Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): The Complete Guide
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis that embodies the vibrant spirit of modern Vietnam. As the largest city in the country, it serves as the economic and cultural hub, attracting millions of tourists and locals alike. The city’s skyline is a striking blend of contemporary skyscrapers and historical French colonial architecture, exemplified by landmarks such as the iconic Bitexco Financial Tower and the elegant Saigon Opera House. The lively streets are filled with motorcycles, street vendors, and bustling markets, creating an exhilarating atmosphere that immerses visitors in the city’s dynamic energy.
A visit to Ho Chi Minh City is incomplete without exploring its rich history and cultural heritage. The War Remnants Museum provides a sobering insight into the impact of the Vietnam War, showcasing poignant exhibits that narrate the struggles faced by the Vietnamese people. Meanwhile, the Cu Chi Tunnels, located just outside the city, offer a fascinating glimpse into the ingenious underground network used by the Viet Cong during the conflict. Other notable attractions include the historic Reunification Palace and the stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, both of which reflect the city’s colonial past and resilience.
In addition to its historical significance, Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for its vibrant culinary scene. Street food stalls and bustling markets tempt visitors with an array of delicious dishes, from the famous pho and banh mi to fresh spring rolls and unique regional specialties. The Ben Thanh Market is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, offering everything from local handicrafts to mouthwatering snacks. As the sun sets, the city transforms into a lively hub of nightlife, with rooftop bars, lively night markets, and bustling restaurants where visitors can unwind and enjoy the flavors of Vietnam in an enchanting setting.
History of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Early History of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
The history of Ho Chi Minh City, originally known as Saigon, traces back to the 17th century when it was a small fishing village called Prey Nokor, inhabited by the Khmer people. This village served as a trading hub, benefiting from its strategic location along the Saigon River. As Vietnamese settlers migrated southward under the Nguyen Lords, they recognized the potential of Saigon for trade and commerce, leading to its growth as a significant economic center. This early transformation established a diverse cultural foundation that continues to influence the city today.
French Colonial Era in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
The French colonial period began in 1859 when Saigon was captured by French forces. By 1887, it had become the capital of French Indochina, resulting in substantial urban development and modernization. The French introduced European architectural styles, wide boulevards, and improved infrastructure, significantly altering the city’s landscape. This era attracted a diverse population, with immigrants contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). However, French colonial rule also ignited nationalist movements, fostering a desire for independence that would shape the city’s future.
The Vietnam War and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Reunification
The Vietnam War had a profound impact on Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), as it was the capital of South Vietnam and the focal point of military and political activity. On April 30, 1975, the city fell to North Vietnamese forces, marking the end of the war and leading to the reunification of Vietnam. Following this event, Saigon was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the revolutionary leader. Today, Ho Chi Minh City stands as a vibrant metropolis, blending historical significance with modern growth, serving as a vital hub for commerce, culture, and tourism in Vietnam.
Visiting Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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34 Best places to See in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
This complete guide to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.
