Dynamic metropolis blending French colonial heritage with modern energy
Updated
Ho Chi Minh City - still widely called Saigon - is Vietnam's largest city and its commercial engine, home to around nine million people across its urban core and a wider metropolitan area approaching 14 million. Situated in the south of the country on the western bank of the Saigon River, it functions as the country's busiest port, its financial centre, and the gateway through which most international visitors enter southern Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City is in Vietnam, Southeast Asia, about 1,140 km south of Hanoi in a straight line. Its coordinates are 10.8231° N, 106.6297° E.
| Best time to visit | December to April (dry season) |
|---|---|
| Daily budget | US$25-150 per day |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Nearest airport | SGN (IATA code) |
| Language | Vietnamese (English widely spoken in tourist areas) |
| Time zone | UTC+7 |
| Population | 9.3 million |
Entry rules vary by passport. Check our Southeast Asia visa requirements guide.
Where to stay
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The city's character is defined by contrast and energy. Colonial-era buildings - French pastel facades, the red-brick Notre-Dame Cathedral, the ornate Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm - stand a short walk from glass towers and rooftop bars on the Nguyen Hue Walking Street. The Ben Thanh Market, a covered iron-and-brick hall built in 1914, remains a practical shopping destination for locals despite its tourist fame, and its surrounding streets compose a dense grid of budget guesthouses, pho shops, and travel agencies known as the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker district.
District 1 is the city's commercial and tourist core, containing the historic landmarks, the riverside promenade, and the densest concentration of hotels and restaurants. District 3 adjoins it to the northwest with a more residential character and clusters of independent cafes. The renovated Nguyen Hue boulevard, closed to traffic, is lined with trees and fountains and has become the city's main outdoor gathering space, especially on weekend evenings.
The War Remnants Museum is one of the most visited sites in all of Southeast Asia, presenting an unflinching documentary record of the American War (as it is called in Vietnam) through photographs, equipment, and testimony. The Cu Chi Tunnels - 75 km northwest of the city - provide an underground perspective on wartime guerrilla tactics and draw hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. The Reunification Palace, where the war's final act was played out on 30 April 1975, is now a state museum left largely as it was that day.
The Mekong Delta is the logical companion destination to HCMC. The river delta begins just south of the city, and a day trip by bus or speedboat reaches the fruit-garden islands of My Tho or the floating market at Cai Be within two hours. Can Tho, the delta's largest city with its famous Cai Rang floating market, is a four-hour drive.
The climate is broadly tropical with two seasons: a dry season from December to April and a wet season from May to November. Temperatures rarely drop below 25°C year-round. The city is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is about 8 km from the city centre.
When to go
Saigon is hot year-round (averaging 27-35 °C) with a distinct wet and dry season. The most comfortable time is the dry season, December to April, when humidity drops, skies clear and temperatures ease slightly. This is the peak tourist window.
Attractions
Saigon is a blur of motorbikes, French-colonial boulevards, war history and some of the best street food on the planet. Two to three days lets you see the highlights before heading to the Mekong or the coast.
The city's most powerful and most-visited museum, presenting the Indochina wars from a Vietnamese perspective through photography, artefacts and the sobering legacy of Agent Orange. Unflinching and essential to understanding modern Vietnam. The Agent Orange exhibit on the top floor is deeply moving, and the courtyard displays a UH-1 helicopter and an M48 tank.
Entry 40,000 VND (~$1.60); 7:30 AM-noon & 1:30-5 PM. Allow 2-3 hours and go early to avoid tour groups.
A vast underground network where Viet Cong guerrillas lived, fought and hid during the war, about 1.5 hours from the city. You can crawl through widened sections, see booby traps, learn the ingenious engineering and even fire an AK-47 at the shooting range. Half-day trips run constantly; combine with the Cao Dai temple. Ben Dinh is the closer and more touristy site; Ben Duoc is quieter and more authentic.
Entry 90,000 VND (~$3.60); tours from ~300,000 VND ($12) including transport - book through your hotel or a tour operator.
Saigon's skyline is best enjoyed from above. Chill Skybar on top of AB Tower offers 360° views and cocktails from 200,000 VND. The observation deck at Landmark 81 (Vietnam's tallest building) gives views from 370 metres, and Saigon Saigon Bar at the Caravelle has live music and history.
Landmark 81 entry 300,000 VND (~$12); go 5-6 PM for sunset.
