tourist police ho chi minh city

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If you have ever wondered whether Ho Chi Minh City is a safe city for tourists, the following article will answer this question for you.

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists? Yes. Ranked 12th on the safety index among Southeast Asia's 20 tourist cities by the statistics site Numbeo, Ho Chi Minh City is considered safe for travelers. This is further supported by the U.S. Department of State (DOS), which does not recommend any restrictions for tourists visiting this destination.  In the following article, we will provide evidence to reinforce the safety of Ho Chi Minh City and offer safe travel tips for first-time visitors. 

05 Reasons Why Ho Chi Minh City is Safe for Tourists

Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City can rest assured for several reasons. From low crime statistics to a visible presence of security forces, prompt incident responses, stringent disease prevention measures, and the welcoming nature of locals, every aspect ensures a secure and enjoyable trip for all. Here are 5 reasons why travelers can explore this dynamic city with confidence.

The number of tourists coming to Ho Chi Minh City is increasing despite the post-covid pandemic and economic recession

International Tourist Surge After COVID and Economic Downturn

Despite the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic and economic downturn, the ongoing growth in tourist arrivals to Ho Chi Minh City provides a compelling reason to visit. According to preliminary statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Department, approximately 65,000 international tourists visited during the 2023 Lunar New Year holiday. Tourists at various attractions, entertainment venues, and service points totaled around 1.7 million. 

Accommodation occupancy reached approximately 250,000 guests, with a room occupancy rate of 85%. Total revenue was estimated at around 6.3 trillion Vietnamese dong. This sustained influx of tourists underscores the enduring appeal of Ho Chi Minh City as a secure and hospitable destination.

Presence of Security Forces

Tourists exploring Ho Chi Minh City find reassurance in the visible presence of police and security forces. Throughout the city's major and minor streets, law enforcement officers are stationed and patrol public spaces. Regardless of the time of day, these forces rotate their activities to effectively deter potential wrongdoers. 

The Ho Chi Minh City police have conducted numerous high-profile crackdowns, emphasizing fundamental law enforcement tasks and enhancing preventive measures. 

Furthermore, the city government has invested significantly in advanced surveillance technologies, deploying extensive camera networks covering vital areas such as city centers, tourist districts, and transportation hubs to promptly respond to security incidents and ensure the safety of tourists and residents alike.

Prompt Response to Incidents

In Ho Chi Minh City, swift response to emergencies is a top priority for ensuring tourist safety. The city's ambulance system and fire brigade are highly organized and equipped to handle incidents efficiently.

Ambulance services operate round-the-clock, with quick dispatch and skilled medical personnel providing immediate care. Fire stations strategically located throughout the city enable rapid response to fires and accidents, minimizing risks to travelers.

This commitment to prompt intervention underscores Ho Chi Minh City's dedication to ensuring the well-being of tourists, offering reassurance that help is always close at hand in case of emergencies.

Disease Prevention Measures

In response to the pandemic, the Ho Chi Minh City government has ramped up efforts in medical safety and disease control to ensure a safe environment for tourists. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has formed a disease treatment expert group to enhance consultations for severe cases requiring referral or challenging cases with other units. 

Additionally, the City Center for Disease Control has intensified supervision of disease prevention and control, with most health stations fully implementing local disease prevention and control activities. 

The city has also stepped up communication efforts for disease prevention and control, developing and posting numerous communication materials on its website and distributing them to health units for implementation. 

This comprehensive healthcare infrastructure ensures that visitors have access to prompt and reliable medical assistance when needed, boosting confidence in the city's healthcare system and enhancing overall safety for tourists.

Friendliness of the Locals

Renowned for their warmth and hospitality, the people of Ho Chi Minh City contribute significantly to the safety and comfort of tourists. The amiable atmosphere fostered by the local community adds to the overall sense of security experienced by tourists, creating a welcoming environment where travelers can feel at ease exploring the city's vibrant culture and attractions. 

Local residents in Ho Chi Minh City are known for being hospitable and friendly towards tourists (Source: Vietnam Airlines)

Whether seeking directions, recommendations, or simply engaging in friendly conversation, visitors can rely on the kindness and hospitality of the locals, further enriching their experience in Ho Chi Minh City.

Safety Tips When Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City

When traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, visitors will be delighted by a captivating blend of culture, history, and modernity awaiting exploration. To enhance their experience and ensure a safe and enjoyable journey in this bustling metropolis, travelers can look forward to the following surprises and tips:

Understanding Climate Conditions

Ho Chi Minh City, situated in the southern region of Vietnam, experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by warm sunshine throughout the year. The temperatures typically range from 20-35°C, providing a pleasant environment for travelers. Ho Chi Minh City enjoys a milder climate with less intense heat compared to other areas in Vietnam.

The city observes two distinct seasons: the rainy season, which spans from May to November, and the dry season, which lasts from December to April.  When planning your travel itinerary, it's essential to take these seasonal changes into account and adjust your plans accordingly. This is necessary because the weather can greatly affect your outdoor activities, transportation, and overall travel experiences.

In Ho Chi Minh City's rainy season, sudden thunderstorms are common. The weather may be sunny one moment and then unexpectedly pour rain, which can quickly subside. During these times, the air is relatively cool with lower temperatures, and high humidity, and the sunlight is not too intense.

Ho Chi Minh city's weather is divided into two distinct seasons: rainy season and d ry season

Thus, when visiting Ho Chi Minh City during this season, it's advisable to carry an umbrella or raincoat at all times. If traveling by motorbike, ensure you have a raincoat stowed in the trunk. Additionally, it's essential to check the traffic routes before setting out, as rain often leads to road flooding and traffic congestion.

In contrast, the dry season offers sunny days and lower humidity levels, making it an ideal time to visit Ho Chi Minh City. Light, breathable clothing is recommended to stay comfortable in the warm weather, along with sun protection such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

By considering the seasonal weather patterns and packing appropriate attire, travelers can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience while exploring the vibrant streets and attractions of Ho Chi Minh City.

Choosing Suitable Means of Transportation Options

When navigating Ho Chi Minh City, it's important to consider the various transportation options available to ensure a safe and convenient journey. Here are some recommended means of transportation:

Taxi from reputable companies

When traveling from the airport to the city center or getting around town, it's advisable to select a taxi provided by reputable companies. This choice guarantees your reliability and safety during the journey. To identify a reputable taxi company at the airport, you should keep an eye out for official taxi stands and refrain from engaging with unauthorized drivers who may approach you.

You have the option to embrace the local lifestyle by utilizing public buses. These vehicles typically charge less than $1 per ticket, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the city's culture and witness its daily life.

Double-decker bus (Hop On Hop Off bus) 

These Hop On Hop Off buses offer a comprehensive city tour, allowing travelers to explore Ho Chi Minh City's landmarks and attractions at their own pace.

This is a traditional mode of transportation, offers visitors distinctive perspectives of the city's streets and is ideal for short distances.

Technology motorbike taxi

For quick and efficient travel within the city, you should consider using technology-based motorbike taxi services. These services, accessible through mobile apps, offer convenient rides and are popular among locals and tourists alike.

When using taxis or cyclos, it's essential to exercise caution and prioritize safety. You should choose reputable taxi companies, ask them to use meters, and negotiate prices before the trip to avoid misunderstandings. Besides, you also need to always inquire about the fare in advance and clarify any additional costs to ensure a smooth and transparent journey.

Always be Alert and Take Care of Your Belongings

In any bustling metropolis like Ho Chi Minh City, the presence of pickpockets is a reality. Therefore, it's crucial to remain vigilant and safeguard your belongings, especially in crowded areas, markets, and public transportation. Here are some practical tips to protect your valuables:

• Keep your bags securely fastened and close to your body, preferably in front of you;
• Avoid carrying large sums of cash or displaying valuable items openly;
• Be cautious in crowded areas, where pickpockets may operate discreetly;
• Consider using anti-theft accessories such as money belts or slash-resistant bags;
• Stay aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts if you sense any suspicious behavior.

Tips for Buying Air Tickets to Ho Chi Minh City at Good Prices

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City can be affordable if you plan ahead and take advantage of available promotions. Here are some tips to help you find good deals on air tickets:

• To maximize travel savings, it's advisable to check for available promotional programs on Vietnam Airlines’ official website or mobile app when booking tickets;
• Book your flight tickets early to secure preferential prices and have a wider selection of seats. Early booking often results in lower fares, especially during peak travel seasons;
• As an airline that always prioritizes customer benefits, we strive to offer attractive rewards to our passengers. Especially for those who register as Lotusmiles members, exclusive perks and special offers await. Lotusmiles members enjoy benefits like double bonus miles , which can be used for future flights or upgrades. In addition, when booking online, Lotusmiles members also receive a 5% discount on airfare, providing significant savings on your travel expenses.

By following these tips, you can ensure a safe and budget-friendly trip to Ho Chi Minh City, allowing you to enjoy all that this vibrant destination has to offer.

The Ho Chi Minh City government consistently prioritizes implementing measures to ensure the safety of tourists when visiting the city  (Source: Vietnam Airlines)

Travelers can rest assured that Ho Chi Minh City is a secure destination for tourists. With its vibrant culture, rich history, and welcoming locals, visitors can enjoy their time here without any concerns for their safety. 

To plan your trip and take advantage of the best deals, you can visit the Vietnam Airlines’ website for specific flight schedules and the latest attractive promotions. Whether you're drawn to the historical landmarks, the vibrant nightlife, or the delicious street food, Ho Chi Minh City offers a memorable experience in a safe environment.

Is it safe to walk in Ho Chi Minh City at night?

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe at night, but it's always important for you to remain vigilant and take precautions. You should stick to well-lit areas, avoid isolated streets, and keep an eye on your belongings. It's also advised to use trustworthy transportation options and stay aware of your surroundings.

Is it safe to travel alone in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, traveling alone in Ho Chi Minh City can be safe. However, you need to take necessary precautions, such as informing someone about your route, staying in well-reviewed accommodations, and avoiding isolated areas at night.

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for female tourists?

While no place is completely risk-free, Ho Chi Minh City is generally considered a safe destination for female travelers. The city has a visible presence of security forces at all hours, and the locals are known for their friendliness towards visitors.

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Ho Chi Minh City Highlights

Everything Awesome in Saigon

• Practical Information

Is Ho Chi Minh City Safe?

by Sharyn + · Published July 14, 2014 · Updated October 10, 2016

If I had to say the most common question we get asked when people find out we live in Saigon, it would have to be “Is Ho Chi Minh City safe?”. It’s a tough question because it depends on what you think is safe. In my opinion, Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam, in general, is one of the safer places we have visited provided you display a certain amount of common sense. However, if you ask my Vietnamese students, they would have you believe it is one of the most dangerous cities in Vietnam, if not the world. I would counter this with the fact that their experience and knowledge of the rest of the world in general is somewhat limited and I’ve been to 102 countries, many of them in the developing world. Ho Chi Minh City definitely has it’s fair share of pick pockets, bag snatchers and general scammers in the tourist areas but violent crime against foreigners is rare.

Some Tips for Staying Safer.

Here are my top 10 tips for staying safe in Ho Chi Minh City (or any other city in the world for that matter!)

• Don’t flash your jewelry, cash or expensive camera around. Many people here are poor. 99% are honest, but some of your stuff is probably worth at least a couple of months wages to a local. Display some sensibility and don’t dangle the temptation.
• If you don’t have a safe in your hotel room or need to take everything with you, keep your passport, extra credit cards and the majority of your cash in a money belt under your clothes rather than in a wallet in your back pocket, your handbag or backpack.  Keep the majority of your “ready” cash and cards in a neck wallet under you shirt and keep a few small notes in your pocket. Don’t under any circumstances leave a bag unattended in a public place.

Keep your valuables in a money belt under your clothes

• Don’t leave your valuable things scattered around a hotel room, even if it’s 5-star. Put them in the room safe, deposit box at reception or lock them in your luggage. Remove the temptation and you eliminate the majority of the risk.
• Be aware of wandering hands in crowded places such as markets and public transport. Put your camera away and keep your hands in your pockets or on your bags, depending on where you have your valuables stowed away. Keep your handbag, camera case and backpack zipped up and DO NOT let it dangle in your blind spot or behind you.

Keep your bags and camera securely around your body

• Small children wanting a hug, especially in groups may be extremely adept pick pockets,  Stay at arms length even if they are really, really, really cute. I have seen far less of this activity since we’ve been back this time although it has been a problem in the past. There is a good chance touchy feely street masseurs are looking for your valuables as well.
• Make sure everything is secure if you decide to take a ride in a cyclo, or on a XeOm (motorcycle taxi). If you must open the window of a cab, then make sure your luggage is out of reach or secured.
• Don’t take all your valuables with you if you are going for a massage. Many salons are reputable, but you don’t want your stuff stolen as you nod off into oblivion.
• Guys (and girls), who go out and get drunk in bars, and suddenly finding themselves very attractive to the opposite sex are likely as not setting themselves up to be mugged. Prostitution is common, and you are more than likely being set up for a sting. If you are going out to get smashed, only take out cash you need to have a good time and leave the rest behind in your hotel safe or another secure location.
• Do not walk down dark, deserted streets. If you’re out late at night take a taxi for a couple of bucks rather than walk home and risk of being mugged, especially if you have had a few drinks. A local speciality is two girls getting rather touchy feely with drunk males walking down the street. They only realize they’ve been fleeced as the girls melt off into darkness or when they wake up the next morning.

Please note, these are the same precautions we use whether we are in Saigon, New York, London orRome. 102 countries and we have never been mugged or had anything stolen. Lucky or sensible? I think more the latter with a bit of luck thrown in.

Annoying but not dangerous.

My weekly tissues and chewing gum supplies.

There are lots of street vendors selling everything from maps and fans through to razor blades and sunglasses. Many people find this annoying, but it’s one of the unique experiences of Asia. Sit in one place and you’ll be offered everything you might ever want in the way of trinkets and personal hygiene items and more. If you want to buy something, bargain hard but be polite. If you don’t, be firm but stay polite. Yes, it can get annoying after the fifteenth one, but these guys are only trying to make a living. If it bothers you, find a second story or seat inside the bar or restaurant. They rarely come inside without an invitation.

There are also a fair few beggars in the city, not just the tourist areas. Many of them are heartbreaking. I leave it up to you if you can spare the equivalent of a few cents that will make at least a little difference to their lives. We usually do if there is only one individual, they are obviously in need, and we can do it without being noticed by everyone around. Otherwise, we steel ourselves and try not to feel like crap.

If Something Goes Wrong

If something does go wrong and you are the victim of a crime, report it to the police as soon as possible. You will need a police report to claim on your insurance. Report the crime to a police station near to where it took place.

There are police stations all over Ho Chi Minh City but the chances of someone speaking English vary.  Try and take a trusted local with you to help with language difficulties. (Reward them for their trouble appropriately)

For backpackers and budget tourists, there is a police station right in Bui Vien, across from Bobby Brewers.

Closer to the big hotels in District 1 there is one at 24-26 Pasteur Street in District 1 right near the Fideco Tower . They are open 07:30-11:30 and then 13:00-17:00 Ph +84 ( 0)8 38297373 .

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe? I think so if you use your common sense and follow my suggestions above. You’ll be missing out on a fantastic experience if you let yourself be scared off by the bad experiences of an unlucky few. The vast majority of people here in Ho Chi Minh City are honest, hardworking and incredibly happy you have come to visit their city. Come on over and see for yourself.

Please leave a comment about your thoughts on trip safety below and let me know of any other safety tips you have for worry free travel.

Note: I do not receive any payment for this post (or any others on the site for that matter!). I do receive a small amount of money by allowing advertisements on the site and any purchases made through those links.

Tags: Keep safe in Ho Chi Minh City safety precautions Safety tips travel safety

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29 Responses

• Comments 23
• Pingbacks 6

Could I ask about a safe method to get from the airport to the city centre/hotel? Are there airport taxis? Can they be relied upon?

