So I recently quit my job in Norway and decided to move to Vietnam for a while 😅 I’ll be arriving in HCMC in October and I’m planning on staying for at least a few months.
I’m 25, from Norway but my parents are Vietnamese. I speak a bit of Vietnamese, but I’ve never actually lived there before, so this is gonna be pretty new for me haha.
I’m travelling alone and don’t really know anyone in HCMC, so figured I’d just post here and see if anyone else is in the same situation or just wants to hang out. Doesn’t matter if you’re Vietnamese, an expat, solo travelling or whatever.
I’m pretty active and really into bouldering/climbing, padel and working out in general. Would definitely be cool to find some people to climb, play padel or hit the gym with. I’m also always down to try new things, so if you’ve got a hobby or activity you think I should try, I’m probably in 😂
Other than that I’m pretty much open to anything really, food, beers, exploring the city, random trips, nightlife or just hanging out.
Not really looking for anything specific, just wanna meet some cool people and hopefully make a few friends while I’m there.
If you’re around HCMC in October or already living there, feel free to DM me 🤝

Hi everyone!

I’m planning to move to Saigon for up to 6 months and I’m trying to figure out whether a $1,100/month income would be enough for a reasonably comfortable life there.

I’ve read quite a lot about the cost of living online, but most information I’ve found is either quite general or outdated, so I’d really appreciate some recent, real-life experiences from people currently living in Saigon.

I’m not looking for a luxury expat lifestyle. Ideally, I’d like to:

• rent a small 1-bedroom apartment, preferably in District 4
• eat mostly local food, although I’d still like to go to cafés and occasionally eat Western food
• go to the gym
• use Grab/motorbikes for transportation
• have some nightlife and go out for drinks from time to time
• occasionally travel around Vietnam

So, for those currently living in Saigon: is $1,100/month realistic for this lifestyle in 2026? And roughly how much would you expect to spend on rent, food, utilities, transportation, gym, and going out?

Any advice on where to look for an apartment in District 4 and what kind of rent I should realistically expect would also be appreciated.

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

My daughter will be living in Ho Chi Minh City for about 6 months, and I'll be coming to visit her. (From the Netherlands)

I'd love to get some local recommendations for the absolute must-see places in and around the city. Tourist attractions are welcome, but I'm especially interested in places that locals love.

I'm looking for recommendations for:

• Must-see sights and hidden gems

• Great cafés (from trendy coffee spots to local favorites)

• Fun bars, rooftop bars, and places with a good atmosphere

• The best restaurants for authentic Vietnamese food

• Street food stalls that are worth going out of your way for

• Local dishes that I absolutely shouldn't miss

• And most importantly: where can I find the best Vietnamese spring rolls in the city? Fresh or fried, I'm happy to try them all!

Many thanks in advance

Hi,

I've heard bad things about the lines, etc, at Tan Son Nhat airport. Would you say 3 hours early is enough, or should I arrive even earlier than that? If you've been to the airport (International terminal specifically), what were the lines like?

My flight is next Wednesday at 3.30am, if that helps, but idk if the airport is still busy at that time.

Im coming from india for 6 months, I need a female flatmate/ roommate to shift with in a studio apartment. For more details please dm me.

Hi everyone! I’m an international student who’ll be studying at HCMUT for bachelors oisp soon, and I wanted to ask the locals here what I should know before I arrive.

I’d love to hear what you guys think about HCMUT in general and what student life there is like. Also, since I’m coming from another country, are there any things I should know that might make my life easier once I’m in Ho Chi Minh City?

It could be anything really, like getting around, food, renting a place, using local apps, dealing with university stuff, places I should know about, cultural things, or even just random tips that a foreigner might not think about.
Also, if you’re an HCMUT student, feel free to tell me anything you think a new student should know

Also, if anyone else is starting a bachelor’s at HCMUT this upcoming fall semester, Vietnamese or international students, feel free to comment or DM me! Would be cool to connect with people before we arrive.

Any advice is appreciated!

I’m looking for a mechanical design engineer to validate a project I’ve been kicking around. Ideally someone who knows sealing, threads, and corrosion-resistant metals, has manufacturing experience, and can ultimately provide CAD, drawings, BOM, tolerances.

I’ve been to HCM city a couple of times. Back again this week and I've realised I still only really know the visitor's side of the city.

