Ho Chi Minh City moves fast. Motorbikes surge through wide boulevards. Skyscrapers rise beside French-era buildings. Street food never stops. This city—still called Saigon by locals—delivers energy, history, and flavor in equal measure.
This Ho Chi Minh City travel guide helps you plan smart. It covers where to stay, what to eat, how to get around, costs, safety, and real local experiences. It’s written for first-time visitors and repeat travelers who want deeper insight.
Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Southern Vietnam’s largest city blends old and new. You’ll find:
- Historic war sites
- Rooftop bars and luxury hotels
- Bustling markets
- Street food culture
- Day trips to rivers and tunnels
Ho Chi Minh City works well for short stays and longer base trips across southern Vietnam.
Who This Guide Is For
This guide serves:
- First-time Vietnam travelers
- Families with limited time
- Couples seeking culture and nightlife
- Budget backpackers
- Luxury travelers
- Adventure travelers heading to the Mekong or coast
Search intent varies. Some need planning help. Others are ready to book. This guide supports both.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
The city has two seasons.
Dry Season (December–April)
Best overall conditions.
Hot but manageable.
Ideal for sightseeing and day trips.
Rainy Season (May–November)
Short daily showers.
Lower hotel prices.
Fewer crowds.
Best months: December to March.
Avoid peak heat: Late April afternoons.
How Many Days Do You Need
2–3 days covers major sights.
4–5 days allows day trips and deeper exploration.
Suggested length:
- Short visit: 2 days
- Balanced trip: 3–4 days
- Extended trip with Mekong: 5 days
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
District 1 (Best for First-Time Visitors)
Central. Walkable. Packed with restaurants and attractions.
You’ll be near:
- War Remnants Museum
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- Ben Thanh Market
District 3 (Local Feel)
Quieter streets.
Great cafés.
Boutique hotels.
District 2 / Thao Dien (Luxury & Expat Area)
Riverside villas.
International restaurants.
Relaxed atmosphere.
Top Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss
War Remnants Museum
Powerful. Emotional. Essential.
Arrive early to avoid crowds.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon stands in the heart of the city.
French colonial architecture.
Great photo spot.
Central Post Office
Next to the cathedral.
Historic interior.
Quick stop but worthwhile.
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is the city’s most famous market.
Buy:
- Coffee
- Souvenirs
- Textiles
- Street food
Bargain politely. Start at 50–60% of asking price.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Wide pedestrian boulevard.
Great at night.
Surrounded by cafés and shops.
Bitexco Skydeck
City views from above.
Sunset is best.
Hidden Gems Locals Love
Cafe Apartments
An old apartment block filled with cafés and boutiques.
Unique atmosphere.
Perfect for photos.
Tao Dan Park
Morning exercise with locals.
Quiet green space.
Great for jet lag walks.
Binh Tay Market (Chinatown)
Less touristy.
Authentic shopping.
Local food stalls.
Food Guide: What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City
This city is Vietnam’s street food capital.
Must-Try Dishes
- Pho
- Banh mi
- Com tam (broken rice with pork)
- Hu tieu noodle soup
- Vietnamese iced coffee
Street Food Tips
- Eat where locals gather
- Avoid empty stalls
- Choose fresh, hot food
Night Food Areas
- Ben Thanh night market
- Vinh Khanh seafood street
- District 4 food streets
Cost of Travel
Ho Chi Minh City suits every budget.
Budget Travelers
- Hostel: $10–20
- Meals: $10–15
- Transport: $5
- Total: $30–45 per day
Mid-Range
- Hotel: $50–100
- Food: $25–40
- Tours: $25
- Total: $100–150
Luxury
- Hotel: $150–400+
- Fine dining
- Private tours
Getting Around
Traffic looks chaotic. It works.
Grab App
Best option.
Cheap and reliable.
Use for cars and motorbikes.
Walking
Good in District 1.
Watch traffic carefully.
Taxis
Use trusted companies.
Avoid unmarked cars.
Airport Transfers
Tan Son Nhat International Airport sits 20–30 minutes from downtown.
Use Grab or hotel pickup.
Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City
Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels show underground wartime networks.
Travel time: 1.5 hours
Go early morning.
Book guided tours.
Mekong Delta
Mekong Delta offers river life, floating markets, and villages.
Options:
- Day trip
- Overnight homestay
- Private tour
Common Traveler Problems (and Solutions)
Problem: Overwhelming Traffic
Solution: Cross slowly. Stay steady. Traffic flows around you.
Problem: Tourist Scams
Solution: Use Grab. Confirm prices. Avoid random tour sellers.
Problem: Heat and Humidity
Solution: Sightsee early morning. Rest midday.
Problem: Currency Confusion
Solution: Use smaller bills. Count zeros carefully.
Safety Tips
Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe.
Watch for:
- Pickpocketing
- Phone snatching
- Traffic accidents
Stay safe:
- Use crossbody bags
- Hold phone tightly
- Avoid quiet alleys late night
Shopping Guide
Best items to buy:
- Coffee
- Silk
- Handicrafts
- Lacquerware
- Tailored clothing
Best areas:
- Ben Thanh Market
- Saigon Square
- Local boutiques
Local Experiences Worth Booking
- Street food tour
- Motorbike city tour
- Mekong Delta day trip
- Vietnamese cooking class
- Rooftop sunset drinks
Local guides add depth and safety. Book through reputable agencies or hotel concierge.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary
Day 1
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- War Remnants Museum
- Ben Thanh Market
- Rooftop dinner
Day 2
- Cu Chi Tunnels tour
- Coffee shops
- Nguyen Hue Street
Day 3
- Mekong Delta day trip
- Night market
Family Travel Tips
- Choose central hotels
- Use Grab for transport
- Visit parks early morning
- Avoid midday heat
The city works well for families with planning.
Solo Travel Tips
- Join group tours
- Stay in central districts
- Use Grab
- Explore daytime first
Solo travel here is easy and social.
Luxury Travel in Ho Chi Minh City
Top luxury hotels offer:
- Rooftop pools
- River views
- Fine dining
- Spa services
- Private tours
District 1 has most luxury options.
Sustainable Travel Tips
- Support local businesses
- Use refillable bottles
- Avoid plastic bags
- Respect cultural sites
Booking Tips
Book early for:
- December–January
- Tet (Lunar New Year)
- Major holidays
Prices rise fast during peak season.
Local Events to Know
- Tet Festival
- Mid-Autumn Festival
- Reunification Day celebrations
Events bring crowds and higher prices.
Final Thoughts
Ho Chi Minh City is intense. Fast. Addictive. It rewards curious travelers who embrace its rhythm. Plan wisely. Stay central. Eat everywhere. Explore beyond the obvious. And give the city time to surprise you.