Try these guys. They are new but run by the Christinas company which is very reputable. https://www.christinas.vn/search/transportation/

I got Robbed early in the morning leaving for the Airport when a motorcycle guy came from behind me snatched my bag from over me he was targeting a woman first but she luckily moved her body and then he targeted me i hate Vietnam now and I’m stuck here trying to get out of Vietnam

Sorry to hear that Peter. You definitely need to be on your guard in parts of HCMC. Unfortunately, it’s not just Vietnam where this kind of thing happens. There’s always some DH out there wanting to ruin a good time. Hope you got home safe eventually. Sorry for the late reply, I’m on holidays myself at the moment and didn’t have access to the site until now.

Thanks sharyn, your experience of 108 countries is certainly helpful, not competing with you but I wish I can also visit at least half of your score :))

You’ve got to have goals. 🙂 (Incidentally, we just spent the last 12 months cycling through Scandinavia and Eastern Europe and working on a yacht in the Caribbean. It’s 125 countries now 🙂 )

Good to refresh to somewhat safe while touring any country. Arriving in Hanoi in Aug for 30 days then to Cambodia. This will be my 3rd trip in 8 yrs. Going solo, but with hundreds of friends in Vietnam. They pick me up daily and take to places off the beaten track for Photography. One thing I would add if you decide to take the train to Sapa or overnight, take lock with chain to secure you backpack or sleep with backpack as pillow. Great information , Thanks

Thanks Chuck. Always good to have insight from those with experience.You obviously enjoy being here, as do we. It’s a fantastic place to come for photography. I just wish I was a better photographer.

Re: Xe Oms, without a doubt keep your bags between you and your driver at all times if you have anything you don’t want stealing in it. And beware videoing while on the back of the xe om too!

Bui Vien is certainly the worst area in HCMC for pickpockets and opportunists…I have lost count of the tourists taking selfies or talking on their iPhones on the corner of the street that are whipped out of the tourist’s hands within seconds. It’s not hard to take better care of your valuables, people…

Almost the second you leave Bui Vien, though, I would say everything feels much safer…generally HCMC is full if beautiful and kind people who are just happy to try to sell you a little something! I miss it…(not Bui Vien so much, though!)

A voice of experience. Thx for the personal insight Claire.

Interesting info. Thanks

Great tips. I especially like the one to keep your purse on the side closest to traffic. An extra little safety measure.

I’d better check that. Should be away from the traffic. Thanks for the feedback

Is it worth reporting crimes to the police here? When I was in China, the police were so corrupt and inept that most people agreed that it was not worth the time and hassle to contact the police about crimes.

I had my apartment robbed once and my boss said there was basically nothing I could do, and the same happened when my colleague got her purse stolen!

You must have a police report to claim on your travel insurance. It won’t help you get your stuff back but at least you should get some compensation. I’m a big believer, if you can’t afford travel insurance you can’t afford to travel.

Hi Tim and Sharyn, I am not a world traveler, but I always wondered how on earth I would learn about things such as you have talked about here. In the US I would know but going out of the country without knowing languages and different customs, you can’t be too careful. Thanks for the great info. What an accomplishment. 102 counties. When I decide and can afford to take the plunge, I will visit your site again. Rosalyn

Thanks for the feedback. Happy to answer any questions at all.

very good post on practical tips to keep safe and what to be aware of, so that you can enjoy the experience of exploring safely

Thanks for the feedback. Glad you liked it.

Thank you for sharing your commonsense travel safety tips, I found them very informative and were a good refresher for someone like me who does not travel overseas much. Hopefully that will change, as my wife and I plan on traveling quite a bit in a few years. Beautiful website, Sharyn!

Thanks Jack. It helps when you love what you do.

Very helpful – it is amazing how common sense tends not to to be common practice

Yes you are right. Even I’m tempted to mug some tourists to teach them a lesson!

[…] Stay safe. Secure your valuables. If you are wearing a daypack or handbag, attach it firmly and put it in front of you. Backpacks should be worn on the front. Handbags over your body and adjusted so it is in your lap between you and the driver. Do not have anything hanging out of your back pockets. […]

[…] Unless you can’t live without it, leave your valuable jewellery at home. It’s one less thing you will need to worry about. If you absolutely must bring it, read my tips for staying safe in HCMC here. […]

[…] and soft muggings tends to go up just before TET. Make sure you read and follow my tips for staying safe in HCMC and be extra […]

[…] handed over a 500 000 VND note rather than a 20 000 and it disappeared pretty damn quickly. Also, stay alert and watch your bags and wallets. There are a lot of tourist police in this area for a very good […]

[…] The obvious answer is that you have to watch out for the snatch and grabs. Foreigners really underestimate how determined they are. But it’s very safe. No one is ever going to hold you up with a knife and demand your wallet here. It’s just unheard of. (Editor. My tips for staying safe here) […]

[…] As with any city, there are the petty crimes that could be avoided.  Just be aware of your surrounding and take care of your belongings and you should be able to have a very enjoyable and memorable time in Ho Chi Minh City. (See my safety tips here) […]

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Is Ho Chi Minh Safe? A Detailed Guide

IS HO CHI MINH SAFE?

Let’s hop on the story bike and zip through some facts. Ho Chi Minh City, with all its scooters and street food, might make you wonder about safety.

Here’s the lowdown from someone who’s been there and sipped that Vietnamese iced coffee:

• Tourist Safety: Most travelers find Ho Chi Minh City welcoming and safe. I walked those streets day and night, and it felt just fine.
• Crime Rates: Compared to other global cities, Ho Chi Minh’s crime rates are on the lower side with an index of 52.5 for 2023 . You’ll need to watch out for pickpockets, but that’s just city travel 101.
• Safety Ranking: On the Safe Cities Index, this city scores decently – 47.8 for the year 2023 , especially when we talk about personal safety. That means it’s not just me saying it’s safe; the numbers back it up, too.

Navigating Ho Chi Minh: The Safest Districts

If you’re curious where to plant your travel roots in Ho Chi Minh City, here’s the scoop on the safest districts.

1. District 1 – The Heart of the City:

• Think big markets, shiny malls, and historic spots.
• Always bustling with people and police, making it a safe bet for tourists.

2. District 2 – The Posh Part:

• Filled with fancy apartments and international schools.
• It’s got a rep for being safe, clean, and a bit more chilled out.

3. District 3 – The Local Beat:

• A perfect blend of local life and tourist-friendly spots.
• Super safe to walk around, even when you’re chasing down the best bowl of pho.

4. District 5 – Chinatown Wonders:

• A sensory overload in the best way. Safe streets and friendly faces.
• Dive into markets and temples without worry.

5. District 7 – The Expat Bubble:

• It’s like stepping into a quieter, super-safe version of the city.
• Wide, clean streets and lots of green parks.

Accommodation and Transport Tips :

• Staying Safe: Pick hotels with good reviews and security features. Hostels in these districts are also top-notch.
• Getting Around Safely: Trustworthy taxis? Go for Vinasun with contact no. (84-28) 3827 7187 or Mai Linh with contact no. (84-28) 3838 3838.

Want to feel the wind in your hair? Rent a bike/motorbike—they’re safe and fun.

Common Safety Concerns in Ho Chi Minh City

Walking through Ho Chi Minh City is like dancing — it’s all about the rhythm. You’ve got to move with the flow. But even in the dance of this vibrant city, there are a few steps you should know to avoid a misstep.

1. Petty Theft and Scams:

• Keep your belongings close. Those motorbikes can zip by with a snatch-and-grab if you’re not careful.
• Watch out for the ‘friendly’ stranger. Scams here can start with a smile. They might ask to practice English, then lead you to a rigged game or overpriced tea.

2. Beware of These Scams:

• The Motorbike Rental Scam: Renting a bike? Take photos of it first to prove its condition. Some shops can claim damages and demand hefty fees.
• The Cyclo Scam: Agree on a price before hopping in. These charming three-wheeled rides can turn pricey if the terms aren’t clear.

3. Traffic and Pedestrian Safety:

• Crossing the street here is an art. The motorbikes won’t stop, but they’ll swerve around you. Walk with confidence and keep a steady pace.
• Traffic incidents are common, but as a pedestrian, if you’re alert and careful, you’ll be fine.

4. Safe Commuting Practices:

• When in doubt, walk in groups, especially at night.
• If you’re riding a bike or scooter, wear a helmet — it’s the law, and it’s smart.

Read also: Things to Know Before Traveling to Vietnam

Nightlife Safety in Ho Chi Minh City

When the sun sets, Ho Chi Minh City lights up like a lantern. The nightlife here? It’s a buzz of neon and the toast of the town. But even party animals need to play it safe.

Best Practices for Night Owls:

• Stick with your flock. Going out is more fun, and safer, with friends.
• Keep an eye on your drink. Better safe than sorry, so watch that bartender mix your cocktail.
• Have a plan to get back to your nest. Whether it’s a taxi or a booked ride, plan your way home before the party starts.
• Pham Ngu Lao Street, in District 1, is the backpacker hub. It’s lively, lit, and lined with folks just looking to have a good time.

Nighttime No-Nos:

• Avoid dark alleys and streets with little to no light. Stick to the bright lights and the busy spots.
• Don’t flash your feathers. In other words, keep your fancy stuff at home.

Food and Health Safety in Ho Chi Minh

Food here? It’s a spicy, sour, sweet adventure all on a plate. But no one wants a side of sick with their savory street food. 

Here’s how to eat smart in Saigon.

1. Stay Street Food Smart:

• Look for the busy stalls. A crowd means fresh, and fresh means less chance of a tummy trouble.
• Hot and cooked in front of you is the way to go. It’s the best show in town and the safest bet for your belly.

2. Eat Like a Local, Safely:

• Follow the locals to places like Pho Quynh or Bun Cha 145 Bui Vien for a taste of the city’s best, without the worry.

3. Health Help in Ho Chi Minh:

• In case you need it, FV Hospital and Franco-Vietnamese Hospital have English-speaking staff and top-notch care.
• For smaller woes, Family Medical Practice and International SOS are go-to clinics for travelers.

Safety Tips for Solo and Female Travelers

Flying solo or as a ladybird in Ho Chi Minh City can be an epic journey. But even the most fearless travelers need a few tricks up their sleeve.

Solo Traveler Savvy:

• Blend in. Dress like the locals to avoid sticking out.
• Keep your nest informed. Share your travel plans with someone back home and check in regularly.

Female Traveler Focus:

• Make copies of your important documents and keep them separate from the originals. Whenever I travel, I save digital copies on my phone.
• Trust your instincts. If a situation feels off, flutter away to safety.

Read also: Solo Travel Vietnam: Ultimate Travel Guide

Emergency Preparedness in Ho Chi Minh City

In case of a pickle, it’s best to have your ducks in a row. Here’s your quick guide to staying afloat when things get choppy.

Essential Numbers to Nestle in Your Phone:

• Police : 113
• Ambulance : 115

What to Do When Trouble Pecks:

• Theft : File a report at the local police station. Keep that police report; you’ll need it for insurance claims.
• Health Hiccups : For non-emergencies, head to a clinic like Family Medical Practice. In an emergency, dial 115 or go to an international hospital.
• Natural Disasters : Tune into local news. Follow the instructions given by local authorities. Keep your travel insurance details handy.

Remember, Ho Chi Minh City is a friend to the traveler, but it pays to have your wits about you, just like any city.

Frequently Asked Questions: Is Ho Chi Minh Safe?

Is it safe to walk around ho chi minh city at night.

Yes, especially in well-lit and busy areas. Stick to popular spots, and you’ll find the city quite accommodating.

What should I do if someone tries to snatch my bag?

Let it go. Your safety is more important than belongings. Report the incident to the police and your embassy if necessary.

Are taxis safe in Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, particularly those from reputable companies like Vinasun and Mai Linh. Always make sure the meter is running.

Can I drink the tap water in Ho Chi Minh City?

It’s not recommended. Stick to bottled water to avoid any health issues.

Is street food safe to eat?

Absolutely, but choose vendors that are busy and cook the food in front of you. Heat kills germs, so hot and fresh is the way to go.

Final Thoughts: Is Ho Chi Minh Safe?

Ho Chi Minh City is a gem that sparkles brighter when you navigate it with savvy. Keep your belongings close, confidently cross streets, and embrace the local food scene cautiously.

Remember, the city is generally safe, but like any bustling metropolis, it’s not without its risks. Smart travelers are prepared travelers. Keep your wits about you, plan ahead, and you’ll find Ho Chi Minh City to be as warm and welcoming as its delicious pho.

Additional Resources

For those hungry for more information or looking to connect with fellow travelers, check out these resources:

• Expat Forum in Vietnam
• Vietnam Tourism Safety Tips
• U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Vietnam

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From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Vietnam

• Eating and drinking in Vietnam
• Getting around Vietnam: Transportation Tips
• How to get to Vietnam
• Travel Health Vietnam
• Shopping tips for Vietnam
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Vietnam
• Tips and travel advice for Vietnam
• Best time to visit Vietnam
• Vietnam Weather in September
• Vietnam Weather in November
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• Vietnam Weather in July
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• Vietnam Weather in February
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• How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay
• How To Get From Hanoi To Da Nang
• How to get from Hanoi to Sapa
• Vietnam Weather in April
• How to get a Vietnam visa

Vietnam is a relatively safe country for visitors, including solo female travellers. In fact, given the country’s recent history, many tourists, particularly Americans, are pleasantly surprised at the warm reception that foreign travellers receive. That said, petty crime is on the rise – though it’s still relatively small-scale and shouldn’t be a problem if you take common-sense precautions. Generally, the hassles you’ll encounter will be the milder sort of coping with pushy vendors and over-enthusiastic touts and beggars.

Petty crime

As a tourist, you’re an obvious target for thieves (who may include your fellow travellers): carry your passport, travellers’ cheques and other valuables in a concealed money belt. Don’t leave anything important lying about in your room: use a safe, if you have one. A cable lock, or padlock and chain, comes in handy for doors and windows in cheap hotels, and is useful for securing your pack on trains and buses. It’s not a bad idea to keep $100 or so separate from the rest of your cash, along with insurance policy details and photocopies of important documents, such as the relevant pages of your passport including your visa stamp.

At street level it’s best not to be ostentatious: forego eye-catching jewellery and flashy watches, try to be discreet when taking out your cash, and be particularly wary in crowds and on public transport. If your pack is on the top of the bus, make sure it’s attached securely (usually everything is tied down with ropes) and keep an eye on it during the most vulnerable times – before departure, at meal stops and on arrival at your destination. On trains, either cable-lock your pack or put it under the bottom bench-seat, out of public view. The odd instance has been reported of travellers being drugged and then robbed, so it’s best not to accept food or drink from anyone you don’t know and trust. Bear in mind that when walking or riding in a cyclo you are vulnerable to moped-borne snatch-thieves; don’t wear cameras or expensive sunglasses hanging round your neck and keep a firm grip on your bags. If you do become a target, however, it’s best to let go rather than risk being pulled into the traffic and suffering serious injury.

The place you are most likely to encounter street crime is in Ho Chi Minh City, which has a fairly bad reputation for bag-snatchers, pickpockets and con artists. Be wary of innocent-looking kids and grannies who may be acting as decoys for thieves – especially in the bar districts and other popular tourist hangouts. It’s best to avoid taking a cyclo at night, and you’d be unwise to walk alone at any time outside Districts One and Three.

Petty crime, much of it drug- and prostitution-related, is also a problem in Nha Trang, where you should watch your belongings at all times on the beach. Again, be wary of taking a cyclo after dark and women should avoid walking alone at night. Single males, on the other hand, are a particular target for “taxi girls”, many of whom also double as thieves.

It’s important not to get paranoid, however: crime levels in Vietnam are still a long way behind those of Western countries, and violent crime against tourists is extremely rare.

