ho chi minh travel blog

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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• Where To Stay
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• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

The PERFECT 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary [2024]

• Last Updated: January 22, 2024

Headed to Vietnam’s biggest city? Read on for an epic 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary!

The city formerly known as Saigon got its current name back in 1975 after the disastrous war finally came to an end.

What was the capital of South Vietnam took the name of one of the North’s leaders as the country began the difficult process of reunification.

For many locals, the urban core of the city is still known as Saigon. After all, it is located on the banks of the Saigon River and the airport code is SGN.

For simplicity, you’ll often see the name abbreviated to HCMC or just HCM. If you refer to “Ho Chi Minh,” however, many will think you’re talking about the historical figure.

Whatever you call it, the city has grown rapidly over the past few decades. With a population of just under 9 million, it’s one of the biggest cities in all of SE Asia.

The signs of this break-neck development are everywhere – futuristic skyscrapers, trendy shopping malls, and innovative hi-tech parks are shaping the city’s new identity.

That being said, the past remains very much present in HCMC. When slurping a bowl of pho in a local market or exploring an ancient temple, it’s easy to feel like you’ve stepped into a time machine.

With 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City, you can get a feel for its past and future at the same time. Meanwhile, the present seems to be floating aimlessly somewhere in the middle.

This is just enough time to check out some of the city’s most important landmarks, dive into the local culture, and even sneak out for a cheeky day trip.

Let’s get to it and see just how much you can do on your 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary!

READ MORE: Plan your trip to Vietnam with our comprehensive Vietnam Travel Guide .

Table of Contents

Morning – Take a Walking Tour

Tao dan park, reunification palace / independence palace, mid-day – ben thanh market, afternoon – war remnants museum, evening – water puppet show and dinner cruise, night – time for a night cap, morning – jade emperor pagoda, tan dinh church and market, mid-day – lunch and local park, afternoon – architectural walking tour, notre dame cathedral, saigon central post office, city hall & nguyen hue walking street, evening – saigon opera house, night – dinner and drinks with a view, morning – choose your own adventure, cu chi tunnels, mekong delta, afternoon – chinatown, evening – street food tour, night – bui vien, when to visit ho chi minh city, vietnam, getting around ho chi minh city, vietnam, best budget accommodation in ho chi minh city – city backpackers hostel, best mid-range accommodation in ho chi minh city – rex hotel, best luxury accommodation in ho chi minh city- grand hotel saigon, best restaurants in ho chi minh city, vietnam, how to spend a perfect 3 days in ho chi minh itinerary.

Step one – ditch your fear of motorbikes and fuel up with some strong Vietnamese coffee. This is key for a solid start to your Ho Chi Minh itinerary.

Massive, booming, hectic metropolises such as Ho Chi Minh can be a bit intimidating. That’s why I always recommend starting with a little walking tour in places like this.

The thing about walking in Saigon is that you have to inevitably cross the street, which means playing a human game of Frogger with a never-ending stream of motorbikes. It’s certainly a rush!

I should note that the popular free walking tours that were run by university students here were unfortunately shut down. Apparently, there are others out there now, but I read some less than stellar reviews.

Instead, you can go for a DIY approach. If you’re not into that then I suggest booking this half-day tour, which has some solid reviews.

Should you manage to overcome your fears and make it to the other side of the street, continue that process until you reach Tao Dan Park. It’s the perfect place to kick off your exploration of the city.

This tree-lined park is a popular place for locals to do group exercise, dance, do martial arts or just hang out and chat. Join in the fun and make some local friends!

One of the most interesting things about the park is the famous “ Bird Cafe .” This is where bird lovers (mostly elderly Vietnamese men) bring their bird cages and socialize over a cup of coffee.

The birds do quite a bit of socializing as well!

From the park, it’s just a short stroll over to the Reunification Palace. It was here that a tank came crashing through the gate one day in 1975 to mark the end of the war.

As a matter of fact, you can see that very tank on the front lawn to this day! It’s not the only thing that was left behind.

The Reunification Palace of Ho Chi Minh is also known as the Independence Palace.

The entire place is basically a time capsule, complete with a bunker full of antique equipment.

If you want to get a bit more out of your visit, you can hop on one of the free guided tours .

Otherwise, you’re basically just looking at a bunch of old furniture…

There’s nothing like a bit of sensory overload to get you going, and that’s exactly what a stroll through the Ben Thanh Market in District 1 provides!

Follow the most enticing smells and sit down to enjoy some classic Vietnamese cuisine.

While this place is fun to check out at least once, it’s definitely a bit touristy and can be overpriced.

Definitely smash a bowl of noodles and a coffee here, but branch out to try random local spots for the rest of your 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Address : Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
• Hours: Day market runs from 6am – 6pm and night market runs from 6pm – 10pm

Seeing as how it’s just a few blocks away, you may as well go ahead and cross the War Remnants Museum off your 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary.

Just a quick word of warning – visiting the museum is quite a sombre experience. There are graphic displays of the horrors of war all across the 3-story museum.

Also, not surprisingly, the War Remnants Museum is full of anti-American propaganda. If you don’t think you can handle the gory images or the Vietnamese tilt of the museum, perhaps just take a look at the military equipment outside and move along.

After chilling out for a bit, it’s time to get ready for your first night of 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City. A great way to spend it is by taking in a traditional water puppet show and then cruising the Saigon River.

Water puppet theatre is a tradition that goes way back in Vietnam. Unfortunately most young Vietnamese aren’t very interested in this art form anymore, so it’s mostly for tourists these days.

There are two shows a night at the Golden Dragon Theatre – one at 5 and another at 6:30. The show lasts about an hour and is fun, even if you can’t understand a word of what’s being said!

Next up, embark on a dinner cruise along the Saigon River. There are tons of options, but I recommend you sign up for this tour that sets you up with both the water puppet show and the river cruise.

It’s been a busy first day in Ho Chi Minh, so I recommend taking it easy tonight. If you’re looking for a cheeky nightcap before turning in, you’ve got plenty of options!

As a beer lover myself, I recommend trying out Vietnamese craft beer. There are several places in District 1 with excellent brews – Pasteur Street, East West Brewing Co. and Malt Saigon are all solid choices.

READ MORE: Check out these 33 awesome things to do in Vietnam !

After some breakfast and tasty Vietnamese coffee, head over to the Jade Emperor Pagoda. This is one of the most important shrines in HCMC and a beautiful place to explore.

The temple is a blend of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. It’s very much active, so you can expect to see locals worshipping here and making offerings of flowers and incense.

Take your time and spend the morning taking it all in. This is one of the top places to visit on a 3 days in Ho Chi Minh itinerary so don’t rush through it.

While you’re over on this side of town, you might as well check out another beautiful place of worship. The Tan Dinh church is just a few blocks away from the temple and is worth the detour.

This bright pink church with Gothic pillars was built in the 1870s and it makes for some beautiful photos.

Right across the street is the Tan Dinh Market, which is way more local than Ben Thanh Market.

Drop in and wander around for a bit, perhaps stopping for a fresh juice. Or maybe just some noodles and a cold beer.

If nothing tickles your fancy in the market, there are plenty of restaurants in this area of Ho Chi Minh. Grab some lunch and perhaps a coffee, then head to the tranquil Le Van Tam Park .

This green oasis in the bustling city is the perfect spot to kick back and relax for a bit. If you need a bit more activity, you can try out the free exercise equipment.

Head south for a few blocks and walk by the small Turtle Lake . It’s actually just a small pond at the roundabout but it’s a nice place to sit and watch the chaos of the city roll by.

When you’ve caught your breath, it’s time to keep on rolling. Next up for Ho Chi Minh City in 3 days is a walking tour of some of the best architecture in the city center.

Head south for a few blocks and you’ll reach the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral. The French colonists built this Romanesque church with two large bell towers back in the 1880s.

There’s a nice little park in front of the church with a statue of the Virgin Mary. Legend has it that the statue shed tears in 2005, although the church has refuted this story…

Continue your walking tour of French architecture in Ho Chi Minh at the Central Post Office. This may seem like a strange thing to add to your 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, but this ain’t your average post office.

In an age where we all post thoughts and photos of our travels in real-time on social media, it’s nice to step into this beautiful building to write a postcard and send it to someone back home.

A few more blocks of dodging traffic brings you to yet another gorgeous French building. It’s now City Hall, but it was originally a classy hotel when it was built in 1908.

In front of City Hall, you’ll find a statue of Uncle Ho himself. Snap a picture of the city’s namesake and then continue on your merry way down Nguyen Hue Street.

This pedestrian-friendly street is a great place for a stroll and some quality people-watching. One of the coolest places to check out here is the building known as the Cafe Apartments .

Once an apartment building, it’s now a 9-story commercial space mostly filled with cafes. Head to one on one of the higher floors for a drink or snack and enjoy the views of the bustling street below.

From the walking street, head to the Saigon Opera House. It was built way back in 1898 and looks better than ever after major renovations in the run-up to its 100th anniversary in 1998.

While you can just admire the building from the outside, the best way to experience it is to catch a show here. One solid option is the A O Show , which is known as Vietnam’s answer to Cirque du Soleil.

The show doesn’t go on every day so be sure to check the calendar in advance. It starts at 6, which is perfect timing if you’ve followed the itinerary so far!

Whether or not you see a show at the opera house, you can drop by the Saigon Rooftop Bar . Located on the 9th floor of the Caravelle hotel, this is a great spot for drinks with a view of Ho Chi Minh.

If you make it up there in time you can enjoy their amazing half-off Happy Hour from 4-7 PM. They also have a solid menu as well as live music and dancing here.

Another option is the rooftop bar at the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower . This interesting skyscraper is shaped like a lotus, the national flower of Vietnam.

Towering above the city on the 24th floor, the Social Club Rooftop offers some epic panoramic views. It’s the ultimate spot to wind down the second of 3 perfect days in Ho Chi Minh City.

READ MORE: Add these great day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to your itinerary.

At this point in our 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, you’ve already seen most of the sights. That’s why I’m leaving it up to you to choose your own adventure for the 3rd and final day.

Most people who travel to Ho Chi Minh City want to get out of the city at some point. The most popular place to visit on a day trip is without a doubt the Cu Chi Tunnels.

This network of tunnels served many purposes during the Vietnam War. They were a hiding spot, living quarters, hospital, storage space, supply route, and more.

Life in the tunnels was incredibly difficult, but this vast underground network was key in the success of the Viet Cong soldiers in defending against American forces during the Vietnam War.

You can rent a motorbike and get yourself out there if you’re the adventurous type. Otherwise, I recommend just signing up for this half-day tour during your Ho Chi Minh itinerary.

If you don’t have plans to travel onwards to the Mekong Delta after your 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City, you can at least check it out on a day trip.

The nearest Mekong Delta city to Saigon is My Tho. It’s possible to combine a trip to the Cu Chi tunnels with a boat ride in the Mekong Delta.

If you want to kill two birds with one stone, jump on this excellent tour that hits both in a full day.

For those only doing the half-day tour of the Cu Chi tunnels, you can squeeze a visit to the city’s Chinatown in on your final afternoon.

There’s plenty to see and do in Saigon’s bustling Chinatown neighbourhood, which is known as Cholon (Big Market). Check out the Thien Hau and Quan Am temples, peruse the Binh Tay market , or just sample some yummy Chinese food.

Don’t eat too much in Chinatown, though – you’ll want to save room for tonight’s street food tour of Ho Chi Minh!

The street food scene in HCMC is absolutely legendary. There’s so much awesome street food here that it’s kind of overwhelming.

That’s where a knowledgeable local guide comes in. Signing up for this kickass street food tour ensures you’ll not only get to try a bunch of delicious food, but you’ll also learn the stories behind the dishes and people cooking them.

This tour is unique in that all the guides are female and they wear a traditional Aodai dress as they cruise you around the city on a motorbike. Now that’s an experience you’ll never forget!

Well my friends, we’ve reached the end of this intense 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary. After absolutely crushing it for a few days, it’s time to celebrate!

The perfect place to let loose and have a few cold ones is Bui Vien . Otherwise known as the “Backpacker Street,” this is the spot to down dirt cheap glasses of bia hoi with fellow travellers.

If you’re not feeling up for the party vibe after a busy 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City, there are plenty of chilled-out bars in the area as well where you can grab a casual drink to wind down your time in Ho Chi Minh.

Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary Travel Guide

Now that you know what to do with 3 days in Saigon, here’s my travel guide to help you plan the rest of your Ho Chi Minh itinerary.

Whenever you come to Ho Chi Minh City, you can expect to sweat a lot. It’s always hot here – it’s just a matter of whether it’s dry or wet.

Generally speaking, the best time to visit HCMC is between December and March. This is the dry season, so you won’t have to worry about getting drenched while sightseeing.

One thing to keep in mind is the timing of Tet. The Vietnamese New Year follows the lunar calendar as it does in China.

This is a crazy busy time of year when the whole country is travelling to visit family.

There’s no doubt that the chaotic traffic of Ho Chi Minh is a bit intense. As such, getting around the city is a bit tricky.

Unfortunately, there’s no metro system here, so you’ll likely get around by a combination of taxis, walking, and perhaps the occasional xe om (mototaxi) or cyclo (rickshaw) ride.

You can use rideshare apps like Grab here, but I’m pretty sure Uber isn’t operating here anymore. You’ll need your phone to be working for this, so pick up a local SIM card .

If you’re an experienced rider, you can rent a motorbike for your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. This definitely isn’t the place to learn, though!

There’s also a vast network of local buses, but these can be tricky to figure out if you don’t speak or read Vietnamese. It’s an adventure trying to get around Ho Chi Minh on the bus!

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Here’s my personal recommendation on where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, depending on your budget.

Our top choice for budget accommodation in Ho Chi Minh goes to City Backpacker Hostel. It’s located right in the city center near all the best attractions. They have great staff that are known for being super helpful. Let them know if you have any questions during your stay!

A great choice in the mid-range category is the Rex Hotel. This famous hotel is located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh and is full of amenities. There’s a rooftop garden, two outdoor pools, a spa, and more.

Those looking for a bit of luxury can check-in to the Grand Hotel Saigon. This 5-star hotel retains its French colonial style and offers plenty of modern amenities. It’s located near the river, which you can admire from their rooftop lounge.

Here are some top places to eat during your Ho Chi Minh itinerary.

Pho 24 – Ubiquitous chain cooking up the famous Vietnamese soup.

Ben Thanh Market – This huge market is a must-visit, especially for all the tasty local food!

Noir. Dining in the Dark – A very unique experience where you dine in the dark and are served by blind or visually impaired people.

By Banh Mi – There are a few locations in the city making gourmet versions of the Vietnamese sandwich.

Shamballa – A very popular vegetarian restaurant and tea house.

Bun Bo Nam Bo Ba Ba – Try saying that name 3 times fast! This place cooks up classic Vietnamese street food just like ba (grandma) used to make.

Secret Garden – Enjoy home-cooked local food in a beautiful setting that really is a secret garden.

Bun Cha 145 – While this dish hails from Hanoi, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of it right here on the backpacker street of HCMC.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Vietnam » Ho Chi Minh

EPIC HO CHI MINH Itinerary! (2024)

Straddling both a colonial and communist past, Ho Chi Minh has a rich history that ranges from wartime brutality to peaceful artist culture. The city used to be called Saigon and plenty of people continue to call it that. There are so many beautiful monuments left over from the period when it was officially known as Saigon!

If you’re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh, don’t hesitate! There are plenty of things to do! It’s an expansive city that bursts with colorful traditional Asian structures and imposing Western-style monuments, making any Ho Chi Minh itinerary a whirlwind of blended cultures and epic experiences! We may be biased, but our  itinerary really is the best. Keep it close for motorbike rides, water puppet shows, and even trips underground!

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Best Time To Visit Ho Chi Minh

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You don’t need to worry too much about when to visit Ho Chi Minh as the city remains relatively warm throughout the year. However, it’s the rainfall that you need to watch out for! June to September is typhoon season, and the rain comes down in heavy, short bursts. It’s still possible to enjoy your trip to the city of Ho Chi Minh, though, just make sure to chuck an umbrella in when you pack for Vietnam !

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High season falls from December to March when the weather is dry and warm. There are also exciting activities like the Tet Festival in January/February which celebrates the Vietnamese New Year. Although there are denser crowds and steeper prices during Tet, and the local holidays in June/July, Ho Chi Minh tends to remain fairly busy year-round. Don’t fuss too much about when to visit Ho Chi Minh; just pack up and book your vacation!

Ho Chi Minh may not be the official Vietnamese capital, but it sure is the hub of everything! There are 24 districts in the city but tourists tend to stick to Districts 1-5. The best area in Ho Chi Minh to stay really depends on what you’re looking to get out of your itinerary!

Are you a first-timer searching for key Ho Chi Minh landmarks? District 1 is the commercial center of the city with plenty of history! It also caters to budget travelers. Another good option if this is your first trip is historical District 3.

Looking forward to an endless menu of local cuisine? The best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh for you is District 4! There are plenty of food stalls along the streets that attract a younger, hipster crowd.

Seeking an experience that feels authentically Asian? District 5 is for you! It’s home to Chinatown, quaint tea houses, and colorful pagodas!

Best Hostel in Ho Chi Minh – The Hideout

If you’re backpacking on a budget, then you’ll need to check out some of Ho Chi Minh’s cheap and fantastic hostels ! The Hideout is super social with a rooftop bar, happy hours, and pub quizzes. It boasts all the basics like free Wifi and some cool extras like free breakfast! The District 1 location also gets top marks!

Best Airbnb in Ho Chi Minh City –  Scandinavian Studio near Ben Than Market

Located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, this is the best way to experience the city like a local. The apartment is spacious and beautifully decorated.

It also has a balcony where you can watch the everyday lives of Vietnamese people. The kitchen is fully stocked with everything you need to cook at home, but in case you don’t feel like cooking, there is an amazing noodle restaurant on the first floor.

Best Budget Hotel in Ho Chi Minh – The Hut Boutique Hotel-Notre Dame

If you want proof that your money can go far in Vietnam, look no further than this gem! Visitors love the sleek, modern design and sparkling-clean facilities! The super comfy rooms have wooden furniture, plush white furnishings, and a hammock! The hotel has free Wifi, a restaurant, room service, and an excellent location in District 3!

Best Luxury Hotel in Ho Chi Minh – The Reverie Saigon

If you’re in and out on a weekend in Ho Chi Minh, opt for a little luxury at The Reverie Saigon! It exudes old-world glamor but with plenty of modern comforts! It’s located in the heart of District 1, has an in-house spa and also boasts a stellar restaurant. What’s not to love?

Once you’ve made the trip to Ho Chi Minh , it’s time to sample the best the city has to offer! Our Ho Chi Minh itinerary is a flexible creation that caters to those on a weekend, as well as those looking to stay a few days more!

Getting around from site to site, you will need to access some sort of transport, particularly because the streets can be dangerous due to speedsters.

Ho Chi Minh’s public transport is hardly glamorous, but it is functional. The public bus system offers comfy seats and air-conditioning, but traffic means that this is a slow method of transport. You pay for your ticket as you get into the bus, so it’s perfect for impromptu journeys!

You’ll probably want to stick to taxis, though. These are easy to hail from the street and are quite affordable. Stick to reputable companies like Vinasun and Mai Linh Taxi.

A traditional means of local transport is the motorcycle taxi which is quick and cost-effective. There’s also the more old-world cyclo, a kind of rickshaw.

The Reunification Palace | Ben Thanh Market | Ho Chi Minh City Hall | Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica | Saigon Central Post Office | Nguyen Hue Walking Street | Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

Travel to old Saigon today, with stops at plenty of colonial-era Ho Chi Minh attractions! You could take a free walking tour to see the majority of these sites, but it’s pretty simple to make your own Ho Chi Minh walking tour. Simply follow our Ho Chi Minh trip itinerary for day one!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Reunification Palace

• Why it’s awesome: This is one of the most historical sites in all of Vietnam!
• Cost: $2 USD
• Food nearby: Just a few hundred meters from the palace is Royal Saigon Restaurant Bui Vien. It serves up delicious Vietnamese dishes and caters very well to vegetarians!

Of all Ho Chi Minh’s tourist attractions , nothing tells the history of this city better than the Reunification Palace! The history of the site begins in the late 19th century when the French colonial regime employed stellar architect Georges l’Hermitte to design the French Palace of Government or Norodom Palace, as it was known then. When the capital was moved to Hanoi, the building was deserted until after World World II.

The palace became famous as the residence of South Vietnamese president ,Ngo Dinh Diem. He destroyed the French structure but commissioned Ngo Viet Thu, an internationally-renowned local architect, to create a palace that fused both western and Asian styles. You can spot Chinese characters in some of the structures! Try to spot the symbols for good luck and wisdom!

In 1975, the Independence Palace became the scene of the dramatic end of the civil war between North Vietnam and the US-backed South Vietnam, when the North’s tanks crashed through the palace gates and the North’s flag was planted atop the palace! If you bring this iconic photograph with you and hold it up to the background of the gates, you will be able to picture this historic event vividly!

Today, the Reunification Palace is a must-see on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. It’s home to an underground network of tunnels, some of which are open to tourists! There are also fascinating exhibitions on the war, as well as the history of the city. It’s also a great living museum of 1960s modernist architecture!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Ben Thanh Market

• Why it’s awesome: Ho Chi Minh’s central market has been going since the 17th century!
• Cost: Entrance is free. Expect to pay around $2 USD for a small item like a keyring.
• Food nearby: At the back of the market is a phenomenal food market that’s internationally-recognized as one of the best street food destinations in the world! Sip on some iced Vietnamese coffee with dishes like Vietnamese pancakes or broken rice with pork!

Ben Thanh Market is housed in a building from the early 20th century but it’s so full of life you can’t resist getting drawn into the maze of stalls!

On the northern end of the market is a variety of fresh fruit, vegetables, and meat. This isn’t for the faint of heart, though look out for intestines and brains on sale! If you get queasy, dash towards the flower section!

There’s also a large clothing section where you can pick up traditional Vietnamese clothes like the iconic conical hat or the ao dai costume! Other ideas for souvenirs include wooden chopsticks, ceramics, and bamboo goods, all of which are on sale here!

There are four main entrances you can use, but make sure that you stop at the South Entrance for a photoshoot with the iconic clock in the background!

The market is open from 06:00 to 18:00 but the fun doesn’t end there! If you have time, try to come back for the Night Market in the streets around Ben Thanh Market!

Insider Tip: This market is an efficient way of grabbing lunch and wandering around one of the most important Ho Chi Minh points of interest. However, it can get very hot inside the market around noon so you may want to have an early or late lunch!

Vendors with light blue tops do not do haggling but most of the market does. Make sure you haggle like a pro to snag the best price!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Ho Chi Minh City Hall

• Why it’s awesome: A beautiful building and a magnificent tribute to the founder of a unified Vietnam make this worth the trip!
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: The Rex Hotel is right next door for a gourmet spread. The views from the roof are heavenly food for the stomach and the soul!

Like much of Ho Chi Minh, the city hall shows the crossroads which Vietnam is at. The building was built in the colonial era, modeled after a Parisian hotel, but in front of the building is a statue to Ho Chi Minh, the nationalist leader. The statue shows him teaching a young child.

The building is home to the People’s Committee in Ho Chi Minh, so the general public is not allowed in. The elegant facade and ornate belltower, though, mean that this place must be on your Ho Chi Minh Itinerary!

Insider Tip: Because this is such a popular site on most visitors’ itinerary for Ho Chi Minh, it’s hard to get photos without the crowd. We recommend you head next door to the Rex Hotel’s rooftop for some stunning photos!

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

• Why it’s awesome: This picturesque, pinkish church with gorgeous gardens is the perfect photo-opp!
• Food nearby: For a quick snack, pick something up at one of the stalls outside the church. For hearty local cuisine, try D’Maris Premier Buffet Phu My Hung. If you’re looking for a taste of home, sit down at Lost Boys Hideout for some American-style dishes.

The basilica was built from 1863 to 1880 in the neo-Romanesque style, with statement arches, stained glass windows, and a red brick facade that was unusual to Vietnam at the time. Inside, the white-washed walls are decorated with wooden arches that hold up a domed ceiling. While the interior is, unfortunately, currently closed to visitors while it undergoes renovation, the exterior is enough to put this on your itinerary for Ho Chi Minh!

Just in front of the basilica is a statue of the Virgin Mary which in 2005 became the site of a supposed miracle! Viewers alleged that the statue had shed a tear! The Vietnamese Catholic Church has since rejected the miracle as such, but feel free to join zealous onlookers in the watch for another!

Insider Tip: If you’d like to get inside the basilica, try to stop by on a Sunday morning for mass at 09:30 which is held in Vietnamese and English! We hear the high-domed ceiling and wooden arches are really something!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Saigon Central Post Office

• Why it’s awesome: The design is so charming that a visit here is like a trip to the old Saigon!
• Food nearby: The irony you experience when you travel to Vietnam is apparent when you walk out of the post office and head into the American McDonald’s, just a few decades after the two countries were at war! Celebrate peace with fries and a McFlurry?

Once you’ve been to the Saigon Central Post Office, there’s (almost) no need to go to Paris. This building was built by Gustave Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower, and it’s every bit as gorgeous and iconic! It’s so vast and neoclassical that it has the feel of a French train station!

This isn’t just a Ho Chi Minh point of interest, though: it’s a proper working post office! Why not make a call to friends and family at home in one of the red phone booths? You can also buy a postcard and send it home, retro-style! You can also book discounted theater and tour tickets, as well as exchange currency.

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Nguyen Hue Walking Street

• Why it’s awesome: Wind down one day in Ho Chi Minh with a leisurely evening stroll in historic District 1.
• Food nearby: There are plenty of food stalls with snacks, meals, and drinks along the way!

Nguyen Hue is the longest street in Ho Chi Minh at 670 meters-long. It’s lined with over 200 trees, 122 pots of flowery creepers, and automatically-operated mist-emitters, so you’ll keep cool and get plenty of fresh air in this hectic city! There is also plenty of dance and music entertainment to enjoy!

Insider Tip: You can stroll down Nguyen Hue Street any day but to do so without the traffic. Come on Saturdays or Sundays for a more atmospheric experience!

Day 1 / Stop 7 – Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

• Why it’s awesome: This traditional Vietnamese entertainment has been practiced since the 11th century!
• Cost: around $10 USD
• Food nearby: Try Xanh Cafe for delicious pre-show coffee and snacks. Pi Vegetarian Bistro gets our vote for excellent Vietnamese dinners that appeal to an international audience.

To end off the first day of your Ho Chi Minh itinerary, head over to the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater for a water puppet show! This is a distinctly Vietnamese attraction that sees puppets act in water, controlled by bamboo rods. It’s performed in Vietnamese, but is just 50 minutes-long and is extremely easy for tourists to understand.

Insider Tip: If you don’t manage to make a show at the Golden Dragon (there are shows at 17:00, 18:30 and 19:45), then you can experience the show at another venue like Villa Song Saigon. The Golden Dragon, though, is the most popular with tourists.

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These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

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War Remnants Museum | Botanical Gardens | Jade Emperor Pagoda | Motorbike/Scooter Tour | Bitexco Financial Tower

There’s no shortage of what to do in Ho Chi Minh on day two! Our itinerary in Ho Chi Minh includes stops at the iconic War Remnants Museum and Jade Emperor Pagoda. Some tourists travel to Vietnam just for these highlights!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – War Remnants Museum

• Why it’s awesome: The war with America had devastating consequences for modern-day Vietnam. This is the perfect place to learn about this part of Vietnam’s history!
• Cost: $1 USD
• Food nearby: Keeping with the war theme, head over to Propaganda Bistro to process and reflect on your experience at the museum. Excellent meals are served in a colorful, funky atmosphere.

There is plenty of authentic weaponry and equipment from the war era on display here. Some of the objects were American loans to the South Vietnamese army which were captured by the North and used to finally defeat the US-backed South Vietnam regime.

What really leaves an impression at the museum is the photographic exhibitions. These are all very real photos that were taken during the war and depict children’s corpses, amongst other horrors. There’s also a documentary on the effect Agent Orange had on the population’s health. On the more uplifting side, there’s an exhibition on the international peace protests.

The visit to the War Remnants Museum is largely told from the Vietnamese perspective which can sometimes be difficult for visiting Americans. However, the takeaway of this sobering attraction on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary is not about winners and losers but about just how important international peace is. Don’t miss it.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Botanical Gardens

• Why it’s awesome: French style meets colorful Asian plants in this verdant pleasure garden! Bring your camera!
• Food nearby: Ocean Palace, just 100 meters from the gardens, serves mouth-watering Asian cuisine. We particularly recommend the seafood!

The lush environment of the Botanical Gardens is the perfect antidote to the harsh realities displayed at the War Remnants Museum! There’s a small zoo on the grounds but the flora is why we’ve put this stop on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary! Picture over 1600 trees and over 260 different flower species in bloom!

It’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world, having been founded in 1865. Some of the species in the garden are over 100 years old! Highlights include a lush orchid garden, lakes of tropical fish, and the diversity of bonsai trees dotted around the garden!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Jade Emperor Pagoda

• Why it’s awesome: This is an architectural-masterpiece of a temple with plenty of stunning photo-ops!
• Cost: Entrance is by donation.
• Food nearby: To keep with the peace and quiet of the temple, there is Indika Saigon, a leafy cafe that serves yummy, healthy meals. For a coffee break, try Felix Coffee.

No Ho Chi Minh itinerary would be complete without a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Some of its distinguished visitors include American president Barack Obama! The colorful building is a Taoist temple to the supreme god, the Jade Emperor, who is the King of Heaven.

Inside the main building, be sure to admire the statues of the two generals who defeated the Green Dragon and the White Tiger, respectively. The dramatic scene depicts the beasts being stepped on as the generals defeat them! The main statue, of course, is of the Jade Emperor . He is draped in expensive cloth and clouded in thicks puffs of incense.

There are plenty of other works of art in the temple. Look out for the Hall of Ten Hells , a carved wooden panel presenting the punishments the sinful face in hell. If you’re seeking fortune, visit the City God to whom worshippers present money.

There’s also a Buddhist element to the temple! Upstairs, you’ll find a portrait of Dat Ma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. The outside structure also represents both Taoist and Buddhist lore. This reconciliation of difference is a wonderful experience on a two day itinerary in Ho Chi Minh!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Motorbike/Scooter Tour

• Why it’s awesome: This hands-on excursion combines sightseeing with a fun, interactive activity!
• Cost: Around $20 USD per person.
• Food nearby: Plenty of tours will include stops at street food stalls. If you hire your own motorbike, do the same!

No Ho Chi Minh itinerary would be complete without a ride on one of the motorbikes or scooters that make pedestrian’s lives hell! You can choose between hiring a motorbike, doing a DIY tour, or you can book a tour and leave the driving to the experts!

Riding a scooter can be a great and inexpensive way of traveling around Ho Chi Minh. Although you don’t need a license to rent a scooter, most decent travel insurance companies will ask for a valid motorbike license to be able to claim if you crash! Always make sure that you have travel insurance with a motorcycle-riding coverage.

