HO CHI MINH CITY
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the bustling economic hub and largest city of Vietnam, renowned for its French colonial landmarks and vibrant street life. It features a fascinating mix of old and new, where skyscrapers coexist with historic temples and food stalls, all underscored by an incessant flow of scooters that weave through the city's myriad of bustling streets.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this time, the weather is typically hot with less humidity, and there's less rainfall compared to other times of the year, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. If you're aiming for cooler temperatures, the months of December and January can be somewhat more comfortable.
How to Get There
By Air: The Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City is the busiest airport in Vietnam. It is well connected with major cities across the world. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and many others operate regular flights to and from the city.
By Train: If you are already in Vietnam, you might consider taking a train. The Reunification Express runs the length of the country from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. It's a slower option, but it provides a unique view of the Vietnamese countryside.
By Bus: Buses are a popular means of transport in Southeast Asia, and Ho Chi Minh City is well connected with Cambodia, Laos, and other Vietnamese cities by bus. Companies like Futa Bus Lines operate in this region.
By Car or Motorbike: If you're in a nearby country or city, you can also drive to Ho Chi Minh City. However, be prepared for the chaotic traffic, especially if you are not used to driving in Southeast Asia.
Top 22 Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum: This museum presents a poignant display of the futility of war with exhibits relating to the Vietnam War and the first Indochina War.
Reunification Palace: Also known as Independence Palace, this was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon. It is preserved exactly as it was in 1975.
Cu Chi Tunnels: an expansive subterranean network utilized during the Vietnam War. Visitors have the unique opportunity to explore these tunnels firsthand, with portions accessible for crawling through.
Ben Thanh Market: One of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon, this bustling market is great for experiencing the local lifestyle, picking up souvenirs, and trying street food.
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica: A beautiful cathedral constructed by French colonists. The red-brick edifice stands as a European architectural marvel in the heart of the city.
Saigon Central Post Office: Located near the Notre-Dame Basilica, this grand old post office is a superb example of French colonial architecture and is still in operation today.
The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City: also known as Saigon Opera House is a stunning example of French Colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City, where visitors can enjoy Vietnamese dance and music performances.
Bitexco Financial Tower & Sky Deck: From its sky deck, visitors can get panoramic views of the city. It is the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City.
Cao Dai Temple: This temple is the place of worship for the followers of Caodaism, a religion that blends Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism, and Islam.
Jade Emperor Pagoda: Built by the city's Chinese community in 1909, it's one of the most spectacularly atmospheric temples in HCMC, stuffed with statues of divinities and heroes.
Giac Lam Pagoda: Built in 1744, the Giac Lam Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City and is renowned for its classic architectural style and tranquil atmosphere. Filled with ornate statues, it's a serene place for quiet contemplation, and visitors can explore its fascinating historical artifacts and vibrant gardens.
The Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda: is a richly decorated temple in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its vibrant ceramics, intricate carvings, and ornate woodwork. Built by the Fujian Chinese congregation, it's a lively place of worship particularly during the Tet Festival, attracting both locals and tourists for its impressive Chinese Buddhist art and architecture.
Binh Tay Market: Located in the Chinatown district, it is the largest wholesale market in the city.
Saigon River Cruise: A boat tour along the Saigon River, especially during the evening, offers a unique perspective of the city.
The Museum of Vietnamese History: A place where you can get a comprehensive look at the history of Vietnam, from prehistoric times to the present.
Street Food Tours: Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its street food. Participating in a guided street food tour can provide an interesting culinary adventure.
District 5 (Chinatown): Known for its vibrant streets, ornate temples, and the massive Binh Tay Market.
Pham Ngu Lao Street: This is Ho Chi Minh City's backpacker district, known for its budget accommodation, restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops.
Dong Khoi Street: A central city street which is home to many French colonial buildings, high-end stores, and gourmet restaurants.
Mekong Delta: While not located within the city itself, many tourists take a day trip or a multi-day tour to the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City to witness life on the river, with its bustling floating markets.
Fine Arts Museum: Housed in a beautiful colonial-era mansion, this museum displays a collection of modern and contemporary Vietnamese art.
