Ho Chi Minh City best things to do & travel guide

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the largest metropolis and economic powerhouse of Vietnam. Located in the southern region, this vibrant city blends colonial French architecture with modern skyscrapers, creating a dynamic urban landscape. Home to over 10 million residents, the city pulses with energy, featuring bustling markets, street food culture, and a rapidly growing technology sector. Key attractions include the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the historic Reunification Palace. As Vietnam's commercial center, Ho Chi Minh City drives the country's economic growth, attracting international businesses and entrepreneurs. Its strategic location in the Mekong Delta region and rich cultural heritage make it a fascinating destination that embodies Vietnam's complex history and promising future.

Reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Rich History: Explore war museums, colonial architecture, and historical sites like Reunification Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels that reveal Vietnam's complex past.

Incredible Street Food: Sample world-renowned Vietnamese cuisine, including pho, banh mi, and fresh seafood at incredibly affordable prices.

Vibrant Culture: Experience bustling markets, traditional festivals, and a dynamic urban atmosphere blending modern innovation with ancient traditions.

Economic Hub: Witness Vietnam's rapid development through cutting-edge architecture, emerging tech scenes, and entrepreneurial energy.

Affordable Travel: Enjoy low-cost accommodations, dining, and activities compared to other major Asian cities.

Proximity to Mekong Delta: Use the city as a gateway to explore scenic rural landscapes, floating markets, and traditional river communities.

Friendly Locals: Interact with welcoming Vietnamese people known for their hospitality and genuine warmth towards international visitors.

Shopping Opportunities: Browse everything from luxury malls to traditional markets, offering unique souvenirs and local handicrafts.

What is in this Ho Chi Minh City travel guide

Practical information for Ho Chi Minh City

Recommended days to stay

For Ho Chi Minh City, the recommended stay duration varies based on travel preferences and interests. A minimum stay of 3-4 days allows visitors to cover major attractions and explore key historical sites. An ideal stay of 5-7 days provides a more comprehensive experience, enabling in-depth city exploration, museum visits, and potential day trips to nearby attractions like the Cu Chi Tunnels. Travelers seeking a deeper cultural immersion might opt for an extended 10-14 day visit, which allows for regional exploration, Mekong Delta trips, and a more relaxed travel pace. The length of stay depends on individual factors such as personal interests, budget, travel rhythm, and curiosity about Vietnamese history and culture.

ATM's & money exchange

ATMs:

• Widely available in city center and tourist areas
• Accept major international cards (Visa, MasterCard)
• Withdrawal fees range from 20,000-50,000 VND per transaction
• Recommended banks: Vietcombank, HSBC, ANZ

Money Exchange:

• Best rates at official exchange counters
• Airports and major hotels offer exchange services
• Gold shops and jewelry stores often provide competitive rates
• Avoid street money changers
• Bring new, undamaged US dollars for best exchange rates

Tips:

• Notify bank of travel to prevent card blocking
• Carry some cash for small purchases
• Check ATM fees with your home bank
• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Events and holidays in Ho Chi Minh City

Major National Holidays:

• Tet (Lunar New Year): Late January/Early February
• Reunification Day: April 30
• International Labor Day: May 1
• Vietnam Independence Day: September 2

Cultural Festivals:

• Mid-Autumn Festival: September/October
• Saigon Street Festival: Annually in December
• Traditional Lantern Festival: February/March

Business Considerations:

• Most businesses close during Tet holiday
• Tourist attractions remain partially open
• Book accommodations in advance during major holidays

Each celebration offers unique insights into Vietnamese culture and provides special experiences for visitors. Remember that lunar calendar dates vary each year.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City:

Dry Season (Recommended):

• December to April
• Lower humidity
• Minimal rainfall
• Comfortable temperatures (25-35°C)
• Ideal for sightseeing

Rainy Season:

• May to November
• Short, intense afternoon thunderstorms
• Cheaper travel rates
• Lush green landscapes
• Less crowded tourist sites

Peak Tourist Months:

• December to February
• Coolest temperatures
• High tourist season
• Higher prices
• Book accommodations early

Avoid:

• Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year)
• Extremely high temperatures in April
• Peak humidity in June-August

Best Overall Months:

• January
• February
• December

Practical Tip: Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, humid conditions year-round.

Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

🏛️ Historical & Cultural Sites

Historical Sites: Ho Chi Minh City offers profound historical experiences through its museums and landmarks. The War Remnants Museum provides intense insights into Vietnam's conflict history, while the Reunification Palace showcases significant political events. Visitors can explore the famous Cu Chi Tunnels to understand wartime strategies. Architectural gems like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office demonstrate the city's French colonial heritage.

Cultural Experiences: Cultural immersion happens through vibrant markets like Ben Thanh, where travelers can experience local commerce and cuisine. Street food tours allow visitors to sample authentic Vietnamese dishes, while cooking classes teach traditional culinary techniques. Night markets offer lively atmospheres, and water puppet shows provide traditional entertainment revealing Vietnamese artistic traditions.

