Cho Lon Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Travel Guide
Dry Season (December to April): Daily highs range from 21°C to 34°C (70°F to 93°F). Lower humidity, minimal rainfall with almost allly clear, sunny skies.
Wet Season (May to November): Daily highs typically hover between 24°C and 33°C (75°F to 91°F). Humidity levels higher, having frequent, heavy afternoon downpours that often clear swiftly.
Monsoon rains are usually brief; plan indoor activities in afternoon downpours. The tropical climate means constant warmth and high humidity year-round.
Southern Vietnam experiences a smaller number of direct typhoon hits, but tropical depressions can bring prolonged heavy rain. Stay informed about weather forecasts during the wet season.
Citizens of several countries enjoy visa exemptions for varying periods. Vietnam also a e-visa for 80 countries, allowing 90-day stays. Apply on the web through the official portal. For longer stays or specific types, traditional embassy/consulate applications are available. Visa on Arrival requires a pre-obtained approval letter from a licensed agent like IVisa or VisaHQ.
Passport valid 6 months beyond departure, two blank pages. Printed e-visa or VOA approval letter. For VOA, 1-2 passport-passport-sized photos. Complete entry/exit form upon arrival.
Minimum 6 months beyond departure.
USD 25 single, USD 50 multiple (90 days). Paid online.
USD 25 single, USD 50 multiple. Cash USD upon arrival.
Verify latest regulations with embassy or official immigration department.
Confirm all requirements prior to your trip.
The e-visa costs approximately USD 25 for a single entry and USD 50 for a multiple-entry, 90-day visa. Pay this fee online during your application. If you use Visa upon Arrival, a stamping fee of USD 25 for one entry and USD 50 for multiple entry is payable on arriving in cash (US dollars preferred).
At the immigration counter, present your passport, visa (or e-visa printout/VOA approval letter), and completed entry form. Immigration officers might take your fingerprints and use facial recognition technology. Remain patient, as lines can sometimes be long.
General tourist travel within Ho Chi Minh City and Cho Lon does not involve special permits. When planning to visit remote or off-limits areas outside major tourist zones, inquire about additional permits.
Stay informed: Check official Vietnamese government websites or your country's foreign affairs department for the most current visa information.
Ho Chi Minh City, including Cho Lon, has a range of prices, accommodating various travel budgets.
USD 25-FIFTY per day for shared rooms in hostels, street food, and public transport.
USD 50-150 per day for mid-range hotels, local restaurants, and Grab cars.
USD 150+ per diem for 5-star hotels, fine dining, and personal drivers.
The official currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), symbolized as ₫. Cash preferred for street food, markets, smaller businesses.
Accommodation: Hostel dorm bed VND 150,000-350,000 (USD 6-14); Budget hotel VND 300,000-700,000 (USD 12-28); Mid-range VND 700,000-2,000,000 (USD 28-80); Luxury VND 2,500,000+ (USD 100+).
Meals: Street food dish VND 30,000-70,000 (USD 1.20-2.80); Local restaurant VND 80,000-200,000 (USD 3.20-8); Mid-range VND 200,000-500,000 (USD 8-20); Fine dining VND 500,000+ (USD 20+). Local beer VND 20,000-40,000 (USD 0.80-1.60); Coffee VND 25,000-50,000 (USD 1-2).
This section covers medical recommendations, common health concerns, and safety tips for your Cho Lon visit.
Ho Chi Minh City, including Cho Lon, a generally safe for travelers. Petty crime concerns.
See a travel physician 4-6 weeks before trip for personalized advice.
Traveler's diarrhea, mosquito-borne diseases, hyperthermia possible.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching occur in congested areas such as markets.
No specific vaccinations generally for entry. Tap water in Ho Chi Minh City not safe to drink.
Petty theft and purse snatching by motorbike riders especially in crowded areas like Binh Tay Market.
Inflated taxi fares (use Vinasun/Mai Linh/Grab), fake tour operators, pushy street vendors.
Keep valuable items in a Money belt or zipped bag adjacent to your body. Avoid displaying expensive items.
Keep digital and physical copies of your passport, visa, and insurance policy in a different place from the originals.
Carry a list of local emergency numbers and your country's embassy contact details.
Do not openly display phones or cameras in crowded areas. Secure them when not in use.
