Your time in Ho Chi Minh City will be filled with vibrant experiences (Source: Collected)
1. What is Ho Chi Minh City famous for?
1.1. Diverse cuisine
Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene reflects the city’s vibrant culture and history. The streets of Saigon are lined with an array of mouthwatering dishes that captivate both locals and visitors alike. Some of the best restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City with must-try specialties include:
- Pho: A flavorful noodle soup with aromatic broth, tender beef, and fresh herbs. Top spots: Pho Hoa (260C Pasteur Street) and Pho Phu Gia (146E Ly Chinh Thang Street).
- Com tam: Broken rice served with grilled ribs, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. Top spots: Com Tam Ba Ghien (84 Dang Van Ngu Street) and Com Tam Minh Long (607 Nguyen Thi Thap Street).
- Banh mi: A crusty baguette filled with a mix of meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, and cilantro. The best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City include Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng Street) and Banh Mi Hoa Ma (53 Cao Thang Street).
- Bun mam: A robust fermented fish soup with rice vermicelli and assorted toppings. Top spots: Bun Mam 444 (375 Le Quang Dinh Street) and Bun Mam 144 (144 Khanh Hoi Street).
- Hu tieu: A versatile noodle dish that can be served dry or in a clear broth, often with pork or beef balls and additional vegetables. Top spots: Hu Tieu Nam Vang Lien Hua (381 Vo Van Tan Street) and Hu Tieu Nam Vang Phu Quy (84 Ho Thi Ky Street).
A Ho Chi Minh City food tour offers a delicious journey through the city’s diverse culinary scene (Source: Collected)
For food enthusiasts looking to explore more Ho Chi Minh City foods, famous culinary streets offer a variety of local delights, such as:
- Alley 76 Hai Ba Trung, District 1: A small alley known for its affordable Ho Chi Minh City street food, especially vermicelli varieties like Thai vermicelli and grilled pork vermicelli. You’ll also find snacks like crab soup and grilled rice paper here.
- Ben Thanh Market Cage, District 1: A culinary hotspot featuring dishes from across Vietnam, such as banh beo and vermicelli with bitter vegetables. Don’t miss Mrs. Lien’s famous vermicelli noodles near the East Gate.
- Cholon Quarter, Districts 5 & 6: A vibrant area influenced by Chinese culture, offering unique dishes like roast duck, dumplings, and Tieu porridge, along with distinct architecture.
- Tan Dinh Market, District 1: A historic market with a bustling night food court offering a variety of meals and snacks, from broken rice to smoothies, all at affordable prices.
- Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, District 3: A popular spot for snacks, especially mixed rice paper and spring rolls. Uncle Vien’s rice paper shop is a local favorite for its flavorful toppings.
Explore the top 15 vibrant street foods in Ho Chi Minh City!
Ben Thanh Market is one of the best culinary hubs in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)
1.2. Paradise for coffee lovers
Ho Chi Minh City is a haven for coffee enthusiasts, with a deep-rooted coffee culture that blends tradition with modernity. The city’s coffee scene is diverse, offering everything from street-side brews to chic, trendy cafes. Here are some must-try coffee experiences in Saigon:
- Racquet Coffee: A unique take on traditional Vietnamese coffee, where pureed coffee is filtered through a long cloth rack like a sock. It results in a rich, strong brew with a distinct flavor. You can try this at Chu Thanh Racquet Coffee (480 Tan Phuoc Street) and Phan Dinh Phung Racquet Coffee (330 Phan Dinh Phung Street).
- “Bet” Coffee: Enjoying coffee the traditional way means finding a spot on the sidewalk or in a park, sitting comfortably under the shade of trees, and soaking up the local vibe. Perfect locations for this experience include the areas around Notre Dame Cathedral, the Opera House, Turtle Lake Roundabout, or 30/4 Park.
