Best season

HCMC is located in the sub-equatorial tropical monsoon region. The general weather characteristic is high, stable temperatures throughout the year, with two distinct rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season lasts from May to November, and the dry season from December to April. The average temperature is about 27°C, with highs reaching over 40°C, but the sun is generally not harsh, humidity is low, and it cools down in the evening.

The heat is not as extreme as in northern Vietnam, so tourists can visit the city at any time of year. If visiting during the rainy season, it is advisable to bring an umbrella to avoid sudden downpours.

Getting to HCMC

As a major city, traveling to HCMC is convenient, with a full range of transportation options including airplanes, trains, ships, and cars.

All domestic airlines operate direct flights to Tan Son Nhat Airport from many localities daily. HCMC has the highest frequency of arrivals and departures in the country. A round-trip ticket to HCMC ranges from VND 2 to 4 million, depending on the departure point and time of booking.

Tan Son Nhat Airport is located in Tan Binh District, about 8 km from the city center (District 1), and about 5 km from District 3 and Phu Nhuan District. The current price for a traditional taxi from the airport to the city center is around VND 250,000. Tourists can book ride-hailing services for about half that price (during off-peak hours). A helpful tip is to walk to the international terminal to book a car, as it is often quicker than waiting at the domestic terminal.

By train, the fastest Thong Nhat (Reunification) train connecting Hanoi and HCMC currently takes 30 hours, stopping at major stations like Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, and Da Nang. Tourists should book tickets through reputable agents or directly via the dsvn.vn website, selecting their departure and arrival stations, and choosing seat or sleeper options as needed. Ticket prices vary depending on the carriage and seat type.

For road travel between the North and South, there are two main routes: National Highway 1A and the Ho Chi Minh Highway. Depending on their needs and desired stops, travelers can choose the appropriate route.

Getting around HCMC

Getting around the city is convenient with many transportation options. Renting a motorbike is one of the most popular choices. Most accommodations offer rental services, or you can find them online, commonly in the central area. The daily rental price ranges from VND 100,000 to 200,000, depending on the bike model. Some places may require a deposit of VND 1 to 4 million, while others only need to hold onto your personal identification.

Additionally, using ride-hailing services (car or motorbike) in HCMC is also a convenient option. However, it can be costly for frequent travel.

Public transportation is a reasonable choice for saving costs. Tourists can opt for buses or the public bicycle rental service (in the central area). The public bicycle service launched in December 2021. Stations are located on sidewalks along many streets in District 1, near bus stops, parks, and tourist attractions, with rates of VND 5,000 for 30 minutes and VND 10,000 for 60 minutes.

Accommodation

Accommodation services in HCMC are diverse, with a system of hotels, homestays, and serviced apartments meeting various tourist needs. You can find rooms ranging from a few hundred thousand to tens of millions of VND per night.

There are many 5-star hotels priced around VND 3-7 million, such as Park Hyatt Saigon, Hotel Majestic Saigon, Hotel des Arts Saigon, Pullman Saigon Centre, Hotel Nikko Saigon, Norfolk Mansion, and La Vela Saigon.

In the mid-range segment of VND 1-2 million, tourists can consider hotels like Wink Hotel Saigon Centre, La Memoria Hotel, The Hammock Hotel Ben Thanh, Millennium Boutique Hotel, and The Odys Boutique Hotel.

Serviced apartments offer full amenities like a regular apartment but are beautifully decorated for travel needs. Some addresses to consider include Ariosa, The Bloom, City Oasis, S Home, and M Village Boutique. Prices for serviced apartments range from VND 800,000 to 2 million.

Homestays are available for under VND 1 million per room. Some central homestay addresses include Nap Saigon, Home, Hostie Saigon Wanderlust Home, Cactusland Homestay, and Zooz Studio.

Additionally, there are many other budget guesthouses. Tourists can book rooms on platforms like Agoda or Booking.com.

Tourism and entertainment activities

HCMC’s tourism strategy aims for each district to have its own unique tourism product. The city offers a wide variety of entertainment, amusement, sightseeing, and shopping activities suitable for all types of visitors.

River bus ride

River-based experiences are a hallmark of HCMC tourism. Tourists can see the city from a different perspective, passing by famous landmarks like Nha Rong Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, Phu My Bridge, Mui Den Do (Red Light Cape), and Binh Khanh Ferry.

The river bus departs daily from 8:30 AM at Bach Dang, Binh An, Linh Dong, Thanh Da, and Hiep Binh Chanh wharves. The latest night bus departs at 10:00 PM. Tickets can be booked online or purchased directly at the wharf for VND 15,000 per trip.

