Ho Chi Minh City
It’s hard to imagine the sprawling, modern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City once started out as a small fishing village surrounded by thick forests. Located in southern Vietnam, the economic center and bustling Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in regards to the population. Fondly referred to by its evocative older name of Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City retains a preserved air of its French colonial heritage in the old areas of the city while still reflecting the dynamic modern vibes of a cutting edge Vietnam. Key attractions such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market reflect this colonial heritage, while the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and preserved Cu Chi Tunnels north of the city lay testament to the fighting spirit and recent history of the ravages of war.
2024 Ho Chi Minh City travel packages
Best of Vietnam
Best of Cambodia & Vietnam 15 days
Things to do
War Remnants Museum
Pay tribute to the many victims of Vietnam’s turbulent past at the War Remnants Museum.
Old Saigon Post Office
Feel the European atmosphere of the Old Saigon Post Office, fully operational since its completion in 1891.
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
This church embodies the gorgeous French architecture of colonial times with its 58m-high square bell towers and dusty red bricks.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Fathom the difficult underground life of Vietnamese soldiers during the Second Indochina War as they evaded Americna soliders and bombs.
Photo gallery
Travel guide
Time to visit
Ho Chi Minh City’s weather patterns are a far cry from the 4 distinct seasons of the northern regions. There is the dry hot season beginning in November and stretching until early May and the wet hot season with floods and thunderstorms starting in late May and lasting until November. We recommend visiting Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the rainy season in November until around March before the strong heat of summer hits. It’s best to avoid Ho Chi Minh City between June and August when the humidity soars and the streets flood regularly from powerful storms.
Accommodation
There are many accommodation choices in Ho Chi Minh City for the discerning traveller. Budget accommodation starts for as little as USD10 per night for a hostel bed or local guesthouse while mid-range comfortable hotels can cost anywhere between USD50-100 per night. Luxury stays usually start around USD150 per night and increase from there. If you’re looking for a wide range of restaurants and nightlife options, choose a hotel in District 1 where all the action is happening. However, if a quiet stay is more your style, check out the popular expat enclave of District 2 while budget-conscious visitors can find discount accommodation in District 5’s Chinatown.
Food & drink
Southern Vietnam cuisine is much spicier and sweeter than its northern counterparts. When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to try famous southern dishes like bun thit nuong and bun mam, two types of noodle soups known for their interesting blend of flavours. A bowl of noodles costs between USD1-3 depending on location. Banh xeo, a type of stuffed crepe, is another very popular southern dish. Big ones are almost the size of Indian masala dosas and can cost around USD5. Com tam ba ghien, a plate of delicious rice and grilled pork, is a popular dish costing only USD1.5 available at most street stalls throughout the city. Expect to pay between USD10-20 per person in mid-range indoor restaurants.
Communication
Wi-Fi is prevalent throughout the city, whether in small cafes, mostly any restaurant, and all hotels. SIM Cards can be bought from main brands such as Viettel, Mobifone, and Vinaphone from USD2-3 and internet data for USD1-25 at nearly every shop on the street. In case of emergency, dial 113 for the police, 114 for fire, 115 for ambulance and first-aid. English is readily spoken and the city has a very international feel.
Transport
Brave the chaos of Saigon’s bustling streets filled with motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, taxis, cars, and 4x4s. The ever-popular grab application is seen everywhere with motorbike taxi’s wearing their green uniforms, offering rides at a much cheaper, fixed rate than bargaining on the street with local xe oms. Xe Om’s can be arranged on the street corner for around USD0.43 a km while taxis cost around USD0.50 per km. Buses, often now with wi-fi connectivity, cost USD0.01 and per ride.
Our travel specialists
Lucas Pham
Vivian Nguyen
Fernando Bezerra
Travel inspiration
Mundo Asia Tours Wins TripAdvisor Traveler’s Choice Award 2024!
We're thrilled to announce that Mundo Asia Tours has been honored with the prestigious TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award 2024! This recognition is a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing exceptional travel experiences and outstanding customer service.
View moreHa Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago: A World Natural Heritage Site
UNESCO designated Ha Long Bay as a World Heritage Site twice in 1994 and 2000. In 2004, Cat Ba Archipelago was recognized as a world biosphere reserve. On September 16, 2023, UNESCO officially recognized Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago as the first inter-provincial...
View moreBest places to visit in Cambodia: top 10 destinations
Cambodia is a charming, mystifying kingdom where you can comtemplate the collision of ancient & morden world. UNESCO World Heritage ruins with tropical islands.
View moreWhy travel with Mundo Asia?
Get lost in the hidden charm of Asia
Best price guarantee
We guarantee the best price when booking with us
Responsible travel
Leave nothing but smiles, footprints, and memories
Unique travel experiences
Authentic moments carefully crafted by local experts
Service guarantee
Our customers are the heart of our company