Ho Chi Minh City
Southeast Asia · Vietnam
Did you know?
- French colonial buildings stand beside modern skyscrapers.
- Phạm Ngũ Lão is a backpacker area for hostels, food and nightlife.
- The Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta are day-trip options.
See also
Overview
Ho Chi Minh City combines French colonial buildings, skyscrapers and museums of the war years. Phạm Ngũ Lão offers a base for hostels, street food, nightlife and trips toward the Mekong Delta.
Languages: Vietnamese
Why go?
Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by locals, is Vietnam's economic powerhouse and most cosmopolitan city. It's a chaotic assault on the senses: motorbikes swarm every street, French colonial buildings stand next to modern skyscrapers, war museums tell a sobering history, and street food is an adventure in itself. Backpackers flock to the Phạm Ngũ Lão area for cheap eats, hostels, and nightlife, making it a great base for day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting in
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is 8 km north of the city centre, with flights from major Asian hubs and beyond. A taxi to District 1 costs 80,000-150,000 dong. The Saigon railway station on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street connects to Hanoi and other cities via the Reunification Express. Buses from the Mien Dong Coach Station serve destinations north and east, while Mien Tay Bus Station handles the Mekong Delta.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
Getting around Saigon is a challenge due to traffic chaos. Walking is practical only in compact areas like the backpacker district. Motorbike taxis (xe om) are quick and cheap; agree a fare before riding. Metered taxis from Mai Linh or Vinasun are reliable. Public buses cost 5,000-7,000 dong but are slow. The Hop-On Hop-Off bus covers major sights. For independence, rent a motorbike from 150,000 dong/day.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
The best time is the dry season from December to May, especially December to February when temperatures and humidity are lower and the city is more pleasant. March and April are the hottest months, reaching 40°C. The wet season from May to October brings heavy downpours and high humidity, but also greener landscapes and fewer tourists. Tet (Lunar New Year, Jan/Feb) is busy and many businesses close.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- drink
163 Cyclo Bar
Two doors down from the Duna Hotel. Thumping music until 02:00 with friendly staff. Sex workers catering to Western men here. If you're not interested, just gently let it be known.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Acoustic Cafe
Though only 1 km from the heavily touristed centre, this club is completely outside the tourist orbit, and offers an interesting view of local life. The all-Vietnamese house band performs every night, mostly American music, and it's always jammed with student-aged groupies. For some reason, they address the crowd in English between songs, even though half the crowd doesn't understand. On weekends, at least, you need to arrive by 19:30 to have any hope of getting a seat. If your hobby is rock ballad or hard rock, you should go on Friday night.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Alibi
Very cosy atmosphere, with sofas lining the walls and beautiful decor. Good food & drinks selection, nice music, and a mix of both locals & expats. Friendly staff, and the management's always there to make you feel welcome and make sure you get what you are asking for.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Allez Boo
For those who have been here before, you'll find the original bar is now Highlands Coffee and an all new Allez Boo has opened on the opposite corner. It's shiny and brand-new, but retains the same feel as the original. There's a bar with air-con on the 2nd floor with DJ-type music, and an airy rooftop patio. Quite similar to its sibling establishment, Go2 Bar.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- drink
Apocalypse Now
Legendary and still packed on weekends, although aside from a few movie references it's not all that much to look at. Stays open late. Now opened their 2nd floor for DJ, dancing, drinks with less crowded atmosphere.
Recorded price: Cover charge of 150,000 dong
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Ben Thanh Market
A den of thieves, but great shopping for tourists — locals rarely head here for their every day needs. Ben Thanh is recognizable from its clock tower on the large roundabout. Due to its popularity with tourists, the market is now divided between tourist goods (jeans, T-shirts, smaller souvenirs in abundance) and regular items (fruit and vegetables, rice, kitchen wares, flowers, meat, fast food and local-style pickled fruits). Most items are not price-marked, and vendors always quote a 50-100% higher price to tourists, so bargaining hard will save you money. Bargaining is common in traditional markets. Feel free to negotiate the price before purchasing items. The chief method of parting visitors from their money is ambiguity: for example, never making it quite clear how much you are being quoted or what the exact price is or what exchange rate is being used to calculate your change. Be ready for these ruses (often by a sweet, smiling young lady), or be prepared to part with more cash than you need to. At the north side (back) of Ben Thanh Market are some shops that are operated by Ben Thanh Group and they sell goods at fixed price and much cheaper than the stalls in the market. No bargaining needed. If the good selection of knock-offs here just won't do, there's plenty to be had in the surrounding side street shops or night market later. If retail warfare isn't your cup of tea, you could skip the touristy Ben Thanh altogether and go to Chợ Bình Tây.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Book Street
Book Street has a number of book shops, both run by individual vendors and some of Vietnam’s publishing houses. You can find books in both English and Vietnamese, as well as a few other languages. Prices vary from bargain used book racks to pricy illustrated volumes hot off the press. There are two cafes on the street that are a nice stop for coffee while exploring a newly-purchased book. The centre of the street often has art exhibits or special displays and there is a stage that is occasionally used to hold live talk shows and other events. Book selection is often curiously limited, with many of the books in English being safe business and self-help titles, or obviously touristic in nature.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- buy
Bum Shop
Shop Specializes in selling unisex clothing such as loose-fit T-shirts, hoodies, jogger pants for men and women. Special sizes for foreigners.
Recorded price: Tshirt 100,000 dong, Jogger Pants 180–260,000 dong, Hoodie 200,000 dong
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Free Wi-Fi at most hotels and cafes. Local SIM with data from Viettel for about 50,000 dong.
Culture
Avoid discussing the Vietnam War with locals. Southerners are generally more hospitable than Northerners.
Food
Street food is cheap: banh mi thit from 10,000 dong, com tam from 18,000 dong. Try pho and bun bo Hue.
Health
Tap water is unsafe. Drink bottled or filtered water. Street food is generally safe but choose busy stalls.
Language
English widely spoken by younger people. French spoken by some older educated individuals.
Local transport
Taxis: Mai Linh or Vinasun. Xe om (motorbike taxis): negotiate fare. Public bus: 5,000-7,000 dong.
Money
Local currency is Vietnamese dong (VND). Many prices quoted in USD for tourism services. ATMs widely available.
Safety
Pickpocketing and snatch theft from motorbikes are common in District 1 and backpacker area. Keep valuables secure.
Transport
Walking long distances is impractical due to heat and traffic. Taxis and ride-hailing are recommended.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.