First time in Ho Chi Minh City: Everything you need to know

Vietnam’s most populous city offers plenty of incredible experiences for visitors, from exploring the bustling Bình Tây Market to watching a traditional water puppet show. For your first time in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Saigon), don’t miss top attractions like the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum, and make sure to sample flavorful street food favorites like banh mi sandwiches and bahn xeo (crispy rice pancakes). In this first-timer’s guide, expect practical tips for making your stay memorable, including how to get around, the best neighborhoods to discover, which dishes to try, and Ho Chi Minh City’s top landmarks.

Ho Chi Minh City: Tips for first-timers

1. The city is known for its chaotic traffic, with motorbikes and scooters dominating the streets. When crossing roads, move at a steady pace and make eye contact with drivers — stopping suddenly, hesitating, or running will be more dangerous than walking steadily and confidently.

2. With its tropical climate and high humidity, Ho Chi Minh City can be very hot, so packing lightweight and breathable layers and staying hydrated are essential for making your visit enjoyable.

3. Popular attractions like the War Remnants Museum can quickly get crowded, so visit early in the day or shortly before closing to see the sites at a more relaxed pace.

4. When visiting local markets like Ben Thanh and Binh Tay, haggling isn’t only appreciated — it’s expected. A good rule of thumb is to start with an offer of half the initial asking price and then bargain until you reach a price that both parties are happy with. Please remember to bargain respectfully and fairly because a few cents or dollars for you can be a significant amount for the local Vietnamese seller.

Best time to visit

Ho Chi Minh City has two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. While the dry season offers sunny days ideal for outdoor exploration, the rainy season brings brief afternoon downpours that add an element of charm.

Dry season

The dry season in Ho Chi Minh City spans from December to April, bringing warm, sunny days that are perfect for exploring top attractions. The festivities peak around the Lunar New Year (Tet) with lively celebrations, musical performances, and colorful decorations and lanterns adorning the streets.

Rainy season

From May to November, the rainy season in Ho Chi Minh City is marked by frequent but short-lived afternoon downpours. The sudden storms transform the city’s landscape and bring a charm of their very own. While mornings are usually dry, afternoons are best spent experiencing indoor activities like visiting the Independence Palace or waiting out the rain in a local coffee shop.

Ho Chi Minh City’s top 5 must-visit attractions

1. War Remnants Museum

With impactful exhibits, photographs, and military equipment, the War Remnants Museum offers a sobering look at the Vietnam War (locally known as the Civil War or American War) from a Vietnamese perspective, making it a must-do in Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Completed in 1880 using materials directly imported from France, the stunning Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is a top Ho Chi Minh City landmark that deserves a spot in any first-timer’s guide.

3. Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

Catch a traditional water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, a historic theater with captivating performances of wooden puppets dancing on a water stage to live music.

4. Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a sprawling underground network that includes more than 200 kilometers of tunnels used by the Viet Cong as hiding spots during the Vietnam War. Located outside the city, they make for an easy day trip, especially when combined with a boat tour of the Mekong Delta.

5. Mekong Delta

No visit to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without experiencing a day trip to the Mekong Delta. Board a traditional sampan boat for a cruise through a vast maze of rivers, swamps, and rice paddies that take you by floating markets and stunning Khmer pagodas.

Best 3 neighborhoods to explore in Ho Chi Minh City

District 1

Dynamic District 1 is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and home to many of its top attractions, including the War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market. It’s also a fantastic neighborhood for shopping and nightlife, with upscale boutiques, restaurants, and rooftop bars, in addition to bustling street food stalls serving mouthwatering dishes as late as midnight or 1:00 AM.

District 2

District 2 is an artsy, laid-back area known for its eclectic vibe, trendy eateries, and craft coffee shops. Visitors and locals alike flock to its bustling flea markets, pop-up boutiques, and cultural venues for movie screenings and more.

District 3

Blending old and new, District 3 is a charming neighborhood filled with tree-lined streets, French colonial buildings, and picturesque cafes. It’s also home to many of Ho Chi Minh City’s hidden gems and vibrant street markets, making it a brilliant spot for visitors who want to experience city life like a local.

What to eat in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene is as dynamic as the city itself, bursting with vibrant flavors and fresh herbs. From beloved classics like pho to street food staples, dive into this first-timer’s guide to the city’s must-try eats.

Main dishes to try

1. Banh Mi

One of the city’s most popular street foods, banh mi is a crispy baguette sandwich filled with a choice of meat, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and spreads like mayonnaise or pâté.

