Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: travel guide
Vietnam's southern powerhouse of markets, museums and colonial landmarks
As the country's largest metropolis, it is a fast-paced economic and cultural hub. It features iconic French colonial landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and modern skyscrapers, alongside historical sites like the War Remnants Museum.
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city and its commercial engine in the south. Glass towers rise beside the red-brick Notre-Dame Cathedral and the elegant Central Post Office, and the pace of life is quick, loud and good-humoured.
Sightseeing here is a mix of history and appetite. The War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace cover the twentieth century, the Jade Emperor Pagoda offers incense-filled calm, and Ben Thanh Market is the place to browse and snack. The Cu Chi Tunnels make a half-day trip out of town.
The city suits travellers who like energy, food and history in equal measure. It is warm all year, and the drier months from roughly December to April are the most comfortable for exploring on foot.
- Country
- Vietnam
- Currency
- VND
- Time zone
- Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh
- Nearest airport
- SGN
- Typical trip
- 3-4 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum
war museum · 4.7 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
The most visited museum in Vietnam — a raw record of the Vietnam War including napalm, Agent Orange and My Lai Massacre documentation. Captured US military hardware in the courtyard. Extremely powerful; not suitable for young children.…
Cu Chi Tunnels
war site · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · entry 125,000 ₫ (≈ ₹460), VND 35,000 Vietnamese nationals; ~VND 125,000 foreigners
An extraordinary 250 km underground tunnel network dug by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Visitors can crawl through widened sections, see defused booby traps and fire an AK-47 on the shooting range. 70 km northwest of HCMC; half-day…
Ben Thanh Market
covered market · 4.1 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Saigon's most famous market — a 1914 French colonial hall. Inside: food stalls, fabric, clothing and souvenirs. The night market outside (18:00–24:00) features seafood BBQ. Bargaining expected — prices 30–50% negotiable.
Reunification Palace
palace · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The former South Vietnamese Presidential Palace where the Vietnam War ended on 30 April 1975 when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates. Remarkably preserved with 1960s furniture, war rooms, bunkers and rooftop helipad.
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon
cathedral · 4.5 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate
The iconic twin-spired Catholic cathedral built by the French 1863–1880 using materials imported entirely from France. Currently under renovation (completion ~2027) but exterior and plaza remain accessible.
Saigon Central Post Office
colonial building · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · free entry
A stunning French colonial building designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm, completed 1891. The vaulted iron-and-glass interior still functions as a working post office. Underrated highlight — beautiful and free.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
pagoda · 4.6 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Built by the Cantonese community ~1909, this atmospheric Taoist-Buddhist pagoda is the most compelling religious site in HCMC. Incense clouds fill the dark interior; extraordinary gilded carvings cover every surface. One of Obama's stops…
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
pedestrian-zone · 4.5 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Broad pedestrian boulevard from City Hall to the river, lively with crowds and the Cafe Apartments.
Landmark 81 SkyView
skydeck · 4.5 rating · about 1.3 h · entry 300,000 ₫ (≈ ₹1,100)
Observation decks on floors 79-81 of Vietnam's tallest skyscraper above the Saigon River.
Bitexco Financial Tower — Saigon Skydeck
skydeck · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · entry 240,000 ₫ (≈ ₹880)
49th-floor observation deck in the helipad-topped Bitexco tower with 360° views over Saigon and the river.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall
landmark · 4.5 rating · about 0.3 h · free entry
Ornate 1908 French-colonial People's Committee building, beautifully floodlit at night.
Saigon Opera House
landmark · 4.5 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
1897 French-colonial municipal theatre hosting the AO Show and classical performances.
Things to do
- Mekong Delta Day Trip from HCMC Outdoor · 8 h · from VND 496,000 per person
- Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour Heritage · 4 h · from VND 331,000 per person
- HCMC Street Food Night Tour by Motorbike Food · 3 h · from VND 413,000 per person
- Bitexco Saigon Skydeck Ticket Sightseeing · 1 h · from VND 179,000 per person
- Saigon City Highlights Half-Day Tour Cultural · 4 h · from VND 413,000 per person
- Saigon Vespa Night Food Adventure Adventure · 4 h · from VND 965,000 per person
- Cai Be Floating Market & Mekong Cruise Nature · 10 h · from VND 772,000 per person
- Saigon River Dinner Cruise Cultural · 2.5 h · from VND 551,000 per person
Day trips and tours
- Saigon Street Food & French Quarter Walking Tour 5 h · from VND 496,000
- Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Combo Day Tour 11 h · from VND 689,000
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- District 1 — City Centre about VND 2,000 per night
The nerve centre of Saigon — Dong Khoi Street, Ben Thanh Market, rooftop bars and the War Remnants Museum all within walking distance. Full range of accommodation from backpacker hostels to 5-star hotels. Noisiest but…
- Thao Dien / District 2 about VND 3,500 per night
HCMC's most liveable neighbourhood — a quiet riverside enclave of villa-lined streets, international schools, craft breweries and upscale dining. 10 minutes from D1 by taxi but worlds apart in feel. Best for families…
- Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao — Backpacker District about VND 500 per night
The legendary backpacker street — budget guesthouses, 24-hour beer clubs, travel agencies and street food. Not for light sleepers, but unbeatable value and energy for budget travellers.
