The largest city in Vietnam is known for its French and Chinese influences, bustling markets and boulevards full of motorcycles. Formerly known as Saigon, the Ho Chi Minh City has a complex history, going through French colonialism, a communist revolution and one of the bloodiest wars in the modern times. Today, modern skyscrapers stand next to 19th Century colonial architecture, gourmet coffee is sold alongside traditional green tea and Buddhist temples stand in the shadow of cathedrals.
The city is divided into parts, of which the most historic is District 1, located on the west side of the Saigon River. Here you will find attractions like the Reunification Palace, the Main Post Office and the Ho Chi Minh City Notre Dame Cathedral. The European influence on the city from the French colonial days is most pronounced in this area, and you’ll see it in the 19th-century architecture. You'll also find plenty hotels around here, so you can stay close to the sights. Go for a walk through the nearby Tao Dan Park or north to the Phuoc Hai Pagoda.
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city with a visit to the Dam Sen Water Park or Dam Sen park. Take a trip outside the city and explore the infamous Cu Chi tunnels, used during the Vietnam War to escape from and ambush American soldiers. The War Museum is one of the most visited museums in Vietnam, with more than half a million visitors each year.
The evening in Ho Chi Minh City offer a respite from the heat and humidity of the day and is often the best time to explore the more centrally located neighbourhoods. Avoid the traffic and wander through the streets of Districts One, Two and Three. Grab a traditional bowl of pho and quiet your thirst with the local beer, Bia Hoi, which is brewed daily in the region. If you like shopping then go bargain hunting in Ben Thanh night market.
There’s so much to do in Ho Chi Minh City for any type of traveller. Book a budget holiday to Vietnam today.
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Video
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
4/5Very Good!(141 area reviews)
The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Saigon Square while you're exploring the area.
Travellers come to Little Japan for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Opera House and Saigon River while you're in town.
The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Dong Khoi. Make a stop by Saigon Square or Vincom Center Shopping Mall while you're exploring the area.
235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
£88
per night
Feb 1 - Feb 2
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Tu Du Hospital and Pham Ngu Lao Backpacker Area. Bui Vien Walking Street ...…Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this luxury hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Tu Du Hospital and Pham Ngu Lao Backpacker Area. Bui Vien Walking Street ...WWW…
4.7/5Exceptional! (2,054 reviews)
"service was very good, the building was clean. I enjoyed my time there."…""service was very good, the building was clean. I enjoyed my time there."WWW…"
2 Hong Ha Street, Ward 2, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
£52
per night
Feb 12 - Feb 13
Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. Saigon Central Post ...…Situated near the airport, this hotel is within 6 mi (10 km) of War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. Saigon Central Post ...WWW…
4.3/5Excellent! (959 reviews)
"Nice pool and bar area, comfortable beds with good tv choices. Close to airport and efficient transfer facilities."…""Nice pool and bar area, comfortable beds with good tv choices. Close to airport and efficient transfer facilities."WWW…"
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, Opera House and 30-4 Park. Saigon Zoo and Botanic ...…Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, this luxury hotel is within 2 mi (3 km) of Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, Opera House and 30-4 Park. Saigon Zoo and Botanic ...WWW…
4.4/5Wonderful! (701 reviews)
"Great location in District 1 close to bars and restaurants. The room was comfortable and spacious. Quiet air conditioning which is always a bonus. Fabulous breakfast selection and definitely worth booking a room with breafast included. Staff are very pleasant and professional. The pool area is a ..."…""Great location in District 1 close to bars and restaurants. The room was comfortable and spacious. Quiet air conditioning which is always a bonus. Fabulous breakfast selection and definitely worth booking a room with breafast included. Staff are very pleasant and professional. The pool area is a ..."WWW…"
No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring this bustling market where you can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese dish or purchase souvenirs.
This stunning theater, with its glistening white architecture and curved lines, makes it easy to forget that you are in Ho Chi Minh City and not in Paris.
With a visit to Bui Vien Walking Street, a popular shopping spot in Ho Chi Minh City, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home. Discover the lively bars in this walkable area or seek out the local tours.
Mekong Delta Tour W/ Vinh Trang Pagoda, Rowing-Boat & Lunch
£19
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking river wonderland of the Mekong Delta, located only 2 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City. This experience is exclusively crafted by our guides who are native to the region, so that you will experience the true local vibes of the area, and be away from the crowds of tourists.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Morning or Afternoon Guided Small-Group Tour
£16
Imagine spending your days living in underground tunnels, only able to come out at night when the sun is down - that's what the people of Cu Chi did nearly 50 years ago during the Vietnam War.
Escape the bustle of the city to explore rural scenery of Southern Vietnam and get an up-close look at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels in Southern Vietnam. Learn about the lives of Vietnamese soldiers by going for a subterranean stroll through the tunnels, and get the chance to fire guns from the Vietnam War era at a nearby shooting range.
Mekong Delta Tour W/ Vinh Trang Pagoda & Row-Boat with Lunch
£19
Immerse yourself in the breathtaking river wonderland of the Mekong Delta, located only 2 hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City. This experience is exclusively crafted by our guides who are native to the region, so that you will experience the true local vibes of the area, and be away from the crowds of tourists.
Small-Group Authentic Mekong Delta Tour by Luxury Speedboat
£83
Nicknamed 'the rice bowl of Vietnam,' the fertile Mekong Delta provides work, food and shelter for much of Vietnam's population. On your full-day tour, you'll explore some of the delta's vast network of channels and canals by speedboat.
Private Day Trip to Long Tan (Former Australian Military Base) from Ho Chi Minh
£88
Our Vietnam military tour starts from Ho Chi Minh with a drive to Vung Tau to see some famous battle sites such as the Long Tan Cross. We always try to find some of the local Vietnamese veterans who fought in the remarkable battle of Long Tan.
It’s hectic and hot but the super friendly people and the sites make it well worth a visit.
4/5 - Good
Verified traveler
Jan 24, 2020
Not a place for anyone with any mobility problems- pavements are very uneven, crossing their extremely busy roads is very dangerous as traffic fails to stop
But prefers to drive ‘around’ you, even on the pedestrian crossings, at a fast speed.
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 6, 2020
Try Secret Garden restaurant , and L'Usine. Download Grab to get around
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 5, 2020
Loved the city something for everyone cheap Grab motorbikes used to get around safely cheap and reliable food was fantastic would recommend this place to everyone but also visit Hanoi temperature was 33 throughout my stay no rain just great place
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Jan 4, 2020
I worked there and I continue to come back. It has a great charm and many excellent facilities. Above all I like the people who are friendly, courteous and welcoming to foreigners. Also great value for money. A happy and cheerful place...and warm!
3/5 - Okay
KatyR
Dec 29, 2019
Underwhelmed! May be HCMC was a let down because it looks like a massive building site at the moment with the metro works taking place and you can’t really ‘see’ past it. Super friendly people though!
