Ho Chi Minh City

Hiking

From rich bánh mì sandwiches to steaming bowls of pho, southern Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City is one of the world’s greatest cities for street food.

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.

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting and dynamic experience. Options range from motorbikes and cyclos to the newly launched metro and riverboats. While the city’s traffic can be overwhelming, understanding the available modes of transport makes exploring easier.

Public transportation in Ho Chi Minh City includes buses, a developing metro system, and the Saigon Waterbus, all offering affordable ways to navigate the sprawling metropolis. For a more flexible approach, ride-hailing services and taxis are widely used. Whether by road, rail, or water, there are plenty of ways to master how to get around in 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.