Abuzz with city lights and the constant thrum of traffic, Ho Chi Minh City looks entirely cosmopolitan at first glance—dive deeper, though, and you’ll find ancient palaces, traditional crafts, and a human history that goes back thousands of years. The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City wildly vary by traveler, as the city’s attractions are as diverse as those who visit. Whether you want epic street food and cold beers on plastic stools or luxe spas and fine dining, this Southeast Asia hotspot can do it all.
Vietnam’s capital is almost always hot—you’ll just want to visit when it’s less hot. And though rains can cool the city off, you’ll probably also want to avoid the monsoon season, when the roads flood so often that locals just drive through ankle-high water. That leaves January and February as the best time to visit, which also coincides with Lunar New Year, or Tet. The city comes alive in reds and golds before going quiet in celebration.
To get around Ho Chi Minh City like a local, rent a motorbike. Dozens of shops offer this service for tourists, though it’s not recommended for biking beginners. Then there are xe oms, essentially locals on motorbikes who you can flag down and haggle a price for a ride. Increasing in price, there are taxis—but only certain brands, like Vinasun and Mai Linh, are considered trustworthy. And, of course, some travelers get around via private driver.
District 1’s Ben Thanh Market is great, and you should certainly visit it. But it’s where the tourists go, and so many other markets will give you a more interesting—and cheaper—experience. Tan Dinh Market is a nice D1 alternative, and in Cho Lon (aka Chinatown), there’s Binh Tay Market, which is a full-on sensory look into Chinese-Vietnamese culture. Wherever you go, don’t be afraid to haggle.
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Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s commercial capital. Amid the hubbub, pagodas and temples provide pockets of calm, while the food scene runs from street eats to international fine dining via craft beer. Popular day trips include the Cu Chi Tunnels, the floating markets, and the Mekong Delta.
...MoreHo Chi Minh City has fairly few must-see sights, although the War Remnants Museum is world class. If you are short on time and not into food or nightlife, two days in Ho Chi Minh City should be enough, including a side trip to the tunnels, although it’s easy to spend longer.
...MoreYes. Pickpocketing, taxi scams, and bag snatching are not uncommon, but violent crime is rare. Many tourists die or are injured while riding motorbikes. Only rent a scooter if you have a valid license and medical insurance, and always wear a helmet. It is illegal to drive with any alcohol in your blood.
...MoreBoth are fine. Saigon was founded in 1698. After North Vietnamese forces reunified Vietnam in 1975, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City to honor the deceased wartime leader, Ho Chi Minh. It is called Ho Chi Minh City in all official contexts but the name Saigon is still commonly used.
...MoreIf you are exploring southern Vietnam or are on a long trip in Vietnam then, yes, Ho Chi Minh City is worth visiting. But it takes at least a week to scratch the surface of each of Vietnam’s three main regions (northern, central, and southern), so many travelers choose to focus on just one.
...MoreFor most travelers, Hanoi is better than Ho Chi Minh City. It is better preserved and more walkable with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although it can be very cool in winter. Ho Chi Minh City is the best choice for fans of high-end and high-energy nightlife, and has a tropical climate.
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