Insider Tip: We absolutely LOVE Insider’s Saigon: Motorbike Tour with Local Students ! It takes you around flower markets and street stalls on the back of a motorbike with an expert driver and guide at the front!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bitexco Financial Tower

• Why it’s awesome: A modern metropolis like Ho Chi Minh City needs to be seen from above and there’s nowhere better to do so than the Bitexco Financial Tower!
• Cost: $9 USD for entrance to the Saigon Skydeck. Expect to pay around $5 USD for a beer in the Eon Cafe.
• Food nearby: You’ll find plenty of cafe-style restaurants in the upmarket shopping center at the base of the tower but for gourmet food and views, try the Eon Cafe on the 50th floor!

Bitexco Financial Tower is the second-highest building in Vietnam and has views for days! There are two options for visitors to find views of the city from the tower. Both offer great views and are fairly pricey so the dealbreaker is really how hungry you are! Either way, this is the perfect way to end two days in Ho Chi Minh!

Your first option is the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor. Most tourists can’t make a Ho Chi Minh itinerary without a visit to this attraction, and you’ll see why once you glimpse those panoramic views! There are free binoculars to zoom in on some of the coolest places in Ho Chi Minh CIty!

The second option is the Eon Cafe on the floor above. This also offers great views for the price of a drink!

The Hideout

The best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh has to be this incredible hostel!

• Free Breakfast
• 24 Hour Security

Walking Tour of Chinatown | Fine Arts Museum | Vietnamese Culture | Ben Thanh Market Tour  | Romantic Sunset Cruise

Are you sticking around Ho Chi Minh a little longer before shooting off to some other beautiful parts of Vietnam ?

Three days plus in Ho Chi Minh will give you the opportunity to enjoy more of Vietnamese culture and cuisine. There are a few more Ho Chi Minh landmarks to visit, as well as some exciting hands-on activities!

Ho Chi Minh Walking Tour of Chinatown

• One of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh is Chinatown which buzzes with markets, temples, and delicious Chinese food!
• Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown is also called Cholon. It’s located in District 5.
• This is the largest Chinatown in the whole of Vietnam!

Take yourself on a relaxed Ho Chi Minh walking tour by making the trip to Cholon for an experience that you won’t forget! There’s so much to do in this exciting part of town!

Cholon was home to Chinese minorities who hid from the Tay Son dynasty in the late 18th century. Those who survived the attacks established a settlement in the area, specializing in the sale of Chinese goods. The Chinese community also led to the establishment of various Taoist temples and Chinese restaurants.

Binh Tay Market is a good place to start your Cholon excursion. There’s plenty of Chinese goods, but most people head here for the yummy Chinese dishes!

Ba Thien Hau Temple is also worth a visit. This Buddhist temple is dedicated to Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess who rescues those lost at sea. Mazuism is a fascinating blend of both Taoism and Buddhism, and this is a great place to experience this faith! Be sure to admire the gilded statue of Mazu and the giant ceramic pots of incense!

To soak up the atmosphere, jump into one of the cyclos that roam the streets!

Fine Arts Museum

• This lovely yellow building houses some stunning works of art, dating back to the 4th century!
• At just $0,50 USD, there really is no excuse to avoid putting this on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary!
• The gift shop sells some beautiful prints so you can take some of your favorite pieces home with you!

The Fine Arts Museum building itself is a pretty site: constructed in 1929, it has some gorgeous Art Deco features like stained glass windows and colorful, patterned tiles. The art on display ranges from contemporary pieces that reflect on the Vietnam War to Buddhist figures from the Funan Era (which existed around the 6th century)!

There’s also a lovely courtyard and garden that’s scattered with sculptures! If you’re buying, more contemporary art can be found in the galleries.

Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnamese Culture and Coffee Making Class

• Be a barista for the day and learn to roast coffee beans into your favorite hot drink!
• Your guide will be a first-rate local barista at a boutique villa in Ho Chi Minh.
• The cost of this experience is just $20 USD.

The French may have introduced coffee to Vietnam but in the decades since the Vietnamese have made it distinctly their own by replacing milk with condensed milk! Ca Phe Sua Da , the traditional Vietnamese coffee, is a thoroughly local product. The beans are grown in plantations in Central Vietnam and then transformed into the golden liquid drunk in city cafes. With optional ingredients like eggs and yoghurt, Vietnamese coffee really is unique!

This culinary experience is the perfect opportunity to learn how to make the perfect gourmet brew and appreciate the role of coffee in Vietnamese history. You’re sure to find that there’s nothing more universal than a good cup of coffee! Luckily, your three-day itinerary in Ho Chi Minh gives you plenty of time for this wonderful experience!

Ben Thanh Market Tour and Cooking Class

• Get insider knowledge of Ben Thanh Market as your chef shows you the best suppliers!
• Learn how to make the perfect four-course Vietnamese meal, as well as devour it afterwards!
• Take your own recipe book home to remember this unique experience from your vacation in Ho Chi Minh!

If you’ve been wondering how Vietnamese street food tastes, this cooking class is a must on your itinerary in Ho Chi Minh!

After choosing your fresh products, your expert chef will introduce you to the equipment the Vietnamese masters use to cook your new favorite culinary delights! Each participant will make their own meal individually, with personal attention from the chef. After hours of hard work, it’s lunchtime! Yummy!

Ho Chi Minh 2–Hour Romantic Sunset Cruise

• Visit the iconic Saigon River than runs along the various districts of the city!
• The sunsets over the river, with the cityscape in the background, are phenomenal!
• As an added bonus, you’ll enjoy unlimited drinks on this short cruise!

Take a boat tour down the lovely Saigon River. It runs all the way from Cambodia to the Mekong Delta in the south of Vietnam. It’s become an iconic Ho Chi Minh landmark as it snakes past so many areas of the city! Explore more of Vietnam from the view of a boat.

The cruise will start in the verdant, wealthier areas where you can pick and choose your dream city villa before moving towards a more rural part of the city, Thanh Da Island. Next, the boat will pass more modern developments and the tour will end with a stunning view of the city center all lit-up as night falls. Sunset and a glittering cityscape…this is the perfect way to end three days in Ho Chi Minh!

Vietnam is a safe destination overall – there’s rarely ever any violent crime against foreigners – but there are some common scams that you should watch out for!

People often offer tourists hospitality deals on the streets, and these are mostly scams. So, book your accommodation ahead of time, and avoid booking excursions like this! Also, avoid any supposed tour guides offering their services outside of attractions; they may be legit, but rather ask the attraction office for recommendations.

Another common scam happens with taxis that overcharge or intimidate passengers. The more modern the car, the more likely it is to be a reliable taxi company. If you have a preferred taxi company, make sure you know how to spell the name. Poor quality companies often play off the popularity of others by creating names that closely resemble those of good quality companies. Also, negotiate the fare before taking a taxi ride.

If you’re headed out for a late night, try to keep a low profile. Don’t get into any disagreements with bar staff or fellow customers as drunkards and even staff are known to throw bottles at complainers.

Just in case, you should always have travel insurance for health care.

So,is Ho Chi Minh a safe city? Yes, it is but you should always take precautions. Just follow our tips to staying safe while touring Ho Chi Minh!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Ho Chi Minh

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

From trips down underground tunnels to bike rides along paddy fields, there is so much to do just outside of the city. These day trips from Ho Chi Minh are the perfect way to round off your vacation in Vietnam!

Ho Chi Minh: Cu Chi Tunnels Tour by Bus

The Vietnam War was a defining moment for the Vietnamese people, a time during which resilience and innovation were key to victory. All this can be experienced at the Cu Chi Tunnels, a complex system of underground tunnels where the Viet Minh fighters lived and based their attacks from.

This extraordinary maze of hospitals, bedrooms, and weapon factories is a must on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary! Afterwards, dine like the soldiers with tea and cassava or try your hand at shooting! This is the best day trip from Ho Chi Minh!

Mekong Delta Small Group W/ Vinh Trang Pagoda & Rowing Boat

Picture an exotic maze of rivers and swamps that snake around villages, pagodas, floating markets, and rice paddy fields: this is the Mekong Delta. The journey through the rice paddies takes an hour and a half from Ho Chi Minh to My Tho, the district capital. Here, you’ll hop onto a boat on the Tien River and begin a truly epic day trip from Ho Chi Minh!

Along the way, there’s a stop in a local orchard for lunch and an opportunity to hear some Vietnamese folk music. You can also experience a coconut farm before enjoying a scenic rowing trip on the canal.

Ho Chi Minh: Countryside Half–Day Bike Tour

It can be difficult to imagine anything rural while you’re on vacation in Ho Chi Minh, but just outside the urban sprawl is a lush grassland that will take away all your worldly cares! There’s no better way to explore than on a bike!

After a quick tour of some urban attractions, you’ll head into the countryside. This is the perfect opportunity to enjoy local culture as you’ll meet many friendly locals and have the chance to join in local activities, such as weaving. Snacks and lunch are provided so put on your helmet and relax on this epic day trip from Ho Chi Minh!

Saigon’s Slum Areas: Morning Motorbike and Walking Tour

Although it’s not technically a day trip from Ho Chi Minh, this tour is a day trip away from the tourist areas! It’s an eye-opening experience that will allow you to understand how poorer locals in the city live.

Anyone with an interest in economics or development will particularly enjoy the experience because the guides will introduce you to various government initiatives to improve ordinary citizens’ lives in the slums! You will eat lunch in the charity food stall and ride along the narrow streets on a motorbike. This is a great way to participate in community development in Vietnam!

Private Tour to Long Tan Former Australian Military Base

This day trip from Ho Chi Minh will show how relics from the Vietnam War have integrated into modern life: army helipads have become soccer fields and military runways have been transformed into streets!

You’ll also be able to learn more about a less-known side of the war, the involvement of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). At one site on this tour, you can learn the tragic history of how military brigades like ANZAC forcibly removed local villagers. There’s also the chance to visit the Long Phuoc Tunnels, an underground military base.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Ho Chi Minh itinerary.

How many days do I need in Ho Chi Minh City?

2 days is plenty to get a feel for the city and see the main sights.

Is 3 days enough in Ho Chi Minh?

Yes, you can see the main sights and take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta.

Is it worth going to Ho Chi Minh City?

Hell yeah! It’s a crazy, wild, whirlwind of a city with some captivating history.

Where is the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for first time visitors?

District 1 is the backpacker centre of the city with great budget options and heaps going on.

Your trip to Ho Chi Minh is sure to stand out for years to come, and more so if you follow our Ho Chi Minh itinerary! From sunset river cruises to Vietnamese cooking classes, the city is winner with all kinds of tourists!

As well as all sorts of interactive activities, we’ve put plenty of attractions related to the Vietnam War on our Ho Chi Minh itinerary, because understanding Vietnam’s difficult past is key to appreciating the resilience of the Vietnamese people! This resilience can be seen everywhere in the city: from the Chinese families who keep on running the vibrant Cholon district to the artists who continue a centuries-old tradition of fine art!

Planning and packing for a trip to Vietnam can be tricky, but we’ve taken all the effort out of planning your vacation in Ho Chi Minh so that you can simply enjoy the experience! Hold tight to our Ho Chi Minh itinerary, because it really is key to a good time!

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Ultimate Ho Chi Minh Itinerary For 1-4 Days

Table of Contents

This post may contain affiliate links to things like tours, hotels, Amazon associates and products. These help me earn a small commission at no additional charge to you.

I didn’t realise how much I would enjoy my second trip to Ho Chi Minh, also known as Saigon. Since I found so many things to do, tasty eats and hidden gems, I’m sharing my Ho Chi Minh City itinerary in the hope you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. When I visited in Ho Chi Minh for 3 days in 2015, I was backpacking Vietnam solo . I’d previously fallen in love with Hanoi and Hoi An and didn’t give as much time to Ho Chi Minh. This time around, I had more time on my hands and spent two weeks getting immersed in the city while working online.

Visiting other cities in Vietnam? Use my Hanoi itinerary & my Hoi An itinerary to guide you!

HCM ESSENTIALS E-sim data plan Copy of Lonely Planet Vietnam Getting there: flight ( Skyscanner ) / train / bus 12GoAsia Pre-book your airport to city transfer Accommodation: Booking.com // Hostelworld Tours: GetYourGuide Food tours: EatWith Travel insurance:   True Traveller  (European travellers) /   Hey Mundo  (other nationalities) /   Safety Wing  (digital nomads) Essential reading: 101 Southeast Asia travel tips

Ho Chi Minh is an essential stop on any Vietnam itinerary . It has a population of 12 million making it the biggest city in Vietnam. It’s full of history and was known as Saigon until the end of the Vietnamese/American War when it was renamed after the revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh. For that reason, the name is used interchangeably. Whether you like war history, cafe culture, food, shopping or art, there’s plenty to do in Saigon.

Related read: 3 month Southeast Asia backpacking route

In terms of its vibe, the hectic buzz of scooters and tightly-knit windy streets and multistorey houses are comparable to Hanoi . The European-style colonial buildings are more even obvious and impressive here in Saigon and it has a more modern and Western feel in some districts. While there are more things to do in Saigon, I do miss the charming feel of Hanoi’s Old Quarter…

Things to do during a Ho Chi Minh itinerary

I’ll run through my favourites then touch on getting there, where to stay and what to eat. Finally, I’ll share my Ho Chi Minh itinerary for up to 4 days to help you piece it all together. Enjoy!

1. Jade Emperor Pagoda

This 100-year-old temple is decked out with detail and washed in a distinctive shade of pink. Rather than a tourist trap, it’s the perfect place to experience local life. Hundreds of locals visit every day to pray and make offerings to the gods. Lanterns hang from the ceiling, birds flit from the roof and spirals of incense fill the interior with a light, aromatic smoke. It’s a multi-faith temple taking influence from Taoism and Buddhism. Vietnam was ruled by China for over 1,000 years hence why elements of Taoism remain in the culture today (like the Chinese script that can be seen at most temples).

2. Ban Co Market

Most people would tell you to visit Ben Thanh Market which I’ll mention later. Personally, I preferred this small, local market. There were no vendors hassling you to buy overpriced souvenirs and instead, everyone was pleasantly surprised to see me wandering through. It’s not the kind of market where you’ll shop for trinkets. Ban Co sells meat, fish, fruit, vegetables and spices. For me, the highlight was soaking up the sights and smells.

3. Tour the street food

If you didn’t eat dinner sat on a plastic stool, did you even go to Saigon? There is so much to eat in this city that I carefully planned my meal times to experience as much as possible during my Saigon itinerary.

Read next: The best foods to try in Saigon, Vietnam

Favourites included banh khot, com tam and bahn cuon. Loads of companies will take you on evening scooter tours to experience the eating scene. I just took myself on many such tours!

Related activity: night food tour by motorbike

4. Photograph the cafe apartment building

Better yet, head inside for coffee .  The iconic Cafe Apartment building always has a crowd snapping at it for good reason; it’s one of the quirkiest places to add to your Ho Chi Minh city itinerary.

5. The War Remnants Museum

If you don’t know much about the war with America and China, you will after a visit to the War Remnants Museum. Don’t expect an impartial take on events: it used to be called the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes if that helps set the scene. It’s tragic but one of the most important things to do in Southeast Asia . Seriously though, bring tissues.

6. Take a trip to the Mekong Delta

The best place to escape the city and experience Vietnam’s natural beauty is the Mekong Delta. The winding river snakes around much of the south of Vietnam, creating islands and different ecosystems as it goes.

Read next: Mekong Delta day trip from Saigon

From Saigon, you can take a day trip, a multi-day trip where you stay overnight in the region, or even a one-way journey ending in Cambodia (I did this during a three-day tour way back in 2015). Book your Mekong Delta day tour from Saigon . If you’re short of time, take a tour to the Delta and Củ Chi Tunnels during the same day .

7. The Reunification Palace

Also known as the Independence Palace, this is the site of the end of the Vietnam War. A North Vietnamese tank burst through the gate in 1975 and held the palace, lived in by the President of the South, hostage whilst the American diplomats escaped by helicopter. The palace is preserved exactly as it was that day making it a must for your Ho Chi Minh itinerary.

8. Get a roof terrace view

Have you noticed how tall and thin the buildings in many Vietnamese cities are? It’s because property tax is paid based on the width meaning people decided to go upwards rather than out. It’s not unusual for homes and hotels to have five or six floors – great news if you like a cityscape view. I got my view from Flipside Hostel where there was also a hot tub on the roof. Not bad for a £5 backpackers hostel!

9. Admire the City Hall

You’ll notice a collection of colonial-style buildings in Ho Chi Minh which would look more at home in Paris than the heart of Asia. No prizes for guessing they were built during French rule. While I feel uncomfortable celebrating colonialism, one of the most impressive is the City Hall which dates back over 100 years.

10. Catch a show at the Opera House

Around the corner from the City Hall is the Opera House built in similar European style. While most tourists just admire the City Hall from the outside, the Opera House has more of an entertainment purpose and you can catch all kinds of shows inside.  Don’t be put off if Opera isn’t your thing – performances include the AO Show which features bamboo cirque, dance and aerobics. Book your ticket in advance .

For another theatre show in town detailing Vietnamese life in an adorable way, don’t miss the Water Puppet Show . Using unique Vietnamese art, it brings centuries-old myths and legends to life!

11. Take a trip to the Củ Chi Tunnels

Another one of Vietnam’s war-related sights is Củ Chi Tunnels, a network of tight underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers. During a tour, you’ll have the chance to go inside some of the enlarged ones. Even those are harrowingly cramped. The idea of people living in them for years is unimaginable. The system is extremely intricate, featuring ventilation systems camouflaged as tree stumps and undergrowth. The Củ Chi Tunnels are a 2-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh. If you want to include them in your Ho Chi Minh itinerary, join a group tour that includes return transport .

12. The Tân Định Pink Church

Have you ever seen a bright pink church before? I stumbled across this beauty while foraging for food at  Bánh Xèo 46A Đinh Công Tráng (the best place for a banh xeo pancake) then came back the next day when it was light. It’s another leftover from the colonial era, built in 1880 but not painted pink until 1949. Apparently, it’s pink inside too, though sadly it was closed for a wedding when I went to visit.

13. Thien Hau Temple in Chinatown  

Thien Hau Temple is a more local version of Jade Emperor Pagoda and a hidden gem for your Saigon itinerary. Part of the fun is arriving to the Chinatown location and spying dancing dragons and lanterns being sold from every other shop. You’ll find all the things you would in Jade Emperor: incense, statues of the gods and intricate, colourful carvings.

14. Saigon Central Post Office

Visiting a post office may not be on your itinerary but it should be! The sunny yellow Saigon Central Post Office is a decadent spot to rival the impressive architecture of the City Hall and Opera House. It’s right beside the Notre Dame Cathedral meaning you can tie both into a quick visit… And send your postcards at the same time!

15. Experience Walking Street at night

Whether you go drinking or not, Walking Street at night is a sight to behold. Every single bar, club and restaurant is booming, blaring music and totally packed. It goes on until the early hours with people and music flooding the streets, and food vendors coming out to join the party. Be sure to watch your bag around this area after dark.

16. See the view from the Bitexco Tower

Looking for the best sky bar view in Ho Chi Minh? Head up the Bitexco Financial Tower. You’ve got two options here: visit the Skydeck for 200,000 VND or, my personal preference, go for a drink at the rooftop bar. The prices aren’t cheap but you can get a beer from 115,000 VND or cocktails from 220,000 VND. You get the same views but with alcohol included which seems like a good deal if you ask me. Coffees, mocktails and soft drinks are also available.

Book your skip-the-line ticket in advance

17. Notre Dame Cathedral

Yet another French influence in Saigon, the Notre Dame Cathedral is bigger and grander than the pink church but sadly much less pink. A few years ago the Virgin Mary statue at the front apparently cried a real tear and it drew so much attention that police had to shut down the area. It’s definitely a spot to tick off during your Ho Chi Minh itinerary and you can include a visit to the Central Post Office next door.

18. Eat lunch at Ben Thanh Market

I mentioned earlier that Ban Co was a more local alternative to touristic Ban Thanh Market. While I stand by this, there is some very tasty food at Ben Thanh. It’s a large indoor market where you can buy clothes, trinkets and all the souvenirs under the sun, plus it’s a great place to sample pho, fresh spring rolls, com tam and loads of other typical Vietnamese dishes. Around the corner you’ll also find  Ben Thanh Street Food Market  which a more hipster, Western-style market where you can try local dishes as well as Indian and Western street food.

19. The Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts

During my last visit, I spent a cultural afternoon at the Museum of Fine Arts . It’s not just the art that’s impressive but the grand columns, tiled floors and period features of the sunny yellow building itself. You’ll find lots of war-themed art at this Saigon gallery but also fun and colourful contemporary pieces. I’d recommend it even if you’re not a huge art fan.

20. The Burning Monk Statue

The Burning Monk Statue remembers Thich Quang Duc who set himself on fire in the 1960s to protest oppression. He’d apparently reached a level of mental control where he didn’t feel or react to the flames as he passed away. I’ve seen the famous photo and can attest that he looked completely calm. The statue stands exactly where it happened as a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s history.

Ho Chi Minh itinerary in up to 4 days

I would suggest spending 1-2 days seeing the city and the following couple visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta. 1 day Ho Chi Minh itinerary – see some of the main sights. I’d recommend Opera House, City Hall and Cafe Apartment building in the morning before walking over to Ben Thanh Market for lunch. In the afternoon, see the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. Visit Walking Street for evening drinks. 2 day Ho Chi Minh itinerary – take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels . For day 2 evening, go for drinks at Bitexco Tower. 3 day Ho Chi Minh itinerary – swing by Ban Co Market while this authentic market is bustling. Then, spend a few hours at the War Remnants Museum. Pick another couple of attractions in the afternoon that interest you such as Jade Emperor Pagoda, Reunification Palace or the Fine Arts Museum. Head for dinner at   Bánh Xèo 46A Đinh Công Tráng and check out the Tân Định Pink Church on the way. 4 day Ho Chi Minh itinerary – take a Mekong Delta day trip using my guide. Why not catch an evening show at the Opera House?

Where to stay during 1-4 days in Saigon

• Hostel: For an affordable base with fantastic reviews, City Backpackers Hostel is an ideal choice with private bunk curtains and lockers. It also has a shared kitchen, a restaurant catering to special diets on request, and great staff if you need to organise a tour. Check availability from US$9 .
• Budget hotel: Right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, you can’t find a better base to explore than The Alley Saigon Hotel . It’s on a quiet street with friendly staff but close to all the action.  Check availability from US$16 .
• Mid-range: HOME Hotel is a modern hotel with a cosy onsite bar, coffee shop and chic restaurant. Minimalist, air-conditioned rooms feature a desk, TV and minibar. Check availability from US$38 .
• Splash-out: Experience world-class facilities at the luxurious La Siesta Premium Sai Gon. With two onsite restaurants and a lively Sky Bar, outdoor infinity pool (the city views are incredible), gym and garden, you’ll be spoiled both in and out of your relaxing suite. Check availability from US$85 .

Browse all Ho Chi Minh City accommodation on Booking.com and Hostelworld .

What to eat in Saigon

There are so many delicious dishes in Saigon that could write books about them all. In fact, I nearly did during this Ho Chi Minh food guide . My favourites dishes were bun mam (seafood noodles) and com tam (succulent pork with rice and a gooey fried egg). These are local to Saigon and rarely found in Hanoi or Hoi An. Don’t leave until you’ve had them all 😉 Browse food tours in Ho Ch Minh and check out EatWith , a website connecting travellers with local chefs, cooks and food lovers.

Related reads: My Hanoi street food & Hoi An street food guides

How to get around Ho Chi Minh

Taxi scooter: While many of Saigon’s sights are walkable distances from each other, I’d recommend getting taxis between those that aren’t. Download the Grab app and opt for scooters rather than cars to save money. One day I rode seven times for under 150,000 VND ($7). Bargain! Bus tour: If it’s your vibe, there’s also an open-top bus tour that services all the top sights in HCM. Guided tour: to travel around the highlights with a local guide, opt for a sightseeing tour by scooter . If you’d rather get off-the-beaten-track, there’s a hidden gems scooter tour you can try.

Getting there and away

Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport flies all over Vietnam, greater Asia and internationally. A cab ride from the airport is around 100,000 VND or you can pre-book your transfer . If you’re travelling north in Vietnam, you can catch an 11-hour night bus between Saigon and Nha Trang from 200,000 VND. The train is slightly quicker at 7 hours but often double the price. Other options include an 8-hour bus to Da Lat or a 5-hour bus to Mui Ne .  My flight to Hoi An (via Da Nang airport) set me back $50 and saved me two night buses: Saigon to Nha Trang then Nha Trang to Hoi An. Keep an eye out for bargain flights if you’re short of time or travelling long distances.

Thanks for reading my Ho Chi Minh itinerary!

Northern Vietnam posts:

• 3 x Northern Vietnam itineraries
• 3 days in Hanoi for first-timers
• Where to eat street food in Hanoi
• Where to drink coffee in Hanoi
• The hidden gems in Hanoi
• Truc Bach, Hanoi visitors guide
• Ngoc Ha, Hanoi visitors guide
• The ultimate guide to Hanoi egg coffee
• How to spend 3 days in Sapa
• Ha Long Bay guide and tour review
• Ninh Binh from Hanoi day trip

Central Vietnam posts:

• The ultimate Hoi An itinerary
• The best Hoi An cafes
• Where to eat vegetarian food in Hoi An
• A complete street food guide to Hoi An
• Co-working cafes for digital nomads in Hoi An
• Hue Abandoned Waterpark
• How to spend 2 days in Hue
• Phong Nha National Park travel guide

See you next time for more adventures,

For more content, follow me on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and YouTube .

Ps. Liked my Ho Chi Minh itinerary? Pin this for later!

Vietnam quick links Getting around by air – it’s easy to get between cities by flight. I use Skyscanner to find the best-value flights, using the ‘search by month’ tool to find the cheapest dates. You can also use the ‘to anywhere’ feature if you’re flexible on where you’re going. Stay connected with E-sim data plans that don’t require delivery or collection; just span the QR code. In my opinion, Lonely Planet offer the best guidebooks. Get the latest Lonely Planet Vietnam . For Vietnam buses and trains , I use 12GoAsia . The search feature allows you to compare prices and durations. I use Booking.com for accommodation. They have the best range of hotels and self-catering apartments, plus you can filter by review score and price to find the best-rated budget places. For hostels, I use Hostelworld . To save money on accommodation, I use Trusted Housesitters , a website that connects homeowners going away and travellers who can sit their homes & pets. For activities, I use GetYourGuide as they have a huge range of affordable tours. Need travel insurance ? I use True Traveller (for UK & Europe residents) since it’s affordable but covers everything you’d need including various activities, valuables and pre-existing conditions. Unlike some companies, they insure you if you’re already travelling / don’t yet have your flight home booked. Get a quote . For travel insurance for other nationalities, I recommend Hey Mundo and for long-term digital nomad travellers, I suggest Safety Wing . Check out my resources page for more travel discounts and tips!

Rose is a solo traveller from the UK who has been on the road since 2015. She wants to show other women that solo travel isn't scary and doesn't have to be expensive! Rose has lived in Mexico, Canada and all over Asia, seeking out food, bubble tea and street art wherever she goes!

1 thoughts on “ Ultimate Ho Chi Minh Itinerary For 1-4 Days ”

People I meet tend to be a bit negative when it comes to Vietnam. Every post I read about it though appeals to me. The buildings look beautiful, the people look friendly, I wonder what’s not the like (apart from what happened to you a few weeks ago of course…). I need to visit Vietnam one day soon! I’m so curious about it!

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The PERFECT Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary – Saigon Travel Guide

May 15, 2023 by Bino Leave a Comment

Ho Chi Minh City is the commercial hub of Vietnam. Although less traditional than the capital, Hanoi , and possessing less potential in terms of outdoor activities compared to Central Vietnam ; the city which is also still called Saigon to this day offers a lot of diversions to keep the traveler busy in what could be a fun-filled Ho Chi Ming City itinerary. From quirky concept cafes to marvelous architecture as well as ultra-happening rooftop bars, Ho Chi Minh City is perhaps better thought of as the place to go in order to experience modern pleasures. If you are making your way around the country, this city is a nice complement to the other parts and personally, I would think of Ho Chi Minh City as the best place to end a trip around Vietnam.

Other than that, if you are here just for a short getaway, Ho Chi Minh City also has plenty of activities to keep you preoccupied for 2 or 3 days. This Ho Chi Minh City itinerary shows you where to go and the places to eat during that jaunt.

Table of Contents

Day 1 

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and is the busiest airport in Vietnam. Its location is pretty close to the city center, often requiring just a 15 minutes drive if there is no traffic jam.

Start the day in the Notre Dame de Saigon

notre dame de saigon cathedral

One advantage of Ho Chi Minh City is that many of its tourist attractions are close to each other, in District 1. Sidewalks for pedestrians have improved greatly the past decade, and it’s often quite pleasant to walk around District 1 assuming it isn’t too hot. Assuming you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City early in the morning, you can still beat the crowds if you make Notre Dame de Saigon (daily, 8AM to 5PM) as your first stop. Most people end up taking selfies or capturing shots of the cathedral from the outside, but if you can, check out the interiors as well. The stained glass windows, which were imported from France, are noteworthy.

Tip: When in Ho Chi Minh City, be mindful of your clutch / sling bags / backpacks or try not to carry any bags if you foresee yourself walking around the city streets. Snatch theft incidents from motorbikes are quite common and some tourists are known to injure their arms as the snatching incidents can take up a lot of force. 

Marvel at the interiors of the Central Post Office

central post office of saigon

Early morning is also an excellent time to check out the Central Post Office (daily, 7AM to 9PM) next door. You’d still be able to snap a photo of the gorgeous hallway with Uncle Ho’s portrait in the middle without other tourists in the shot. The main draw here is the arched ceiling and the colorful tiled flooring. Completed in 1891, the post office building dates back from French colonial rule and was designed by Alfred Foulhoux.

Relive the 1970s at the Reunification Palace

reunification palace

From there, it is a few minutes walk to the Reunification Palace (daily 8AM to 11AM, 1PM to 4PM). Formerly the palace of the President of South Vietnam, this gigantic building was converted into a museum after the end of the Vietnam War. The interiors are left as they supposedly were back in 1975, with vintage sofas and other decoractive items dating back from the 1960s when the palace was constructed. If you are feeling peckish by this time, there’s a cafeteria to the left side of the palace grounds which serve pho at an inexpensive price.

War Remnants Museum

For a more intense look at the war, check out the War Remnants Museum (daily 7:30AM to 12PM, 1:30PM to 5PM) which is located just a block away from the Reunification Palace. It has been over a decade since I have been here but the memory of seeing those gruesome depictions of torture has been hard to forget.

