Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Opera House which includes theatre scenes, a city and night scenes
Saigon River featuring a city, skyline and a lake or waterhole
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Video

Vietnam’s largest and most high-energy city captivates travellers with its enthralling blend of rich history and its fast-paced modern lifestyle.

With its chaotic streets and hectic energy, Ho Chi Minh City makes a dramatic first impression on many visitors. Also known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City offers some of the country’s best nightlife and shopping, as well as a wealth of fascinating cultural attractions. Admire the handsome colonial architecture built by the country’s former French rulers, learn about Vietnam’s dark wartime history and discover why the city’s cuisine is so loved.

Gain a sobering perspective into the country’s history at the War Remnants Museum, which examines the horrors of the Vietnam War. See tanks, fighter planes, unexploded ordinance and chilling photographs of events like the My Lai massacre.

Don’t miss the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the most beautiful Chinese pagodas in the country. Built in 1909 by the city’s Cantonese community, the pagoda features a variety of exquisite carvings and statues inspired by Taoist and Buddhist lore.

Shop for souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market. Dating back to the 17th century, this buzzing market is a fun place to shop for clothing and artisanal crafts. Remember to haggle for the best price. Sample traditional Vietnamese food, such as pho, the country’s famous noodle soup, prepared at one of the market stalls.

Head to the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest building in the city, for a glimpse of Ho Chi Minh’s modern side. Ascend to the Saigon Skydeck on the tower’s 49th floor for spectacular views over the city. Interactive screens provide information about notable streets and sites visible below.

Stroll along Dong Khoi Street, Ho Chi Minh City’s main commercial district, to view the remnants of the city’s colonial-era buildings. For budget-friendly fun, check out the Pham Ngu Lao area, a popular backpacker hub known for its cheap accommodation and lively nightlife scene.

Most international flights to Vietnam arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. The city is also connected by bus to other major destinations around the country, as well as to neighboring Cambodia. Get around by public bus or by taxi, both of which are inexpensive.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of Vietnam’s most exciting cities, provides a thrilling introduction to this beguiling country.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

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District 1

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of District 1. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Bui Vien Walking Street while you're exploring the area.

District 1
Ben Thanh Market featuring shopping, night scenes and markets

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(153 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 Bui Vien Walking Street while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum which includes interior views

District 3

District 3 is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to War Remnants Museum or Vinh Nghiem Pagoda.

District 3
Saigon Central Post Office which includes interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Dong Khoi. Make a stop by Union Square or Dong Khoi Street while you're exploring the area.

Dong Khoi
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District 7

District 7 is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Saigon Paragon Mall and The Cresent Mall.

District 7
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Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ben Thanh
New World Saigon Hotel

New World Saigon Hotel

5 out of 5
76 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ben Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City
The price is £112 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
£112
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
""I'm extremely satisfied with everything. The breakfast service is great, and the nearby amenities are within walking distance, eliminating the need for a car. It seems like everything we need is conveniently located nearby. The neighborhood is bustling, and overall."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

New World Saigon Hotel
GRAND HOTEL du LAC Boutique Saigon

GRAND HOTEL du LAC Boutique Saigon

5 out of 5
40 - 42 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh ward,D1, Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh
The price is £91 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
£91
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (66 reviews)
"The property was very nicely decorated and clean. The staff was extremely friendly and accommodating. The breakfast food was very gooad and there was a new variety of choices everyday. The roof top bar was under slight construction but was very nice. I have stayed at fine hotels all over the world ..."

Reviewed on 23 Jul 2025

GRAND HOTEL du LAC Boutique Saigon
Hotel Nikko Saigon

Hotel Nikko Saigon

5 out of 5
235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is £107 per night from 30 Aug to 31 Aug
£107
30 Aug - 31 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,366 reviews)
"Staff are friendly, room is clean, Highly recommend"

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Hotel Nikko Saigon
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Sherwood Residence

Sherwood Residence

5 out of 5
127 Pasteur Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,349 reviews)
"We stayed two nights here with our kids, who loved the games facilities, including foosball, table tennis, a pool table, and PlayStation. We also enjoyed a short swim in the beautiful pool, cut short by the chilly water temperature despite it being over 30 degrees outside every day. The lobby is ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jul 2025

Sherwood Residence
Saigon Sirius

Saigon Sirius

4 out of 5
151 Ben Van Don, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (857 reviews)
"Apartment not exactly like the photos, but still a good apartment. Check in process was okay, fairly efficient. 2 annoying things, firstly to use the pool you get stopped my security to log your room number, for some reason our room was not on the list had to wait for host to come down to authorise ..."

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2025

Saigon Sirius
Sherwood Suites

Sherwood Suites

5 out of 5
192 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,014 reviews)
"Words won’t do justice to how great this place is to stay. From first arrival to departure we were made to feel valued. All the staff were amazing, gym and swimming pool were fantastic. Our room was spacious and comfortable, so many things within walking distance. Made a fantastic holiday even better ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Sherwood Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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