TRAVEL
Saigon, Vietnam
(Ho Chi Minh City)The Venue
The wedding ceremony and reception will take place at the Rex Hotel Saigon, located in the heart of downtown Saigon. This iconic luxury hotel has a rich heritage dating back to the early 20th century. For over 80 years, the Rex has stood as a landmark and a silent witness to the vibrant history and evolution of the city.
Before you travel…
There are a few things you need to know or be aware of before embarking on your trip to Vietnam
1. Travel documents
Ensure that your passport is valid longer than six months before traveling, or you risk being denied at the Vietnamese border control.
For those with a Philippine passport, you will not need a visa and can stay in Vietnam for up to 21 days. If you are planning to stay longer than 21 days, you will need to apply for an e-visa.
For those with an American or Canadian passport, you will need to apply for an e-visa.
2. Pre-Arrival Information
For your flight itinerary, please choose to arrive in Tan Son Nhat International Airport (airport code SGN/VVTS).
If you are able to, acquire some Vietnamese currency (Vietnamese dong, or VND) before you travel, which can be done at most banking institutes.
The airport will have a currency exchange counter, but be prepared for very unforgiving exchange rates.
Most larger places such as malls in the city center will support international debit and credit cards.
However, it is still much safer and more convenient to use cash.
3. Climate
Similar to the most of the Philippines, Saigon has a hot and humid climate, with a rainy season and a dry season.
The wedding will be in November, which is at the tail end of the rainy season.
It is still recommended to prepare your clothing and gear accordingly - breathable clothing and an umbrella are highly recommended.
4. Getting Around
Buses and metros are available, though not recommended for those who are unfamiliar with the city.
If you are still looking to navigate around the city using public transportation, Google Maps offer fairly accurate directions on which buses or trains to take.
We also highly recommend using Grab, the Vietnamese equivalent of Uber/Lyft. The fares are revealed beforehand, and the app is reputable.
Taxis are a viable alternative to public transportation, with the fares being quite reasonable, typically being less than $1 per kilometer.
It is highly recommended to only use Vinasun or Mai Linh taxis, which are the actual reputable ones.
Traveling on foot, if within short distances can be OK, but the weather and pollution can make the experience quite unbearable.
For additional information on the city, please check the
“Recommended Reading” section below!
Where to Stay
Hotels and Guesthouses
Hotel & Wedding Venue
REX HOTEL SAIGON
★★★★★
141 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Pricing: ~125 USD/night
If you would like to stay in the same hotel as the wedding venue for convenience, please inform us as soon as possible via email or the RSVP, so that rooms can be blocked off.
Below are some more good alternatives for accommodations in the area. Vietnam uses a “star” system to categorize hotels. It is highly recommended to only go for 3 star hotels and above.
AirBNBs are also a great alternative, but ensure that you select a place that is in District 1, or less than 2 miles to the wedding venue.
CARAVELLE HOTEL SAIGON
★★★★★
0.2 miles to wedding venue
19-23 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Pricing: ~150 USD/night
https://www.caravellehotel.com/
PALACE HOTEL SAIGON
★★★★
0.2 miles to wedding venue
66 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Pricing: ~50 USD/night
BONG SEN HOTEL SAIGON
★★★
0.25 miles to wedding venue
117-123 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Pricing: ~45 USD/night
What to Do
Activities in the city of Saigon
Located in the heart of the city, Rex Hotel Saigon offers the perfect starting point for an unforgettable adventure! As part of the Saigon Tourist Group, you can easily book a bus tour at their lobby to explore the city's rich history—from stunning French colonial architecture and ancient Vietnamese temples to the legendary war-time caves used during the Vietnam War.
For a truly local experience, hop on a traditional Vietnamese taxi and weave through the bustling streets. Saigon is also a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from authentic street eats to exquisite five-star dining. And don’t miss out on the coffee—Vietnamese coffee culture is unmatched, with bold, flavorful brews and refreshing tea drinks that you have to try.
Source – SaigonTourist
EAT
Vietnamese cuisine, particularly in Saigon, is a vibrant fusion of flavors influenced by centuries of history and cultural exchange. Known for its bold, fresh ingredients and delicate balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors, the city's food scene is a paradise for culinary enthusiasts. Saigon showcases a unique blend of Vietnamese and French influences, a legacy of its colonial past, reflected in its famous bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwiches) and buttery croissants.
DRINK
Vietnamese drinks are a blend of bold flavors and rich traditions. The city is renowned for its coffee culture, offering everything from strong cà phê đen (black coffee) to sweet cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) and creamy egg coffee. Street cafés and trendy coffee shops make it easy to enjoy these iconic brews.
EXPLORE
Discover the best of Saigon, where history meets vibrant energy. Explore French colonial landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, dive into the past at the War Remnants Museum, or experience local life at Ben Thanh Market. Ride a traidtional taxi (cycle) through bustling streets, cruise the Saigon River, and savor the city’s famous street food and coffee culture. Whether it's ancient temples, lively markets, or rooftop bars, every corner of Ho Chi Minh City offers something exciting to explore!
Recommended Reading
Below are some additional research material about the city that is extremely useful. A lot of information on this page came from these amazing resources.
WikiTravel page for Ho Chi Minh City
Chock full of information on the city itself, including how to get around, what to do, where to stay, general tips on staying safe, get help, etc.
https://wikitravel.org/en/Ho_Chi_Minh_City
TripAdvisor page for Ho Chi Minh City
Similarly, the TripAdvisor page contains more information on the city in terms of activities, food, drinks and accommodations, with ratings from travelers so you get the best information.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293925-Ho_Chi_Minh_City-Vacations.html
U.S. Department of State page for Vietnam International Travel Information
Contains information from the U.S. government regarding some key things to know before traveling to Vietnam, such as documents to prepare, embassy information, local laws, etc.