Like Hanoi, It Is Best To Run In Saigon...

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Like Hanoi, it is best to run in Saigon in the early morning (between 6:00 and 9:00 am) before the city traffic becomes too wild, before the sun gets too hot, and before the humidity gets too intense. Given the humidity and temperature, you will want to make sure you have sufficient water. You should be able to purchase bottled water along your run route: just make sure the bottles you purchase are sealed! Like many Asian cities, Ho Chi Minh City is not what you'd call a "running city" but again it is possible to find some decent routes if you put some effort into it. You will also learn, quite quickly, that pretty much only tourists and ex pats run in this city. Running in the dark in Ho Chi Minh City is not recommended due to increased street activity and increased likelihood of crime. In addition to this, Ho Chi Minh City can be very disorienting in the dark. District 1: General Street Running: again streets in Saigon are wide and pleasantly lined with large shade trees. In the District 1 area (downtown) it is entirely possible to do some reasonable (however uninspired) runs along the major streets if you are able to block out the traffic noise and dodge the many people and vehicles with which you share the streets. On many major streets, especially in shopping areas in District 1 you will have to share the sidewalks with vendors, outdoor cafes and pedestrians.