Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Opera House showing a city, a skyscraper and night scenes
Saigon River featuring a skyscraper, a lake or waterhole and a city
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 night scenes, street scenes and shopping

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(259 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 showing 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 featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(153 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 The Cresent Mall and Saigon River.

District 7
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District 5

District 5 is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by An Dong Market and Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda while in the area.

District 5
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 AU$225 per night from 25 July to 26 July
AU$225
25 July - 26 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"The hotel facilities and hospitalities were excellent. One of the main reasons I booked this hotel was that it advertised that it has an onsite tennis court. Unfortunately, tennis court was recently leased to external company and they had converted into pickleball courts. Which was a downside for ..."

Reviewed on 19 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 AU$188 per night from 27 July to 28 July
AU$188
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Ben Thanh Market and Bui Vien ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (60 reviews)
3 nights in Ho Chi Minh
"We spent 3 nights here on a tour of Vietnam in July 2025. This is not a big hotel and some minor work was still going on whencwe arrived. We had a Junior Suites for 2 adults and 2 late teenage children, which were absolutely fine. Everything was modern and clean as it had just been through a refurb. ..."

Reviewed on 22 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
The price is AU$215 per night from 1 Aug to 2 Aug
AU$215
1 Aug - 2 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,355 reviews)
"Friendly staff, quiet environment"

Reviewed on 21 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,342 reviews)
"We’ve stayed here twice now and absolutely love it. It’s the perfect base for our family of five - spacious, clean and super comfortable. The location makes it easy to explore Ho Chi Minh City, and it’s so nice to come back to a place that feels like home after a big day out. Would definitely stay ..."

Reviewed on 21 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 WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (854 reviews)
"Very friendly staff as well as clean property. Would definitely recommend this place for tourists!"

Reviewed on 22 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 WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (1,008 reviews)
"This was our second time staying at Sherwood Suites. We loved how spacious the room was. The staff were friendly and attentive. We would definitely stay at this hotel again in the future."

Reviewed on 21 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.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Ho Chi Minh City

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
184
5 - Excellent 36%
4 - Good
238
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
67
3 - Okay 13%
2 - Disappointing
15
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
5
1 - Terrible 1%

5/5 - Excellent

Suresh

Excellent food.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Love Vietnam but trip cut short because of covid19

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Very busy city. Worthwhile to get recommendations for restaurants as some of the best meals we had were in out of the way restaurants.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Grab bike rides are a fun cheap way to get around, last trip on the water taxi is good for night shots of downtown buildings lit up, Bitexco asian restaurant is more expensive than regular street level ones but excellent food and night views

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Theres lots to be seen if you look.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Amazing city