Rooftop dining at Secret Garden  

secret garden – ho chi minh city

For a late lunch, I recommend heading to Secret Garden (daily 11AM to 10PM) which is just a short walk from the palace. The “secret” is really apt to this eatery’s name as you have to enter through an unassuming apartment complex and climb a few flights of stairs to get there. This rooftop restaurant is sheltered but is partially open so don’t come here expecting airconditioning. 

Bitexco Tower and the air up there

bitexco tower

By early afternoon, it would be too hot to check out any of the outdoor attractions so the timing is just apt to climb up to one of the city’s tallest buildings – the Bitexco Tower . Here, you can find the Sky Deck (9:30AM to 9:30PM) from where you can survey the awesome view from this 262-meter tall building. The Sky Deck in itself is located on the 49th floor while the restaurant on the 50th/51st floors offer a nice atmosphere in the evenings.

Selfies Galore at The Cafe Apartments

the cafe apartments

When it cools a bit, you can resume your exploration of Ho Chi Minh City’s outdoor attractions. The city center in particular, has an array of eclectic buildings ranging from French colonial grandeur to modernist constructs. Not far from Bitexco Tower is Nguyen Hue, an avenue with a wide pedestrian walkway in the middle. You will find a lot of locals hanging around here, especially towards late afternoon and evenings. One of the more iconic spots here is The Cafe Apartments . It is essentially one building with one store occupying each window and each one proudly displaying its logo. From afar, it makes for quite a photogenic spot to take a selfie. The Cafe Apartments is undoubtedly the most instagrammable spot in Ho Chi Minh City.

Colonial Architecture

the city’s colonial building are also worth checking out at night!

At the northwestern end of Nguyen Hue is the City Hall or also known as Hotel de Ville. Prior to the instagram age (and the development of The Cafe Apartments a few blocks down), this was the most iconic spot in the city. The classic European style of this building coupled with Ho Chi Minh’s statue in front makes it a favorite for photos, even though casual visitors are not allowed to enter. As an added tip, come back during the evening when the exterior is floodlit. It’s a totally different sight from the day. Also nearby is the Opera House , another fine example of colonial architecture. The inside is even more impressive but visitors are only allowed to enter if they are watching a show.

the pink tan dinh church

Before heading to dinner, check out the striking Tan Dinh Church . Dating back from the 1870s, the structure is known for its bright pink hue and makes for one of the city’s most photogenic buildings. The architecture here is a mix of Gothic, Baroque and Romanesque styles and in my view, is even more beautiful than the Notre Dame de Saigon. 

Home-style cooking at Cuc Gach Quan

delicious home-style cooking at cuc gach quan

For dinner, check out Cuc Gach Quan (daily 9AM to 11:30PM) for its voluminous menu of local dishes. Set in a mansion with a lush garden, the dishes here evoke family-style cooking. Even the menu gives you much flexibility, often listing only ingredients and allowing for much customization in terms of the cooking and preparation. 

Ho Chi Minh’s Cafe Culture

Start the day in one of Ho Chi Minh’s many cafes. The enterprising mindset coupled with the coffee loving culture of the Vietnamese has led to a wide array of concept cafes in Ho Chi Minh City. And indeed, there are too many of them that it’s hard to pack in more than 3 during a short visit to the city. One that is quite unique and also near many of the tourist attractions is Soo Kafe (open daily 8AM to 11PM) located just a few steps away from Ben Tanh Market. This is a favorite tourist hangout with its set up similar to a library. Customers can browse through one of the books on the shelf as they enjoy their espresso or latte. Do note that due to its popularity, it may be difficult to find a seat especially in midday / early afternoon when it’s especially hot outside. You also can’t go wrong with the ubiquitous Cong Cafe which has branches all over Vietnam. I particularly liked their coconut milk coffee. If you have more time for cafe-hopping, also check out The Workshop Coffee (daily, 8AM to 9PM) which has a distinct Brooklyn vibe. They specialize in cold brews.

Explore one of the city’s sprawling markets

ben tanh market

Everyone knows about Ben Tanh Market – Ho Chi Minh City’s main market located in District 1. It’s filled with shops selling apparel, food and even souvenirs. Given the rise of tourism in the city, all sections except those dealing with fresh food have become tourist-oriented and the price has become significantly higher than other markets in the city. I particularly like chewing on the local snack called “mang cau” or soursop candy. All in all, it’s up to you to weigh the cost – like is it worth taking a GRAB ride to a less touristy market for a few dollars in savings? If you prefer something more localized and authentic, I can suggest heading over to Cholon for the Binh Tay Market . You’ll find many of the goods there at a markedly lower price, and you get to check out Saigon’s version of the Chinatown, too.

Afterwards, check out a modern and more prosperous side to Ho Chi Minh City by visiting the city’s model community, Vinhomes Central Park . You’d feel as if you stepped into a different place altogether as you leave the city’s frenetic energy behind for some upscale condominium towers and chain stores. The country’s tallest building – the Vincom Center Landmark 81 – is also located here and it has its own observation deck open to visitors.

Tip: In the area near Ben Tanh Market, you may encounter pretty girls soliciting for massage in the streets. If you want to go for a massage, it is recommended to avoid these as some could be scams. It is better to just approach the massage shops directly. Alternatively, I can recommend Ngo Spa in District 2. The therapists are professional and the spa environment is pleasant, clean and calming.

Cu Chi Tunnels Excursion

cu chi tunnels by mimsie

For the afternoon, you can join a half-day excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels . The tunnels are an elaborate network used during the Vietnam War to transport goods and people. One of the most memorable parts of the tour is the revelation of one the hidden trap doors used during wartime to get to the tunnels. Visitors can also check out the booby traps used back then.

cao dai temple by gary todd

Depending on the time you can spare, and especially for full-day tours, the excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels may also include a stop at the photogenic Cao Dai Temple . The religion called Caodaism started here in Southern Vietnam back in 1926 and can be thought of as incorporating both Buddhist and Christian elements. This is especially evident in the temple where one can see dragons and architecture resembling a Chinese temple but with statues of Jesus Christ. It’s quite a unique and interesting place to check out especially on the way from Cu Chi Tunnels back to the city.

Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City

• In the current age of uncertainty, I’ll err in the side of caution and purchase travel insurance prior to my trip. If you reside in Singapore, check out Starr Travelead , one of the cheapest travel insurance. They have a promotion that comes with S$10 cash rebate that helps to cover the insurance cost. For those based elsewhere, you can’t go wrong with Worldnomads with its many inclusions for claims, even for personal accidents and riskier activities like diving.
• Ho Chi Minh City has plenty of “snatchers” on motorbikes. You never know when a motorbike suddenly comes to you while you’re walking on the sidewalk in order to grab your bag. A bag with a clasp, rather than a conventional backpack, is recommended while walking outdoors in Ho Chi Minh City.
• You can pay in USD in many places including shops, restaurants and other tourist-oriented establishments. This does not apply to the small eateries or groceries. If you urgently need to change for Vietnamese Dong, you can try inquiring in jewelry stores for a better rate.
• You can avoid the potential long queues for a taxi and book your airport transfers here .

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

sedona suites ho chi minh city

Budget – The Akoya Central Saigon Hotel offers immense value for the $30 to $40 it usually charges per night. Situated just a few steps from Ben Tanh Market and practically within walking distance to many tourist attractions, it sometimes feels incredible to think that rooms here also include a free minibar.

Midrange – Located right smack in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint boasts of a rooftop pool as well as modern and well-appointed rooms. It is practically within walking distance to many of the city’s attractions 

Splurge – For spacious apartment-style living, you can’t go wrong with Sedona Suites Ho Chi Minh City . Located just next to Takashimaya, rooms in this property come with sublime views of the burgeoning city skyline. 

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Hi, my name is Bino and I started I Wander around 15 years ago with the aim of sharing about some of my personal journeys and experiences, hoping that the information may benefit readers like yourselves. Let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment below. Alternatively, you can also email me at b i n o (at) iwandered.net. You can follow I Wander on Facebook , Telegram , or Instagram . Also, if you liked this article, please feel free to SHARE or RETWEET

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Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary: A Saigon Travel Guide Blog

Last updated on May 17th, 2024

Are you looking for the best travel tips to help plan for your Saigon trip? Then you’ve come to the right place! In this travel guide blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know so that you can plan for the Ho Chi Minh City itinerary and make the most of your trip to HCMC.

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon is the biggest city in Vietnam. The city is exciting with modern and old-world characters. There are so many things to do and hidden gems in the city awaiting you to discover. You will be impressed by the war history, cafe culture, tasty Vietnamese food, and shopping when visiting the HCMC.

When considering what to do in Ho Chi Minh City , it can be a little more challenging on your own. Many first-time visitors will find that there is plenty to keep you busy. But don’t worry! Here, I’m sharing the Ho Chi Minh City itinerary to help you plan your trip. We will show you the amazing attractions, what to expect when visiting, where to stay, and things to do in the city for 1, 2, and even up to 3 days!

This Ho Chi Minh travel guide blog will share with you everything you need to know about visiting the town. Keep reading to find out the best things to do, places to stay, and foods to eat while in Ho Chi Minh City. Read on for a 3-Days Ho Chi Minh City itinerary!

Table of Contents

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

To help you plan your trip to Ho Chi Minh, we have compiled a list of attractions, hotels, tours, and other useful information to fit into your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. Be sure to read our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide to have an overview ideal on the city.

Situated in the southeast Vietnam region, Ho Chi Minh is the economic heart of the country and has grown rapidly over the past few decades. The vibrated city is surrounded by the Saigon river and has a population of 12 million making it the biggest city in Vietnam.

In fact, Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon . It was the US base during the Vietnam War until the end of the Vietnamese/American War. Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City (often abbreviated as HCMC), to honor the revolutionary leader who had declared independence back in 1945.

HCMC has transformed into a thoroughly modern, thriving metropolis. You’ll find soaring skyscrapers that tower over charming French colonial structures and traditional pagodas that represent the city’s past as well as its future.

Once you’ve decided on visiting the dynamic city, let’s start our Ho Chi Minh City travel guide blog.

How To Get to Ho Chi Minh City

Travelers can arrived to Ho Chi Minh City by flight, trains, or even buses .

The closest airport to Ho Chi Minh is Tan Son Nhat international airport . This Vietnam’s busiest airport welcomes international and domestic to the HCMC and Southern Vietnam region. A cab ride from the airport to the city will cost you around 100,000 VND.

To avoid the taxi scam, we recommended pre-booking your Private Airport Transfer to the city area or hotel.

If you are traveling to Ho Chi Minh City from another destination in Vietnam, it’s easy to get to Ho Chi Minh City by train and bus. Traveling between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City is a very popular trip to make. Generally, the train will be slightly quicker but often double the price.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Tips : You may check the best transport options from Bookaway.com to compare various transportation options.

How To Get Around in Ho Chi Minh City

Getting around Ho Chi Minh city is a bit tricky. The city has an extensive and efficient public transportation system but it is not easy for foreign travelers due to the language barrier.

But rest assured. Ho Chi Minh city isn’t that huge and pretty walkable. Most of the tourist highlights are located in District 1, which is considered the heart of the city. Plus, the hailing ride (Grab) is very common and convenient. Just like Uber, download the App to book a ride (Scooter or car) and the price is on the app so you never have to worry about having to pay more than you should!

Pro Tips: We recommended getting around the HCMC by a combination of hailing a ride and on foot to save time and energy! You’ll need your phone to be working for this, so pick up a local SIM card.

Best Time To Visit

Generally speaking, Saigon only has two weather, dry or wet session .

The dry season is run from December and March, and this is also the best time to visit HCMC . The weather is warm and dry during this period. You will have good weather to travel around the city. While the weather is extremely hot and humid from May to October. That the temperature can be up to 34 degree Celsius in June!

While June to September is typhoon season in Southern Vietnam. So be warned of floods or heavy rain that may need to watch out!

Where To Stay

To plan your visit to HCMC, you’re going to want to think about where is the best place to stay in the city.

For travelers, we highly recommend staying in District 1 or District 3 in Ho Chi Minh City . Many hotels are located directly in District 1 and you can find a wide range of accommodation choices, depending on your budget. While District 3 is cheaper, less crowded, and with better food than District 1.

Here’s my personal recommendation on where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City:

Best Luxury Accommodation – Hotel Majestic Saigon Hotel Majestic Saigon  at District 1 is a great choice for luxury stay. This colonial-style 1920 landmark sits in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and overlooks the Saigon River. It offers plenty of modern amenities and yet still retains its French colonial style.

Best Mid-Range Accommodation – Green Star Hotel Green Star Hotel  is the best place to stay if you’re looking for a mid-budget stay in Ho Chi Minh City. The room is simple, and clean and has some amenities that will help you have a comfortable stay.

Best Budget Accommodation – 9 Hostel and Bar Our top choice for budget accommodation in HCMC goes to 9 Hostel and Bar . It is a super social hostel that offers sleek dormitory rooms and private guestrooms with free WiFi access. It boasts all the basics and is very comfortable for a short stay in the city.

You can view more accommodation in HCMC here: Where To Stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

Next, it’s time to sample the best the city has to offer! Our Ho Chi Minh itinerary is very flexible and you can freely adjust based on your interest and time.

Here is the best of 3-Days Ho Chi Minh itinerary:

• Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace.

Ben Thanh Market

War remnants museum, jade emperor pagoda, tan dinh pink church, saigon notre dame cathedral, saigon central post office.

• Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Drink Vietnamese Coffee

Enjoy the street food, nightlife at bui vien street, aerial city view from the bitexco tower, day trip from ho chi minh city.

Ho Chi Minh Travel Tips : Get the Ho Chi Minh City Hop On Hop Off Pass to see Ho Chi Minh city in a glance! You can explore the sights of Ho Chi Minh City at your own pace on the bus!

Reunification Palace

Also known as the Independence Palace, the Reunification Palace is a great place to know more about Vietnam’s history and sightseeing on your Ho Chi Minh city itinerary.

The historical place made its name in global history in 1975. A tank belonging to the North Vietnamese Army crashed through its main gate, ending the Vietnam War. Today, the palace has been classified as a special national monument by the Vietnamese government.

The Reunification Palace is like a time capsule frozen in 1975 and preserved exactly as it was. The building is interesting architecture and the grounds are quite immense. You can see the original tanks used in the capture of the palace parked on the grounds. While the building has been well-preserved and it retains the elegant furnishings of the day. Do remember to take your time to explore the place and look out for every corner and walkway so that you wouldn’t miss out on any of the exhibits.

If you are into history or architecture, a visit to the Independence Palace is a must-do in HCMC. Give yourself at least 2 to 3 hours to see the palace on your trip to Saigon. Worth a visit!

Reunification Palace Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghai, District 1. Operating Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 11:00 and from 13:00 to 16:00. Admission Fee: 40,000 VND

Pro Tips : We recommended hop-on one of the guided tours if you want to get a bit more out of your visit

Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành) is the city’s biggest, most authentic market. It is housed in a building from the early 20th century with almost six thousand tenants inside the building. Apparently, anything and everything that you wanted to buy can be found in Ben Thanh Market. There are plenty of shops selling all sorts of things, from basic supplies, and souvenirs, to food but it is quite similar at the market.

Like most of the Asian market, bargaining is a must to get good buys! Sellers are a little pushy but not too bad. An interesting street shopping in HCMC and worth taking a look at if you are in the mood for some shopping and bargaining.

Ben Thanh Market Address: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1. Operating Hours: Daily from 6:00 to 18:00. Admission Fee:Free!

War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh is a must for any visitor to Vietnam to gain perspective on a significant chapter. It is so interesting to find out more about this terrible Vietnam war and will allow you to see things from a different perspective.

Start with the outdoor display of military equipment along with all the stories and stats on the grounds. Next, the visitor will see the war through the eyes of photojournalists and the US military in the 3-story museum. Displays are mainly photographs and stories in main themes of the history of the conflict, photojournalists and their roles and sacrifices, war crimes, Agent Orange, and protests. Take some thoughtful time here, it’s intense.

We had an hour to allocate there and it definitely wasn’t enough if you looked at everything. It’s tragic and quite a somber experience. You’ll have mixed feelings but it’s worth it to see what the people of Vietnam went through.

War Remnants Museum Address: 28 Vo Tan Tan, District 3 Operating Hours: Daily from 7:30 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 17:00 Admission Fee: 40,000 VND

A great place to visit on Ho Chi Minh itinerary is with the gorgeous Jade Emperor Pagoda in the center of the HCMC.

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a lovely temple hidden down an alley off a major roadway. It was built by the Chinese community of Saigon in the 17th century and is still actively visited by locals. The temple is a blend of Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Many local people worship here and make offerings of flowers and incense.

Not a must-visit attraction but well worth taking about 30 minutes to see the local culture in Saigon.

Jade Emperor Pagoda Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1 Operating Hours: Daily from 5:00 to 18:00 Admission Fee: Free!

Build in 1786, Tan Dinh Church is the second large church in HCMC. This beautiful pink Church is vintage and another must-see on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. The architecture is amazing, the French influence can be seen. The bright pink church with Gothic pillars makes for some beautiful photos.

The local landmark is situated in District 3 and a few blocks away from the Jade Emperor Pagoda. It is slightly away but is worth the detour. Right across the street is the Tan Dinh Market where you can have a quick lunch or snack in the market.

Tan Dinh Church Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 8, District 3. Operating Hours: 24 hours Admission Fee: Free (Note: Inside is no open for tourist)

From Tan Dinh Church and continue to head south, then you’ll reach another iconic building that is not to be missed on the Ho Chi Minh itinerary. Commonly known as the Church of Saigon, the Notre Dame Cathedral is an important remnant of the French colonial period in Vietnam.

Notre Dame Cathedral was built, between 1863 and 1880, by French Roman Catholics. The neo-romanesque church is built with an all-red brick facade, two outstanding bell towers, six bronze bells, and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Sadly, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral has been undergoing severe restoration works and has been closed to visitors. Still, the church is open for prayer service on Sunday morning at 9:30. However, please take note this is a holy place, and please respect it.

Stroll along and the church still looks decent from the outside! There is a virgin Mary statue out side surrounded by a breathtaking garden. Worth to take a look!

Continue your visit and walk to the Central Post Office, a popular place on the Ho Chi Minh itinerary for the photo opportunity.

The French-built Central Post Office is a beautiful building housing old telephone boxes and historical pictures that showcase some of HCMC’s colonial heritage. The post office is still functioning and you can write a postcard and send it to someone back home.

A great place to stop by to catch a glimpse of the architecture. There were shops with souvenirs on either side.

Central Post Office Address: 125 Hai Ba Trung, District 1. Operating Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 18:00 (Closed at SUnday). Admission Fee: Free!

Admire the Ho Chi Minh City Hall

The Ho Chi Minh City Hall is another attractive colonial building to admire whilst in HCMC. Also known as the Ho Chi Minh People’s Committee since 1975, the city hall boasted a classic French colonial design in a two-story structure.

The glamorous building was first constructed as a Hotel de Ville by French architects when it was built in 1908. It now serves as a government office. Unfortunately, the building is not open to the public but it does provide a good photo opportunity for the great view of the building. A good time to visit is after dark when the building is illuminated with LED lighting.

In front of the building is the President Ho Chi Minh Statue and from here you can take some lovely symmetrical photos.

People’s Committee Building Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Admission Fee: Not open to public.

Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, so don’t miss to taste Vietnamese coffee when visiting Ho Chi Minh. The city has unique coffee culture and locals love to have a cup of coffee for their social pastime.

The Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a vibrant pedestrian-friendly street lined with cafes, restaurants, and a multitude of shops. Great place to go for an evening stroll, people watch, shop, and enjoy a meal or beverage.

Don’t forget to pick one of the coffee shops to relax during the afternoon when strolling around the Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This pedestrian-friendly street is a great place for a stroll and some quality people-watching. We just randomly pick one of the cafes to taste the Vietnamese coffee.

Alternatively, one of the coolest places to check out is the Cafe Apartment building near Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This fascinating old 9-story apartment which used to be an old apartment has now been converted into cafés and boutique outlets. Head to one on one of the higher floors for a drink or snack and enjoy the views of the bustling street below and sunsets when they occur.

Pro Tips : Using the old elevator to reach upstairs is a unique experience. You will need to pay for the lift service but if you walk the stairs up, it is free!

Ho Chi Minh is a food paradise with lots of great restaurants and street vendors for the incredible feast. There are so many delicious dishes in Saigon to experience the eating scene in the city. Don’t miss the banh mi, savory pancakes (banh xeo), broken rice (com tam), and all the tasty Vietnamese cuisine. Eat as much as possible during your Saigon itinerary!

If you love to experience the local culture, then we can warmly recommend you take a street food tour. Accompanied by a guide, you get to experience the local Vietnamese cuisine specialties.

Recommended food tour : HCMC Private Street Food Tour by Motorbike

For the best aerial view of HCMC, head up to the top of the Bitexco Financial Tower. This Saigon observation deck provides a 360-degree view over the city. You can take a look around and see the city in all directions or have a drink at the rooftop bar to enjoy the moment.

Get the Saigon Skydeck Admission Ticket at Discounted Price

Plus, the Skydeck does a great job on all aspects of its presentation with plenty of photo opportunities. Visitors can also learn about some interesting history from the mini-exhibition on Vietnamese fashion, the construction of the tower as well as the city itself. A fun place to spend an hour on your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. Worth a stop!

Bitexco Financial Tower Address: 36 Ho Tung Mau Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Operating Hours: Daily from 8:00 to 23:00. Admission Fee: VND 200,000 for adults and VND 130,000 for children, seniors and handicapped persons.

Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide Tips : It is best to visit Bitexco Financial Tower in the late afternoon, so you can see the lights of the city change from day to night, and then the city lights come on.

End your Ho Chi Minh itinerary at Bui Vien Street . Lined with endless hostels, bars, pubs, bars, and souvenir shops, the lively Bui Vien street is one of the wild streets for nightlife in HCMC.

The street is very intense and busy during the night. With cheap drinks and meals, there are a variety of venues to choose from, from flash bars to simple old Saigon-style street bars sitting on the footpath. Great place if you are looking to part through the night in Saigon.

Overall, Bui Vien has a great vibe if you’re looking for some nightlife or hanging out with close friends. It’s busy and certainly not for everyone but an experience if you are looking to party. Be aware of the pickpocket as you walk down the street.

HCMC is a perfect base for traveling around the south of Vietnam. Apart from the main tourist attractions in the city, many attractions are best to plan for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh city. Among them, the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta are the most popular day trip from Ho Chi Minh that highly recommend to you.

Cu Chi Tunnels is a must-do in your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. This historical landmark is one of Vietnam’s war-related sights. During your visit, it will take you to a turbulent time in Vietnamese history and show you how the Vietcong fought from the tunnels and the traps they laid for the American soldiers. It is situated about 2 hours drive from the HCMC and is best to visit with a half-day tour.

Read for more tour detail: Cu Chi Tunnels from HCM City (Morning or Afternoon)

Mekong Delta offers visitors the opportunity to view vast agricultural landscapes and a unique ecosystem that acts as the major food source for Vietnam. The most popular way is to get on a traditional rowing boat, and the winding river snakes will bring you to experience Vietnam’s natural beauty around as it goes.

Read for more tour detail: Mekong Delta Guided Tour from HCMC

Ho Chi Minh Travel Tips : We would highly recommend to take the guided tour to visit these two most interesting places around HCMC with transport arrangements included. You can make the most out of it if you have limited amount of time in HCMC.

Recommended Tour: Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta VIP Day Tour (Transfers by Limo)

Planning on Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

If you are asking how many days for Ho Chi Minh? I would suggest spending at least 3 full days are needed to get a taste of Saigon city. Let’s have a quick overall on what to do in if you only have 1, 2, or 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary!

On the first day of Ho Chi Minh itinerary , I will recommend spending your time seeing some of the city’s highlights and landmarks. By visiting those attractions in Saigon, you’ll be able to get a feel for the city before exploring further. Start your day in the morning and visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, Tan Dinh Pink Church, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ho Chi Minh City Hall. During the day, you can simply be walking over to the Ben Thanh Market for lunch or hoop into one of the cafes for a cup of Vietnamese coffee. End your day at Bui Vien Street for dinner.

On the second day of your Ho Chi Minh itinerary , you will learn about Vietnamese history by visiting the city. You can pick up whatever is left from the first day and continue the visit to the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum. End your second day with an aerial city View from the Bitexco Tower.

On your last day of the Ho Chi Minh itinerary , take a guided tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta with hassle-free!

Pro Tips : HCMC is extremely rich in history and culture, and you could easily spend a week exploring Vietnam’s history city and checking out some of the city’s most important landmarks and food culture!

More Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide Tips

How many days for Ho Chi Minh City? Generally, we recommend staying at least three days in Ho Chi Minh. That way you have enough time to see the main attractions in HCMC for 2 days and add one more day for a day trip to nearby attractions.

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting? Ho Chi Minh City is one of the definitive must-visit destinations for international travelers to Vietnam. Visitors can travel back to the old Saigon time by visiting plenty of colonial-era attractions!

Is it better to visit Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi? Both cities are vibrant and good to visit, depending on what are you looking for. The HCMC is rich in Vietnamese historical while Hanoi provides a more cultural Vietnamese experience.

Overview: A Visit to Ho Chi Minh City

All in all, Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting, vibrant city with a rich history. It’s no wonder that it attracts tourists from all over the world. The main challenging part of your Ho Chi Minh City adventure is to plan your perfect Ho Chi Minh itinerary. And we do hope our travel guide can help make your trip more enjoyable. Learn about Vietnam’s history, explore its iconic landmarks, and enjoy the best nightlife, you’ll feel in love with HCMC!

Lastly, I hope you have such a unique experience in HCMC that you will never forget it! If you need more travel inspiration for Vietnam, here you can find all our travel stories about this wonderful country!

Related Ho Chi Minh City Travel Stories:  Feel free to read on our Saigon travel stories.

Where To Stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

• Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide: What To Eat in Saigon
• Best Place for Bun Rieu in Ho Chi Minh City
• Best Place To Eat Authentic Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City

Traveling to Northern Vietnam :

Things To Do in Sapa Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog

• Where To Stay in Sapa: Best Hotels and Homestays
• A Trip To Halong Bay: Ultimate Travel Guide Blog
• Things To Do in Hanoi Itinerary: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Hanoi: Best Areas and Hotels
• Hanoi Food Guide: Where and What To Eat

Traveling to Central Vietnam:

• Things to Do in Da Nang: A Travel Guide Blog
• Where To Stay in Da Nang: Best Areas and Hotels
• Things To Do in Hoi An: A Complete Travel Guide
• Where To Stay in Hoi An: Best Homestay and Hotels
• Da Nang & Hoi An Food Guide: What To Eat

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2024 ho chi minh vietnam travel guide blog with diy itinerary, things to do, tourist spots, budget, tips and more.

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam for the first time this 2024? Let this Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) travel guide blog for first-timers with sample DIY Ho Chi Minh itinerary, top things to do, tourist spots, and breakdown of expenses help you.

2024 first-timer's travel guide to ho chi minh, vietnam (updated), visa requirements for filipinos.

How To Get to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam?

Cheap flights to ho chi minh from the philippines, if you're traveling by land from cambodia or from hanoi, buses are available going to ho chi minh., airport to ho chi minh city center/saigon.

• Group of 3 - PHP 609.00 per car
• Group of 5 - PHP 710.00 per car
• Group of 12 - PHP 1,268 per car

How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City?

When is the best time to visit ho chi minh, how many days to stay in ho chi minh.

How to Stay Connected?

• Validity: 10-30 days
• Internet speed: 4G
• Service type: Data only/Calls included
• Coverage area: The whole of Vietnam
• Data limit: 2GB per day, 10Gb or Unlimited Data
• SIM card size: Nano Micro Mini
• Hotspot Sharing: Yes
• Local telecom operator: Vinaphone
• Upload/Download Speed: 50Mbps/150Mbps
• Max. No. of Connected Devices: 5 devices
• Battery Life: 16 hours
• Coverage area: Multiple Countries
• Traffic Flow Limit: 4G unlimited data, 1GB, 500MB, or 350MB per day

Where to exchange money?

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh

Saigon backpackers hostel @ pham ngu lao.

• 1 Bed In 8-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room - PHP 299.38 per night
• 1 Bed In 4-Bed Female Dormitory Room - PHP 349.28 per night
• Private Double Room - 1,097.744 per night for 2 persons
• √ Check room rates and availability here

Ho Chi Minh Vietnam - Tourist Spots, Attractions and Things To Do and Experience

Looking for best things to do, tourist spots and attractions in ho chi minh (saigon), vietnam, 1. visit the independence palace (reunification palace).

2. Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame

3. Visit the War Remnants Museum

4. Saigon Opera House

5. Watch a Water Puppet Show

6. Ride a Cyclo

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Jan 6, 2018 at 3:46am PST

7. Drop by Handicapped Handicrafts

8. Explore Cu Chi Tunnels

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Dec 13, 2017 at 1:15am PST

OTHER OPTIONS:

• Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh
• Cu Chi Tunnels VIP Tour by Limousine

Ho Chi Minh City & Cu Chi Tunnels Full Day Tour

• Cu Chi Tunnels Day Tour with Lunch
• Cu Chi Tunnels Premium Speedboat Tour

9. Ho Chi Minh City Hall

10. enjoy ho chi minh's skyline, 11. dinner at saigon river cruise.

12. Shop at Ben Thanh Market

13. Enjoy a hot bowl of Phở

14. Snack on Bánh Mì

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Dec 13, 2017 at 4:34pm PST

15. Indulge on Delicious Vietnamese Coffee

A post shared by Pinoy Adventurista (Mervz) 🇵🇭 (@pinoyadventurista) on Dec 11, 2017 at 10:09pm PST

Other Things To Do and Must-See Tourist Spots in Ho Chi Minh

• Cai Be Floating Market And Tan Phong Island
• Saigon Street Food By Night Tour
• Saigon City Tour by Motorbike
• Ho Chi Minh City Tour on a Cyclo
• Saigon Princess Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City
• Can Gio Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh
• Street Food on Scooter Tour in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Motorbike Adventures

• Indochina Junk Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

Full Day Excursion To Mekong Delta

Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour

Saigon Skydeck in Bitexco Financial Tower

Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise

Mekong Delta, Cai Be Floating Market, and Tan Phong Island Full Day Tour

Best food, must-eats and experiences in ho chi minh.