Dinner cruise

Cruises depart every evening from Saigon Port, taking guests along the river to admire the nighttime beauty of Nha Rong Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, Saigon Bridge, Landmark 81 tower, and more. Guests can enjoy dinner on the cruise while taking in the riverside scenery, with ticket prices ranging from VND 350,000 to over a million VND, depending on the cruise type. Meals are served as an Asian-European buffet or as set combos. The cruises also feature artistic programs, including music, dance, and magic shows.

Additionally, tourists can charter small private yachts with a capacity of about 20 people, with prices ranging from VND 10 million to 25 million.

Sightseeing from a double-decker bus

The city center features an open-top double-decker bus. The bus has an automated multilingual audio guide system explaining the sites along the route, a tourist map, free Wi-Fi, and a tour guide. Each trip lasts about 60 minutes, passing famous locations such as the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, War Remnants Museum, Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Municipal Theatre, and concluding with a city view from above at the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower.

The bus operates from 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM daily, with a trip every 30 minutes. In the evening, the service also offers a package including dinner on a luxury cruise along the Saigon River. Tickets can be purchased directly at the counter at the starting point, 92-96 Nguyen Hue, District 1, or booked online.

A stroll in the park

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, over 150 years old, is the 8th oldest zoo in the world. Initially a botanical garden, it served conservation and research purposes. Today, it houses over 1,000 animals and more than 2,000 trees from 260 species, 23 native orchid species, and 33 cactus species on its 17-hectare grounds. Its fresh, green environment is perfect for relaxation.

Other beautiful parks and green spaces in HCMC include Tao Dan, Hoang Van Thu, Le Van Tam, and Gia Dinh.

Live music

Enjoying a cup of coffee or a glass of wine while listening to live music is a classic HCMC experience, especially in the evening. Live music venues have long attracted locals and tourists alike. Each venue has its own musical style, from vibrant rock and improvisational jazz to gentle acoustic sets and soulful ballads.

Some suggested venues include: the tea rooms Ben Thanh, We, Khong Ten, Dong Dao. For acoustic bars or cafes, try Yoko Cafe, Rock Fan Club, Sax N’ Art Jazz Club, Acoustic Bar, Drinking & Healing, or Vung.

Experience the “Western” street

The area of Bui Vien – De Tham – Pham Ngu Lao in District 1 is known to locals and tourists as “Phố Tây” (Western Street), bustling from evening until the early morning. The street offers free public amenities like restrooms, Wi-Fi, and tourist information kiosks. This area is popular with young people and tourists, especially Western travelers. Hundreds of cafes, bars, pubs, and eateries line the streets, creating a constantly vibrant atmosphere. Many tour agencies are also located here.

Explore the life and cuisine of Chinatown

HCMC’s Chinatown comprises parts of Districts 5, 6, and 11, but the most bustling and well-known area is in District 5. Along streets like Tran Hung Dao, Chau Van Liem, and Luong Nhu Hoc, visitors can admire rows of old houses with distinct Chinese architecture, some around 100 years old. There are also many ancient pagodas, assembly halls, and classic Chinese restaurants. Must-try dishes include roasted duck, phá lấu (offal stew), curry fish balls, hand-pulled noodles, stewed chicken, and dim sum.

Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street is a major attraction during the Mid-Autumn Festival, especially at night when lanterns of all shapes and colors create a dazzling spectacle. The Traditional Medicine Street also defines the area’s character. For a long time, Chinese merchants have imported and traded medicinal herbs here, gradually forming the bustling herbal medicine district seen today.

Historical sites

Beyond being a dynamic young city, HCMC preserves significant cultural and historical values. Many historical sites and museums in the city are well-known to both domestic and international visitors.

Independence palace

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is a must-visit attraction. Located in the heart of District 1, it is both historic and modern and has long been a symbol of the city. On weekends and major holidays like April 30th, the palace is often crowded with visitors.

Tickets for the Main Building and the “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966” exhibition cost from VND 15,000 to 65,000. For the main building only, tickets are VND 10,000 to 40,000.

War remnants museum

Ranked 61st and the sole representative of Vietnam on the list of the world’s 99 most attractive destinations, the War Remnants Museum is located on Vo Van Tan Street, District 3. Established in 1975, it researches, collects, preserves, and displays evidence of the crimes and consequences of the wars of aggression against Vietnam. The museum holds over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films. Themes include outdoor weapon displays, prison systems, Agent Orange, historical truths, and war crimes.

