Weather
Ho Chi Minh City has tropical climate (hot and humid), very close to the sea, so its climate is steadily warm to hot all year round. Temperatures are slightly cooler between December and March, which is also the dry season. Rains begin in May and become heavy from June to August, but the showers are sudden and short, with the sun usually reappearing fairly quickly.
The average temperature is 28°C (Celsius), the highest temperature sometimes reaches 39°C around noons of late April while the lowest one may decreases below 16°C in the early mornings of late December. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh city is in the dry season, from December to April.
Get around
By bike: Motorbikes (xe ôm) are plentiful, cheap and dangerous. Agree on a price before you set off; short hops around town shouldn't be more than 10000 dong, and all the way to the airport around 30000.
By cyclo: Cyclos are slow, dangerous and their drivers have an unfortunate tendency to attempt to rip you off, which goes a long way to explain why there are slowly disappearing from Ho Chi Minh City. But figure on US$2 per hour if you must.
By bus: Ho Chi Minh City recently made a big investment in public transit, and bright green, brand new busses are everywhere. Route information can be found at the tourist information office and it's cheaper and safer than many of the alternatives.
Walking: Ho Chi Minh City streets, sidewalks, and outdoor markets are owned by the motorbikes, and the whole environment is extremely hostile to pedestrians. Even though traffic is not as dense and chaotic as, say, Bangkok traffic, it's pretty scary for the western visitor. It consists mainly of motorcycles, many with up to five people including small children perched on them with apparent complete disregard for safety. Riders pay no attention to traffic signals and the traffic flows in a continuous, noisy stream. Crossing roads is therefore a challenge for westerners used to traffic lights. The trick is to follow the Vietnamese - step confidently out into the road and cross at a slow but steady pace. Trust to Lord Buddha that the traffic will flow miraculously around you, and it will.
The traffic police occupy themselves with random roadside checks and do not bother the motorcyclists that are running red lights or driving on the sidewalks. The police recently announced a crackdown on pedestrians. This does NOT mean that they will hassle you; the most likely meaning of the crackdown is that you will be held responsible if you are involved in an accident. |
