Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon and often still used to this day, is Vietnam’s biggest metropolitan city. It’s full of skyscrapers and hidden alleys, French architecture and artsy museums, trendy cafes and street food tours, and lots of history from the American War (also known to most foreigners as the Vietnam War).
HCMC is often just a quick stopover on a trip to Vietnam on the way to Hoi An, Ha Long Bay, or SaPa. My first time in Vietnam, this was what I did and I realized soon after how much I was missing. Luckily, I was able to move back to Asia and spend 4 months living in this bustling city.
That’s why I’ve pulled together this quick guide to visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam for your next trip.
Things to Know Before You Go
Pack comfortable walking sandals or sneakers as you’ll likely be walking a lot. It’s quite hot and humid all year round in Vietnam and SE Asia, in general, so be sure to pack clothes that are made of lightweight breathable materials like linens and cotton.
Be mindful of holidays like Tết (Lunar New Year) which can fall anywhere between January and February. The city shuts down for a few days with many locals returning to their hometowns or traveling.
Climate: It’s a tropical climate which means it is very hot and humid year-round. The rainy season is between July-November and the dry season is December-June.
Best time to go: As far as temperatures go, December and January are the best months to visit because the temperatures drop to 75-85°F and about 40% humidity as opposed to most other months when it’s in the 90s at 80% humidity. 🥵
Language: Vietnamese, in D1 & D2 you’ll often find people that speak a little English.
Money: Vietnamese Dong (VND), tipping is not customary but 10-15% is appreciated for good service, and ATMs are located all over the city in Vietnamese and English. Many hotels, restaurants, and stores take VISA and AMEX cards.
Travel Insurance
SafetyWing is truly an insurance company for Nomads, by Nomads. It’s designed to meet the medical and travel needs faced by Digital Nomads and other remote workers while they are outside of their home country. Coverage is mainly intended for long-term travelers which makes it ideal for Digital Nomads!
In terms of payment, SafetyWing uses a subscription-based payment system on a monthly basis instead of all up front and the rates can be as low as $42/month. Therefore, it’s truly a budget-friendly option!
Get a quick quote for your travel dates 👇
One of my favorite features is that SafetyWing may even offer you some medical coverage in your home country which is extremely rare in travel insurance and makes SafetyWing stand out from the rest.
Pros of SafetyWing Travel Insurance
- The monthly subscription model
- Can cover medical expenses when overseas
- Up to 2 children under 10 per family (1 per adult) can be included on your insurance free of charge
- Limited medical coverage in your home country
Cons of SafetyWing Travel Insurance
- Not as many travel insurance perks as other companies
- No coverage for personal electronics
Read this post The Best Travel Insurance for Every Type of Traveler for an in-depth review of the top 3 travel insurances.
How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City
✈️ Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport is located 30 minutes outside District 1. There are domestic flights connecting within Vietnam and many international flights from a variety of South East Asian countries. If you are traveling from outside of Asia, it’s unlikely you’ll find a direct flight. You’ll need to connect through Seoul, Tokyo, or Hong Kong.
🚌 Bus: The buses in SE Asia are very clean and safe. As a solo female traveler, I’ve taken them a handful of times. There are buses to and from Cambodia and surrounding SE Asian countries (Thailand, & Cambodia)
Read more about taking buses in SE Asia in my blog post here!
Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
If you are staying in District 1 (D1), it’s quite easy & safe to walk around. But when it’s hot outside or if you want to venture to another district, there are a few different options for getting around.
🚙 Grab: Grab is the SE Asian version of Uber and around the city should cost about 75,000-150,000 VND depending on the time of day. There are Grab bikes and Grab cars
🚕 Taxi: There are taxis around town and you can download the Vinasun APP to book a safe taxi ride.
Read my blog post for the Must-Have Apps for Vietnam
Shop at the Markets
Hours: 6am-10pm (Benh Thanh), 8am-10pm (Central Market), 9am-9pm (Saigon Square), & 9am-6pm Russian Market
Admission: Free
While Ben Thanh is the most popular market in Ho Chi Minh City it can be quite touristy, crowded, and even over-priced! For a more authentic market experience check out Binh Tay Market, Central Market, Saigon Square, and the Russian Market. Don’t forget, it’s common practice to negotiate! You should be paying at least 50% of their initial offering price! Pro Tip: the walk-away trick works 9/10!
If you’re looking for a shopping mall, check out Vincom Center Mall and Saigon Centre Mall. This will have shops like H&M, Mango, Keds, DKNY, Perfume World, and many more.
Go for a Walk on Nguyen Hue Street
Cafe Apartments
Hours: 8am-9pm
Admission: Free
The famous walking street is always buzzing. It’s surrounded by boutiques and restaurants during the day but at night it truly comes alive. There are so many bars, street vendors, performers, and a light show at the beautiful water fountain. Nguyen Hue Walking Street also has the very hip Cafe Apartments. They are an old apartment complex from the 40s & 50s that has been converted to house multiple cafes and shops.
