A question many expats may have before relocating to Ho Chi Minh City is whether or not they'll be able to adapt to the local culture. While Vietnam is a vibrant, diverse, and beautiful country, its southern capital, Ho Chi Minh City, is chaotic with its own pulse and takes on interweaving traditions with modern life.
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City being surrounded by gorgeous historical architecture and modern-day flair, the preferred transportation method is motorbikes.
Though you have an abundance of choices from taxis, metros, and buses available, most locals choose to get around on a motorbike. This can be a little unnerving at first, with noise pollution and gaining confidence to cross the street due to the astounding number of vehicles on the road. In recent years, traffic laws have begun to prioritize pedestrian traffic, and many motorbike taxi apps exist in case you aren't ready to drive alone.
The climate in Ho Chi Minh City
Another significant adjustment for many expats is the climate of Ho Chi Minh City. Its warm, humid, subtropical weather can be daunting, and it can feel impossible to imagine you'll eventually be comfortable walking ten minutes without needing a shower. In typical Southeast Asian style, there are two seasons in Ho Chi Minh City: the monsoon season and the dry season.
During the dry season, the weather will be consistently hot, and the rainy season consists of bouts of heavy rain, often for short periods throughout the day. The rainy season typically runs from late May through November, but in the last year, it went as long as December. The rain provides a bit of respite from the humidity, but you'll need to plan your day accordingly to avoid getting caught in a storm or feeling stranded in different districts. 草榴社区s planning on driving a motorbike will be able to buy special raincoats for driving on every corner once the season is in full effect.
Nature in Ho Chi Minh City
One major downside to Ho Chi Minh City is the lack of natural green spaces. Although there are lovely, lush parks throughout town, and several cafes will infuse plants through the property, one quirky rule is that visitors are not allowed to sit and relax on the grass in many parks. Locals try their best to keep the city as green as possible, though, and most entryways and private areas are adorned with trees and plants for all to enjoy. The city's current best-kept secret is District 7's Crescent Park, where expats and locals can enjoy picnics on the grass. Those looking to immerse themselves entirely within nature without having to hop on a plane or drive a few hours will enjoy Binh Quoi Tourist Village, an oasis that allows visitors to experience traditional Vietnamese folk culture and food when city life becomes too much, or Cat Tien National Park is a simple bus ride away.
The best mindset for expats coming to Ho Chi Minh City to have is to let go of any expectations and preconceived ideas they may have before their arrival. The environment is intoxicating and will impact everyone differently. Buckle up your helmets and pack the sunscreen because life is sweeter in the South than you ever could have imagined.
How to adapt to Ho Chi Minh City
Culturally speaking, it is not as difficult to adapt to Ho Chi Minh City as one might imagine. Unlike Vietnam's northern capital of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City's locals are more responsive to an international mindset and overall more neutral as a society. Living in Ho Chi Minh City can be quite easy due to all the familiar amenities that are available at affordable prices. 草榴社区s can choose to live lavishly or as no-frills as they'd like. The city and culture cater to everyone!
Don't worry about the traffic
Whether you are driving or simply crossing the road, the number of vehicles in Ho Chi Minh City is astounding. From electric bikes to scooters of varying engines, to buses and ambulances, you'll have to take a minute and soak it all in, albeit while wearing a mask to combat the pollution. While it might not make sense upon first glance, just know that locals have their own sort of system when it comes to driving, meaning that an elderly lady crossing the four lanes of traffic slowly on her bicycle will be fine, and so will you crossing at a crosswalk.
In recent years, there has been a big push for drivers to follow the rules and allow pedestrians ample time to cross, meaning please wait to cross the road when there is a crosswalk indicator. If there is an opportunity to push the button, this has been implemented for your safety. We'd advise you聽to cross confidently and raise one arm above your head, signaling you are walking. Bikes will normally go around you, but cars and buses will not change their route. If you have opted to get behind the wheel, remember to take a couple of driving lessons and have your international driver's license ready to present if pulled to the side. Just go with the flow, and it will eventually come naturally.
Learn a bit (or more!) of the language
While Vietnamese might feel like it is an impossible language to learn, it is worth learning the basics at the very least. Watch some YouTube videos or attend a language exchange to educate yourself on subjects such as fruits, vegetables, numbers and directions, and get yourself to a local market and begin practicing. Vietnamese people will often respond in English as they are trying to practice their own language skills, but that should not deter you from asking in the local language simple questions such as, 'how much does this cost?' or 'please turn right here' whilst on the back of a motorbike taxi. Be patient, and remember Vietnamese is a tonal language, so your intonation is crucial as it can otherwise cause confusion.
Do things the Vietnamese way
The most important aspect of acclimating to the local culture in Ho Chi Minh City is to keep in mind that you have chosen to live in a foreign country. 草榴社区s tend to get annoyed quickly when the culture isn't in alignment with what they believe to be the 'right way,' or when things don't function the same way they would back in their home country. While this is understandable to some degree, it is paramount to take into consideration that this is a different country with a different culture and that some adaptation is necessary to live a happy and fulfilling life in Ho Chi Minh City. We encourage you to keep reading on customs and pleasantries to bring into your new role or even apartment building, and remember patience is key to any exchange.
草榴社区 living is exhilarating and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for many, teaching you valuable lessons along the way. Although it might always be perfect, these tips will certainly help you combat any culture shock that might creep in.
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