Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Saigon River featuring a skyscraper, a lake or waterhole 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

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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(259 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 5

District 5 is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by An Dong Market and Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda while in the area.

District 5
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
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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
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 NZ$88 per night from 5 Apr to 6 Apr
NZ$88
per night
5 Apr - 6 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! (1,005 reviews)
"Basic, comfortable room with great amenities - pool and nice gym. Great value for the price. Super accommodating staff let us leave our bags after checkout waiting for flight departure."

Reviewed on 13 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 NZ$256 per night from 24 Mar to 25 Mar
NZ$256
per night
24 Mar - 25 Mar
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! (1,004 reviews)
"Friendly staff and very helpful. Great location."

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Hotel Nikko Saigon
Caravelle Saigon
Caravelle Saigon
5 out of 5
19 - 23 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The price is NZ$252 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
NZ$252
per night
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Absolutely beautiful clean and convenient. Great place to stay. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 15 Mar. 2024

Caravelle 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.
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! (507 reviews)
"Access to the tv channel BBC heart. The kitchenette was very practical."

Reviewed on 15 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! (1,025 reviews)
"Amazing hotel. Very like 👍"

Reviewed on 12 Mar. 2024

Sherwood Residence
Sherwood Suites
Sherwood Suites
4.5 out of 5
192 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (703 reviews)
"Just perfect. Would stay here again and would also recommend to friends and family."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2024

Sherwood Suites
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

Activities

Reviews of Ho Chi Minh City

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
184
" "5 - Excellent 36.149312377210215%
4 - Good
238
" "4 - Good 46.75834970530452%
3 - Okay
67
" "3 - Okay 13.163064833005894%
2 - Disappointing
15
" "2 - Disappointing 2.9469548133595285%
1 - Terrible
5
" "1 - Terrible 0.9823182711198428%

5/5 - Excellent

Suresh
27 Mar 2020

Excellent food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
22 Mar 2020

Love Vietnam but trip cut short because of covid19

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

Very busy city. Worthwhile to get recommendations for restaurants as some of the best meals we had were in out of the way restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
8 Mar 2020

Grab bike rides are a fun cheap way to get around, last trip on the water taxi is good for night shots of downtown buildings lit up, Bitexco asian restaurant is more expensive than regular street level ones but excellent food and night views

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
4 Mar 2020

Theres lots to be seen if you look.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
29 Feb 2020

Amazing city