimination against this action from other people around or even the police. According to Chu Xuan Kien, Head of the Market Management Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the case of e-cigarettes and vape is tricky as it's unclear whether those devices should be treated by law enforcement as traditional cigarettes or not. Other than that, Kien also stated that there were no specific rules against vaping in Vietnam that was introduced. This brings hope to the vaping industry in Vietnam which has just taken off for several years now. Literally, you can search for several vape shops online in the big cities where could you travel to, and visit them to grab some juices on the spot. Just so you know, these shops are totally legal in what they are selling, so there are no concerns if you want to purchase vaporizers or juice in Vietnam. Where Can You Vape in Vietnam?You can vape either inside a vape shop or even on the streets! There's no rules or sanctions with vaping just like I have mentioned above, however, please be mindful that vaping in public is still somehow affecting other people around you, especially in places where there are kids, pregnant people or the elderly. Which means even though vaping is not against the law, social etiquette is still a big consideration you may want to pay attention to. I’ll let you in on a little secret: vaping is extremely popular in the backpacker areas such as Ta Hien Street in Hanoi and Bui Vien Street in Saigon, just to name a few. Therefore, if you don't want to ride the mist all alone, then don't hesitate to come over to these areas, join the crowd and make some local friends as well. Can You Bring Vape on the Airplane in Vietnam?The answer is yes, as long as you agree to comply with the airline’s carriage conditions. As of the moment, Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Jetstar and Bamboo Airway have not yet introduced any regulation listing vape as a dangerous or restricted item. However, since vape is formed by various different segments, such as the rechargeable lithium-ion batteries and the nicotine filled e-juices, you should take care on how to properly handle and store these when travelling. How to Fly with Your Vape?
If you take note of the tips mentioned above, this will surely smoothen your security check and hence help you stay away from unwanted situations. One of which could be the vape raising doubts to the security personnel and he or she may request you to open your bags wide for a double check! If the security happens to ask you whether you have any E-devices along, then the best answer is always to declare that you have a vape in your bag and you're ready to show them if needed. One option you should consider when traveling from place to place is to look for a single-use e-cig to use during your travel. These disposable vaporizer usually look similar to analogue cigarettes and has been designed for ease of use, storage and if needed, disposal. Depending on which airline you are taking, different policies for vapes can vary. You should closely check with your airline operators or scan through their luggage conditions on their website before deciding to put the electronic device into your luggage. Where to Get Vape in Vietnam: Hanoi, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City?As mentioned, vaping is allowed in all regions across Vietnam. This has slightly raised the vape industry and turned it into a big culture here. In the most popular cities such as Hanoi in the North, Ho Chi Minh City in the South and Hoi An in Central Vietnam, there exist multiple popular vape shops that are highly praised by the locals. Let's take a look! In Hanoi
In Ho Chi Minh City – Saigon
In Hoi An
Now that you know vaping is allowed in Vietnam, feel free to bring your vape along without further concerns. If this article helps you answer all of your questions about vaping in Vietnam, then don't forget to share it with your friends! Source Here: Can You Vape in Vietnam? : Full Guide to Vaping in Vietnam 2019 https://backofthebiketours.com/can-you-vape-in-vietnam/ |