Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)—formerly known as Saigon—is Vietnam’s largest city and economic hub. A dynamic blend of modern energy, colonial charm, war history, and street food paradise, it offers something for every traveler.

Overview

• Location: Southern Vietnam, on the Saigon River.

• Population: ~9 million people.

• A city of contrasts: high-rise towers meet ancient temples, luxury malls meet bustling street markets.

Top Attractions

1. War Remnants Museum

• Powerful exhibits on the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective.

• Displays include wartime photography, weapons, and the effects of Agent Orange.

2. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

• Former presidential palace of South Vietnam.

• Preserved 1970s interiors; iconic tanks mark where the Vietnam War ended on April 30, 1975.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

• French colonial architecture from the 1880s.

• The cathedral is under renovation but still impressive; the post office is fully functional and picturesque.

4. Ben Thanh Market

• Central landmark and bustling traditional market.

• Great for souvenirs, clothes, local eats like bánh xèo and fresh sugarcane juice.

5. Cu Chi Tunnels (half-day trip)

• An hour from the city.

• Crawl through the underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war.

?️ Other Experiences

• Bitexco Financial Tower & Skydeck

• Great views of the city skyline and Saigon River.

• Bui Vien Street (Backpacker Street)

• Lively nightlife, cheap bars, hostels, and street food.

• Nguyen Hue Walking Street

• Pedestrian plaza with fountains and modern cafés; family-friendly in the evenings.

• Jade Emperor Pagoda

• One of the most important Taoist temples in the city, full of incense and spiritual statues.

Street Food Must-Try

• Bánh mì (Vietnamese baguette sandwich)

• Phở (beef noodle soup)

• Cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork)

• Gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls)

• Bún thịt nướng (grilled pork noodles)

Where to Shop

• Saigon Centre / Takashimaya – upscale shopping mall.

• Ben Thanh Market – souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts.

• An Đông Market – great for fabrics and accessories.

• Taka Plaza / Saigon Square – bargain shopping.

Where to Stay

District 1 (best for tourists)

• Luxury: The Reverie Saigon, Caravelle, Park Hyatt.

• Mid-range: Liberty Central, Silverland Hotels.

• Budget: Hostels around Bui Vien or Nguyen Thai Binh.

District 3 (local vibe, still central)

• Quieter than District 1, with good local eateries and French villas.

Best Time to Visit

• Dry season: Dec–April (best weather, lots of festivals).

• Rainy season: May–November (short afternoon showers, lush scenery).

Getting Around

• Grab app (motorbike & car rideshare) is easiest.

• Taxis: Use Vinasun or Mai Linh (metered and reliable).

• Walking: Be alert! Motorbike traffic is intense.

• Hop-on hop-off bus and river cruises are available for sightseeing.

✈️ How to Get There

• Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): Vietnam’s busiest international airport.

• Direct flights from Asia, Australia, and increasingly from Europe and the U.S.

Travel Tips

• Be cautious of petty theft (especially phones and bags on motorbikes).

• Dress modestly when visiting temples or war memorials.

• Crossing streets: Be confident, walk slowly—traffic will move around you.

• Try local coffee: Cà phê sữa đá (iced coffee with condensed milk) is iconic.