If you do have anything stolen, you’ll need to go to the nearest police station to make a report in order to claim on your insurance. Try to recruit an English-speaker to come along with you – someone at your hotel should be able to help.

“Social evils” and serious crime

Since liberalization and doi moi , Vietnamese society has seen an increase in prostitution, drugs – including hard drugs – and more serious crimes. These so-called “social evils” are viewed as a direct consequence of reduced controls on society and ensuing Westernization. The police have imposed midnight closing on bars and clubs for several years now, mainly because of drugs, but also to curb general rowdiness, although you’ll always find the occasional bar that somehow manages to keep serving, particularly around De Tham in Ho Chi Minh City. That aside, the campaign against social evils should have little effect on most foreign tourists.

Single Western males tend to get solicited by prostitutes in cheap provincial and seaside hotels, though more commonly by women cruising on motorbikes. Quite apart from any higher moral considerations, bear in mind that AIDS is a serious problem in Vietnam, though the epidemic has shown signs of stabilizing.

Finally, having anything to do with drugs in Vietnam is extremely unwise. At night there’s a fair amount of drug selling on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang and even Sa Pa, and it’s not unknown for dealers to turn buyers in to the police. Fines and jail sentences are imposed for lesser offences, while the death penalty is regularly imposed for possessing, trading or smuggling larger quantities.

Military and political hazards

Not surprisingly, the Vietnamese authorities are sensitive about military installations and strategic areas – including border regions, military camps (of which there are many), bridges, airports, naval dockyards and even train stations. Anyone taking photographs in the vicinity of such sites risks having the memory card removed from their camera or being fined.

Unexploded ordnance from past conflicts still poses a threat in some areas: the problem is most acute in the Demilitarized Zone, where each year a number of local farmers, scrap-metal scavengers or children are killed or injured. Wherever you are, stick to well-trodden paths and never touch any shells or half-buried chunks of metal.

Beggars, hassle and scams

Given the number of disabled, war-wounded and unemployed in Vietnam, there are surprisingly few beggars around. Most people are actually trying hard to earn a living somehow, and many day-tours include a visit to a factory that employs disabled workers to produce handicrafts or local products.

At many tourist spots, you may well be swamped by a gaggle of children or teenagers selling cold drinks, fruit and chewing gum. Although they can sometimes be a bit overwhelming, more often than not they’re just out to practise their English and be entertained for a while. They may even turn out to be excellent guides, in which case it’s only fair that you buy something from them in return.

A common scam among taxi drivers is to tell new arrivals in a town that the hotel they ask for is closed or has moved or changed its name. Instead, they head for a hotel that pays them commission. This may work out fine (new hotels often use this method to become known), but more often than not it’s a substandard hotel and you will in any case pay over the odds since the room rate will include the driver’s commission. To avoid being ripped off, always insist on being taken to the exact address of your chosen hotel, at least just to check the story.

Another common complaint is that organized tours don’t live up to what was promised. There are more people on the tour than stated, for example, or the room doesn’t have air-conditioning, or the guide’s English is limited. If it’s a group tour and you’ve paid up front, unfortunately there’s very little you can do beyond complaining to the agent on your return; you may be lucky and get some form of compensation, but it’s very unlikely. As always, you tend to get what you pay for, so avoid signing up for dirt-cheap tours.

Women travellers

Vietnam is generally a safe country for women to travel around alone. Most Vietnamese will simply be curious as to why you are on your own and the chances of encountering any threatening behaviour is extremely rare. That said, it pays to take the normal precautions, especially late at night when there are few people on the streets and you should avoid taking a cyclo by yourself; use a taxi instead – metered taxis are generally considered safest.

Most Vietnamese women dress modestly, keeping covered from top to toe, unless their profession requires them to show off their assets. It helps to dress modestly too and to avoid wearing skimpy shorts and vests, which are considered by some men an invitation to paid sex. Topless sunbathing, even beside a hotel pool, is a complete no-no.

Want to know even more useful information about Vietnam before your trip? Read our Vietnam travel tips .

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Vietnam considers special tourist police after surge in deaths

IT’S one of Australia’s favourite holiday spots, but it’s also very dangerous. So much so, that new measures are in place to protect tourists.

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AUTHORITIES in Vietnam are considering an extraordinary measure to protect travellers — setting up a dedicated tourist police unit.

Plans for Ho Chi Minh City’s tourist police follow a strange surge in the number of tourist deaths in Vietnam, as well as a rise in street crime targeting foreigners in the capital. Last week, one person was killed and about 15 injured when a bus loaded with Chinese tourists crashed into a truck on a mountain pass in the northern province of Lao Cai. The crash came weeks after three young British backpackers died at Datanla waterfalls near Da Lat in Vietnam’s central highlands having been snuck in by an unauthorised tour guide and drowning in a whirlpool. A tourist from Belarus drowned in the area two days later while a Swedish man lost his life at a beach in Vung Tau in the country’s south. In light of the tragedies, Ho Chi Minh City authorities are reportedly revisiting previous plans to establish a dedicated tourist police unit to keep visitors safe. Tourist police units operate in other popular holiday spots, such as in the Thai province of Phuket, Fiji, South Korea and Malaysia. Plans for a similar police force in Ho Chi Minh City have previously been raised and later scrapped. But this week Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism department reaffirmed its commitment to presenting the city as a “friendly, attractive and safe” travel destination as annual intake of foreign visitors continues to climb. Australia is the second biggest source of Western visitors in Vietnam, behind the US and ahead of France. The Department of Foreign Affairs urges travellers to exercise normal safety precautions in Vietnam but suggests they be especially wary of bag-snatching, especially in markets, buses and tourist areas in major cities, as well as snatch-and-grab attacks by people on motorbikes. DFAT has also warned about aggravated theft and assault in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Sapa — especially on the train to and from Lao Cai — and Cat Ba Island near Ha Long Bay. Tourist drawcard Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site three hours northeast of Hanoi, has been a particularly deadly spot for Western tourists: 11 foreigners and their Vietnamese guide drowned after their tour boat sank in 2011, and three tourists died in 2009 when their vessel overturned during heavy rain.

Japan and South Korea have seen a huge boost in tourism, particularly among Aussies, and while they’re popularity remains high there’s another Asian destination on the rise.

Attention-seeking live-streamers have been accused of “ruining” one of the most popular travel destinations for Aussies.

From its stunning natural beauty and affordability it’s no wonder why Aussies flock to the island – and now officials want to manage it differently.

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Is Ho Chi Minh City Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Vietnam : Safety by City

• Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, also commonly referred to as Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam and the former capital of the Republic of Vietnam.

It has been “officially” renamed Ho Chi Minh City following the fall of Saigon in 1975, but before that it was known as Saigon and is still sometimes called that by both Vietnamese and foreigners.

An abundance of investments and construction boom lead to a huge change in the face of the city and the construction of many new skyscrapers all over the city.

Through all that, Ho Chi Minh preserved its own identity.

To this day, tourists rush to see the shady alleys with low structure French-style buildings, elegant Notre-Dame cathedral and the magnificent pagodas.

In the evening, though, they rush to Ho Chi Minh’s famous restaurants with delicious food and indulge in its vibrant nightlife.

• Warnings & Dangers in Ho Chi Minh City

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Ho Chi Minh is a relatively safe city to travel to. Its main source of income is tourism, so the tourists' safety is their number one concern. The street crime is more common in cities like Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Means of transport and taxis aren't very safe in Ho Chi Minh. Many taxis in Ho Chi Minh and Hanoi have previously installed rigged meters that charge up to 2 to 8 times more. Your best chance is taking a taxi from reputable companies such as Mai Linh and Vinasun in Ho Chi Minh. You should consult some guidebooks and travel forums before you travel to Vietnam that will prepare you for petty scams. There is also a very popular scam where the buses break down and the tour operators force people to pay considerable amounts for crummy hotels "while the bus is repaired".

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpocketing and bag snatching is a very common issue in Ho Chi Minh, especially on the side of the roads where motorbike snatching may occur. Keep your belongings by your side at all times and try to leave all your valuables in a security deposit box of your hotel.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Natural threats include rare earthquakes and occasional typhoons (from May to January) with extensive flooding, especially in the Mekong River delta nearly every year. Vietnam is occasionally also devastated by storms and typhoons that can cause millions of dollars of damage. In case of a natural disaster, follow the instructions of local authorities.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

There are some areas in Ho Chi Minh where cases of mugging have been reported, but it is generally rare, and foreigners are rarely targeted.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

There is a low probability of a terrorist attack, however, they should never be ruled out so be vigilant and watch out for suspicious activities.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

There is a number of scams performed on tourists in Vietnam, such as gambling scams where, if you do venture in gambling, there is a great risk you will be scammed or ripped off or karaoke scams: since prostitution is forbidden, you can find prostitutes in various karaoke bars, which are actually one big scam and their clients often get ripped off, drink spiked and robbed. Apart from these scams, you can get overcharged by everyone: street vendors, taxi and bus drivers, hotel owners and worst of all - the police. Double-check every information and pay, or negotiate everything in advance.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Sexual assaults are common in Vietnam, especially in the following cities: Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Sapa, and Cat Ba Island. Avoid overnight trains and buses, and parts of cities that are filled with bars and clubs, since there is a higher chance of running into intoxicated people. Follow basic common sense and avoid walking alone at night and in poorly lit and secluded areas.

• So... How Safe Is Ho Chi Minh City Really?

Ho Chi Minh is generally a safe city, as safe as other similar cities throughout the world.

Violent crime is rare, but lately, robberies, assaults, and harassments started occurring, often involving weapons.

However, the most common risk for tourists remains petty crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching, and valuables theft, usually not involving violence of any kind.

One of the common issues in Vietnam is motorbike snatching. This usually involves thieves on motorbikes snatching pedestrians’ bags, mobile phones, cameras, and jewelry.

They especially target foreigners and it happens mostly in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Nha Trang, and it is a crime committed so regularly that even local Vietnamese are commonly targeted.

Also infamously common are thefts of valuables left on popular beaches. Never leave your bag or anything of value unattended on beaches.

In hotel rooms, including five-star ones, there have been reports of stolen belongings including wallets, cameras, cell phones, and jewelry, so put everything of value in a security deposit box.

Tourists should avoid fights and shouting of any kind because people of Vietnam think of shouting as an insult and in such situations, one never knows what their reaction is going to be.

As for streets, they are generally safe but some areas should be avoided, such as parts of Ho Chi Minh filled with clubs and bars that are usually filled with suspicious individuals.

Sexual assaults and robberies are more probable in these places, so be cautious and avoid these places late at night.

Avoid purchasing liquor from street vendors since they may not be authentic, and bear in mind that drugs in Vietnam can be laced with toxic ingredients and potentially fatal.

• How Does Ho Chi Minh City Compare?
• Useful Information

All US citizens wishing to visit Vietnam will need to apply for a tourist visa and no earlier than six months before their planned departure. Your passport should be valid for at least six months past your date of return.

The Vietnamese Dong is the official currency in Ho Chi Minh. We recommend changing your money in post offices, banks or larger hotels. Airports also offer a convenient exchange rate.

Southern Vietnam is mostly dry and hot between November and April, and the rainfalls are common from June through August.

The busiest airport in Vietnam is Tan Son Nhat International Airport, located in Ho Chi Minh. It is located inside the crowded urban core of Ho Chi Minh City.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we recommend getting travel insurance when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, since it covers not only the costs of medical problems but also theft and loss of valuables.

Ho Chi Minh City Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Vietnam - Safety by City

• Where to Next?

5 Reviews on Ho Chi Minh City

More risks than stated.

You have your info wrong there muggings go on ALLL the time and they DO attack foreigners.

Scams are also high and pickpockets they cut your bags open without you even noticing.

I have lived here for 15 years. I would say don’t even bother with HCMC there are much nicer places in Vietnam

You spelt “ALLL” wrong and you have not proved any of the things you have said. I did not make this but I think this is pretty shifty.

Ho Chi Minh is a relatively safe country to travel to.

Seriously? Get your stuff together. Ho Chi Minh is a CITY, not a country.

Visited HCMC just over 2 years ago on a university trip, and we never had a problem. We’re originally from the UK and the locals were so friendly and polite to us! Only one person on the trip with this that I know of had his phone snatched by a guy on a bike, that’s it.. it’s a safe place to travel too.

Some mistakes

Mehhh. Some of these are correct. The some are wrong. First of all, Pickpocketing and Purse Snatching is HELLA COMMON. So common is we have to not wear jewelry (in public), purses, and we have to hide our wallets to the point that it should not be visible. Mugging is also quite high. Scams are also high. I see scammers all the time! But if your not stupid then you shouldn’t fall for it. For women travelers risk. I’d say depends where you are. If your at the sketchy areas, then it’s VERY high, but in other areas it might be ok. I still recommend Hồ Chí Minh City a visit but the information here are kinda misleading.

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Article Contents

• Ho Chi Minh City : Safety by City
• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
• Terrorism Risk
• Women Travelers Risk
• Weather Averages (Temperatures)
• User Reviews
• Share Your Experience

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Keeping tourists safe in Vietnam: Calls for foreigners' police force

A recent spate of tourist deaths in Vietnam has refocused attention on visitor safety in the alluring South-East Asian nation.

Ho Chi Minh City authorities have again raised the prospect of establishing a tourism police force to make the burgeoning travel industry safer after a reported surge in street crimes.

Just last week, one person was killed and at least 15 injured when a busload of Chinese tourists crashed into a truck on a mountain pass.

Last month, the deaths of three British backpackers at a waterfall grabbed international headlines.

Sisters Beth Anderson, 24, and Isobel Mackensie Squire, 19, and their friend Christian Sloan, 25, were killed at the Datanla waterfalls near Da Lat in the central highlands.

Their guide claimed he warned them against venturing towards the whirlpool that swept them to their deaths.

But a director of the company that managed the site, Vo Anh Tan, has since said the guide was unauthorised and he had snuck the tourists in to avoid paying an entrance fee.

"The truth is adventure tour providers take human life lightly," said the chief tourism inspector of Lam Dong Province, Mai Viet Dang.

Two days after the British tourists died, a Belarussian holidaymaker drowned in the area and last week a Swedish man drowned in the southern beach town of Vung Tau.

At the same time, there has been an increase in a range of crimes targeting tourists in Ho Chi Minh City.

The countries whose nationals have been targeted — including Australia — have lodged diplomatic complaints.

The city's tourism department has announced a plan to create a special police force dedicated to the safety of visiting foreigners.

Tourists 'must be proactive about their safety'

Mark Bowyer, who edits the popular South-East Asian travel website Rusty Compass, told the ABC that Vietnam was paradoxically "both a very safe and very unsafe travel environment" and tourists needed to be proactive about their safety.

"On the one hand, physical assaults on travellers are rare," Mr Bowyer said.

"The country's terrorism risk is extremely low as well.

"But petty street crime, deadly roads, dodgy tour operators and Ha Long Bay boats all pose safety risks."

Online travel forums contain numerous reports about poor or non-existent safety standards on the bay.

Mr Bowyer said while Vietnam remained a highly regulated tourism environment, "actual enforcement and compliance levels are low and the regulations are rarely effective in securing the safety of travellers".

As for a police force dedicated to crimes against foreigners, Mr Bowyer said the idea had been raised before.

"I'll believe it when I see it," he said.

Don't take photos, leave valuables at hotel

Steve Kinlough is the operations manager for Orient Tours, which offers visa services for foreigners and is also the manager of a restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City's backpacker district.

He said a national hotline, rather than a police force, would be a more effective response to rising street crime.

"The problem with having a dedicated police force on the streets is that a lot of the officers won't be able to speak English and a lot of them are going to be corrupt," Mr Kinlough said.

"What you really need is a national hotline where the operators provide help in multiple languages.

"Most people affected by street crime never report what has happened to them precisely because working with the police is such a bureaucratic nightmare."