Two hours south, the “rice bowl” of Vietnam unfolds in a maze of rivers, floating markets, coconut farms and fruit orchards. A full-day trip visits the Cai Be or My Tho floating markets, rows you by sampan through narrow canals lined with water coconut palms, and stops at a coconut candy workshop - the essential escape from the city. For a deeper experience, spend a night at a homestay in Can Tho and visit Cai Rang, the largest floating market, at dawn.
Full-day tours 400,000-600,000 VND.
With a spare day, explore Cholon, Saigon's Chinatown, taking in Thien Hau Temple and Binh Tay Market. Or escape to the beach town of Vung Tau, about 2 hours away by hydrofoil.
Old Saigon
District 1 is Saigon's colonial core, where French colonial architecture stands beside sleek skyscrapers. The cathedral, the post office, the palace and Ben Thanh Market are all within walking distance of each other, making it the easiest part of the city to explore on foot.
The twin red-brick icons of French Indochina face each other across a leafy square in District 1. The cathedral (1880) is under restoration but its exterior is still photogenic. The Saigon Central Post Office - with its vaulted iron ceiling and old map murals, said to be designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm - still operates, so buy stamps and send a postcard from the wooden counters.
Both free to view; Post Office open 7 AM-7 PM. Dong Khoi Street, District 1.
The 1960s time capsule of the South Vietnamese government, famously breached by a North Vietnamese tank on 30 April 1975, ending the war. Tour the war rooms, reception halls, rooftop and the basement command bunker - largely unchanged since the fall of Saigon.
Entry 65,000 VND (~$2.60); 8 AM-4 PM.
Ben Thanh is Saigon's most famous market, a bustling covered hall selling everything from coffee beans to lacquerware. The food section at the back serves excellent pho, banh xeo and fresh seafood. After dark the surrounding streets become a lively outdoor food market, and nearby Bui Vien - the backpacker strip - lights up with bars, live music and cheap beer. Touristy but unmistakably Saigon.
Open 6 AM-6 PM (night market outside until midnight). Bargain hard - first quotes are typically 3x the real price. For calmer shopping, try Tan Dinh Market in District 3.
The pedestrian boulevard is the natural end to a day in District 1 - walk up it at around 5 PM towards Bitexco and Chill Skybar for sunset drinks over the skyline.
Itinerary
Two to three days covers the main sights - the War Remnants Museum, the cathedral, Ben Thanh Market and a Cu Chi Tunnels half-day trip. Add a fourth day for a Mekong Delta tour or to explore District 2 and District 7. This first-visit plan covers history, food, markets and a day trip.
Follow the District 1 walking route above: cathedral and post office, Independence Palace, banh mi at Huynh Hoa, the War Remnants Museum, then sunset drinks at the top of Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Transport
Saigon is a city of motorbikes - crossing the road is a rite of passage (walk at a steady pace, don't stop, let them flow around you). The new Metro Line 1 is opening up, and ride-hail apps are the easiest way for visitors to get around.
Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) sits 7 km from the centre - a Grab is the smoothest transfer at 80,000-150,000 VND ($3-6). Metered Vinasun or Mai Linh taxis are similarly priced, and public bus 109 costs 20,000 VND ($0.80); allow 30-60 minutes depending on traffic. Head north by train, sleeper bus or flight to the lantern town of Hoi An and Da Nang, the island of Phu Quoc, or cross into Cambodia towards Phnom Penh.
Accommodation
Most visitors base themselves in District 1, the compact walkable core, or District 3 just north. Saigon offers superb value - stylish boutique hotels and rooftop pools for a fraction of Western prices.
The colonial heart and tourist hub - walking distance to Ben Thanh, the Post Office, the cathedral, the Opera House and the best restaurants and bars. The most convenient base for a short stay. Rooms run $10-150+/night.
Immediately north of District 1, leafier, quieter and cheaper, packed with local cafés, pagodas, street food alleys and the War Remnants Museum. A 10-minute walk or a short Grab into the centre. Rooms run $8-80/night.
The backpacker quarter in District 1 - hostels, cheap beer and late-night bars. Loud at night, so choose it if you came to party.
Across the river, the expat enclave of Thao Dien has riverside villas, international cafés and a calmer pace - good for longer stays and families, about 15 minutes by Grab from the centre. Rooms run $15-100/night.
A planned neighbourhood with wide streets, Crescent Mall and international schools. Very safe and clean. Rooms run $20-120/night.
Food & drink
Saigon is a street-food paradise and the birthplace of several dishes you'll now find worldwide. Eat from plastic stools and you'll eat best.
