Ho Chi Minh city

The Bustling Metropolis

Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic hub of Vietnam and a city of dynamic street life, skyscrapers alongside traditional Vietnamese markets, and a rich history. It’s a city that never sleeps, with something always happening at all hours.

Best Time to Visit

The ideal time to is during the dry season from December to April, when the weather is warm and humid but without the heavy rains that can occur during the monsoon season..

Top Attractions

• War Remnants Museum (Bảo tàng Chứng tích Chiến tranh): A museum dedicated to remembering the Vietnam War, featuring artifacts, photographs, and documented impacts of the war.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (Nhà thờ Đức Bà Sài Gòn) (currently under renovation): A magnificent example of French colonial architecture, standing at the heart of the city.
• Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành): A bustling market that offers everything from food to fabrics, perfect for experiencing local flavors and crafts.
• Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập): A landmark in Vietnamese history, this is the site where the Vietnam War ended when a North Vietnamese army tank crashed through its gates.
• Saigon Opera House (Nhà hát lớn Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh): Known for its exquisite architecture and cultural performances.
• Bui Vien Street (Phố Đi Bộ Bùi Viện): A vibrant nightlife hub in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its bustling bars, street food vendors, and lively atmosphere, popular with tourists and locals alike.
• Saigon Riverside Park (Công Viên Bờ Sông Thủ Thiêm): A modern and spacious waterfront promenade in Ho Chi Minh City, offering scenic views, leisure walks, and cultural events, enhancing the city’s urban landscape.
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Phố Đi Bộ Nguyễn Huệ): A vibrant and bustling pedestrian boulevard in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, known for its beautiful fountain shows, wide array of shops, cafes, and seasonal festivals, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.
• Saigon Skydeck (Đài Ngắm Cảnh Sài Gòn): A popular observation deck in Ho Chi Minh City located in the Bitexco Financial Tower, offering panoramic views of the city from its 49th floor.

Getting Around

Navigating Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh (Di chuyển quanh Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh) is best done by motorbike for those comfortable with bustling traffic, or by taxi and app-based ride services for easier travel.

Discover the Beauty Surrounding Ho Chi Minh City with Short Getaway Tours

From Ho Chi Minh City: 1-Day, 2-Day, and 3-Day Tour Options

Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis bustling with energy, also acts as a gateway to the cultural richness and natural beauty of southern Vietnam.

• Cu Chi Tunnels: A popular 1-day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer a historical insight into the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore the vast network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong, and even crawl through some of the safer sections.
• Mekong Delta: Experience the heart of the riverine culture with a 2-day tour to the Mekong Delta. Visit floating markets, traditional candy factories, and vibrant fruit orchards. Boat trips along the intricate canals and a night spent in a local homestay enhance the cultural immersion.
• Can Gio Mangrove Forest: A 1-day eco-tour to the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The trip includes a boat ride through the mangroves to spot wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds, and visit local fishing villages.
• Vung Tau: For beach lovers, a 2-day trip to Vung Tau offers sandy shores, colonial architecture, and the Christ of Vung Tau statue with panoramic views of the sea.

From Ho Chi Minh City: 3-Day Tour Extensions

For those with more time, 3-day tours can delve deeper into the Mekong Delta, exploring more remote areas like Ben Tre and Tra Vinh, or even crossing into Cambodia by river if visas are arranged in advance.

Travel Tips

Accommodation

• Range of Options: Ho Chi Minh City offers diverse lodging choices, from opulent hotels in District 1 to affordable hostels in the backpacker enclave of Pham Ngu Lao. Luxury hotels typically charge from $100 per night, while budget accommodations can start as low as $10 per night.

Dining

• Street Food: The city’s culinary scene is highlighted by its street food, with delicious and inexpensive options like pho, banh mi, and spring rolls usually costing less than $2.
• Rooftop Dining: For those looking for a more upscale dining experience, Ho Chi Minh City boasts several rooftop bars and restaurants offering spectacular city views. Notable among them is Shri Restaurant & Lounge, which combines fine dining with panoramic views.

Cultural Tips

• Religious Sites: When visiting places of worship such as the city’s many pagodas and the Notre-Dame Cathedral, dressing modestly is essential—this means covering shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
• Behavior: Always show respect at cultural and religious sites; speak softly and avoid inappropriate behavior.