Pagoda Projects
Every year we host a large number of interns on our InternVietnam programme in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) – all of whom are keen to find their way around as quickly as possible.
We have come up with a handy FAQ list to let you know what’s what and save you from the perils of a forgotten phone charger or lipstick, some advice on navigating public transport, and an inside scoop on where to get a cracking coffee fix!
If you have any to add to the list just let us know. Comment, Tweet us, chat to us on Facebook or yell at us in the street.
Try to negotiate if you think you can and it depends on how much you think the product is worth, if it’s too pricey walk away. We always recommend starting at 50% of the original price.
Depends on some places (like hotels) but we mainly use VND here. You shouldn’t really be paying in USD.
Starts from 6pm till late.
Yes, it’s compulsory. You will need to have your passport to check in to your hotel even if you travel by bus and not by plane.
It will take around 45 mins – 1 hour depending on the traffic. If it is rush hour on a weekday always give yourself extra time to book a Grab and get there.
There are drivers working overnight. It can sometimes take a little longer to confirm yourself a booking, so allow yourself 5-10 minutes extra just in case.
– Domestic flight: 2 hours
– International flight: 3 hours
There are 4, Vietnam Airlines, Jetstar, Vietjet Air (cheapest), Bamboo Airway (new)
– Vietnam Airlines: the most expensive one, normally on time and the best service
– Jetstar: budget airline, cheaper than Vietnam Airlines, sometimes delayed
– Vietjet: budget airline, frequent delays for flights, usually on time for international flights
– Bamboo Airways: newest and similar price to Vietjet. Sometimes there are delays an limited availability in cities in Vietnam and overseas.
Any convenience store: Family Mart, Circle K, 7 Eleven etc.
Depending on your data package, about 100,000 VND should be enough.
– Monday – Friday: 7:00 – 19:00
– Saturday – Sunday: 8:00 – 18:00
Coconut coffee at Cong Café (chains), egg coffee at Little Hanoi Egg Coffee, Highland Coffee (chains)
Guardian which is a chain store
Supermarkets, Dien May Xanh (chain store), The Gioi Di Dong (chain store), Miniso
Any supermarket (Big C, Coop Mart, Vinmart), Trung Nguyen Coffee etc