Mariamman Hindu Temple: A unique cultural landmark in the downtown area, this temple serves the small Hindu community in the city.
Top 20 Activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the War Remnants Museum: A visit here will give you an eye-opening insight into the Vietnam War through the eyes of the Vietnamese.
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels: Experience the subterranean network of tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Take a Street Food Tour: Vietnamese cuisine is incredibly diverse and delicious. A street food tour will introduce you to the variety of local dishes.
Cruise on the Saigon River: Book a dinner cruise on the Saigon River for a relaxing evening with great views of the city.
Shop at the Ben Thanh Market: It's a bustling market where you can buy anything from souvenirs to clothing and try some delicious local street food.
Explore the Nightlife on Bui Vien Street: Known as the backpacker district, it's the hub of the city's nightlife with numerous bars, clubs, and street food vendors.
Attend a Show at the Saigon Opera House: Enjoy traditional Vietnamese performances at this iconic venue.
Motorbike Tours: Exploring the city on the back of a motorbike is a quintessential Ho Chi Minh City experience. There are several tour operators that offer this experience.
Day Trip to Mekong Delta: Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta and explore the floating markets, small villages, and lush islands.
Visit Jade Emperor Pagoda: Discover this spiritual place filled with divine and demonic figures carved or molded in papier-mâché.
Cooking Classes: Learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes with local chefs. It's a fun way to learn about the country's culinary traditions and impress your friends back home.
Visit the Fine Arts Museum: The museum houses a collection of art from both the city's past and contemporary artists.
Explore the Local Cafés: The café culture in Ho Chi Minh City is vibrant. Try traditional Vietnamese coffee at local favorites and explore the growing scene of specialty coffee shops.
Explore Chinatown (Cholon): Visit Binh Tay Market and several Chinese temples, including Thien Hau Pagoda dedicated to the sea goddess.
Bike Tour in the Countryside: If you want a break from the city's hustle, you can take a guided bike tour through the countryside around Ho Chi Minh City.
Take a Yoga Class: There are many yoga studios in the city if you want to relax and rejuvenate.
Visit a Spa: The city offers numerous spas where you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese treatments or a simple massage.
Explore the Craft Beer Scene: Over the past few years, a number of craft breweries have popped up in Ho Chi Minh City. A guided tour can take you through some of the best.
Visit the Bitexco Financial Tower: The sky deck offers panoramic views of the city, especially beautiful at sunset.
Tailor-Made Clothes Shopping: Vietnam is known for its skilled tailors who can quickly make bespoke garments. Visit one of the many tailoring shops in Ho Chi Minh City to have custom-made clothes, whether it's a traditional Ao Dai or a business suit, crafted to fit you perfectly.
Best Shopping
Ho Chi Minh City is a great place for shopping, offering a mix of local markets, boutiques, and luxury shopping malls. Here are some of the best places to shop in the city:
Ben Thanh Market: This iconic market in the heart of the city is a great place to buy local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and street food. Remember to bargain!
Dong Khoi Street: This historic street has a range of high-end boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.
Saigon Square: This is a great spot for buying clothes, accessories, and souvenirs at a reasonable price. Bargaining is also expected here.
Vincom Center: This is one of the biggest shopping malls in the city, housing both international and local brands, and also offering a variety of dining options.
Binh Tay Market: Located in Chinatown, this is the place to go for wholesale goods.
An Dong Market: Another popular market where you can find a variety of clothes, fabrics, handicrafts, and accessories.
Saigon Centre: This modern shopping mall is home to a range of international brands, restaurants, and entertainment facilities.
Diamond Plaza: This luxury shopping mall hosts a variety of high-end international brands, as well as a bowling alley, a game arcade, and a cinema.
Le Cong Kieu Street: Also known as Antique Street, this is the place to go for antiques and collectibles.
Entertainment & Nightlife
Ho Chi Minh City's nightlife scene is vibrant, energetic, and varied, catering to different tastes and budgets. From street-side beer joints to rooftop bars, and from live music venues to bustling night markets, there's something for everyone. Here are some of the highlights:
Bui Vien Street: Known as the city's backpacker district, Bui Vien Street is lined with numerous bars and pubs. It's the perfect place for inexpensive drinks, street food, and people-watching.