Saigon Foodie Half Day Tour

Saigon Street Food By Night

Saigon Vegan Foodie Adventure

Cooking Classes in Ho Chi Minh

• Cooking Class with Cu Chi Tunnels and Side Car Tour
• The Vietnamese Cooking Class
• Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc
• M.O.M Cooking Class in Saigon

Sample 3 Days and 2 Nights Ho Chi Minh DIY Itinerary

• Depart from Manila to Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
• Arrival in Ho Chi Minh Airport
• Take a Grab Car to Pham Ngu Lao in District 1 (Saigon)
• Check-in or leave your bags at the hotel/hostel
• Breakfast (a hot bowl of Phở)
• Enjoy coffee at the street side coffee shops
• City Tour Part 1
• Reunification Palace
• Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame
• Shop at Ben Thanh Market
• Walk around the streets
• Coffee again. Hahaha!
• Back at the hostel
• Breakfast at the hostel
• Travel to Chu Chi Tunnels - BOOK THIS TOUR HERE
• Chu Chi Tunnel Tour and Handicapped Handicrafts
• Back in Ho Chi Minh City Center
• Late lunch (Bánh Mì or at any local restaurant)
• Saigon Cultural Evening Tour - BOOK THIS TOUR HERE
• Water Puppet Show
• Dinner Cruise along Saigon River
• Have coffee
• City Tour Part 2 + Shopping
• War Remnants Museum
• Ho chi Minh City Hall
• Souvenir Shopping
• Check out at the hostel
• Travel back to Manila
• Or in our case, to Phnom Penh, Cambodia by bus

Ho Chi Minh Trip Budget and Expenses

List of basic expenses.

• Accommodation: PHP 300 - 5,000 per night
• Food: PHP 300 - 500 per day
• Transportation: PHP 100 - 200 per day
• Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise: PHP 2.028
• Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour:PHP 660
• War Remnants Museum Entrance Fee: PHP 89.00
• Pocket WiFi Rental: PHP 254 per day

Sample Expenses for 5,000 PHP Budget

• Grab Car to Ho Chi Minh - PHP 243.00 / 2 = PHP 121.00 each
• Hostel - PHP 300.00 (1st Night)
• Food Expenses (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) - PHP 500.00
• City Tour Transportation - Free (We just walked to the destinations)
• WiFi Rental (Day 1) - PHP 254.00 / 2 = PHP 127.00 each
• TOTAL - 1,048.00
• Hostel - PHP 300.00 (2nd Night)
• Breakfast at the Hostel - Free
• Chu Chi Tunnel Half day Tour - PHP 660.00
• Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise - PHP 2,028.00
• Food Expense (Lunch only) - PHP 150.00
• WiFi Rental (Day 2) - PHP 254.00 / 2 = PHP 127.00 each
• TOTAL - PHP 3,265.00
• War Remnants Museum Entrance Fee - PHP 89.00
• Food Expense (Lunch and Dinner) - PHP 300.00
• WiFi Rental (Day 2) - PHP 254.00 / 2 = 127.00 each
• Grab Car to Airport - PHP 243.00 / 2 = PHP 121.00 each
• TOTAL - PHP 637.00

Grand Total - PHP 4,950 ($ 100++ USD)

• Round trip airfare Manila-Ho Chi Minh-Manila
• NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
• Budget for pasalubong and tips
• Food expense for snacks

I hope this First-timer's Travel Guide to Ho Chi Minh Vietnam will help you in planning an awesome adventure! Enjoy and have fun!

Follow my adventures on youtube @pinoyadventurista, 4 comments :.

Is it safe to travel to Saigon, is it safe to use selfie stick, and is it required to give a tip as it was in the Philippines? Thank You!

Hi. My family and I were planning to go to Hong Kong this December. We’ve already purchased the tickets months ago. However, with the events happening in HK now, we’re also looking for other options aside from HK. We a group of 20 including kids and senior. Is Vietnam a good substitute for HK? Or do you have any other suggestions? (Singapore and Taiwan is out of the list since we’ve already been there). Thanks in advance.

Hi, can,I ask something? How to book in grab for transportation? I can't book while in Philippines. I want to book early for my transpo. From ho chi minh airport to saigon. Thank you.

Hi, what are the requirements on Vitenam's immigration if you will be exiting through Cambodia? Because they might not know that you already left their country. 😅

Looking for Budget Travel Guide Blogs, Hotel Reviews, and Sample DIY Itineraries? Welcome to Pinoy Adventurista, "Your Next Ultimate Adventure Starts Here!" Pinoy Adventurista is one of the Top Travel Blogs in the Philippines and the World. In 2013, he visited all the 81 provinces in the Philippines.

Travelogue: Three Days in Ho Chi Minh City

By: Author Eva

Posted on Published: May 3, 2023  - Last updated: June 7, 2023

Categories travelogue , vietnam

Please share this article if you think it's awesome!

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Welcome to my  travelogue  series, in which I share my travel diary the old-fashioned way, recounting where I went, what I did, what I ate, how much I paid, what I felt, etc, in a sequential order.

I visited Ho Chi Minh City for the first time in 2012. Back then, I haven’t started this travel blog yet. The city was chaotic yet familiar.

Fast forward to 2023, my hubby and I decided to visit Central Vietnam, with a short stopover in Ho Chi Minh City. That explains why we only visit HCMC for 3 days.

To be honest, I think 3 days are too short for Saigon. You’d need at least 1 week to visit all the essential places in Saigon.

Anyway, if you’re short on time and only have 2 or 3 days to spare in Saigon, here’s how I spent my short stint in Saigon.

Overview of Itinerary

Day 1:  Fly in at SGN Airport – Hotel – Street Food at District 1 Day 2: Cu Chi Tunnels – Mekong Delta – Street Food at District 1 Day 3 : Museum of Ho Chi Minh City – Independent Palace – Fly Out from SGN Airport

We took Scoot Airlines from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City. Our flight arrived in Saigon at around 3.30pm. After going through immigration and collecting baggage, but before exiting the building, we went to Viettel store to collect the SIM Card which I’ve pre-ordered .

I think it’s quite a bargain, at just SGD 8 (price at time of purchase), you get 5GB/day for 15 days. Because I purchased data-only SIM card, it doesn’t have a local number, and I can’t make local calls. If you need local number, you can get the other option which costs a bit more.

After getting the SIM Card, we got out of the airport building and met the representative from our hotel, ibis Saigon Airport . They directed us to the airport shuttle, which is a free service by the hotel to ferry guests between hotel and airport.

After checking-in to our hotel, we spent some time resting in our room and on the beautiful rooftop. We loved watching planes taking off and landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, while sipping beers and munching peanuts! Read my full review of ibis Saigon Airport .

Then, we took a Gojek to District 1 to look for street food. Our first stop was Banh Mi Bay Ho. It has been recommended by many people. When we arrived, we saw 2 shops with the same name. One has closed, and one is still open, so we went to the latter. I’d say the banh mi is really nice and cheap. Then, we walked to our next stop, Pho Thanh Binh , for a piping hot bowl of beef noodle.

Next, we crossed the road to eat clam and drink fruit juices.

After our tummies are full of food, we walked around the area and then called a Grab to go back to the hotel.

We started our day with a hearty breakfast at our hotel.

Then, we went for our full day tour to Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta , which we booked from Klook. The reason we chose this tour is because we didn’t have many days in HCMC but we wanted to see both places in the shortest time possible.

Because our hotel is not in District 1, we had to take a taxi to nearby meeting point, which is Holiday Inn in our case. Our tour guide, Pham, was a very energetic one with lots of knowledge.

You can read my whole experience about visiting Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta . I won’t be repeating what I’ve written in those articles. Here are some of my favorite photos from the tour.

We arrived back in Ho Chi Minh City at 7pm. Then, we took a Grab to Quan Oc Vu for a seafood dinner. We love the prawn so much, we ordered a second portion.

After dinner, we walked to the Harborside Park called Ben Bach Dang Park . It was a very happening spot. Then, we took taxi back to our hotel.

Our final day in Saigon is a short one. After our hearty breakfast at our hotel, we took taxi to Museum of Ho Chi Minh City . To be honest, it wasn’t that well-maintained and I wouldn’t recommend you to visit it if you have limited time.

Instead, I’d recommend you to visit Independence Palace, which we visited after the museum and is just a couple minutes of walk from the museum.

The Independence Palace is so huge and there are some hidden gems that you can easily miss out if you don’t read your ticket carefully; these are the bunker and the exhibition gallery.

Then, we quickly rushed back to our hotel, checked out and took the shuttle to airport for our next flight to Da Nang.

Disclosure: Thank you Klook for supporting us with the tour to visit Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.

If you like my work, you can buy me a coffee! Your support will help me to keep going!

HO CHI MINH CITY Travel Guide: Budget, Itinerary, Things to Do

The first city I visited in Vietnam was Hanoi. And despite some misgivings and warnings from fellow travelers, I found the capital to be surprisingly charming. It wasn’t love at first sight, that’s for sure. But Hanoi warmed up to me, slowly but surely.

Hence, I was really excited to return to Vietnam. This time around, my base would be Ho Chi Minh City. For some reason, I was counting on the idea that it would be very similar to Hanoi. But they turned out to be two sides of the same coin.

Ho Chi Minh City: Essential Travel Information

In many ways, Ho Chi Minh City is similar to Hanoi. Its map is dotted with museums. Its curbsides are lined with small restaurants serving delicious local eats! Its streets are ruled by motorbikes, 7.3 million of them! While traditional heritage is strong, the so-called French flair is undeniable, mainly because it was a colony of France from 1859 to 1955.

Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly referred to as Saigon and often abbreviated as HCMC, is the largest and economic center of Vietnam. It is also the most populous and the most visited, served by the country’s busiest airport. It is a bustling metropolis. It has all the key signs of a big city in a developing world: noise, crowd, chaos, pollution, and an energy that can’t be contained. Life here seems to move at a much faster pace. Nightlife is alive, feeding an already brewing youth culture. It kinda reminded me more of Manila than Hanoi, to be honest.

Saigon was the center of the capitalist South Vietnam which fought the communist North during the Vietnam War. The South was assisted by the United States primarily, while the North by the Soviet Union. The South was defeated after the Fall of Saigon or Liberation of Saigon (depending on who you ask) on April 30, 1975, putting an end to the war. Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, in honor of the revolutionary leader of the Việt Minh independence movement.

Other info you need to know:

• Language: Vietnamese. In writing, the Latin or Roman script is used with additional diacritics for tones. English is understood and spoken in most touristy places. Taxi and Grab drivers speak limited English, so it’s advisable to have the address of your destination written down to avoid confusion. Most street vendors speak or understand very little English or none at all.
• Currency: Vietnamese đồng (VND, ₫). VND 100,000 is around USD 4.27, EUR 3.76, SGD5.78, PHP 230 (as of August 2018). However, it is not uncommon for hotel and tour operators to use US dollars.
• Modes of payment: Cash is still king in Ho Chi Minh City. Upscale establishments accept credit cards, but pay only cash at small stores and eateries.
• Electricity Info : 220V, 50Hz. Most common sockets are sort of a combination of Types A and C. They have two holes that can accept both flat and round pins, the shape of two door knobs or rubber stamps facing each other. This type of socket can take plugs that are Types A, C, and F. If your plug has three pins, you will be needing an adaptor.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

When is the Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City?

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is December to March .

Ho Chi Minh City enjoys a tropical climate with only two seasons: wet season , from May to October, and dry season , from November to April. However, April and May are the hottest months with temperatures sometimes reaching 39C. December is the coldest, dipping to just above 16C in early morning.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

If Hanoi has the Old Quarter, Saigon has District 1, where Ben Thanh Market and Pam Lu Ngao Street are located. Pam Lu Ngao to Saigon is what Khao San is to Bangkok. It’s where most backpackers stay because of high concentration of hostels, dormitories, and budget hotels. Cheap restaurants and souvenir shops also abound.

Accessibility is also a major draw. Buses to and from the airport and other destinations in Vietnam and Cambodia also make a stop here. The airport shuttle terminates here. And when we traveled from Siem Reap, the bus also dropped us off here, which was great because our hotel was just around the corner.

Top Budget Hotels in Saigon

The price of a double or twin room in District 1 is usually between ₫400,000 and ₫2,000,000. If your budget is limited, here are the top budget hotels as scored by Agoda users!

• Thien Tu Hotel. Check Rates & Availability .
• Alagon Zen Hotel & Spa. Check Rates & Availability .
• Chill suites. Check Rates & Availability .
• Maison De Camille Boutique Hotel. Check Rates & Availability .

Top Saigon Hostels and Dorms

In District 1, dorm bed rates range from ₫90,000 to ₫200,000 per night. Here are the top hostels and dormitories in District 1 as ranked by Agoda users!

• Jan Hostel. Check Rates & Availability .
• Boholand Hostel. Check Rates & Availability .
• Toi’s Travel Home Central. Check Rates & Availability .
• Jan Hostel Central Park. Check Rates & Availability .

Search for more Saigon Hotels

How to get to ho chi minh city.

Ho Chi Minh City is served by Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport (IATA: SGN), Vietnam’s busiest airport. It’s designed to accommodate 25 million passengers, but in 2016, record hit over 32 million, so expect some congestion if this is your gateway to the city.

Part of the reason why Ho Chi Minh City is popular among tourists is its proximity to other destinations not just in Vietnam but also Cambodia, making it a compelling entry point for those planning a multi-city or multi-country backpacking tour. From Ho Chi Minh, you can easily reach Mui Ne and Da Lat, and even Phnom Penh in Cambodia.

Manila to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is only 2 hours 40 minutes from Manila by plane. The lowest year-round fares are offered by AirAsia and Cebu Pacific. You can grab one-way fares for as low as P2500 (base fare only, no baggage allowance). It can still go lower when there’s PISO SALE or other massive promos. I’m always tempted to book flights to Saigon because it’s easy to find promo fares. It usually has a lot of available seats on sale.

Scoot also offers very competitive fares, with a stopover in Singapore. Philippine Airlines and Vietnam Airlines also operate direct Manila-HCMC flights.

Here’s a sample Traveloka search.

Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City

You can travel from Phnom Penh to Saigon by bus, by van, or by plane.

• By Plane. Travel time is 55 minutes. Fares range from USD80 to USD200, the cheapest offered by Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines.
• By Bus. Travel time: 6-8 hours. Fare: USD 13.55 to USD 16. Popular bus companies are usually Mekong Express and Kumho Sanco. Overnight buses are also available. If you want to catch some sleep on the road, book a sleeper bus. Reserve BUS Ticket Here .
• By Van. Travel time: 7 hours. Fare: USD 19. Reserve VAN Ticket Here .

If you’re taking the bus or the van, you’ll have to get off at the Bavet-Moc Bai border to pass through Immigration.

Siem Reap to Ho Chi Minh City

The easiest way to travel from Siem Reap to Saigon is by plane. But it is also possible to do it by land. I’ve done this before, by bus, although it is an experience I do not wish to repeat. Haha.

We may have just have been unlucky and chanced upon a bad bus, but it was terrible. We booked an overnight bus via a travel agency in Siem Reap. Even though all the windows were closed, the dust was able to seep into the vehicle so we couldn’t breathe or sleep properly. When we switched buses in Phnom Penh, our bags, clothes, and skin were all covered in a thick layer of dirt. So yeah, fly when you can.

Anyway, here are your options.

• By plane. The cheapest flights are operated by Cambodia Angkor Air and Vietnam Airlines. Travel time: 1 hour 15 minutes. You can find fares for as low as USD76 or PHP4000.
• By bus. Overnight sleeper buses are operated by Virak Buntham Express. Travel time: around 15 hours. Mekong Express has shorter travel time, 12 hours, but it leaves Siem Reap 7:30am and reaches Saigon at 7:30pm. Check Rates or Reserve Here .

You can also search for buses and vans using the form below:

Ho Chi Minh City Airport to City Center

The airport is not too far away from the city center, but the travel time can range from 30 minutes to over an hour, depending on your mode of transfer and traffic conditions.

As you exit the terminal, you’ll be greeted by taxi drivers offering their services. To avoid getting ripped off, don’t pay any attention to them. Drivers operating at the airport are notorious for overcharging clueless international passengers.

If you don’t want to deal with all the scam-dodging or navigating around an unfamiliar city with heavy luggage in tow, you can book a private car transfer with Klook. A driver will pick you up at the airport and take you straight to your hotel.

Here are the prices if your hotel is located in District 1 or District 3. Rates are per vehicle, NOT per person and are inclusive of toll fee.

1-3 pax: ₫280,000 (USD12, PHP641) 4-5 pax: ₫326,094 (USD14, PHP748) 6-12 pax: ₫628,895 (USD27, PHP1442)

As you can see, this is best if you’re a group.

Here are your public transportation options to get to the city center.

• By taxi. Taxi scams are prevalent at the airport, so it is important to be informed and know when to walk away. When you exit the terminal, turn left and you’ll see the main taxi queue. This is the only place where you should take a cab. Insist on using the meter and keep an eye on it, for it might be tampered with. WikiTravel specifically mentions Vinasun and Mai Linh taxi companies as trustworthy. If your hotel is in District 1, fare should be between ₫140,000 to ₫170,000 plus ₫10,000 toll fee.
• By Bus #152. These are the older green buses. The cheapest way to reach the city center. After exiting the terminal, turn right and you’ll see the airport’s bus station. A bus departs every 15-20 minutes until 6pm only. If your hotel is in District 1, you can alight at Pham Ngu Lao. Fare: ₫5000. An additional ₫5000 baggage fee is collected for bags heavier than 10kg.
• By Bus #109. These are the yellow airport shuttle buses that are in much better condition than the green ones. It leaves the airport for Pham Ngu Lao Street every 15-20 minutes from 5:30am-1:30am. Fare: ₫20,000. No additional charge for the luggage.

Grab also operates in Ho Chi Minh City. I’m just not familiar with how much the fare should be.

Pocket Wifi Rental and SIM Card in Ho Chi Minh City

Staying connected in Ho Chi Minh City will prove useful when going around because of the language barrier. You can use your smartphone to research, look for recommendations, or simply get in touch with loved ones back home.

You have two options: renting a pocket wi-fi or buying a local data SIM card. Klook offers both. They can be delivered to your hotel, so no need to worry about going out of the way to pick it up. Just ask the front desk if there is a pocket wifi or SIM card for you upon check in. The SIM card can also be picked up at the airport, if that’s what you prefer.

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon city tour.

You can pull off a city tour DIY-style, but it would be much safer, more insightful, and more enjoyable if you have a guide that can explain in detail the significance of the places and structures along the way. Saigon city tours come in various lengths, schedules, and styles, but the following are the usual stops of a half-day group tour:

• War Remnants Museum
• Reunification Palace
• Notre Dame Cathedral
• General Post Office
• Opera House

These are just the usual stops. Some tour operators have more or less or change some stops. Full-day tours have more stops, usually covering Chinatown, Thien Hau Temple, Cholon and Binh Tay Market. Full day tours also often include traditional lunch (pho!).

For hassle-free tours, you can book with Klook.

Saigon Food Tour

I have to say, my favorite thing about Vietnam is the food. Looking back at my trip, I realized that the moments that really stuck on my mind are those when we would just scour the city for traditional Vietnamese eats! Just writing that makes me crave Vietnamese spring rolls and pho.

The best way to experience Saigon’s gastronomic treats is to join a food tour, in which a guide takes you to places where you can find great dishes and explains the ingredients and significance of each. No one knows the streets and the eats better than a local. This way, if you’re able to try something you really like, you know where to return.

You can time your food tour in the evening, after a day of sightseeing, so you start with a big appetite. Klook’s tour lets you sample spring rolls, meat balls, porridge, pork barbeque, local coffee, and more over 3.5 hours. It ends with a glass of beer!

Vietnamese Cooking Class

Can’t get enough of Vietnamese food? Learn how to cook authentic dishes so you can prepare them yourself even when you’re back home! Like most cooking classes, you’ll have an instructor to guide you every step of the way.

The cooking class offered by Klook is organized by M.O.M. and has a 4.8-star user review rating. The full class starts with a trip to a local market to shop for ingredients before proceeding to the kitchen for the actual class. If you have limited time, you can skip the market visit and go straight to the cooking.

Saigon Skydeck in Bitexco Financial Tower

Bitexco Financial Tower is the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City. It is crowned with a skydeck that enables an unobstructed 360-degree view of the metropolis. It also houses the only World of Heineken in Asia, where you can learn more about their history while gulping ice cold beer. Open: 9:30am-9:30pm.

Cu Chi Tunnels Tour

Learn about Vietnam’s history as you explore its intricate network of underground tunnels! There are two tunnel areas that you can visit: Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh . Ben Duoc is farther and less touristy. Ben Dinh is where travel agencies take their guests.

How to get there: You can go to Cu Chi Tunnels on your own by taking the public bus. Make your way to Cong Vien Park 23/9 (September 23 Park) . If your hotel is in Pham Ngu Lao, you can reach it on foot. Here, take Bus #13 and alight at Cu Chi, the last stop. Travel time: 1.5 hours. Fare: ₫7000.

At Cu Chi Station, you’ll be greeted by touts and drivers. Ignore them all. Instead, find Bus #79 and get onboard. This ride will take around 45 minutes to an hour. At one point, the bus will reach a junction. Ben Dinh is to the right, Ben Duoc to the left. If you want to go to Ben Dihn, alight here. You can reach Ben Dihn on foot from here. If you’re going to Ben Duoc, DON’T get off. The bus will pass by the entrance to Ben Duoc soon. Fare: ₫6000.

Opening hours: 8am-5pm, daily. Entrance fee: Ben Duoc, ₫90,000; Ben Dinh, ₫110,000.

If you’re worried about getting lost or you just want to be comfortable, you can book a day tour from Klook instead. The tour usually takes just half a day (around 6 hours), so you may choose to do it in the morning or in the afternoon. Some operators combine it with other attractions around the area or add a visit to a local family or a meal stop. You’ll also see bomb craters, reminders of the country’s violent past.

Mekong Delta Tour

In this full day excursion, you’ll exit the city and see the countryside of Southern Vietnam on your way to Mekong Delta. You’ll ride a boat down Tien River, see stilt houses that make up fishing villages, enjoy traditional lunch, and have tea and snacks.

Sample Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary

Here’s a sample 3-day/3-night Saigon itinerary with breakdown of expenses. This assumes the following:

• You’re arriving at night. Late-night flights are significantly cheaper, especially if you’re coming from Manila. Make sure you communicate your check-in time with your hotel.
• You’re staying in District 1, where most budget hotels and hostels are located.
• Your budget per meal is ₫100,000. That’s actually way too much. You can find a good bowl of pho for as low as ₫30,000 or a sandwich for ₫25,000. What I usually do is, if I don’t spend much on lunch, I’m going to splurge a little for dinner. For example, if I spend only ₫40,000 for lunch, I’ll add the supposed ₫60,000 savings to my dinner budget, which gives me ₫160,000 that night. This rule keeps my spending in check while still being able to do most of the dishes I want.
• You’re skipping breakfast. It’s healthy (according to intermittent fasting advocates, hehe)!

Feel free to make necessary adjustments to this itinerary to match your flight schedule, personal tastes, and whatnot.

Day 0: ARRIVAL 12:20am – Arrival at SGN Airport 01:30am – Transfer to city center: Bus ₫40,000 or Klook car ₫280,000 02:00am – Hotel check-in 03:00am – Rest

The itinerary above will set you back around 3.5 Million dong (USD150, EUR130, SGD206, PHP8020) , excluding flights and hotel.

The bulk of the budget goes to the cooking class. If you skip it, the total cost goes down to only 2.7 million dong (USD116, EUR100, SGD159, PHP6200) , excluding accommodations and hotel.

If you’re staying in a dorm for ₫200,000 per night, the total cost is 4.1 Million dong (USD176, EUR152, SGD241, PHP9400) , excluding airfare.

If you’re coming from Manila and you’re able to score P5000 promo fare, the total cost is P16,020 including airfare and travel tax.

You can still further reduce the cost by doing the city tour on your own DIY-style, but we highly recommend having a tour guide for a more educational experience and better appreciation of the sites. You can also skip the cooking class.

Again, do note that these are inflated estimates. A good allowance is added to it to cover possible incidental expenses like bottled water and snacks. Besides, it’s always better to over-budget than under.

Saigon Travel Tips for the Poor Traveler

• Walk when you can. If you have the energy and the weather is pleasant, use those legs.
• Being a millionaire is hard. Vietnamese dong banknotes can be confusing if you’re not that familiar with them. They all feature Uncle Ho, and all those zeroes are dizzying. If you get confused, take your time. Don’t let a stranger count your money or pull a bill from your wallet. Sleight-of-hand scams are not uncommon. They’re fast. They can take a note even when they’re counting it in front of you. Double check when paying.
• Be careful when crossing the street. In Ho Chi Minh City, every day is a battle with the countless scooters. They are speedy, reckless, and oblivious to the crossing pedestrians. Find a pedestrian lane and look to your left and right before crossing. When you do, commit to it. Don’t stop or hesitate in the middle because drivers expect you to keep on walking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ho chi minh city safe.

It is safe, generally. But you need to be cautious.

Like in many Southeast Asian cities, petty crimes like scams and snatching happen. But you can avoid these. When you walk, don’t flash your phone or wallet. When riding open vehicles (like scooters, cyclos, or open cars), make sure your purse, wallet or phone are secure and not within easy reach of anyone outside.

Before riding a cab, make sure you agree on a fare or insist on using the meter and keep an eye on it. You can also use Grab instead.

When it comes to tours, don’t just go with anyone. Always book with reputable companies like Klook.

What is the tipping policy in Ho Chi Minh City?

In general, tipping is not mandatory in Vietnam. In small restaurants, locals don’t tip. But tipping is starting to be practiced in touristy areas. If you enjoyed the food, a dollar is well appreciated by waiters.

More upscale restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill, but often it doesn’t go to the staff. If you want to reward a particular member of the staff for exceptional service, hand it to them directly.

Hotel staff like bellboys and cleaners are rarely tipped, but you can still show your appreciation with a dollar. Tour guides, however, are often expected to be tipped, especially if it’s a private tour.

Where to exchange money in Ho Chi Minh City?

Money changers abound in the Ben Thanh Market area and many of them are the go-to places for tourists and locals alike. Jewelry stores also exchange currencies. However, exchange only if you have dollars, euro or other major currencies.

If you’re carrying less common currencies like Philippine peso, it will be hard to find good rates. If you can, just buy dong in your home country before flying to Vietnam. You can also withdraw from ATMs. You’ll find a lot throughout the city. Most have a withdrawal limit of 2 to 3 million dong per transaction.

The bank is also a good place to exchange money, although a small processing fee might be added. The rates from bank to bank vary but not greatly enough to matter, unless you’re exchanging huge amounts.

What is the power socket used in Ho Chi Minh City?

Most common sockets are sort of a combination of Types A and C. They have two holes that can accept both flat and round pins, the shape of two door knobs or rubber stamps facing each other. This type of socket can take plugs that are Types A, C, and F. If your plug has three pins, you will be needing an adaptor.

Do I need a visa to Visit Vietnam?

If you’re a Philippine passport holder staying for 21 days or shorter, no need for a visa. Just show up at the airport with a valid passport, return or onward ticket, and hotel reservation, and you’re good.

*Cover image purchased from Shutterstock 2️⃣0️⃣1️⃣8️⃣ • 8️⃣ • 2️⃣4️⃣

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Nice article thanks. I really like your 3 day itinerary and will be tempted to give that a try. Sky deck and tunnels will be mandatory for me. Interesting how you compared Old quarter Hanoi to district 1 HCMC, I never knew that.

Thanks for visiting, Ramon!

Hi! Would you know if arriving passengers can/may sleep at the airport? I’ve been seeing the Sleep Zone on the Internet; but I can’t figure out if it’s only for departing passengers.

Another question: are there seats and a convenience store at/before the check in counter area?

Thanks in advance!

Greetings Yoshke,

Do you remember how late the currency exchange is open at Tan Son Nhat International Airport ? We are arriving at 1:05 AM and need to get a small amount of VND’s for the Grab Car ride to the hotel.

Kind regards, King David & Queen Victoria

We have the same situation as yours, How did you get to exchange your money? It is still open? Thank You,

Best Regards,

Hi David, thanks for your comment. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to take note of the operating times of the money changer at the airport. :(

Hi, is there any LRT/MRT in HO CHI MINH CITY ?

Hindi pa yata nag-open.

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12 best things to do in ho chi minh city (vietnam).

Ho Chi Minh, (formerly known as Saigon) is one of the most well known cities of the AMAZING Vietnam. If you’ve been on our blog for a little bit, you’ll know we are massive fans of Vietnam, and consider it one of the greatest countries in the world.

So, to complete our guides to the different areas we’ve been to in Vietnam on our 3 week Vietnam itinerary, it’s time to look at the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh city for backpackers .

Ho Chi Minh was the first place we stopped at in Vietnam. It probably doesn’t give the best first impression of Vietnam, and the fact that when we arrived we were dropped at a bus station miles away from the actual city with no money and no way of getting to our hostel.

We actually had like 2% battery left (I lost our battery pack in Cambodia- whoops) and were able to see that we had some money in our Revolut cards. Managed to find an ATM and negotiate hard with a taxi driver to take us to our hotel….

BUT, the address from booking.com was not the hotel address. We spent about 2 hours looking for this hotel (our taxi driver gave up and we went on foot). Was a nightmare, so I remember thinking, god, what is Vietnam going to be like.

But no worries. That chaos does not represent Vietnam in the slightest, and actually I think Ho Chi Minh is one of the least chaotic cities in all of Southeast Asia.

Anyway, even if you don’t LOVE the idea of going to a big city, Ho Chi Minh is a perfect place to start your Vietnam trip because you can get yourself organised, plan your itinerary and purchase your very convenient long-haul bus ticket.

So, let’s look at some of the practicalities of Ho Chi Minh first.

Travellerspoint

When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh?

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the drier months of December to March, when temperatures range between 21°C and 34°C. Although Bradley and I visited during September and it was perfect!

How long do I need to spend in Ho Chi Minh?

Personally I think 2 or 3 nights is enough for Ho Chi Minh. It should allow you to get organised, and see the sights that Ho Chi Minh has on offer. BUT, if you want to party hard, you could easily extend this to 3 or 4 nights.

It really depends on what you’re looking for.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh

The most common way to get to Ho Chi Minh is probably via air travel. You can get a variety of flights to the city via many airlines.

Your second option is to cross via land border from Cambodia. We travelled via Kampot , but buses leave frequently from the capital Phnom Phen.

There is a place in the city called lucky -- that can sort out your Vietnamese visa hassle free!

I highly recommend getting them to do it for an extra $5 dollars than organising it yourself.

Plus the Vietnamese fee tends to fluctuate depending on your nationality, skin colour, and the mood of the office, so if a local is sorting it for you, well you can get a fairer price.

Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Okay, now for the fun stuff, the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh, for backpackers! This list of 12 fabulous things is based on a combination of things Bradley and I did, and things we wanted to do, but ran out of time.

1. Cu Chi Tunnels

This was one of the things to do in Ho Chi Minh city that I debated back and forth about doing or not. Some recommend it, some didn’t, and I’m not really sure what I recommend to you (that’s helpful right!).

If you’re interested in the history of the Vietnam war (which I very much was), then it might be worth it. But I’ve heard some reports of it’s a little propagandary.

Anyway, the Cu Chi tunnels are an  immense network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Ho Chi Minh district of Cu Chi. They are part of a larger network of underground tunnels which were used in the war.

A trip to these tunnels is a day trip, and you can get some great deals with Get your Guide here, or alternatively there will be 1001 tour companies offering package deals to the tunnels.

You can get there via bus, boat, taxi, uber, and motorbike.

Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sections are the ones open to the public currently. You can even shoot a gun at the shooting range, or pop into a tunnel to see for yourself what it’s like! (This is a common picture spot).

TOUR :  Check out this high quality tunnels tour that also gives you an experience down the Mekong Delta! 

2. War Remnants Museum

This is basically the war that is dedicated to everything Vietnam War. It’s actually quite a sorrow experience and there is a lot of detail inside.

What I will say is that it’s very one-sided, extremely “biased”. Not that I am saying that the USA are innocent, of course not, but a balanced view on war is needed, and they don’t achieve that.

That being said, I still think it’s a super important place, with a lot of important information and you should definitely visit.

Outside the museum there are some really cool war items like airplanes, army tanks etc, which are fun to photograph and hear more about.

It’s a very modern museum and well maintained.

Combine this with a trip to the tunnels and you’ll have gotten your dose of history for the day!

3. Party like crazy at Bui Vien

You will hear Bui Vien before you see it. Although it’s filled with many bright lights, so it could be a toss up between the two.

Anyway, if you want to get drunk, dance, and see was weird things, then you will find yourself here. I say this is one of the best things to do in Ho chi Minh city for backpackers simply because it’s a great place to meet fellow travellers, is the heart of the hostel scene, and it’s actually a really fun vibe.

If you do have a hotel here, don’t expect any sleep. It’s loud. Our hotel was down one of the little “backstreets” and it was still too loud. But alas, it was fine!

We walked up and down this street about 7 times with backpacks at night when searching for our hotel on our first night, and it was buzzing and filled with drunk backpackers.

It’s also an area with cheap food, so fill up on carbs before you drink (especially if you’ve got type 1 diabetes, like me!)

4. Shop till you drop at the Ben Thanh Market

If you’ve travelled Vietnam from North to South (so opposite of what we did), then you might find Ho Chi Minh as your departure city. If this is the case, then the Ben Thanh market is the perfect place to buy gifts for yourself and your friends and family back home.

It’s located in District 1 and super easy to get there. I’d say taxi is most convenient.

It’s popular amongst tourists for local handicrafts, textiles, áo dài and souvenirs, as well as local cuisine. Oh yes, don’t visit on a full stomach, you’re going to want to eat lots of amazing food.

5. Visit the iconic Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Want a little bit of France whilst in Ho Chi Minh? Well, surprisingly, it’s actually possible. The Saigon Notre-Dame is not only beautiful, but it’s iconic too.

Romanesque architecture is probably my favourite architectural style after gothic, so I think this is a very impressive cathedral.

The church hosts a range of new tourists each day who visit to marvel at the grandeur and the contrast of such a beautiful building in a manic city like Ho Chi Minh.

Locals will be ready with their makeshift stations to ensure you’ve got food, drink and souvenirs to buy!

6. Catch some thrills at Suối Tiên Amusement Park

The reason I’ve included an amusement park on this list of top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city for backpackers is for two main reasons: 1. I LOVE amusement parks and 2. Backpacking is all about having fun, and THIS is fun!

The  Suối Tiên Amusement Park is located in the 9th district and is described as a buddhist theme park. It’s bright, it’s weird, it’s wonderful!

There is even a dark house of horrors place in the theme of Harry Potter, which couldn’t be more unlicensed if it tried, but hey it’s fun and you will certainly remember it!

Maybe don’t go here if you’re feeling hungover from partying the night before...I wouldn’t want you to be sick!

7. Take a MeKong river cruise down from Ho Chi Minh

This isn’t something we did, but I have lots of friends and family who have visited Ho Chi Minh and done the Mekong River cruise.

Known to the locals as the “River of the Nine Dragons, the delta is home to several verdant forests, riverside villages, rice plantations and much more. You can opt for a traditional wooden boat cruise or something a little fancier if you wish.

You can do a 14 day cruise from Cambodia, Vietnam and really put yourself in a cultural dream, but if you don’t have that sort of time frame, or budget, then you can do a day tour.

There are SO many options for this on Get Your Guide and Viator (the only two sights I use for booking activities), so I thought I’d recommend a few to make life easier.

• From Viator
• From Get Your Guide

Don’t forget your camera as you’ll see a lot of interesting things.

8. Head to the Hard Rock Cafe for live music and great food

I know what you’re thinking, did she really just recommend a “Hard Rock Cafe” as a thing to do in Ho Chi Minh? Will, yes sass monster, I did.

Maybe it was because the food was the cheapest hard rock prices I’ve ever had, the portions were so big that I couldn’t finish my food (btw, that doesn’t happen with me), and there was an amazing Queen tribute band on.

So yeah, if you want a brilliant night out, for pre drinks or to just make memories with friends, then it’s a good choice.

You can book online too.

It was really a highlight of our time in Ho Chi Minh and it rounded a day of sightseeing off nicely!

9. Take a cooking class

There are lots of opportunities across Vietnam in general to take a cooking class, but Ho Chi Minh has got LOTS of choice and a lot of great markets to pick up your ingredients.

If you want a real local experience you could search on Airbnb experiences which are basically tours and activities run by local real people, which I think is pretty cool.

But if you prefer something that looks more “professional” on paper, then again, Get Your Guide and Viator are filled with fabulous cooking lessons.

These can often be combined with other activities, such as the river cruise above.

Also, when you walk around Ho Chi Minh, you will often see flyers offering cooking classes, or no doubts, your hotel or hostel will also be organising one, or willing to help you find one.

TOUR : Check out this amazing Ho Chi Minh cooking experience .

10. Eat your heart out

Ho Chi Minh is bursting with food places, both traditional, and unique. One of the most interesting dining concepts to be is the dining in the dark style. (If you seen the movie “About Time”, you’ll know the type!)

Well, in Ho Chi Minh you can dine in the dark!

If you don’t fancy that then you’ve actually got some really cute Italian and Spanish restaurants dotted about. I’m not one for recommendations of restaurants as I literally use trip advisor and you probably should too!...plus I can’t remember the names!

But dining in Ho Chi Minh will give you your first chance at tasting Vietnamese wine. It’s very cheap, and it’s perfectly drinkable.

I drink wine, quite frequently, so I know what I like, (Chilean sovereign blanc any time please) and I quite enjoyed the Vietnamese wine (not as much as I am OBSESSED WITH VIETNAMESE COFFEE. Sorry Colombia, I love your coffee, but Vietnam's got the chocolaty toned upper hand...and now I am ranting about coffee).

Back to wine, yes, it’s cheap and available everywhere, so try it with your meal! Red and white are available.

There are also some really good ice cream spots in Ho Chi Minh, so leave room for dessert.

Ho Chi Minh feels quite safe for a big city, and brad and I walked around at night [in search of ice cream] but there are many people around, so you don’t feel like you’re vulnerable.

Although, I did get a lot of attention, so I am not sure how comfortable I would have felt had I been a solo female traveller (it’s an annoying world we live in sometimes).

BONUS: If you love taking pictures for the gram, then why not check out this awesome Ho Chi Minh Instagram Tour with ForeverVacation! 

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh?

When it comes to accommodation in Ho Chi Minh you are truly spoilt for choice.

If you’re the sort of backpacker who loves it dirt cheap and lots of people to meet, then you are really going to be spoilt for choice. Ho Chi Minh is quite a backpacker friendly city.

If you’re like Brad and I, couple backpackers, who don’t really do that party “scene” anymore. (I sound old), then you’ve got lots of “mid-range” hotels for a great price.

We stayed in a pretty crappy place, so I am not going to recommend it. Actually, they cancelled our booking because apparently we “didn’t show up”, i.e it was past 12 by the time we found the place, and we called and said we were lost and that didn’t matter. Blah blah, so I won’t recommend it.

But you have search for hotels in Ho Chi Minh here via booking.com whom I always recommend for the biggest choice, cheapest prices (they price match anyway), and genius perks (I like late check out!).

So there you have it, my guide on the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh city for backpackers this year. I hope you’ve enjoyed this guide, and are feeling a little more inspired.

If you are travelling north from Ho Chi Minh, then you’re going to have an amazing time because the country is just beyond amazing.

Check out our guide to Mui Ne next, as it’s the best next spot to visit after Ho Chi Minh. Get ready for beautiful beaches, dirt cheap food and seriously cheap fancy hotels.

You might want to extend that visa…

Happy travelling!

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History Beneath the City Skyline – The Saigon Story

Ho Chi Minh City travel blog. Uff, here goes about my favorite city in Vietnam. Touring Vietnam, we stayed in Ho Chi Minh city (or Saigon) for 2 days. It was the biggest mistake on the trip.

Not only did we miss out on popular spots like the Chu Chi Tunnels, the ever-lively city aura that I enjoyed didn’t last long. We needed at least 2 – 3 days more for a better experience. But even more so, it’s a city that I’d love to imagine myself live in one day.

I daresay I loved it better than my Hanoi tour , the capital of Vietnam. Alas, being someone who enjoys the nightlife, I’d be biased. Nonetheless, this Ho Chi Minh travel blog shall give you a more realistic idea.

Table of Contents

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Blog

Unlike most parts of Vietnam (including Hanoi), a considerable population speaks and understands English in Ho Chi Minh city. Apart from the tourist-popular spaces, the small road-portable stalls, Vietnam locals we met, and Grab taxis could at least understand us.

It was always broken English with a few highlight keywords, but it helped a long way. Ho Chi Minh City is the commerical capital and it definitely looks it. People’s familiarity with tourism, the skyline views, and the evening rush hour lanes told it all.

However, it wasn’t only the bloom the sparked the city. It was the rest of it intricated so well. The Independence Palace gates perfectly aligning to a T-intersection. The Notre Dame Cathedral surrounded by roadways with the Saigon Central Post Office by its side.

We walked around most places, hopping from a bookshop, to stores, and then to a boutique coffee shop. The best part was that it wasn’t a tourist-dominated place. Daily city traffic pass through these roads and that Post Office still runs today!

Day tours in Ho Chi Minh city

Apart exploring the city, Saigon is popular for day tours. With world-famous sites like the Mekong Delta and Chu Chi tunnels, it makes these trips unmissable. One can opt to go by themselves, but with the sites far, it’ll cost a good deal for transport.

So the budget-friendly option is the package trips that a numerous agencies offer. Not having enough time to cover the city, we had a dealbreaker between Chu Chi tunnels and Mekong Delta. Though one package covered both places on the same day, I preferred detailed exploring rather than speeding across places. So we picked Mekong Delta.

Some people sympathetically eyed us for not picking Chu Chi tunnels, but Mekong Delta turned out to be a fairly sweet trip. I got to hold a python!

Book your Saigon trip in advance! For Saigon, I recommend using our trusted partner, Headout.com. The most-picked Saigon trips are for much better pricing here. Here are my favorite deals for Chu Chi tunnels and Mekong Delta on HeadOut.

Book in advance and grab your deals today!

Landing at the SGN Airport

Our late-night flight from Hanoi delayed – so much for beginning the trip. Thus landing far over midnight at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN airport). Being exhausted, I couldn’t tell much of the airport, except that it was much larger than Noi Bai International airport.

After 10 minutes to find our hotel taxi pickup, it wasn’t much of a hassle. Nor was our stay far from the airport.

We drove through the quietness of the city. There wasn’t much I could make out – or I was probably just too tired. But something spoke of organization even through the little alleys we passed through. Alighting from the taxi, our hotel was a short walk between buildings from the drop-off point.

As soon as we got off, a young woman out of nowhere came up, asking if I wanted a ‘massage’. I looked at my phone. It was 3 a.m. What the hell? I thought as we ignored and walked to our budget hotel.

Making a small talk with our receptionist whose hair was also messed up, we sunk into our beds and dozed off. Sleeping late, we inevitably woke late almost in the afternoon. We needed the rest too but at the cost of our precious time at Saigon.

Bánh mì for Breakfast and Independence Palace

We freshened up quick and hit the streets. On the way out our alley, we found a travel agency where we booked our itinerary for the following day. There were a few options and we picked the Mekong Delta. I’d studied about Mekong Delta in school and I couldn’t help wanting to see it firsthand.

Walking out of the agency, we planned on visiting the Independence Palace first. Not keen on fancy breakfast, a road stall with buns caught our eye. It was the best start to our day when the vendor spoke in English.

She asked, “Wheech filling?” It turns out, it was Vietnam’s popular local cuisine called Banh mi. The bread was a baguette with fillings stuffed in. Introduced during the French Colonization in Vietnam, it still is a major part of local Vietnamese diet today.

Thus our history class didn’t start at Independence Palace. It began here – with the pork and chicken Banh Mi.

Exploring the Independence Palace

The grand Independence Palace at its entrance itself is something of a sight. The vast space, gardens, and the fountain amidst kicks you back into time to Vietnam’s dark days.

I never had interest in history before, but something sparked when I walked the hallways. The Indochina occupation, Japanese overthrow, French Colonization, Ngo Dinh Diem brutal rule and American involvement – the walls whispered their tales everywhere.

The Independence Palace or also arguably the Reunification Palace today, isn’t only a display of exhibits. No, this place of power was itself attacked twice . Bombed by fighter planes by rebels of the Ngo Dinh Diem rigid rule. And later its gates crashed by 2 military tankers known as the Fall of Saigon.

I never imagined, but the Vietnam’s history immensely intrigued me here. Even long after returning from Vietnam, I still read about its history. There’s simply so much that happened in this prosperous place.

Saigon travel blog: Read my Independence Palace article on Medium .

A Walk past Saigon Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral

After hours of walking the corridors of history, our next stop was the Saigon Central Post Office. Seeing that it wasn’t far, we decided to walk. The tree shades and lawn all the way was a relief from the heat.

As we crossed the road, we weren’t aware of the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. But there it stood, the French-built Church looming over. Unfortunately, a renovation was in place and the main building was hidden beneath temporary support.

Passing it was the Saigon Central Post Office. The exterior neo-classical sight itself was quite a sight. Interiors, the other hand, were another. The high ceilings were of the original structure while the still-functional post-office was far modern.

Still, it was a post office with stacks of paper and packages piled behind the counters. With tourism calling it a must-visit in Saigon, there were postcard sovenir stalls at the center aisle. It was a rare mix of locals going about their daily lives and sight-seers capturing the same with their high-end DSLRs.

Ho Chi Minh city travel blog: There was nothing particular to see apart from experiencing Saigon’s routine lives. And yet one shouldn’t miss it. We didn’t stay here very long.

Streets, Coconut Coffee and the Waterbus Ride

We finally decided to get coffee. Cafes are of course expensive at the business heart of Vietnam. But Vietnam and coffee? Come on, be a sport! I’d say.

We found one a good 15 minutes down the Hai Ba Trung Main Rd. On the way was a second-hand bookstall and we stopped to buy some. It was a while since I picked up a book, but the Independence Palace spirit hadn’t settled. So we picked a few before walking through the evening busy streets.

We entered the Cộng cafe on Hai Ba Trung Rd. opposite to the baby pink Tan Dinh Church. We got ourselves coconut coffee here which was amazing. The only downside was excessive ice. Popular among the locals, its average pricing and environment seemed to remind me of Starbucks.

Except it was the Vietnamese version with much cozy interiors. Exhausted from the continuous day walk, we were glad we ended up here. We took a fair break before hitting the streets again.

Saigon Waterbus Ride

In Singapore, I’d been on the SG River cruise much similar to this. And my hands wouldn’t stop itching until I got on this boat. It was a slow sail along the river that saw the city’s skyline from a different perspective.

Sitting at the Cong Cafe, there were two problems to be dealt with. One, the sun was setting and the last waterbus was our only chance. Two, the taxi prices were absurd! That’s when we booked Grab scooters that cost much less.

The scooter ride was nothing short of an adventure with the rider a streetsmart kid zooming past slow traffic. He didn’t even have Google Maps on him. Thanks to him (and the other rider), we made it on time.

Saigon Waterbus : The Saigon Waterbus isn’t a tourist attraction. It’s a public transport means where the whole 10.8 km stretch takes 45 minutes one-way. Check the official Saigon Waterbus site for its schedule.

The evening was a bliss for the red sky with shimmering lights seems only a distant paradise now. The breeze, the skyscrapers, smell of the river. I smiled; it was worth the scooter ride.

Ben Than Market and Beer at Ben Nge

Saigon travel blog: With rain pouring cats and dogs, we lost a lot of time upon alighting the waterbus. We waited an hour before making it to our next stop, the Ben Than Market. Unfortunately, there wasn’t much left to see here – the shops were already closing.

Among the few open ones, there was one with bright porcelain Vietnamese figurines. Pretty-shaped lady figures perfect for sovenirs. The vendor was super-friendly and made the trip worth it. How was she friendly, you ask? Well, we bargained the shit out and the price dropped almost by half!

Maybe we were stupid and could’ve got it for lesser, but it is nostalgic to think of now. From here, the Ben Nge Street Food was only a 10-minute walk away – so off we went! The air was cool with a bit of drizzle.

Walk to the Ben Nge Street Food

Ben Nge Street Food, as seen on pictures, was simply a picturesque food place with variety of local meat cuisines. After a stroll through the place and tough-decision making to pick out of the million tempting options, we picked two dishes from different stalls and settled down.

The plan was to eat less and drink more, which I couldn’t follow all too well. I was way too hungry. But we had a couple of beers along anyway. As the night passed most other customers were tourists as well now.

From here, our hotel wasn’t too far so we decided to walk again. The light buzz, drizzle, and Vietnam’s pavements was quite a vibe. It was a 20-minute walk and the buzz died down as we neared the stay. Exhausting, but the day was ending perfectly. Except for one little thing…

Bui Vien Street. Nothing Else

Steps away from our hotel, there was vivid booming music from the other end of the alley. Glancing at each other, we smiled. Before the curiosity killed we had to check it out. Freshening up and dropping off our minibag, we followed the music.

Ho Chi Minh city travel blog : That’s when we said, This is it . This was the wild side of Ho Chi Minh city. Bluntly, the Bui Vien Walking street is a madhouse. Extravagant bars, small eateries, stripclubs, live music venues – any adult entertainment you name, the Bui Vien Street had it. Thus called the Red Light district of Ho Chi Minh city.

Adrenaline rushing, we decided to settle down for our next drink here. The rest was history…

I believe you should’ve assumed this by now, but Bui Vien Street is a pretty expensive place. Though not family-friendly, we saw dozens of tourist families walking through here. When in Ho Chi Minh, it seems like an ideal place for party-fanatics to stay close to.

But mind you, some clubs run till 5 a.m. making it impossible to get a good night’s sleep. Luckily, ours a little stowed away and the music seemed distant when we got back. Or maybe we were just too drunk, we’ll never know.

Mekong Delta for Day 2

Remember that day trip we booked to Mekong Delta? Hats off if you do, I’m glad you read this blog so far. Be my guest and join my travel mailing list below. I’d love to tell you more stories. Considering you actually enjoyed reading this post, of course. *gets nervous

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I’ll be honest, I can’t promise timely articles. But when I knock your mailbox, it’s for the best stories.

Ho Chi Minh city travel blog: Drowsy from the previous night, we hadn’t a choice but to get our asses up and running. We made ourselves Indomie (an instant noodles thingy around here) and dashed out to the travel agency – our meeting point.

A while from Ho Chi Minh city, we dozed off again enoute Mekong Delta. But we were wide awake on the rustic boat that drifted through the river maze to islands amidst the river.

The Mekong day-trip wasn’t only a day-trip, it boasted Vietnam’s rich agricultural resources. It wasn’t necessarily conveyed in words. The river was proof of how close the rural was in touch with its nature. They depended on it heavily for their livelihood.

The tour we got was another small chunk that added to their daily bread. The whole day trip was passing through the four main islands of the Delta. Every island has its own stories, what it stands for today which our guide explained all along.

Unicorn Island , Coconut Candy workshop , Bee Farm , a canal rowboat trip, and the Vinh Trang Pagoda are some places I remember visiting distinctly. Oh, and that Tropical Fruit Garden where they perform South Vietnam’s folk music. The music sounded so different from anything I’ve ever heard!

An honest review : Our passionate guide explained all the way along. Of how locals here ate different types of rats and anything animate. The culture of burying the dead in their own home gardens, and some even in their own houses. But there was so much story I lost track.

It got annoying at some point so I zoned out. The loud boat sounds didn’t help. But as we furthered, the rest of the travelers came out to be great friends later on. An Irish young lady, a hyperactive dude from London, a sweet Singaporean man, a German family (I hope I’m right) and few more.

Ending this Ho Chi Minh city travel blog, away from the city, holding a python over my neck, squeezing into an Auto Rickshaw for a bumpy ride, tasting snake wine (and later chugging a couple more shots). I remember laughing and enjoying the whole day but I look back as I write this and feel the nostalgia hitting hard.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Blog: Sayonara!

This ends our Saigon travel blog. As promised, we made it back in time by 5. We waves our last goodbyes to the friends we’d made and hurried to check out the hotel. We had a flight to our next Vietnam destination later that evening.

We got another Banh Mi for dinner – we couldn’t afford dinner at the airport. I remember looking out the window as we rode the bus to the airport. The busy streets, people flocking out for the breezy evening, buildings starting to light up.

I also remember a sudden melancholy settling in as the landscape furthered away. I’ll miss this . My mind lingered about. My only regret was not having enough time staying in Ho Chi Minh city. Not three or four, I’d stay here at least a week the next time.

Key tip of this Saigon travel blog – stay long in Ho Chi Minh city. Happy traveling :)

Manas Patil

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Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

June 27, 2014 By James Clark 7 Comments

Travel Notes > Vietnam > Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and the unofficial business capital. If you love chaotic cities with a buzz and want to visit a city that is transforming into a modern Asian metropolis then this is the place to be.

I’ve put together some notes on the city and linked to other useful resources.

Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City?

Saigon was the name adopted after the French conquest in the 1860’s, and it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City after the North Vietnamese took over the South in 1975. While the city name is officially Ho Chi Minh City many people still call it Saigon, especially when referring to District 1. There are banks, beers, and businesses with Saigon in its name, and no one will admonish you for saying Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City is 10 degrees north of the equator and 19 metres above sea level, which means it’s hot all year round. This is the tropics, so there is no point complaining about the heat. There are two seasons: wet season and dry season, so you can forget about summer and winter. It never gets cold here, though you may here some locals remark that a 20c/70f night is a bit chilly.

Rainy season usually involves an hour or so of rain a day (and not every day) so it’s not as bad as it sounds. In the dry season it can go months without rain, and by the end of the season (march and april) is when it is hottest. And how hot is that?

Ho Chi Minh City is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport (IATA: SGN), which is the largest airport in Vietnam. The airport is 6 km from District 1 so it is relatively close compared to other big cities. It is a small airport for a city this size and there are plans to build a massive regional hub airport 40km north of the city .

There are direct flights to Australia, the US, and Europe, and the big Middle East airlines fly here as well. There isn’t a low cost airline hub though so flights within ASEAN aren’t as frequent as in Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur.

Airport Transfer

There are no trains or transfer buses so taxi is the easiest way to get from the airport. Upon arrival go to the taxi rank and look for a Vinasun or Mailinh taxi representative. They are the most reputable taxi companies and you shouldn’t have any difficulties with them.

A taxi to downtown District 1 will cost around 120,000 to 150,000 VND, and there is a 10,000 VND airport departure fee added at the end. Tipping isn’t expected here but if you round up to the nearest 10,000 that is fine.

I have heard some horror stories of people being ripped off in the airport, usually from the other taxi companies that catch out people who are brand new to the country and not familiar with the currency with so many 000’s.

If you don’t want to expend mental energy worrying about getting ripped off there is a prepaid taxi stand, which is in a private car and costs $12 USD (about 220,000 VND).

You can use Grab to get a Motorbike taxis .

Getting Around the city

Scooter/Motorbike

Ho Chi Minh City has a population of over 7 million people and sometimes it seems there are just as many motorbikes. In all of my travels I have never seen a city with so many bikes. While the traffic seems overwhelming when you first see it, there is a method to the madness and the traffic flows reasonably fast, even in peak hour. You can hire a bike for around $50 a month.

As mentioned in the airport guide, Mailinh and Vinasun are the most reputable taxi options. I have caught other taxis and haven’t had a problem, but I know where I am going and insist on the meter.

With Vinasun and Mailinh I have never had a situation where I have had to insist on using the meter, but as with taxi’s in any country make sure the meter has restarted once you get inside. If you don’t know Vietnamese it is best to write the address on a piece of paper. Vietnamese is a tonal language so when we see the street name Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai and pronounce it in English without the tones, it doesn’t sound like it should to a native Vietnamese speaker.

A xe om (which means hug the rider in Vietnamese) are the motorcycle taxi drivers that can be found on just about every street corner, usually laying on the back of their moto in the most precarious fashion. They will usually find you before you find them but if not just walk to a corner until you find one. Price is by negotiation and the general rule of thumb is that a moto will be 50-60% of the price of a taxi. If you are new in town this is obviously of no help but once you have taken a few taxi rides you can get an idea of what your regular route will cost.

There is no metro train service but there is one being built now. 3 lines are under construction with more planned in the years ahead. I suspect the expected completion dates will continually change so don’t hold your breath waiting for this. Keep track of the progress via the Wiki page .

The public bus system has over 150 routes throughout the city. You will see these bright green buses (and hear the noisy turning signals) on the main roads. If you are living in District 1 you won’t have any need for them, especially as taxis are relatively cheap. They are a cheap way to get to the outer districts if you know where you are going.

Despite the chaos on the streets, Ho Chi Minh City is a very walkable city if you live in District 1. The streets are laid out in a grid and are lined with beautiful old trees (a legacy of the French colonial days). The footpaths are wide enough as well (though there are always bikes parked on the footpaths).

Crossing the road is an artform in itself as well. If you wait for a break in the traffic you will never cross the street, so you just have to start walking into traffic, even when it is like this. I started off by walking next to locals who were crossing the street until I eventually got the hang of it myself. Basically you walk slowly, without stopping or making any sudden movements, and the traffic will part around you.

Where to stay

Ho Chi Minh City is divided up into 24 districts but for visitors it’s easiest to find a place to stay in District 1. Read this post for where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City .

Search for Ho Chi Minh City hotels here .

Travel Guides

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide – Travelfish have loads of great articles on what to do so refer to this index page to find things to do and see (and eat).

Oi Vietnam – A free magazine that can be found in selected locations or downloaded online. Features current events and feature stories.

Ho Chi Minh City travel guide – Rusty Compass independent travel guide to Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigoneer – A magazine blog with regular updates and news and pop culture relating to Saigon. Features reviews on restaurants and night life, events, history, and things to do.

Historic Vietnam – Tim Doling writes about the history of Saigon, including the historic buildings which are fast disappearing.

Ho Chi Minh City Blogs

Hello Saigon! – A prolific blogger chronicling life in Saigon as a new resident.

Saigonist – An expat writing about living and traveling in Saigon with a slant towards technology and entrepreneurship.

Vietnam Coracle – This site covers all of Vietnam but the writer (Tom) is based in Saigon so there are lots of great posts to read on things to see and what to eat.

Blog Posts About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City to Phnom Penh by bus

The changing face of Saigon – 2017 edition – Revisiting the 2015 post with updates on metro construction and building projects.

The changing face of Saigon – Written in 2015, this post documents the many changes happening in the city.

Notes on Ho Chi Minh City – things I love about life in Saigon – My notes on living in HCMC.

Iconic Saigon war photo locations revisited – I went wandering around Saigon looking for the locations of famous Vietnam war photos.

Cost of living Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City for $724 a month – My cost of living breakdown from 2012.

Bootstrapping in Saigon – Jon Myers article on living in Saigon helped put Saigon on the business startup map.

Why I Love Saigon – Jodi from Legal Nomads

Why I am living in Saigon, Vietnam – By David Hehenberger.

The high stakes poker scam – I have heard about this scam and Eric Miller gives an entertaining summary of how he got caught up in it.

When it comes to food, Vietnamese is one of the best cuisines in Asia and even though the city is modernising at a rapid pace street food culture is still an integral part of life. You can still find a bowl of noodles for 20,000 VND (about $1), or a banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) for 12,000 VND (about 60 cents). And with Saigon being the biggest city in Vietnam, food from all regions of the country are represented here.

For those who have tired of Vietnamese there are plenty of international options. Japanese is probably the best represented international food, but there are lots of western options such as pizza and steakhouses, along with the familiar fast food chains (Pizza Hut, KFC, and McDonalds).

Eating Saigon – This blog features reviews on where to eat. Includes a great street food map .

Viet Street Food – Blog of a foodie based in Saigon.

The Legal Nomads Guide to Saigon Street Food – This post will keep you in good food for a month.

Saigon Vegetarian – Vietnam can be a challenge if you are vegetarian but there are plenty of options available.

Halal food guide – Good place to find Indian food for when you want a day off from eating Vietnamese.

Saigon and Cholon Heritage Tours – Tim from Historic Vietnam offers tours of French colonial Saigon and Cholon (the large Chinatown district of HCMC).

Why Location Independent Entrepreneurs Love Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam – Dan at TropicalMBA has spent a lot of time in the city and dedicated a podcast episode to the city.

The Saigon city skyline as viewed from an apartment tower in District 5, looking towards the office towers of District 1. The big concrete block that stands out in the middle of the photo is 727 Tran Hung Dao , which is said to be haunted. Looking at it from this viewpoint I wouldn’t say it wasn’t.

This building was built in 1960 and was home to hundreds of American soldiers. It is now abandoned is due to be demolished.

Ho Chi Minh City Photo Gallery – My photo gallery featuring over 800 photos.

Old Saigon Photo Albums – tommy japan has compiled hundreds of photo albums on Flickr of old photos from Saigon, including lots of war photos.

About James Clark

James Clark is the founder of Nomadic Notes. He has been a digital nomad since 2003, and Nomadic Notes features trip reports, train travel articles , and where to stay guides . He writes about transport and urban development at Future Southeast Asia . Subscribe to the weekly travel newsletter .

October 15, 2012 at 8:52 am

I used to think there were too many motorbikes in Jakarta. But when I went to Ho Chi Minh City, I stopped complaining about the motorbikes on the streets back home. It was one the most overwhelming things I’ve ever experienced so far.

October 27, 2012 at 8:55 am

Do you know that the average rate of motorbike users is two users per 1 motorbike in Ha Noi anh Ho Chi Minh City alone? Furthermore, the demand for motorbike will keep increasing rapidly in coming times due to the improvement of people’s living condition.

October 29, 2012 at 9:01 am

Motor Mayhem indeed, brings back good and manic memories from my stay in Vietnam.

March 21, 2017 at 5:29 am

Thanks for this informative guide! I will be there in 2 weeks and looking forward to the visit.

April 26, 2017 at 3:27 am

thank for sharing. ho chi minh city so beautiful

May 29, 2018 at 9:26 am

I love this city. From the mad motorbikes to the banh mi and sitting on small plastic stools. It was first introduction to Vietnam and such a blast ot the senses!

December 21, 2018 at 9:04 am

Discover fascinating history, fantastic food, cutting-edge art galleries and a year-round party scene in one of Asia’s most exciting cities … once you’ve mastered the art of dodging the motorbikes, that is.

