Do’s:

• Be prepared for the heat and humidity. Pack sunscreen, sunglass, hats and loose-fitting cotton clothes to avoid sunstroke.
• Watch both ways before crossing the road in designated traffic signals as there is often high traffic on the streets and a considerable number of motorbikes whiz past at high speed.
• In the places where it is a bit far for walking, hire the local cycle rickshaw, i.e. cyclos to travel. It is a unique experience and provides an uninterrupted view of the city.
• Keep power banks and other power sources handy, because, in some parts of the city, there is a frequent power-cut problem.
• Buy a local sim card for cheaper and uninterrupted data connection which is required to use a digital map instead of a paper map.

Don’ts:

• Do not try the local tap water, as it is unsafe to consume even in most of the top hotels. Choose bottled/mineral water wherever possible.
• Do not leave your belongings unattended and walk around in desolate areas, because there are several tourists targeted by miscreants who want to exploit the situation.
• Do not wear short or revealing clothes while visiting the temple and pagodas; this may hurt the religious sentiments and traditions of the place. Cover your head and remove your shoes following the direction of the guide or local people.
• Do not wear heavy jewelry; it may make you an easy target for thieves.
• Clicking pictures of people without their permission is not acceptable.

The city is colourful and full of joy, and the nightlife is no different. It caters to the taste and choice of all kinds of tourists who visit the place. If you are in district 1, you will enjoy the swanky nightclubs which remain open till 3 in the morning.  You can tap your feet on groovy tunes, there is an excellent service offered here, and the well-behaved crowd turn up to enjoy. Relax in the rooftop bars with a cocktail and enjoy the stunning cityscape, or hit the casinos to try your luck.

On the other hand, if you want to relax with the fun-loving locals, you may want to visit district 3 and 5 along with Pham Ngu Lao. There are a number of cheerful pubs and bars, with live music performance of the local people and its casual ambiance is a perfect suit for the backpackers. 

For a romantic night out, a leisurely cruise down the Saigon River with a live jazz performance, traditional Vietnamese dance performance and a scrumptious feast of Western and Vietnamese cuisines is the best place for couples. 

• Visit the Saigon Opera House, located in a French Colonial Building in the heart of the city. You can enjoy cultural shows here.
• Visit the historical building and museums around the city center, to experience and learn about the city's past.
• Enjoy the high-paced urban lifestyle in the city clubs and casinos.
• Take a boat ride in the rivers to enjoy the city from a different perspective, with less traffic.

• Experience 'Cititrails,' a unique, interactive app-based cultural walking tour through the heart of the city, for an inside view of the history, local tradition, and customs.
• Visit the local salons for a hair wash, manicure, and pedicure, or a haircut and makeover by the internationally acclaimed Vietnamese hairstylists.
• Visit the famous sky bars or rooftop bars to get a dazzling view of the city; the perfect place for a drink or two after a tiring day.
• Go for a photo walk through the city and capture the beautiful architecture and the unique style of the city. 

• Traditional Vietnamese lanterns
• Colourful fans
• Authentic ceramic works
• Bamboo Dragonfly 
• Marou chocolate
• Tea and coffee
• Ao Dai (Vietnamese National Costume)
• Non-La (Conical Hat/Straw Hat)
• Silk scarves 
• Bowls and chopsticks