Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

When I first arrived in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), I was completely overwhelmed. The sheer size of this sprawling metropolis, the chaos of the traffic, and the energy of Vietnam's largest city can hit you like a brick, especially as I arrived straight from Mui Ne, a laid-back fishing village where I'd spent my days lounging by the pool and wandering around beachfront stalls.

After several days exploring, I quickly realised that this Ho Chi Minh City travel guide would need to be comprehensive – there's so much to see and do here that it can be genuinely difficult to know where to start.

Ho Chi Minh City is absolutely huge, and it's the biggest city in Vietnam by quite some way. It's a place where you can really feel the American influence (compared to the more Chinese-influenced north), and the cultural differences within Vietnam have never been more apparent (and are fascinating). Whether you're flying into Vietnam for the first time or making your way south from Hanoi, this vibrant city deserves at least a few days of your time.

An Intro Guide to Ho Chi Minh City
How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Weather & Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City
Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Where & What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Best Bars in Ho Chi Minh City
Prices and Money in Ho Chi Minh City
FAQs

An Intro Guide to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's economic powerhouse and largest urban centre, home to over 9 million people. The city domniates southern Vietnam, about 1,760 kilometres south of Hanoi, and serves as the main gateway to the south of Vietnam for international travellers. Most travellers traversing Vietnam will either fly into Ho Chi Minh City and then out of Hanoi, or vice versa.

I'd recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Ho Chi Minh City to get a proper feel for the place, though you could easily fill a week with everything there is to do here. The city's history is complex and fascinating: it was the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam war, and has retained much of its French colonial architecture alongside modern skyscrapers. The cultural influences here are noticeably different from northern Vietnam, with a more international, cosmopolitan feel that reflects its history as a major trading hub.

How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Most international travellers will fly directly into Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport, which has excellent connections to major cities across Asia and beyond. You can also arrive overland from Cambodia via bus, which takes about 6-8 hours from Phnom Penh.

If you're already in Vietnam, the most popular routes into Ho Chi Minh City come from Mui Ne (a beach town to the east of Ho Chi Minh), Dalat (this would usually be an overnight bus, as it's some way away), or, for some brave souls, Hoi An, which is a 23 hour bus ride away (or a more reasonable one-hour flight).

If you're coming from further north, you can fly into Ho Chi Minh City from Hanoi, or take the sleeper train.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

There's one obvious area in Ho Chi Minh City where all of the hostels and hotels are clustered, and you can find it simply by looking at where most accommodation is concentrated on the map – it's the area just south of September 23rd Park in District 1.

I'd really recommend staying in this area for the vibes, to be close to other travellers, and to be within walking distance of restaurants and shops where staff are used to dealing with foreigners. Whether you choose a hostel, hotel, or Airbnb, staying in District 1 puts you right in the heart of the action and makes exploring the city much easier. This area has great street food, plenty of cafes (and two 7 Elevens), and you'll meet loads of other backpackers and travellers.

Weather & Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: dry season (December to April) and rainy season (May to November). The dry season is generally considered the best time to visit, with less humidity and rainfall, though temperatures can still reach 35°C. During rainy season, expect heavy downpours most afternoons, but they usually don't last long.

The city sits virtually at sea level, so altitude isn't a concern, but the humidity can be intense year-round. I went during dry season and found the weather perfect for exploring, though you'll want to plan indoor (air conditioned) activities during the hottest part of the day.

A vietnamese iced coffee from the legendary 7 Eleven store in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is absolutely mental – I'm talking rivers of motorbikes, cars weaving between lanes, and a complete disregard for traffic lights. I'd strongly recommend using Grab bikes or cars rather than trying to navigate this chaos yourself on a hired scooter. Grab is incredibly cheap and efficient, though if you want to take a car rather than a bike (and sometimes, even with a bike) during rush hour you'll need to allow extra time for journeys.

For longer distances or trips to shopping malls, Grab cars are comfortable and affordable, and you definitely want to take a car rather than a bike if you're going to the airport.