Modern Attractions: Contemporary attractions include the Bitexco Financial Tower, offering panoramic city views from its observation deck. Shopping centers provide modern retail experiences, while Saigon River cruises showcase the city's urban landscape. Art enthusiasts can explore contemporary galleries displaying Vietnamese modern artistic expressions.

Neighborhood Explorations: District 1 walking tours reveal the city's urban character, while Cholon (Chinatown) offers unique cultural experiences. Local street art districts and hidden cafes provide opportunities to discover the city's creative side and architectural diversity.

Day Trips: Surrounding areas offer exciting excursions, including the scenic Mekong Delta, relaxing Vung Tau Beach, historical Cu Chi Tunnels, and the unique Tay Ninh Holy See Temple, providing diverse experiences beyond the city's core.

Remember: Ho Chi Minh City operates early - many activities are best experienced in the morning. Afternoons are good for museums and indoor activities, especially during summer heat.

Best hotels & hostels in Ho Chi Minh City

Luxury Hotels

• Park Hyatt Saigon
• Sheraton Saigon Hotel
• Sofitel Saigon Saigon Plaza
• Prices: $150-$300 per night

Mid-Range Hotels

• Silverland Yen Hotel
• Northern Hotel
• Tan Hai Long Hotel
• Prices: $50-$150 per night

Budget Hotels/Hostels

• Vietnam Inn Saigon
• Saigon Mini Hotel
• Backpackers Hostel
• Prices: $10-$30 per night

Popular Districts

• District 1: Best location
• District 3: Budget-friendly options
• Pham Ngu Lao Street: Backpacker hub

For all accommodations, prices vary significantly by season and availability. Always read recent reviews and book through reliable platforms.

Best Food & Drink in Ho Chi Minh City

Street Food Highlights:

• Hu tieu: Clear rice noodle soup
• Banh Mi: French-influenced sandwich with local ingredients
• Bun Cha: Grilled pork served with rice noodles
• Com Tam: Broken rice dish with grilled meats

Top Dining Experiences:

• Nha Hang Ngon: Traditional Vietnamese cuisine
• Propaganda Bistro: Modern Vietnamese fusion
• Secret Garden: Rooftop restaurant with local specialties
• Pho 2000: Famous for Bill Clinton's visit

Drink Culture:

• Vietnamese Coffee: Strong, sweet iced or hot coffee
• Craft Beer Bars: Local and imported craft breweries
• Rooftop Bars: Skyline views in District 1
• Bia Hoi: Fresh draft beer on street corners

Must-Try Dishes:

• Banh Xeo: Crispy savory pancakes
• Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls
• Bun Bo: Beef noodle soup
• Che: Traditional sweet dessert

Best Food Locations:

• Ben Thanh Market: Street food and local vendors
• District 1: Upscale and tourist-friendly restaurants
• Pham Ngu Lao Street: Budget-friendly options
• Cholon: Authentic Chinese-Vietnamese cuisine

Recommended Experiences:

• Street food walking tours
• Cooking classes
• Night market food exploration
• Local food markets

🍺 Local Drinks

Local Drinks in Ho Chi Minh City:

Coffee Varieties:

• Ca Phe Sua Da (Iced milk coffee)
• Ca Phe Den (Black coffee)
• Ca Phe Trung (Egg coffee)
• Coconut coffee

Traditional Beverages:

• Nuoc Mia (Sugarcane juice)
• Tra Da (Iced tea)
• Sinh To (Fruit smoothies)
• Fresh coconut water

Alcoholic Drinks:

• Bia Hoi (Fresh draft beer)
• Saigon Beer
• 333 Beer
• Rice wine

Best Places:

• Local coffee shops
• Street vendors
• Traditional markets
• Rooftop bars

Popular Chains:

• Highlands Coffee
• Phuc Long
• The Coffee House
• Cong Ca Phe

Average Prices:

• Local coffee: $1-2
• Fresh juices: $1-3
• Local beer: $1-2
• Craft beer: $3-6

🏆 Top Restaurants

Top Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

Fine Dining:

• Noir (Dining in the Dark): Modern cuisine, unique experience
• La Villa French Restaurant: French cuisine, elegant setting
• Vietnam House: Celebrity chef Luke Nguyen's restaurant
• Secret Garden: Rooftop dining, authentic Vietnamese

Mid-Range:

• Nha Hang Ngon: Traditional dishes, colonial setting
• Pho Le: Famous for premium beef pho
• Cuc Gach Quan: Homestyle Vietnamese cuisine
• Mountain Retreat: Scenic views, local favorites

Local Favorites:

• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: Best banh mi in city
• Pho Phuong: 24-hour pho restaurant
• Com Nieu Sai Gon: Clay pot rice dishes
• Quan Bui: Modern Vietnamese cuisine

Street Food:

• Ben Thanh Street Food Market
• Co Giang Street food stalls
• Vinh Khanh Street: Seafood
• Van Kiep Street: Local delicacies