Rooftop Bars: Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its rooftop bars that offer panoramic city views. Some of the popular ones include Chill SkyBar, Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar, and the EON Heli Bar. They are pricier but offer a great ambiance, especially at sunset.
Live Music: The city has a burgeoning live music scene, with venues offering everything from jazz and rock to Vietnamese folk music. Some top spots include Yoko Café for indie and rock, and Sax N' Art Jazz Club for jazz.
Night Markets: Ben Thanh Night Market and Phan Boi Chau Night Market are excellent for late-night shopping and local street food.
Saigon Opera House: For a more cultural experience, check the schedule at the Saigon Opera House. They often host traditional Vietnamese dance and music performances.
Lush Nightclub and Apocalypse Now: These are among the most famous nightclubs in the city, known for their energetic atmosphere and mix of music styles.
Craft Beer Scene: Craft beer is booming in Ho Chi Minh City, with local breweries like Pasteur Street Brewing and Heart of Darkness leading the way.
Dinner Cruises: For a more relaxed evening, consider a dinner cruise on the Saigon River.
Remember that local laws require bars to close at midnight, but some venues in the tourist areas have licenses to stay open later.
Local Cuisine
Ho Chi Minh City, often still called Saigon, is a melting pot of cuisines. Vietnamese food, in general, is admired for its fresh ingredients, minimal use of oil, and reliance on herbs and vegetables, making it one of the healthiest cuisines in the world. However, the city's culinary scene also reflects its past influences and regional diversity.
Here are some iconic dishes you should try when visiting Ho Chi Minh City:
Pho: Vietnam's most famous dish, Pho is a comforting noodle soup typically made with beef (Pho Bo) or chicken (Pho Ga). It's served with a side plate of fresh herbs and condiments like lime, chili, and hoisin sauce.
Banh Mi: A legacy of French colonial rule, Banh Mi is a baguette sandwich filled with various ingredients such as pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and hot sauce. It's a perfect on-the-go snack.
Com Tam: This is a Saigonese dish made from broken rice, typically served with grilled pork (either ribs or shredded) and a small bowl of fish sauce on the side. You might also get pickled vegetables, cucumber slices, and a bowl of soup.
Banh Xeo: These are crispy, stuffed pancakes named for the sizzling sound they make on the griddle. They're filled with ingredients like shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and green onion, and are folded in half to be eaten.
Goi Cuon: Also known as Vietnamese spring rolls or fresh rolls, Goi Cuon are translucent rice paper rolled around greens, coriander, minced pork, shrimp, and occasionally, a stick of boiled pork sausage (Cha).
Bun Thit Nuong: This is a cold rice-vermicelli noodle dish topped with grilled marinated pork, fresh herbs, fresh salad, pickled vegetables, and sprinkled with roasted peanuts. It's served with a side of fish sauce dressing.
Banh Cuon: These are thin, wide sheets of steamed fermented rice batter filled with seasoned ground pork, minced wood ear mushroom, and minced shallots. It's often served with a dipping sauce.
Seafood: Due to its location, Ho Chi Minh City has a wide variety of fresh seafood. Street stalls and restaurants often display live seafood in tanks. Choose what you like, and they'll cook it for you.
Vietnamese Coffee: Known locally as Ca Phe, Vietnamese coffee is a must-try. It's typically drip-brewed with a small metal Vietnamese drip filter and served over ice with sweetened condensed milk - a style known as Ca Phe Sua Da.
Food tours or cooking classes are a fantastic way to delve deeper into the city's culinary scene. Street food stalls are also a big part of the city's food culture, so don't miss out on trying some snacks from the roadside vendors.
Ho Chi Minh City is famed for its street food culture, with stalls and vendors setting up all across the city. Here are some of the best areas to explore for an authentic street food experience:
Ben Thanh Market: One of the city's most iconic landmarks, Ben Thanh Market is a great place to try a wide variety of Vietnamese street food. From traditional dishes like Pho and Bun Cha to local desserts, this market offers a taste of everything.