Walking is possible in the central districts, but crossing roads requires nerves of steel and a leap of faith – just walk slowly and steadily, and the traffic will flow around you.

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The standout attraction in Ho Chi Minh City has to be the War Remnants Museum, but be warned – it's incredibly heavy and emotionally challenging. Don't plan too much for afterwards because you'll likely need time to process what you've seen. The Cu Chi Tunnels are another must-do, though it's a half-day trip outside the city. I recommend doing them in this order; going to the War Remnants Museum to learn about the history of the war and the tunnels, and then visiting the tunnels a day later.

In the city centre, you can explore the beautiful French colonial architecture, including the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.

Shopping is huge here, from sprawling markets like Ben Thanh Market to modern malls. The city is also perfect for just wandering around, soaking up the incredible energy and watching the organised chaos of daily life unfold. Many travellers use Ho Chi Minh City as a base for exploring the Mekong Delta region as well.

Where & What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The food scene in Ho Chi Minh City is really good. I had a great meal at Di Mai, which serves exceptional Vietnamese food in a lovely setting. For something different, Pizza 4P's is a famously good pizza chain that's become legendary among travellers, not only in Ho Chi Minh City but in Hanoi too. Street food is everywhere and generally safe to eat, with pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls being absolute must-tries.

For vegetarians, Vietnamese cuisine is actually quite accommodating, with lots of fresh vegetables, tofu dishes, and vegetarian restaurants throughout the city. The local coffee culture is amazing too – don't miss trying Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk, especially if Ho Chi Minh City is your first stop on your Vietnamese adventure.

Best Bars in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The main nightlife hub is Bui Vien Walking Street, but honestly, it's quite chaotic and loud – it's really a place for going "out out" rather than a relaxed evening drink. Close by, but off the main strip, there are plenty of more low-key local bars and beer gardens where you can enjoy cheap Saigon beer and meet locals.

Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its incredible rooftop bars with stunning city views, including La Vela Saigon, which is an upscale hotel with an amazing infinity pool and panoramic views that you can enter without staying in the hotel (for a fee, of course). The rooftop scene here is genuinely world-class, and watching the sunset over this massive city from above is unforgettable.

Prices and Money in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is very affordable compared to Western standards. A street food meal will cost around 60-80k VND (2.50-3.50€), a mid-range restaurant meal about 200-300k VND (8-13€), and hostel dorms start from around 200k VND (8€) per night. Even nice hotels are very reasonable by international standards.

The currency is the Vietnamese dong, and you'll be dealing with lots of zeros, so it takes some getting used to. Most ATMs charge a small fee (the only free ATMs I found in Vietnam were in the north, but even here in the south, some of them cost less than a euro to use). Cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas, but you'll need cash for street food, local transport, and markets. I'd recommend always having cash on hand as many places still prefer it.

FAQs About Travelling in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

How many days are enough for Ho Chi Minh City?

I'd recommend at least 3-4 days to see the main sights and get a feel for the city. If you want to include day trips like the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta, plan for 5-6 days.

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?

Absolutely! It's an incredible introduction to Vietnamese culture, has amazing food, fascinating history, and great nightlife. The energy of the city is infectious.

Is it better in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh?

They're completely different experiences. Ho Chi Minh City feels more international and modern, while Hanoi has more traditional Vietnamese charm. I'd recommend visiting both if possible.

Which is better, Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh?

It depends what you're looking for. Ho Chi Minh City is better for urban experiences, culture, and nightlife, while Da Nang is better for beaches and a more relaxed vibe.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City is an assault on the senses in the best possible way. It's chaotic, energetic, and sometimes overwhelming, but it's also incredibly rewarding. The combination of incredible food, fascinating history, friendly locals, and budget-friendly prices makes it a perfect destination for any traveller to Vietnam. Just remember to take your time, embrace the chaos, and don't try to see everything in one day – this city deserves to be savoured.