Published on December 14, 2023 · Written by Zack Fenech
Top Travel Resources for Ho Chi Minh City
| # | Service | Best for | Why we recommend it | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | QEEQ | Car rental | Compares major car rental desks and offers price-drop protection on bookings. | Visit site |
| 2 | EKTA | Travel insurance | Travel insurance with online claims, including adventure sport options. | Visit site |
| 3 | Drimsim | eSIM & data | Pay-as-you-go travel eSIM: you pay only for the data you use. | Visit site |
| 4 | AirHelp | Flight compensation | Claims compensation for delayed or cancelled flights on your behalf, for a success fee. | Visit site |
| 5 | Radical Storage | Luggage storage | Flat-rate luggage storage near stations and attractions. | Visit site |
| 6 | WeGoTrip | Self-guided tours | Self-guided audio tours for cities and museums, at your own pace. | Visit site |
| 7 | GetRentacar.com | Car rental | Marketplace of local rental suppliers with no-deposit options in some locations. | Visit site |
Ho Chi Minh City – or Saigon, as it was known before 1975 – is where many begin their journey through Vietnam.
A bustling metropolitan city in South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is home to some nine million residents, making it the most populated city in the country. Needless to say, it’s chaotic, and an amazing place to jump feet-first into this underrated corner of Southeast Asia.
I spent four days in Ho Chi Minh City, and what I grew to love most was the way the culture surprised me, the street food satisfied me, and the sense of community I witnessed everywhere. It is where I took my first steps in Asia.
This Ho Chi Minh City travel guide will give you a glimpse of what to expect before visiting – important things to know, the best places to stay, things to do, places to visit, and food and drink to try.
But let me warn you: no words or pictures will do Ho Chi Minh City justice. It is truly something you need to experience for yourself.
Important Things to Know Before Visiting
Visa Requirements
Depending on your country of citizenship, a travel visa is required upon entry. You can apply for a Vietnamese travel visa through the Vietnamese government’s official website. Be warned – applying elsewhere can cost significantly more, though visas are also available on arrival at Tan Son Nhat Airport.
Money
Vietnam’s currency is the Vietnamese Dong. It’s a good idea to arrive with cash, as currency exchange scams are common. Many businesses are cash only, though credit cards are accepted in tourist-frequented areas, and Apple Pay or Samsung Pay can occasionally be used. There are abundant 24-hour ATMs across the city.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Vietnam, though it is always appreciated for exceptional service. If someone goes out of their way to help you, a small tip is a kind gesture.
Travel Insurance
Be sure to get travel insurance before visiting Ho Chi Minh City to cover any unexpected medical expenses or emergencies during your trip.
Traffic
Calling the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City chaotic would be an understatement. Walk at a steady, predictable pace and never run into traffic. There is an unspoken agreement between scooter drivers and pedestrians – they will manoeuvre around you as long as your movement is consistent.
Weather
Ho Chi Minh City can be incredibly hot outside of the rainy and monsoon seasons. Dress appropriately for long days of walking and be prepared for extreme heat and smog.
Transportation
The best way to get around is the ride-sharing app Grab – neither Uber nor Lyft operate here, and metered taxis are known to be overpriced. Set up a Grab account before you arrive, as you’ll need to verify via SMS. Renting a scooter is very dangerous for novice riders in a city with this level of traffic. Use Skyscanner to find the best flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
SIM Cards
A local SIM card is inexpensive and easy to obtain at the airport. Alternatively, a mobile eSIM such as Airalo allows you to stay connected without swapping SIM cards.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 24 districts, with most of the action concentrated in the first three. That’s where you’ll want to find your hotel, hostel, or Airbnb. You can book hotels online to find the best deals.
1. District One
The city centre and most active district in Ho Chi Minh City – the downtown core, known for its fantastic nightlife and wealth of attractions. The most tourist-friendly area and the best base if you want to be within walking distance of most major sights.
2. District Three
A more compact and slightly quieter alternative to District One, home to many expats as well as parks, tree-lined streets, and several of the points of interest listed below. A good choice if you want a bit less chaos without straying far from the action.
3. District Two
Cross the Saigon River from District One and you’ll find District Two, considered the most Westernised district in the city and another popular base for expats who have settled in Saigon.
Things to Do and Places to Visit
Ho Chi Minh City is massive, with enough to keep you occupied for several days. Here are the most popular things to do and places to visit.
1. War Remnants Museum
One of the most visited museums in Vietnam and an essential stop for anyone interested in the history of the conflict. Known in the West as the Vietnam War and in Vietnam as the American War, the museum presents a Vietnamese account of the conflict. Worth noting that many visitors have found the exhibits one-sided; keep this context in mind while visiting.