Bui Vien Street: Known as the backpacker district, Bui Vien Street is filled with street food vendors, particularly in the evening. Here you can find both Vietnamese classics and international street food.
Co Giang Street: Located in District 1, this street is known among locals for its excellent street food stalls. It's particularly famous for Pho and Banh Mi.
Nguyen Thuong Hien Street: Also known as "Snail Street", this is the go-to place for local seafood dishes, especially various types of snails and shellfish.
Vinmart on Han Thuyen Street: This is a great spot to try Banh Mi, one of Vietnam's most famous street foods. Banh Mi Hoa Ma, located nearby, is particularly famous.
Phan Van Han Street: Located in District 1, this street is packed with local food stalls and small eateries serving a variety of dishes.
Chợ Bà Chiểu (Ba Chieu Market): A local market where you can find a plethora of street food options. It's an excellent place to explore local life and culinary traditions.
Accommodations
Ho Chi Minh City is divided into several districts, each with its own unique atmosphere. Here are the best districts to consider when looking for accommodation:
District 1 (D1): As the city's downtown and financial center, D1 is home to many of the city's top sights, including the Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace, and Notre Dame Cathedral. It's the best area to stay for first-time visitors thanks to its wide variety of restaurants, shopping, and nightlife, as well as convenient access to other parts of the city. Accommodation options range from luxury hotels to budget guesthouses.
District 3 (D3): Just next to D1, D3 is a bit quieter and more local, but still with plenty of attractions, cafes, restaurants, and street food. It has a mix of local guesthouses and boutique hotels.
District 5 (D5) and District 6 (D6): These are great places to stay to experience the city's Chinatown, Cholon. It's a bit farther from the city center, but it's a vibrant area with many markets, shops, and Chinese-Vietnamese food. Accommodation here is generally more budget-friendly.
Pham Ngu Lao (Backpacker District): Located in D1, this is the city's main backpacker area, with plenty of cheap accommodation, travel agencies, and nightlife options. The streets of Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao are lined with budget hostels, guesthouses, and hotels.
District 7 (D7): This is a more modern and upscale area of the city, home to many expatriates. It's a bit farther from the city center, but offers a more relaxed environment and larger accommodations. This district is known for its modern high-rises, large shopping malls, and diverse range of dining options.
Dong Khoi Street (D1): This street and the surrounding area is home to many of the city's luxury hotels, high-end shops, and fine dining restaurants.
Itinerary
Ho Chi Minh City Uncovered: A Three-Day Exploration
Day 1: Experience the Historical Landmarks
Morning: Start your day with a visit to the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, a landmark in Vietnam's modern history. Then, walk over to the War Remnants Museum, which offers profound insight into the Vietnam War.
Lunch: Visit Ben Thanh Market, where you can grab lunch at one of the food stalls. Try local favorites like Pho or Banh Mi.
Afternoon: After lunch, take a walk to the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, both architectural gems from the French colonial period.
Evening: In the evening, head to the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House for an awe-inspiring spectacle that mixes acrobatics and traditional music.
Day 2: Cultural Immersion and Nightlife
Morning: Begin your second day with a visit to the Museum of Vietnamese History in District 1, followed by a leisurely walk around the nearby Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
Lunch: For lunch, try Com Tam, a Saigonese dish, at a local eatery.
Afternoon: Take a trip to the impressive Giac Lam Pagoda and Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda in District 10.
Evening: As night falls, make your way back to District 1 to experience Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant nightlife. Stroll down Bui Vien Street, trying local street foods, enjoying a drink, and soaking up the bustling atmosphere.
Day 3: Explore Off The Beaten Path
Morning: Spend your morning exploring the fascinating network of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a remnant from the Vietnam War. Join a half-day tour that provides context and historical insight.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant near the Cu Chi Tunnels before heading back to the city.
Afternoon: Visit the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest building in the city. Head up to the Sky Deck for a panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City.
Evening: For your last evening, take a leisurely dinner cruise on the Saigon River. This is a great way to enjoy local cuisine while taking in the city lights.