2. Pho

Pho is a quintessential Vietnamese dish and a must-try for your first time in Ho Chi Minh City. A flavorful noodle soup made with meat (usually beef or chicken), rice noodles, and a rich broth, it’s topped with fresh herbs and bean sprouts.

3. Com Tam (Broken Rice)

A local favorite, com tam is a mouthwatering dish made from broken rice grains. It’s typically served with grilled pork, a fried egg, and a side of pickled vegetables, then finished with a drizzle of fish sauce.

4. Bun Thit Nuong

Bun thit nuong combines savory, sweet, and sour flavors in a dish of vermicelli rice noodles topped with grilled pork, fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and a tangy fish sauce dressing.

5. Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da)

Made from strong, dark Vietnamese coffee, ca phe sua da is brewed through a drip filter and topped with sweetened condensed milk. It’s served over ice, making it the perfect way to cool down in the city’s tropical temperatures.

Getting to Ho Chi Minh City

Flying into Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Tan Son Nhat International Airport is Vietnam’s busiest airport, welcoming flights from all over the world. It’s well-connected to the city center, with multiple transport options. The journey from the airport to District 1, Ho Chi Minh City’s central area, takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic, whether you choose a taxi, ride-hailing service, or shuttle bus.

Saigon Railway Station

The city’s main railway hub, Saigon Railway Station, offers train connections to various destinations across Vietnam. Located just 10-15 minutes from District 1, it provides easy access for travelers coming into the city by train, with plenty of taxis and ride-hailing services available to take you directly to your accommodation.

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City is straightforward, even if it’s your first time in the city. The city’s bustling streets can be explored on foot, while taxis, motorbike taxis, and ride-hailing services offer convenient ways to travel longer distances.

Exploring Ho Chi Minh City on foot

While Ho Chi Minh City is quite large, districts like District 1 are pedestrian-friendly and filled with iconic sights, shops, and eateries. Walking is a great way to experience the lively streets, discover hidden gems, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere, especially in areas like Ben Thanh Market, Dong Khoi Street, and the riverside.

Public transportation in Ho Chi Minh City

Public transport in Ho Chi Minh City includes buses, taxis, and a metro system. Ride-hailing apps like Grab, Gojek, and Be are widely used for easy access to taxis or motorbike taxis, offering cashless payment and the convenience of upfront fare estimates. The city’s bus system is another affordable way to get around, though it’s generally less popular for tourists compared to taxis or motorbike taxis.

What to avoid in Ho Chi Minh City

• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and store your valuables securely when walking around to hinder pickpockets.
• Be mindful of tourist traps and always agree on prices beforehand to avoid being overcharged when bargaining at markets or riding in taxis and motorbikes.
• While street food is generally safe, take precautions and choose food stands with a high customer turnover for the freshest experience.

First-timer’s guide to Ho Chi Minh City: FAQs

How many days do I need in Ho Chi Minh City?

Two to four days will be ideal for your first time in Ho Chi Minh City. Two days should be enough time to visit the main attractions in the city center, while planning for an extra day or two allows for time to take a day trip to the Mekong Delta or explore Ho Chi Minh City’s best neighborhoods.

Is Ho Chi Minh City walkable?

While some central districts (like District 1) are more pedestrian-friendly, Ho Chi Minh City can be challenging to walk through. Visitors can use motorbike taxis, ride-sharing services, or regular taxis to get around. When exploring on foot, focus on specific neighborhoods or take guided walking tours of smaller areas.

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe to walk at night?

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for nighttime walking, especially in central districts like District 1. Be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, and stick to well-lit, populated areas. Using ride-sharing apps or taxis is recommended for longer distances or less familiar neighborhoods.

Can you use Uber in Ho Chi Minh City?

Uber is no longer available in Ho Chi Minh City. Travelers and locals primarily use Grab or other local ride-sharing services like Gojek for transportation around the city.

Is street food safe in Saigon?

Eating street food in Ho Chi Minh City is not only safe, but it’s also a great way to experience the culture. Taking general precautions, such as buying food from well-frequented stalls that use fresh-looking ingredients, is a good way to stay safe while trying some delicious local dishes.

How do you pay for taxis in Ho Chi Minh City?

Even though many Ho Chi Minh taxi drivers accept cards and contactless payment methods, having cash in the local currency, the Vietnamese dong. Tipping your driver isn’t expected, but you can consider leaving a tip if you enjoy your ride.