Ho Chi Minh City

Travel Guide

Opera House featuring street scenes, theater scenes and night scenes
Saigon River featuring skyline, a lake or waterhole and a high rise building
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam featuring a bay or harbor and a pond
Ho Chi Minh City Hall Square showing night scenes, modern architecture and heritage architecture

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

Guerrero

District 1

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Central urban district and financial hub, bustling with luxury shopping centers and historical sites like Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Saigon Opera House. Explore Bùi Viện and Nguyễn Huệ districts for various amenities.

District 1
Ben Thanh Market featuring street scenes, markets and shopping

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(706 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 showing interior views

District 3

Bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, District 3 boasts French-style villas, Xá Lợi Pagoda, and Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda. Easily accessible via Saigon railway station, the largest railway hub in the country.

District 3
Saigon Central Post Office featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(455 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Dong Khoi. Make a stop by Dong Khoi Street or Vincom Center Shopping Mall while you're exploring the area.

Dong Khoi
Bui Thi Xuan which includes street scenes and a city

Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ben Thanh
Default Image

District 7

Home to Phú Mỹ Hưng New City, District 7 boasts urban vibes and educational institutions like RMIT University Vietnam and Tôn Đức Thắng University. Easily access Thủ Đức via the Phú Mỹ Bridge.

District 7
Hotel Nikko Saigon

Hotel Nikko Saigon

5 out of 5
235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Cau Ong Lanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
$118 nightly
The price is $128 total per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
$128 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,381 reviews)
"All the staffs are super friendly"

Reviewed on Aug 20, 2025

Hotel Nikko Saigon
Hotel Majestic Saigon

Hotel Majestic Saigon

5 out of 5
01 Dong Khoi Street District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
$89 nightly
The price is $97 total per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
$97 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,011 reviews)
"Nice Manager duty , staff .. Property is good"

Reviewed on Aug 19, 2025

Hotel Majestic Saigon
The Reverie Saigon

The Reverie Saigon

5 out of 5
22 - 36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, 57 - 69F Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
$197 nightly
The price is $213 total per night from Sep 22 to Sep 23
$213 total
Sep 22 - Sep 23
Total with taxes and fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel and room, excellent service and great breakfast"

Reviewed on Aug 21, 2025

The Reverie 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.
Sherwood Residence

Sherwood Residence

5 out of 5
127 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,379 reviews)
"The property is nice and the staff is very helpful"

Reviewed on Aug 22, 2025

Sherwood Residence
Sherwood Suites

Sherwood Suites

5 out of 5
192 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay at this 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! (1,025 reviews)
"Property- and staff excellence ,"

Reviewed on Aug 23, 2025

Sherwood Suites
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 (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (868 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Saigon Sirius
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.

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City

Getting around in Ho Chi Minh City is much more than just getting from A to B, and makes up a memorable part of your experience. Sitting on a cyclo – a seat carriage in front of a bicycle – is an iconic and relaxing way to get around, though obviously not the quickest. Jump on the back of a motorcycle taxi for a more turbo-powered method, or take a traditional taxi, which are cheap and comfortable. Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Department of TransportationOpens in a new window website.Browse Ho Chi Minh City rental cars.

Best time to visit

Visit Ho Chi Minh City between December and April and you’ll be there in the dry season, which means hot weather, not much rain and low humidity. This is the most popular time to visit for obvious reasons, but that also means there are more tourists and hotels are more expensive. The rainy season, from May to November, is stickier and wetter but also quieter and cheaper. It’s warm throughout the year.

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