Ho Chi Minh City

Travel Guide
Saigon River featuring skyline, a city and a lake or waterhole

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Video

Vietnam’s largest and most high-energy city captivates travelers with its enthralling blend of rich history and its fast-paced modern lifestyle.

With its chaotic streets and hectic energy, Ho Chi Minh City makes a dramatic first impression on many visitors. Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City offers some of the country’s best nightlife and shopping, as well as a wealth of fascinating cultural attractions. Admire the handsome colonial architecture built by the country’s former French rulers, learn about Vietnam’s dark wartime history and discover why the city’s cuisine is so loved.

Gain a sobering perspective into the country’s history at the War Remnants Museum, which examines the horrors of the Vietnam War. See tanks, fighter planes, unexploded ordinance and chilling photographs of events like the My Lai massacre.

Don’t miss the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most beautiful Chinese pagodas in the country. Built in 1909 by the city’s Cantonese community, the pagoda features a variety of exquisite carvings and statues inspired by Taoist and Buddhist lore.

Shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market. Dating back to the 17th century, this buzzing market is a fun place to shop for clothing and artisanal crafts. Remember to haggle for the best price. Sample traditional Vietnamese food, such as pho, the country’s famous noodle soup, prepared at one of the market stalls.

Head to the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest building in the city, for a glimpse of Ho Chi Minh’s modern side. Ascend to the Saigon Skydeck on the tower’s 49th floor for spectacular views over the city. Interactive screens provide information about notable streets and sites visible below.

Stroll along Dong Khoi Street, Ho Chi Minh City’s main commercial district, to view the remnants of the city’s colonial-era buildings. For budget-friendly fun, check out the Pham Ngu Lao area, a popular backpacker hub known for its cheap accommodation and lively nightlife scene.

Most international flights to Vietnam arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. The city is also connected by bus to other major destinations around the country, as well as to neighboring Cambodia. Get around by public bus or by taxi, both of which are inexpensive.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam’s most exciting cities, provides a thrilling introduction to this beguiling country.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

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District 1

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of District 1. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Bui Vien Walking Street while you're exploring the area.

District 1
Ben Thanh Market featuring shopping, night scenes and markets

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(153 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Bui Vien Walking Street while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum which includes interior views

District 3

District 3 is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to War Remnants Museum or Tao Dan Park.

District 3
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District 7

District 7 is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like The Cresent Mall and Saigon River.

District 7
Giac Lam Pagoda featuring a statue or sculpture, art and a temple or place of worship

Tan Binh

Tan Binh is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Hoang Van Thu Park or Pho Quang Pagoda.

Tan Binh
Saigon Central Post Office which includes interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Dong Khoi. Make a stop by Dong Khoi Street or Vincom Center Shopping Mall while you're exploring the area.

Dong Khoi
ibis Saigon Airport
ibis Saigon Airport
4 out of 5
2 Hong Ha Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
The price is HK$451 per night from 8 Apr to 9 Apr
HK$451
per night
8 Apr - 9 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,010 reviews)
"Cleaness of the facility and friendly staffs"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

ibis Saigon Airport
Hotel Nikko Saigon
Hotel Nikko Saigon
5 out of 5
235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The price is HK$909 per night from 27 Apr to 28 Apr
HK$909
per night
27 Apr - 28 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,017 reviews)
"Friendly staff and very helpful. Great location."

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

Hotel Nikko Saigon
La Vela Saigon Hotel
La Vela Saigon Hotel
4.5 out of 5
280 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
The price is HK$608 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
HK$608
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (360 reviews)
"Amazing service from Sam, beautiful room and view, great infinity pool and breakfast with a view."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

La Vela Saigon Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Saigon Sirius
Saigon Sirius
4 out of 5
151 Ben Van Don, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a children's pool. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (519 reviews)
"The host was amazing and very professional. Will be back"

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Saigon Sirius
Sherwood Residence
Sherwood Residence
4.5 out of 5
127 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a free area shuttle. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,032 reviews)
"Amazing location, walking distance to everything but not in the center of tourist area. The pool is fabulous, very clean and the hotel is immaculate."

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Sherwood Residence
Oakwood Residence Saigon
Oakwood Residence Saigon
4 out of 5
1056A Nguyen Van Linh, Tan Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a children's pool. Popular attractions Bui Vien Walking Street ...
9/10 Wonderful! (298 reviews)
"The property is very new and nice. The mall is next door. The rooms are spacious and very clean. Staffs are very friendly and helpful! Will stay here again in the future."

Reviewed on 31 Jan 2024

Oakwood Residence Saigon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Ho Chi Minh City

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
113
" "5 - Excellent 38.56655290102389%
4 - Good
135
" "4 - Good 46.075085324232084%
3 - Okay
38
" "3 - Okay 12.969283276450511%
2 - Disappointing
3
" "2 - Disappointing 1.023890784982935%
1 - Terrible
4
" "1 - Terrible 1.3651877133105803%

4/5 - Good

Xholiso
25 Mar 2020

Before buying food or a drink if price is not displayed ask for price. I got charged a lot for food or drink because they knew I was a foreigner. I liked that strangers helped me access “ grab taxi” service.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
10 Mar 2020

What an exhilarating place! I had been before but took my wife this time. Traffic just as crazy as ever. Ben tahn street food market a must for cheap drinks and great food oprions! Walking street a must just for how crazy it is.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

Great city with lots of great places to eat and drink. Can be a little overwhelming as it is so busy but a great experience

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

Worth going in the Bitexco Financial tower sky deck to see the city lit up at night time. Great city to explore and especially interesting to see the developments being added to this ever expanding city.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
28 Feb 2020

HCM people are so friendly.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Feb 2020

The city is good