How a night in a brand new hotel had one TripSavvy editor completely spooked.
Destination of the Day
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Sprawled more than 800 square miles along the Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam's largest and busiest city. It's as diverse and rich with things to do as you would expect a city of 9 million to be. Busy Ben Thanh Market gets all the attention, but there are smaller markets for shopping and sampling street food. The museums around Ho Chi Minh City are an excellent option for waiting out afternoon thunderstorms, but once the weather clears, retreat to one of the many peaceful parks or pagodas around town for reflection. Don't leave without partaking in the city's incredible culinary scene; be sure to try pho—a large bowl typically costs less than $2—as well as banh mi and fresh Vietnamese spring rolls. Ho Chi Minh City is also notoriously known as the epicenter for nightlife in Vietnam, so do check out a beer hoi bar or two while you're here. The whirlwind of people, motorbikes, and sights feels overwhelming the first day or two, but travelers quickly slip into the city's unique rhythm.
Your Packing List
Ho Chi Minh City's rainy season (May to mid-November) brings humidity and rainfall to their yearly heights. Plan for monsoons by packing easy-dry clothes that allow moisture to evaporate effortlessly; rain gear like an umbrella, waterproof shoes, and a light jacket (don't bring a heavy raincoat, it'll just feel uncomfortable in the humidity); polyethylene bags and silica gel to keep your electronics dry; and DEET to ward off mosquitoes.
During the dry season (November to April), protect yourself against UV exposure by bringing a light, breathable hat, or slathering on some sunscreen. You'll also want moisture-wicking clothes that can help your sweat evaporate easier.
Don't forget comfortable footwear (closed-toe shoes with springy soles ideally!
Established in 1872, Yellowstone National Park is America's first national park. Travelers here are rewarded with big adventures as the park sits on an active volcano, experiences one to three thousand annual earthquakes, and is home to 10,000 hydrothermal features and 500 active geysers (more than half of the world's geysers). The wildlife here is unbelievable. You'll see herds of bison—the largest land-dwelling mammals in North America—throughout the park, in the valleys and grasslands, near the thermal areas, and even wandering in front of cars.
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