This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
Location: Phước An Hội Quán, Đường Hồng Bàng, Phường 12, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 8.2km
Visiting Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng)
Location: Jade Emperor Pagoda, Đường Mai Thị Lựu, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM | Price: Free (Donation) | Distance: 8.2km
Visiting Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng)
Quan Am Pagoda
Location: Quan Am Pagoda, Đường Lão Tử, phường 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 8.3km
Visiting Quan Am Pagoda
Cha Tam Church
Location: St Francis Xavier Church, Đường Học Lạc, Phường 14, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 8.3km
Visiting Cha Tam Church
Lantern Street (Ho Chi Minh City)
Location: Đường Lương Nhữ Học, phường 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 8.4km
Visiting Lantern Street (Ho Chi Minh City)
War Remnants Museum
Location: War Remnants Museum, Võ Thị Sáu, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 7:30am to 5:30pm | Price: VND30,000 | Website | Distance: 8.4km
Visiting War Remnants Museum
Nghia An Temple
Location: Hội Quán Nghĩa An 678 Đ. Nguyễn Trãi Phường 11 Quận 5 Hồ Chí Minh 70000, Vietnam | Distance: 8.5km
Visiting Nghia An Temple
Ba Thien Hau Temple
Location: Tue Thanh Assembly Hall 710 Đ. Nguyễn Trãi Phường 11 Quận 5 Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam | Distance: 8.5km
Visiting Ba Thien Hau Temple
Binh Tay Market
Location: Binh Tay Market, Tháp Mười, Phường 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 5:30AM – 7PM (Mon – Sun) | Distance: 8.5km
Visiting Binh Tay Market
Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan
Location: 明鄉嘉盛會館- Minh Hương Gia Thạnh Hội Quán, Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, phường 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 8.6km
Visiting Minh Huong Gia Thanh Hoi Quan
Cholon Mosque
Location: Cho Lon Masjid, Vietnam, Đường Nguyễn Trãi, phường 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 8.6km
Visiting Cholon Mosque
Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda
Location: Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda, Đường Triệu Quang Phục, phường 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 8.6km
Visiting Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda
Chùa Ông Bổn (Nhi Phu Temple)
Location: 264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Blvd., at Phung Hung St., Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam | Distance: 8.6km
Visiting Chùa Ông Bổn (Nhi Phu Temple)
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
Location: The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, Đường Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 9 AM - 11:30 AM & 1:30 PM - 6 PM Showtime duration: 50 minutes | Price: Around VND 300,000 | Website | Distance: 8.6km
Visiting The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
Tao Dan Park
Location: Tao Dan Park, Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 8.7km
Visiting Tao Dan Park
Hao Si Phuong Alley
Location: Hào Sĩ Phương, Đường Trần Hưng Đạo, phường 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 8.8km
Visiting Hao Si Phuong Alley
The Reunification Palace
Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh, District 1,Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1:30 - 5 p.m. every day including holidays | Price: 15,000 VND | Distance: 8.8km
Visiting The Reunification Palace
Ben Nghe Street Food Market
Location: Bến Thành Street Food Market, Đường Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM (midnight) | Distance: 9.0km
Visiting Ben Nghe Street Food Market
Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon
Location: 1 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1:30 - 5 p.m. every day including holidays | Price: 15,000 VND | Distance: 9.0km
Visiting Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon
Mariamman Hindu Temple
Location: Mariamman Hindu temple, Trương Định, Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM | Price: Free | Distance: 9.1km
Visiting Mariamman Hindu Temple
History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
Location: HCMC History Museum, Đường Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday Morning: 8:00 - 11:30, Afternoon: 13:00 - 17:00 Closed on Mondays | Price: 30,000 VND | Website | Distance: 9.1km
Visiting History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Central Post Office
Location: Saigon Central Post Office, Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1:30 - 5 p.m. every day including holidays | Price: Free | Distance: 9.1km
Visiting Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Location: Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden, Đường Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: Mon - Sun/ 7AM - 5.30PM | Price: 50,000 VND | Website | Distance: 9.2km
Visiting Saigon Zoo & Botanical Garden
Ho Chi Minh City Museum (Bảo tàng Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)
Location: 65 Lý Tự Trọng, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City | Hours: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily | Price: 30,000 VND for adults | Website | Distance: 9.3km
Visiting Ho Chi Minh City Museum (Bảo tàng Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh)
Ben Thanh Market
Location: Ben Thanh Market, Bến Thành, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1:30 - 5 p.m. every day including holidays | Price: Free | Distance: 9.3km
Visiting Ben Thanh Market
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Location: Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Công trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Distance: 9.5km
Visiting Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
Location: Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, Phó Đức Chính, Nguyen Thai Binh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: Daily 8 am–5 pm | Price: VND 30,000 | Website | Distance: 9.6km
Visiting Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
Dong Khoi Street
Location: Đ. Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam | Distance: 9.6km
Visiting Dong Khoi Street
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Location: Nguyễn Đình Chiểu, Phường 5, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam | Distance: 9.6km
