Vietnam’s biggest metropolis is a buzzing cosmopolitan destination where its French heritage is still on display alongside its traditional oriental charm.
Better known to past generations as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has witnessed conflict and upheaval throughout its history. Its complex heritage is nowhere better seen today than on the city’s skyline. Look up and you’ll see newly-built skyscrapers towering over 19th century European-style architecture; Buddhist temples alongside cathedrals; even modern coffee shops next door to traditional tea houses.
The city’s most historic district, District 1, lies on the western bank of the Saigon River. It is here that you can walk around the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office and the Ho Chi Minh Notre Dame Cathedral. When Saigon was a French colony, its occupiers made their mark on the city and the impressive 19th century architecture in this part of town is testament to that European influence. Nearby, you can enjoy a stroll through Tao Dan Park or head north to visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Visitors still flock here to this day, and you’ll find many fine hotels amid the attractions.
For a more relaxed atmosphere away from the centre of the city, spend some time at the Dam Sen Water Park and the surrounding park complex. Further afield, explore the Chi Chi Tunnels used in the Vietnam War. Modern-day Ho Chi Minh City may have transformed dramatically, but the scars of the war are still felt, evidenced at the War Remnants Museum which attracts more than half a million visitors each year and is among the most visited spots in the country.
When night falls, take advantage of the cooler conditions and explore the centre of the city. Around Districts 1 and 3 try a steaming bowl of pho (rice noodle soup) and enjoy a chilled Bia Hoi, the fresh local beer available in these parts. If you’re looking for bargains to take home with you, check out the Ben Thanh Night Market.
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City is easy and cheap, but take care when on the roads as visitors can find themselves overwhelmed by just how frantic the traffic – and especially the motorbikes – can be. By day the city is typically hot and humid, but many buildings have air conditioning and there are plenty of shady spots where you can escape and unwind.
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Bui Thi Xuan
4/5Very Good!(40 area reviews)
A very popular commercial hub in Ho Chi Minh City, this spot has a lively mix of technology stores, fancy bars and restaurants and luxurious hotels.
235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
NZ$174
per night
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Tu Du Hospital and Pham Ngu Lao Backpacker Area. Bui Vien Walking Street ...…Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Tu Du Hospital and Pham Ngu Lao Backpacker Area. Bui Vien Walking Street ...WWW…
4.7/5Exceptional! (2,055 reviews)
"service was very good, the building was clean. I enjoyed my time there."…""service was very good, the building was clean. I enjoyed my time there."WWW…"
2 Hong Ha Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
NZ$103
per night
Feb 11 - Feb 12
Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. Saigon Central Post ...…Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. Saigon Central Post ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (959 reviews)
"Nice pool and bar area, comfortable beds with good tv choices. Close to airport and efficient transfer facilities."…""Nice pool and bar area, comfortable beds with good tv choices. Close to airport and efficient transfer facilities."WWW…"
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, Opera House and 30-4 Park. Saigon Zoo and Botanic ...…Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, Opera House and 30-4 Park. Saigon Zoo and Botanic ...WWW…
4.4/5Wonderful! (702 reviews)
"The great service of the bar and restraint staff downstairs! It was amazing!"…""The great service of the bar and restraint staff downstairs! It was amazing!"WWW…"
No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.
Find out about the history of the Vietnam war from a Vietnamese perspective in this interesting museum based in a former American administration office.
This stunning theater, with its glistening white architecture and curved lines, makes it easy to forget that you are in Ho Chi Minh City and not in Paris.
Escape the bustle of the city to explore rural scenery of Southern Vietnam and get an up-close look at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels in Southern Vietnam. Learn about the lives of Vietnamese soldiers by going for a subterranean stroll through the tunnels, and get the chance to fire guns from the Vietnam War era at a nearby shooting range.
Mekong Delta Tour W/ Vinh Trang Pagoda, Rowing-Boat & Lunch
NZ$38
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking river wonderland of the Mekong Delta, located only 2 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City. This experience is exclusively crafted by our guides who are native to the region, so that you will experience the true local vibes of the area, and be away from the crowds of tourists.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Morning or Afternoon Guided Small-Group Tour
NZ$31
Imagine spending your days living in underground tunnels, only able to come out at night when the sun is down - that's what the people of Cu Chi did nearly 50 years ago during the Vietnam War.
Small-Group Authentic Mekong Delta Tour by Luxury Speedboat
NZ$165
Nicknamed 'the rice bowl of Vietnam,' the fertile Mekong Delta provides work, food and shelter for much of Vietnam's population. On your full-day tour, you'll explore some of the delta's vast network of channels and canals by speedboat.
Small Group Small Mekong Floating Market-Kayak-Cooking Class
NZ$60
Weave through scores of boats loaded with bright piles of freshly picked produce and neatly folded stacks of new clothes. Barter with vendors for unique souvenirs and watch the interactions between locals at this fascinating floating market.
From Tan Son Nhat International Airport to city central in Ho Chi Minh takes about 30 minutes. Private 4 -seat car transfers is available with comfortable seats and experienced driver. All transfers are facilitated in comfortable seats with air conditioner.
LOVED the local food!!! Give yourself enough time to be able to get out and explore around the city. Select tour's that suit you and your budget. Can be confusing with all the different Rates.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 18, 2020
Busy busy busy but that's what we found exciting, very cheap to eat and drink and very friendly locals
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 17, 2020
Bustling. Hot from late morning onwards. Great food. Don't miss the War Remnants Museum, grim but well done - most people there were in stunned silence.
4/5 - Good
Leo
Jan 16, 2020
Go on the XO food tour. It was exceptional.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 6, 2020
The old Saigon ( district 1 ) is an area where there are good, big hotels that cater for westeners. The streets have many people who want to shine your shoes, sell you a coconut or sunglasses. These people often will not take "no" for an answer.
5/5 - Excellent
Tom
Jan 5, 2020
This is a busy intense city with so much happening. The people are fantastic and I will vigorously recommending it to anyone visiting Vietnam
