Ho Chi Minh is not really an expensive place to visit. However, it would be great to be able to save some money especially if you plan on visiting several other places in the country. Thankfully, there are so many things that you can enjoy in Ho Chi Minh for only $10 or less! As a matter of fact, some of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh are free!
So if you’re a budget traveler and you’re worried about going beyond your travel budget, here’s what you could get in Ho Chi Minh for only $10.
Rent a Motorbike and Explore the City
Anyone who has been in Vietnam will probably tell you that the best way to go around is with a motorbike. Indeed, driving a motorbike in Ho Chi Minh is very popular among travelers who wanted an adventurous way of seeing the beautiful attractions of the city. And you’d be surprised to know that a motorbike rent in Vietnam costs less than $10 per day!
Take note, however, that you may need a driver’s license before you can drive in Vietnam. Also, you will be sharing the roads of Ho Chi Minh with a thousand other motorbike riders so it can get really chaotic and dangerous.
Eat a Bowl of Pho and Grab a Bottle of Local Beer
You can never leave Ho Chi Minh without tasting the famous bowl of Pho. Depending on where you want to eat, each bowl should cost you around $1 – $2! You can also grab a bottle of beer along with your Pho and that should only cost you less than $5 all in all! In fact, a decent meal in Vietnam costs less than $10 only even if you eat at some fancy restaurants. If you want to save even more, consider eating at some of the street food stalls.
Visit Museums and Local Attractions
It will definitely not cost you more than 10 bucks to visit the famous attractions in Ho Chi Minh. For instance, the entrance fee at the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum is only $2 while the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office is free for you to visit. So even if you only have $10 in Ho Chi Minh, you can definitely explore the city’s most popular attractions.
Visit the Saigon Skydeck in Bitexco Financial Tower
One of the newest attractions in Ho Chi Minh is the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest skyscraper in the country. If you want to enjoy a stunning 360-degree view of the city, take the high-speed elevator all the way up to the observation deck on the 49th floor. The ticket to the observation deck is only VND 200,000 or around $9.
Drink a Vietnamese Coffee
You can treat yourself to a decent cup of Vietnamese coffee in Ho Chi Minh even if you only have $10 in your pocket. The coffee culture in Vietnam is thriving and if you’re a coffee lover, you’ll surely have a great time here. There are lots of local cafes in Ho Chi Minh that serve delicious iced coffee with milk, known as the cà phê sữa đá for only 10,000 VND or around $0.40 USD only! If you go to some modern cafes and popular coffee shops, you can expect to pay a little bit more. You also have the chance to learn more about the city from the observation deck’s informative touch screens. There are binoculars that you can use for a close-up view of the city. The experience is truly unique, something that you should not miss during your trip to Ho Chi Minh.
Shop at the Ben Thanh Market
Just because you only have $10 does not mean you cannot indulge in retail therapy in Ho Chi Minh. Your $10 can get you plenty of stuff in the Ben Thanh Market, a popular marketplace selling almost everything possible, from souvenir items, food, clothing, accessories, and so much more! You can get a souvenir shirt for around $8 and even less if you haggle well. There are also lots of affordable food items and packed coffee products that cost around $10 or less. Take time to look around before you decide to make a purchase.
Stay at a Local Homestay
The accommodation in Ho Chi Minh is not really that expensive. You can find decent hostels and backpacker hotels that will cost you less than $10 per night. But if you want a more authentic experience, consider staying at a local homestay and experience living with a local. This is a great way to learn more about the culture, the country, and its people. Plus, your local host might actually treat you to delicious home-cooked meals. If you’re lucky, some hosts will even take you around the city for free!