Visiting Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Nguyen Hue Street and City Hall
Location: Nguyễn Huệ, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: City Hall is not open to the public | Distance: 9.8km
Visiting Nguyen Hue Street and City Hall
Bitexco Financial Tower
Location: Bitexco Financial Tower, 36 Ho Tung Mau street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam | Hours: 9.30 am - 9.30 pm | Price: 240,000 VND | Website | Distance: 9.9km
Visiting Bitexco Financial Tower
Saigon River
Location: Saigon River | Distance: 17.6km
Visiting Saigon River
Cu Chi Tunnels
Location: Tunel Cu Chi, Phú Hiệp, Phú Mỹ Hưng, Củ Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam | Hours: 7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m., 1:30 - 5 p.m. every day including holidays | Price: 15,000 VND | Distance: 39.9km
Visiting Cu Chi Tunnels
Mekong Delta
Visiting Mekong Delta
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the Dry Season (December to April)
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is during the dry season, which runs from December to April. During this period, the weather is typically sunny and dry, with average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). This pleasant climate makes it ideal for exploring the city’s numerous attractions, such as the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and the bustling streets filled with vibrant street food. Additionally, the New Year and Tết (Lunar New Year) celebrations, which usually occur in January or February, offer visitors a unique cultural experience.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the Wet Season (May to November)
The wet season in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) lasts from May to November and is characterized by high humidity and frequent rainfall. While the downpours can be heavy, they often come in short bursts, leaving plenty of time for sightseeing in between. This season sees fewer tourists, which can be a bonus for those looking to avoid crowds and enjoy a more authentic experience. Prices for accommodations and attractions may also be lower during this time, making it a budget-friendly option. However, it’s essential to be prepared for sudden showers and plan indoor activities, such as visiting museums and shopping centers.
Special Events and Festivals in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Regardless of the season, Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) hosts various festivals and events throughout the year that can enhance your visit. The Tết holiday is the most significant celebration, featuring colorful decorations, parades, and traditional performances. Other notable events include the Southern Land Culture Festival in the summer and the Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Festival in April. These events showcase the rich culture and history of the city, making them excellent opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in local traditions.
Average Temperatures in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
- January 35°C 95°F 4
- February 37°C 98°F 2
- March 38°C 101°F 3
- April 39°C 101°F 12
- May 36°C 97°F 27
- June 33°C 91°F 34
- July 32°C 90°F 36
- August 33°C 91°F 35
- September 32°C 90°F 40
- October 32°C 90°F 36
- November 32°C 90°F 21
- December 33°C 91°F 7
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Getting to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
By Air
To reach Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), the most common and convenient method is by air, landing at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). This airport serves as the primary gateway for international and domestic flights, located just about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) from the city center. Major airlines from various countries operate flights to SGN, making it accessible from all over the world. Upon arrival, you can easily find transportation options like taxis or ride-sharing services to take you into the heart of the city.
By Bus
If you’re traveling within Vietnam, taking a bus to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is another practical option. Numerous bus companies operate routes from popular cities such as Hanoi, Da Nang, and Nha Trang. The bus journey can vary in duration depending on your starting location, but it is often a budget-friendly choice for travelers. Buses arrive at several terminals in the city, and from there, you can easily access local transportation.
By Train
For a more scenic route, consider taking a train to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The Reunification Express connects major cities along the coast, providing travelers with beautiful views of Vietnam’s landscapes. The train station in Ho Chi Minh City is centrally located, making it convenient for your onward journey in the city.
Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Once you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), getting around is straightforward thanks to its diverse transportation options. Taxis and motorbike taxis (xe om) are readily available, and using ride-sharing apps like Grab can enhance your convenience and safety. If you’re feeling adventurous, you might rent a motorbike to explore the city at your own pace. For budget travelers, the public bus system is efficient and covers many key areas. Additionally, the metro system is under development, promising to improve public transport options in the near future.
Choosing Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
Selecting the right place to stay is essential for your visit to Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The city boasts a wide array of accommodations, from budget hostels to luxurious hotels, catering to different preferences and budgets. District 1 is particularly popular among tourists, known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and proximity to major attractions like Ben Thanh Market and the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, District 3 offers charming cafes and local eateries. For families, District 7 is ideal with its modern amenities and parks. It’s wise to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons or special events.