Saigon or Hanoi first?
Fly into one coast and out the other if possible — domestic flights are cheap.
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Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City — Explore Ho Chi Minh City
Why visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) pulses with rooftop bars, War Remnants history, Ben Thanh Market energy and Mekong Delta day trips in Vietnam's commercial south.
Ho Chi Minh City is a stop in Vietnam, not a country-in-a-weekend. Plan about 3 days. If time is short, prioritise Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum instead of racing the whole list. Mid-range ground costs are about 45–90 USD per person per day, excluding international flights. Best time: December–April for drier weather. Rankings, stay length and cost bands on this page come from Global Itinerary’s trip-planning models.
Best time
December–April for drier weather
Weather
Varies from tropical to temperate depending on the season
Getting around
Grab everywhere; walk District 1 core; tours for Cu Chi and Mekong
Experiences
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
1
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
2
Central Post Office
3
War Remnants Museum
4
Independence Palace
5
Ben Thanh Market
6
Cu Chi Tunnels day trip
7
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
8
Mekong Delta day trip
Budget travel
Free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Ben Thanh Market
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Mostly free or pay-what-you-like — always double-check opening times and any seasonal fees before you go.
Plan your trip
Ho Chi Minh City itinerary (3 days)
- 1
Day 1
Colonial core
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and Central Post Office
- Reunification Palace
- Ben Thanh Market
- Nguyen Hue walking street at night
- 2
Day 2
History and districts
- War Remnants Museum
- Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Binh Tay Market in Cholon
- Rooftop bar in District 1
- 3
Day 3
Cu Chi or Mekong
- Cu Chi Tunnels half-day
- Alternatively: Mekong Delta boat and orchard tour
- Street-food dinner on Vo Van Tan
Prefer a full 15-day trip with costs and FAQs? Read the Ho Chi Minh City itinerary guide.
Budget
Ho Chi Minh City trip cost
Budget
USD 20–40
per person / day
Mid-range
USD 45–90
per person / day
Luxury
USD 150+
per person / day
Excellent street-food value — rooftop cocktails and boutique hotels raise daily totals. Figures exclude international flights.
Trip budget estimator
Typical mid-range for Ho Chi Minh City
Estimated total (USD)
$1,760
≈ $880 per person · $251 per day group total
Ground costs ≈ $55/person/day (lodging + food + transport + activities)
Defaults match Ho Chi Minh City mid-range ground costs (budget 20–40 · mid 45–90 · luxury 150+ USD/day). Edit freely — flights vary by origin.
Neighbourhoods
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
District 1
Best for: Sightseeing
Central for landmarks, markets and nightlife
District 3
Best for: Local feel
Quieter residential area near the War Remnants Museum
District 2 (Thao Dien)
Best for: Expats
Riverside cafés and international schools enclave
Where to eat
Local favourites
- $
Phở Hòa Pasteur
Pho · Classic Saigon pho institution
- $
Bánh Mì Huỳnh Hoa
Banh mi · Locals queue for this stuffed baguette
- $$
Cục Gạch Quán
Vietnamese · Home-style Vietnamese in a colonial house
- $
Quán Ốc Đào
Seafood · Street-side snails and shellfish favourite
Where to stay
Tourist favourites & top-rated
- $$$$
Park Hyatt Saigon
District 1 · Colonial-era luxury on Lam Son Square
- $$$$
The Reverie Saigon
District 1 · Opulent Italian-designed landmark
- $$$
Hotel des Arts Saigon
District 3 · Art Deco boutique favourite
Shopping
- Galerie Quynh
- Oil-Paintings
- Fahasa
- Tri Books
- Book Street
- Ginkgo T-shirts
Nightlife
- Bobby Brewery Coffee
- Cafe 5 Sao
- Cafe Napoly
- Cafe Saigon
- Chao Ba Ca Phe
- Chot Nho Café
Museums & culture
- Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Museum of Vietnamese History
- Independence Palace
- War Remnants Museum
- Southern Women’s Museum
- FITO Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
Travel tips
- Keep bags secure on motorbike-heavy sidewalks
- Carry small dong notes for street vendors
- Book Cu Chi tours early — afternoon heat is intense
In pictures
Ho Chi Minh City gallery
Photos: Steffen Schmitz (more photos), Pimnl, Balon Greyjoy, Kevin1243, Lê Minh Phát — via Wikimedia Commons
Good to know
Ho Chi Minh City travel FAQs
Is HCMC safe?
Generally yes — watch for pickpockets in markets and scam taxis; use Grab.
What are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
Top picks in Ho Chi Minh City include Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace. See the full list and itinerary on this Ho Chi Minh City travel guide.
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
December–April for drier weather.
How many days do I need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Plan at least 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City for the highlights on our suggested itinerary; add more time for day trips.
Where should I stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Base yourself in District 1 (Sightseeing), District 3 (Local feel), District 2 (Thao Dien) (Expats). Pick the area that matches your trip style, then book within walking distance of transit or main sights.
Keep exploring
