by Cassidy Armbruster
Yes, red lights are somewhat optional.
Yes, the traffic is always buzzing.
Yes, the sidewalks are constantly flooded with people.
And don’t worry, you will get better at crossing the street.
Ho Chi Minh City is a place of organized chaos, but its chaotic nonetheless. You may need a relaxing breath of fresh air every now and again, and I’ve got just the options for you:
1) Taste Vietnamese Coffee in a quiet Cafe
Iv’e tried a new cafe just about everyday, and each day I’m surprised to find the new cafe more relaxing than the last. Vietnam is the world’s second largest coffee producer, so you are right to assume cafe’s are easy to come by. Coffee isn’t just a drink here in Vietnam, it’s a part of the culture. Cafe’s are open day and night, so hop on into one, taste the flavour, and appreciate a nice city view behind a glass wall.
2) Experience the Parks
Ho Chi Minh City has more than pavement and tall buildings. Luscious green parks with ancient towering trees are scattered throughout the city. No matter where you’re staying, I guarantee you’re walking distance from a peaceful park. And hey, if you’re an early bird, you can even observe Vietnamese bird club culture on Saturday mornings in the park.
3.) Visit a Place of Worship
It doesn’t matter what religion you practice, or even if you’re religious at all. In fact, Cao Dai (shown in the video above) is a mixture of over seven religions, so there’s no discrimination there. Ho Chi Minh is an extremely diverse, welcoming, and open-minded city, so take advantage of the opportunity to visit magnificent and historical pagodas, temples, mosques, or cathedrals.
4) Ride Through the Mekong Delta
Riding through the Mekong Delta, you will see rice paddies, riverways, swamps, bamboo bridges, fish farms, swirvy dirt paths, and islands upon islands. The Mekong Delta is Vietnam’s agricultural treasure. If you’re interested in escaping the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, and experiencing the unique beauty of the countryside, try our Mekong Delta tour! If you are feeling extra adventurous, you can even try our two day Mekong Delta tour!
5) Taste Vietnamese Rice Wine
Prepare yourself, because this doesn’t taste like the ordinary wine you’re used to. Outside of visiting the natural environment of the Mekong Delta, Vespa Adventures offers a unique opportunity on our Mekong Delta day tour to enter the home of rice wine makers. You are taught how the rice wine is made, what a day in the life of a rice wine maker is like, and, of course, you are offered a taste of the rice wine!
