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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city, is renowned for its historical landmarks, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife. From the Cu Chi Tunnels to the War Remnants Museum, it seamlessly blends history with modernity. Explore French colonial architecture, savour street food, and discover top attractions. This guide covers everything from its location to the best time to visit, must-see sights, and accommodation options for a well-planned trip.
Location
Photo: tookapic/ Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the country’s economic and cultural hub. The city sits along the Saigon River, about 70 km from the South China Sea. It shares borders with Binh Duong, Dong Nai, Tay Ninh, and Long An provinces. Known for its historical sites and vibrant streets, it attracts millions of visitors each year.
How To Reach
Photo: Steffen Schmitz / Wikimedia Commons
You can reach Ho Chi Minh City by air, bus, or rail, with convenient connections from major cities and regions:
By Air: The primary airport that serves Ho Chi Minh City is Tan Son Nhat International Airport. It has connections to important cities throughout the world, such as Bangkok, Singapore, and London.
By Bus: Several long-distance buses connect Ho Chi Minh City with cities like Phnom Penh, Hanoi, and Da Nang. The Mien Dong Bus Station serves northern and central Vietnam routes, while Mien Tay Bus Station handles buses from the Mekong Delta.
By Rail: The Reunification Express runs from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, covering a scenic 1,726 km journey. The city’s railway station is in District 3, offering sleeper and express train services for a comfortable journey.
Places To Visit In And Around Ho Chi Minh City
You can explore several must-visit places in and around Ho Chi Minh City, offering rich history, culture, and vibrant attractions:
1. War Remnants Museum
Photo: Smuconlaw. / Wikimedia Commons
The War Remnants Museum displays the impact of the Vietnam War through photos, military vehicles, and preserved documents. It is one of the most visited places in Ho Chi Minh City, helping people understand Vietnam’s past struggles. The museum has outdoor exhibits featuring tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets used during the war. Inside, the galleries show war photography, personal stories, and letters from soldiers. One of the most talked-about sections is the Agent Orange Room, which highlights the long-term effects of chemical warfare
Timings: 7:30 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: 40,000 VND / ₹140
2. Cu Chi Tunnels
Photo: Isabell Schulz / Wikimedia Commons
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground network built by Vietnamese soldiers during the war. They extend over 250 km and were used as hiding spots, supply routes, and living quarters. The tunnels had kitchens, hospitals, and meeting rooms, making them a self-sustained underground base. Visitors can crawl through sections of the tunnels to experience how soldiers lived. There were demonstrations of booby traps, which were used against enemies.
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM
Entry Fee: 110,000 VND / ₹380
3. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica Of Saigon
Photo: Ottre / Wikimedia Commons
French colonists built Notre Dame Cathedral in the 19th century using imported materials from France. The red bricks used for its construction came from Marseille, and the stained-glass windows were crafted in Chartres. This cathedral is an important religious site for the local Catholic community, and it still holds regular church services. Many visitors come to admire its twin bell towers, which stand 58 metres tall. The statue of the Virgin Mary outside the cathedral is believed to have once shed tears, attracting thousands of visitors.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM
Entry Fee: Free
4. Ben Thanh Market
Photo: Ngô Trung / Wikimedia Commons
Ben Thanh Market is one of the oldest markets in Ho Chi Minh City and a popular shopping spot. It was originally established in the 17th century as a trading post and later developed into a large market. Today, it sells clothes, souvenirs, spices, and fresh produce. Many locals visit the market for everyday shopping, while tourists come to experience Vietnamese street food. Some must-try dishes include pho, banh xeo, and fresh spring rolls.
Timings: 6 AM – 6 PM; Night market from 7 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal Trip Duration: 1 – 2 hours
5. Saigon Skydeck In The Bitexco Financial Tower
Photo: Jean-Marie Hullot / Wikimedia Commons
The Saigon Skydeck, located on the 49th story of the Bitexco Financial Tower, offers tourists a panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City. The tower is 262 metres tall and was formerly Vietnam’s highest building. The design was inspired by the lotus bud, a Vietnamese cultural symbol. Visitors can utilise the binoculars provided on the deck to see attractions such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Saigon River from above. The Skydeck also includes a small exhibition space with historical photographs of the city’s evolution.
Timings: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
Entry Fee: 200,000 VND / ₹690
Where To Stay
Photo: ManuelaJaeger / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City ranges from budget hostels to luxury hotels. District 1 is the best area to stay for first-time visitors, offering easy access to attractions. Luxury travellers can opt for The Reverie Saigon, while mid-range options like Liberty Central Saigon are available. Budget travellers can stay at hostels such as The Hideout.
Where To Eat
Photo: stevepb / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Food lovers will enjoy Ho Chi Minh City’s diverse culinary scene. Pho Hoa Pasteur is famous for its traditional pho, while Banh Mi Huynh Hoa serves the city’s best banh mi. For authentic Vietnamese coffee, visit Trung Nguyên Legend Café. Street food stalls in District 4 and Ben Thanh Market are also great places to try local delicacies.
Best Time To Visit
Photo: Diego Delso / Wikimedia Commons
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is from December to April. It is perfect for tourism because the temperature swings from 21°C to 34°C. Although it rains a lot from May to November, fewer people visit during this time. The vibrant Tet / Vietnamese New Year celebration in January or February might be costly because of the great demand.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: flowcomm / Wikimedia Commons
Average Cost Of The Trip
A 3 day trip to Ho Chi Minh City costs around 4,500,000 VND / ₹15,500 per person. Budget travellers can manage under 2,500,000 VND / ₹8,600, while luxury stays can exceed 10,000,000 VND / ₹34,500. Accommodation, food, and local transport are affordable, making it a budget-friendly destination.
Tips For Travellers
- Carry Vietnamese Dong / VND, as some places don’t accept cards.
- Beware of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- Try local street food, but choose stalls with high turnover for freshness.
- Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting temples.
Ho Chi Minh City is rich in history, culture, and local experiences. Explore war museums, underground tunnels, bustling markets, and towering skyscrapers. From delicious street food to vibrant shopping, the city offers something for every traveller. Plan your trip with TripXL and discover all that this fascinating destination has to offer.
Cover Photo: Lê Minh Phát / Wikimedia Commons
