Ho Chi Minh city

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam. Named after the iconic Vietnamese revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh City is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. This city serves as the economic and cultural heart of Vietnam, known for its dynamic street life, historical landmarks, and thriving business districts. From the historic Reunification Palace to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City offers a rich tapestry of experiences for visitors and residents alike. Its energetic atmosphere, diverse cuisine, and welcoming people make it a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia, offering a glimpse into both the past and future of this remarkable country.

Travel Guides

1. Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Party on Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien is the backpacker street of Saigon. It’s similar to Khao San Road, but not quite as crazy. Filled with bars playing dance music, small beer shops with plastic tables spilling into the street, restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques – you can see why backpackers love it.
Take a Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour
Did you know that Ho Chi Minh City consists of 24 districts in total? There are 19 inner-city districts, and five districts on the city outskirts. All spread wide apart, the large city can be confusing to navigate, and involves a lot of taxi rides. For a more convenient and enriching experience, consider opting for a hop-on hop-off bus tour in Saigon, aboard a double-decker sightseeing bus. With a ticket that grants you access for the entire day, you'll have the freedom to disembark at renowned landmarks such as the bustling Ben Thanh Market, the iconic Central Post Office, and the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.
Try a Food Tour
What's fascinating about Vietnam is that its culinary offerings vary significantly depending on the region you find yourself in. It's not uncommon to come across dishes in one part of the country that are entirely distinct from those in another. For instance, Southern Vietnamese cuisine is characterized by its bold and robust flavors, often featuring an abundance of seafood. Instead of just reading about it and trying to imagine the flavors, consider embarking on a street food tour to fully immerse yourself in Ho Chi Minh City's thriving street food scene. It's an epic way to savor the diverse and delicious culinary traditions this city has to offer.
Take a dinner cruise on the river
Are you on the hunt for something extra romantic to do while in Saigon? Consider a dinner cruise on the Saigon River. Dine under the stars, or opt for a sunset cruise with an earlier dinner and departure time instead.
Take a trip to the Mekong Delta
Visiting the Mekong river delta is probably the most touristy thing you can do around Ho Chi Minh City, but worth it if you’d like to see a bit of the countryside.
Climb through the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are 75 miles of interconnecting tunnels that were used by the Vietnamese military during the Vietnamese War (or American War as they call it). They served as hiding spots and as routes for communication and supplies.
See the Skyline from the Bitexco Tower
At 860 feet in height, the Bitexco Financial Tower is the tallest tower in Saigon to date. It provides absolutely spectacular views of the city below and is a must-visit when the skies are clear! The Saigon Skydeck is the observation deck on the 49th floor.
Sample Saigon’s craft beer
Ho Chi Minh City has an amazing up-and-coming craft beer scene. Brewers from beer capitals around the world are moving here to try new and interesting flavor combinations. Tasting rooms are trendy and lively, and most also offer yummy snacks to complement their brews.

2. Ho Chi Minh Weather

3. Transportation: How to Get to & Around Ho Chi Minh city

1.1. How to get there?
Tan Son Nhat international airport is the best way to reach the city from overseas. The airport is near the city center with various transport options such as taxi, private car, shuttle bus.
1.2. Ways to get around the city:
Motorcycles taxi: Ho Chi Minh city is filled with millions of motorbikes which suggests the best way to get around the city is to take a motorbike taxi. Today apart from traditional motor taxis, visitors can find more tech options with online booking services as grab, gojek, …These motor taxis are easy and convenient to get with an internet-connected cellphone. Motorcycles: If you can ride then hiring a motorcycle is an interesting way to explore Ho Chi Minh city. It’s intriguing to wind through a matrix of side roads and alleys in the biggest city of Vietnam, witnessing the best of local lifestyles sometimes hidden in the corners you never reach on a car or bus. Walking: Learn the trick to cross the roads in Ho Chi Minh city with her mad traffic. Once you get used to it, strolling around the city on foot is a great idea. District One with bustling tourist streets like Bui Vien or Nguyen Hue pedestrian street are recommended places to walk around.

Places Of Interest

Notre Dame Cathedral

Constructed between 1877 and 1883, Notre Dame Cathedral is centrally located in the heart of the city. This splendid cathedral is an exemplary specimen of neo-Romanesque architecture, boasting towering spires that reach an impressive height of 40 meters and are adorned with striking iron spires. The interior of the cathedral is adorned with reverent tablets and exquisite stained glass windows. Throughout the week, knowledgeable staffs are available to provide visitors with comprehensive insights into the cathedral's rich history and significance.

Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace, an iconic landmark nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, stands as a symbol of historical significance and architectural grandeur. Originally known as the Independence Palace, it played a pivotal role in Vietnam's tumultuous past, serving as the backdrop for key events, including the end of the Vietnam War. Today, the Reunification Palace welcomes visitors to explore its opulent interiors and learn about the nation's complex history, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnam's journey towards unity and independence.

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a poignant and sobering testament to the harrowing legacy of the Vietnam War. Housed within its walls are vivid and haunting exhibits that document the war's impact on Vietnam and its people, as well as the broader global context. Visitors to this museum are presented with a powerful and thought-provoking journey through history, bearing witness to the realities of conflict and the resilience of the human spirit. The War Remnants Museum is a vital educational institution and a reminder of the enduring quest for peace and reconciliation in a world scarred by war.

Saigon Central Post Office

Built between 1886 and 1891, it’s one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest buildings and is conveniently located close to the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Art

Not only is the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts one of Saigon’s biggest museums, but it’s another historical building that makes the list of must-visit attractions.

The Pink Tan Dinh Church

The Pink Tan Dinh Church is a captivating and unique religious landmark situated in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. What sets this church apart is its striking pink façade, which immediately captures the attention of visitors. Dating back to the late 19th century, the Pink Tan Dinh Church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and architectural gem. Its intricate design, vibrant color, and historical significance make it a must-see attraction, offering a blend of spirituality and visual delight for all who visit.

The Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is dedicated to the Taoist god recognized as the King of Heaven, or Ngoc Hoang. True to its name, this temple stands out as one of the most opulent and ornate religious edifices in Ho Chi Minh City. Inside, you'll encounter a profusion of deity statues and large spirals of aromatic incense wafting through the air. The walls are adorned with intricate woodcarvings, while the roof itself is a masterpiece of artistry. Don't forget to cast your gaze upwards, where rooftop sculptures depict scenes from both Buddhist and Taoist legends, adding an extra layer of cultural richness to this magnificent place of worship.

Ba Thien Hau Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh City boasts a plethora of temples, churches, and places of worship to explore, and among them, the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda is a compelling choice. While many of the religious sites in Saigon are Buddhist in nature, the Ba Thien Hau Pagoda stands out as a Chinese pagoda, a heritage it has upheld since its initial construction in approximately 1760. This sacred site was originally established by Chinese immigrants in Vietnam and remains nestled in the heart of Saigon's vibrant Chinatown neighborhood. At its core, the temple is a tribute to the Chinese goddess of the Sea, Mazu, known in Vietnamese as Thien Hau, offering visitors a unique cultural experience in the midst of this bustling city.

Ben Thanh Market

Close to most of the major must-see attractions and things to do in Ho Chi Minh City like Independence Palace, Saigon Opera House and the Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market is always busy. Opening daily from 7 AM to 8 PM, shop for all sorts of typical market buys from as cheap as VND10,000! The indoor market is housed inside a historical building and visitors work their way through the rows and stalls.

Suggested Itineraries

15 - days tour
15 Cities
Highlights of Laos – Vietnam – Cambodia 15 days

Our 15-day tour in Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia is perfect for young adults and seniors to have a chance to venture into ancient traditions and historical stories. This immersive experience will take you from the serene town of Luang Prabang to the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and the ancient temples of Angkor Wat. Highlights of this tour include cruising through the breathtaking Halong Bay and delving into the rich history of Hue.

Don't miss out on this incredible journey and secure your spot now!

14 - days tour
10 Cities
Highlights of Vietnam & Laos 14 days

This is an ideal tour package for groups of travelers yearning for enjoying the best parts of Vietnam and Laos. Through two weeks, you will have a chance to dive into the distinctive cultures of the two fascinating nations when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, immersing in the enchanting wonders of the Mekong Delta, falling in love with the orthodox beauties of Hue and Hoi An and marveling a panoramic view of Luang Prabang from the top of Mount Phousi. So why wait? Travel with us now for lifetime experiences.

15 - days tour
8 Cities
Journey from The Bay to Angkor Wat

This tour will take you to see the best of Vietnam and Cambodia. Starting with a nice city tour in Hanoi, you will then travel to Halong Bay to marvel at the otherworldly beauty of this natural site. En route, you’ll visit a traditional village before flying to Hue. Explore Hue’s historic landmarks and spend a few days experiencing the tranquil life in Hoi An – another UNESCO Heritage Site of Vietnam aside from Halong Bay. Next, do something different by navigating the tunnels in Cu Chi and later enjoy the dynamic vibe of Ho Chi Minh City. From Ho Chi Minh City, you will travel to Siem Reap – home of the world-famous Angkor Wat. You will have the chance to marvel at the majestic beauty of Angkor Wat at sunrise and also time to discover other important sites such as Koh Ker and Beng Mealea. These historic sites offer a more tranquil vibe compared to Angkor Wat but have just as many stories to be told as the well-known structure does.

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