If you are here during Tết, Lunar New Year, the whole entire street turns into a beautiful flower wonderland. There are flower walls and tunnels, cherry blossom trees, plant-shaped creations of the zodiac animal for the year, and so much more!
Admire Architecture
Hours: 8am-11am, 2pm-4pm
Admission: Free
The European-inspired architecture of the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is considered the mother church of the Catholic Archdiocese in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the 1700s by the French, most materials were imported directly from France. In addition to the beautiful architecture of the building, there is also a beautiful garden with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
Hours: 8am-12pm, 2pm-5pm
Admission: Free
Tân Dịnh Catholic Church also referred to as “The Pink Church” for obvious reasons, is probably one of the most Instagram-worthy churches. Its eye-catching French architecture, pink exterior, and Italian marble are what bring people to visit. But the inside is just as noteworthy with beautiful stained glass windows, columns, and statues. Built in 1870 and refurbished in the 1950s and 1970s, it is one of the oldest churches in Ho Chi Minh City. If you arrive on the hour, you’ll also catch the beautiful ringing of the bells which reside inside the towers; each of the 5 bells weighs 5.5 tons!
Get Artsy at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
Hours: 8am-5pm
Admission: 30,000 VND ($1.27 USD)
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is also a notable building to admire the architecture as well. It’s also the city’s largest museum. Walk around outside to admire the grounds and explore the many art galleries behind the museum. Step inside this historical building to find a fusion of art from Asia and Europe. There are over 20,000 pieces of ancient and modern art as well as gardens, stairwells, and corners to snap an IG-worthy photo.
Note: there is no AC inside (except 1 room on each floor). Unlike most cities where you can escape to a museum to cool off, it’s not a great option.
Ao Dai Museum
Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm
Admission: 100,000 VND ($4.24 USD)
If you’re looking for a unique museum experience, visit the Ao Dai Museum. It’s a bit of a trek to get to in District 9 but you’ll learn about the traditional áo dài. The áo dàin has been worn by locals to church, weddings, and special events for hundreds of years. In the museum, you’ll find thousands of áo dài that have been worn over the years by well-known women in history, celebrities, and royalty. Check out this page for cultural events at the museum.
Send a Letter from the Saigon Central Post Office
Hours: 7am-7pm
Admission: Free
Yet another building to admire simply for its beautiful French, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture is the Saigon Central Post Office. But don’t just stand outside and take pictures, head inside to check out the architecture inside with grand arches, marble floors, old wooden telephone booths, and best of all – it’s still an operating post office. So, mail a letter to your friends and family back home for an epic souvenir!
Take a Walk Back in History at the War Remnants Museum
Hours: 7:30am-5:30pm
Admission: 40,000 VND ($1.70 USD)
The War Remnants Museum is great whether you’re a history junkie or want to learn more about the history of Vietnam and the impacts of the war. It’s incredible to walk around the grounds outside amongst the large fighter planes, tanks, and missile launchers that were used during the war. As you enter the four-story building, you’ll find anti-war memorabilia and extremely moving photographs through various exhibits. As you move further into the exhibits, it does become more difficult to see. The aftereffects of Agent Orange (especially on children) and the disabilities that have resulted due to the chemical exposure passed down through generations are heartbreaking. The museum is an eye-opening experience but is important to visit, especially as an American.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Hours: 7am-7pm
Admission: $17-$55 depending on the tour you pick
The Cu Chi Tunnels are some of the most famous war tunnels in history and a must-visit while in Ho Chi Minh City. There are over 150 miles of underground intertwined tunnels used by the Viet Cong (the southern Vietnam Army) during the Vietnam War (or the American War as it’s called here in Vietnam). Used as routes for communication and supplies, hiding spots, and some soldiers even lived here for periods of time.
On your tour, you’ll experience just how bleak the living conditions would’ve been inside the tunnels with the humidity, high temperatures, and difficulty breathing with no airflow. The tour allows you to crawl through the safer parts of the tunnels, and see various traps, trenches, and hideouts. Plus, you’ll learn a different side to the war than you may have been taught in your home country.
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
Hours: 8am-11am, 2pm-4pm
Admission: Free
The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, was the home of the president of Southern Vietnam during the Vietnam War (also referred to as the American War here). Wander through the banquet halls and rooms once used as government offices with classic 1960s architecture and decor. But I think the most fascinating part of the Independence Palace is found in the basement. There are more underground connecting tunnels and bunkers in the basement below.
A Unique Experience at Noir Spa
Hours: 10am-9pm
Admission: services range from 150,000 VND ($6.35 USD) to 650,000 VND ($27.57 USD)
Noir Spa offers a unique experience…a blind massage! You’ll receive a massage from one of the professional blind massage therapists. They offer foot massages, 60 or 90-minute massages, and herbal baths. I selected the Noir Spa Signature 90-minute massage and it was one of the best massages I’ve ever had.
