Ho Chi Minh City is probably not the most fascinating city in Vietnam; rather, it’s a transit point, usually for entering or leaving the country, for many visitors. If this is your situation, in this post we’ll explain you about everything you can do in Ho Chi Minh City during your time there and make the most of your stay.
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the nerve center of southern Vietnam and undoubtedly the most modern, cosmopolitan, and open minded city in the entire country. You may have seen its streets in documentaries or films about the Vietnam War, but you won’t truly understand the intense feeling of being in this country until you actually set foot there.
Ho Chi Minh City has little of an ancient city or historical ruins; however, the old city of Saigon is perfect for experiencing that sense of organized chaos and activity that reigns in Vietnam 24 hours a day.
To help you make the most of your time, here’s a summary of some of the best places to see and visit during your vacation in Ho Chi Minh City.
In this post
1. Take a free walking tour around Ho Chi Minh City
One of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to get lost in its streets and immerse yourself in the mix of flavors, smells, and sounds that characterize the city.
Saigon is a modern and undefined city, rather unfriendly to explore without someone to explain it to you, so taking a free tour of the city is the ideal option to avoid being left with a half-baked impression and, on the contrary, to gain a deeper understanding of its reality.
The good news is that they are available in English, and the even better news is that they are free, well, except for the tip you might want to give the guide if you like what he says.
Although it’s free, just like in Hanoi, they tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend booking your spot in advance here.
2. Enjoy the panoramic views from the Saigon Skydeck
If you’re someone who enjoys panoramic views wherever you go, visiting the Bitexco Saigon Skydeck is practically a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City.
In the style of other legendary skyscrapers such as the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur or Taipei 101 in Taiwan, in Saigon you will find the Bitexco Saigon Skydeck, one of the must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City if you are a lover of skyscrapers or simply enjoy panoramic views.
Located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, it offers stunning 360º views of the city from over 170 meters high.
Visiting hours and information
- Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 9:20 p.m.
- Admission price: Adults: 200,000 VND Children: 160,000 VND
- You can get your ticket directly at the building or through this link.
3. Take a scooter tour around Saigon
If you’re looking for an authentic and exciting way to discover Ho Chi Minh City, nothing beats a motorbike tour.
Taking a scooter tour of Ho Chi Minh City is one of those experiences that changes your perception of the city. Although the idea of venturing into Saigon’s chaotic traffic might seem a little daunting at first, we assure you that you’ll love it, as motorbikes are the heart and soul of this city, and being part of that daily flow is undeniably addictive.
Tours usually start in District 1, and although it might sound crazy at first, they’re generally very safe. We’ve taken one ourselves, and riding as a passenger with a local driver, you don’t feel unsafe at all, but rather an adrenaline rush. It’s perfect if you’re still getting used to Vietnamese traffic (which has its own, sometimes nonexistent, rules) or if you simply don’t dare drive yourself.
The best part is that they make stops at lesser-known places in the city, such as the memorial in honor of the monk Thích Quảng Đức, who immolated himself in protest on this very spot in 1963, a house with an underground war bunker, or a local, less touristy market where you can see the daily life of the people.
If you visit Ho Chi Minh City, this scooter tour is a fascinating glimpse into some of the city’s hidden gems, highly recommended for any visit.
4. The Ho Chi Minh City War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a stop that leaves a lasting impression.
The truth is that it’s not your typical museum where you just rush through; each room confronts you with the harshness and real impact of the Vietnam War.
Inside, the museum has three whole floors of intense exhibits documenting the effects of the war on the country.
The collection of photographs is what impacted us the most. There are images from war reporters and testimonies from victims that show the brutality of the fighting. In fact, some photos are so graphic that we had to take a moment to process them, especially those related to the effects of Agent Orange.
In the outdoor courtyard, tanks, helicopters, and military aircraft recovered from the war are among the items on display.
From our point of view, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City, especially for those who want to understand the devastating consequences of the Vietnam War, although we warn you to go prepared for what you will find.
5. The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
The first time we stood in front of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Saigon, the first thing that surprised us was how out of place this cathedral seemed, in the middle of a chaotic city like Ho Chi Minh, surrounded by motorbikes and modern skyscrapers.
To be honest, we didn’t have high expectations when we visited, but it was somehow different and better than we imagined.
We recommend visiting it early, and observing from the square the peculiar color of its reddish facade and its two towers that reveal its construction during the past French colonial period at the end of the 19th century.
The cathedral’s interior is simple, not at all ornate, and the atmosphere is very peaceful, which makes you feel some peace amidst the noise of Saigon.