Banh mi - the legendary Saigon baguette sandwich, a French-Vietnamese fusion of crisp roll, pâté, cold cuts, herbs and chilli. Try the legendary Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (queue before noon). Pho - the fragrant beef noodle soup, here in a slightly sweeter southern style; Pho Hoa and Pho 2000 are Saigon institutions. Goi cuon fresh spring rolls and com tam broken rice with grilled pork, egg meatloaf and fish sauce are daily staples - com tam is a classic Saigon breakfast, best before 9 AM.
Don't miss hu tieu noodle soup, bun cha and the southern banh xeo sizzling crepe. Wash it down with Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) - rocket-fuel-strong drip over condensed milk, about 15,000 VND at a streetside stall.
Plan your trip
UK and most EU passports get 45 days visa-free; US, Australian and Canadian passports need an e-visa ($25, up to 90 days, as of November 2026) - see our visa guide. The currency is the Vietnamese dong (VND) - everything is in the thousands, so keep the zeros straight. ATMs are everywhere; carry small notes for street food and taxis. Ride-hail apps make Saigon easy for first-timers.
Planning a wider route? Pair this with our 5 days in Vietnam itinerary and the Vietnam visa guide.
Hotel search
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Positioned on Lam Son Square facing the Saigon Opera House, Park Hyatt Saigon pairs colonial French mansion architecture with contemporary Vietnamese design across 245 rooms and suites. The property is home to the MICHELIN-recognised Square One restaurant and a serene garden pool.
Occupying the upper floors of the Times Square building on Nguyen Hue Boulevard, The Reverie Saigon is the city's most visually extravagant property, with Italian-designed interiors of marble, crystal chandeliers, and hand-laid mosaic. Its 286 suites and five restaurants have made it a benchmark for ultra-luxury in Vietnam.
A Saigon institution since its Christmas Day 1959 opening, the Caravelle stands on Lam Son Square next to the Opera House and has been a base for journalists and diplomats throughout the city's modern history. The 24th-floor Saigon Saigon rooftop bar remains one of the most storied drinking spots in Southeast Asia.
On Le Duan Boulevard near Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Reunification Palace, Sofitel Saigon Plaza blends French-Vietnamese aesthetics across 286 rooms and suites. An outdoor pool, L'Olivier restaurant, and full-service spa make it a self-contained luxury base in the heart of District 1.
Perched on Ton Duc Thang Street facing the Saigon River, LOTTE HOTEL SAIGON is a five-star property combining views of the river with proximity to District 1 attractions. Five dining venues, an outdoor pool, and a spa with river views position it among the city's leading luxury options.
Built in 1925 at the intersection of Dong Khoi and the Saigon River, Hotel Majestic is one of the oldest operational hotels in Vietnam. Its colonial Indochine exterior, river-view terrace bar, outdoor pool, and casino offer a layered historical experience at competitive luxury prices.
A 4-star all-suite property on a quiet street in District 1, Fusion Suites offers spacious rooms with kitchenettes, a rooftop pool, and the brand's signature complimentary spa treatments included in the room rate. The concept appeals to visitors who want comfort and extra space without full five-star pricing.
Tucked into a restored 1920s building on Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Hotel des Arts pays homage to Saigon's art deco heritage with gallery-style corridors and curated Vietnamese contemporary works. The rooftop Social Club restaurant and bar has become one of the city's favourite elevated dining destinations.
A charming boutique property in District 1 mixing antique Indochine furnishings with modern amenities across 62 rooms. The in-house spa and rooftop terrace make it a pleasant mid-range option for travellers seeking character and heritage atmosphere over anonymous business-hotel style.
On Pasteur Street in the heart of District 1, Liberty Central Citypoint is a 4-star hotel well-regarded for its central location, rooftop pool with city views, and responsive service. Rooms are modern and well-maintained at a price point that undercuts many comparable District 1 properties.
The riverside branch of the Liberty Central chain occupies a position on Ton Duc Thang Street with Saigon River views, an outdoor pool, and a rooftop bar. The four-star property delivers good value for a riverfront location in District 1, with well-reviewed staff and clean, modern rooms.
On Le Thanh Ton Street steps from Ben Thanh Market, the original Liberty Central property offers a central District 1 location, rooftop pool, and competitive four-star rates. The hotel draws a mix of business and leisure travellers who prioritise walkable access to the city's main sights.
A modern four-star hotel in the Phu Nhuan district operated by Vietnam's largest domestic hotel chain, Muong Thanh Luxury Saigon offers spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and good on-site dining at rates typically below comparable District 1 hotels. It suits guests who prefer a quieter neighbourhood with easy taxi access to the centre.
