Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – Detailed Guide with Travel Tips

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. The former capital of South Vietnam nowadays is the main economic center of Vietnam. You can find a combination of old and new attractions in Ho Chi Minh City with well-preserved colonial buildings, various temples, and Vietnam War relics mixed with skyscrapers, shopping malls, and other attributes of modern metropolises.

Here is our comprehensive tourist guide to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), providing detailed information about what to do, where to stay, how to get there, best ways to move around the city, etc.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

There are plenty of things to see and do in the largest city of Vietnam. Top tourist attractions and the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are listed below.

Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City Center

Main tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City center include Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Saigon Post Office. All of them are a must-visit for every traveler visiting the city.

While you can easily visit all these attractions independently, if your time in Ho Chi Minh City is limited, better join this Saigon City Half Day Tour to explore the city and its key attractions.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a cathedral located in the downtown. The cathedral was constructed by French colonists in the second half of the 19^th century.

Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace is a must-visit tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. The palace was the residence of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was the site where the Vietnam War ended in 1975, when a tank belonging to the North Vietnamese Army crashed through its main gate.

Reunification Palace, with all its antique furniture and rooms, still looks like it was in 1975. Here you can also see the former president’s car, army helicopter, and even the original tanks used in the capture of the palace.

Saigon Central Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office is a beautifully preserved colonial building in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near the city's cathedral. The building was constructed in the late 19th century when Vietnam was a colony of France.

War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum is a tourist attraction suitable for those who love and are passionate about discovering national history. Here you will find many artifacts, materials, and documents reflecting the wars and the aftermath of wars.

If you want to learn more about Vietnamese history and culture through the collections of artifacts on display in the museums, visit other top museums in Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater)

Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theater, is an elegant colonial building and a must-see attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1898 by the French architect, Saigon Opera House is now a venue for many important events and cultural activities.

Don't miss out on Vietnam's own version of Cirque du Soleil, the A O Show - a spectacular production that pays tribute to Vietnamese roots and showcases developing contemporary cities in one amazing show! Travel to the historical Saigon Opera House and enjoy a night of theatrical visual arts amid the beauty of the theater's European-style decor. See a mix of contemporary dance, acrobatics, bamboo work, and more as live music echoes Southern Vietnamese work songs.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the oldest landmarks and a must-visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Thanh Market is a large marketplace that is conveniently located in the center of the city. This market is a great place to buy various local souvenirs such as handicrafts, pieces of Vietnamese art and other goods.

A visit to Ben Thanh Market is included in the itinerary of most city tours. You can also visit it in a combination with a cooking class on this Immersive Cooking Class & Ben Thanh Market Tour By Local Chef.

Cholon (Ho Chi Minh's Chinatown)

Cholon, the city’s Chinatown, is the second center of Ho Chi Minh City, occupying a large area that spans through the districts 5, 6, 10, and 11. Although not as luxurious and magnificent as the main center of the city, this area still makes its visitors feel nostalgic with countless important historical moments. Cholon still preserves many works of cultural and historical value, such as Ba Thien Hau Temple, Nghia An Hoi Quan, Minh Huong Gia Thanh Communal House, and Tue Thanh Assembly Hall.

Join a tour on the back of the scooter and ride to every corner of Ho Chi Minh’s 5 different districts, including Chinatown. Discover the area's must-see sights and special places only locals know about.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the first place that you shouldn’t miss when looking for nightlife experiences in Ho Chi Minh City. This 670 m long and 64 m wide avenue is made from granite, provides shade from the trees, and freshness from fountains. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is surrounded by luxury hotels, high-end shopping malls, and old-fashioned houses, as well as Saigon’s other famous tourist attractions.

Discover Saigon after dark on the Saigon Night Tour from the vantage point of a top-deck bus. Drive past lit-up buildings and streets that come to life with performers and street food vendors on this City Sightseeing 45-Minute Panoramic Night Tour. Ride along and see Saigon's amazing Opera House as it magically transforms at night whilst lit up, and discover Nguyen Hue, a bustling boulevard popular amongst tourists and locals alike.