Mr Kinlough said tourists should avoid taking photos on the streets, leave their valuables in their hotel rooms, and avoid wearing single-strap bags, which could be easily snatched by thieves on motorcycles.

"We try to warn our customers in the nicest possible way," he said.

"You don't want to be too scary about it. You can have a perfectly enjoyable experience here if you listen to the locals who know what they are talking about."

'Use common sense and you should be fine'

At a bar on the Bui Vien backpacker strip in Ho Chi Minh City, Michael Williamson, 22, and Danielle Smith, 18, shrugged off the risks.

"Everywhere in the world is unsafe," Mr Williamson said.

On holidays from Scotland, Mr Williamson said he visited a waterfall near Da Lat a few days after the British tourists died, and "loved it".

"The whole time we were there the guide was telling us what to do, where to go, not to go off on our own and so on," he said.

"They know the waterfalls better than we do. You just have to trust them."

"My mum has been sending me regular emails about people dying in South-East Asia," said Ms Smith, from Manchester.

"But most people don't have a problem here. Listen to other travellers, learn the basics, use common sense and you should be fine."

But Mr Bower said such thinking was itself an issue, as visitors continued to die or get injured at their own peril.

"Travellers are part of the problem, too," he said.

"Backpackers come to Vietnam and lose their sense of judgment about risks.

"They might decide it's a great place to ride a motorbike for the first time, ignoring the fact that you are five times more likely to be killed on the road here than in Australia.

"Or they will buy a cheap tour from an operator that shows little sign of being serious about safety."

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Vibrating with energy, innovation and traffic – lots of traffic – Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam and the main hub of the southern region. A freewheeling, cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC's dynamic cityscape draws together old and new Vietnam in the most compact of spaces, representing the city’s past as well as its future. This city has many well-known attractions, including the War Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and Ben Thanh Market.

Let's dive into this guide and discover what to explore in this city to make your ho chi minh city tour the most valuable, click the image below for a 360-degree tour of hcmc.

Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

See the top landmarks

Walk down Đồng Khởi street to acquaint yourself with the Notre Dame Cathedral, the city's Central Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House. On a more local level, Bến Thành Market and the Jade Emperor Pagoda are worth a visit.

Shop small boutiques

Around District 1, a host of old apartments and former office buildings have been repurposed as shopping centres. Decades-old buildings such as 22 Lý Tự Trọng and 42 Nguyễn Huệ are brimming with all kinds of fascinating stores.

Explore the Chinese Quarter

The Chinese neighbourhood known as Chợ Lớn is great for exploring on foot. Head for Bình Tây Market, a colossal wholesale trading centre, and Thiên Hậu Pagoda, an atmospheric temple that pays homage to the goddess of the sea. 

Hop on a motorcycle

Do as the locals do and hop on the back of a motorbike to see the city on street level and feel its energetic pulse. Motorbike tours set off in the evening, when the city is at its most romantic and the sidewalk vendors are out in force.

Eat street food

Ho Chi Minh City locals love to gather around dented metal tables across the city for incredible roadside feasts. Don't miss highlights such as bánh mì, southern-style savoury pancakes (bánh xèo) and broken rice (cơm tấm) .

Ho Chi Minh City Weather

Ho Chi Minh City has consistent temperatures year-round, and the weather is generally warm. Heatwaves hit the city from April to May, welcoming the rainy season from May to November. Slightly cooler temperatures emerge in December and January.

Ho Chi Minh City Transport

Travellers can arrive in Ho Chi Minh City by bus, train or plane. Tan Son Nhat international airport welcomes foreign and domestic arrivals daily, while various bus companies operate shuttles from Phnom Penh and destinations across Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City also sees a steady stream of train travellers. Taxis are everywhere, but those with a Vietnamese SIM card can use ride-hailing apps like Grab. Local buses cover a good portion of the city. Travellers can also take a boat along the river, for a day trip to Củ Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta.

In this article:

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Safety and security

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe abroad and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad . 

Terrorism in Vietnam

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Vietnam, attacks cannot be ruled out. 

Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.

Political situation

Vietnam has a single-party political system, which does not welcome people disagreeing with the government. Some protests in recent years have turned violent or been violently suppressed by the authorities. Avoid all protests.

Protecting yourself and your belongings

Pickpockets and bag-snatchers operate in crowded areas and in places visited by tourists. Take care of your belongings and consider splitting important items between bags.

Do not give your passport to others as a guarantee – for example, to motorcycle rental shops or landlords. They can hold your passport against claimed damage.

There is a risk of petty theft on buses and trains, particularly while asleep on overnight trains.

Drink spiking and sexual assault

British nationals have reported rape and sexual assaults in tourist areas and places where foreigners live. Women have also reported indecent assaults and harassment. These include inappropriate touching and groping, particularly while walking alone.

In Vietnam there is a higher burden of proof for victims than in the UK. Victims must show they did not consent, particularly if they drank alcohol or knew the alleged attacker.

There is a risk of drink spiking – do not leave your drinks unattended or accept drinks from strangers.

Be wary of job offers that appear too good to be true. People have arrived in the Mekong region and have been illegally transported to neighbouring countries on the promise of high-paying jobs, which turn out to be scams.

There have been incidents of:

• passports being confiscated by scammers
• victims being held in poor living conditions
• coercion into undertaking wider online scamming activity

Transfers from airports and stations

Be cautious about offers of free bus transfers to hotels, unless organised in advance. These may be scams.  

Laws and cultural differences

Personal id.

You must always carry photographic ID. The authorities will accept a printed copy of the photo page of your passport and visa.

Illegal drugs penalties

Penalties for possessing, distributing or manufacturing drugs are severe. You can get the death sentence if you’re found with even small amounts.

Illegal drugs are often tampered with or spiked and can be much stronger than in Europe. British nationals in Vietnam have suffered severe psychiatric problems because of drug use.

LGBT+ travellers

Vietnam is a generally tolerant and progressive place for LGBT+ travellers. There are no criminal penalties for same-sex sexual activity or changing gender. Same-sex marriage is not recognised in law.

Read more  advice for LGBT+ travellers .

Respect local customs and dress in appropriate clothing when entering religious or cultural sites. This usually means covering your shoulders and knees. You’ll often see signs outside religious or cultural sites that tell you the dress code.

Money change counters

Only change money at official money exchange counters with a clear sign showing this status. Changing money elsewhere is illegal and you risk losing your money.

Some rice wines sold without recognised brand names can have very high and sometimes fatal levels of methanol.

Wildlife, animal products and souvenirs

It’s illegal to buy, sell, kill or collect protected wild animal or plants. If you’re caught buying or trafficking these items, you could get a fine or long prison sentence.

Restricted areas

There are restrictions on travel near military bases in Vietnam. Do not take photos near bases.

If you want to visit a village, commune or ward close to the border, you may need permission from the provincial police department. Contact the local authority for more information.

Legal system

People convicted of sex and drug offences can receive very long prison sentences or the death sentence. The Vietnamese legal system is not well developed, and the standard of prisons is very poor.

If you are under criminal investigation, you can be detained for long periods without evidence. There can be long delays before you can contact lawyers, British Embassy officials or family. Legal representation is far below UK standards.

Foreign nationals involved in traffic accidents have been stopped from leaving Vietnam until the police have completed their investigations. This process can take a long time, and foreign nationals have been asked to agree out of court financial settlements. FCDO advises you to get professional legal advice and representation if you are in this situation. See Getting help .

Internet access

There are sometimes restrictions on internet use, which can temporarily affect access to social media websites. Most social media sites are normally available.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

British nationals have died or been injured in Vietnam while engaged in adventure tourism in rural and mountainous areas.

Risks include:

• dangerous terrain
• remote areas that are difficult for rescue services to reach
• flooding, swollen rivers and landslides, especially during the rainy season
• lower safety standards than in the UK

To reduce your personal risk:

• follow safety guidelines
• stay on main routes
• take a reputable guide – in some places it is illegal to go without a guide
• use approved adventure tourism companies – check local authority websites
• check weather forecasts
• make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activity

Illegal tour guides have been known to offer tours and activities prohibited under local regulations.

Firearms activities

If you take part in leisure activities involving firearms, make sure a reputable guide supervises you. There is a risk of hearing loss.

Transport risks

Road travel.

If you are planning to drive in Vietnam, see  information on driving abroad  and  driving rules in Vietnam .

You’ll need to have both the  1968 version of the international driving permit  and your UK driving licence with you in the car. It is illegal to drive without third-party insurance.

Do not use your passport as a deposit for hiring vehicles or as a guarantee you will pay a fine for a traffic offence.

Drink-driving is a serious offence in Vietnam. If you are tested and found to have any alcohol in your system, you may get a fine and possible imprisonment.

Compliance with road laws is poor – keep your speed down and stay alert.

If you’re involved in an accident, you could face criminal charges and may need to pay compensation to injured people, even if the injuries are minor. Offer the police your full co-operation and inform the  British Embassy in Hanoi  or  Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City .

Motorbike safety

Travelling by motorbike in Vietnam is much riskier than in the UK. Motorbike accidents are common and have killed and injured British nationals.

Do not hire a motorbike if you’re not an experienced rider. Always:

• check your motorbike thoroughly
• rent from a reputable organisation
• use a good helmet – it is illegal for drivers and passengers to ride without a helmet

Make sure your travel insurance covers your planned activity.

Metered taxis from larger firms are generally reliable. Where possible get hotels or restaurants to book you a reputable taxi. Always make sure the driver identifies themself before setting off. If you book taxis using the Grab app, which is similar to Uber – you can make sure the details of the vehicle and driver match those given by the company.

Buses and coaches

Bus and coach crashes are not uncommon and are more likely at night. Vehicles are often poorly maintained. Night bus drivers may become tired but continue driving, resulting in sometimes fatal crashes.

Check with your tour guide about the safety record and registration of boats, and the certification of staff. Make sure you get a full safety briefing and have a life jacket when joining any boat. 

Consider safety standards carefully before taking an overnight boat trip on Halong Bay. Overcrowding and poor safety standards have led to accidents in past years. Some boats have sunk quickly and without warning.

Piracy in coastal areas of Vietnam is very rare. See  piracy and armed robbery at sea for precautions you could take.

Landmines and unexploded weapons

Landmines and other unexploded weapons are a hazard in former battlefields. Areas of particular risk include central Vietnam and along the Laos border, formerly crossed by the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Mined areas are often unmarked.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards .

Tropical cyclones

Tropical cyclones affect the eastern coastal regions of Vietnam, with a risk of:

• strong winds
• heavy rainfall and flooding
• disruption to transport

The season normally runs from May to November, but tropical cyclones can happen at other times. Monitor approaching storms on the  National Centre for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting  and  Japan Meteorological Agency  websites. Follow the advice of the local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate. There can be large amounts of rain in short periods of time. Localised flooding, flash floods and landslides are common. Take care if you’re trekking in rural and mountainous areas.

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15 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Jul 20, 2021 • 12 min read

Ho Chi Minh City has a skyline of tall buildings perfect to get a birds-eye-view of the city © Ho Ngoc Binh / Getty Images

It would be easy to roar around Ho Chi Minh City like one of the local motorcyclists – stopping at every corner, but never really seeing much – but Vietnam's most populated city is worthy of some slow exploration. 

From world-class museums and Vietnam's tallest skyscrapers to fragrant, incense-filled temples and street food stalls that recall old Saigon, this former French colonial city is well worth at least three or four days of your time. These are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. War Remnants Museum

Best museum in Ho Chi Minh City

To understand the context of the war with the USA, and its devastating impact on Vietnamese civilians, this remarkable, deeply moving museum is an essential visit. Many atrocities documented here were well publicised, but rarely do Americans and Europeans hear the victims of military action tell their own stories. While some displays are one-sided, many of the most disturbing photographs illustrating atrocities are from US sources, including those from the My Lai massacre.

The museum primarily deals with the American War, but the French-colonial period and conflicts with China are also documented. US armoured vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs and infantry weapons are on display outside. One corner of the grounds is devoted to the notorious French and South Vietnamese prisons on Phu Quoc and Con Son islands. Artefacts include that most iconic of French appliances, the guillotine, and the notoriously inhumane ‘tiger cages’ used to house war prisoners. Allow at least a couple of hours for your visit.

2. Jade Emperor Pagoda 

Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), this is one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of incense ( huong ) fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings. Its roof is encrusted with elaborate tile work, and the temple's statues, depicting characters from both Buddhist and Taoist lore, are made from reinforced papier mâché.

Inside, worshippers mass before the ineffable Jade Emperor, who presides – draped in luxurious robes and shrouded in a dense fug of incense smoke – over the main sanctuary. He is flanked by his guardians, the Four Big Diamonds (Tu Dai Kim Cuong), so named because they are said to be as hard as diamonds.

3. Eat street food in District 4

Best for foodies 

Just south of the glitzy Dong Khoi area, it's a short walk over the Ben Nghe Channel to working-class District 4. Here the ambience is far more Saigonese, with little or no concession to tourism, and narrow lanes, street markets and shabby concrete apartment blocks. Order a coffee here and expect a drip-fed Vietnamese coffee that resembles engine oil rather than a frothy cappuccino.

District 4 is the best area in the city to sample authentic street food, with dozens of places on Ɖ Vinh Khanh. For great seafood at affordable prices, try Oc Dao 2 . HCMC is a city in love with snails, and District 4 is something of a magnet for snail eaters, with many fine places on the buzzing alley Lo J KTT, including Oc Po , which is always packed.

4. Giac Lam Pagoda 

Believed to be the oldest temple in HCMC (1744), Giac Lam is a fantastically atmospheric place set in peaceful, garden-like grounds. The Chinese characters that constitute the temple's name (覚林寺) mean 'Feel the Woods Temple' and the looming Bodhi tree (a native fig tree, sacred to Buddhists) in the front garden was the gift of a Sri Lankan monk in 1953. Prayers are held daily from 4am to 5am, 11am to noon, 4pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm.

Next to the tree stands a gleaming white statue of compassionate Quan The Am Bo Tat (also known as the Goddess of Mercy) on a lotus blossom, a symbol of purity. As at many Vietnamese Buddhist temples, aspects of both Taoism and Confucianism can be found here. For the sick and elderly, the pagoda is a minor pilgrimage sight, as it contains a bronze bell that, when rung, is believed to answer the prayers posted by petitioners. About 3km from Cholon, Giac Lam Pagoda is best reached by taxi or xe om (motorbike taxi).

Read more:   Best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City

5. Check out the craft beer scene

Best bars in Ho Chi Minh City

Happening HCMC is concentrated around the Dong Khoi area, with everything from dives to designer bars open until 1am. Pham Ngu Lao stays open later, and PNL's Ð Bui Vien is a pedestrian-only street from 7pm to 2am on Saturdays and Sundays. Dance clubs usually kick off after 10pm. Amongst all the late night action is a blossoming craft beer scene, including the following bars.

Heart of Darkness

This premier craft brewery has an always-interesting selection of innovative beers on tap. The selection varies as the Heart of Darkness brewers are always trying something, but the Dream Alone pale ale and Sacred Fire golden ale are great drops.

With almost 40 taps, BiaCraft is an essential destination for thirsty souls. Complementing its own creations are ales and ciders from craft breweries in Saigon and Hanoi; it's possible to take out freshly sealed cans of all available beers. Combine a tasting paddle with probably the city's best bar food, with quirky offerings like drunken baby potatoes and Nashville hot quail.

Rogue Saigon

Live music and Vietnamese craft beers combine on Rogue's rooftop terrace in a gritty building on the riverside edge of District 1. You'll find good beers such as Lac Brewing's Devil's Lake IPA, and music with an acoustic, blues or rock vibe. There are DJ sessions on Saturday and also jams and quiz nights.

6. Architecture 

Ho Chi Minh City is littered with faded, century-old buildings from when it was still under French colonial rule. Scores of heritage buildings are scattered throughout the city, mainly in Districts 1 and 3. Here's some of the most historically intriguing. 