Admission: VND 40,000 per person; children under 6 are free. Open Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Saturday and Sunday from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

Saigon commandos museum

The Saigon Commandos Museum is on the second floor of a house built in 1963 on Tran Quang Khai Street, District 1. The house was originally a secret base for the Saigon Commandos, managed by Mr. Tran Van Lai (Nam Lai). The museum opened on December 24, 2019, covering over 100 m² and displaying more than 100 artifacts from the commandos. The objects in the house are preserved in their original state. Visitors can also watch short films about the Saigon Commandos force.

Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, free admission.

HCMC museum of history

Located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, the museum was built based on a symmetrical design by architect Auguste Delaval and inaugurated in 1929. Its wide corridors and natural light from the courtyard, along with high windows, help mitigate the hot, humid climate. The central octagonal tower is painted yellow and roofed with tiles featuring East Asian-style decorations. The museum displays about 36,000 artifacts reflecting the history of Vietnam from prehistoric times to 1945. It also showcases ancient cultures in Vietnam such as Oc Eo, Champa, and Khmer.

Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Admission: VND 30,000 per person.

HCMC museum of fine arts

Located at 97A Pho Duc Chinh, District 1, this museum was formerly the residence of the family of Mr. Hua Bon Hoa (popularly known as Chu Hoa), one of Saigon’s four wealthiest figures in the late 19th century. It is a popular spot for art lovers and young people who enjoy photography.

The building was constructed in a late 19th-early 20th century French architectural style, harmoniously combined with Eastern elements such as tiled roofs and ceramic-clad columns and roof decorations.

Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily.

Historic architecture

City post office

Located at Paris Commune Square, District 1, the City Post Office was built from 1886 to 1891. The building was designed by French architects Alfred Foulhoux and Henri Auguste Vildieu. After more than 100 years, it remains the largest post office in Vietnam, preserving its original design. The vaulted ceiling features a portrait of the god Mercury, a symbol of communication. The building is reminiscent of the Orsay train station in Paris and stands alongside the Notre Dame Cathedral, forming a unique architectural cluster.

Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Sat), and 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Sun).

Municipal theatre

The Municipal Theatre (Saigon Opera House) is located at 7 Lam Son Square, District 1. Designed by architect Eugène Feret and inaugurated in 1900, it is a luxurious entertainment venue. The facade is influenced by the artistry of the Petit Palais in Paris, built in the same year. Notably, it is the only building in the city roofed with Ardoise slate tiles.

Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Mon-Fri) and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Sat-Sun).

Notre dame cathedral

Situated in the heart of District 1, Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the city’s icons. Construction began in 1877 and was completed in 1880, designed by French architect J. Bourad in a Romanesque style with Gothic elements. The interior consists of a main nave, two side aisles, and two rows of chapels. The cathedral is 93 meters long and 35 meters wide at its widest point, with a capacity for 1,200 people. In front is a park where four roads intersect to form a cross.

Hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. However, the cathedral has been undergoing major renovations since 2017, with an expected completion date in 2027.

Suburban destinations

Can Gio

Located about 50 km from the city center, Can Gio offers diverse terrain including forests, mountains, and sea, with an area roughly the size of Singapore. It offers many eco-tourism activities that can be experienced in a day trip. Can Gio is the only district in HCMC that borders the sea and is home to the first mangrove forest in Vietnam recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

Here, visitors can go to the Can Gio Forest Park, take a canoe through the mangrove forest to visit the Rung Sac revolutionary base, and learn about the life and battles of the special forces soldiers during the war. You can also see a natural monkey population of over 1,000, take a canoe on the river to the Vam Sat eco-tourism site, paddle a boat to see the bat sanctuary, go crab fishing, visit the bird and crocodile conservation areas, and experience the thrill of crocodile fishing from a boat. Conquer the 26-meter-high Tang Bong Tower for a panoramic view of the mangrove forest.

In Can Gio, Hang Duong Market is considered a “seafood paradise” with a variety of fresh shrimp, crabs, snails, and squid at affordable prices. You can choose fresh seafood and have the vendors cook it on the spot for a small fee.

Getting there: From the city center, head towards Tan Thuan Bridge to Binh Khanh Ferry and buy a ticket to cross. You can travel by motorbike, car, or bus.

Cu Chi tunnels

Located about 70 km from HCMC’s center, the Cu Chi Tunnels (in Cu Chi District) comprise a tunnel system of about 250 km. It was a solid base for the regional military command and made a significant contribution to the country’s reunification. Today, the historical site is preserved in two areas: Ben Duoc (Phu My Hung commune) and Ben Dinh (Nhuan Duc commune), attracting many tourists. Some tunnels have been widened for easier access for visitors.