Mostly asking about food. Not after the "best" anything, just wherever you'd actually eat on a normal day. Doesn't have to be amazing, I just want the real thing.

Also, where do you go for ốc? I know Vĩnh Khánh gets mentioned a lot but happy to hear where you'd go instead.

And what do people around my age (late 20s) do here during the day when they're not working or in class?

Last one, any part of the city worth just walking around outside District 1. I don't mind taking a Grab out somewhere.

I know people don't love giving their spots away to visitors. I'm not filming or posting any of it anywhere, I just want to eat well and wander. Cảm ơn nhiều.

Hello,

I just arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. I'm brand new to this city, newer to traveling in general, and brand new to nomading. So please bear with me while I'm learning the local customs, as well as how to efficiently travel.

I'm renting an apartment for 3 weeks.

I prioritized location (D1) and a decent sized desk as working space.

What I forgot to also consider was the TV. My apartment doesn't come with one.

I'm not looking to sit around and watch TV while I'm here, it's for work.

I already travel with a portable monitor.

While I can do my work with 2 monitors, get a 3rd screen having a 3rd greatly benefits the ease of my work.

I'm in D1, near Tu Du Hospital. I looked at the computer shops in my area, and a new 4k monitor was about 6.5M VND.

I'm wondering if you all have suggestions on what my best approach is here?

Option #1:

I'd be happy to rent something, I couldn't find any rental service for a TV (maybe I needed to look harder?).

I do not wish to buy new and abuse a local computer shop's return policy.

I find that unethical. I absolutely refuse to go down that route.

Option #2 and #3:

So I think that leaves me with buying new or 2nd hand and sell it at a loss during my final 2-3 days here.

I won't recover all my money, but I can eat the loss and treat it as the cost of renting it.

Just to clarify,

I'm OK with a TV or a monitor.

It doesn't need to have any fancy specs (IPS, refresh rate, USB C, etc), it can be totally garbage entry level.

As long as it's 4k, I'm happy.

What do you think is my best options are?

Thanks for help 🙏

Hi everyone! I posted a post a few months ago offering free casual walking tours around Saigon, and I was really happy to see so many people interested and to meet travelers from different places.

So I thought I’d do it again 🙂

I’m a university student living in Ho Chi Minh City. I enjoy meeting people from different countries, practicing English, and showing visitors the side of Saigon that I actually experience as a local.

This is completely free and not a professional tour. Think of it more like hanging out with a local friend.

Depending on what you're interested in, we could explore:

• Local neighborhoods and small streets
• Vietnamese coffee shops
• Street food and local markets
• Nguyen Hue and the city center
• Hidden or less touristy places
• Or just walk around, talk, and see where we end up 😄

I’m usually available on weekends, and sometimes after work/classes on weekdays.

Solo travelers, students, couples, or small groups are all welcome.

If you're visiting Ho Chi Minh City soon and would like to explore together, feel free to comment or send me a DM with your dates!

Looking forward to meeting more people in Saigon 🇻🇳

Due to spend 5 nights in HCMC mid November!

I usually stay at La Vela Saigon which I absolutely love (combination of the pool, room sizes and facilities available)
However it’s obviously in district 3 which is abit out of the centre and not really within walking distance of much.

Any recs for similar accomodation in district 1? Will be travelling with my boyfriend whose never been before so want somewhere that will suit a couple within district one with similar facilities to that of La vela Saigon.

I see most pools are unfortunately quite small with minimal lounges etc.

Thanks!

Lately, I've realized my life has become a little... repetitive.

I meet the same people. Have the same conversations. Follow the same routine.

There's nothing wrong with that. But after a while, it feels like there are fewer surprises, fewer new ideas, and less inspiration.

I've always enjoyed meeting new people. Not because I want to network. Simply because every new person has a different story, a different perspective, and a different way of seeing the world.

The challenge is... where do you actually meet people? Bars aren't really my thing.
Too much alcohol, too much noise. Dating apps aren't what I'm looking for either.
I just want to meet interesting people and have genuine conversations.

So I'm curious...

Where do you meet new people these days?

And are you a local, an expat, or a traveler?

Xin chào

I am 40 Male visiting HCM City end September 2026.

Motive of the trip is to come and enjoy the night life that is vibrant at HCM City.
Hope to meet some expats/locals at bars/pubs/clubs and have a good time.

Any recommedations on which are the best places to visit...
Any Apps to make Friends...

Any advice or recommedation would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance