

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!
Places to see and things to do

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.

New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City: what to do and where to go
While less majestic than the traditional Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations, New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City offers its own blend of Vietnamese warmth and modern festivities. Join locals and visitors alike for epic rooftop parties, dinner cruises along the Saigon River, and energetic street celebrations that spill through District 1 until dawn. From insider tips to where to see the best fireworks displays, here’s how to spend New Year’s Eve in Ho Chi Minh City.New Year’s Eve fireworks: There are many fireworks shows around central Ho Chi Minh City, with the main displays at Thu Thiem Bridge and near Landmark 81. The best viewing spots include Nguyen Hue walking street, Thu Thiem Bridge area, and District 1 rooftop bars (all displays are free and open to the public).Average temperature: From 73-90 F (23-32 C)What to avoid on New Year’s Eve: Avoid driving motorbikes in District 1 after 8 PM, as streets around Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien become extremely crowded. Be mindful that some local businesses may close early as staff head home for family gatherings, unlike during Tet when the city stays fully open.

9 things to do outdoors in Ho Chi Minh City when it’s sunny
The best Ho Chi Minh City parks, promenades, and pedestrian streets offer so many ways to experience Vietnamese culture in the open air. Whether you’re joining locals for morning exercise, watching colorful boats on the Saigon River, or exploring historic gardens, the best things to do outdoors in Ho Chi Minh City will give you a glimpse of traditional life and modern energy. Discover these nine outdoor activities to make the most of your next visit to the most populous city in Vietnam.

Things to do alone in Ho Chi Minh City: Activities for solo travelers
Ho Chi Minh City, also known by its former name, Saigon, offers a diverse range of exciting activities and fascinating attractions for solo travelers. From discovering rich history at the Independence Palace to sampling the mouthwatering local cuisine on a street food tour, there’s no shortage of incredible things to do alone in Ho Chi Minh City. Make the most of cultural experiences like water puppet shows, and venture further afield to explore the scenic nature of the Mekong Delta. Here’s your guide to the best activities for solo travelers in Ho Chi Minh City.

9 Best Views in Ho Chi Minh City to See the City Above
Ho Chi Minh City’s skyscrapers and historic buildings create a skyline of contrasts best enjoyed from above. Whether you’re climbing to the top of the Saigon Skydeck or crossing the Ong Cay Bridge, the best views in Ho Chi Minh City offer unforgettable perspectives. You can enjoy some of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City from the heights of the city for an unforgettable experience, and these are especially fun if you’re traveling as a family. These exciting things to do with kids in Ho Chi Minh City can be enjoyed by visitors of all ages!

7 best museums in Ho Chi Minh City and what to see in them
Ho Chi Minh City enthralls with its bustling streets, food scene, and lively conversations. Along with welcoming people, you’ll find its museums among the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. There are many famous museums in Ho Chi Minh City, from the War Remnants Museum that offers a local perspective on war’s terrible power to the Independence Palace, where the 1960s never left. Let your love of fashion shine at the Ao Dai Museum, or geek out about ancient history at the Ho Chi Minh History Museum. Grab a taxi or hail a ride-share, and go explore the best museums in Ho Chi Minh City.

9 best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City you don’t want to miss
Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, perfectly blends history, culture, and cuisine. Known as a focal point during the Vietnam War, the city has plenty of history, museums and landmarks to explore. But that’s not all — there are so many things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with it also boasting colorful temples, authentic entertainment, and tasty street food. Top attractions in thecity include the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre, the Ben Thanh Market, and much more, and this guide fills you in on all the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City’s top places to visit at a glanceThe top sights in Ho Chi Minh City for history lovers: Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum. Best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City with kids: Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, and Ben Thanh Market. The best places to go for art in Ho Chi Minh City: Cao Dai Temple and the Municipal Theatre. Top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City for spectacular views: Bitexco Financial Tower and Landmark 81.Best places in Ho Chi Minh City for history

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.

Top 8 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City when it rains
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has a staggering amount of character and history. Located in the south of Vietnam, the country’s biggest city is full of smells, flavors, activities, and energy. Even on a rainy day, there is so much to explore and do indoors throughout the city. From fascinating museums to famous markets to unique cultural shows, discover fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City when it rains to make the most of your day.

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Neighborhoods to explore

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The 5 coolest neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City
Bucket-list essentials

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.
Itineraries

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.

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.