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About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city and commercial engine, a dense, motorbike-driven metropolis where French colonial landmarks, war-era history, and a fast-growing skyline sit side by side. This guide covers the best hotels, attractions, restaurants and experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Capital
- Hanoi
- Largest city
- Ho Chi Minh City
- Population
- Approximately 9.3 million within city limits, and over 14 million across the greater metropolitan area, making it Vietnam's most populous city
- Languages
- Vietnamese; English is spoken at hotels, tour operations, and many restaurants in District 1, but far less elsewhere
- Currency
- Vietnamese Dong
- Time zone
- Indochina Time (ICT, UTC+7, no daylight saving)
Explore Ho Chi Minh City by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
The 21 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Reunification Palace
Ben Thanh Market
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Ho Chi Minh City Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Ho Chi Minh City
- Days 1-2Ho Chi Minh City city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Ho Chi Minh City
- Days 1-3Ho Chi Minh City comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Ho Chi Minh City, departure
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget ₫650,000 (approx. $25 USD)
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range ₫1,950,000 (approx. $75 USD)
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury ₫5,850,000+ (approx. $225+ USD)
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Park Hyatt Saigon
Check rates on Booking.comThe Reverie Saigon
Check rates on Booking.comHotel Des Arts Saigon MGallery
Check rates on Booking.comRex Hotel Saigon
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Pho Hoa Pasteur
Banh Xeo 46A
Cuc Gach Quan
Anan Saigon
Quan Ut Ut
Pizza 4P's Le Thanh Ton
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport, a few kilometers from District 1, and is best navigated by ride-hailing app, taxi, or (for the adventurous) rented scooter, since the extensive motorbike traffic makes crossing streets and driving unfamiliar to most first-time visitors.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in VND, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ₫280,000 (approx. $11 USD) | ₫910,000 (approx. $35 USD) | ₫3,250,000 (approx. $125 USD) |
| Food (per day) | ₫200,000 (approx. $8 USD) | ₫520,000 (approx. $20 USD) | ₫1,300,000 (approx. $50 USD) |
| Transportation | ₫70,000 (approx. $3 USD) | ₫130,000 (approx. $5 USD) | ₫390,000 (approx. $15 USD) |
| Activities | ₫100,000 (approx. $4 USD) | ₫390,000 (approx. $15 USD) | ₫910,000 (approx. $35 USD) |
| Daily total | ₫650,000 (approx. $25 USD) | ₫1,950,000 (approx. $75 USD) | ₫5,850,000+ (approx. $225+ USD) |
Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is minimal and daytime heat, while still high, is easier to manage than the humid wet season.
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical wet-dry climate rather than four seasons. The dry season (December-April) is hot but far more comfortable for sightseeing, while the wet season (May-November) brings intense but usually short afternoon downpours.
Essential travel tips
- Download the Grab app before arrival for rides, food delivery, and upfront fare pricing
- Carry small VND notes for street food stalls and markets, where card payment is rarely accepted
- Book Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta day trips a day in advance through a licensed tour desk or app such as Klook or GetYourGuide
- Cross busy streets slowly and steadily rather than stopping halfway — motorbikes are used to flowing around pedestrians
Safety information
Keep phones and bags on the side away from the street when walking or sitting at open-air cafes, as motorbike bag- and phone-snatching is the most common crime against tourists
Use Grab (the ride-hailing app) or a metered taxi from Vinasun or Mai Linh rather than hailing an unmarked cab or accepting unsolicited rides
Look both ways repeatedly and cross streets slowly and predictably; motorbikes will flow around a steady pedestrian but not one who stops and starts
Keep a photocopy or photo of your passport and visa/e-visa approval letter separate from the original documents
Call 113 for police, 115 for ambulance, or the tourist police hotline 1900 599 880 for English-language assistance in an emergency
Frequently asked questions
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe to visit in 2026?
Ho Chi Minh City is a generally safe city with low rates of violent crime against tourists. The main concerns are petty theft — bag- and phone-snatching from passing motorbikes, and pickpocketing in crowded markets like Ben Thanh — rather than physical danger. The US State Department rates Vietnam at Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions. Emergency services: police at 113, ambulance at 115, and the English-language tourist police hotline at 1900 599 880.
What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season, December through April, when rainfall is minimal. The wet season (May-November) brings short but heavy afternoon downpours, and the hottest, most humid stretch runs from March through May, just before the rains begin.
Do I need a visa to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
Citizens of 38+ countries can enter Vietnam visa-free for 14-45 days depending on nationality; check the current list before booking, as it changes periodically. Most other nationalities, including the US, Canada, and Australia, can apply for a 90-day e-visa online at evisa.gov.vn for 25 USD. Since April 2026, all foreign arrivals at Tan Son Nhat Airport must also complete a free digital arrival card online within 72 hours before landing.
What currency is used in Ho Chi Minh City?
The currency in Ho Chi Minh City is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), symbol ₫. As of 2026, 1 USD is roughly ₫26,000. Cash is still preferred at markets and street food stalls, while cards are increasingly accepted at hotels, malls, and mid-range-to-upscale restaurants.
What language is spoken in Ho Chi Minh City?
The main language spoken in Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnamese. English is spoken at hotels, many restaurants, and tour operations in District 1, but proficiency drops quickly outside the main tourist areas, so a translation app is useful.
What are the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City?
The top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City include the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Together they cover the city's war history, French colonial architecture, and everyday market life.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.
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Cần Giờ
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Côn Đảo
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Côn Sơn
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Củ Chi
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Dĩ An
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Gò Vấp
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Ho Chi Minh City
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Long Diền
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Nhà Bè
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Phú Mỹ
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Quận Ba
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Quận Bốn
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Quận Mười
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Quận Mười Một
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Quận Năm
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Suối Nghệ
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Tân Uyên
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Thành Phố Bà Rịa
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Thị Trấn Ngải Giao
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Thị Trấn Phước Bửu
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Thủ Dầu Một
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Thủ Đức
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Thuận An
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Vũng Tàu
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