Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Opera House showing a city, a skyscraper and night scenes
Saigon River featuring a skyscraper, a lake or waterhole and a city
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Video

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

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District 1

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of District 1. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Bui Vien Walking Street while you're exploring the area.

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

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(259 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 which includes interior views

District 3

District 3 is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to War Remnants Museum or Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.

District 3
Saigon Central Post Office which includes interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(153 area reviews)

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

Dong Khoi
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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
Ho Chi Minh City which includes street scenes, signage and a city

Little Japan

4/5(41 area reviews)

Travellers come to Little Japan for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House while you're in town.

Little Japan
Windsor Plaza Hotel
Windsor Plaza Hotel
5 out of 5
18 An Duong Vuong, Ward 9, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
The price is AU$120 per night from 24 Apr to 25 Apr
AU$120
includes taxes & fees
24 Apr - 25 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,004 reviews)
"Very comfortable, room spacious, we had a problem with our kettle, it didn't work, we rang the from lobby, then said they would be up and solve the problem, that never happened , the staff at the front door were exceptional and went our of their way to be helpful Thank you"

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2025

Windsor Plaza Hotel
Rex Hotel
Rex Hotel
5 out of 5
141 Nguyen Hue Blvd, Ho Chi Minh City
The price is AU$170 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
AU$170
includes taxes & fees
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, 4 restaurants, and a casino. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Beautifully renovated old colonial hotel."

Reviewed on 21 Mar. 2025

Rex Hotel
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
4 out of 5
59 - 61 Pasteur Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The price is AU$151 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$151
includes taxes & fees
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,005 reviews)
"Good location. Friendly staff. Clean. Buffet is very good."

Reviewed on 24 Mar. 2025

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint
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! (1,267 reviews)
"The location was excellent, within walking distance of major attractions and the complimentary shuttle was a great bonus. The pool was nice, though it only had ladders, which might be a challenge for some guests. Breakfast was small but well-stocked and delicious. Every staff member I interacted ..."

Reviewed on 23 Mar. 2025

Sherwood Residence
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 ...
9/10 Wonderful! (802 reviews)
"Nice views through the window, but the room was quite small with very small bathroom and the kitchen was not equipped"

Reviewed on 19 Mar. 2025

Saigon Sirius
Refined Saigon - Rivergate Apartment
Refined Saigon - Rivergate Apartment
4 out of 5
151 D. Ben Van Ðon Quan 4, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Bui Vien Walking Street ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (109 reviews)
"Nice accommodation, close to most things and great value for money in my opinion. It’s basic, but done right. Will stay here again."

Reviewed on 20 Mar. 2025

Refined Saigon - Rivergate Apartment
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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Ho Chi Minh City

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
184
5 - Excellent 36%
4 - Good
238
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
67
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
15
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Suresh

Excellent food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Vietnam but trip cut short because of covid19

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very busy city. Worthwhile to get recommendations for restaurants as some of the best meals we had were in out of the way restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Grab bike rides are a fun cheap way to get around, last trip on the water taxi is good for night shots of downtown buildings lit up, Bitexco asian restaurant is more expensive than regular street level ones but excellent food and night views

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Theres lots to be seen if you look.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing city