Travelling to Saigon - advice?

[adli]

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I am travelling to Saigon for Christmas.

 

First of all, never been there before, how safe is it to carry an M11 around in the streets of Saigon? I am used to travelling, so not looking for general advice but an opinion on Saigon.

 

Second, I plan to travel light and bring only a 28mm and a 50mm.  Would I regret bringing any wider lens?

 

 

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[stuny]

I found it safe, and the 28 and 50 should suffice well in that city.  Just in case, wear the camera on a strap across your body, such as left shoulder to right waist.

Even though you are a seasoned traveler, it is important to know how to cross the street in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) City.  If a car or truck is coming to not step off the curb.  If motorcycles and bicycles are coming step off and move at a moderate pace across the street.  Cars and trucks will just keep going whether you are in their way or not, but the two-wheelers will swerve around you.  Still nervous?  Wait for others to cross and walk abreast of them.

[Max EPR]

I am also traveling to Saigon in 60 days with a M11. Any opinion which lens, the 28 or 50, would be on the camera more often. My guess is the 28 because of the desire to capture more in the image. 

[phongph]

On 12/8/2023 at 9:57 PM, adli said:

 

I am travelling to Saigon for Christmas.

 

First of all, never been there before, how safe is it to carry an M11 around in the streets of Saigon? I am used to travelling, so not looking for general advice but an opinion on Saigon.

 

Second, I plan to travel light and bring only a 28mm and a 50mm.  Would I regret bringing any wider lens?

 

 

Hi Adli!
I have been stayed in Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon) for a long time!

When coming Saigon - Vietnam, the first day You are better to follow the tourist guy of the tourist company with reasonable price, then You will know how to join the travel in Saigon!
I think Saigon is safe, but It is better to walk around the street before 10:00 pm, except You stay in the bar or restaurant.

The 28 mm and 50 mm is quite good for the street and portrait photo.

Ps: My camera often is M11 & Nocti 50 f0.95. 
Thanks, Phong!
 

[rtai]

Vietnam is a safe and friendly country. I have been to Saigon, DaNang, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hanoi, Haiphong multiple times over 25 years for work and pleasure, and always had a Leica or Rolleiflex around my neck. And I avoided the tourist trail. It’s a beautiful country and the food is great. 

[rtai]

I need to tell this story because it left a lasting impression on me. About 5 years ago I was staying at the Sheraton at District One in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). District One is a tourist area. I travelled there often representing a German company. I wanted to go to District 5 for some street photography so I took the local bus. When learning about local culture via photography I usually walk for hours after take public transportation one way. Hopefully I remember how to get back. The rickety old bus stopped to pick up passengers and some women one obviously pregnant got on. Then immediately every young men from the front to the back stood up and offered their seats. If this represents how they were raised in that country then you can be sure you will be treated with respect.

Edited December 21, 2023 by rtai

[Ba Erv]

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I guess I'll be the fly in the ointment. Three robbery attempts for me in one week. Two in Saigon and one in DaNang. In fact, I even carry a cheap burner phone while I'm there because I know some guy on a scooter is going to try to snatch it out of my hand. 

[jdlaing]

2 hours ago, Ba Erv said:

I guess I'll be the fly in the ointment. Three robbery attempts for me in one week. Two in Saigon and one in DaNang. In fact, I even carry a cheap burner phone while I'm there because I know some guy on a scooter is going to try to snatch it out of my hand. 

When I was in Saigon and Danang firearms were far more prevalent. Robbery was the least of worries. 😃

[frame-it]

2 hours ago, Ba Erv said:

I guess I'll be the fly in the ointment. Three robbery attempts for me in one week. Two in Saigon and one in DaNang. In fact, I even carry a cheap burner phone while I'm there because I know some guy on a scooter is going to try to snatch it out of my hand. 

when on the pavements [where they exist] gotta walk away from the road, closer to the buildings

[Ba Erv]

16 minutes ago, frame-it said:

when on the pavements [where they exist] gotta walk away from the road, closer to the buildings

Last time they tried it with me I was standing on the sidewalk waiting on the light to cross the street (Pasteur St in District 1)

[Ronazle]

The advice about not walking adjacent to the road is probably good, especially if you are not giving the road your attention.  Anywhere you go in most of the world a very careless person with an expensive object is subject to snatch and run.  My experiences would put Taiwan and Japan as among the safest (theft wise) for a tourist to walk around.