Hotels
- Park Hyatt Saigon 5-star · VND 10,000,000 to VND 40,000,000 per night
- The Reverie Saigon 5-star · VND 12,000,000 to VND 60,000,000 per night
- Hotel des Arts Saigon - MGallery 5-star · VND 3,000,000 to VND 6,000,000 per night
- Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81 5-star · VND 3,500,000 to VND 8,000,000 per night
- Silverland Yen Hotel 4-star · VND 1,400,000 to VND 2,700,000 per night
- Silverland Jolie Hotel & Spa 4-star · VND 1,400,000 to VND 2,600,000 per night
Where to eat
- Banh Mi Huynh Hoa Vietnamese · about VND 40,000 per person
- Nha Hang Ngon Vietnamese · about VND 250,000 per person
- Cuc Gach Quan Vietnamese · about VND 400,000 per person
- Quan Bui Garden Vietnamese · about VND 450,000 per person
- The Deck Saigon Vietnamese, Fusion · about VND 800,000 per person
- Pho Hoa Pasteur Vietnamese, Pho · about VND 90,000 per person
- Pho Le Vietnamese, Pho · about VND 85,000 per person
- Banh Mi Hong Hoa Vietnamese · about VND 40,000 per person
Getting to Ho Chi Minh City
Airport: Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)
How visitors arrive in Ho Chi Minh City
- Flight into Tan Son Nhat By air · common
Vietnam's largest airport, with many international flights from Asia and some intercontinental services, plus domestic links. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Long-distance bus to the city's bus stations By road from Mekong Delta · common
Separate bus stations serve different regions; tourist buses, including from Cambodia, usually end around Pham Ngu Lao. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Reunification Express train from Hanoi By train from Hanoi · possible
Long north-south rail journey ending at Saigon station. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- City bus 152 from Tan Son Nhat
City bus 152 runs from the airport into town; buy tickets at the terminal. Express bus 109 also serves the airport, with tickets from the conductor. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Grab, Xanh SM or beTaxi
Ride-hail apps such as Grab, Xanh SM and beTaxi work from the airport and show the fare in advance, with English interfaces. Source: vietnamairlines.com
- Drivers near Pham Ngu Lao may take roundabout routes; use an app or insist on the meter. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the railway station to the centre
- Taxi or bus from Saigon station
Saigon railway station is northwest of the centre; a taxi or bus reaches the main hotel areas. Buy train tickets only from official outlets. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Drivers near Pham Ngu Lao may take roundabout routes; use an app or insist on the meter. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Motorbike Rental
Motorbikes can be rented in many places in Ho Chi Minh City, especially around the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker area.
- Ride Hail main way to get around
Ride-hailing apps are described as the easiest way to get a taxi or motorbike taxi in Ho Chi Minh City, with Grab, Xanh SM and beTaxi named.
- Taxi useful for some trips
Metered taxis are plentiful in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, and the guide suggests sticking with Mai Linh or Vinasun.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Motorbike Bag Snatching
Bui Vien St, Ben Thanh Market, D1 streets
A motorbike with two riders swoops past and the passenger grabs your bag, phone, or camera from your shoulder or hand. Can cause injury if you resist.
How to avoid it: Carry bags on the inside (away from traffic), use crossbody straps. Do not use your phone on the street. Be extra vigilant at night.
Cyclo & Tuk-Tuk Overcharging
Around Ben Thanh Market & D1
Drivers agree a price then conveniently "misunderstand" the currency or claim it was per hour. Arguments and intimidation follow.
How to avoid it: Always confirm currency and total price before starting. Use Grab — it shows fixed prices upfront.
Fake Goods & Gem Scam
Ben Thanh Market & tourist streets
Vendors sell counterfeit electronics, watches, branded goods, or "genuine gemstones" at bargain prices — all worthless fakes.
How to avoid it: Assume anything cheap is fake. Buy from reputable shops with receipts. Never buy gemstones or electronics from street stalls.
Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
- Jan 33°C
- Feb 36°C
- Mar 38°C
- Apr 37°C
- May 35°C
- Jun 34°C
- Jul 33°C
- Aug 33°C
- Sep 33°C
- Oct 32°C
- Nov 30°C
- Dec 31°C
More in Vietnam
Frequently asked questions about Ho Chi Minh City
- How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
- A typical trip to Ho Chi Minh City is 3-4 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City?
- The highest-rated places in our Ho Chi Minh City guide are War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon Central Post Office, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace.
- Where should I stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: District 1 — City Centre, Thao Dien / District 2, Bui Vien / Pham Ngu Lao — Backpacker District.
- How do I get around Ho Chi Minh City?
- Ways to get around Ho Chi Minh City covered in our guide: Motorbike rental, Ride-hailing app, Taxi, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Ho Chi Minh City?
- Scams reported to us for Ho Chi Minh City include Motorbike Bag Snatching; Cyclo & Tuk-Tuk Overcharging; Fake Goods & Gem Scam. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Ho Chi Minh City?
- Average daytime highs in Ho Chi Minh City run from 30°C in Nov to 38°C in Mar.
- Which airport is nearest to Ho Chi Minh City?
- The nearest airport to Ho Chi Minh City has the code SGN.