People’s Committee Building 

One of the city’s most prominent landmarks is home to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. Built between 1901 and 1908, the former Hôtel de Ville decorates the northwestern end of ÐL Nguyen Hue, but unfortunately the ornate interior is not open to the public.

Central Post Office 

The city's landmark French-era post office is a period classic, designed by Marie-Alfred Foulhoux (though often credited to Gustave Eiffel) and built between 1886 and 1891. Painted on the walls of its grand concourse are fascinating historical maps of South Vietnam, Saigon and Cholon, while a mosaic of Ho Chi Minh takes pride of place at the end of its barrel-vaulted hall. Note the magnificent tiled floor of the interior and the copious green-painted wrought iron.

Municipal Theatre (Saigon Opera House)

Gracing the intersection of Ð Dong Khoi and ÐL Le Loi, this grand colonial edifice with a sweeping staircase was built in 1897 and is one of the city's most recognisable buildings. Officially known as the Municipal Theatre , the Opera House captures the flamboyance of France’s belle époque. Performances range from ballet and opera to modern dance and musicals.

7. Explore Dong Khoi Area

This well-heeled area, immediately west of the Saigon River, packages the heart of old Saigon into a swish enclave of designer shops and skyscrapers. Slicing from the river to august Notre Dame Cathedral via the Opera House (Municipal Theatre), ritzy Ð Dong Khoi is the main shopping strip and lends its name to the encircling civic centre and central business district. 

Yet it’s the wide, tree-lined boulevards of ÐL Le Loi and ÐL Nguyen Hue, perpetually swarming with motorbikes, that leave more of an impression – not least if you’ve survived crossing them on foot. It’s in these grand thoroughfares that French-colonial elegance and urban modernity fashion an alluring concoction.

Read more:   Top 20 free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

8. Notre Dame Cathedral

Built between 1877 and 1883, Notre Dame Cathedral enlivens the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's government quarter, facing Ð Dong Khoi. A red-brick, neo-Romanesque church, it has twin bell towers that are both topped with spires and crosses that reach 60m. This Catholic cathedral, named after the Virgin Mary, includes some lovely stained-glass windows and interior walls inlaid with devotional tablets. Its red bricks were imported from Toulouse, France.

9. History Museum

Built in 1929, this notable Sino-French museum houses a rewarding collection of artefacts illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam, from the Bronze Age Dong Son civilisation (which emerged in 2000 BCE) and the Funan civilisation (1st to 6th centuries CE) to the Cham, Khmer and Vietnamese. Highlights include valuable relics taken from Cambodia’s Angkor Wat and a fine collection of Buddha statues. There's good English information.

There's also a perfectly preserved mummy of a local woman who died in 1869, excavated from Xom Cai in District 5; and some exquisite stylised mother-of-pearl Chinese characters inlaid into panels. It's located beside the Botanical Gardens.

10. Botanical Gardens

One of the first projects undertaken by the French after establishing Cochin-China as a colony was founding these fantastic, lush gardens . Once one of the finest such gardens in Asia, they’re very agreeable for strolling beneath giant tropical trees. Skip the miserable zoo though.

11. Cholon (Chinatown)

Rummage through Cholon (District 5) and lift the lid on a treasure trove of historic temples and Chinese flavours. Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown is less Chinese than it once was, largely due to the 1978–79 anti-capitalist and anti-Chinese campaign, when many ethnic Chinese fled the country, taking with them their money and entrepreneurial skills. 

A lot of those refugees have since returned (with foreign passports) to explore investment possibilities. Full-form written Chinese characters (as opposed to the simplified system used in mainland China) decorate shopfronts and temples in abundance, adding to the sensation that you have strayed into a forgotten corner of China. 

Cholon means ‘big market’ and during the American War it was home to a thriving black market. Like much of HCMC, Cholon’s historic shopfronts are swiftly disappearing under advertising hoardings or succumbing to developers’ bulldozers, but some traditional architecture survives and an atmospheric strip of traditional herb shops thrives between Ð Luong Nhu Hoc and Ð Trieu Quang Phuc, providing both a visual and an olfactory reminder of the old Chinese city.

12. Fine Arts Museum

With its airy corridors and verandas, this elegant 1929 colonial-era, yellow-and-white building is stuffed with period details; it is exuberantly tiled throughout and home to some fine (albeit deteriorated) stained glass, as well as one of Saigon's oldest lifts. Hung from the walls is an impressive selection of art, including thoughtful pieces from the modern period. As well as contemporary art, much of it (unsurprisingly) inspired by war, the museum displays pieces dating back to the 4th century.

These include elegant Funan-era sculptures of Vishnu, the Buddha and other revered figures (carved in both wood and stone), and Cham art dating from the 7th century to the 14th century. More statuary is scattered around the grounds and in the central courtyard (accessed from the rear of the building). There’s a selection of lovely prints for sale (from 150,000d) at the shop. Building No 2 alongside hosts lesser-known works and stages exhibitions.

13. Reunification Palace

Surrounded by royal palm trees, the dissonant 1960s architecture of this landmark government building and the eerie ambience of its deserted halls make it an intriguing spectacle. The first Communist tanks to arrive in Saigon rumbled here on 30 April 1975 and it’s as if time has stood still since then. The building is deeply associated with the fall of the city in 1975, yet it's the kitsch detailing and period motifs that steal the show. It's also known as the Independence Palace.

The ground floor is arranged with meeting rooms, while upstairs is a grand set of reception rooms, used for welcoming foreign and national dignitaries. In the back of the structure are the president’s living quarters; check out the model boats, horse tails and severed elephants’ feet. Perhaps most fascinating of all is the basement with its telecommunications centre, war room and warren of tunnels, where hulking old fans chop the air and ancient radio transmitters sit impassively. Towards the end are rooms where videos appraise the palace and its history in Vietnamese, English, French, Chinese and Japanese. The national anthem is played at the end of the tape and you are expected to stand up – it would be rude not to.

14. Rooftop bars

Best thing to do at night

Enjoy Ho Chi Minh City’s frenetic energy from a barstool high above the chaos below. Saigon Saigon Bar in the historic Caravelle Hotel was a favourite hangout of wartime journalists who would report from the ninth storey vantage point, cold beer in hand. Today, that same beer with the same great views is available as The Caravelle Terrace Draft.

For cocktails that are equally artsy as alcoholic, Shri Restaurant & Lounge tops the list. Located 23 floors up, sip on innovative cocktails inspired by various neighbourhoods like the Ben Thanh featuring lychee and ginger found in the city’s best-known market or the Thao Cam Vien with notes of cucumber and elderflower, inspired by the botanical gardens.

15. Skyscraper observation towers

From the street level, Ho Chi Minh City seems incredibly chaotic, but there’s a quiet beauty to the city when experienced from above the fray. A number of skyscrapers have observation towers (or bars) which offer views of the city's tree-lined boulevards and the snaking Saigon River.

Bitexco Financial Tower

From the 68-storey  Bitexco Financial Tower  – or, indeed, its chic  EON Heli Bar  on the 52nd floor – visitors can sip on a coffee whilst watching the world go by.

Landmark 81

At 81 stories high, the Tetris -like Landmark 81 is Vietnam's tallest building. Its Blank Lounge, some 76 floors up, is where they share the views of the sprawling metropolis with the public. 

You may also like: Vietnam tips: a first-timer's guide Best places to eat in Ho Chi Minh City in 2020 Ho Chi Minh City’s best rooftop bars

This article was first published Mar 25, 2020 and updated Jul 20, 2021.

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Ho Chi Minh City Police Department in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Address, Phone number, File a complaint, Police Clearance Certificate

Ho chi minh city police department in ho chi minh city, vietnam address, phone number, email, website and social media, ho chi minh city police station in vietnam.

Address: 268 D. Tran Hung Dao, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000, Vietnam

Phone Number: +84 28 3920 1605

Vietnam Government Official Website:  mps.gov.vn

Ministry of Public Security Official Website: bocongan.gov.vn

Direction: View Google Direction here

About Vietnam Police

Founded: 1955 Founder: President Ngo Đinh Diem Headquarters: Saigon The People’s Public Security of Vietnam is the main police and security forces of Vietnam, under control of the Ministry of Public Security. It is a part of the Vietnam People’s Armed Forces and under the de facto control of Communist Party of Vietnam.

How to File a Complaint in Vietnam Police Station?

View the Procedure to File a Complaint in Vietnam Police Station through the above link.

How to become a Police Officer in Vietnam?: Procedure, Eligibility, Salary

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Vietnam Police Ranks

• Colonel General
• Lieutenant General
• Major General
• Senior Colonel
• Lieutenant Colonel
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How to apply and obtain Police Clearance Certificate from Vietnam?

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Vietnam Police Emergency Number

• Police: 113 
• Ambulance: 115
• Child abuse: 111

List of Police Station in Vietnam

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Is there any problem / complaint with reaching the Ho Chi Minh City Police Department in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Address or Phone number? Please report any issues using the below comment form.

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Police of Le Loi Ward in Kon Tum, Vietnam Address, Phone number, File a complaint, Police Clearance Certificate

View the Police of Le Loi Ward in Kon Tum, Vietnam Address, Phone Number, Email, Website and Social media more below…

city of Nha Trang Police headquarters in Nha Trang, Vietnam Address, Phone number, File a complaint, Police Clearance Certificate

View the city of Nha Trang Police headquarters in Nha Trang, Vietnam Address, Phone Number, Email, Website and Social media more below…

File a Complaint in Vietnam Police Station Vietnam Police Contact Information Emergency Hotline: 113 (available 24/7) Non-emergency Hotline: 114 (available 24/7) Criminal […]

About Vietnam Police Founded: 1955 Founder: President Ngo Đinh Diem Headquarters: Saigon The People’s Public Security of Vietnam is the main police […]

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2 thoughts on “ Ho Chi Minh City Police Department in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Address, Phone number, File a complaint, Police Clearance Certificate ”

• 2 comments

I am Theodor CONSTANTINESCU, Romanian Citizen, I am 78 years old. My Passport Number 06338xxxx, issued at 02 February 2023, in Romania, by Embassy of Romania in Hanoi, Vietnam. I have a TOURIST VISA for Vietnam, for SIX Months, which expires at 30 September 2023 I live in Vietnam at my children who work with Permis for Work.

I have together my wife, Vasilica CONSTANTINESCU We have VISA for Vietnam, until 30 September 2023, when we intend a prolongation. I have an bad experience, yesterday, at 9: 00 O'Clock.

My owner ask me my Passport for a Police Station BINH HUNG verification.

But I learned at Pasport Department from Romania

DO NOT HAND OVER TO ANY PARTICULAR PERSON, WITHOUT STATAL AUTORITIES.

I ask her, the female owner to go at Police Station BINH HUNG to hand over my passport directly to the Police Station.

The owner was somewhat upset. My wife Vasilica CONSTANTINESCU give him her passport.

The owner declare me, that the Police wiil go to me, at my home to verify my passport.

What is the correct mode to solve the problem? Do must go I to the Police Station Binh Hung? Do expect at my home the Police?

On the background of some disputes between me and him he has some bad intentions towards me and I'm afraid that he could informally influence the local policemen, from the BINH HUNG Section.

In order to prevent any possible abuse, complication, scandal, I am bringing the situation to your attention and please arrange to avoid complications that no one wants

I ask You to help me in that problem, because, In order to prevent any possible abuse, complication, scandal, I am bringing the situation to your attention and please arrange to avoid complications that I NOT WANT !

I arrived here in Vietnam at the request of my children. The situation has changed between us and until I find her solution, I have to go to another country, because at the children's request, I left my entire fortune in Romania, by selling it - liquidation in a hurry and in the damage I don't even have a personal property house.

I have solutions for the future, but it takes longer. Or, he told me last night on the phone that he wants me deported to Romania! I hope I won't end up judging myself with my children in Vietnam, because I have no other source of income, until I find an arrangement through a Wellbeing and Lifestyle Business, which has been partially verified on me, personally. - he sent a link today in which he suggests that I would be mentally disturbed.! My son ! It is clear how POATE may want to informally influence the Local Police at the BINH HUNG Station (he knows the Vietnamese language, and has enough connections, he has been in Vietnam for 15 years). Once an ABUSE has been committed, it is usually difficult and not always solved...

I am 78 years old and after raising FOUR children, I ended up in this embarrassing and undeserved situation. That is why I am making this notification, PREVENTIVELY.

Thank you for your attention and the time needed to read this request. Regards,

Theodor Constantinescu

We were scammed US$250 at Saigon Airport passenger arrival zone. A vehicle came pick us up pretending to be GRAB. Once in the van, he asked for 150,000 Dong for the airport parcking toll. He said we had to pay it directly before leaving the airport to the hotel. When we did have such small denomination change, he offered to exchange and count money for us. In doing so he stole the money. We went back to the airport and found the van license plate #51G 219.71. When we threatened to report to the police, the scammer and gang gave us the money back. I expect the Airport police can easily locate the gang who must be hanging around the airport.

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Ho chi minh city river festival expands in scale, igniting summer tourism in 2024.

The 2nd Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 will take place from May 31 to June 9, 2024 , featuring a series of exciting sports, entertainment, and artistic activities.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam , June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ho Chi Minh City always knows how to captivate visitors with its unique charm, vibrant lifestyle, and impressive cultural and historical heritage. Adding to its allure, the city's annual festivals have carved out a distinctive identity, drawing an ever-growing number of tourists. The Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, one of the most anticipated summer festivals, exemplifies this magnetic appeal.

The 2nd Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 Expands in Scale and Quality

Aiming to preserve and honor cultural heritage and the city's rivers and canals, the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 introduces numerous enhancements in both scale and program quality. This year's festival will span 10 continuous days from May 31 to June 9, 2024 , across multiple locations in the city. Remarkably, it will strengthen connections with the Mekong Delta and Southeast provinces.

Locals and tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, spectacular fireworks, vibrant river parades, and immersive experiences such as recreating the Western floating market, a fruit week, open river swimming competitions, stand-up paddleboarding championships, jet ski performances, and artistic light decorations. Throughout the festival, over 100 businesses will offer promotional discounts from 10% to 60% on shopping, dining, and sightseeing services.

Honoring the Cultural and Historical Values of a City Rich in Heritage

The event's highlight is the opening art program titled " The Legendary Voyage ", which will be scheduled at 8 PM on May 31, 2024 , at the Nha Rong Wharf - Saigon Port. This spectacular musical drama will feature over 1,000 performers and is expected to attract 9,000 live attendees. The production vividly recounts the poignant and epic journey of the great leader Ho Chi Minh as he sought a path to national liberation. Harmonizing elements of cinema, music, and dance, the performance will also utilize cutting-edge technologies such as 3D mapping, moving water stages, drone shows, and fireworks. These innovative presentations aim to transform historical narratives into cultural tourism products, spreading national values and spreading the image of Vietnam and its people to both domestic and international audiences.

View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/ho-chi-minh-city-river-festival-expands-in-scale-igniting-summer-tourism-in-2024-302161471.html

SOURCE Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism

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Scams In Vietnam: READ BEFORE YOU VISIT (2024)

Come find out everything you need to know about common tourist scams in Vietnam. Be a smart traveler by knowing the dos and don’t in your traveling adventures.

Learn about what to look out for, situations to avoid, and more as I explain how to can have a scam-free trip to Vietnam.

It is super important to do some research about safety and scams in a country before you travel there. Ultimately this will make for an easier and stress-free time when you are on the ground exploring.

This is something I have always done before venturing somewhere new, and luckily I have avoided scam situations the majority of the time.

Vietnam is definitely not a dangerous country. Though I will say scams seem to be lurking around every corner, well at least in the touristy areas.

We watched numerous scams happen to travelers each day. I spent a month backpacking Vietnam from the North to South and scams occurred in every city I visited. This is why I am sharing what I have learned with you.