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Review my trip to HCMC: Useful travel tips & guide for first-timers [2024 updated]

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Welcome to the busiest city in Vietnam! 🙂 

Speaking of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), many people misunderstand it to be the capital of Vietnam. The truth is… it’s not. But it is the biggest and busiest city in Vietnam.

I have visited HCMC five times already. During my last visit, I traveled solo to this city for more than a week. The trip went pretty well, although the weather was extremely hot.

In this Ho Chi Minh City travel blog, I’m going to share everything you need to know when traveling to HCMC, including tips for staying safe, the best areas to stay, famous attractions and food, HCMC travel expenses, and more.

Read until the end to get more useful tips for your trip to HCMC.

Quick notes for your HCMC trip

• Currency: Vietnam Dong or VND (1USD = 22.000-25.000 VND)
• Visa: Follow the guide on the Vietnam Tourism website
• Buy a sim card at 6 USD via This link (Tan Son Nhat Airport pick up)
• Vietnamese people don’t speak English, so get your Google Translate ready

Table of Contents

1. Interesting facts about Ho Chi Minh City

2. where to stay in ho chi minh city, 3. staying safe when traveling to hcmc, 4. getting around hcmc, 5. top 5 attractions in ho chi minh city, 6. must-try food in hcmc, 7. best places for a day trip from hcmc, 8. how many days to stay in ho chi minh city, 9. how much to spend in ho chi minh city, 10. when is the best time to visit ho chi minh city, 11. how to get to ho chi minh city.

• Although Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is not the capital of Vietnam, it is the biggest, busiest, and most populated city in the country with a population of 8.4 million. 
• The tallest skyscraper in Vietnam, as well as the second-tallest building in Southeast Asia, is Landmark 81 which is situated in HCMC. It is a 461-meter high building with 81 stories and 3 basements of which the design was inspired by a bamboo cluster – an icon of the traditional Vietnamese village. 
• HCMC is also locally called Sai Gon – the former name of HCMC before July 1976. Upon the establishment of the unified communist Socialist Republic of Vietnam in 1975, Saigon, Gia Dinh, and two suburban districts were combined and renamed Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) to commemorate Ho Chi Minh – the great leader of the Communist government.

There are some areas that you can stay during your trip to HCMC:

• District 1: This is undoubtedly the best location for your vacation in HCMC because the majority of the places of interest are here. You can just visit them on foot as some of them are pretty close to each other. Although accommodations here are not cheap, instead you save your transportation expenses and time. 
• District 5: It’s also a good option to stay in District 5 since it’s not that far from District 1. Here you can also be exposed to the Chinese community in Vietnam and visit some Chinese temples. Prices for accommodation tend to be more affordable in this area.
• District 3: It is just next to District 1 and between the Tan Son Nhat Airport and District 1. Therefore, it’s also pretty convenient to travel around, especially from/ to the airport.

One small note, before you decide on your place to stay when traveling to HCMC, is that taxi is pretty expensive in HCMC due to the high petrol price and frequent traffic jams. Therefore, if you want to stay farther from the center, you need to take transportation expenses into consideration.

Read more: 10 Best hotels near Bui Vien Street Saigon

 ➡ During my trip to HCMC, I stayed at a 3-star hotel, called Piano Hotel, the room’s price was around 900.000 VND/night/double room. The hotel’s location is perfect (in District 1), thus, it’s very easy to get around on foot. The room was clean and looked good. However, one of the staff  (I think she is the owner) was not friendly at all, she never smiled and I felt like she didn’t want to welcome us. In addition, when I had breakfast, I could see that their forks were not washed properly. That was disgusting…

 ➡ On the other trip, I stayed at Nikko Hotel – a 5-star hotel located in District 1. There is nothing to complain about. Breakfast was full of options. The staff was friendly. The room was clean and modern. And the price was “classy” as well, it was about 3.000.000 VND/night.

Here is the hotel’s information:

• Address: 235 Nguyễn Văn Cừ, Phường Nguyễn Cư Trinh, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam
• Link to book: Click here.
• Price: from 3.000.000 VND/ double room

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is the biggest and most populated city in Vietnam, and it’s also the most dangerous city in the country. Here are some common scams and crimes in HCMC:

• Bag snatching: Bag snatching is real in HCMC. Locals warned me about it on the first day I arrived here, so you need to be cautious. My advice is not to hold your phone, wallet, and bag while walking on the street.
• Taxi scam: During my trip to HCMC, I heard a couple staying at the same hotel as me paid 500,000 VND for a taxi from the airport to the city center, which is definitely overpriced. The price they should have paid was just about 200,000-250,000 VND. To avoid taxi scams, you can read my advice in the section below on how to get around HCMC.
• Overcharging tourists: This is ridiculously common in HCMC, especially at the Ben Thanh Market, where souvenirs are often overpriced. I traveled to HCMC once with my husband’s family (I’m Vietnamese, and they are foreigners). Initially, the seller told my mother-in-law that the purse cost 70,000 VND each. When I came to haggle, I managed to get the price down to 23,000 VND. My tip is… the further you walk away, the cheaper the seller’s offer 😉 .

 💡 My experience: Although those are real in HCMC, during my multiple trips to HCMC, I didn’t face any of them (except for overcharging, but I can handle it). So you don’t need to worry too much. Just follow my advice, and you will be fine.

From the airport to the city center

From Tan Son Nhat Airport to the city center, there are 3 bus lines that you can take:

Bus tickets can be purchased on the bus. And you can search for the routes on Google Maps.

Grab car/ taxi

Taxis are always convenient but not as cheap as public transportation. In HCMC, the fare from Tan Son Nhat Aiport to District 1 is around 250.000 VND/way (including the airport’s entrance fee). Be noticed that the way from the airport to the city center is super jammed, that’s why the taxi fare is a little bit expensive.

Some trustworthy taxi brands in HCMC: Vinasun (white color) and Mai Linh (green color)

 💡 Tips: Don’t ever take a random taxi to avoid scams. If you cannot find any reliable taxi nearby, consider using the Grab app which is similar to Uber. Link to download the Grab app: click here.

Besides, you can also book a private airport transfer via this link at about 250.000 VND (enter code DL6KGF to get 100.000 VND OFF ).

Getting around in the city center

Rent a motorbike

The rental fee depends on how many days and which brand you want to rent. It will vary from 100.000 – 200.000 VND/day (not including petrol). If you rent for more than a week, you can definitely ask for a discount. 

Some reliable rental shops to rent motorbikes in HCMC: 

• Saigon Minsk Motorbike Sales, Rentals & Repairs: I was super satisfied with their service, probably the most friendly shop owners in HCMC that I have met. The shop is located on Bui Vien Street – a very convenient location. The price is cheap also.

Address: 7 Đ. Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000

Tel: 0775 656 508

• Thanh Dat (Dịch vụ cho thuê xe máy Thành Đạt) 

Address: 115/21 Le Van Sy street, Ward 13, Phu Nhuan district, HCMC.

Tel: 0909269732 – 0908959723 Website:  https://chothuexemayhcm.com

If you wanna experience HCMC’s traffic on a motorbike, but you are scared of driving a motorbike here (the traffic is crazyyyy here), then Grab bike is what you need.

I mentioned about Grab app previously, and this app provides a motorbike taxi service as well. Link to download Grab: Click here

It’s for sure cheaper than Grab car. And it’s fun to experience.

Public transportation

Google Maps is a great app to use when you want to search for bus routes. It recommends all the possible routes to go and is very easy to use. 

 💡 Tip: Buses in HCMC only stop at a bus stop WHEN YOU WAVE AT THEM. Otherwise, the bus will skip that stop.

Taxi/ Grab car

Taxi/ grab car is quite expensive in HCMC due to an increase in petrol price. I was charged about 50.000 VND for 1 km for a 7-seater car. 

💡 Pro tip: Grab is not always cheaper than a taxi. If you book a grab car during peak hours or rain, the price will go up due to high demand. In this case, you can look around for a taxi (only choose trustworthy brands), the taxi’s price is fixed and counted on the meter, it won’t increase during rush hours.

Joining a tour is a great way to experience unique things and gain more insights into the local culture and history. Here are some recommended tours for you:

• Saigon Cultural Evening Tour with Water Puppet Show and Dinner River Cruise
• Saigon City Half-Day Tour
• Street Food and Sightseeing Night Tour with Aodai Rider in Saigon

 💡 Promotion: Book any of these tours and enter code DL6KGF to get 5 USD OFF

Hop-on Hop-off bus

This bus stops at popular attractions in HCMC, such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Street walking street, Bitexco Financial Tower, Underground Cuisine Taka Plaza, Huyen Si Church, Bach Dang Pier, and the Opera House.

It also offers audio guides in English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, French, and Vietnamese, providing brief introductions to the attractions’ history.

 ➡ Buy Hop-on Hop-off bus ticket: Click here

TNGO company offers a bicycle rental service in HCMC with 275 bike stations in the city center. The fare for 1 hour of rental is 10,000 VND, and it’s only 50,000 VND for a daily ticket (450 minutes). You can check out the user manual and station map on TNGO’s website.

Read more: 

• HCMC to Danang: is sleeper bus or train better?
• How to get from HCMC to Can Tho by bus

Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street, also known as the backpacker street in HCMC, is a vibrant and bustling area where you can sip on refreshing beverages, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and indulge in local cuisine. What make this street even more special is that when walking into Bui Vien Street, you will instantly feel excited about music and shimmering lights everywhere.

Sai Gon Water Bus

This is a great and inexpensive way to view Ho Chi Minh City on a water bus along the Saigon River. From the water bus, you can also see the Lankmark 81 tower – the highest skyscraper in Vietnam and it’s even more beautiful in the evening. 

 ➡ My detailed review of Sai Gon Water Bus: Read this post

Independence Palace

The palace served as the residence and workplace of the president of the Republic of Vietnam, a country that existed from 1955 to 1975. It was constructed to replace Saigon’s Governor’s Palace. This historic site bore witness to the Fall of Saigon on August 30, 1975, marking the conclusion of the American War.

Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church, commonly referred to as the Pink Church, is a Roman Catholic church constructed in the 1870s during the French colonial era in Vietnam. It is the second-largest church in Saigon, following the Notre Dame Basilica. This church is a popular attraction among tourists thanks to its visually appealing pink pastel color, which is painted both inside and outside.

War Remnant Museum

This museum showcases exhibits from the wars that took place in Vietnam. In the museum’s yard, you can find numerous military equipment displays, including a UH-1 ‘Huey’ helicopter, an F-5A fighter, a BLU-82 ‘Daisy Cutter’ bomb, and more. Inside the museum, you’ll see a wealth of displays and photographs documenting the US invasion war, the effects of Agent Orange, and war atrocities such as the My Lai massacre.

Those are places that you must visit on your trip to HCMC. Besides, this city also offers a plethora of other interesting attractions and hidden gems, read my post ‘ 12 hidden gems and unusual things to do in HCMC ‘ for more details.

I had banh mi almost every day during my trip to Ho Chi Minh City (sometimes twice a day) because it’s so tasty. In HCMC, banh mi is a big, flavorful sandwich filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, including cold cuts, pâté, pork, pickled cucumbers, and more. You can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and you’ll never get tired of it.

The star of this dish is the aromatic broth, which is made from beef or pork bones, along with ingredients like cardamom, cinnamon, star anise, and more. This flavorful broth is then poured into a bowl with flat noodles, beef or chicken, and various Vietnamese herbs. This perfect combination creates a culinary masterpiece that you can’t forget.

Com Tam (Broken Rice)

Com Tam, which translates to ‘broken rice,’ originally referred to the small, fragmented rice grains. A classic Com Tam platter typically includes broken rice, grilled pork chops, shredded pork skin, egg meatloaf, and a flavorful dipping sauce. The dish looks simple but it tastes pretty good, especially the grilled pork chop.

This exotic food is one of the locals’ favorites, especially when we hang out with friends. There are plenty of cooking styles for snails, and my favorite ones are boiled snails with lemongrass and stir-fried snails with sweet and sour sauce.

Read more: Best restaurants to eat in District 1, HCMC

Buu Long Pagoda

Buu Long Pagoda is ranked among the top 20 most beautiful Buddhist temples in the world, thanks to its unique architecture that follows the Theravada Buddhism style and its tranquil surroundings.  The most gorgeous structure in this pagoda is probably the Gotama Cetiya Stupa, which consists of a large central tower and four smaller ones. 

 ➡ My review of Buu Long Pagoda: Read this post

Cai Rang Floating Market

Exploring one of the oldest floating markets in the Mekong Delta, Cai Rang market, is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Here, you can observe how commerce is conducted on the water and how people live on boat. Pretty interesting!

My guide to Cai Rang Floating Market from HCMC: Read this post

Cu Chi Tunnel

The Cu Chi tunnels are situated in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. They represent only a fraction of an extensive network of tunnels that were constructed to provide refuge for Viet Cong soldiers during the war. When visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, remember to experience walking inside the narrow tunnels; it’s a truly unforgettable experience.

 ➡ Book Cu Chi Half-Day Tour at 17 USD: Click here  (enter code DL6KGF to get 5 USD OFF )

If you just plan to visit only the city center, I recommend about 3 to 4 days to explore the most famous places of interest in HCMC and try some local foods. 

If you want to have a day trip away from HCMC such as Cu Chi Tunnel, Cai Rang Floating Market, etc, you probably need at least 5 days 4 nights. 

Travel costs to HCMC are relatively inexpensive. Below are some common travel costs when traveling to HCMC based on my travel experience:

Accommodation: A hostel bed typically ranges from 200,000 to 250,000 VND. A 3-star hotel in HCMC costs around 700,000 to 900,000 VND per night for a double room. Meanwhile, you can expect to pay from 2,000,000 VND per night for a 4-5 star hotel.

Transportation:

• Public transportation is cheap in HCMC; I paid 6,000 VND (less than 50 cents USD) for a bus ride.
• Grab car/taxi is more expensive in Vietnam due to an increase in petrol prices; I paid about 250,000 VND for a 9 km ride in the late evening (late evening rates are higher).
• Motorbike rental costs about 150,000-200,000 VND, depending on the bike model and condition. You also need to fill up the petrol, which costs about 30,000 VND for a day’s use.
• Bicycle rental is about 10,000 VND per hour for TNGO company, they have parking stations at many locations in HCMC (and other cities in Vietnam as well).

Food: A portion of local food (Pho, banh mi, com tam) typically costs between 40,000 and 50,000 VND. Eating in a restaurant usually ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per person, while fine dining can be as high as 1,000,000 VND per person.

Attraction tickets: Most attractions in HCMC are free or very affordable. Museum tickets cost only about 25,000 to 40,000 VND per entrance.

Sim card:  A SIM card costs about 150,000 VND (6 USD) for 30 days of use and includes 10 GB of data. You can purchase it via this link and pick it up at Tan Son Nhat Airport (enter code DL6KGF to get 5 USD OFF ).

There are 2 seasons in HCMC: the wet and dry seasons.

• The wet season in HCMC is between May and November. During this period, the weather is unpredictable with sudden and heavy rain. Downpour occurs for around 15 days/months. June, July, and August are the months with the highest precipitation of about 300mm and humidity of more than 80%. 
• The dry season in HCMC runs from December to April. The average temperature during these months is about 28 Celcius degree, fluctuating from 25 Celcius degree to 31 Celcius degree. 

The best time to visit HCMC is during the dry season when there is no or little chance of rain. Although it’s quite hot and sunny during the daytime, the temperature in the evening is pretty pleasant to travel around.

 💡 My experience:

• I traveled to HCMC in mid-September. There were some heavy rains for 1-2 hours/day. It was not that bad and I could still find some time to wander around the city under sunny weather.
• Another HCMC trip of mine was in May. The weather was sunny and there was no rain for a week.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the biggest and busiest airport in Vietnam located in Tan Binh district, HCMC. The airport serves both international and domestic flights.

It’s very convenient to travel to HCMC by flight as the airport (Tan Son Nhat Airport) is located just 8 km away from the city center. 

 ➡ Check out cheap flight tickets: Click here

Since the Sai Gon railway station is situated right in the city center (District 3), taking a train is a great option if you travel to HCMC from another province in Vietnam. 

 ➡ Link to book train tickets: Click here OR   Click here. ( type “Sai Gon” as the arrival station).

 💡 Note: It’s not recommended to take a train to HCMC from further provinces such as Hanoi, Ninh Binh, etc because it’s a waste of time and the ticket price is relatively similar to a flight ticket. In detail, the journey from Hanoi to HCMC by train takes around 30 hours and costs 900.000VND/way.

You can buy bus tickets at the bus station or online via This link.

• Buy online: Many operators on This link provide hotel pickup service or have their own meet-up point (not the bus station). And buses tend to serve foreign tourists – which is much more comfortable and convenient than the local ones.
• Buy at the station: There are several bus stations in HCMC, but the two major ones are:

 ➡  Eastern bus station (Ben xe Mien Dong): This bus station mainly serves the routes to the North, Central, and Central Highlands and some provinces in the Southeast of Vietnam such as Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang, Da Lat, etc.

Location: 292 Đinh Bộ Lĩnh, phường 26, quận Bình Thạnh, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh.

Some trustworthy bus operators: are Hoang Long New, Phuong Trang, Phuong Hoang, A Ba, and Van Tuyen.

 ➡ Western bus station (Ben xe Mien Tay): This station specializes in routes between HCMC and other provinces in the Mekong Delta such as Can Tho, Long An, Tien Giang, Ben Tre, Vinh Long, Tra Vinh, Hau Giang, Soc Trang, Dong Thap, An Giang, Kien Giang, Bac Lieu, etc.

Location: 395 Kinh Đ. Vương, An Lạc, Bình Tân, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Việt Nam

Some trustworthy bus operators: Phuong Trang, Hoang Minh, Mai Linh Express, and Tien Loi.

Above is the ultimate travel guide in HCMC including how to get there, how to get around, where to stay, places to visit, how many days to stay, and HCMC travel cost. I hope you find this HCMC travel blog post helpful. If you have any questions, feel free to comment below.

1. How long is the travel time from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh?

If you take a flight, it takes about 2 hours to fly from Hanoi to HCMC.

2. Is it safe to solo travel to Ho Chi Minh?

From my experience of solo travel to HCMC, I didn’t face any issue in my trip.

However, I have heard that mugging is pretty common here, so you gotta be cautious at all time.

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(5) comments.

thank you for your ideas.

The War Remnants Museum is truly a must if you visit HCM City. Best place in my 2-day trip to this busy city

Ho Chi Minh City gives me a more vibrant feeling than Hanoi. It feels like everyone here is always full of energy and always smiling

The article is very detailed, I feel more confident in my upcoming trip to Ho Chi Minh after reading this article.

Great guide, Thanks for sharing!!!

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Ho Chi Minh City tourist map

We would like to introduce you to the Ho Chi Minh City tourist map; the map includes the most popular destinations as well as useful information such as restaurants, bars, and shopping in the city.

Ho Chi Minh City weather

It is divided into two seasons in Saigon: dry season and rainy season. Saigon possesses a humid subtropical climate which is characterized by the long, hot and humid summers; and a well-developed monsoon with seasonal rainfall and thunderstorms. The rainy season normally starts from May to November and is taken over by the dry season from December to April. The highest temperature during the dry season recorded in April at around 39°C, however, is often cooled down by the intermittent showers. So, even if you travel to Saigon in the hottest month of the year, it still can be bearable enough for you to set out and explore the city.

The most enjoyable time to visit Saigon though is around December to the end of February when the festive season is in the air and the cool breeze is everywhere.

Transport in Ho Chi Minh City

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For the newcomers to Saigon, the traffic here could leave you overwhelmed due to the massive quantity of motorbikes and the chaotic flow. However, that is one of Saigon’s “specialties” and what you are going to miss it for. As the most modern city in the country, the system of transportation is very well-developed. This is the perfect transition point for your trip and a good base to explore other cities in the South of Vietnam.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the most important port in the country with a great capacity that enables it to serve domestic passengers and welcome international travellers. Vietnam Airlines is the official national airline accompanying other commercial airlines such as Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways, and so on.

Only 7 km away from the city center, there are many ways to travel to and from the airport:

• No.159 Bus: from the airport, you can take the bus No.159 at the airport bus station to get to Park 23/9 in downtown District 1; from here, it is easy for you to go to your hotel or other parts of the city.
• Taxi: there are many taxi companies that offer trips to Saigon downtown at a fixed price so you will not be worried about getting ripped off. You should not pay over 250,000 VND ($11) to go to District 1.
• Ride-hailing apps: one of the options is to book a ride from popular platforms like Grab or Gojek. This is more recommended for you to travel to the airport after having a sense of the city traffic. This is cheaper compared to the conventional taxi.

The Vietnamese railway is one of the oldest industries in the country. The railway net has a total length of 4,161 km, including five mainstream routes connecting 34 cities across the country. It also links with two stations of the Chinese railway in Yunnan and Guangxi (China) via Lao Cai and Lang Son. This allows international on-land travel. The longest train route is the North-South Route, running back and forth between Saigon and the capital city Hanoi. It runs almost parallelly with National Highway 1A, so you will be able to see the landscapes changing all the way.

One downside of train travel in Vietnam is the railway infrastructure and facilities have been running down which makes it lost in favor compared to other means of transportation. To win its reputation back, there are some newly-built train cars which qualify the 5-star standard brought into use.

The train station in Ho Chi Minh City is located at 01 Nguyen Thong St, District 3.

To book tickets online, you can visit the website: dsvn.vn .

Short-route buses: in Vietnam, buses do not have their own lane, so it is quite slow to travel by bus during peak hours. That may explain for its lesser popularity. However, it is an interesting way to see the city if you are in no rush. The system of city buses is highly distributed with around 136 routes around the city. The ticket price is totally inexpensive ranging from 5,000 VND – 15,000 VND and applied to both locals and foreign visitors. In 2011, the government took the green buses which run on clean energy into use. This is an effort to encourage people to make use of public transportation. The three most useful stations for your travel while in Saigon are:

• 23/9 Park Bus station (Ben Xe Cong Vien 23/9): 107 Pham Ngu Lao St, District 1
• Western Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Tay): 395 Kinh Duong Vuong St, Binh Tan District
• Eastern Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Dong): 39,448 Hanoi Highway, Binh An Ward, Thu Duc City

You can visit this website to check out the bus route and schedule: busmap.vn , or download the app Busmap on your phone to help you.

And because these locations could be hectic, please be aware of your belongings while you are at the station and during your journey.

Long-route buses

This is the most used type of transport for travelling. They are seating and sleeping buses. A lot of travellers choose this way of travel because it is time-and-cost saving since the buses run overnight so you can jump on the bus at midnight and get to your destination early in the morning, fully recharged and ready to explore the city. Some big companies that offer this service are Futa Bus, Thanh Buoi Bus, Kumho Samco, etc. The price is affordable (200,000 VND – 500,000 VND). There are international routes that take you to different cities in Cambodia.

It is a pity that this type of travel has only been taken advantage of lately. Having a dense network of waterways could be a revolutionary solution to the crazy traffic situation in Saigon. At the moment, the Saigon water bus only has one route operating between Bach Dang Station (District 1) to Linh Dong Station (Thu Duc City). It is (personally) the ideal way of transporting in Saigon as you can avoid all the traffic while enjoying the cool breeze from the river. Actually, the water bus is not the main way of commuting by Saigon people (Saigoneers) but is rather a getaway and exploring experience.

The water buses leave daily from Bach Dang Station, 27 Ton Duc Thang St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

The price is 15,000 VND for one-way tickets and 30,000 VND for two-way tickets.

You can check out the timetable here: saigonwaterbus.com .

Motorbike – the iconic image of any city in Vietnam, is the most seen means of transport. In Saigon, most of the time, the streets surge with a vast number of scooters, honking for right of way (or sometimes just to express the drivers’ attitude).

The flow of motorbikes during rush hours could be overwhelming for many people, but once you get a little bit used to it, you are going to embrace the way it works. Exploring the city on a motorbike is a must and it will surely amaze you how smoothly this system operates and how skillful the drivers are in blending in the block of traffic. Although the traffic looks insane, it is actually very safe as the bikes move very slowly and the drivers are used to making eye contact as a way to send out signals to other commuters.

You can experience sitting on the back of the bike by using the ride-hailing apps mentioned above or reaching out to motorbike tour agencies.

Once you feel comfortable on the bike, you can totally hire your own one and head out for your own adventures. It is possible to rent a bike daily (around 7 USD/day) or monthly depending on your time and purpose. You will need a driving license if you would like to ride the bike yourself.

It is compulsory to wear a helmet while joining traffic and it is recommended to wear a facial mask to reduce the effect of pollution.

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon, as mentioned above, has the busiest airport across the country, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Apart from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi , Saigon is the most favorable gateway among international travellers to enter the country. As a result, a wide range of accommodations has been popping up to meet the demand of the tourism industry of this city. No matter what your budget and travel purpose are, it will always please you.

Ho Chi Minh City has a big collection of 5-star hotels for luxurious holidays. They are located at the prime locations of the city, especially those that remained from the French colonial period,  overlooking the Saigon River and continuous flow of traffic.

In case Saigon is only a transition point for your travel and you are only looking for a place to crash at night, the city has countless sets of low-budget homestays, guesthouses, and airbnbs. The aesthetic feature is really taken into account when it comes to designing hotels as a result of general trends, so you can certainly find a place that is affordable and still rich in character.

Here are some recommendations for accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City .

10 must-visit attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Do not expect spectacular mountain views or a calm ocean breeze; Saigon is more of a multicultural hub. You will not be likely to fall in love at the first sight with this city, but if you give it some time and open up to people here, you will figure out why so many expats choose this city to settle down. If, however, you only have a couple of days in town, here are some top attractions to give you a clue into the history and lifestyle of Saigon.

1. War Remnants Museum

Saigon at the moment is home to a collection of 11 museums featuring all aspects of culture: from typical Fine Arts Museum to unique ones like the Geology Museum or Ao Dai Museum. However, if you would like to learn a bit about the dark yet glorious Vietnam wars, the War Remnants Museum is always at the top.

First of all, it is super approachable. It is stated that this is a lively record of the US-South Vietnam War with more than 20,000 artifacts including documents, photos, and weapons.

The War Remnants Museum comprises three floors. There is not much to see on the ground floor as the ticket box and donation room are placed here. The highlighted destinations are the “Tiger Cage” – a type of prison used to capture and torture prisoners during wartime, and its collection of combat airplanes and tanks.

The other two floors are where all the weapons and photos capture tragic moments that wars brought to both countries and whoever was involved. Please mind that the images could be disturbing and miserable.

Entrance ticket: 40,000 VND/person ($1.7)

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan St, District 3

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

Located in the outskirts of Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels is another historical witness of the Indochina War and Vietnam War. The whole tunnel is actually an underground city having all the needed facilities like hospitals, meeting rooms, kitchens, and hundreds of kilometers of road tunnels connected. The deepest layer is 10 meters under the ground and only about 0.8-meter high – enough for one crawling person at a time. Now, for visiting purposes, certain parts of the tunnel were expanded so you can go in the tunnel and imagine living in it for days or months.

There are local buses running between Saigon downtown and Cu Chi Tunnel. From District 1, it is easy to catch bus No.13 directly to Cu Chi Bus Station for only 7,000 VND (30 cents). From there, take the No.63 bus to get to the site.

Entrance ticket: 110,000 VND/person (included snacks)

Address: Tinh Lo 15 St, Phu Hiep Ward, Cu Chi District

3. Jade Emperor Pagoda

There are many religions practiced in this populous city, yet, Buddhism is still dominant of all. In the heart of Saigon is sited an ancient pagoda, well-known for its sacredness.

This little pagoda remains solemn and mysterious in the middle of a bustling and chaotic city. Having been built since 1892 on a site of over 2,000 square meters, it took 16 years to complete all the details of the construction. Visiting this pagoda of 300 statues coming in all shapes and sizes will give you some understanding of the influence of Taoism on the architecture and religion of the Vietnamese. It is not a random fact that many people worship this religious site: this pagoda is believed to fulfill the prayers of having love and children with many successful stories spread through word of mouth.

The Former President of the United States – Barack Obama used to pay a visit to this sacred pagoda in 2016.

Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu St, District 1

4. Chinatown

Due to the fact that the Chinese had invaded Vietnam for a thousand years and the two countries share the borderline, Vietnamese culture is strongly influenced by Chinese people and up to now, over generations, there is still a huge population of Chinese people in Saigon. They gather mainly in districts 5, 10, and 11 with active and lively business activities and vibrant energy. The center of Chinatown is called “Cho Lon” meaning the Big Market. You will be amazed at the interesting juxtaposition of all the shops: a chaotic arrangement in a generally orderly picture, which is hard to put into words. This is also the wholesale market of the city so it would be an unforgettable experience to watch the merchants constantly picking up their goods while chit-chatting joyfully.

We recommend you to do a Pagoda tour because this walkable area has many long-standing pagodas which are rich in religious details and stories and of course very instagrammable. After a long course of exploring, it is best to sit down for a cup of iced coffee and some food. Chinatown has some of the best food; most of them are obviously Chinese foods which are slightly adjusted to suit the climate and also the palate of the local customers.

5. Independence Palace

Another historical site in Saigon is the Independence Palace. This is where the former president of the Vietnam Republic – brothers Ngo Dinh Diem and Ngo Dinh Nhu stayed and worked – could be compared with the White House. Remained over 150 years despite the hand of time, the palace reveals a subtle combination between the Western and Indochina architect. There are over a hundred rooms on the campus with different settings; a rooftop where an airplane could land; and a system of strong tunnels which could bear heavy guns and bombs.

The Independence Palace plays an important role in the Vietnamese hearts and history because this exact site witnessed the revolutionary moment when the enemies declared unconditional surrender.

Entrance ticket: 40,000 VND/person

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, District 1

Opening hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM

6. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

This is the go-to place for the Saigoneers especially when the sun is out and the weather becomes cooler. There is not much to “do” but a lot to “see” here. Walking along this street will give you a sense of how the locals spend their nighttime. There is a lot going on in just less than 1 kilometer: people taking photos, young people practicing skating, water music performance, and more.

The most amazing thing (personally) is the Cafe Apartment. Located along the walking street, these old apartments were transferred into cafes and shops; when nights come, all the lights from the sign panos are lit making a stunning view itself. This is where people bring their dates, take photographs or get their work done. If you are into photography, this place is gold with every corner full of life and photogenic of course. Exploring the cafe apartment is like a treasure hunt: you browse through each floor and check out each cafe to see its decor; menu and view before deciding to settle in one. Most of the cafes have a small balcony facing the walking street, so you can sit here to enjoy the breeze while watching the world passing by under your feet.

Also, there is a cuisine complex called Saigon Garden where you can find fusion eateries, and take a sip of wine before heading back on the street.

This location offers free entrance; however, if you drive a bike, you will need to pay for the parking ticket at 10,000 VND.

7. Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the heritage sites remaining from the French colonial period. After 140 years since the day it was finished, this has become a cultural and religious symbol of not only Christians but also of the Saigoneers in general. The Cathedral was designed by a French architect named J. Bourad; therefore, the overall architecture was profoundly influenced by Western architecture with the breath of a combination of Roman and Gothic architectural styles.

Interestingly, all the materials used for building the cathedral were brought to the site from France; and apparently, only Christians were recruited to build the cathedral. And the Virgin Maria Statue standing in front of the cathedral was sent from Rome. There are many fascinating stories amid this statue such as she shed tears, which attracts flocks of people visiting in hope of witnessing the miracle moment. Everyday, this sacred location witnesses couples hand in hand, coming here for their wedding shooting with the hope that their marriage will be protected by Supreme Beings.

Notre Dame Cathedral however had suffered severe damage from time and weather and has been under overall maintenance. It is though still worth a visit for the surroundings and neighboring streets such as Han Thuyen St and Pasteur St, which still retain the French vibes.

Address: 01 Cong Xa Paris St, District 1

8. Saigon Central Post Office

Right next to the cathedral situated the Central Post Office, which is also another French colonists’ construction and the largest post office in Vietnam. This building was designed by the world-famous architect Gustave Eiffel – the Father of the Eiffel Tower. People go there not only to embrace the unique architectural design but also to take a moment to immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere.

Why don’t you come here, write a postcard and send it to your beloved ones?

Address: 02 Cong Xa Paris St, District 1

9. Ben Thanh Market

The market has everything you ever need. Ben Thanh Market is famous for its abundance of goods and local produce. This is an indoor market so it will keep you off the Saigon heat and still give you an authentic shopping experience. It will take you a long walk to fully explore the market and do not miss the food court as well as the meat and fish section to truly feel the lively and vibrant atmosphere going on.

At night, the surroundings turn into an open market with lines of shops selling fabric, clothes, leather products, and of course local street food. If you are looking for a place to buy souvenirs for your trip, this is it.

Address: Le Loi St, District 1

10. The Opera House

Lastly in the series of the French colonists’ heritage sites is the Opera House. Only a walkable distance from the former two buildings mentioned above, this location is magnificent in its design. There is a small square in front of the House where people sit down to admire the grand design of the city.

The Opera House hosts many outstanding and high-quality cultural performances in which “A O Show” is the highlight. It brings in a lot of cultural elements of the Vietnamese as Non La and bamboo trees. The show is absolutely impressive and totally worth every penny.

You can check out the trailer and show schedule here .

Address: 07 Dong Khoi St, District 1

10 must-try foods in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon is where the cuisine flourishes. The most dominant industry reported in Saigon is foods and beverages which means it will offer you endless choices of food experiences. Here are some typical dishes for your visit in Saigon.

Of all the savory dishes in the city, Banh Mi is the most likely to be tried in Saigon as it is perfect for takeaway while you are busy exploring the city. Banh Mi is basically a baguette with various stuffings inside like Vietnamese pork sausage, char siu, fried egg, and pickled vegetables. It is convenient, cheap, and tasty.

You can find Banh Mi everywhere along the streets; however, here are some outstanding places we would recommend:

• Banh Mi Huynh Hoa Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng St, District 1 Price: 58,000 VND ($2.5)
• Banh Mi Hong Hoa Address: 54 Nguyen Van Trang, District 1 Price: 30,000 VND – 40,000 VND
• Banh Mi 362 Address: 25 Tran Cao Van, District 1 Price: 20,000 VND – 40,000 VND

Hu Tieu is originally a Mekong Delta noodle soup. Unlike Pho, Hu Tieu noodles are smaller and a bit harder. Hu Tieu soup is extracted from pork bones and vegetables. An adapted version of Hu Tieu is “Hu Tieu Nam Vang” which has sliced pork, minced pork, shrimp, quail eggs, and delicious soup.

Some good Hu Tieu restaurants are listed here:

• Hu Tieu Nam Vang Thanh Dat Address: 34 Co Bac, District 1 Price: 59,000 VND – 69,000 VND
• Hu Tieu Nhan Quan Address: A68 Nguyen Trai, District 1 Price: 85,000 VND – 120,000 VND

It is sometimes said that Saigon has no specialty. It is because Saigon is where people from all parts of the country come to seek jobs and a better living standard and over time, they also bring their local cuisine to this city. However, there is one dish that this city does better than anywhere else and it is Com Tam .

A typical Com Tam Saigon is a plate of steamed broken rice topped with grilled pork ribs, egg cake, sunny-side-up egg, and shredded pork skin with cucumber, tomato, and pickled carrots to balance the composition. To complete the taste, there is a small bowl of chili and garlic fish sauce served with the rice.

Here are some places you can get a good plate of Com Tam:

• Com Tam Bui Saigon Address: 100 Thach Thi Thanh, District 1 Price: 45,000 VND – 65,000 VND
• Com Tam Moc Address: 85 Ly Tu Trong, District 1 Price: 45,000 VND – 74,000 VND

4. Banh Xeo

Banh Xeo is a kind of crispy pancake that is eaten by being wrapped in a sheet of rice paper with some green herbs and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce. There are two versions of Banh Xeo: Banh Xeo in the South (Banh Xeo Nam Bo) is thinner, bigger, and less oily while Banh Xeo from the Central (Banh Xeo Mien Trung) is smaller, crispier and oilier.

Our recommendations for Banh Xeo:

• Banh Xeo Nga Address: 251 Nguyen Thien Thuat, District 1 Price: 50,000 VND
• Co Ba Vung Tau Address: 40B Tran Cao Van, District 3 Price: 115,000 VND
• Amitabha Restaurant (vegetarian Banh Xeo) Address: 40 Nguyen Thai Hoc, District 1 Price: 65,000 VND

This dish emphasizes the Southern cooking style with the use of fermented fish. A bowl of Bun Mam comprises shrimp, squid, grilled pork, and eggplant. This is going to be a real authentic cuisine experience in Saigon.

The best Bun Mam in Saigon could be found here:

• Bun Mam 144 Address: 144 Khanh Hoi, District 1 Price: 75,000 VND – 85,000 VND
• Bun Mam Mien Tay Address: 124 Tran Khat Chan, District 1 Price: 45,000 VND

6. Bun Dau Mam Tom

This is kind of an extreme food experience for a lot of people. Bun Dau Mam Tom comes in a small tray of boiled pork, deep-fried cubed tofu, fried “Nem” (Nem Ran or pork cake), and other toppings of your choice. The star of the dish is the dipping sauce Mam Tom – which is a fermented shrimp sauce. The smell of it is quite strong, but after you mix it with kumquat juice, a bit of sugar, and fresh chili, it will bring out the best taste of all the ingredients.

It is important to try this dish at highly hygienic restaurants, so here they are:

• Bun Dau Homemade Address: 01 Nguyen Van Trang, District 1 Price: 99,000 VND
• Bun Dau A Chanh Address: 200 Cong Quynh St, District 1 Price: 59,000 VND

7. Goi Cuon

Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) is a tasty and healthy snack. Each roll features vegetables, a few rice noodles to guarantee the carb intake, and a slice of pork and shrimp. Just that simple but when you combine with the soybean paste and broken peanut sauce, it is going to make the most refreshing snacks.

Goi Cuon is often sold by the small vendor ladies. Some favorite Goi Cuon places favored by the locals here:

• Banh Cuon Hong Hanh Address: 17A Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1 Price: 7,000 VND/roll
• Quan Chay Chi Cu (vegetarian Goi Cuon) Address: 07 Tran Dinh Xu, District 1 Price: 5,000 VND/roll

Oc which means snails and is the most loved dish/snack (whatever you call it) in the local’s heart. And it is obvious that Saigon is Oc paradise. There is even a whole area in which every single house on every single street sells Oc. There are numerous types of Oc together with other kinds of seafood like shrimp, squid, and fish. Oc is a “hanging-out” food that people often opt for when they want to drink a couple of beers at night time. Order 1 – 2 dishes at a time as the food comes in big portions. And do not forget to grab some beers.

Some popular places to go for Oc are below:

• Oc Dao Address: C79 Nguyen Trai, District 1 Price: 35,000 VND – 65,000 VND
• Oc Khanh Address: 25 Nguyen Binh Kiem, District 1 Price: 35,000 VND – 65,000 VND

Bo Kho is a traditional party dish in Vietnam , but people will always have a way to bring it into their daily meals. This is a version of beef stew in the Vietnamese way: beef is stewed in a pasty soup seasoned with spices and coconut milk. Bo Kho is often eaten with Banh Mi (baguette), rice noodles, or egg noodles. The shiny and tasty soup together with tender beef cubes will definitely win your heart.

Follow these recommendations for you Bo Kho tries:

• Bo Kho Co Mai Address: 25 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1 Price: 59,000 VND – 69,000 VND
• Bo Kho Di Ut An Do Address: 194/5 Vo Van Tan, District 3 Price: 45,000 VND – 50,000 VND

10. Streetfood

Last but not least, street foods in Saigon are varied; they are more like snacks that students and officials love to eat together during their break. That is Banh Trang Tron (a game-changing snack) which is a bag of rice paper strips, shredded green mango and herbs, dried beef and shrimp, and quail eggs. It may sound like a strange combination but trust us; it could be your next favorite street food ever.

Other examples of street food are “Do Chien” and “Coc Oi Mia Ghim”. The former ones are basically deep-fried meat and fish balls, while the latter are mobile carts selling multiple types of fruits shaken with sweet and spicy salt.

To close this section, we would like to inform you about the street calls which you will hear a lot when you are here. We would call it the all-in-one cart as in these little mobile three-wheel bikes, and you can find grilled dried squids, grilled corn and sweet potatoes, stir-fried corn with butter, boiled baluts, and so on. You would find it annoying at first when the calls go through the night then become missing them when you leave.

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

As the most developed city in Vietnam, the living standard of people here is relatively higher than in other parts of the country. People work hard but also enjoy themselves as much as possible. People do not mind splurging on luxurious goods as a way to display their success. As a result, the shopping activities in this city are always busy and active, creating an incredible scene for shopaholics. This shopping paradise is for everyone, whether you want to obtain high-end branded items or just local clothing and goods. Now, we are going to take you through all the possible shopping options so you can choose the best for yourselves.

Shopping centers are where you head if you are looking for some high-end products. This is the type of shopping in which you aim for branded names all the way from LV and Chanel to Zara, Mango and you name it. These shopping centers are located in prime areas of the city like District 1. Here are some addresses you can check out:

• Vincom Center Dong Khoi
• Takashimaya
• Diamond Plaza
• Crescent Mall
• Vincom Landmark 81

A friendlier shopping choice for both tourists and local people is the shopping square and shopping streets. The most favorable ones that could be named are Saigon Square and Nguyen Trai Street. For Saigon Square, they offer a more variety of goods that suit both Vietnamese and Western-style. Nguyen Trai St, on the other hand, is divided into two parts: half of the street is in District 1 which sells mostly local brands (designed clothes by domestic brands) with a higher price range in comparison with the other part. This part is more attractive to young Vietnamese people. The rest of the street stretches to District 5 and sells more affordable fashion items. It is a fun experience to stroll around the street to view the way locals batter and buy stuff.

Another shopping experience you should not miss is the open market or flea market which is not a new concept in the West but has newly adapted and blossomed in Saigon for the last couple of years. These often take place on weekends at big stadiums with the participation of local shops. They sell everything from clothing and accessories, perfumes, tarot reading, and food of course. You can search for Hello Weekend Market, The New District, or The New Playground to have a look at it.

Entertainment in Ho Chi Minh City

It may not be a new fact that Vietnam is among the leading coffee exporters in the world. And cafe shops in Saigon are brought to a new level because Saigon people love coffee, or in other words, they love coffee shops. One of the excitements of them is to explore new cafes, especially those that are instagrammable for their newsfeed. They will dress up, go there and take photos, and spend hours chatting with friends. People will never get bored as there are always some new cafes with unique themes and designs popping up around the city. This kind of entertainment is so popular that some bloggers could live on by reviewing cafes. So you can join this cafe hunt by first browsing the internet to find one or two eye-catching cafes and go there, take some photos for your Instagram.

Amusement Parks

Bars, pubs, and beer gardens, exclusive experience in ho chi minh city.

• 
Saigon Skydeck Bitexco
• Nest by AIA Landmark 81
• Level 23 Wine Bar
• Chill Skybar

• The Deck Saigon
• Boathouse Restaurant
• Waterbiz and Tea Express
•  Saigon Princess Cruise Ship
•  Elisa Cruise Ship

Travel tips

Recommended length of stay in Ho Chi Minh City: 3-4 days

Money Exchange in Ho Chi Minh City:  For the best exchange rates, you are recommended to visit the money changers and gold shops around Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien Walking Street, or the banks.

Recommended Money Changers:

• Ha Tam Jewellery (7 AM – 10 PM) Address: 2 Nguyen An Ninh, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (near Ben Thanh Market)
• Kim Mai Jewellery (7 AM – 8 PM) Address: 84C Cong Quynh, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (near Bui Vien Walking Street)
• Banks: DongA Bank, BIDV, Vietcombank.

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HO CHI MINH CITY TRAVEL GUIDE (Budget + Itinerary) 2019

by thepinay solobackpacker | Jan 4, 2019 | HO CHI MINH CITY , Itinerary , Travel Guide , Vietnam | 21 comments

It never occurred to me that I would fall for Vietnam.  Back then, I remember traveling here because it is pretty close to Cambodia and I only wanted to get my passport stamped. Looking back, I am not proud of it. Now Vietnam is one of my favorite countries when backpacking in Southeast Asia.  This blog though will focus more on Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide.

When I arrived in Pham Ngu Lao, the Backpacker Street in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), I wasn’t immediately smitten.  It took a few more hours – tasting Ho Chi Minh’s celebrated street food and taste bud-tingling Vietnamese dishes, crossing the motorcycle-choked roads, getting lost in hostel-fringed narrow lanes and coming face to face with the architectural medley of temples, Soviet-style housing blocks and French-inspired buildings and museums – before I started feeling something for Vietnam.

TRAVEL BLOG CONTENTS

SAIGON/ HO CHI MINH TRAVEL GUIDE

Where is ho chi minh city (saigon).

Ho Chi Minh/ Saigon, once the capital of Vietnam, is located in southeastern Vietnam. It was originally known as Prey Nokor, a fishing village, home of the Khmer people until the Vietnamese settlers arrived around the 17th century.  But in 1853, Saigon (formerly Prey Nokor) was conquered by the French and Spanish, reason why you’ll still see a wealth of French-styled buildings scattered all over Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Eventually, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh, derived from the Vietnamese Communist revolutionary leader who was Chairman and First secretary of the Workers’ Party of Vietnam.

Today, the rising number of tourists is fast transforming its districts, with new hotels, bars, galleries and restaurants. Yet despite its urbanization, it has managed to retain its pride in Vietnamese culture. And that’s one of the reasons why I like this frenetic city. To help you plan your trip, here’s my Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM?

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City/ Saigon is during the dry season, December to April. But March, April and May can be too hot.  Wet season is May to November, so expect rains and frequent storms, though usually they won’t really interrupt your trip.

HO CHI MINH MONEY EXCHANGE

Ho Chi Minh uses the Vietnam currency called Dong (VND).  Current exchange rate is around VND 10,000 = PHP 22 (USD0.44/ SGD 0.61).   So yes, Vietnam is one of the countries in Asia where you can be a millionaire once you exchange your money.

You can bring USD so you won’t have a hard time exchanging money at money changers scattered around downtown Ho Chi Minh.  If you need to take a taxi or bus from the airport to the city, just exchange a few dong and change the rest of your money in the city.  Money changers at the airport have terrible exchange rates.

But the best option is to withdraw money from ATMs scattered around Ho Chi Minh City.  You can use ATMs of international banks or even local banks like Vietcom Bank, Techcombank and BIVD.  Make sure to call your bank before traveling to Vietnam and inform them about your trip so they can make a note in your account and allow withdrawals in Vietnam. I know someone who traveled there and couldn’t use her card because her bank blocked the transactions for security reasons.

IMPORTANT: Be careful when paying, always double check your money as it can be confusing, you might end up paying VND 100,000 instead of VND 10,000. And always count your change! Some vendors might confuse you and give you the wrong change if they know you are foreigner. Happened to me once.

In case you need to send money abroad or back home, you can’t do that in Vietnam unless you are an OFW there.  

HO CHI MINH WI-FI

Being connected online is important in Ho Chi Minh and the rest of Vietnam.  English is not widely-spoken, so you need to access Google Maps and Google translate.  You can  RENT A POCKET WIFI HERE   Pick up or drop off at your hotel front desk in Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Hanoi, Hoi An upon checking in and out. Pocket Wi-Fi can connect up to 8 devices at once.

HOW TO GET TO HO CHI MINH CITY FROM MANILA (PHILIPPINES)

From Manila (Philippines), there are several flights to and from Ho Chi Minh (Vietnam) via airlines such as Cebu Pacific (direct flight), Philippine Airlines (direct flight), Airasia (Kuala Lumpur lay over) and Jetstar (Singapore lay over).  If direct flight, travel time is roughly 2 hours.

Cheapest fare is via Cebu Pacific, if you book regular fare, prepare to shell out around PHP 3, 798 for one way fare.  But if you book during seat sales, you might snag a cheap roundtrip ticket for roughly the same amount.

HOW TO GET TO HO CHI MINH FROM CAMBODIA

From Phnom Penh, Cambodia, you can take a bus to Ho Chi Minh for about PHP 682 (VND 306,890/USD 16/SGD19) to PHP 908 (VND408,587/ USD 18/ SGD 25) depending on the type of bus. Travel time is 6 hours 30 minutes. You can check the bus schedule and book your bus tickets below.

SAIGON/ HO CHI MINH AIRPORT TO HO CHI MINH CITY

The most convenient way to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport (Tan Son Nhat Airport) to Ho Chi Minh City is by Grab, it’ll cost around VND 89,000 (PHP 197 / USD 4 / SGD 5) to get to Phum Nga Lao Street (Backpacker Street) from Ho Chi Minh/Saigon Airport by Uber X.   If you are alone and you only have one or two backpacks with you, you can opt for Grab motorbike, it’s cheaper, around VND 43,000 (PHP 95 / USD 2/ SGD 3).  Toll fee is VND 10,000 (PHP 22 / USD 0.44/ SGD 0.61).

Cheapest way to downtown Ho Chi Minh is by Bus #152. I used this before to get to Pham Ngu Lao Street (Backpacker Street) in Ho Chi Minh.  Fare is roughly VND 5,000 (PHP 11 / USD/ SGD 0.30) and additional VND 5,000 per bag.  But it only runs until around 6:00 PM

You may also take the Bus #109 (Airport Bus) for VND 20,000 (PHP 44/ USD 2/ SGD 1.21) that runs from 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM.

GETTING AROUND HO CHI MINH CITY

BY TOUR PACKAGE

A convenient way to explore Ho Chi Minh is by joining tour packages, not to mention they are cheap!  You may BOOK HO CHI MINH CITY (half day) TOUR HERE  or BOOK A WHOLE DAY HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR HERE.  

I tried riding the cyclo once to get to one of the tourist destinations and it was nice.  I think I paid around VND 50,000 (PHP 100 /USD 2/ SGD 3) for one ride.  The government has restricted the use of cyclos though on busy streets, so the driver uses a different route.

IMPORTANT: The driver was kind enough to warn me about my bag also. He told me to hold it tight and not to use my camera or phone while on the road because Ho Chi Minh is notorious for motorcycle-riding snatchers.  Even when walking, avoid flaunting your gadgets. If you want to go on a city tour riding a cycle, you can BOOK A HCMC CYCLO CITY TOUR HERE  

I haven’t tried commuting around Ho Chi Minh (Saigon). But if you have the luxury of time and you want to give it a shot, there are bright green public buses that can take you around the city, just make sure you have Wi-Fi with you because you’ll most likely need Google Maps.  English is not widely spoken in Ho Chi Minh, so you might have a hard time asking for directions. Look for the maps for the bus system, there is one at the Ben Than Bus Station fronting Ben Thanh Market.

For stress-free rides, use Uber, which is available in Ho Chi Minh. I recommend using this app instead of taxi.

Always use the meter and have your Google Maps ready.  Many taxi drivers in Ho Chi Minh are reportedly notorious. To avoid being scammed, always use the meter, do not negotiate the price.  Always prepare small change for paying the fare.

IMPORTANT:   Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh can be scary because there’s a lot of motorbikes, what I do is I always look for the pedestrian lane with traffic lights.

But if you are one of those tourists who want to try crossing the motorbike-filled streets of Vietnam, just be extra careful because it can be a big challenge.  Walk with the locals.  I was told to just walk across steady and the motorbikes will veer away from you to avoid hitting you.

  HO CHO MINH TOP ATTRACTIONS

Ho Chi Minh City Hall Address: 86 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM Entrance Fee: Free

Saigon Central Post Office Address: 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM Entrance Fee: Free

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Address: 1, Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Entrance Fee: Free

Independence Palace

Address: 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open Hours: 7:30 AM –11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM Entrance Fee: VND 20,000 (PHP 44/ USD 2/ SGD 1.21)

The Golden Water Puppet Show Address: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Entrance Fee: VND 250,000 (PHP 507/USD 10/ SGD 15)

Municipal Theater

Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ben Than Market Address: Đường Lê Lợi, Cửa Nam Chợ Bến Thành, Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM

Bitexco Tower Address: 36 Hồ Tùng Mậu, Bến Nghé Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam Open Hours for Skydeck: 9:30 AM -9:30PM

Phum Nga Lao Street(Saigon Backpacker Street)

Address: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM

Open Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:45 AM

01:30 PM – 4:45 PM

Entrance Fee: VND 10,000 (PHP 22 / USD 0.44 / SGD 0.61)

HO CHI MINH DAY TRIPS

CU CHI TUNNEL

If you want a hassle-free tour to Cu Chi Tunnel, you can BOOK A CU CHI TUNNEL TOUR HERE .   Tour includes pick up/drop off (hotels in De Tham, Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien Street only), English-speaking guide, entrance fee and bottled water.

                                       Address: Ấp Phú Hiệp, Phú Hiệp, Phú Mỹ Hưng, Củ Chi, Hồ Chí Minh

Open Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Entrance Fee: VND 90,000 (PHP 200/ USD 4/ EURO  3.36/SGD 5.45/MYR 17)

MEKONG RIVER BOAT CRUISE

Soak in the relaxing atmosphere of Mekong Delta passing by rice paddies, fishing villages and traditional stilt houses while aboard a boat. You can BOOK A MEKONG RIVER BOAT TOUR HERE.

CU CHI TUNNEL AND CAO DAI TEMPLE TOUR

• Visit one of Vietnam’s most vibrant temples and understand how this intriguing religion was set up
• Then see how the Viet Cong survived the Vietnam War with an elaborate labyrinth of underground tunnels

RESERVE TOUR HERE

Where to stay in ho chi minh city /saigon.

Pham Ngu Lao is the backpacker street of Ho Chi Minh/Saigon.  This lively street is peppered with budget to mid-range hotels.  I’ve stayed here during my last visit as aside from cheap hostels, everything that I need is here, restaurants, cafes, convenience stores and ATMS.  If you’re planning to stay in a luxury hotel most of them are conveniently located in Dong Khai.

Here’s a list of some of the top budget hotels in Ho Chi Minh to help you decide where to stay.

TOP BUDGET HOTELS IN HO CHI MINH CITY 

(PHAM NGU LAO /BACKPACKER STREET AREA)

HO CHI MINH HOTELS UNDER PHP 1,000 (Near Backpacker Street)

212A/A61 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh ward, District 1. District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

265/7/15 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

New Saigon Hostel

270 Bui Vien St, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Town House 23 Saigon Hotel

23 Dang Thi Nhu Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

HO CHI MINH HOTELS UNDER PHP 2,000 (Near Backpacker Street)

Tripwriter Hotel

185/28 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Bich Duyen Hotel

283/4 Pham Ngu Lao 70000, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

FIND OTHER HO CHI MINH HOTELS HERE

Ho chi minh itinerary with budget breakdown.

Here’s my sample 3 days 2 night itinerary with budget breakdown. This is just to guide you in planning your trip and budget.  It can go lower or higher depending on where you’ll be staying in Ho Chi Minh, your food, tours and shopping expenses.

*PHP 1,620 PH Travel Tax, airfare and shopping expenses not included.

HO CHI MINH TRIP BUDGET/EXPENSES

Here’s a list of estimated costs for tours, activities, food, fares and hotel in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam just to give you an idea around how much you’ll spend when you travel there.  Traveling to Ho Chi Minh is pretty cheap, food in eateries and street stalls usually costs around VND 20,000 (PHP 44/ USD 2/ SGD 1.21) to VND 70,000 (PHP 155/ USD 3/SGD 4) per meal.  Hotels are budget-friendly too.

HO CHI MINH CITY TRAVEL TIPS

⊗ Pham Ngu Lao (District 1) is the backpacker street of Saigon / Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), this is where you’ll find budget accommodations.

⊗ Ho Chi Minh is notorious for motorcycle-riding snatchers.  Even when walking, avoid flaunting your gadgets.  If you are using a shoulder bag or hand bag,  hold it tight.  I recommend using backpack or body bag instead of hand bag or shoulder bag.  Don’t use your phone while walking, be aware of your surroundings.

⊗ Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh can be scary because of motorbikes, what I do is I always look for the pedestrian lane with traffic lights.

⊗ When riding cyclo or even when walking, avoid flaunting your gadgets because Ho Chi Minh is notorious for motorcycle-riding snatchers.  If possible, don’t use shoulder bag as it can be snatched easily, use a body bag or backpack instead.

⊗ Always use the meter when riding taxis, do not negotiate the price with the driver to avoid being overcharged, and use the meter.  And turn on Google Maps to make sure the driver is not going around in circles to charge you more. Better yet, use UBER.

⊗ When withdrawing money, use the ATMs inside the bank to avoid ATM skimming.  Or use ATMs with doors, and always lock the door when making withdrawals.

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21 comments.

WOW! Your blog is sooooo muchhh helpful. You’re awesome!!

Glad to hear that. Happy travels! 🙂

My friend and I will be arriving in Ho Chi Minh via Giant Ibis Bus on December 13, 2017 from Phnom Penh. I hope you don’t mind answering my questions:

1. I know we Filipinos can enter Vietnam visa-free for 21 days. But for clarification and confirmation, do we need to present any other documents aside from our passports, return tickets and hotel reservations?

2. Are there any fees to be paid at the immigration counter at the border?

Thank you for taking the time to answer. I’m excited to explore Ho Chi Minh!

Hi Mandy, no fees. We are visa free. Usually they don’t ask for other documents. Unless you are arriving by air. You need a return ticket at least and name and address of hotel.

I have exactly the same question – thank you for the information. This is a very helpful blog indeed!

Welcome. Enjoy!

HI! This is very helpful. Just wanna ask how much is your roundtrip airfare? Thank you!

I can’t remember na

Hello, thanks for the information above, I just want o ask for the visa in Vietnam, is it visa on arrival? as we plane to stay there for 3-4 days only and head to Bangkok. Thanks

If you are a Philippine passport holder, no visa required. 🙂

READING YOUR BLOG WAS SO INFORMATIVE. I MIGHT FOLLOW YOUR 2D/3N ITINERARY. MY SISTER AND I (BOTH SENIOR CITIZENS) WILL EXPLORE SAIGON FROM SEPT. 19-21,2018, YOUR BUDGET WAY. MORE POWER TO YOUR BLOG. GOD BLESS.

welcome. have fun!

Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you spending some time and effort to put this content together. I once again find myself spending a significant amount of time both reading and posting comments. But so what, it was still worthwhile!

Great article. I didnt know about the motorcycle snatchers, that’s so useful to know. I guess a flash iPhone XS max would be like a beacon for those guys. I didn’t know they have Uber also. I’ve never seen Uber Moto before, might have to get one just for the novelty factor. Thanks for all the info, I’ll come back here to make sure I’m not getting ripped off!

First-class info it is without doubt. I’ve bee awaiting for thgis tips.

Hi! Please help, I’m going to Vietnam soon and my flight going back to Manila will be in Bangkok airport na. Is this acccepted? You said that need return ticket when landed in Saigon by air. Also, did our cellphone (e.g Samsung ) work in their simcard? What other option if I don’t rent a wifi device?

Thank you for the blog…

That’s fine. Just explain to the Immigration Officer that you’ll be crossing the border by bus. You going to Cambodia too if that’s the case, right?

For me, the most interesting place in Ho Chi Minh City is the Museum of War Remnants. The photos are drastic but it’s worth seeing them.

Hi, I am planning to visit Vietnam this November, I will be staying at my friends house, do I need a document of where am I going to stay? Or better to have a reserved hotel? Please advise.

If you’ll be staying at your friend’s place, you need her/his address and contact number.

Great Travel Blog.

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Ho Chi Minh Itinerary + Travel Budget Guide for first-timers

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam? If you’re on a short trip, you are probably deciding where to go — Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi?

I had the same dilemma too on my first visit to the country.

Since I only had a couple of days to spend, I decided to go to Ho Chi Minh. Plus, coming from Cambodia, it was closer and cheaper to visit.

Popularly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is famous for French-colonial buildings, strong coffee/tea culture, exciting food scene, war-time history & chaotic bike-filled streets.

It’s also the gateway to Southern Vietnam, home to many natural & cultural spots worth the journey.

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh for the first time?  This detailed travel guide will make it easy for you to plan a trip, save money, and maximize your time.

Scroll down to read must-know travel tips before you go, followed by a sample itinerary + budget breakdown , recommended hotels/places to stay , things to do/places to visit and lots of extra travel tips.

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Get Started

How to get to Ho Chi Minh  — Touchdown at Ho Chi Minh-Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which serves flights from Manila (2h 35m travel time), Singapore (2h), Bangkok (1h 30m), Kuala Lumpur (1h 55m) & more. You can also fly directly from other destinations in Vietnam including Hanoi (2h), Da Nang (1h 20m), Hai Phong (2h), Hue (1h 20m), Nha Trang (1h), & Phu Quoc (1h).

See all airport-city transfers

Ho Chi Minh Airport – City Private Transfers

Book your hotel early  — Grab rock-bottom rates and avoid fully-booked rooms by booking online as soon as you know you’re going. Click below to compare discounts and read reviews by other travelers.

Cheapest rates Best hotel reviews

Check prices online and pre-book discounts  — Save money by checking discounts on tours, airport/city transfers & sim card/WiFi hotspots. Booking before you leave also saves you time by avoiding the hassles of bringing large amounts of cash & exchanging currency/money during your actual trip.

See top discounts

Ho Chi Minh City-Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour

Full Day Mekong Delta Excursion from Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam 3G Unli Pocket Wifi Internet/Data

Visa-free travel for Philippine citizens  — Filipino/Pinoy tourists (Philippine passport holders) do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Vietnam. Filipinos usually get a maximum stay of 21.

