Ho Chi Minh City

Travel Guide
Saigon River featuring skyline, a skyscraper and a city

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

Guerrero

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 street scenes, markets and shopping

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(10 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 showing interior views

District 3

Travelers come to District 3 for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like War Remnants Museum and Tao Dan Park while you're in town.

District 3
Default Image

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 showing a temple or place of worship, a statue or sculpture and art

Tan Binh

Tan Binh is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Hoang Van Thu Park and Pho Quang Pagoda while in the area.

Tan Binh
Saigon Central Post Office featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4/5(5 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 P3,247 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
P3,247
per night
9 Apr - 10 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! (1,008 reviews)
"Great hotel for stay near airport. Shops and food near by"

Reviewed on Mar 26, 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 P6,545 per night from 28 Apr to 29 Apr
P6,545
per night
28 Apr - 29 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! (1,014 reviews)
"Friendly staff and very helpful. Great location."

Reviewed on Mar 15, 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P4,207 per night from 17 Apr to 18 Apr
P4,207
per night
17 Apr - 18 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! (363 reviews)
"Amazing service from Sam, beautiful room and view, great infinity pool and breakfast with a view."

Reviewed on Mar 24, 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 Mar 26, 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 Mar 19, 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 Jan 31, 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

4.4
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
13
" "5 - Excellent 56.52173913043478%
4 - Good
6
" "4 - Good 26.08695652173913%
3 - Okay
4
" "3 - Okay 17.391304347826086%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Ester
3 Mar 2020

We had a great time at Ho Chi Minh. People are accommodating & helpful, food was great, Coffee was superb. But 1 vendor @ d Ben Thanh Night Market was Insisting 4 me to buy, will not let go of my wrist even tho it hurts already.

5/5 - Excellent

John
13 Dec 2019

Definitely will come back. I was surprised how busy but fun the city is!

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
3 Dec 2019

With the language barrier being the only hitch on my stay, everything on my 5 day stay was very good, i would surely want to come back 

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler
23 Sep 2019

Bustling, vibrant city. Millions of motorcycles and scooters! War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta Tour highly recommended.

5/5 - Excellent

Ricardo
12 Sep 2019

It's the place to be if you want to start a living. You can look for a job and make a living there. Foods are cheap. Buses are the only public transport but you can book a Grab car or motor bike as alternatives.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler
14 Aug 2019

Few are only know how to speak English fluently so u have to do your own research if you are back packer or better else you have to book from agency so you can travel conveniently.