One of a well-regarded Vietnamese budget chain's District 1 properties, A25 on Pham Ngu Lao Street delivers clean, air-conditioned rooms at one of the lowest price points in the backpacker district. The location puts guests within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market and the Bui Vien entertainment strip.
A reliable hostel address in the thick of the Pham Ngu Lao backpacker district, offering dormitory and private room options at budget prices. Social common areas, tour desks, and proximity to Bui Vien Walking Street make it a natural base for independent travellers on their first visit to the city.
A hostel on the main strip of Pham Ngu Lao with a social atmosphere and a rooftop bar, popular with budget travellers for its location and party-friendly vibe. Dormitory beds and private rooms are available, and the ground-floor communal area is active day and evening.
A boutique hostel and social-enterprise guesthouse in a restored colonial villa in District 3, The Common Room Project offers private rooms and dormitories in a calmer, more residential setting than the Pham Ngu Lao area. The cafe-common room is a popular meeting point for travellers and local creatives.
History · Half day
The Cu Chi Tunnels are 250 km of underground passages used by Viet Cong guerrillas during the American War, now partially open for visitors to crawl through. Guided tours from Ho Chi Minh City take about half a day, including presentations on tunnel warfare tactics and the chance to fire an AK-47 at the on-site shooting range.
Culture · Full day
A full-day tour from HCMC combining the noon prayer ceremony at the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh - an extraordinary syncretic religion founded in 1926 - with a cable car ride to the summit of Black Lady Mountain. Lunch and round-trip transport are included.
Adventure · Full day
A guided cycling and boat excursion through the riverside villages and fruit orchards of the Mekong Delta, stopping at a coconut candy workshop and a local home for lunch. The mix of paddling through narrow canals and cycling along raised dyke paths gives a ground-level perspective on delta life.
Nature · Full day
A full-day trip south of HCMC into the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve - a vast UNESCO-recognised mangrove forest and wildlife sanctuary - visiting the Monkey Island wildlife area and a wartime historical site. Boat rides through the mangrove channels are a highlight.
Adventure · Half day
A half-day cycling excursion from the city into the rural outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, passing rice paddies, lotus ponds, and local communities that the bus-tour circuit rarely reaches. Guides explain the agricultural landscape and stop at village workshops and a local restaurant for lunch.
Beach · Full day
Vung Tau is a peninsula resort city on the South China Sea coast, 130 km east of HCMC. This guided full-day tour covers the Giant Jesus statue atop Big Mountain, the Back Beach, and the historic Cap Saint-Jacques lighthouse with return transport and lunch included.
Adventure · Full day
A private guided day trip to Tay Ninh province combining the iconic Cao Dai Holy See prayer service with a cable car ascent of Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain), the highest peak in southern Vietnam at 986 m. The tour offers flexibility to linger at each site and includes lunch.
History · 2 hours
One of Southeast Asia's most visited museums, the War Remnants Museum documents the American War through an extensive collection of photographs, military hardware, and documentary evidence of chemical warfare. Plan at least two hours; the content is deeply affecting.
History · 1.5 hours
The former presidential palace of South Vietnam, where North Vietnamese tanks broke through the gates on 30 April 1975 to end the war, is now a state museum preserved largely as it was that day. The 1960s modernist architecture, war rooms, and rooftop helicopter pad make for a compelling hour-long visit.
Food · 3 hours
An evening tour on the back of a motorbike with a local guide, stopping at hole-in-the-wall restaurants for banh mi, com tam, banh xeo, and Vietnamese iced coffee. Tours typically start in the backpacker district, venture into residential neighbourhoods, and return to Pham Ngu Lao for the night market.
Shopping · 2 hours
Built in 1914, Ben Thanh Market is a covered hall of fresh produce, street food, clothing, and souvenirs in the very centre of District 1. The surrounding alleyways host a lively night market from sunset, and the adjacent streets are packed with pho and com tam stalls popular with locals.
Culture · 1 hour
The Sky Deck observation platform on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower offers a 360-degree panorama of Ho Chi Minh City and the Saigon River. The distinctive tower, designed to evoke a lotus bud, is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks and a useful orientation point for first-time visitors.
Plan your trip
Highland city of eternal spring with French colonial charm.
Tropical island with pristine beaches and pearl farms.
Beach resort city with island hopping and vibrant nightlife.
Lantern-lit ancient town with tailor shops and riverside charm.
Coastal city with marble mountains and golden beaches.
Imperial citadel, royal tombs, and refined Vietnamese cuisine.
Where to stayHotels in Ho Chi Minh City