Hotel de Ville

Hotel de Ville, or Saigon City Hall, is a French colonial-style building where Saigon’s government office was established. This elegant colonial building is the city's most photographed landmark, as it offers great photo opportunities.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the places in Saigon that just has to be visited. Cu Chi Tunnels, located in Cu Chi district, about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, is the place where you can experience life in an underground war zone.

As Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the surroundings of the city, there's a wide range of tours to Cu Chi Tunnels to choose from. Compare several offers to find the tour that suits your needs the best.

Mariamman Temple

Mariamman Temple is the only Hindu temple in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the late 19th century, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess of the rain, Mariamman.

Bitexco Financial Tower

Bitexco Financial Tower is the second tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City after Landmark 81, which bypassed it recently. However, this building still lets you admire the special view of Saigon center from above during the day and night. You can catch stunning views of the city from the 49th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower with a Saigon Skydeck Admission Ticket.

Sitting at the bar on the rooftop and enjoying some drinks while admiring the view of the city can be the best way to spend some relaxing time in Ho Chi Minh City. Bitexco Financial Tower also has a rooftop bar, which is one of the best rooftop bars in Saigon.

Landmark 81

Landmark 81 is currently the tallest building in Vietnam. Since its inauguration in 2019, this architectural marvel attracts visitors with its distinctive design and the SkyView Observation Deck, spanning from the 79th to the 81st floors and offering an incredible panoramic view of the city.

Experience panoramic views of Saigon from a height of 390 meters with discounted tickets to Landmark 81's Saigon Skyview.

Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street is another famous street in Saigon where tourists come to have fun with lots of bustling entertainment activities. People often call this area Western Street because it is mostly serving foreign tourists. There are many pubs and bars spread throughout the street which becomes very lively in the evening.

Experience Saigon's nightlife on a guided tour by motorbike with Ao Dai female riders. Explore different districts, taste incredible local food, and uncover other sides of this unique city.

Water Puppet Show

Enjoy a performance of fascinating Vietnamese art during a traditional water puppet show. The stories told with water puppets are closely associated with the spiritual life of Vietnamese people, especially in the countryside.

The stage for the show is the surface of a water pool. Puppeteers demonstrate their clever skills by managing puppets with long bamboo rods and a string mechanism under the surface of the water. A traditional Vietnamese orchestra provides musical accompaniment.

Experience a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City, and marvel at this form of traditional Vietnamese art.

Tasting Local Food in Ho Chi Minh City

What's the best food to try in Saigon, and where to eat it? Read our list of must-eats in Ho Chi Minh City to get an answer.

Your must-try food list should definitely include tasting the following dishes:

Banh Trang Nuong: The popular Vietnamese street food made of grilled rice paper as a pizza base topped with egg, spring onion, cheese, sausage, and meat.

Bun Bo Hue: Vietnamese spicy beef noodle soup packed with flavor, originated from the beautiful ancient city of Hue in Central Vietnam. In Hue, this noodle is made with clear broth and beef, while in Saigon, the noodle flavor is stronger, the color is more attractive, and there are more toppings such as spring rolls, pork rolls, and crab rolls.

Banh Xeo: Vietnamese pancake, which is a typical yellow cake made from rice flour and coconut milk. It is stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and fresh herbs.

These are just some of the most important dishes you should try in the city. More local dishes can be tasted by joining one of numerous Saigon street food tasting tours.

Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City

If you are a coffee lover and love hanging out at cafes, then Ho Chi Minh City is a great city to visit. There is the ridiculous amount of nice coffee shops in Saigon that will truly surprise you. Some of the top suggested coffee shops in the city are listed here: Best Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City.

If you will be staying at District 1 and want to find a perfect place for sipping coffee nearby, get familiar with the best cafes in District 1.

To take your Vietnamese coffee experience to the next level, join this class Techniques & Secrets Behind the Famed Vietnamese Egg Coffee. Step into the mesmerizing universe of Vietnamese coffee and unravel the magic behind the iconic ‘egg coffee,’ a legendary concoction born in 1946 and still an irresistible delight to this day!

Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife

The city is well known for its vibrant party scene and is famous in Vietnam for its fantastic nightlife. Ho Chi Minh nightlife offers plenty of nightclubs, bars, pubs, many restaurants, and other places to enjoy your time. Let's find out what you can do and what places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City at night.

An exceptional way to discover Saigon's nightlife is getting on a 3-hour private tour by jeep. See historic attractions, visit local markets, and enjoy a drink at a rooftop bar.

Saigon River Cruise

You can get on a cruise along the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City's bustling center and escape the city hustle and bustle with stunning views and serene moments on the water. While gliding through the heart of Saigon, you will be passing by iconic landmarks like the Tran Hung Dao Statue, Hotel Majestic, Dragon Wharf, Bitexco Financial Tower, and Mong Bridge.

To enhance your experience, embark on a scenic Saigon River Dinner Cruise and see the city's landmarks illuminated by the evening lights while enjoying a delicious buffet Vietnamese dinner.

Saigon Princess Dining Cruise is also one of the most popular dinner cruises in the city.

Family-friendly activities in Ho Chi Minh City

Most tourist attractions in the city may sound like places for adults only. But there are lots of places for children to have a fun time as well. Explore the best places to visit in Saigon with kids.

When traveling with kids, make sure to visit The Amazing Bay Water Park and Suoi Tien Theme Park.

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh is known as a "shopping paradise" with many shopping centers, shops, and markets that are always busy day and night. There are many places for tourists to shop, from traditional markets and boutiques to luxurious department stores.

The gifts from Saigon are countless. You can go to Ben Thanh Market or the night market to buy some meaningful souvenirs for your friends and relatives.

Ben Thanh Market: The most famous market for tourists with beautiful architecture. It is best to come to Ben Thanh Market at night to try local dishes and buy souvenirs.

Binh Tay Market: Chinatown’s main market that sells everything you can think of, from fresh produce to Vietnamese goods.

Saigon Square: This is the place to buy fashionable clothes. If you buy many items at the same time and try to bargain, you should get them at a surprisingly low price.

Shopping doesn't have to be expensive, especially when in Vietnam. Explore the city's markets and enjoy the best deals with the tour Saigon Shopping Experience by Motorbike that brings you for a ride around the city's shopping hotspots.

Massage in Ho Chi Minh City

Finding a place to get a relaxing massage in Saigon is pretty easy. You will find plenty of cheap massage parlors and luxury spas - just choose the most suitable for your taste and budget.

Normally you can get a significant discount by pre-booking your spa experience online. To get the best deal for your visit, check an extended list of vouchers at Top Saigon Spa & Massages.

Ngo Spa is one of the most popular spas in Saigon, offering premium quality at great rates. By booking your spa visit online, you get discounted access to one of the best spas in the city that provide top-class services without breaking the bank.

Thanh An Island

Thanh An Island is a small island in Can Gio District that is not very popular among tourists yet but is a great place to run away from the bustling city. Thanh An Island still retains the pristine and peaceful features, letting you discover the peaceful life of local people on the island.

Want to get away from the city to explore its surroundings? Choose some of the best places for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.

Other attractions

The extended list of top tourist attractions in the city can be found here: Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

There are several areas in Ho Chi Minh City that are good to stay in for tourists, and each of them has different advantages and disadvantages. The main area to stay in the city tends to be around District 1, where the city started and most of the tourist attractions are found. However, we would suggest planning your trip in advance and booking the room nearby attractions you want to visit so you could save travel time and costs.

If you are wondering where to stay in Saigon and looking for the best neighborhood to stay in, check our Guide to Ho Chi Minh City’s Best Areas.

Choosing the place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City can be overwhelming. This city offers accommodation for various tastes and budgets, from luxury to budget hotels. Some of the best-rated hotels in Saigon are listed below.