Price Range:

• Fine Dining: $30-100 per person
• Mid-Range: $15-30 per person
• Local: $5-15 per person
• Street Food: $2-5 per person

Remember: Prices are approximate and may vary. Best to bring cash as many local places don't accept cards.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

By Air

• Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
• Major airlines: Vietnam Airlines, AirAsia, Emirates
• Flight duration from Asia: 2-6 hours
• From airport to city: 20-40 minutes

Airport Transport

• Taxi: $10-15 to District 1
• Bus 109: $2 per person
• Private transfer: $15-25

By Bus

• International routes from Cambodia
• Domestic connections from major Vietnamese cities
• Popular companies: Futa Bus, Sinh Tourist

By Train

• Saigon Railway Station
• Routes from Hanoi (32-36 hours)
• Connects major coastal cities

From Airport to City:

• Avoid unlicensed taxis
• Use Grab app
• Book hotel transfers
• Public bus available

Best time to arrive: Early morning or late evening to avoid rush hour traffic.

How to get around Ho Chi Minh City

Grab/XanhSM/Taxi:

• Grab app: Cars and bikes
• Reliable taxis: Vinasun, Mai Linh
• Use meters only
• Keep hotel address in Vietnamese

Public Transport:

• City buses: Cheap, extensive network
• Bus 109: Airport to downtown
• Future metro under construction

Walking/District 1:

• Best early morning/evening
• Use crosswalks
• Watch for motorbikes
• Stay hydrated

Rental Options:

• Motorbikes: $5-10/day
• Requires license
• Not recommended for inexperienced riders

Rush Hours:

• 7-9 AM
• 5-7 PM
• Plan trips accordingly
• Consider Grab Bike during peak times

🚫 Things to Avoid

Remember: Traffic can be overwhelming at first, but it follows a natural flow. Stay calm and steady when crossing streets.

Itinerary 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City

3-Day Itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City:

Day 1: Historical District Morning:

• Notre-Dame Cathedral (8-10 AM)
• Central Post Office
• Reunification Palace (10:30 AM-2 PM)
• War Remnants Museum (2:30-5 PM)

Evening:

• Ben Thanh Night Market
• Street food dinner
• Bitexco Tower views

Day 2: Cultural Exploration Morning:

• Cu Chi Tunnels half-day tour (8 AM-1 PM)
• Traditional Vietnamese lunch

Afternoon:

• Cholon (Chinatown)
• Thien Hau Temple
• Binh Tay Market

Evening:

• Dinner at Secret Garden
• Rooftop bar experience

Day 3: Local Life Morning:

• Local coffee experience
• Ben Thanh Market shopping
• Cooking class (11 AM-2 PM)

Afternoon:

• Jade Emperor Pagoda
• Tao Dan Park
• Local art galleries

Evening:

• Saigon River cruise
• Farewell dinner at Nha Hang Ngon

Remember: This is a packed schedule - feel free to adjust based on your interests and energy levels. Old Quarter can be overwhelming, so take breaks when needed.

More tips for traveling in Ho Chi Minh City

Where to go next?

Popular Destinations from Ho Chi Minh City:

Nearby (1-4 hours):

• Mekong Delta
• Cu Chi Tunnels
• Vung Tau Beach
• Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Central Vietnam (1-hour flight):

• Hoi An: Ancient town
• Da Nang: Beaches
• Nha Trang: Coastal resort

Northern Vietnam (2-hour flight):

• Hanoi: Capital city
• Ha Long Bay: Limestone islands
• Sapa: Mountain trekking

International Connections:

• Cambodia: Phnom Penh, Siem Reap
• Thailand: Bangkok
• Singapore
• Malaysia: Kuala Lumpur

Transportation Options:

• Domestic flights
• Sleeper trains
• Tourist buses
• Private cars

Best Routes:

• North: HCMC → Da Nang → Hanoi
• South: HCMC → Mekong → Cambodia
• Coastal: HCMC → Mui Ne → Nha Trang

Ho Chi Minh City with kids

Family-Friendly Activities:

• Dam Sen Water Park
• Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
• Suoi Tien Theme Park
• Indoor playgrounds in major malls
• Museum of Vietnamese History

Safe Transportation:

• Private car services
• Licensed taxis
• Hotel shuttles
• Avoid motorbikes with children

Kid-Friendly Food Options:

• Pizza 4P's
• Jollibee
• Food courts in malls
• Fresh fruit smoothies
• Western restaurants in District 1

Accommodation Tips:

• Hotels with pools
• Family rooms available
• Central District 1 location
• Near shopping centers
• Clean, reputable establishments

Safety Considerations:

• Hold hands when crossing streets
• Stay hydrated
• Use sunscreen
• Carry identification
• Keep emergency contacts handy

Best Areas to Stay:

• District 1: Near attractions
• District 7: Quieter, modern area
• Phu My Hung: Family-friendly neighborhood

Last updated: December 2024

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