Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: Dive Into the Energy of Vietnam’s Southern Metropolis

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon—a city that never sleeps. This southern Vietnamese metropolis is the nation’s economic engine, a cultural crossroads, and a place where the old and new collide at every corner.
 

As a seasoned tour guide, I’ve watched travelers fall in love with the city’s motorbike-packed streets, mouthwatering food, historic landmarks, and warm-hearted locals. Whether you’re here for the history, nightlife, shopping, or food—Ho Chi Minh City will capture your senses and keep you coming back for more.

📍 Where Is Ho Chi Minh City?

Region: Southern Vietnam

Former name: Saigon

Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Population: Over 9 million

Districts: Includes 24 districts, with District 1 being the central hub

🌟 Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City?

✅ Rich historical landmarks from the French and Vietnam War eras
✅ Street food capital of Vietnam
✅ Thriving nightlife, cafes, and rooftop bars
✅ Bustling markets and modern malls
✅ Easy access to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels

✈️ How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City

By Plane

Fly directly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Direct international routes from Asia, Europe, and Australia

By Train

The Reunification Express connects Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi and other major cities

By Bus

Major bus lines connect from Cambodia (Phnom Penh), Da Lat, Can Tho, and more

🏛️ Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Built in the late 19th century by French colonists

Stunning red brick façade and stained-glass windows

Located in the heart of District 1

2. Central Post Office

Designed by Gustave Eiffel

A beautiful colonial-era structure still in operation

Take a photo under the vaulted ceilings and mail a postcard home!

3. War Remnants Museum

Powerful and emotional exhibits about the Vietnam War

Displays American tanks, weapons, and wartime photography

A must-visit to understand the country’s recent history

4. Ben Thanh Market

Iconic symbol of the city

Best for souvenirs, local snacks, and bargain shopping

Open from early morning till late evening

5. Reunification Palace

Former presidential home of South Vietnam

Historic site where the Vietnam War ended in 1975

Preserved rooms, war strategy maps, and tanks on display

6. Bitexco Financial Tower & Sky Deck

262 meters tall with a lotus-shaped design

Head to the Sky Deck for a panoramic view of the city

Home to shops, cafes, and the iconic EON Heli Bar

🛕 Cultural and Spiritual Sites

Jade Emperor Pagoda

A Taoist temple filled with incense smoke and statues

Built by the Cantonese community in the early 1900s

One of Obama’s stops during his 2016 Vietnam visit

Thien Hau Temple (Chinatown, District 5)

Dedicated to the Sea Goddess Mazu

Built in the early 19th century by Chinese immigrants

A great glimpse into Saigon’s multicultural fabric

🛍️ Where to Shop in Ho Chi Minh City

🛒 Markets

Ben Thanh Market – Souvenirs, food, clothes

An Dong Market – Fabric and fashion

Ba Chieu Market – Local experience, great prices

🏢 Shopping Malls

Vincom Center – Luxury and international brands

Saigon Centre / Takashimaya – High-end with food court

AEON Mall Tan Phu – Japanese-style megamall with cinema and games

🍜 What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a street food lover’s paradise. Here are the dishes you must try:

Must-Try Dishes

Phở Saigon – Southern-style beef noodle soup, sweeter broth

Cơm tấm – Broken rice with grilled pork and egg

Bánh mì – French-style baguette with pork, pate, and pickled veggies

Bún thịt nướng – Vermicelli noodles with grilled pork and fish sauce

Hủ tiếu Nam Vang – Cambodian-Vietnamese pork noodle soup

Gỏi cuốn – Fresh spring rolls with shrimp and herbs

Famous Food Streets

Nguyen Thuong Hien Street (District 3) – Snails, seafood, street eats

Vinh Khanh Street (District 4) – Night seafood street

Turtle Lake area (District 3) – Popular among young locals for snacks

🍹 Nightlife & Rooftop Bars

Bui Vien Street (Backpacker District) – Bars, live music, cheap beer

Sky XX, Chill Skybar – Trendy rooftop bars with city views

Pasteur Street Brewing Co. – Craft beer with Vietnamese flavors

The Observatory – Underground club and electronic music

🛏️ Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Luxury

Park Hyatt Saigon – Colonial-style charm, 5-star service

The Reverie Saigon – Glamorous interiors, panoramic views

Hotel Des Arts Saigon – Boutique French-inspired design

Mid-range

Liberty Central Saigon Riverside – Pool with a view

Silverland Jolie Hotel & Spa – Cozy, central, great service

Fusion Suites Saigon – Stylish, wellness-focused

Budget

The Common Room Project – Chic hostel with rooftop

Bui Vien Dorm Hostel – In the heart of backpacker nightlife

Vy Da Backpackers Hostel – Clean, social, and affordable

🚗 Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

1. Cu Chi Tunnels

Underground tunnels used by Viet Cong soldiers

Crawl through tunnels, see booby traps and war relics

1.5–2 hours by car

2. Mekong Delta

Explore rivers, floating markets, and fruit orchards

Boat tours, homestays, and coconut candy making

Best done as a full-day or 2-day trip

3. Can Gio Mangrove Forest

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve

Visit monkey island, crocodile farms, and mangrove boat rides

1.5 hours from the city

🗓️ Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

January to March is ideal for festivals, Tet celebrations, and outdoor activities.

📸 Best Photo Spots in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral at sunrise

View from Bitexco Tower

Ben Thanh Market at night

Colorful lanterns in Cholon (Chinatown)

Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night

💡 Insider Travel Tips

Use Grab app (like Uber) for cheap, easy transport

Beware of scams near tourist hotspots—agree on prices in advance

Cross the street slowly and confidently—motorbikes will weave around you

Drink bottled water and try iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá)

Early mornings are the best time to explore markets and temples

🏁 Final Thoughts

Ho Chi Minh City is alive with energy, flavor, and culture. It's a destination where every turn reveals something new—from hidden cafes and temples to bustling markets and rooftop views.

Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, Saigon (as the locals still fondly call it) offers a unique mix of old-world charm and modern dynamism. It's a place to eat well, dive deep into history, and feel the heartbeat of Vietnam.