Ho Chi Minh City travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Top attractions
The most popular and significant attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
-
1
War Remnants Museum
Tip: Arrive at opening (7:30am) to avoid tour bus crowds · Allow at least 2 hours; the third floor is frequently rushed by first-time visitors · Content is graphic; consider whether it is appropriate for young children · Combine with the Reunification Palace, a 10-minute walk away
-
2
Reunification Palace
Tip: Closed midday from 11:00am to 1:00pm; plan around the break · Buy a combined ticket with the War Remnants Museum if visiting both the same day · The basement bunker level is cooler and a good escape from midday heat · English-speaking guides can sometimes be hired at the entrance for a small fee
-
3
Ben Thanh Market
Tip: Bargain hard on clothing and souvenirs; starting at 40-50% of the asking price is normal · Food stalls inside the market tend to overcharge tourists; prices are lower one block away · Watch belongings closely; pickpocketing is a known issue in the crowded aisles · Visit in the early morning for the freshest produce and fewer crowds
-
4
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Tip: Check current restoration status before visiting, as the interior has been closed periodically since 2017 · Photograph the facade from across the plaza for the full twin-tower view · Visit early morning for the best light and fewer people in front of the towers · Combine with the Central Post Office and Nguyen Hue Walking Street, both a short walk away
-
5
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Tip: Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered · The interior is thick with incense smoke, which can bother those sensitive to smoke · Visit mid-morning on a weekday to avoid the busiest worship times · A small donation is appropriate but not required for entry
-
6
Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
Tip: Visit near sunset for the best light over the river and skyline · Buy tickets in advance online for a small discount and to skip the ticket line · The deck can get crowded with tour groups in the late afternoon · Landmark 81's SkyView offers a higher and more modern alternative if comparing the two
-
7
Cu Chi Tunnels (Ben Dinh site)
Tip: Wear light, breathable clothing; the tunnels and surrounding forest are hot and humid · Skip the longer 100-meter tunnel crawl option if claustrophobic; shorter sections are available · Book a small-group tour rather than a large bus tour for a better guide experience · The firing range is loud and optional; ammunition is purchased per bullet separately
-
8
Cao Dai Holy See Temple
Tip: Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered · Arrive before noon to secure a spot in the visitor gallery for the main ceremony · Remove shoes before entering the temple hall · Most visitors combine this with Cu Chi Tunnels in one long day tour
-
9
My Tho and Mekong Delta River Tour
Tip: Book a smaller-group tour to avoid large bus-tour crowds at the boat docks · Bring sun protection; most of the day is spent outdoors on the water · Combine with Ben Tre for a longer, less touristed version of the same delta scenery · Wear comfortable sandals that can get wet during boat transfers
-
10
Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve
Tip: Keep bags zipped and food out of sight around Monkey Island; macaques will grab items · Bring insect repellent; mosquitoes are common in the mangrove areas · The Binh Khanh ferry crossing can have long queues on weekends · Start early to allow enough daylight for the full loop
Practical information
What you need to know before you go.
Tips for visiting attractions
Make the most of your sightseeing time.
Book Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta day tours a day in advance during peak season (December-February)
Carry small denomination Vietnamese Dong for market purchases and temple donations
Many historic sites (Reunification Palace, museums) close for a midday break; check hours before planning back-to-back visits
Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting active pagodas and temples
Download the Grab app before arrival for reliable, metered transport between sights
Wet season (May-October) brings sudden afternoon downpours; carry a light rain poncho
District 1 sights can mostly be covered on foot in cooler months, but midday heat makes short taxi hops more comfortable