Luxury hotels for the best relaxation:

Sedona Suites

Park Hyatt Saigon

Hotel Des Arts Saigon

Our top recommendations for the best luxury hotels in the center of Ho Chi Minh City can be found here: Top Luxury Hotels in District 1.

Mid-range hotels that offer affordable and comfortable stays:

Chez Mimosa Boutique Corner

Fusion Suites Saigon

Lief Mojo Sai Gon

Hostels and hotels with affordable room rates:

Leaf Signature Hotel

Goo Hostel SaiGon

City Poshtel

Check out the list of places to stay that wouldn't break the bank: Best Cheap Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City

There are three main options for getting to Ho Chi Minh City from other cities in Vietnam, as most visitors come here by plane, train, or bus. The city receives a big number of international flights and can also be reached by international bus from Cambodia.

Flights to Ho Chi Minh City

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the busiest airport in Vietnam. The airport is located only 10 km from the city center, so it is very convenient for travelers.

Domestic Flights

Domestic flights to Saigon are offered by low-cost airlines such as Vietjet Air, Vietravel Airlines, and Bamboo Airways, as well as the national carrier Vietnam Airlines. Domestic flights are quite cheap, and there are many trips during the day, but they are quite often delayed. Vietnam Airlines are slightly more expensive but are more reliable in terms of delays, and the quality of service is also better.

There are plenty of flights to Saigon from Hanoi and other popular destinations in Vietnam. Flight schedules on the most popular routes can be found, and flight tickets can be booked here:

Flights from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Flights from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh

Flights from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

Flights from Haiphong to Ho Chi Minh

Flights from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh

International Flights

Ho Chi Minh Airport also attracts a big number of international flights that let you conveniently reach the city from other countries in Southeast Asia and more distant destinations.

If you will be arriving on an international flight, save lots of time by booking this Fast Track Immigration service at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which allows travelers to bypass long queues and clear immigration quickly after a long flight.

Flights from Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City

There are direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City from Bangkok and Phuket. Flight deals for these routes can be found here:

Flights from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh

Flights from Phuket to Ho Chi Minh

From Bangkok you can fly directly with low-cost airlines AirAsia and Vietjet Air, as well as full-service carriers Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Airways. The Phuket route is served by Vietjet Air.

Tan Son Nhat Airport to city center

Bus is currently one of the most popular means of transportation in Vietnam because of its low price. The same can be said about getting from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the city center, as there are several bus routes that let you reach the city center cheaply and conveniently. For more information about airport bus routes and schedules, check Saigon Airport Bus.

If using public transportation in a foreign country doesn’t look attractive, you can choose to travel from the airport by motorbike taxi or taxi. To experience the best airport transfer service, you should book a private transfer from Ho Chi Minh Airport to your hotel here: Private Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) Transfer.

Hotels near Saigon Airport

If you have an early arrival or late departure and need a place to stay near Tan Son Nhat Airport, look through the list of the best airport hotels and choose an accommodation that fits your travel needs, from 5-star to budget-friendly hotels. Some of these hotels also offer free airport shuttles.

Train to Ho Chi Minh City

Train is the choice for leisure travelers who want to see the mountains and rivers along the way. Certainly, you will have an enjoyable experience when traveling to Ho Chi Minh by train.

If you will be traveling by train from Hanoi, it can take more than 32 hours to reach Ho Chi Minh City, as the distance between Vietnam’s two largest cities is about 1,700 kilometers. However, along the way, you can get off and visit other popular destinations, including Ninh Binh, Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, Da Nang, and Nha Trang.

The current train departure schedule can be found, and train tickets can be booked online here:

Train from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh

Train from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh

Train from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

Bus to Ho Chi Minh City

Buses are chosen by a significant part of tourists traveling to Ho Chi Minh because most of the provinces and cities in Vietnam have bus routes connecting them with Saigon.

There are two large bus stations in the city, the Eastern Bus Station and the Western Bus Station. Depending on the starting point of the trip, the bus to Ho Chi Minh City will end up at one of them in most cases. However, some of the tourist bus companies also offer pick-up and drop-off at their offices in the city center.

