General Tips

Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang for sightseeing: which has cleaner air and more attractions nearby?

Da Nang is generally the better choice for sightseeing: sea breezes can make the city feel cleaner, and there are more attractions in the surrounding area. Ho Chi Minh City tends to have more noticeable air pollution, particularly in busy central districts.

3 sources · 7 days ago

How many days are enough in Ho Chi Minh City (including over New Year with kids), and is it better to split the trip with Phu Quoc or Nha Trang?

3-4 days is usually enough for Ho Chi Minh City itself (Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels, War Remnants Museum) before adding beach time — Phu Quoc tends to have less rain and calmer seas in October than Nha Trang. New Year's Eve (Dec 31) brings big street celebrations on Nguyen Hue walking street, and Dec-Jan is dry season, which works well with kids.

2 sources · 62 days ago

Where to find international schools and kindergartens for expat kids in Ho Chi Minh City?

Russian- and English-speaking kindergartens and schools for expat families are mostly concentrated in District 7 (Phu My Hung), while District 9 (Thu Duc) has very few such options.

1 source · 15 days ago

How to meet other Russian/foreign expats and travelers in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has Russian-speaking trivia nights (quizzes) for meeting people, but opinions on them are mixed — many prefer to connect directly through chats and social media. Locals are generally friendly, though hearing Russian on the street is rare.

2 sources · 82 days ago

What’s a good self-guided walking route through Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown (Cholon), and where should I start?

A practical first walk in Cholon is to start at Bình Tây Market, then continue to Thiên Hậu Temple, Quan Âm Pagoda, and Hải Thượng Lãn Ông Street. The area is best explored slowly, with time for side alleys, tea shops, and traditional herb stores.

1 source · 96 days ago

How to plan a 14-night Vietnam family itinerary combining history, culture and beach relaxation?

Best route for 14 nights: 4 nights Hanoi, 4 nights Ho Chi Minh City (Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong day trip), then 5–6 nights at a quieter beach like Quy Nhon, Phu Yen, or Con Dao instead of overcrowded Phu Quoc.

1 source · 114 days ago