2. Ben Thanh Market
One of the oldest and largest markets in Vietnam, divided into two sections – one selling retail goods like clothes, souvenirs, and counterfeit branded items, and the other a food court serving all types of Vietnamese cuisine. Haggling is expected and part of the experience.
3. Ho Chi Minh City Book Street
A short but charming pedestrian walkway lined with vendors selling books, souvenirs, and unique gifts. Consider picking up Dumb Luck, a classic Vietnamese novel considered an essential work in the country’s literary canon.
4. Bui Vien Street
Closed to cars and open to pedestrians, Bui Vien Walking Street is where Ho Chi Minh City comes alive at night. Commonly known as the Backpacker Street, it’s lined with bars and restaurants under bright neon lights, offering cheap drinks, street food, and great people-watching.
5. Nguyen Hue Walking Street
More of a flat, open promenade than a traditional street, hosting various events on weekend evenings. During the day, it’s a pleasant spot to see the Ho Chi Minh statue, the Saigon Opera House, and the neighbourhood’s famous apartment cafes.
6. Saigon Central Post Office
A magnificent colonial-era building featuring a grand arched hall with a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh at its centre. Visitors can send mail and shop for souvenirs.
7. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Completed in 1880 after 17 years of construction, featuring a striking neo-Romanesque structure with twin towers, red bricks imported from Marseille, and an awe-inspiring interior. One of many remnants of French colonial influence.
8. Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)
A historic landmark of immense significance in Vietnamese history, particularly in relation to the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. Its distinctive architecture and preserved interiors make it one of the most important sites in the city.
9. Thich Quang Duc Monument
Visit the intersection where Buddhist monk Thich Quang Duc self-immolated in 1963 in protest of religious persecution – one of the most significant images in modern history. A bronze monument commemorates his sacrifice.
10. Saigon Apartment Cafes
Coffee shops set up in the floors and corridors of old residential buildings. Entrepreneurs have creatively transformed these compact spaces into cosy, atmospheric spots to enjoy coffee, snacks, and the unique energy of urban Saigon life. Well worth seeking out.
Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City
Consider booking day trips through GetYourGuide or Viator to arrange hassle-free excursions.
1. Cu Chi Tunnels
A vast network of underground passages that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War, serving as the Viet Cong’s base of operations – used for living quarters, supply routes, hospitals, storage, and military strategy. A deeply fascinating and sobering visit.
2. Mekong Delta
A vast river network in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches the South China Sea. One of the most agriculturally rich and culturally significant regions in the country, and a striking contrast to the urban intensity of Ho Chi Minh City.
Food, Street Food, and Drinks to Try
Ho Chi Minh City is home to some of the best food in Vietnam, with world-class restaurants, incredible street food, and endless Vietnamese cuisine to explore. Consider joining a street food tour to make the most of this extraordinary foodie city.
1. Banh Mi
One of the most iconic meals you’ll encounter in Ho Chi Minh City. A Vietnamese sandwich blending French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, made with a light baguette-style roll filled with pate, butter, cold cuts, cucumber, pickled carrots, and fresh herbs. A staple of street food culture and utterly delicious.
2. Vietnamese Coffee
Vietnam is one of the world’s leading coffee exporters, and the coffee culture here is remarkable. Common varieties include iced coffee with condensed milk, egg coffee (quickly the best thing I tried during my three weeks in Vietnam), weasel coffee (for the adventurous), and hot coffee with condensed milk.
3. Pho
Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup – an aromatic combination of slow-simmered broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat, served with a side of bean sprouts and lime. The broth, typically cooked for an entire day, is deeply flavourful and wholly satisfying.
4. Com Tam (Broken Rice)
A beloved Southern Vietnamese dish originating in Ho Chi Minh City, made from broken rice grains that were once a by-product of milling. Typically served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables. Hearty and deeply satisfying.
5. Bun Thit Nuong (Grilled Pork with Rice Noodles)
Grilled pork served over vermicelli noodles with fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and a light dipping sauce. A popular dish throughout the country and a must-try in Ho Chi Minh City.
Final Thoughts: Visit Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
The best city I’ve ever visited is Mexico City, and I couldn’t help but notice how much Saigon reminded me of it – a place with a rich, layered heritage mixed with European influence, resulting in something truly unique. I loved Saigon and hope to return.
FAQs about Visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe?
Yes. Ho Chi Minh City is generally very safe for tourists. The main danger is the traffic, which requires constant attention. District Four has a mild reputation for being less safe at night, though experiences vary.
Is Ho Chi Minh City expensive?
No. Depending on where you’re travelling from, Ho Chi Minh City is a very affordable destination.
Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?
Absolutely. Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most important cities in Vietnam’s history and its modern economy – and one of the most exciting places you can visit in Southeast Asia.
