Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
Southern Vietnam · Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City — still widely called Saigon — is Vietnam's largest city and its commercial engine in the south. It is fast, hot and energetic: French-era landmarks and rooftop bars in District 1, the sobering War Remnants Museum, and the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta within day-trip reach.
Get a Vietnam eSIM for Ho Chi Minh CityBest time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City
Getting around
Staying connected
Money & costs
Safety & emergencies
Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum
- Independence (Reunification) Palace
- Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office
- Ben Thanh Market
- Bui Vien Walking Street after dark
- Cu Chi Tunnels day trip
- Mekong Delta day trip
Local tips
- Guard your phone against snatchers on the street
- Do the Cu Chi Tunnels early to beat heat and crowds
- Use Grab rather than flagging street taxis
- Catch the skyline from a District 1 rooftop bar at dusk
- A day trip to My Tho or Ben Tre reaches the Mekong
Ho Chi Minh City travel FAQ
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Two to three days covers District 1's sights and a Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta day trip. It is also the natural gateway for onward travel to Phu Quoc and the delta.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe?
Yes, but it has Vietnam's most common drive-by bag and phone snatching. Keep valuables away from the roadside and out of sight. Emergency numbers are 113 police, 114 fire, 115 ambulance.
Saigon or Hanoi — which should I visit?
Saigon is bigger, hotter and more modern and business-driven; Hanoi is older, cooler in winter and more traditional. Many trips include both, one at each end.
Do I need an eSIM in Ho Chi Minh City?
It is the simplest way to use Grab, QR payments and maps from arrival — a travel eSIM gives you local data without swapping your physical SIM.
What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
December to April is the dry season and the best time to visit. May to November is the wet season, with short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain. It is hot and humid year-round, typically 28–35°C.
How do you get to Ho Chi Minh City?
Fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), about 8 km from District 1 — 20–40 minutes by taxi or Grab depending on traffic. Frequent flights and the north–south railway connect it to Hanoi, Da Nang and the coast.
How do you get around Ho Chi Minh City?
Grab (car and motorbike) is the default; traffic is heavy, so allow extra time. The first metro line (Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien) now runs, and District 1 is walkable. Cross roads at a steady, predictable pace.
How much does it cost, and do you need cash in Ho Chi Minh City?
Vietnamese dong (VND). Street meals run 30,000–70,000 VND, mid-range hotels 500,000–1,800,000 VND, and Grab rides are cheap. Cards and QR pay are widely accepted in District 1; carry cash for markets and street food.
Last updated 1 February 2026