- Coffee “Coc”: This traditional Vietnamese coffee is served in a small glass with a thick layer of condensed milk at the bottom. You can just sit on the sidewalk enjoying coffee, watching the hurried flow of people, listening to life’s stories, reading a newspaper, or chatting with friends. This is a delightful way to start your morning in Saigon. Try it at Quan Vy (the corner of Le Thanh Ton and Le Anh Xuan Street).
For those looking for standout urban coffee vibes, also check out some recommendations such as Do Phu Cafe (113A Dang Dung Street), coffee shops at apartment 42 Nguyen Hue Street, and Trung Nguyen Legend Coffee (12 Alexandre de Rhodes Street).
1.3. Iconic buildings
Saigon is home to a number of iconic buildings that showcase the city’s rich history and architectural beauty. Notable tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City include:
- Notre Dame Cathedral (No. 1 Cong Xa Paris Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1): This Romanesque-Gothic masterpiece boasts 60.5-meter twin bell towers, a red-brick façade, and a 4.6-meter white granite Virgin Mary statue, enhancing its magnificent grandeur.
- Central Post Office (No. 2 Cong Xa Paris Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1): Named one of the world’s most beautiful post offices by Architectural Digest, this building blends European styles with magnificent arches and vintage maps, perfect for romantic photos.
- Headquarters of the People’s Council & People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City (No. 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1): Formerly Hôtel de Ville, this diverse architectural gem features a tall clock tower, Renaissance symmetry, Baroque and Rococo details, and Art Nouveau floral designs, marking a scenic endpoint from the Saigon River.
- Ben Thanh Market (Ben Thanh Ward, District 1): This iconic market, originally a commercial hub, features four main entrances, a symbolic clock tower, and was once connected to the old railway station, now Ben Thanh Metro Station.
- Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (No. 7, Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1): Located in the heart of Saigon, the Ho Chi Minh Opera House showcases the refined elegance of French Colonial architecture. This historic theater serves as a venue for theatrical performances and significant events.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)
1.4. Religious landmarks
Ho Chi Minh City nurtures the spiritual lives of its diverse residents, encompassing various beliefs like ancestor worship, Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Caodaism, and Hoa Hao. Notable religious landmarks include:
- Communal Houses: Thong Tay Hoi (319 Thong Nhat Street), An Khanh Communal House (12/1 Luong Dinh Cua Street).
- Pagodas and Temples: Giac Lam Pagoda (565 Lac Long Quan Street), Buu Long Pagoda (81 Nguyen Xien Street), Jade Emperor Pagoda (73 Mai Thi Luu Street), Thien Hau Pagoda (710 Nguyen Trai Street).
- Churches: Tan Dinh Church (289 Hai Ba Trung Street), Hanh Thong Tay Church (53/7 Quang Trung Street), Cho Quan Church (120 Tran Binh Trong Street).
- Mosque: Jamia Al-Musulman Mosque (66 Dong Du Street), Cholon Mosque (641 Nguyen Trai Street).
Discover the city’s rich cultural and historical sites with the map of Ho Chi Minh City!
1.5. Natural wonders
Just a 2-hour drive from the city center, you’ll find yourself in a variety of unique environments. Experience the creativity of local lifestyles as you immerse yourself in rural life, explore diverse flora and fauna, or marvel at significant natural wonders.
- Can Gio Mangrove Forest: Heading southeast towards the coast, Can Gio acts as the green lung of Ho Chi Minh City, encompassing over 700 square kilometers of forest and mangroves. Recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it offers an intriguing weekend retreat and is home to the historic Sac Forest resistance base.
- Cu Chi Ecotourism Area: This place offers visitors the chance to explore three unique destinations, Binh My Ecotourism Area, where you can enjoy beautiful scenery and participate in activities like fish-catching, boat rowing, and farming experiences; Green Noen Farm, where you can discover clean agricultural production in a serene countryside setting; and Fosaco Ecological Village, a peaceful environment with fun activities where you can savor Central Highlands specialties like bamboo-tube rice, grilled meat, and traditional rice wine.
Explore Can Gio Mangrove Forest – one of the notable places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for natural wonders (Source: Collected)
1.6. Traditional performing arts
One great way to understand the unique lifestyles of different regions is to enjoy local art performances. These shows not only display remarkable stage talent but also immerse you in traditional Vietnamese culture, offering a close look at the country’s artistic diversity. You’ll experience captivating and impressive moments with the unique and modern productions. Let’s explore top art theaters you shouldn’t miss:
- Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater (55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1): Water puppetry is a distinctive traditional art form and a special creation of the Vietnamese. On the water stage, colorful puppets dance to traditional Vietnamese music, narrating meaningful stories.
- Tran Huu Trang Cai Luong Theater (515 Tran Hung Dao, Cau Kho Ward, District 1): One of the few venues showcasing high-quality cai luong performances and training future professional actors, the theater offers free shows twice a month to preserve this traditional art form and renew the public’s interest in cai luong.
- “Hat Boi” Art Theater (125A Chau Van Liem Street, Ward 14, District 5): Founded from a theatrical troupe with over twenty years of history, “Hat Boi” Art Theater focuses on researching, performing, training, and developing new generations to preserve and enhance the traditional art of Vietnamese classic opera.
- Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (07 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1): The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is renowned for its rich history and intricate architectural design. With a seating capacity of 500, it hosts notable performances such as the A O Show and Teh Dar Show.
- Truc Mai Music House (104 Pham Viet Chanh Street, Ward 19, Binh Thanh District): As the perfect spot to explore and ignite your passion for Vietnam’s unique traditional musical instruments, here, you can immerse yourself in a distinctive musical experience.
1.7. Exhilarating outdoor adventures
Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide range of outdoor activities, entertainment, and sightseeing options suitable for various interests.
- River cruise: Enjoy a unique view of the city from the water, passing landmarks such as Nha Rong Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, Phu My Bridge, the Red Light District, and Binh Khanh Ferry.
- Dinner cruise: Dine on a cruise boat while taking in scenic river views, with options for an Asian-European buffet or set combo meal.
- Double-decker bus tour: Experience a 60-minute sightseeing tour with a multilingual audio guide, free Wi-Fi, and a guide, showcasing the city’s famous landmarks.
- Park visits: Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s beautiful parks and green spaces, including Thao Cam Vien, Tao Dan Park, Hoang Van Thu Park, Le Van Tam Park, and Gia Dinh Park.
- Chinatown exploration: Discover the vibrant atmosphere of District 5’s Chinatown. Walk along Tran Hung Dao, Chau Van Liem, and Luong Nhu Hoc streets to see historic Chinese architecture, temples, guild halls, and sample local Chinese dishes.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Located about 70 kilometers northwest of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels were a vital stronghold for Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore various historical attractions related to Vietnam’s wartime history.
Don’t miss 21 top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
Outdoor activities in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)
1.8. Dynamic nightlife
As night falls, the streetlights and brightly lit buildings make Ho Chi Minh City even more dazzling and captivating. Join us as we explore some great spots for entertainment, dining, and chatting to enjoy nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bui Vien Street: Locally known as the “Western Street,” this vibrant area buzzes from evening until early morning. With hundreds of cafés, bars, pubs, and eateries lining both sides of the street, you’ll be thrilled by the lively atmosphere. Street performers, including fire eaters, add to the excitement.
- 24/7 Cafés: 24/7 café, rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City open around the clock. For a late-night chat or to get some work done, spots like Cafe Thuc, Mr. 8 Coffee, and The Coffee Factory are ideal choices. They offer free Wi-Fi, power outlets, quiet areas for work, and designated smoking zones.
- Night Markets: Ho Chi Minh City night markets, such as Ben Thanh, Binh Tay, and Ho Thi Ky, offer a lively and bustling atmosphere. With a wide range of goods and a festive environment, these markets have become a distinctive feature of the city.