Unfortunately, Vietnam is definitely one of those countries where you need to second-guess interactions with people on the street. This is especially so in large cities such as Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.

The most important thing when traveling is keeping yourself safe and away from dangerous situations. Scams in Vietnam may only cost you $20.00 or could set you back thousands.

Vietnam Scams: 17 Scams To Be Aware Of To Keep Safe

🚗 How I Book Cheap Transport In Vietnam: Baolau & 12.Go Asia

1, 2 & 3. Motorbike Scams In Vietnam

Motorbike scams Vietnam are rather common. I mean they are absolutely everywhere here so it is no surprise you will eventually get on the back of one, though there are a couple of things you need to know before you do.

Whether you have brought your own motorbike and are riding the length of the country or perhaps you are just taking a motorbike taxi across the city, each one has its own scams you need to be aware of:

1. Taking A Motorbike Taxi

Now if you are traveling solo you may find it easier to simply take a motorbike taxi rather than a regular taxi, especially if you aren’t taking any luggage.

Plus they only fit one person, rather than a car, so surely they are cheaper. Well, this is the case, except if your driver decides to take advantage of you.

More often than not you will agree on a fixed price before jumping on. As long as the driver is decent this is your final price.

However if not, they may chuck an extra zero on the end and suddenly your price has increased x10. They will insist that you misheard and it is the price you originally agreed to. Since there is no one else around to stick up for you, it is simply your word against theirs.

How To Avoid: The best way to avoid being ripped off by a motorbike taxi is simply to use the Grab app.

It works similarly to Uber so you agree on a price before jumping on, and this price is on your phone so no one can disagree with it.

2. Buying A Motorbike In Vietnam

Now buying a motorbike in Vietnam is an incredible way to see the country. You will be able to get off the beaten track and discover more than most travelers get the opportunity to.

Unfortunately having your own vehicle in a foreign country does leave you open to being vulnerable to more scams.

One of the most common occurrences is being scammed while buying a motorbike. This could come in the form of a faulty bike, or dodgy paperwork.

Surprisingly you can even have the motorbike switched on you, where everything is good up until the last minute when the bike is swapped for an inferior version of the same model.

How To Avoid:

The best way to avoid this is by doing research in advance and buying through a reputable company.

There is a heap of options online, so doing research is a must. Make sure to read through travelers’ past reviews, or get recommendations from your hostel.

3. Motorbike Rental Scams In Vietnam

This is a common scam throughout Southeast Asia, including Vietnam. You may find your passport is being held hostage while the owners demand money for damages not caused by you.

However, this next motorbike rental scam in Vietnam is even worse. It has become an infamous situation for the motorbike hire staff to come and ‘steal’ their motorbikes from those who have hired them.

The person renting the motorbike doesn’t realize it was actually the company that has stolen the bike.

This leaves the person responsible for the motorbike in an extremely awkward and difficult situation. Now when they go turn up at the motorbike rental store without the bike, they will be forced to pay exorbitant amounts. Though, unbeknownst to them the bike is in the owner’s possession.

Apart from the obvious of not hiring a motorbike, there will always be some sort of risk when hiring a motorbike. The best thing you can do is to ask other travelers if they have hired one and their recommendations.

You could always ask your hotel or guesthouse for their recommendation, though there is a risk that they may get kickbacks or a certain percentage of the money made by recommending you to certain shops.

4. Pick Pockets & Snatch Thieves

Unfortunately, petty crime is super common in Vietnam, especially in large cities. You need to constantly be aware of your surroundings and where your valuables are on you from the moment you touch down at the busy airport.

Vietnam is an overload on the senses, so it’s not surprising that many let their guard down as they try to bearings.

I have many friends who traveled to Vietnam and were victims of the snatch thieves . More often than not these are people on motorbikes so look for the perfect opportunity, someone standing a little too close to the street with their valuables, and then quickly driving past and snatching it off them.

Whether you are looking at your phone for directions, opening up your wallet to pay for a cold drink, or simply walking down the road with your bag over your shoulder.

The best way to avoid this scam is to be aware of your surroundings. If you need to use your phone make sure to open it facing towards a building or opposite the roadside, making it near impossible for someone to drive by the grab it off you.

Perhaps you have your camera and are taking photos of this incredible country, then make sure to use the strap and have it tightly wrapped around your hand.

Lastly, if you carry around a bag make sure it is a cross-body bag (with a zipper close), as it is a lot more difficult to snatch.

5. Taxi Scams In Vietnam

Ahhhh the taxi scam, one which every traveler knows all too well. Though in Vietnam, and basically all of Southeast Asia they are all too common. The best companies to ride with here are called Vinasun (white in color) and Mai Linh (green in color).

For the most part, most of the drivers who work with these companies are reputable and honest. However, just like the duplicate business scam, other taxi services take advantage of this by copying the color schemes of the cars.

Unfortunately in these cars, the meters go up a lot quicker than they would in a reputable taxi car. Also, the drivers are known to also try out the money switch scam, more on that below.

To avoid taxi scams in Vietnam it is best to only ride with Vinasun or Mai Linh.

If you can’t find them, or perhaps have bad eyesight like myself and want to avoid the awkward interaction when you realize it’s too late and need to come up with an excuse not to jump in the scammy taxi, then just use the Grab app.

6. Money Switches

Now, something that can happen in any country is the good ol’ money-switching scam, and the same goes for Vietnam. Usually, it is the motorbike or taxi drivers that try this one, as they can quickly drive off never to be seen again.

They use sleight of hand to switch whatever money you give them for smaller denominations. Then comes the real performance, they put on a dramatic show and make it appear that you’re the one trying to rip them off.

Commonly this is done by switching a 500,000VND note for a 20,000VND note since they’re both blue.

The best way to avoid this is to pay with small bills or pay with the exact amount. If you have larger notes you are needing to break it is best done at convenience stores, restaurants, or other reputable businesses.

7. Fruit Basket & Coconut Seller Tourist Scams In Vietnam

As soon as you start exploring the streets in Vietnam you will quickly see locals dressed up selling baskets of fruit or coconuts.

Both of these scams operate in a similar fashion where you are super impressed by the seller perfectly balancing these baskets of fruit or coconuts on their shoulders and you grab a photo.

From here one of two things will happen:

The first is that they will happily pose for the photo. Afterward, they will start demanding a large sum of money for the photographs.

The second is that they will start chopping up the fruit or coconuts as they pose for your photos. Afterward, they will say that chopped up it for you and that you now must buy the fruit or coconut, for another high price.

I, unfortunately, saw many people fall for this scam, especially in Hanoi.

Unfortunately, it is as simple as not interacting with these sellers, no matter how cool their setup looks or how good their balancing skills are.

8. Duplicate Businesses

A common occurrence in Vietnam is the presence of multiple, completely different, businesses operating under the same name.

This is usually in the form of well-known companies that may attract travelers. Though in reality, these businesses have no affiliation with these larger companies.

The reason they call themselves the same, or very similar name, is in hopes that travelers recognize it and then utilize their services over others.

Though the problem is it is very likely their services will be very poor compared to what you were expecting.

For example, a reputable business called Mekong Tours might engender a string of far less professional me-toos called Mekong Tour, Mekong Guest Tours, or Mekong Touring

The best way to avoid this type of scam is to do some research online to find out the location of the actual company.

The presence of these types of businesses is super common in Hanoi, so be sure to be extra vigilant there.

9. Shoe Shining Scams In Vietnam

Unfortunately, the infamous shoe shinning scam is quite common, and one of the most common scams Hanoi. This is one scam I have seen play out in front of me multiple times.

Usually, you will be completely minding your own business then suddenly someone will come up to you taking great interest in your shoes. No matter what you say or do they won’t stop.

I have seen these shoe shinners pull off people’s shoes to start shining them, knowing they won’t walk away barefoot.

Once the shine is complete they will demand a price that is about 10 times what you’d be expecting.

The best way to avoid the shoe-shining scams in Vietnam is to simply not stop when someone approaches you.

I know this may sound rude but as soon as you stop walking that allows them to grab your shoe.

Here is a video of this scam in action:

10. Cyclo Driver Scam

Now all around Vietnam you will see cyclos and think wow that looks like a lot of fun. I mean who wouldn’t want to be nicely driven around a city? I mean it is a lot more relaxing than being on a crazy motorbike.

These cyclo drivers are everywhere and you will no doubt encounter them in your travels. They will offer to take you wherever you wish to go, and once you negotiate a price you jump on.

Unfortunately, a few bad things commonly happen from here. The first is that the driver will take you far from your desired destination, and ask you for a crazy price to take you back.

Perhaps you have organized a sightseeing tour around the city to a few of the highlights, well unbeknownst to you the driver has a so-called “waiting fee”, typically starting at 500,000 VND / $25.00 an hour. You will be hounded for this amount.

The best way to avoid cyclo scams is to either have your maps open on your phone so you know you are going the correct way or book online through a reputable company if you want to do a tour.

This will also save you the headache of haggling.

11. Do Not Give In To The Donut

I know, it’s just an innocent donut, how the heck can this be one of the scams in Vietnam? Bad news, it is. Street food is in abundance in Vietnam, and I totally encourage you to try it all, except for those sneaky little donuts.

Though before this sounds like I am being judgy, trust me, I nearly fell victim to this scam multiple times. I mean yummy little doughy balls of goodness covered in powdered sugar, it’s hard to say no.

Mainly in Hanoi, you will walk past people balancing baskets of good-looking donuts on their shoulders. The seller will stop and ask if you’d like to try one for free.

While you say yes and taste one, the vendor will talk you into buying a small bag of donuts. However, a lot of travelers don’t need convincing and just go straight in and buy a bag.

Unfortunately, it is well known that the oil used to fry these donuts is unregulated. The oil could’ve been sitting there for weeks without being changed.

The donuts are also known to be stale, and travelers report feeling sick after consuming them.

It’s simple, just don’t eat them. Vietnam has so many delicious foodie options, so why not grab a banh mi instead?

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pascal Giroux (@editing4tacos)

12 & 13. Restaurant & Bar Scams In Vietnam

Since restaurants are a place travelers visit so often, and let’s be honest the food in Vietnam is incredible, it is no surprise a few different scams are floating around.

12. Missing Prices

Unfortunately, this is something that can happen anywhere in the world but don’t sit down at a restaurant unless there are prices on the menu.

Without ordering with fixed prices you are leaving the restaurant’s staff the chance to charge you whatever they wish.

13. Free Food

Now nothing is free in this world, and the same goes for Vietnam. I know back at home you may be used to getting a free bowl of peanuts when you order a nice cold beer.

However, this isn’t always the case in Vietnam. More often than not, in Hanoi and Nha Trang you will find yourself being charged for these bowls of peanuts that are quickly brought to you.

14. Luggage Scams In Vietnam

You won’t have these issues with the larger bus companies or those more reputable ones. However, on some bus companies, the staff will tell foreigners that they have to pay a fee when their bags are being loaded underneath the bus.

Unfortunately, a lot of the workers there know travelers will happily pay a small amount to avoid confrontation, and then they can just pocket the cash.

There is no such thing as a baggage fee in Vietnam. Therefore just walk ahead down to your assigned seat.

15. Shopping Scams In Vietnam

Now if you are coming to Vietnam of course you can’t miss out on a spot of shopping. I mean prices here are often too good to pass up!

There are a few things you should know to prevent you from being scammed while shopping in Vietnam.

One of the most common scams is sellers passing off fake goods as real. You should always assume the item you are buying is fake or a knock-off, no matter what the seller says.

Whether the item is a brand name, or simply the material it’s made from could be fake, such as leather.

Tip: If you are buying a leather item that is supposed to be real, but if you suspect it is fake then you can heat a piece of metal with a lighter and hold it to the material. If it is not real leather then it will melt.

16. SIM Card Scams In Vietnam

When I touch down in a new country one of the first things I do is buy a sim card. This keeps me connected in a foreign place and easily able to access maps and Google Translate if required.

Unfortunately there has been a common scam in Vietnam regarding SIM cards happening.

You can nearly buy a SIM card anywhere in Vietnam. Seriously, every little corner store will sell them with speedy internet and unlimited texts. The process is super easy as well since you don’t need to provide any personal information.

The SIM card scam operates as these small corner stores purchase the cards in bulk to sell to travelers at higher prices. That’s just business right?

Well unfortunately as soon as they purchase them in bulk the plans on them have already started and the days of usage start being used up.

This means that when you wander into this business and are promised unlimited data for 30 days, that actually may not be what you are getting. In some cases, travelers have reported that SIM cards stop working in just a couple of days.

This is also a scam that has been operating at airports.

The best way to avoid this is to only buy from an official seller, or even better directly from the telecommunication company themselves.

By doing this you will prevent this type of scam from happening to you and you won’t be paying that marked-up price either!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sewa Travel Wifi Medan (@sewawifi)

17. ATM Skimming Tourist Scams In Vietnam

Unfortunately, something that is popping up all around the world is ATM skimming, and this includes it being one of our scams in Vietnam. Since Vietnam is mainly a cash society you will find yourself visiting the ATM fairly often.

Though unbeknownst to you that shiny, air-conditioning ATM you just visited had a skimmer installed and recorded your card details.

The best way to avoid ATM skimming is to be particular about which ATMs you decide to use. Make sure you visit ones in controlled environments such as banks, where the staff monitor the machine with cameras, or a guard, is present.

If you don’t have any luck with finding one like this then inspect the card reader and keypad, even give them a good tug to be extra safe.

Other Important Things To Be Aware Of In Vietnam

These aren’t considered Vietnam scams per se. They are everyday things that you should simply be aware of to save you money.

Corrupt Police If You Are Renting/Own A Motorbike

Like many places around the world, you don’t need to look too far to find corrupt police here in Vietnam. This often will come in the form of asking for bribes to get out of a ticket etc.

The best thing to do here is to drive around with a fake wallet only carrying a small amount of cash. That way when you are pulled over and asked to pay a bribe it looks like you only have a small amount of cash on you.

Picture Perfect

Not so much a scam, but more something to be aware of is people asking for payment for photos. This is rather common throughout Southeast Asia, though if you aren’t prepared for it, it can be quite a surprise.

In my experience, you will generally know who these people are in advance of taking their photo. In my case, it was someone perfectly perched on top of a water buffalo in Hoi An .

The local ‘model’ will generally encourage you to take the photo and pose, compared with a regular person who would simply ignore you and go about their own business.

Seemingly nearly impossible to avoid, ATM fees can add up fast! This is especially true when backpacking Vietnam on a budget .

Though, here in Vietnam, some ATMs charge a lot more than others. Agribank is the cheapest ATM to use with fixed fees throughout the country.

USD to VND Conversions

Now the currency in Vietnam is rather large, you will often find yourself getting a few million out of the ATMs. Being such a large amount it is rather common that the prices are abbreviated, eg 500,000 becomes 500.

Also, USD will also be used rather often in popular tourist bars and restaurants, so make sure you are reading menus and prices carefully so you fully understand how much you are paying.

Wrap-Up: Vietnam Tourist Scams

Vietnam is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history, but it also has its share of tourist scams that can ruin your trip. We have discussed some of the most common scams in Vietnam and provided some tips on how to avoid them.

By following these tips, you can enjoy your visit to Vietnam without falling victim to these scams.

Remember, not all Vietnamese people are scammers, and most of them are friendly and hospitable. However, it is always better to be safe than sorry and to be prepared for any situation.

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

2 thoughts on “ Scams In Vietnam: READ BEFORE YOU VISIT (2024) ”

Thank you 🙏. I always type in ‘Tourist scams in ……..’ some great tips. It’s always better to be aware and educated prior to going. I went to Beijing a few years ago and basically everything happened pretty much in the order I read about it. Knowing literally saved hundreds of dollars or more even. Thanks heaps. Rob

Tres bon blog peut on utiliser les cartes de crédit?