The beginning starts with the masseuse feeling her way into the room and asking you the pressure. After that, you’ll completely forget that they are blind. Using their hands, elbows, knees, feet, and hot stones to work the knots and kinks out of your body, twisting, and folding you in all directions. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a relaxing time drinking tea and enjoying a tasty sweet treat.
Night Out on Bui Vien
Bui Ven, also known as the backpacker street is lined with bars and clubs. It’s quite the place to be, especially on a Friday and Saturday night as the lights and sounds escape into the streets. This is where all the bar hopping and nightclubs are in D1. So, if you’re looking for a pub crawl or to dance the night away – this is it! There is also a variety of street foods available here that pairs well with a pub crawl or late-night snack.
Experience Coffee Culture
Vietnam is known for its coffee, so cafe hopping to the best spots to drink all the coffee is a must! Unless you’re like me and don’t drink caffeine. 🤣 I can’t give you a personal recommendation on the best coffee but I can share the best cafes in Ho Chi Minh City – check out this post!
Egg coffee is the most popular beverage in Vietnam, it’s made of egg yolks, sugar, condensed milk, and robusta coffee. Give it a try at Little Hanoi Egg Coffee!
Mekong River
Hours: 7:30am-5pm
Admission: 550,000 VND ($24 USD)
The Mekong Delta is the most important river in Southeast Asia. It’s responsible for the livelihood of over 65 million people who live directly on its riverbanks, relying on the river for food, accommodation, and employment. If you’re visiting any of the 6 countries that it runs through (Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar) then it’s definitely a must-visit!
Taking a tour with GetYourGuide is a great way to explore a full day of all the Mekong has to offer. You’ll cruise along the Mekong while stopping at Unicorn Island (sadly no real-life unicorns 🦄 are here), Phoenix Island, and Coconut Island.
View my full video experience here + few of the highlights from the tour:
🍯 tasting the local honey & pollen in a sweet but tasty anti-aging shot
🍉 enjoying fresh fruit
🎶 listening to folk music
🐟 a delicious lunch with the fresh catch of the day from the Mekong
🥥 seeing how coconut candy is made [my favorite part of the tour] at the coconut factory
🛶 paddling through the canals of the Mekong
Eat Your Way Through the City
There are endless places to eat in Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll find something for everyone with five-star dining right down to street food. There is every variety of Asian food from Vietnamese, Thai, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese to all of the Western foods you might miss from home – Italian, Mexican, French, and more! All of my favorite brunch spots in Ho Chi Minh City are in this article and you can find some of my favorite Vietnamese street foods here!
The best piece of advice for finding the best spots to eat are to ask a local, go where you see a ton of locals lined up, and take a street food tour with a local guide.
See the City by Hop-on Hop-off Bus
Hours: 8am-6pm
Admission: 240,000 VND ($10 USD)
Ho Chi Minh City’s double-decker hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus gives you a birds-eye view of the city. The ticket lasts 24 hours, takes you to all of the famous attractions mentioned in this post from Ben Thanh Market to Notre Dame Cathedral, and gives you the leisure of seeing them at your own pace.
Bamboo Circus
Hours: 6pm
Admission: 708,000 VND ($30 USD) to 1,650,250 ($70 USD)
One of the most unique circus experiences you’ll see (aside from this one in Cambodia) in your life. The Bamboo Circus also known as the AO Show at the Saigon Opera House is similar to a Circus Soleil show. Performers use their bodies to perform tricks. Here in Ho Chi Minh, they include bamboo in this immersive artful masterpiece of a show. Arrive early to explore the French architecture outside the Saigon Opera House. Then head inside to admire the stunning marble floors, grand staircase, and sparkling chandeliers throughout the interior.
Water Puppet Show
Hours: 6:30pm
Admission: 353,000 VND ($15 USD)
The Water Puppet Show is another unique experience in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater for their daily performance using handcrafted wooden puppets to share a mythical legend. Performances usually include a traditional boat race and fairy dance and you’ll learn the legends of Le Loi or Hoan Kiem Lake. The performance is topped off with traditional music on rice drums and the Vietnamese two-chord fiddle.
Dinner Cruise on the Saigon River
Float down the famous Saigon River while dining under the stars. This dinner cruise is quite a popular activity for large groups, corporate events, and romantic dinners! Boats leave from District 1 and either include sightseeing before you board or include the popular water puppet show. On board, in addition to a delicious meal, you’ll also enjoy live performances.
Skyline Views at Saigon Skydeck Bitexco Financial Tower
Hours: 9:30am-9:30pm
Admission: 200,000 VND ($8.47 USD)
Go up into the clouds for views of Ho Chi Minh City in the city’s tallest tower (860 feet high), Bitexco Financial Tower. The observation deck is located on the 49th floor and offers 360° views. I’d recommend going on a clear day and timing it right for sunset! You can also check out the EON Heli Bar on the 52nd floor. It offers a stunning view and free admission – you’ll just have to order something from the bar.
Check out my post with the Best Brunches in Ho Chi Minh City here!
Are you planning on visiting Ho Chi Minh City now? Check out more of my posts below about living in and traveling around Vietnam!
