Ho Chi Minh City - still called Saigon by almost everyone - is Vietnam's largest, fastest, and most chaotic city. French colonial architecture beside glass towers. War history beside rooftop bars. The best street food in the country eaten on plastic stools at the side of a road choked with motorbikes. It rewards exploration on foot in the old districts, and punishes those who try to rush it.
Best Months to Visit
Highlights
What To Do
Places to Visit · 10 spots
Suggested Itineraries
War Remnants Museum is one of the most powerful museums in Southeast Asia - allow 2 hours minimum. Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) gives an eerie glimpse into the end of the war. Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office are on the same block. Ben Thanh Market for evening street food.
Cu Chi Tunnels are 70km northwest - half day tour (250,000–350,000 VND). Jade Emperor Pagoda is the most atmospheric temple in HCMC - best visited early morning before tour groups.
Start at the War Remnants Museum first thing - emotionally heavy, but essential. French Quarter (around Notre Dame) for lunch. Evening: rooftop bars in District 1 or Bui Vien Street.
Morning Cu Chi Tunnels tour. Afternoon: Ben Thanh Market (touristy but worth seeing). Binh Tay Market in Cholon (District 5) is the real deal - wholesale market, mostly locals. Best Vietnamese food in HCMC is in Cholon.
Jade Emperor Pagoda early morning. Day trip to Mekong Delta (My Tho or Can Tho) if time allows - 2 hours each way by bus. Or: slow morning at a cafe, explore District 3's colonial streets before departing.
Getting There
Fly into Tan Son Nhat Airport. Grab to city centre: 100,000–150,000 VND depending on district.
Overnight buses available. Day buses also run.
From Mien Tay bus station. Good gateway to/from Mekong Delta.
Budget per Day
War Remnants Museum: 40,000 VND. Cu Chi Tunnels tour: 250,000–400,000 VND. Street food meals from 30,000–80,000 VND. Grab essential - traffic makes walking long distances impractical.
Plan Your Trip