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Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Last Updated: January 16, 2024

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon, though all the locals still call it that) is the largest (and most chaotic city) in Vietnam . Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws go wherever they please, and lots of street stands and markets spill into the traffic lanes. It’s a city with a billion things happening at once.

It’s also one of the most popular destinations in the country and has recently evolved into a hotspot for digital nomads thanks to its cheap cost of living.

The city has a lot to offer: wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, delicious food, and plenty of historic sites. Additionally, you’ll find some interesting (and propaganda-heavy) museums like the War Remnants Museum as well as the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, secret tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. It’s my second favorite city in Vietnam (after Hoi An) and worth spending a few days visiting.

This travel guide to Ho Chi Minh can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this hectic metropolis!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Ho Chi Minh

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is an imposing red brick building built between 1877 and 1883 by the French. At nearly 58 meters (190 feet), the two towers in the front of the cathedral rise above visitors and the neon-lit statue of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral still functions as a religious site and a major tourist destination, especially after gaining international recognition for a supposed sighting of a teardrop falling from the Virgin Mary statue in 2005. ( Note : The Notre Dame Cathedral is temporarily closed for renovations until 2023.

2. See the Cao Dai Holy See Temple

The Cao Dai religion (known as Caodaism) is relatively new (it’s less than 100 years old). It combines the teachings of several religions, including Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. This Cao Dai temple is the main temple for the religion and is hugely ornate and colorful, with a giant globe behind the main altar displaying the religion’s “divine eye” symbol. Entrance is free but there are a few rules to follow when visiting. You will need to enter through the side door instead of the main door and be sure to keep your shoes outside. Men will need to use the door on the right side and women on the left. Most people combine a trip to the temple with the Cu Chi Tunnels excursion.

3. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

Here you can crawl through the extensive network of narrow tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the 1960s to fight American soldiers during the Vietnam War. Tours involve a walk-through of the tunnels (over 100 meters of tunnels are open to visitors) which give you a sense of how the Vietnamese were able to defend their country for so long against a stronger force. It’s a sobering experience and not one for anyone claustrophobic. Tours cost around 350,000 VND.

4. Ascend the Saigon Skydeck

For a 360-degree panorama of the city, head to the Saigon Skydeck, one of the tallest buildings in the country. The observation deck is on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower and offers amazing views. Admission costs 200,000 VND and includes a bottle of water. Just check the weather forecast ahead of time. You can also go at night to see the city lit up. Open daily from 9:30am-9:30pm.

5. Take a food tour

Other things to see and do in ho chi minh city, 1. get lost in chinatown.

Chinatown is a hive of activity and a maze of temples, restaurants, jade ornaments, and medicine shops. Aside from the sprawling Binh Tay Market, you’ll find some fascinating temples in the area including the Chinese Chua Quan Am Temple and Cha Tam, a Catholic cathedral. It’s the biggest Chinatown in the country (there are around 500,000 Chinese people living in the city alone).

2. Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum

At one point or another, this city museum has been a Governor’s Palace, a committee building, and a Revolutionary Museum. Today, you’ll find a collection of weaponry and memorabilia from the country’s revolutionary struggle as well as captured U.S. fighter planes and tanks from the Vietnam War. Located in the former Gia Long Palace, there are some permanent exhibitions along with special exhibitions that rotate on a regular basis (check the website for details; it has an English version). Admission costs 30,000 VND plus 20,000 VND if you want to take photos.

3. See the Emperor Jade Pagoda

This temple was built in 1909 to honor the supreme Taoist god, Emperor Jade. It’s one of the most impressive pagodas in Vietnam. It’s also referred to as the Tortoise Pagoda and the pond on site is filled with turtles. The building is filled with intricate woodcarvings and statues of divinities and heroes, including Emperor Jade himself. The roof is also covered in detailed tile work showing characters from Buddhist and Taoist legends.

4. Shop at the Ben Thanh Market

Though this market in District 1 is crowded and rife with pickpockets, it is the ideal place to pick up some handicrafts, bargain souvenirs, and try some traditional (and inexpensive) Vietnamese food. It’s the largest market in Vietnam, so get lost in the chaos and enjoy it all. Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price since you will be given the “tourist price” on items here. Just keep your wallet secure and out of reach as you wander.

5. Escape to Can Gio Island

Also known as Monkey Island, Can Gio Island is popular with tourists and locals looking to escape the chaos of the city. The beaches here aren’t mind-blowing like they are in Thailand, but it’s a cool place to relax and is one of Vietnam’s better islands. The Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve (which is where the island is located) is a recognized UNESCO site and the island’s monkey sanctuary and mangroves are perfect for wildlife fans. It’s about a two-hour drive to get here and you can take the #75 bus from 23/9 Park. If you don’t feel like navigating the island by yourself, there are tours available for purchase in District 1 that provide transportation. Prices range from 590,000-1,170,000 VND for full-day tours.

6. Unwind in Twenty-Three September Park

Formerly the location of the Saigon Railway Station, this park was built in its place after the station was demolished. In the early morning and just after the work day is done, this park is packed with people exercising and playing games. Watch a Tai Chi class, play a game of badminton, or chat with one of the many students who hang out in the area. There is a large underground entertainment complex just below the park and plenty to do nearby. Bring a book and a snack and enjoy the local pace of life.

7. Visit Ba Thien Hau Temple

Located in Chinatown, the Ba Thien Hau Temple is a Buddhist temple that was built in 1706 for the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. It’s believed she flies around on a cloud or a mat, rescuing people at sea. The outside of the temple doesn’t look like much but the inside is filled with porcelain figures and the roof is covered in colorful dioramas. On March 23rd of the lunar calendar, you can expect to see celebrations in the form of parades and dancing honoring Lady Thien Hau’s birthday (Mazu).

8. Tour the War Remnants Museum

This museum has a very “pro-communist, down-with-the-capitalists” bend to it but is nevertheless very interesting. Focused on the Vietnam War, which killed between 1,500,000-3,500,000 people, the museum’s best exhibit is the collection of bombs, tanks, planes, and war machinery, including an American F-5A fighter jet at the front entrance. The entrance fee is 40,000 VND.

9. Take a cooking class

For the best souvenir, take a cooking class. It’s a great way to learn new skills, try new dishes, and explore the country’s food culture and history. You can usually combine your cooking class with a market tour as well, allowing you to shop for your own, fresh ingredients before you cook. Tours vary but a quality tour with a local chef usually starts around 800,000 VND.

10. Catch a show at the Opera House

The Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best-preserved examples of French colonial architecture in the country (Vietnam was annexed by France and under French control for the better part of a century). It was built in 1897 for the opera but now hosts lots of different performances, including ballet, a bamboo circus performance, and Vietnamese traditional dances and plays. Check the website or stop by the front gate to see what’s on during your visit.

Ho Chi Minh Travel Costs

Hostel prices – Hostels start from 90,000 VND for a room with 8-10 people and 140,000 VND for a bed in a smaller dorm with 4-6 beds. Most hostels offer free Wi-Fi and free breakfast. Private rooms start at around 375,000 VND for a double room, but they average closer to 470,000 VND.

Budget hotel prices – Two-star budget hotel starts at around 170,000 VND, but for something a little nicer and less bare bones, 300,000-650,000 VND per night is the average. Expect standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, AC, and TV.

Airbnb is also available, with private rooms starting from about 350,000 VND. An entire home/apartment starts at around 800,000 VND. Expect prices to double if you don’t book early.

Food – Vietnamese cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and uses a lot of herbs and vegetables. Rice and noodle dishes are common, as are various soups such as the iconic pho (a beef noodle soup). Wonton soup, meat curry, fresh French bread (known as bahn me , and grilled fish are also really popular.

If you’re looking to eat at the delicious street stalls (and you should because it’s the best), expect to pay between 25,000-40,000 VND for a meal, with bahn mi’s on the lower ends and noodles and soups on the higher end.

Sit-down restaurants serving Vietnamese food cost around 70,000 VND per meal.

For fast food, expect to pay around 100,000 VND for a combo meal while a large pizza is around 150,000-200,000 VND. If you want Western food, expect to spend 200,000 VBD minimum.

If you want to splash out and have a nice meal (think semi-fine dining), a three-course meal with a drink costs around 400,000 VND.

Beer costs around 24,000 VND (60,000 VND if you want a craft beer) while a latte or cappuccino is 50,000 VND. Bottled water is around 7,000 VND. Coffee with milk (ca phe sua da) from a street vendor will cost 20,000 VND. Wine and cocktails start at 150,000 VND.

I don’t recommend cooking your meals here since there is plenty of delicious street food to eat at very cheap prices. You won’t make it as good as they do and the food is too delicious to miss. It really won’t be much cheaper either.

Backpacking Ho Chi Minh City Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget of 515,000 VND per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, eat street food for all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do mostly cheap activities like museum visits. If you plan on drinking, add another 25,000-50,000 VND to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 1,125,000 VND per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb or private hostel room, eat out at some restaurants, drink more, take the occasional taxi to get around, and do more paid activities like visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,350,000 VND or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, hire a private guide or driver, drink as much as you want, and do whatever tours you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in VND.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

You don’t need to do much to save money in Ho Chi Minh City as it’s super inexpensive to visit. If you stick to local cuisine, cheap guesthouses, and public transportation, you’ll be hard pressed to spend a lot of money. Nevertheless, here are some additional ways you can cut down your costs:

• Only take metered taxis – Make sure the taxi drivers turn on their meters, otherwise, drivers can rip you off. Better yet, skip them and walk or take the bus as taxi prices add up fast!
• Ask your hostel staff – Before you leave the hostel, ask them to estimate how much what you want to do should cost. How much should a ride to the museum cost? How much should you pay to have a custom dress or suit made? They will be able to give you bargaining guidelines so you don’t get ripped off.
• Eat street food – Street food in Ho Chi Minh City is inexpensive and delicious. Be sure to try a banh mi , a Vietnamese sandwich popular in the south. You can find many different kinds of noodle soup at small street stalls for just a couple bucks a day.
• Enjoy happy hour – The bars in the Pham Ngu Lao area have plenty of Happy Hours, including half-price drinks, cheap cocktails, and buy one get two free!
• Save money on rideshares – Grab is the Uber equivalent in Asia and is way cheaper than taxis. It’s the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.
• Take a free walking tour – Free walking tours are one of the best ways to get oriented in a new city. I recommend Saigon Free Day Tours. Just remember to tip your guide at the end!
• Bring a reusable water bottle – The tap water here is not safe to drink. To save money and reduce your plastic use, bring a reusable water bottle with you. LifeStraw make a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can be sure your water is always safe and clean.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh

The city has a ton of hostels and cheap guesthouses.There’s lots of accommodation to choose from. Here are my suggested places to stay:

• The Hideout
• Hangout Hostel HCM
• The Like Hostel & Cafe
• City Backpackers Hostel

How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City

Public transportation – Ho Chi Minh City has over 100 different bus routes, and you can reach all major tourist destinations this way. They’re safe and affordable, costing between 3,500-10,000 VND depending on the distance. You’ll pay the driver in cash as you get on the bus. However, if you’re going a short distance, this isn’t the most practical way to travel, as traffic is really bad here so it’s slow to get around.

Bicycle – A common way to get around the city is by bicycle, which you can ride easily since the city is so flat. You can rent a bike for about 130,000 VND per day. Some good companies to rent from include:

• Mr. Biker Saigon
• Saigon Bike Shop
• The Bike Coffee Cafe

Just a note of caution: traffic in Ho Chi Minh can be intense, so if you’re not an experienced cyclist, you may want to skip this option.

Taxis – Taxis start at around 12,000 VND for the first kilometer and 10,000 VND per kilometer thereafter. Grabbing a taxi from the airport to the center of the city should take about 30-minutes and costs about 200,000-330,000 VND. Do not take unmetered taxis!

You can also catch rides from motorcycle taxis for about 10,000 VND per kilometer or about 30,000 VND per short ride. Remember to set the price beforehand and always wear a helmet. Motorcycle taxis get you places the quickest, as they’re able to weave in and out of heavy traffic.

Cyclo – Cyclos are like tuk-tuks, except they run completely on man-power. Because cyclos are slow-moving and often a nuisance in traffic, many roads in Ho Chi Minh City are entirely closed off to them. If you choose to go this route, your driver may have to navigate around prohibited roads and may not be able to drop you off right at your address. Because of this, I do not recommend cyclos.

Ridesharing – Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber. It works the same way: you hire a local to take you somewhere via the app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi too. Most rides cost around 40,000 VND.

When to Go to Ho Chi Minh City

The driest months in Ho Chi Minh City are from December to March, making it one of the most popular times to visit. The temperatures are warm during this time, ranging between 21-34°C (70-93°F). If you can, come during the Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year) around the end of January or the beginning of February to enjoy the colorful celebrations. Prices are jacked up during this time, however, the city is lively and there are tons of parties and activities.

April and May are the hottest months of the year with highs reaching 37°C (99°F). The humidity can make it feel a lot hotter, though.

The rainy season lasts from May to September, but as in other parts of Southeast Asia, the downpour doesn’t tend to last long. The days are sunny and warm otherwise.

Another thing to note about the monsoon season: there are several public holidays during this time that may affect your visit. The most important ones are Vietnam Reunification Day on April 30th, May Day on May 1st, and Vietnam National Day on September 2nd. Shops and restaurants may be closed and public transit is unreliable.

How to Stay Safe in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a very busy city, but it’s a safe place to visit. Violent crime against travelers is very rare, but petty crime and theft are not. In crowded places, keep your purse/wallet close and be mindful of the activity around you. Don’t keep your cell phone or money in your hand as you’re walking around. Additionally, don’t leave your bags unattended when eating out. Always secure them so someone can’t grab them and run.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. The standard precautions apply as they do everywhere. For specific tips, check out one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web that go into more detail.

Traffic can be hard to navigate here. Motorbikes are everywhere, and as a pedestrian, crossing the street can be scary. Wait for a break in the traffic before crossing the road, but then don’t slow down or adjust your gait. Just make a beeline to the other side so the drivers can weave around you.

Be on the alert for scams. Most are really just cheap attempts to try to nickel and dime you so you’ll need to be vigilant. You can read about common travel scams to avoid here .

If you experience an emergency, dial 113 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID.

The most important piece of safety advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Vietnam travel and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hostels in Hanoi

Is Southeast Asia Safe for Travelers?

Biking the Mekong Delta in Vietnam

Why I’ll Never Return to Vietnam

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The 9 Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest metropolis of Vietnam. It is energetic, hectic, bustling but historical and exciting. The city, with its essential French colonial characteristics, has plenty to draw your attention. Let’s explore the top Ho Chi Minh City’s attractions with Vietnam Travel as below:

Table of Contents

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Saigon Central Post Office

Independence Palace

Ben thanh market, fito museum, saigon’s chinatown (cho lon), fine art’s museum ho chi minh city, war remnants museum, cu chi tunnels.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (or “Nha Tho Duc Ba Sai Gon” in Vietnamese) is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The cathedral was built in the late 19th century, with materials imported directly from France. You can easily recognize and see the cathedral from afar due to its unique architecture and the vibrant color of the bright red bricks outside the walls. The façade looks stunning with 60m high two bell towers, a big clock and a Virgin Mary statue looking over a small square. It is reason why many couples come here to take sweet pre-wedding photos or record videos. From June 2017, the cathedral has been closed for a large-scale renovation and still not completed yet at this moment. The masses are still held weekly but guests are not allowed to visit for safety reasons. You can still admire the scenery or take pictures from afar. If you would like to attend the mass, the Sunday mass at 9:30 am is the best. Remember to wear conservatively and avoid disturbing other worshippers.

Address: No.1 Paris Commune Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: In the process of restoration Ticket price: Free.