Today, Notre Dame Cathedral remains an important symbol of the city, so if you can, we recommend you visit it whenever you have some free time.
6. The Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Post Office is not just a place to send and receive letters and packages, but a historical monument that has stood the test of time.
The Saigon Post Office is one of the top places to see in Ho Chi Minh City in one day. The building’s stunning architecture, which blends Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences, creates a unique mix of styles that will leave you speechless.
But it’s not just the exterior that makes it a beautiful building; inside, the walls are decorated with maps and murals depicting the city’s history, and the counters and booths where you can buy stamps, postcards, and other souvenirs are part of the charm of this place.
7. Saigon City Hall
Originally known as Saigon City Hall before 1975, it now serves as the headquarters of the city’s People’s Committee. Its architecture, inspired by European town halls, makes it one of the city’s landmarks.
It is located on Nguyen Hue Boulevard and although it is currently closed to the public as it is a government building, its French colonial architecture makes it a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City and an obligatory stop on any tourist tour of the city.
8. Visit some pagodas and temples in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is home to numerous temples and pagodas that reflect Vietnam’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Among the most outstanding are the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a beautiful Taoist temple famous for its serene atmosphere, the Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, and the Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest in the city.
Dare to explore one of these temples during your visit to Ho Chi Minh City and you won’t regret it.
9. The Saigon Reunification Palace
The Reunification Palace (or Independence Palace, as it is also known) is one of Vietnam’s most symbolic historical buildings.
Built in the 1760s it has had multiple uses, but it became an icon on April 30, 1975, when two North Vietnamese army tanks knocked down its walls, thus marking the end of the Vietnam War.
Located in the 1st district, it’s easy to include it in your plans for the day and spend some time strolling through this historic gem.
10. Getting lost in Ben Thanh Market
Prepare yourself for the sensory overload you will experience when visiting one of Saigon’s most mythical and well-known markets, the Ben Thanh Market.
Here you will find a wide variety of gadgets of all kinds, ranging from clothing and jewelry to souvenirs, spices, and much more.
Today, this market mainly attracts tourists of all nationalities looking for a souvenir to take back to their country, making it one of the most visited attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
PS: Don’t forget to bargain to get a good price.
11. Take a sunset cruise on the Saigon River
One of the best ways to get to know Ho Chi Minh City is to do so via the Saigon River, its main waterway, which runs through the entire city.
Not only is it a great way to disconnect from the noise and see the city from a different perspective, but it also allows you to escape the city’s heat for a while, as the breeze over the river is a welcome relief from Ho Chi Minh City’s sticky heat.
To visit Ho Chi Minh City via the Saigon River you have two options: a touristy and comfortable option, and a more local and economical one.
The tourist option consists of boarding one of the cruises that travel along the river, especially popular at sunset.
These tours typically include hotel pickup, dinner on board, live music, and a two-hour cruise. The boats are large, with open decks offering panoramic views of the skyscrapers.
The approximate price is around 1,500,000 VND per person (about €50), and they usually depart from Bach Dang Pier in District 1. While more expensive, it’s a relaxed and well-organized experience, ideal if you’re looking for something special for an evening.
Here’s the best-rated tour
Among the advantages of this option is, of course, the boat itself, with its open deck, which allows you to enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding area, as well as the tranquility of the trip. Among the disadvantages is, obviously, the price, which is much higher than the other option, although still quite reasonable for the experience.
The local alternative is to take the Saigon Waterbus, a regular river transport service that connects seven stops along the river, from Linh Dong in Thu Duc to Bach Dang in the city center. A ticket costs only 15,000 VND each way (about €0.50), making it ideal for those on a budget.
The entire journey takes approximately 45 minutes, and you can get off at any of the intermediate stops, such as Binh An or Thanh Da, to explore those areas of the city. The boats are simple, with basic seats and closed windows, but if you sit by the window, you can still enjoy the scenery.
Tickets can be purchased at the terminal itself, but if you’re visiting on a weekend, we recommend booking through their website, where you can also see the schedules. They don’t usually run very late, at least not at all stops.
12. The Cu Chi Tunnels, the best day trip around Saigon?
Just a few kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City you will find the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Built at different times in history, they were primarily used to transport materials and people to the southern Vietnamese capital undetected. Today, they are one of Saigon’s most popular tourist attractions.
Here you can immerse yourself in the country’s past and learn about its construction, or even, for the more daring, learn to shoot an AK47.
Here you can see some of the main tours to visit them.
13. The Mekong Delta, another of the best places to visit near Ho Chi Minh City
For many an essential experience, for others a tourist trap, but there is no doubt that this vast and fertile delta, known as the “rice bowl of Vietnam“, offers a lush landscape of meandering rivers, green rice paddies and picturesque villages.