The current bus departure schedule for the most popular routes can be found, and bus tickets can be booked online here:

Bus from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh

Bus from Nha Trang to Ho Chi Minh

Bus from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh

Bus from Dalat to Ho Chi Minh

Bus from Can Tho to Ho Chi Minh

Bus from Thailand to Ho Chi Minh City

When traveling from Thailand to Vietnam by bus, normally a connection in Cambodia is needed. From Thailand, you need to take a bus to Phnom Penh in Cambodia and then get on a bus going to Ho Chi Minh City. A bus between Phnom Penh and Saigon usually takes around 6 hours. Bus schedules and bus tickets for this connecting route can be found here:

Bus from Bangkok to Phnom Penh

Bus from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh

To get the best deal for bus tickets, check this offer: Phnom Penh (Cambodia) - Ho Chi Minh Bus.

To discover other bus services in the city, explore the Ho Chi Minh City Bus guide.

Other transportation options

More transportation options for a trip can be found, and transport tickets can be booked by this search form.

How to get around Ho Chi Minh City

City Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour lets you discover the wonders of Saigon at your own pace on board an open top, double decker bus. Enjoy the panoramic views of this dynamic city and be astonished by the French colonial architecture. You can also choose to use this bus for a panoramic night tour to see the illuminated city.

Walking: Most tourists explore Ho Chi Minh City on foot, especially the central areas.

Cyclo: Like in Hanoi, a cyclo is also a vehicle that many travelers choose when visiting tourist attractions. The cyclo should cost you around 250,000-300,000 VND per hour. This type of Saigon’s transportation can also be experienced by taking a Cyclo Ride with Lunch or Dinner.

Taxi: Taxi is also suitable for traveling around the city, but you should know that traffic jams are frequent in Ho Chi Minh City. Every morning from 7:30 to 8:00 and every evening from 17:00 to 18:00 is the city’s rush hour, so you can expect to just sit in the taxi without moving anywhere.

Motorbike Taxi: Traveling to Saigon tourist destinations by motorbike taxi is a good choice. Motorbike taxi is a fast and economical way to reach your destinations. You can also choose the motorbike ride service offered by Grab or Uber.

Bus: Bus is the cheapest public transport in Saigon, as bus tickets normally cost only 5,000-7,000 VND. You can experience the local feeling of sitting on the bus while passing by the crowded streets of Ho Chi Minh City.

Self-driven: If you prefer to drive by yourself, you can rent a motorbike or car. The motorbike rental price is about 100,000 VND a day. Keep in mind that if you decide to rent a motorbike or car, you need to bring your driving license and comply with traffic laws to avoid incidents affecting the trip schedule.

Private Car Charter: You can travel comfortably around the city with a driver and create your own itinerary without worrying about how to travel between each stop. You can easily visit surrounding areas like Vung Tau, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Cao Dai Temple as well. Choose the right type of vehicle to fit your traveling needs here: Ho Chi Minh Private Car Charter.

Metro: The city's first metro line was opened at the end of 2024.

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

Unlike the weather with 4 seasons in the North, Ho Chi Minh City is located in the tropical monsoon region, so there are clear signs of the rainy and dry seasons. Both seasons in Saigon have their own beauty that captivates visitors. 

The average temperature in the region is around 25 - 35 degrees Celsius, but during the peak time of sunshine, it can be over 40°C. The rainy season here usually lasts from May to November, so you might need to bring an umbrella or raincoat with you. The dry season is from December to April.

You can absolutely travel to Ho Chi Minh City at any time of the year, but the best time to go there is at the start of the year, from January to March. During this time, the weather is good with no rain, and you might also get a chance to participate in the biggest January full moon festival in Chinatown or the Tet Lantern Flower Festival on the Saigon River.

Ho Chi Minh City Trip Itinerary

3-4 days in Saigon give you time not only to discover the city but also to begin exploring Southern Vietnam. Read our 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City itinerary that will take you through Saigon's highlights, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta, and much more!

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