Yet, Saigon is astronomically more chaotic than Amsterdam. I have been asked multiple times how I managed to adapt to the intense Amsterdam lifestyle so easily. I always answer with a shrug: “Because I have lived in Saigon. And in comparison, Amsterdam is tranquil.” Being in Saigon means you can easily get carried away by its eccentric charms: the dust, the noise, the traffic, the honks, the chatter, the streets, the motorcycles, the karaoke, or the eateries on the sidewalk. The city is so incredibly hectic that travellers have even made tutorials on how to safely cross the road.
However, what sets Saigon apart from anywhere else is its cultural and culinary diversity. Since many Vietnamese city dwellers and expats reside in this remarkable city, Saigon’s food culture is a mix of Vietnamese cuisine and Western food. Your first stop should unquestionably be the Ben Thanh Market, where stalls have been arranged to represent the Vietnamese street food scene. From fresh spring rolls (gỏi cuốn), various noodles soups (bún riêu, bún mắm) to shellfish (ốc) and fried dough (bột chiên), these mouthwatering dishes will make your tastebuds fall hopelessly in love. Despite the variety that this market offers, I highly recommend branching out to explore less tourist-ridden spots.