Visits to the Mekong Delta generally include a boat tour through the intricate canals, a visit to one of its floating markets where fruits and vegetables are sold, and a visit to the orchards of tropical fruits such as Rambutan, Mango, and Pitahaya that are grown in the area.
The delta is also home to many family-run factories that produce artisanal products such as coconut sweets, rice paper, and snake wine, so these tours often include a tasting of these products before visiting the factory that makes them.
While ideally you should travel to the area and spend several days there, if you’re short on time, here are several tours you can take to the area from Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City travel itineraries
Ho Chi Minh City in 1 day
If you only have one day in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s enough to get a good overview for those who have just arrived in the country or have a few free hours before their return flight.
You can start your itinerary with a stroll through the District 1, where you’re likely staying. A visit to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Post Office, and the Reunification Palace is a great option.
In the afternoon, you can visit the War Remnants Museum, and to lighten your load after the intense visit, take a stroll through traditional markets like Ben Thanh Market.
Visiting Saigon in 2 days
If you have two full days, you can dedicate the first to exploring the city as in the previous itinerary, and take advantage of the second to visit some of the highlights in the surrounding area.
One option is to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels; you can do it on a tour like this one or on your own. We explain it in detail here.
The other alternative is to take a trip to the Mekong Delta, which, like the previous one, is best done as part of a tour, especially if you are short on time.
Both destinations require between half a day and a full day, so it is advisable to book in advance to maximize your itinerary.
How to get around Ho Chi Minh City
The traffic in Ho Chi Minh City borders on the surreal. The number of motorbikes that travel its streets daily is so high that, if you’ve never been to another Vietnamese city, you’ll most likely feel a bit overwhelmed at first.
Although crossing a street may seem like an impossible mission at first, you should know that there is actually a certain order within the chaos, and with a little practice, you will realize that everyone adapts to that rhythm.
The secret is to walk slowly, without making sudden movements, and let the drivers swerve around you.
To give you a clearer idea of what we’re talking about, here’s a video showing it in action:
By motorcycle taxi, Grab or similar
To get around the city, the easiest way is to use apps like Grab or Be, both of which offer a very good Uber-like transportation service.
In Vietnam, it’s normal to request a motorbike taxi through any of them; however, if you’re carrying luggage or are afraid, you can always request a car, although due to traffic it’s much slower, especially during rush hour (from 4:30 pm to 7 pm).
By bus
For those who like to get around like pros while spending as little as possible, you can use the local bus network that connects the different areas of the city. It might seem a bit chaotic at first, but with the BusMap app (available in English) you can easily plan routes, check timetables, and find out where to get off.
If you enjoy panoramic views, you can also book the night sightseeing bus here, a popular option that takes you on a typical tour of the city’s main attractions.
Using the Ho Chi Minh City subway
Ho Chi Minh City recently opened its first subway line, which includes 14 stations and connects District 1 with the east of the city, where residential areas like Thao Dien, very popular with expats are located.
- The ticket costs 7,000 VND (less than €0.30) on short journeys.
- Open every day from 5:00 to 22:00.
How to get from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City center
Ho Chi Minh City, along with Hanoi, is one of the two main entry points for all travelers and tourists coming to Vietnam.
If your flight has just arrived at Tan Son Nhat airport and you’re looking for a way to get to your accommodation, we have good news, it’s very easy.
If you’re staying in District 1, like most visitors to the city, the cheapest option is the bus. The main routes you can use are:
- Bus 109, easily recognizable as an orange minibus, will take you to the city center in about 45 minutes, arriving at park 23/9 in the heart of district 1. Price: 30,000 VND.
- Bus 152 takes a bit longer, around 1 hour. Price: 6,000 VND.
If you prefer not to wait for the bus, you can opt for a taxi, use Grab, or simply book a private transfer in advance. At Tan Son Nhat Airport, the Grab stop is located opposite the international terminal, or if you arrive at the domestic terminal, in the underground parking garage directly across from it.
Best time to travel to Ho Chi Minh City
Southern Vietnam has a warm, tropical climate year-round, with high temperatures and heavy rainfall during the monsoon months.
If you are traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, be prepared for the heat and check the weather forecast carefully at the time of your vacation, as it can be very different in the dry season or the rainy season.
In general, the ideal time to travel is from the end of October until June, when the rains subside and the weather is dry and sunny.
During the rainy season, there are usually strong storms every afternoon, or almost every afternoon; however, they generally only last a couple of hours, so you can enjoy the rest of the time without any problems.