Back to Feed
Long Read

Ho Chi Minh City: Humidity, Pho, and Questionable Karaoke Choices

@Felix Drake3/7/2026blog
Ho Chi Minh City: Humidity, Pho, and Questionable Karaoke Choices

okay, so. i’m back. from… Ho Chi Minh City. yeah. it was… something. i’m still peeling glitter off my eyelids, honestly. i’m a touring session drummer, you know? Usually, I’m hauling gear across Europe, playing tiny clubs with names I can’t pronounce. This was… different. My band cancelled a gig, and I had a week free, so I figured, why not? Southeast Asia. Always wanted to check it out.


I landed, and the air just hit me. Like a warm, wet blanket. I just checked and it's… a shimmering, almost visible haze hanging over everything right now. Hope you like that kind of thing. Seriously, 85% humidity? My hair hasn’t known what to do with itself since. I’m pretty sure it’s actively rebelling.

First thing I did? Pho. Obviously. Found a little place down a side street - smelled amazing. It was, like, five bucks. Five bucks for a bowl of pure, delicious, noodle-y goodness. I’m already plotting how to smuggle a giant vat of it back home. I saw a review on TripAdvisor - someone said it was the best pho they’d ever had. I’m not arguing. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g293732-Ho_Chi_Minh_City.html

I stayed in District 1, which was… chaotic. In the best way possible. Motorbikes everywhere. Seriously, like a swarm of bees. Crossing the street is an art form. You just have to commit. Don't hesitate. Just… walk. And pray. I almost got flattened three times. I’m pretty sure the locals think I’m insane.


I spent a lot of time wandering around, just soaking it all in. The *markets are insane. So much stuff. So many smells. I bought a silk scarf that probably cost me way too much, but hey, when in Rome… or, you know, Ho Chi Minh City. I also stumbled upon a tiny shop selling vintage records. Found a few obscure Vietnamese funk tracks. Score!


Speaking of questionable choices… karaoke. Oh god, the karaoke. I ended up in a bar with some locals one night. They insisted I sing. I chose “Bohemian Rhapsody.” It did not go well. I’m pretty sure I scarred them for life. Someone told me that the locals take karaoke very seriously. I should have done more research.

I also checked out the War Remnants Museum. Heavy stuff. Really puts things into perspective. Definitely worth a visit, but be prepared. It’s not exactly a lighthearted experience. I found some information on local history here: https://www.baotranh.gov.vn/en/

If you get bored, Nha Trang and Vung Tau are just a short drive away. I didn’t make it out there this time, but I’ve heard they’re beautiful.


I overheard some drunk advice at a street food stall - apparently, you have to try the banh mi. And they were right. Seriously, the best sandwich I’ve ever had. I’m already craving one. Yelp has a bunch of recommendations: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=banh+mi&find_loc=Ho+Chi+Minh+City

One thing a local warned me about? The scams. Apparently, there are a lot of them. Taxi drivers who take the long way, people offering “amazing deals” on souvenirs… just be aware and don’t be afraid to haggle. I also read a few tips on a local forum: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Forum/Ho_Chi_Minh_City

Honestly? I’d go back. Despite the humidity, the chaos, and my disastrous karaoke performance, it was an incredible experience. Just… maybe I’ll pack a dehumidifier next time. And practice my Queen.

Oh! And one last thing. The coffee*. Seriously, the coffee is amazing. Strong, sweet, and often served with condensed milk. It’s a whole thing. You need to try it. I’m already researching how to roast my own Vietnamese coffee beans. Maybe I’ll start a side hustle. Who knows?

You might also be interested in:

About the author: Felix Drake

Just a human trying to be helpful on the internet.

Loading discussion...