culture shocks in hcmc as a tourist 😮🇻🇳
hcmc has rly great food, friendly people, and cool fashion! in this post, i'll be sharing about my unexpected experiences as a first time visitor
disclaimer - the intention of this post is just to share insights with those who are travelling there
- toilet situation
the hotel that we stayed at (oakwood) had the toilet system where u cant flush toilet paper down... and they didnt paste a sign so we accidentally choked the toilet on our first day oops 🙏
we went to see if other toilets in hcmc were like that too, and those at major shopping malls can flush toilet paper down, so maybe it was only our hotel
- grab rides
during peak periods at places around tourist attractions, the wait for grab can be sooo long and the jam is quite crazy - our car journeys usually took x2 the estimated time, so do take that into account when planning your schedules
- the independence palace
okay this is not rly a culture shock but im just curious to find out how to go in HAHAHA so we went to an entrance and the security told us to not enter and this happened for the next 2 entrances... at this point we alr walked like 3/4 the perimeter of the entire palace so we gave up and decided to go to the war museum instead (which was v insightful and worth it, highly recco)
#hcmcguide #vietnamtravel #vietnamreview #traveltips #hcmcculture
Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) can be a thrilling adventure filled with unexpected experiences. One notable culture shock often encountered by many visitors is the toilet etiquette. It’s common for some hotels in Vietnam, like the Oakwood, to have policies against flushing toilet paper, which can catch newcomers off guard. Make sure to check local practices to avoid mishaps. Another key insight is the experience of using Grab, a popular rideshare service in Vietnam. During busy times, wait times can significantly increase due to heavy traffic around tourist spots, often resulting in rides taking twice as long. Plan your journeys accordingly to make the most out of your sightseeing. While visiting famous landmarks such as the Independence Palace, tourists may face complications finding the right entry points. These little hurdles can transform the journey into an exhilarating exploration. If you find yourself lost, don't hesitate to pivot to nearby attractions like the War Museum, a highly recommended site. Overall, experiencing HCMC is about embracing these quirks and transforming challenges into delightful memories. Connecting with fellow travelers can provide additional tips and insights, making your trip even more rewarding.