Best time to visit  — Go during the dry season from December to April for sunny weather. It’s also the peak tourist season, so expect prices to be higher, especially in the cooler months of December & February. The months of March, April and May are the hottest. Meanwhile, the rainy season lasts from May to November.

Getting around Ho Chi Minh  — A trip from the airport to downtown Ho Chi Minh takes around 45 minutes by car/taxi/bus/shuttle. Use Grab for convenient & safe rides to/from the airport & around the city. As you know, you will need mobile internet to use ride-sharing apps. So, get a data sim card or 3G/4G pocket wifi. Most hotels & top attractions are located in District 1. It’s a fairly small area that can be easily explored on foot.

Ho Chi Minh 3G/4G internet data

See SIM card/WiFi prices

Transport apps, car charter & private transport

Ho Chi Minh Airport to city transfers

Vietnam money/currency exchange  — Vietnamese dong (VND or ₫) is the currency used in the country. You should be able to exchange your USD, EUR, GBP, SGD easily at most money exchange stalls. To be safe bring, USD (or any of the currencies above) instead of PHP. Exchanging Philippine Pesos to VND is not popular in Ho Chi Minh. Or, use an ATM card to withdraw VND.

Ho Chi Minh on a budget  — This city is one of the cheapest destinations in Southeast Asia. Affordable accommodations, local food & transport are very easy to find. I’ve included a lot of money saving tips on this guide in case you are traveling on a tight budget.

How many days is enough  — One day is enough to go on a quick tour of downtown Ho Chi Minh. Plan a visit of 2 to 3 days (or more) if you want to tour Chu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta. With a 1 to 2 week trip, you can go farther to beautiful places to visit in South Vietnam including Dalat, Mui Ne, Nha Trang & Phu Quoc.

Ho Chi Minh by land  — Direct buses are available from Phnom Penh (6 – 7h) and Siem Reap (13h – 18h), Cambodia. You can also travel by bus or train from other destinations in Vietnam including Hanoi, Da Nang, Hue, Nha Trang & Can Tho. Click below to see prices.

See Ho Chi Minh bus prices

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Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide Blog

Ho chi minh itinerary, ho chi minh budget, where to stay in ho chi minh.

Travel Tips Before You Go

Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh + Things To Do

More Travel Guides & Blogs

What to do in Ho Chi Minh in 3 days?  Here’s a 3 days & 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary for your do-it-yourself (DIY) trip.

Day 1: Ho Chi Minh city tour

Day 2: Mekong Delta

Day 3: Chu Chi Tunnels

Your travel expenses will largely depend on your traveling style and how much you plan to spend on activities, accommodations & food. To help you set your own budget, here are budget estimates if you follow the 3 days and 2 nights (3D2N) itinerary posted above. Make sure to review all discounts & online booking prices.

Don’t let all zeros fool you. The budget above is really cheap considering it includes 2 guided tours outside the city — Mekong Delta & Chu Chi Tunnels. 1 million Vietnamese dong is just USD 44 or PHP 2,200.

I’ve included backpacker budget estimates for food & accommodations to give you an idea of how cheaply you can do the trip. If you have money to splurge on hotels, food, and luxuries, simply use the expenses posted to calculate your own budget.

The main tourist area in  Ho Chi Minh  is District 1. It’s the best place to stay if you want a convenient location near top tourist spots, restaurants, shopping & nightlife.

District 1 is packed with hotels & hostels that cater to any budget.

Most low-cost places & affordable hostels can be found in the area of Pham Ngu Lao & Bui Vien streets, the backpacker district of  Ho Chi Minh .

Meanwhile, excellent mid-range and luxury hotels are located near the riverside & Nguyen  Hue  Walking Street.

Check discounts See more

Click below to compare rates and Ho Chi Minh hotel reviews within your budget.

Top-rated places to stay in Ho Chi Minh

Cinnamon Boutique Hotel

Splurge / Le Thi Rieng, District 1

See discounts

Tripwriter Hotel

Splurge / Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

Hotel Nikko Saigon

Splurge / Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1

Liberty Central Saigon

Splurge / Pasteur Street, District 1

Caravelle Saigon Hotel

Splurge / Lam Son Square, District 1

Hotel Majestic Saigon

Splurge / Dong Khoi Street, District 1

Rex Hotel Saigon

Splurge / Nguyen Hue, District 1

Nguyen Shack Saigon

Mid-Range / Ben Thanh , District 1

Phan Anh Backpackers

Budget / Pham Ngu Lao, District 1

Son Tung Hotel

Budget / De Tham Street, District 1

Phuc Khanh Hotel

Budget / Yersin, District 1

La Hostel Saigon

Budget / Nguyen Thai Hoc, District 1

Where to book

Book your room through these trusted booking sites. I use them frequently to grab rock-bottom prices & enjoy convenient bookings. Click below to confirm the lowest prices:

Booking.com Airbnb Agoda

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Ho Chi Minh Travel Tips Before You Go

How to get to ho chi minh, philippines-manila to ho chi minh flights, ho chi minh airport to city center/downtown, how to find cheap flights to ho chi minh, where to book bus & train tickets online, do i need a visa to travel to ho chi minh, how to get vietnam money, when is the best time to visit ho chi minh, how to get around ho chi minh, useful travel apps, where to get pocket wifi or buy a mobile data sim card, where to book tours & attraction tickets, ho chi minh flights.

Flights to Ho Chi Minh arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), the gateway to South Vietnam & busiest airport in the country. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh airport to the city center/downtown area is usually 45 minutes. Or, more if traffic is heavy. You can go via the airport bus, taxi, Grab or private car.

Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Click below to see prices on Ho Chi Minh flights & compare airlines.

All flights to Ho Chi Minh

Hanoi  to Ho Chi Minh (2h 10m)

Da Nang  to Ho Chi Minh (1h 20m)

Manila  to Ho Chi Minh (2h 35m)

Siem Reap  to Ho Chi Minh (1h 20m)

Bangkok  to Ho Chi Minh (1h 30m)

Kuala Lumpur  to Ho Chi Minh (2h)

Singapore  to Ho Chi Minh (2h 10m)

Hong Kong  to Ho Chi Minh (2h 40m)

London  to Ho Chi Minh (12h 30m)

Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airline & AirAsia operate direct flights from The Philippines to Ho Chi Minh. Travel time from Manila to Ho Chi Minh by plane is 2 hours and 35 minutes.

As an alternative, you can search more options and cheap airfares on connecting flights via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur & Hong Kong.

By bus  — Ride Bus #109, which has a stop at Pham Ngu Lao street in District 1. The fare is VND 20,000 per person. This route operates from 5:30 am until 1:30 am. You can also go on Bus #49, which also passes by Pham Ngu Lao & popular hotel areas beyond. The fare is VND 40,000 per person. The cheapest way to the airport is via Bus #152, which departs from the bus station near Ben Thanh. This route only runs until 6 pm. The fare is VND 5,000 per person.

By Taxi/Grab  — Metered rates range from VND 150,000 to VND 170,000 per ride. Ride-hailing/sharing apps are also popular. Use Grab for convenient & safe rides in Ho Chi Minh.

Grab (iOS) Grab (Android)

By private car  — For hassle-free transfers, book a private car with a convenient drop-off to your hotel or Ho Chi Minh Airport (if coming from the city). You can hire a car that can seat up to 4 people or a van for bigger groups (up to 7 people per car). Click below to see discount prices.

Ho Chi Minh Airport Transfers (SGN Pick Up)

The easy way is to search on airfare comparison sites that can show you the lowest fares on multiple airlines in one go.

I use these sites often to find the best prices on flights. Check as many sites as possible because not all may display the same results. Click below to start your search.

Also, check  Ho Chi Minh promo  alerts several weeks or months ahead of your trip if you are planning your trip early. The cheapest promos are sold several months to a year in advance of the travel/flight departure date.

To learn more, visit the guide on  how to book cheap flights .

Traveling by bus or train to Ho Chi Minh from Cambodia, Thailand or other places in Vietnam? Check the price on sites below that offers the best rates, schedule & comfort. Buy your tickets well ahead to avoid fully-booked seats.

12go.asia BookMeBus

Visa for Philippine citizens  — Filipino/Pinoy tourists (Philippine passport holders) do not need to apply for a visa before arriving in Vietnam granted that the purpose of the visit is for tourism or transit only. Simply show up at the immigration checkpoint and get your passport stamped. Filipinos usually get a maximum stay of 21 days.

Always remember that all countries have the right to refuse entry to any person. Even if you are eligible for the free tourist visa or already have one in hand at the border.

For a hassle-free trip, make sure that you are able to provide the following:

Valid passport not expiring within 6 months.

A confirmed travel itinerary — Including a confirmed flight ticket back to your home country or onward destination that you are allowed to enter.

Proof of accommodation — Hotel reservation or letter of invitation from your friend/family residing in Vietnam.

Evidence that you are able to fund your stay for the entire duration of your visit — May it be in the form of cash or bank account statements.

Evidence that you are visiting for travel or holiday purposes only — You may show tours/activities that you have pre-booked online.

Vietnam’s currency is called Vietnamese Dong (VND or ‎₫). You should be able to exchange your USD, EUR, GBP, and SGD easily at most money exchange stalls. Don’t exchange a lot at the airport. Branches found in the city usually offer better rates. It’s best to get enough VND at the airport for a ride to your hotel or first 1-2 days expenses. Then, shop around at the city center for the best rates.

Philippine Pesos (PHP) to Vietnamese Dong  — Exchanging PHP to VND is not popular in Vietnam. Rates are often not favorable. Also, you might waste a lot of time finding currency exchange stalls in the city that accept Philippine Pesos. Better bring USD in cash. Or, find a way to get Vietnamese Dong before arriving.

ATMs  — I often use my ATM card when I travel abroad. It’s way more convenient than to worry about exchanging cash. Because banks charge a fee per withdrawal, I make sure to withdraw large amounts (once, if possible) instead of several smaller ones.

Before your trip, it’s important to contact your bank and request to activate your card for international withdrawal. Your card might not work otherwise. I use a Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) ATM card and it takes 24-hours for the bank to complete the activation. Call your bank at least 1 day before your trip! My ATM card has the Cirrus logo on it & could use it on any ATMs that also display the Cirrus logo.

Credit cards  — Go cash-less whenever possible if you want to avoid paying/exchanging cash. This is easily done by pre-booking online for hotels, tours, transport etc. I opt to pay in my home currency, if available. That way, I know exactly how much is charged to my account. Credit cards are also accepted in many establishments in Vietnam. Of course, except for small shops & local transport.

The best months to visit Ho Chi Minh is during the dry season from December to April. Traveling at other times of the year are generally okay depending on what places/holidays you like to enjoy. And, whether you want to visit when prices are lower. Here’s a quick guide on what to expect during different seasons in Vietnam:

Cool & dry season  — December to February are the best months to visit. It’s not as hot and rains are less frequent compared to other times of the year. This is the peak tourist season, so expect higher prices. Book your accommodations/tours ahead especially during major holidays.

Dry season  — March, April & May are the hottest months. Better bring sun protection.

Wet season  — Heavy rains are more frequent but usually does not last all day. Prices are lower during these months.

You can get around by taxi, xe om (motorcycle taxi), public bus or by using ride-hailing/sharing apps. Ho Chi Minh currently does not have a metro (train) or mass rapid transit (MRT/LRT/subway) system. Construction of the Ho Chi Minh City Metro is still ongoing and is due for to be completed in 2020.

I used Grab frequently for affordable & hassle-free rides around the city. Taxis are easy to find, but it may be hard to communicate with many drivers because of the language barrier. Make sure to insist that the driver use the meter. Reliable taxi companies include Mai Linh and Vinasun.

District 1, the main tourist & hotel district, is a compact area that is easy to explore by walking. It can get tiring and hot though, so I use Grab/Taxi often because rides are very cheap. A short Grab ride within the city can be as cheap as VND 20K to 40K (only USD 1 to 2 / PHP 50 to 100!).

You can even travel at half the cost by taking an GrabBike, which is their motorcycle taxi service. Yes, never ignore the risks of getting around by motorbike in Vietnam. But it is undeniably faster than traveling by car and getting stuck in traffic. It is cheaper too. The fare for short rides in District 1 is usually VND 12K to 20K or less than USD 0.5 to 1 / PHP 25 to 50!

Google Maps — This travel app will make it a lot easier to navigate around Bangkok on your own. Download the offline maps before you go so you can check the map even if you don’t have mobile data. Bangkok train & bus routes are displayed in the directions feature but it only works if you are online.

Maps.me — Excellent offline maps & Google Maps alternative.

Grab  ( iOS / Android ) — Reliable ride-sharing apps.

XE Currency — Free & easy currency converter.

Google Translate — Very useful to communicate with locals who do not understand/speak English.

Agoda & Booking.com — My go-to for convenient hotel bookings & cheap room rates. To display the total price (including taxes & fees) on Agoda, click here to download the app . Tap the menu on the top left corner of the screen. Scroll down and tap on “Price display”. Then, select “Total stay”.

Airbnb — Home/apartment rentals.

12go.asia & BookMeBus — Online booking for bus, train & other transport in Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam & beyond.

Momondo & Skyscanner — Top flight search & price comparison apps.

TripAdvisor — Reviews on the best places to eat & where to stay. Download the app on your iOS or Android device.

Stay connected online during your whole trip. Not only does it make it possible to share your travel moments instantly, you can also travel better by having access to all your favorite travel apps anytime. If you can’t get a good roaming data plan from your current provider, pre-book a local/roaming SIM card online.

Vietnam 3G pocket wifi  — Pick up or drop off your rental right at your hotel front desk in Ho Chi Minh City. Connects up to 8 devices.

Go to Klook for easy, fast, and convenient bookings. I often book online to enjoy discount rates and reliable tours. Click below to see today’s lowest prices.

Here are some of the top reasons why I like to book tours online & why you should consider it too:

Maximize your trip & avoid wasting time walking around town shopping for tours.

Get a good idea what to expect. Knowing all the inclusions/non-inclusions & reading user reviews is very helpful to make an informed decision.

Grab bargain prices often cheaper than booking on-site.

Free cancellation (check if available).

Pay in your home currency. Worry less about bringing cash/exchanging currencies. Convenient & secure payment by credit card or Paypal.

If you’ve already finalized your travel dates, it’s important to book well before the trip. For join-in & private tours, Klook closes the booking period 1-3 days before the tour date. Also, the number of participants is limited on each tour & day. So, reserve early, especially if you are traveling with a group to lock-in those open slots for your group.

Click below to see more tours & discounts on:

See discounts Expedia

Check out these top tourist spots, best places to visit & things to do in Ho Chi Minh.

1. Ho Chi Minh City Hall

2. saigon skydeck, 3. nguyen hue walking street, 4. the lunch lady, 5. saigon opera house, 6. saigon norte dame basilica, 7. saigon central post office, 8. emperor jade pagoda, 9. ho chi minh shopping, 10. ho chi minh nightlife, 11. reunification palace, 12. war remnants museum, 13. mekong delta, 14. chu chi tunnels.

Formerly the Hôtel de Ville de Saïgon, this elegant building is one of Ho Chi Minh’s most iconic landmarks. It was built during the early 1900s in French-colonial style and later renamed as the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. A popular time to visit is during nighttime when the building & grounds are lit up.

Location  — 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1 ( See map ).

Admission/entrance fee  — None/Free to take pictures from outside.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City Hall  — Found at the heart of the city, the Ho Chi Minh City Hall is easily reached from hotels/hostel in District 1. From Pham Ngu Lao, you can get there on foot (20 minutes walk;1.7km) or by taxi/car/motorcycle. Don’t break a sweat by taking a taxi/Grab car, which should cost VND 20,000 to 30,000. By GrabBike, the fare is VND 12,000 to 15,000.

Location  — Bitexco Financial Tower, 36 Ho Tung Mau St. ( See map ).

Opening hours  — 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.

Admission/entrance fee  — VND 200,000 per person.

How to get to Saigon Skydeck  — Getting there from the Reunification Palace on foot takes around 15 minutes (1.5 kilometers). You can find the Bitexco Financial Tower near the riverside end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street. The entrance to Saigon Skydeck is located along Ho Tung Mau Street.

Nguyen Hue used to be one of the main thoroughfares of Ho Chi Minh. Now, it’s totally closed to traffic and a must-visit attraction of the city, especially at night when you can see French-colonial style & modern buildings lit up. Stretching from Ho Chi Minh City Hall to the Mekong River, it’s almost a kilometer in length.

Location  — Nguyen Hue St., District 1 ( See map ).

Opening hours  — All day/night.

Admission/entrance fee  — None/Free.

How to get to Nguyen Hue Walking Street  — Right in front of Ho Chi Minh City Hall. You can’t miss it!

If you want to try delicious local Vietnamese food, this is one of the best places to go. The Lunch Lady was made famous when it got featured on Anthony Bourdain’s show “No Reservations” in 2009.

Location  — 23 Hoang Sa St., District 1 ( See map ).

Opening hours  — 9 am to 3 pm.

Prices  — Mains from VND 40,000 per dish.

How to get to The Lunch Lady  — You can find it on a quiet corner near Hoang Sa Street. The Lunch Lady can be hard to find for first-timers & a long walk away from Saigon Central Post Office/Ho Chi Minh City Hall. So, better get there by Grab/Taxi & check Google Maps for directions.

Location  — 7 Lam Son Square, District 1 ( See map ).

Opening hours  — 7 am to 7 pm.

How to get to Saigon Opera House  — Like most city attractions in District 1, Saigon Opera House is within an easy walk from Ho Chi Minh City Hall. In fact, it’s just right around the block. Follow Nguyen Hue Walking Street eastwards & turn left to Saigon Opera House.

Location  — End of Dong Khoi Street, District 1 ( See map ).

How to get to Saigon Norte Dame Basilica  — From Saigon Opera House, follow Dong Khao street until you reach Saigon Norte Dame Basilica. You can’t miss it!

Location  — End of Dong Khoi Street opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, District 1 ( See map ).

How to get to Saigon Central Post Office  — Facing the front/facade of Saigon Norte Dame Basilica, you can find the Saigon Central Post Office on your left.

Location  — 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1 ( See map ).

Opening hours  — 7 am to 6 pm.

How to get to Emperor Jade Pagoda  — If you feel like taking a walk after a full meal at The Lunch Lady, you can go to the Emperor Jade Pagoda on foot. Walk towards the riverside and turn left at Hoang Sa Street. Turn another left once you reach the bridge. Cross to the other side of Dien Bien Phu Street (at the roundabout), turn left and walk towards Mai Thi Luu Street. Once you reach the corner, turn right and walk a couple of meters to the Emperor Jade Pagoda.

Ho Chi Minh is a shopper’s paradise, especially for bargain-hunters looking to buy items from top international brands at a fraction of the price. If you didn’t already know, Vietnam is home to factories of many famous clothing/bag brands including The North Face, Nike, Under Armour, Kipling, Forever21, Mango, Zara and more. Bags & active/sportswear clothing are sold at shocking rock-bottom prices in Ho Chi Minh.

Ben Thanh Market  — A large marketplace housed in the historic Central Market building. It’s probably the most popular place to buy souvenirs, Vietnamese art, branded goods & local handicrafts. Sellers often offer higher prices to non-local, so bargain hard & shop around before buying. Not keen on shopping? There are many good food stalls here that serve local Vietnamese dishes. Ben Thanh Market is located on Duong Le Loi Street, District 1 ( See map ).

Saigon Square  — Sellers are not as aggressive as those in Ben Thanh Market & prices are often cheaper too. This air-conditioned mall is packed with stalls selling clothing, bags, accessories, and jewelry. Here, you can buy Nike dri-fit shirt for around USD 5 / PHP 250 & The North Face bags/jackets for USD40 or less. Shocking, right? Most of the items are factory overruns or class A imitation. So, check the quality of the items before buying. Saigon Square is located on 81 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1 ( See map ).

For a fun night out & drinks, head to Bui Vien Street, Ho Chi Minh’s version of Khao San Road in Bangkok. It is the famous backpacker area filled with bars, restaurants & dance clubs.

If you’re looking to splurge & enjoy views overlooking the city, here’s a list of cool rooftop bars in  Ho Chi Minh :

Alto Heli Bar & EON 51  — 52nd & 51st floor, Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hai Trieu Street, District 1; bitexcofinancialtower.com.

Chill Skybar  — 26th floor, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai Street, District 1; chillsaigon.com.

Top of the Town Bar  — 25th floor, Windsor Plaza Hotel, 18 An Duong Vuong Street, District 5.

Level 23 Wine Bar  — 23rd floor, Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers, 88 Dong Khoi Street, District 1; sheratonsaigon.com.

Shri Restaurant & Lounge  — 23rd floor, Centec Tower, 72-74 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1; shri.vn.

Grand Café  — 20th floor, Grand Hotel, 8 Dong Khoi Street, District 1; grandhotel.vn.

Saigon Saigon Bar  — 10th floor, Caravelle Hotel, 19-23 Lam Son Square, District 1; caravellehotel.com.

Breeze Sky Bar and M Bar  — 5th and 8th floor, Hotel Majestic, 1 Dong Khoi Street, District 1; majesticsaigon.com.vn.

Rooftop Garden Bar  — 5th floor, Rex Hotel, 141 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1; rexhotelvietnam.com.

Broma  — 4th floor, 41 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1; facebook.com/bromabar.

Also known as The Independence Palace.

Location  — 106 Nguyen Du, District 1 ( See map ).

Opening hours  — 7:30 to 11 am, 1 to 4 pm

Admission/entrance fee  — VND 15,000 per person.

How to get to Reunification Palace  — From the War Remnants Museum, follow Le Quy Don Street eastwards (on your right after exiting) until the dead end. Turn left to the next intersection and another right to get to the entrance gate of the Reunification Palace.

Location  — 28 Vo Van Tan St, District 3 ( See map ).

Opening hours  — 7:30 am to 6 pm

How to get to War Remnants Museum  — It’s around 1 kilometer or a 15-minute walk away from Norte Dame Basilica/Central Post Office. If you’re coming from The Lunch Lady/Emperor Jade Pagoda, the War Remnants Museum is better reached by Grab/taxi.

See the beautiful countryside of Mekong Delta including iconic fishing villages with stilt houses, rice paddies, floating markets. The most popular destinations in the Mekong Delta include My Tho (nearest & most accessible from Ho Chi Minh), Vinh Long & Can Tho. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh to My Tho is 1h by bus. To Can Tho, travel time is 3-4h.

Tours & discounts

Famous underground tunnels that were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots and location of several military campaigns. It’s an easy day trip away from Ho Chi Minh City.

Where to go near Ho Chi Minh

15. hanoi & ha long bay, 16. hoi an & da nang, 19. nha trang, 20. phu quoc, 21. phnom pehn, 22. siem reap.

In contrast to modern and high-energy Ho Chi Minh, Vietnamese capital city is remarkably less busy and has an old-town feel with scenic lakes & more traditional style of life. Hanoi is the gateway to Ha Long Bay and North Vietnam. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh is 2h by flight, 36-38h by train.

Hanoi travel tips Halong Bay

Hoi An is known for its well-preserved Ancient Town, included in UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites. Meanwhile, Da Nang is a popular beach destination & the main gateway to Central Vietnam. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh is 1h20m by flight, 16-19h by train or 20-22h by bus.

Hoi An Da Nang Tours & discounts

Hoi An travel tips Da Nang

Known as the “City of Eternal Spring” for its cool climate. Dalat is known for its elegant French-colonial buildings, pine forests, lakes, waterfalls and coffee/tea farms. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh is 1h by flight or 6-8h by bus.

This beach resort town is home to the famous red and white sand dunes of South Vietnam. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh is 5-7h by bus.

One of the Vietnam’s major beach destinations, Nha Trang is especially popular among local weekenders from Ho Chi Minh and foreigners who want to enjoy great-value resorts. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh is 1h by flight, 8h by train or 8-9h by bus.

Located off the southwest coast of Vietnam near the Cambodian border. Phu Quoc is one of the country’s emerging island destinations known for white-sand beaches and resorts. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh is 1h by flight or 9-11h by bus+ferry.

Angkor Wat replica at the Royal Palace, in Phnom Penh, Cambodia Cambodia’s capital city. Home to the Royal Palace & Killing Fields. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh is 1h by flight or 5-6h by bus.

Phnom Penh travel tips

Gateway to Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s #1 tourist spot. Travel time from Ho Chi Minh is 1h by flight or 10-13h by bus.

Siem Reap travel tips

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December 1, 2018 at 7:23 am

For me, the most interesting place in Ho Chi Minh City is the Museum of War Remnants. The photos are drastic but it’s worth seeing them.

January 17, 2019 at 11:47 am

Acctually, mekong daily tour takes how many hour to completed?

January 18, 2019 at 4:37 pm

Hi Mohamad, you can check the actual activity info on the booking sites (like Klook). Mekong full-day tours typically take 8 to 9 hours.

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• The Complete Travel Guide On Ho Chi Minh Museum

The Ho Chi Minh Museum is one of Vietnam’s most famous and influential buildings. It shows the country’s history and is one of its most famous and influential buildings. Below is information about the Ho Chi Minh Museum’s importance, hours, and ticket prices included in this paper. You can find this museum in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City. It tells the short story of one of Vietnam’s most famous people. People interested in history or tourists should visit this place because it is the Ho Chi Minh Museum.

A Closer Look At Ho Chi Minh Museum

Image Source: Shutterstock

The Ho Chi Minh Museum is a museum of Vietnamese human beings devoted to presenting the life of President Ho Chi Minh and his several achievements in the Independence War of Vietnam. Saigon—The museum is located in colonial–style architecture, previously the Saigon Port Customs Office. Through numerous exhibitions, tangible and intangible artefacts, and files, people can gain an enormous understanding of Ho Chi Minh’s innovative sports, invasions, and the colossal events that inspired contemporary Vietnam.

Must Read: Trang An Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh Museum Exhibits And Attractions

On the whole, at the Ho Chi Minh Museum, one can see that the main subjects of many sections are the phases of the life of Ho Chi Minh. Even the initial stage of Nguyen shows him as a young patriot till he was a leader in the Vietnamese revolution; every single item seems to be arranged systematically to provide an embodied educational tour. Their attractions include a replica of the rural domicile on stilts where he belongs and lived as an artist. The Ho Chi Minh Museum, located in Hanoi, Vietnam, is dedicated to the existence and legacy of the US’s progressive chief, Ho Chi Minh. Here are a number of the pinnacle sights within the museum:

1. Chronological Exhibits

The museum’s exhibits are arranged chronologically, guiding visitors through Ho Chi Minh’s existence from his early years to his management of the Vietnamese independence movement. Artifacts, photographs, and documents offer a detailed account of his adventures and tremendous milestones. Tip : Start your visit at the beginning of the chronological series to completely appreciate the ancient context and progression.

2. Personal Belongings

A collection of Ho Chi Minh’s private objects, including his apparel, books, and writing tools, gives a glimpse into his everyday life. These personal artefacts assist visitors in connecting with the leader more intimately. Tip : Take your time to look at the non-public assets to gain insights into Ho Chi Minh’s personality and lifestyle.

Suggested Read: Waterfalls In Vietnam

3. Revolutionary Documents

The museum houses an intensive collection of modern files comprising letters, speeches, and legitimate papers. These documents spotlight Ho Chi Minh’s position in the fight for Vietnamese independence and his contributions to the country’s political ideology. Tip : Read through the files and letters to apprehend the depth of Ho Chi Minh’s strategic and ideological mind.

4. Multimedia Displays

Interactive and famous multimedia provide an enticing way to discover Chi Minh’s effect. Videos, audio recordings, and digital shows convey historic activities to existence, providing a dynamic educational experience. Tip : Spend time on the multimedia shows for an immersive and attractive experience.

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Hoi

5. Thematic Exhibits

The museum functions with thematic, well-known shows that delve into unique factors of Ho Chi Minh’s life and legacy, his travels overseas, his impact on global actions, and his imagination and prescience for Vietnam’s future. These well-known shows offer a more profound know-how of his multifaceted contributions. Tip : Explore the thematic reveals to comprehensively view Ho Chi Minh’s global effect and visionary thoughts.

6. Timings And Opening Hours

Notably, the Ho Chi Minh Museum operates seven days per week, offering more than sufficient hours for humans to return and look at its sizable stock. The museum’s working hours are from 8:assure and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except for lunch smash from noon to one:00 p.m. However, it’s pleasant to visit the website in the morning to avoid the sizzling warmth around midday and ensure sufficient time to recognise and discover all the sights. Tip : Plan your go-to on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds and enjoy extra leisurely.

Suggested Read: Landmarks In Vietnam

7. Entry Fees And Tickets

To this end, the charge or entry fee. Known as the ‘Ho Chi Minh Museum,’ it is affordable to citizens and visitors. This price is lower than many other TV shows, and thus, the programmes are typically 40.000 VND or $2.00, of which students and senior citizens get a discount. They can also offer room booking services at special group rates. Tickets for this service can be bought at the museum or Visitor Insight or booked online. Tip : Keep your ticket handy, as you will need it to access different museum sections.

8. Significance Of The Museum

The Ho Chi Minh Museum is not the most effective collection of relics and memorabilia; it’s far from the image of the unyielding idealism of the Vietnamese humans. As a popular subject, the museum should be used to enlighten visitors about the history and traditions of Vietnam. As a result, it remains a symbol of Vietnam’s past and the choice of the USA to move on to the future, making it a must-go for anybody willing to study the history of Vietnam. Tip : Spend a while inside the museum’s library, which houses an extensive series of books and documents related to Vietnamese history.

Suggested Read: Bai Dinh Pagoda

Practical Information And Visitor Tips

When planning your visit to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, consider the following tips for a seamless experience:

• Event participants should dress comfortably since they are likely to be walking frequently.
• Taking pictures is generally permitted, but some particular architectures may prohibit it.
• When planning a visit, you must also include a visit to nearby landmarks and points of interest to gain a broader perspective of the metropolis.

Further Read: Hiking In Hanoi

Now that you have a comprehensive guide for the Ho Chi Minh Museum, it is time to plan your trip to Vietnam and dive into its bliss. Make your trip to Ho Chi Minh Museum memorable, and you will find yourself immersed in a world of adventure, arts, culture, and culinary delights.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Ho Chi Minh Museum

Is the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts located nearby?

Yes, the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts is near the region. Its complex pieces showcase Vietnamese artwork from the historic age to modern times.

How much is the entry fee for the Ho Chi Minh Museum?

The admission fees have to be paid earlier and range from 40000 VND (about 2 USD) for every individual to 30000 (approximately 1.5 USD) for college children and aged individuals.

Can I buy tickets online for the Ho Chi Minh Museum?

Yes, but Ho Chi Minh Museum tickets are available online or at the counter.

When does Ho Chi Minh Museum open every day?

The Ho Chi Minh Museum is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The place is closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch break.

What can I see at the Ho Chi Minh Museum?

The two stories of the Ho Chi Minh Museum house artefacts referred to as documents of President Ho Chi Minh: gadgets, cultures, works, and accomplishments reflecting the chief's life.

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