Ho Chí Minh City (abbreviated as HCMC) is a place that never sleeps. It’s a great destination for those who love the hustle and bustle of an urban jungle, but also love deals when it comes to food, partying, and pampering.
I am Vietnamese, and after taking my first trip back in 2018, I have been making my way back to the motherland every 2-3 years.
Here is my travel guide to HCMC because we had such an excellent time visiting Vietnam, and I want to encourage you to visit my beautiful country!
About Ho Chi Minh City
Not so long ago, someone asked us what Ho Chi Minh City was like. Here is the thing – the city was known by different names at different times. Most of us, for example, heard about it as Saigon. However, there are other names such as Prey Nokor, etc.
The city was first named Ho Chi Minh in 1946 after the revolutionary leader of North Vietnam. It was fully adopted in 1976. Nowadays, it is a vibrant place that offers visitors many amazing and exciting things to do and see. Although Hanoi is the capital of Vietnam, tourists are way more attracted by HCMC’s exciting energy. It is the largest city, with a population of 8.1 million inhabitants.
Some of the things you will see will leave you in awe regarding the resilience of human beings. Others will keep you fascinated and intrigued. It is also vital to say that some of the places will leave you shocked at what human beings are capable of doing for one another.
HCMC is warm year-round, and the busiest seasons include summer and Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year holiday (around mid-February). It’s best to come weeks prior to Lunar New Year as people go home to their villages and many businesses are closed. One thing to look forward to is the amazing fireworks display at Saigon Marina IFC.
Dress accordingly and enjoy the welcoming vibes of this restless oasis.
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How to Get to Vietnam
The best way to get to Vietnam is by plane into the country. You’ll fly into Tan Son Nhat International Airport (IATA: SGN, ICAO: VVTS), also known as Ho Chi Minh City Airport. You’ll need a passport and an e-visa to get into the country.
Getting an e-Visa to Vietnam has become easier. Apply online here at least 10 days before your trip. The fee is $25 for a one-time (single-use) entry and $95 for multiple entry Visa.
From within Asia, it’s very affordable to get to HCMC by plane or bus. Book your next bus or plane to HCMC via Bookaway.
Some people also drive the entire length of Vietnam via motorcycle or car.
Where to Stay in Vietnam
We LOVE the Silverland hotels group! Our stay at their Silverland Sakyo Hotel was phenomenal. The service, food, and amenities were excellent! They also have a rooftop pool and jacuzzi with excellent views of the Saigon Marina IFC.
@alexgoesglobal Gorgeous hotel located near many attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. @SilverlandHospitality Highly recommend the Silverland Sakyo Hotel 🏨 Loved the rooms, breakfast, rooftop pool, tea time, and amazing service team. Will definitely be back! #hcmc #vietnamtravel #vietnam #vietnamese #alexapproved ♬ original sound – Alex Goes Global
Things to See and Do in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
#1 War Remnants Museum
You know, some folks claim that things that happened in the past belong there and should remain there. Indeed, it can be true. However, although we don’t like to remember or think about wars, one of the things from relatively recent history that shouldn’t be forgotten is the war in Vietnam.
If you decide to go to Ho Chi Minh, we recommend visiting War Remnants Museum, which pays tribute to this period that lasted for 30 years. Once there, you will learn about the history of the war and learn about the tactics used by both sides. It is not a joyful visit, but it is certainly one that will allow you to learn much more about the country and its history.
Another historically important site that you must see is the Ho Chi Minh mausoleum which is located in Hanoi’s capital city in Northern Vietnam.
#2 Notre Dame Cathedral
Wait, isn’t that in Paris? Yes, the Paris one is the most famous, but it isn’t the only one. Of course, Notre Dame Cathedral dates from the period of French colonization of Vietnam.
These days, it is one of the last catholic churches in Vietnam, and that makes it particularly attractive. It is an impressive creation of built-in orange stone with an ornate facade.
#3 Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay market is not as famous as Ben Thanh market, but it caters much more to the needs of locals and makes sure that you have an authentic experience when visiting the city. It was also built during the French colonial period, and it is located in the largest Chinatown district.
Apart from the fact that you will see thousands of colorful stalls, the visit to the market will give you a sensory overload. In case you want to see how Vietnamese people live today, a visit to this market needs to be on top of your list.
#4 Ben Thanh Market
And you cannot miss Ben Thanh Market. It’s a huge marketplace with plenty of food, fashion, and counterfeit luxury goods. It’s very easy to get lost in there, but that’s the fun part of perusing Ben Thanh Market!
We recommend testing out your haggling skills. Give the vendors a price you’d genuinely pay for a particular item and see if they meet you there. You’ll often get a better deal paying with cash and/or by simply walking away. Most vendors will offer you a better deal to close a sale.
I was able to buy an Hermes crossbody for only $60 USD (negotiated down from $260). I was also able to pay with credit card.
#5 Take Advantage of Beauty Treatments
Beauty services in Vietnam are so affordable! Make sure to pamper yourself after a long day of exploring. We found ourselves getting daily foot massages anywhere we could around town.
We highly recommend the following services (with average prices):
- Manicure & Pedicure ($10-$15 USD)
- Hair Cut & Style ($20)
- Massages ($9-$15)
- Hairwash & Dry ($8)
- Body Scrubs ($14)
- Dental Cleaning ($26)
- Prescription Eyewear ($50-$70)
#6 Museum of Traditional Medicine
If you are curious and open to learning about alternative medicine practices, you might be interested in visiting this museum. Generally, when talking about alternative medicine, we mention India and China, but not Vietnam. However, it is also known for traditional medicine. It is interesting that even if it is different, Vietnamese traditional healing is influenced by Chinese philosophy.
#7 Reunification Palace
It is also known as Independence Palace, and it was the home of the South Vietnamese president during the war. Apart from it is also the place where the war ended when the tank broke through its gates during the Fall of Saigon.
You can also find plenty of excellent Ho Chi Minh City hotels in the vicinity of the palace.
#8 Thien Hau Temple
It is located in district 5 of Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh, and it is one of the most beautiful temples in the city. It was built in the 19 century to celebrate Thien Hau, the Lady of the Sea. The pagoda doesn’t look very attractive from the outside. However, once you enter, you become mesmerized by the beauty, especially the incredible sculpture reliefs.
#9 Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
Maybe one of the first things that you need to see after landing at Ho Chi Minh airport and settling in a hotel is the museum of Ho Chi Minh city. Previously called Gia Long Palace and Revolutionary museum, this place is the one that will help you understand Ho Chi Minh’s importance. The best is to visit during the week. And if you go in the morning, you will probably be among rare visitors. The displays mainly show the history and creation of the city.
#10 Dong Khoi Street
If you love and have time for shopping, you should visit Dong Khoi Street. It is an expensive area of Ho Chi Minh City where you will find plenty of high-end designer stores and boutiques. But even if you are not interested in shopping, you can enjoy walking in this area, especially because of the mix of French and Vietnamese architecture. It is also a place for Ho Chi Minh young people.
#11 Bui Vien Walking Street
And you can’t miss Bui Vien walking street. Many expats and travelers visit this street because there are a ton of restaurants and bars. Many stores are also open late at night and even 24 hours a day. You’ll 99% be able to find anything you’re looking for on Bui Vien. If you’re interested in partying, this is the place to go.
#12 Dinh Mountain and Waterfalls
If you are a nature and adventure lover, you will enjoy this trip. Dinh Mountain is only an hour and a half away from Saigon, so it is pretty simple to go there, as you can imagine. You can hike and also jump into Suoi Da and Suoi Tien springs to cool down. It is one of the best spots on the Ho Chi Minh landscape.
#13 Experience the Nightlife in HCMC
The nightlife in HCMC is a thing to experience! Some clubs run 24 hours long and there are so many venues to choose from.
We recommended messaging @vietnamnightclubpromoter (Alejandro) on Instagram and asking him for guest list options and table pricing.
And if you love Vinahouse, you’ll be able to hear it just about anywhere in town. Our favorite spot is The Gangs (multiple locations).
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#14 Check out the Cafe Apartments
These are apartments that have been converted into cafes. Some units are still privately owned residences, but a majority of the units are operating businesses.
We recommend taking the elevator to the top floor for 3,000 VND and making your way down to the first floor.
Pro Tip: The best views of Nguyen Hue promenade are from the top floor of the Cafe Apartments.
#15 Vietnam Fashion
I was super excited to check out Vietnam’s growing fashion scene. There are SO MANY brands but unfortunately they fell short on so many points. Sizing was catered to smaller frame and fabrics seemed very cheap (LA fashion district quality). If you’re a size 6 or larger, then you’ll definitely have a hard time finding Vietnam styles.
BUT if you’re like me (Size 6-8 US), here are brands that I do recommend: White Plan and Duc Studio.
@alexgoesglobal Leaving Vietnam with an empty suitcase. 🥹 Vietnamese fashion’s fabrics, quality and sizing were just not what I expected. If I wanted anything decent, I’d have to get it tailored, lose 50 lbs, or time travel back to high school. I’m 5’5”, 175 lbs and typically a US medium for reference. 👩🏽🦳 Quality was what you’d typically find in the LA fashion district. Nooo thank you, Vietnam. #midsize #asianfashion #vietnamesefashion #vietstyle #vietkieu ♬ BAD BUNNY MONACO SLOWED – allaboutmusic
Best Spots to Eat in HCMC
The best way to get to know the culture and the country is through its food, isn’t it? Every gourmand will enjoy dining in Ho Chi Minh City’s restaurants.
It’s most likely that you’ll get breakfast at your hotel, which is often a spread of amazing noodle soups, rice, and more. We often eat breakfast in our hotel and find a snack while walking around the city.
While there are many options, here are our top picks for foodies visiting Vietnam for the first time.
- Banh Canh Cua 87
- Banh Mi Huynh Hoa – Viral banh mi shop famous for being owned by lesbians and making massive loaded sandwiches. Personally, I think the sandwiches were too heavy and a chore to eat. It’s best to share their most famous #1 sandwich.
- Bep Me In
- CieL Dining – Michelin-starred dining experience in a modern home. I would give this experience 4/5 stars. It cost $140 per person, and the dining experience was great. Some dishes, however, lacked flavor and left me wondering the reason for it being on the menu. I would do this experience because it’s affordable and if your thing is experiencing fine dining while traveling, this is a good option.
- Mam Moi
- Pizza 4 P’s (multiple locations) – One of the BEST spots for pizza in the world! They started in Japan, moved to Vietnam, and grew exponentially. Definitely order their classic Italian and Vietnamese-inspired pies. see our video
We also tried the bun rieu at this viral spot (Bún Riêu Gánh), but I thought it was just OK.
Pro Tip: We highly recommend having some probiotics on hand and taking them daily so that your stomach adjusts to all the food in Vietnam.
Related: Best Probiotics to Try
Hanoi-style pho from Pho Co Mai
Final Thoughts
Saigon offers so many wonderful things to do and see that it is often challenging to select the most exciting or beautiful. It is without a doubt the liveliest and most action-packed city in Vietnam, and it is developing quickly. The moment you arrive, you will be surrounded by motorbikes, delicious street food stands, restaurants, and various attractions that will keep you busy.
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