Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide | Insider tips, hidden gems, itineraries and more

Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide

Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, a vibrant metropolis bursting with energy and culture! Formerly known as Saigon, this bustling city in Vietnam is a melting pot of history, architecture, and delicious cuisine. Explore the famous Ben Thanh Market, stroll along the Saigon River, and marvel at the French colonial buildings. Immerse yourself in the local way of life by savoring street food delicacies or hopping on a traditional cyclo ride. With its unique blend of old-world charm and modern amenities, Ho Chi Minh City promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler. Start your adventure in this dynamic city today!

The 6 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in summer

Peter S.

In summer, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant destination with many exciting festivals and activities. From the diverse street food scene to the intriguing River Festival, there’s truly something for everyone. Thrill seekers will enjoy the water slides at the Suoi Tien Theme Park, while foodies will savor delicious, seasonal fruit at the Southern Fruit Festival. This guide to Ho Chi Minh City in summer walks you through a perfect blend of food, culture, and adventure. It also helps you navigate the advantages and challenges of the rainy season to make the most of Vietnam’s southern gem.Ho Chi Minh City's best summer activities at a glanceTop culinary experiences: Taste your way through Ho Chi Minh City’s vibrant street food scene. Sample iconic dishes like banh mi (Vietnamese baguette sandwich) and pho (noodle soup with beef, pork, or chicken) or savory treats like banh xeo (crispy rice pancakes with fillings). Unique summer events: The River Festival and the Southern Fruit Festival Family-friendly activities: Suoi Tien Theme Park is a vibrant family destination in Ho Chi Minh City with thrilling rides, a water park, and attractions inspired by Vietnamese legends.

How to celebrate an epic Easter in Ho Chi Minh City

Easter in Ho Chi Minh City coincides with the warm, dry season, making it a good time for outdoor activities despite the humidity levels on some days. Attending a church service at the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral or strolling the gardens of Tao Dan Park are some of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at Easter. For a more cultural experience, attend a traditional water puppet show or a hands-on egg coffee workshop. With an array of options, here’s how to spend Easter in Ho Chi Minh City. Everything you need to know about Easter in Ho Chi Minh CityEaster traditions: Church services and family gatherings in homes or local parks.Best free Easter activity: Attending an Easter service at Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral or picnicking in Tao Dan Park.Average temperatures around Easter: Around 79-93 F (26-34 C) with some days of high humidity.Festive food to try: Bunny-shaped cakes at local bakeries.

Best food in Ho Chi Minh City: Where to find the top dishes

Emily Tarrier

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant food haven offering many of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes, from street food classics like pho to lesser-known local favorites such as broken rice and bun bo soup.Whether you’re making your own summer rolls at a cooking class or embracing the unique flavors of the local sweet soup known as chè, discovering the city’s countless culinary delights is one of the most fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.From aromatic noodle soups to crispy pancakes, keep reading to discover the best food in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City landmarks you can't miss

In the south of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a blend of French colonial architecture, historic landmarks, and markets. It’s a city of contrasts, charm, and boundless spirit — with sites documenting dark days next to lively street stalls and sleek modern architecture. The history, the people, the pho: Whether you visit Independence Palace on a walking tour, belly crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels, or find serenity in the Jade Pagoda, there are so many things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Here are seven Ho Chi Minh City landmarks that you have to check out.

The 5 coolest neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City

Lucy Walker

There are so many of the best neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City to choose from when you are on a getaway to Vietnam’s bustling metropolis. Explore iconic historical landmarks in District 1, from the Notre Dame Cathedral to the Ho Chi Minh Museum. For local experiences, wander the vibrant streets of Chinatown or taste authentic street food in District 4. Escape the hustle and bustle in the residential Binh Thanh District or immerse in cultural experiences in District 3. Whether visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, discover the best Ho Chi Minh City neighborhoods in this list.

An all-year guide to the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s mix of 24/7 street life, rich history, and incredible food makes it exciting no matter when you visit. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City depends on your travel style and whether you prefer the cooler, dry months or the quieter rainy season. This month-by-month guide to Ho Chi Minh City covers the best times to explore its neighborhoods, eat, and party, from wandering through Ben Thanh Market to catching the Tet Lunar New Year festivities. Whatever the season, here’s what to do in Ho Chi Minh City each month for the perfect trip.

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.

The ultimate itinerary for a weekend in Ho Chi Minh City

Mouth-watering street food and historical and cultural sights that’ll keep you on your toes — here is the ultimate three-day itinerary for a weekend in Ho Chi Minh City, including all this and more. Barter for bargains at Ben Thanh Market, explore Independence Palace, and sip on a rooftop drink as the city lights up. If you’re wondering how to spend a weekend in Ho Chi Minh City, this is the best of the best: temple hopping in Chinatown, cruising down the Saigon River, and, of course, snacking in the Ben Nghe night market.Why you should go: Ho Chi Minh City combines old-world charm with a nightlife scene that continues until the early hours. Its history, especially around the Vietnam War, is deeply woven into the city’s fabric.Don’t miss: The Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, and a stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street.Best way to get around: Ho Chi Minh City’s public buses are cheap and cover the essential areas, but nothing beats zipping through the streets on a motorbike taxi or booking a Grab ride for a more local experience. Hop on the newly opened metro line from Ben Thanh in the city center to Suoi Tien in the northeast.Best time to go: Ho Chi Minh City is at its best between November and March, with blue skies and cooler weather so you can explore as you dodge the afternoon rain.Insider tip: Street food vendors and smaller markets run on cash, so keep plenty of Vietnamese dong on hand for spontaneous eats.Weekend highlights in Ho Chi Minh: Explore the night markets in Ben Thanh or catch a traditional water puppet show in District 1.

Best weekend getaways from Ho Chi Minh City you can’t miss

From cascading waterfalls and white-sand beaches to bustling marketplaces, paradise awaits you on a weekend trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Visit ancient mountain temples in Cambodia or savor regional flavors on a food tour in Hanoi. Explore the jungle after dark on a night safari at Cat Tien National Park or soak up the sun on the shores of Vũng Tàu.With so many amazing places to visit in Vietnam and beyond, this guide rounds up the eight best weekend getaways from Ho Chi Minh City that you can’t miss.