Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam has been ranked 4th among the 2019’s coolest city break destinations, according to a list released by Refinery29, a leading global media company focused on young women.

Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam.

“Culture trip calls this Vietnamese metropolis a truly affordable city with a buzzing cultural scene to match,” Refinery29 wrote.

There are plenty of hidden alleyways and public art displays to explore, so make sure you try “ca phe da” (iced coffee), a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee drink that provides an energizing caffeine and sugar hit, Refinery29 advises.

Oaxaca City in Mexico tops the list, followed by Porto in Portugal, Austin in the US, Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, Cape Town in South Africa, Lima in Peru, Tokyo in Japan, Istanbul in Turkey, Budapest in Hungary, Marrakech in Morocco.

Earlier, Ho Chi Minh City has been ranked 2nd on the list of the best night experiences in Southeast Asia by Rough Guides.

“When the sun goes down, the bustling energy of Vietnam's southern megalopolis transfers to its many clubs and bars,” Rough Guides says.

Atmospheric rooftop lounges like Chill Sky Bar stay open until late, and besides drinking, there's a small but exciting music scene to check out.

Acoustic Bar in District 3 has pop-rock cover bands, while Carmen in District 1 offers an odd selection of Spanish flamenco played by skilled Vietnamese musicians. For a casual good time, the plastic tables along Bui Vien – also known as 'Beer Street' – in backpacker central Pham Ngu Lao are a must.

The number of foreign visitors to Ho Chi Minh City in the 11 months of 2018 is estimated at 6.8 million, a 19.6% increase from the same period last year, according to Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism.

Hanoitimes