Things To Do
in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the bustling financial and economic heart of Vietnam, known for its dynamic energy, skyscrapers, and vibrant street life. The city is steeped in history, with a rich tapestry of French colonial architecture, historic temples, and museums documenting the Vietnam War.
Alongside its historic sites, Ho Chi Minh City offers an eclectic mix of markets, restaurants, and nightlife, showcasing the fusion of traditional Vietnamese culture with modern influences.
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi" - Sorry
- "Tạm biệt" - Goodbye
- "Bạn khỏe không?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $20 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast at a local pho shop. Then, visit the iconic Ben Thanh Market for some shopping and cultural immersion.
Explore the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history. After that, take a leisurely stroll in the lush greenery of Tao Dan Park.
Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with stunning views of the city skyline. Wrap up your day with a walk along the Saigon River.
Visit the magnificent Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and take pictures of its French colonial architecture. Follow this with a coffee break at a nearby café to sample Vietnamese coffee.
Explore the historic Reunification Palace for insight into Vietnam's political history. Later, indulge in local snacks at the street food stalls in District 1.
Dine in the bustling Bui Vien Street for a vibrant nightlife experience. Consider joining a guided food tour to taste various local dishes.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Vibrant culture and rich history
- Delicious and diverse street food
- Affordable cost of living
- Friendly and welcoming locals
- Lively nightlife and entertainment options
- Rapidly developing economy and job opportunities
- Pleasant tropical climate
- Traffic congestion and road safety issues
- Air pollution and noise pollution
- Limited public transportation options
- High humidity during the summer months
- Occasional flooding during the rainy season
- Overcrowding in popular tourist areas
- Bureaucratic challenges for foreigners
Best Activities in Ho Chi Minh City
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride amidst the greenery and peaceful atmosphere of Tao Dan Park.
Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta for a combination of biking, boating, and sightseeing in the picturesque countryside.
Stroll along this pedestrian-friendly boulevard to soak in the lively atmosphere, street performances, and beautiful city views.
Tours
Uncover the best of Ho Chi Minh City with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Visit one of these nice places.
The iconic skyscraper offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck.
Another excellent vantage point to capture stunning cityscapes.
Ideal for capturing photos of the city skyline and riverside attractions.
Numerous rooftop bars offer captivating views of the city while enjoying a drink or meal.
Food in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A must-try Vietnamese noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles, herbs, and your choice of either beef or chicken. Visit Pho Hoa or Pho Phuong for an authentic experience.
Must-Try!
A Vietnamese sandwich filled with different savory ingredients like pork, pâté, or veggies, served in a crusty baguette. Look out for Banh Mi Huynh Hoa or Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai for a delicious bite.
Grilled pork served over vermicelli noodles and fresh herbs, often accompanied by spring rolls. Savour this dish at Bun Thit Nuong Ba Ghien or Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Ho Chi Minh City better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
One of the oldest and most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a wide array of street food options like com tam (broken rice), snails, and Vietnamese desserts.
Located in Cholon, the city's Chinatown, Binh Tay Market entices visitors with aromatic dishes like hu tieu (noodle soup) and various Chinese-Vietnamese delicacies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Ho Chi Minh City, it is important to show respect for elders using polite language and gestures.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering a Vietnamese home or certain establishments as a sign of respect.
Greetings are an important part of Vietnamese culture. It is customary to greet others with a smile and a slight bow.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Ho Chi Minh City with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Ho Chi Minh City
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City. In most cases, tipping is not expected or required, especially in local restaurants and cafes. However, in some upscale hotels and tourist-oriented establishments, a service charge may be included in the bill.
In Ho Chi Minh City, cash is widely used for most transactions, especially in local markets and small businesses. However, credit and debit cards are increasingly accepted in larger stores, hotels, and restaurants, particularly in tourist areas. It's advisable to carry cash for smaller purchases and to inquire about payment options in advance when visiting specific establishments.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Ho Chi Minh City.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is considered the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, with clear skies and lower humidity. It's also the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices.
During this season, expect frequent rain showers and higher humidity. It's less crowded and prices may be lower, but outdoor activities can be impacted by the weather.
Ho Chi Minh City at Night
Hiking in Ho Chi Minh City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A popular tourist destination featuring beautiful landscapes, a cable car, and various trails with stunning views.
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, this area offers hiking trails through mangroves and rich wildlife near the coast.
A city park in Ho Chi Minh City with walking paths, gardens, and opportunities for light hiking amidst urban nature.
A hike to a scenic pagoda featuring lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere, located in the outskirts of the city.
Approximately 30 km from the city, this mountain offers various trails with beautiful views and a cooler climate.
Located about 60 km from the city, it features hiking trails that offer beautiful mountain scenery and a serene environment.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Ho Chi Minh City through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Ho Chi Minh City by plane.
The largest airport in Vietnam, located in Ho Chi Minh City, serving as a major hub for domestic and international flights.
Located in Hanoi, approximately 1,750 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, it is the second largest airport in Vietnam.
Located in Da Nang, roughly 600 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, it is a key airport for both domestic and international travel.
Situated near Nha Trang, about 450 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, it primarily serves the coastal area of South Central Vietnam.
Located in Thua Thien-Hue province, around 600 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City, it mainly serves the central region of Vietnam.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Vietnam, making up approximately 85-90% of the population in Ho Chi Minh City.
The largest ethnic minority group, primarily residing in Cholon, the city's Chinatown; they represent around 5-7% of the population.
A smaller ethnic group primarily found in the southern regions of Vietnam, accounting for about 1-2% of the city's population.
An ethnic group originally from the Champa Kingdom, making up a very small percentage of the population.
Includes various other minority groups such as Tay, Nung, and Hoa, collectively comprising a minor part of the population.
The Soul of Ho Chi Minh City
Discover the essence of Ho Chi Minh City through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport in Ho Chi Minh City, with numerous local clubs and a passionate fan base.
A widely played sport in schools and clubs, with many tournaments held regularly.
Popular both in indoor and beach formats, often played in schools and community events.
Gaining popularity among the youth, with a growing number of courts and local leagues.
Traditional Vietnamese martial arts such as Vovinam are popular, as well as other forms like Taekwondo and Judo.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While Vietnamese cuisine traditionally features a lot of meat, many restaurants and street vendors offer vegetarian and vegan versions of classic dishes like pho and banh mi. Look out for An Lac Vegetarian Buffet for a wide range of plant-based options.
Finding gluten-free options may be a bit challenging, but upscale restaurants and cafes in Ho Chi Minh City often accommodate dietary needs. Check out Secret Garden or Hum Vegetarian for gluten-free choices.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Ho Chi Minh City with these cultural adventures.