Saigon Central Post Office is the largest post office in Vietnam. It was designed by a famous French architect, Gustave Eiffel, and built between 1886 and 1891. Being a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance and French influences, this post office fascinates tourists by its typical colonial French features, from exterior to interior design. It features with arched windows creatively designed with engaged piers, green window shutters and the main entrance with intricate ironwork from outside; and shinning glass canopy, huge ceilings, old-style telephone booths and a giant portrait of President Ho Chi Minh inside. Today, the Post Office offers all kinds of traditional postal services. You can send letters, souvenirs, electronic flowers and electronic presents, exchange currencies and buy stamps and books. Or simply come here to have a look and think back the past days.

Address: No.2 Paris Commune Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM. Ticket price: Free.

Independence Palace , also called Reunification Palace, not only contains historical values but also a showplace of the South Vietnamese modernist architecture and interior decoration, typical in the 1960s. There are many interesting sights in this 5-storeys building, including a recreation room, a bunker basement – full of vintage 1960’s phones, radios, tactical maps hang on the walls and office equipment, and a room filled with historic photos and a propaganda film showing how the South Vietnamese supporters and American imperialists yielded to Ho Chi Minh’s indomitable revolutionary forces. This palace was once the residential and administrative quarters of the President of South Vietnam. Now, this palace has been one of the highlights of every Saigon city tour. So don’t miss a chance to come over.

Address: No.135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1 , Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: Daily from 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM. Ticket price: 40,000 VND/ per adult and 10,000 VND/ per child.

Ben Thanh market is known as the most hectic shopping place in Ho Chi Minh City during day and night. In the morning, the market stands out with lots of traditional shops and stalls inside. You can find almost everything you need here from clothes, footwear, accessories, jewelry, hardware, pet shops, handcrafts to tropical fruits, flowers, nuts, vegetables, dry goods, etc. Definitely targeted for tourists and travelers, price of goods in Ben Thanh market is quite over, so you need use your bargaining skill to get better deal. When the sun sets, the shops and stalls inside the market are closed, but several restaurants and street vendors are open outside of the market. This turns Ben Thanh market into a night market which is also busy and interesting. It is a good chance to experience a colorful nightlife with a wide range of goods and souvenirs to choose from. Don’t forget to taste some famous local dishes like “banh xeo”, “banh cuon”, “banh beo”, “cha gio”, “hu tiu”…

Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: Daily from early in the morning until midnight Ticket price: Free.

FITO Museum or the First Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine is an attractive place to explore, especially for visitors who want to learn more about Vietnam’s traditional medicine. The museum displays more than 3,000 objects relating to Vietnamese traditional medicine, from the Stone Age to the present day, including books, documents, herbs, instruments used in medicine production such as knives, grinders, pots, and jars, and characteristic household objects, namely, scales, cabinets, teapots, and ceramics. Visitors can move around the museum and experience a personal demonstration of the use of a grinding pot, watch a documentary about the history of Vietnamese traditional medicine or taste a cup of “Linh Chi” tea before leaving the museum. After that, you can even have a consultation with experienced oriental doctors. This place is often included in any Saigon city tour along with Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market.

Address: No. 41 Hoang Du Khuong, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: Daily from 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. Ticket price: 120,000 VND/ per adult and 60,000 VND/ per child.

Saigon’s Chinatown, also known as Cho Lon, is a place of great historical and cultural importance. This area was first established in the late 1700’s when a large number of Hoa, an ethnic Chinese minority residing in Vietnam. The most famous temple in Cho Lon is Thien Hau, dedicated to the Lady of the Sea. It is also worthy to stop by the hectic Binh Tay Market, where you can buy everything from fresh produce to Chinese trinkets. The market is also home to some beautiful examples of classical Chinese architecture.

Address: District 5, Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: Daily Ticket price: Free.

Built in 1937, the Museum of Fine Art was originally the mansion of the Hua family, a very wealthy Chinese migrant family. This beautiful house is a delicate combination of French and Chinese styles, bringing about a typical colonial feeling from its marble floors throughout and the spacious and airy rooms. The Fine Art’s Museum is an unmissable place for those who are keen on Vietnam arts and culture. It has functions of collecting, keeping, preserving and displaying the typical fine artworks of Vietnamese people, especially Ho Chi Minh City and the South.

Address: No. 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, Thai Binh Ward, District 1 , Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Ticket price: 30,000 VND/ per adult and 15,000 VND/ per child.

War Remnants Museum is a harrowing showcase offering Westerners a different perspective about Vietnam War. It was opened to public on 4 September 1975 and first called Exhibition House for the Crimes of America and Its Puppet Government. Then it had name changed into the Exhibition House for the Crimes of the Wars of Aggression in 1990 and then into current name from 1995. There are more than 20,000 documents, artefacts, films, and photos on display in the museum. They depict the gruesome events during Vietnam War as well as the first Indochina War with French colonists. Some photos are not suitable for children to see, so pay attention. A lot of tanks, planes, helicopters, guillotine, “tiger cage” – the most terrible torture place at that time, and weapons are exhibited in the yard outside.

Address: No. 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3 , Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: Daily from 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM. Ticket price: 40,000 VND/ per adult and 20,000 VND/ per child.

Located 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels is a must-see place for a half day trip. This historical and unique site is one of the greatest works constructed by Vietnamese people as a place to live and hide from being attacked during the Vietnam War. It has about 250km extensive network of connecting underground tunnels with the innumerable trap doors, living areas, kitchens, armory, storage facilities, field hospitals, command centers, etc. A visit in Cu Chi Tunnels includes a chance to crawl through part of the tunnel network, an experience that enhances your appreciation for the stamina and adaptability of the soldiers who lived here. Besides, you can take part in other interesting activities here such as sport defense shooting, paint shooting, kayaking, and swan pedaling. You might get dirty, so avoid wearing white clothes, choose cool ones and comfortable shoes.

Address: Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Ticket price: 110,000 VND/ per adult and 110,000 VND/ per child.

Related Posts

The Top 9 Must-Visit Night Markets in Ho Chi Minh City

Independence Palace, Ho Chi Minh city

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City: Best time to visit?

The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon Opera House)

Fine Art Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

Best Nightlife in Sai Gon

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Ho Chi Minh City among Asia’s top cities for retaining tourists

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the top 8 destinations in Asia where tourists stay the longest, according to statistics from the travel platform Agoda.

In the latest report from the global network travel platform, which features 4.2 million hotels and resorts worldwide, the slow travel list in Asia highlights eight standout markets: Khao Lak (Thailand); Seoul (South Korea); Perhentian (Malaysia); Tokyo (Japan); Siargao (Philippines); Pekanbaru (Indonesia); Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam); and Ahmedabad (India).

In the first five months of 2024, international visitors to Ho Chi Minh City were estimated at over 2.2 million, an increase of more than 32% compared to the same period in 2023. Domestic visitors reached nearly 14 million, up 1.6% from the same period last year. Total tourism revenue exceeded 76 trillion VND, an increase of nearly 14% compared to the same period last year.

According to the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism, the city’s tourism sector has heavily invested in the nighttime economy, identifying it as a strategic solution to boost the entire sector. Nighttime entertainment, dining, and services are among the three key tourism product groups being focused on, contributing to a significant increase in tourist spending at night, accounting for 70% of total spending when visiting the “City that never sleeps.” The department also believes that the nighttime economy will contribute to economic development, create jobs and income for workers, and maximize local resources to attract tourists, creating new momentum for social development.

Additionally, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism has launched a tourism stimulus program for 2024, highlighted by the second Ho Chi Minh City Water Festival in 2024.

The second Ho Chi Minh City Water Festival in 2024 will take place at various locations: Nha Rong Wharf – Saigon Port, Bach Dang Wharf Park, Saigon River Park, the Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal area, Sao Viet Wharf (District 7) , Binh Dong Wharf (District 8), Suoi Tien Cultural Tourism Area, and other tourist destinations in Thu Duc City and various districts of Ho Chi Minh City. The festival will feature 22 cultural, entertainment, artistic, culinary, and sports activities along the river, combined with experiential activities, shopping promotions, and other stimulus programs throughout the city.

Parades on the river, a recreated floating market from the Mekong Delta, a Fruit Week on boats, cultural and artistic spaces, folk games, a river culinary competition, themed miniatures, and tours have all been prepared, promising to bring a diverse and vibrant festival season for residents and visitors.

To date, over 100 businesses have announced and applied discount policies and promotional programs for shopping, dining, sightseeing, and tours for residents and visitors. Notably, 15 famous brands are offering electronic vouchers with up to a 50% discount with no quantity limit for airlines, applicable to passengers flying to Ho Chi Minh City during the Water Festival event. The stimulus programs offering discounted tickets for artistic performances during the second Water Festival in 2024 have also been announced and informed to the public and visitors.

CONTRIBUTOR | Opinions expressed by contributors are their own. If you want to share your story, publish a press release or just want to ask something, contact Vietnam Insider via [email protected] . Follow us on Facebook | Twitter

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Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024: A Grand Expansion

Posted by My Thanh Pham | Jun 5, 2024 | Headline News , Vietnam | 0 |

A Festival Like No Other

Ho Chi Minh City has always been a magnet for tourists because of its unique charm, vibrant lifestyle, and rich cultural and historical heritage. Its annual festivals have played a significant role in carving out this distinctive identity, and the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival stands out as one of the most anticipated summer events.

Expanding Scale and Quality

The 2024 festival aims to preserve and honour the city’s cultural heritage and its rivers and canals. This year’s event is more extensive in scale and enhanced in quality, offering a 10-day celebration across multiple city locations. The festival’s connection with the Mekong Delta and Southeast provinces adds a regional flavour, promising a richer experience.

Visitors can look forward to many activities, from spectacular fireworks and vibrant river parades to immersive experiences like the recreation of the Western floating market and a fruit week. The festival includes open river swimming competitions, stand-up paddleboarding championships, jet ski performances, and artistic light decorations. Over 100 businesses will participate, offering promotional discounts ranging from 10% to 60% on shopping, dining, and sightseeing services.

Celebrating Cultural and Historical Heritage

A key festival highlight is the opening art program, “The Legendary Voyage,” scheduled for 8 PM on May 31 at Nha Rong Wharf – Saigon Port. This grand musical drama, featuring over 1,000 performers, will recount the epic journey of the great leader Ho Chi Minh in his quest for national liberation. The production will attract around 9,000 live attendees and use state-of-the-art technologies like 3D mapping, moving water stages, drone shows, and fireworks to create an unforgettable experience. These innovative presentations aim to transform historical narratives into cultural tourism products, promoting national values and showcasing the image of Vietnam and its people to a global audience.

A Boost to Tourism

The festival is expected to boost tourism, significantly drawing visitors from across the globe. With a combination of historical reenactments, cultural showcases, and modern entertainment, the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 is set to become a landmark event, highlighting the city’s ability to seamlessly blend tradition with modernity.

Join the Celebration

Don’t miss out on the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant culture and history. Mark your calendars and prepare for a summer filled with excitement, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Written by: My Thanh Pham

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Tell us more, nothing to serious I hope?

I found this from 2008

Wearing a green uniform and a blue cap, he roams around the street and smiles at me shiningly. He is not a police but a tourist security who will give a hand to travelers in the city.

A tourist security shows direction to travelers.

A tourist security named Nguyen Quoc Dai says that there are about 300 tourist security people in HCMC. Most of them roam in District 1 most frequented by tourists.

http://www.vietnamanztravel.com/Security_force-for-travelers.asp

I have had dealings with the police in Saigon and it is not always a smoothe ride. Yes they have tourist police, but they are not the ones you report crimes to. They seem more like traffic controllers or security guards, but they will watch out for you. If you have to report an incedent, you can expect the non English speaking police to require the reluctant receptionist from your hotel..... ( a few dollars are involved) If you have an incedent it is best to play the dumb tourist and sit and stare at them trying to eat their lunch until they become irritated enough to try and deal with you.

With the exception of petty theft, you shuld have no reason to deal with the police........ simply be smart.

http://www.owee58.com

They sure could have fooled me.

I agree onandoff.... Those young lads sure look mighty with their black and white batons ready to protect you and me..... In Nha Trang, we also have light green uniformed beach police which ammounts to the same thing. Sorry RaineNg..... you are mistaken

Gosh, we saw those tourist police on our first trip to VN in 2008. Perhaps thing do work slowly in VN but apparently they work even slower for RaineNg :-)

These guys in the green are more like a visual deterrent and yes any crimes must be officially reported thru the normal police as Owee pointed out ......which is always guaranteed to be a tedious excercise! :-)

The "tourist police" are good for helping you cross the street, nothing more than that.

According to the article, they "are considering it, but there are lots of hoops to jump through"

http://vnexpress.net/gl/xa-hoi/2011/06/tp-hcm-nghien-cuu-thanh-lap-canh-sat-du-lich/

And, FYI, those guys in green shirts are Youth Volunteers (they do get paid though, minimal), they are not police, and they do not have the power that the police have. They normally assist the authorities in keeping people obeying the traffic laws, and occasionally helping tourists to cross the street etc (As someone mentioned)

Here is the translation for RaineNg's link.

SOCIAL HOIThu years 16/06/2011, 22:29 GMT +7

HCM research established tourist police

HCM City People's Committee has directed the city police study the establishment of tourist police force to ensure safety for visitors.

On 16 / 6, to enhance security measures to ensure safety for visitors, the city People's Committee has written to direct the city police continue to implement the task force, increased inspection in the route control centers and tourist areas often visit. Also, the city People's Committee also directed the research unit is the establishment of tourist police force in the area.

Accordingly, the People's Committees of districts assigned to police the district plans to coordinate closely with other security forces to handle security and safety for visitors.

Department of Transport to direct traffic inspectors closely examine the operation of tourist facilities, especially taxi in downtown areas. Department for Transport will also study the plan stops at welcome center, first piloted in District 1, 3, 5.

On the city's taxi association will coordinate with the Department of Transportation plans to propagate, educate and guide the cooperative transport, taxi owners strictly observe the regulations and strict sanctions if violated.

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HO CHI MINH CITY RIVER FESTIVAL EXPANDS IN SCALE, IGNITING SUMMER TOURISM IN 2024

PR Newswire

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, June 3, 2024

The 2nd Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 will take place from May 31 to June 9, 2024, featuring a series of exciting sports, entertainment, and artistic activities.

HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, June 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ho Chi Minh City always knows how to captivate visitors with its unique charm, vibrant lifestyle, and impressive cultural and historical heritage. Adding to its allure, the city's annual festivals have carved out a distinctive identity, drawing an ever-growing number of tourists. The Ho Chi Minh City River Festival, one of the most anticipated summer festivals, exemplifies this magnetic appeal.

The 2nd Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 Expands in Scale and Quality

Aiming to preserve and honor cultural heritage and the city's rivers and canals, the Ho Chi Minh City River Festival 2024 introduces numerous enhancements in both scale and program quality. This year's festival will span 10 continuous days from May 31 to June 9, 2024, across multiple locations in the city. Remarkably, it will strengthen connections with the Mekong Delta and Southeast provinces.

Locals and tourists will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of activities, spectacular fireworks, vibrant river parades, and immersive experiences such as recreating the Western floating market, a fruit week, open river swimming competitions, stand-up paddleboarding championships, jet ski performances, and artistic light decorations. Throughout the festival, over 100 businesses will offer promotional discounts from 10% to 60% on shopping, dining, and sightseeing services.

Honoring the Cultural and Historical Values of a City Rich in Heritage

The event's highlight is the opening art program titled " The Legendary Voyage ", which will be scheduled at 8 PM on May 31, 2024, at the Nha Rong Wharf - Saigon Port. This spectacular musical drama will feature over 1,000 performers and is expected to attract 9,000 live attendees. The production vividly recounts the poignant and epic journey of the great leader Ho Chi Minh as he sought a path to national liberation. Harmonizing elements of cinema, music, and dance, the performance will also utilize cutting-edge technologies such as 3D mapping, moving water stages, drone shows, and fireworks. These innovative presentations aim to transform historical narratives into cultural tourism products, spreading national values and spreading the image of Vietnam and its people to both domestic and international audiences.

SOURCE Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism

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