Getting there: Bus No. 13 departs from Ben Thanh Market directly to Cu Chi. A taxi costs around VND 500,000 one way. If traveling by private car or motorbike, take National Highway 22 and then turn onto Provincial Road 15.

Markets

Ben Thanh market

Operating since 1914 in the heart of the city, Ben Thanh Market is not just a bustling marketplace but also a historical witness to the city’s changes and a meeting point between old and new Saigon. It offers a wide range of goods, from clothing, shoes, and fabrics to handicrafts, brocades, jewelry, and specialty foods.

Tan Dinh market

Built in 1926, the main gate of Tan Dinh Market has a unique design. It is a hub for many goods, particularly famous for its fabrics and food. The food court here is highly rated by diners for its diverse, delicious, and appealing dishes like bún mắm (fermented fish noodle soup), crab soup, crab noodle soup, mixed fruit platters, and especially its well-known sticky rice with chicken (xôi gà).

Binh Tay market (Cho Lon)

Located at the western gateway of the city in Chinatown, Binh Tay Market is always a highlighted destination on many tourist maps. Operating since 1930, the market was built with a strong East Asian architectural style. The curved roof corners, resembling pagodas, are covered with yin-yang tiles, creating a look that is both ancient and airy. Binh Tay Market is also a major wholesale center for many goods.

Cuisine

HCMC is a culinary convergence point for many regions and countries. Visitors can find dishes from all three regions of Vietnam, as well as distinctive Chinese, Indian, Japanese, Korean, and Thai cuisine, or vegetarian food in countless restaurants big and small. Signature dishes to try include: cơm tấm (broken rice), hủ tíu (noodle soup), bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich), grilled snakehead fish, bánh xèo (sizzling pancake), and cơm cháy kho quẹt (scorched rice with dipping sauce).

The following food streets are suggestions for first-time visitors.

Phan Xich Long street

Phan Xich Long Street in Phu Nhuan District is a hub for many restaurants, eateries, and famous food brands. Here, visitors can find hot pot, barbecue, European-style restaurants, Japanese, Thai, and Korean eateries, and Vietnamese-style diners. The 13 streets named after flowers that surround the main Phan Xich Long Street, such as Hoa Phuong, Hoa Lan, Hoa Hue, and Hoa Mai, also feature many cafes and rooftop bars open until midnight.

Vinh Khanh snail street

Snail dishes (ốc) are a specialty of HCMC. You can find snail stalls anywhere in the city, but Vinh Khanh Street in District 4 is home to the most famous snail and seafood restaurants. The shops are usually open until midnight and are always bustling with customers. Snail dishes cost from VND 80 ,000 to 150,000 per portion, depending on the type. Unlike snails in Hanoi, which are typically steamed with lemongrass, snails in HCMC are prepared in diverse ways, from salted egg sauce and tamarind stir-fry to chili salt grilling and satay stir-fry.

Ho Thi Ky food street

The food street on Ho Thi Ky Street, District 10, is a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Opening from 3:00 PM daily, over 100 stalls sell a variety of Asian, European, and regional Vietnamese dishes. The street attracts diners with its grilled skewers and seafood dishes like grilled lobster with cheese and grilled squid tentacles with chili salt. Prices range from VND 7,000 to 100,000.

Nguyen Thuong Hien food street

The Nguyen Thuong Hien food street (from Dien Bien Phu Street to Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, District 3) operates from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM daily. The street has over 90 food businesses and more than 50 shops selling clothes, shoes, and beauty products. It is famous for snacks like bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper salad), tré trộn (mixed fermented pork), and pomelo juice. Some shops also serve Cambodian-style dishes.

Ha Ton Quyen dumpling street

Ha Ton Quyen Street, District 11, is a well-known address for authentic Chinese dumplings (sủi cảo), with shops lining both sides of the street. The area is always crowded, especially in the afternoon and evening. The menu is diverse, including fried, dry (with oyster sauce), noodle soup with dumplings, seafood, mixed platters, and hand-pulled noodles, with an average price of VND 50,000 per portion. Customers often drive along the street, and staff from the eateries will come out to welcome them, provide free parking, and take their orders.

Important notes

• Be mindful of your personal belongings in crowded places and while on the street.
• Avoid being on the road during rush hours (8:00-9:30 AM and 5:30-7:00 PM) to prevent getting stuck in traffic congestion.
• Check your route on a map to avoid one-way streets and car-only lanes if you are traveling by motorbike, especially in the city center.
• HCMC has many small, interconnected alleys (hẻm). It is not advisable to enter them if you are unfamiliar with the area.

Bich Phuong – Tam Anh/Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism – VnExpress