Check out the top 15 things to do for nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City!
2. Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City is located in a tropical monsoon climate near the equator, with high temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons. The rainy season runs from May to November, while the dry season spans from December to April. Average temperatures hover around 27°C, with peaks exceeding 40°C. Despite the heat, the sun is generally not too harsh, and the evenings tend to be cooler and less humid.
The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is milder compared to northern Vietnam, making it a great destination any time of year. However, if you visit during the rainy season, here are some travel tips:
- Bring essentials like an umbrella, raincoat, and waterproof bags for your phone, camera, and other electronics.
- Although the rain tends to be short-lived, heavy downpours can lead to flooding and traffic jams, particularly during peak hours (6-8 AM, 11 AM-1 PM, 4-6 PM).
Learn about the weather in Ho Chi Minh City before embarking on your journey!
Prepare for the weather in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)
3. Best places to stay in Saigon
There are multiple options for places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. You can choose from hotels, guesthouses, homestays, or Airbnb options. For convenience in entertainment, sightseeing, and exploring Ho Chi Minh City, it’s best to stay in central areas close to restaurants, banks, shopping centers, and administrative offices.
- Near the airport: Ideal for easy travel and relaxation right after arriving in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Around Ben Thanh Market: Surrounded by shopping spots, lively streets, and famous cultural sites.
- Near Nguyen Hue Walking Street: Close to major shopping centers and popular entertainment areas.
- Bui Vien Street: Perfect for experiencing the city’s vibrant nightlife.
4. Ho Chi Minh City transport guide
4.1. Getting to the city
Being a major city, Ho Chi Minh City offers convenient travel options:
- By airway: Various flights to Tan Son Nhat Airport are operated daily from various locations. The airport is about 8 kilometers from the city center (District 1) and about 5 kilometers from District 3 and Phu Nhuan District.
- By road: Two main routes connect the North and South: National Route 1A and the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Choose the route that best suits your destination and travel needs.
- By railway: The Thong Nhat train offers the fastest rail connection between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, taking around 30 hours with stops at major stations like Vinh, Dong Hoi, Hue, and Da Nang. Prices vary based on class and seat type.
4.2. Getting around the city
Getting around the city is convenient with various transportation options.
- Renting a motorbike: Renting a motorbike is a popular choice, with many accommodations offering rental services, or you can find rentals online, especially in central areas. Costs are varied, from 100,000 to 200,000 VND per day.
- Via ride-hailing platforms: Ride-hailing services offer a convenient way to get around Ho Chi Minh City. Xanh SM Bike and Xanh SM Taxi offer affordable service using 100% electric vehicles, encouraging the use of eco-friendly vehicles.
- By local transfers: Public buses are a budget-friendly choice for getting around. Public bicycles have stations across central areas; costs are 5,000 VND for 30 minutes and 10,000 VND for 60 minutes.
*Contact provider for the most up-to-date pricing for Saigon’s public bicycle service.
How to get around Ho Chi Minh City tips (Source: Collected)
5. Best food souvenirs to buy in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a fantastic place to find and buy famous local specialties, thanks to its rich blend of culinary traditions from across the country. Here are some must-try treats:
- Pia cake: Available in various flavors, such as durian with salted egg, fresh durian, Soc Trang durian, Tan Hue Vien durian, taro, and lotus seed.
- Mixed rice paper: This popular snack consists of shredded rice paper mixed with sauce, sour mango, dried beef, quail eggs, fresh herbs, and peanuts. It offers a bold, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavor.
- Crispy rice with pork floss: A delightful snack made from crispy fried rice with pork floss, it’s a perfect gift for everyone.
- Vietnamese coconut cake: Made from shredded coconut, sugar, and malt syrup, then baked to a golden crisp.
Additionally, you can find other local specialties like sticky rice cake, dried fish, Chinese sausage, and basil seeds. Food souvenirs are an affordable and thoughtful way to share a taste of Ho Chi Minh City with your loved ones.
6. Ideal 1-day Saigon itineraries for first-time travelers
Here are some suggested plans for one day in Ho Chi Minh City for first-time visitors:
*The timings in the Ho Chi Minh City tours are for reference only.
6.1. Follow the footprints of Biet Dong Sai Gon
- In the morning, the day begins with a visit to the secret weapon bunker of the Saigon Special Forces. Tracing the path of the Special Forces during the 1968 Tet Offensive, you’ll walk through historic streets and capture memorable photos at the Independence Palace entrance. A visit to the memorial dedicated to the Special Forces’ sacrifices will deepen your understanding of their contributions.
- The afternoon offers an exploration of the Saigon – Gia Dinh Intelligence Museum, featuring a preserved French-era elevator and interactive exhibits. Here, you can also learn about Mr. Tran Van Lai’s vintage Solex bike. Concluding with a documentary on the Special Forces, visitors can enjoy VR experiences that bring Saigon’s 1960s and 1970s scenes to life.
6.2. From Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City
- Morning exploration begins at The Fine Arts Museum, followed by a visit to the Thu Ngu Flagpole Park, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office. A leisurely cycle along the route from Paris Commune to Dong Khoi, Le Thanh Ton, City Hall, Rex Hotel, and Le Loi Street reveals many attractions. Along the way, Ho Chi Minh Statue Park offers a perfect photo opportunity in front of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building, a stunning example of French colonial architecture classified as a national monument by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
- The afternoon features a visit to The City Hall Opera House, an iconic historic theater known for its flamboyant architecture, and The Continental Saigon Hotel, the city’s oldest hotel.
- As evening approaches, savor a famous Saigon pho at renowned spots like Pho Hoa, Pho Le, Pho Phu Gia, or Pho Vietnam.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for a day (Source: Collected)
6.3. Cu Chi bike tour
- A morning departure for Cu Chi, known as “The Steel Land of Indomitable Spirit,” sets the stage for adventure. Picking up your bike, the ride along Tam Tan Road beside the Thay Cai Canal offers scenic views.
- After cycling to Tinh Lo 7 station, a 45-seat bus will take you to the Cu Chi Tunnels Historic Site (Ben Duoc Temple). Arriving at Ben Duoc Temple, a memorial dedicated to those who fought and sacrificed in Saigon (Gia Dinh) during the resistance against French and American invaders, provides a moment for reflection with a flower offering and incense lighting at the Martyrs’ Memorial.
- In the afternoon, the Cu Chi Liberation Zone awaits exploration. A guided tour of the Sa Ban area highlights the defeat of the Cedar Falls operation, accompanied by a 3D film simulating the operation in a premium cinema. Visitors will learn about the architecture, lifestyle, and struggles of the Cu Chi people from 1961 to 1972. Traditional activities such as cake making, rice wine brewing, weaving, and rice planting or fishing are available at your own expense. A visit to Muoi Nheo Fruit Orchard, which placed third in the 2014 Beautiful Ecological Garden competition, adds to the experience.
- The return ride along Tinh Lo 15, winding through rural paths as the sun sets, allows for enjoying the serene beauty of the “Steel Land” before heading back to the starting point.
This comprehensive guide equips you with all the essential details for an unforgettable experience in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you’re exploring historic sites, enjoying local cuisine, or embarking on a scenic tour, you now have everything you need to make your journey truly memorable.
As you explore Vietnam, beyond the vibrant city of Ho Chi Minh, you’ll discover an array of enchanting destinations such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, and many more. During your Vietnam travel, be sure to include a stop at the VinWonders entertainment complexes. With exhilarating games, mesmerizing shows, and a variety of exciting activities, VinWonders is sure to take your experience to the next level.
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