Top Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City: Best Activities & Must-Sees
By Tina
July 14, 2026
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and its true economic engine! Are you looking for a vibrant destination where futuristic skyscrapers, traditional temples, mouth-watering street food, and a lively nightlife all mingle? We're taking you to the unmissable Ho Chi Minh City!
Whether you are a fan of historical monuments from the French colonial era, a street food enthusiast on the hunt for the best banh mi in the city, or simply there to discover the nightlife of Bui Vien Street, Ho Chi Minh City really has something to please you!
In this guide, Trip.com reveals all the secrets for an ideal stay in Ho Chi Minh City! We tell you everything, including our budget-friendly tips for your activities and sightseeing!
💡Did you know? Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has undergone an incredible transformation in just a few decades! Up until the 1970s, the city lived to the rhythm of floating markets on the Saigon River, with market boats supplying the districts from the Mekong Delta (some still exist today, just imagine!). It was only after the economic opening of the 1990s that the metropolis transformed into a giant of 9 million inhabitants with its skyscrapers and wild nightlife!
🛵 Popular Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- 🚌 Ho Chi Minh City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus 🌟 From £4.30 -- Panoramic city tour
- 📮 Saigon Central Post Office 🆓 Free entry -- A jewel of colonial architecture
- 🏙 Landmark 81 Sky View Observatory 🌃 From £11.66 -- Breathtaking view
- 🎭 Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre 🎪 From £9.00 -- A fascinating traditional show
- 🚢 Saigon River Princess Cruise ⛴ From £21.71 -- Romantic dinner cruise
🗓️ What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City Based on Your Stay
Naturally, what you'll be able to do in Ho Chi Minh City will mainly depend on how much time you have there! Whether you're just making a quick one-day stopover between flights or are lucky enough to have a full week to really soak up the Saigon atmosphere, Trip.com has prepared itineraries tailored to every situation.
And don't worry, even for a quick 24-hour trip you can still see quite a lot if you plan it well!
Length of stay | As a couple | With family | With friends | Solo |
1 day | Historic centre on foot (Central Post Office + Notre-Dame Cathedral + Dong Khoi Street) + sunset at Landmark 81 | Discover the historic centre + Ben Thanh Market + Golden Dragon puppet show | Hop On Hop Off tour + market + sunset rooftop bar | Free stroll around District 1 + War Remnants Museum + local beer on Bui Vien Street |
2-3 days | Day 1: city centre + Saigon River Princess cruise. Day 2: colonial quarters + Cho Lon Chinatown. Day 3: trendy Thao Dien cafés + spa | Add zoo & botanical garden + Hop On Hop Off tour + YouTube street food lunch | Add a scooter food tour + sunset drink at Landmark 81 + night out on Bui Vien | Mix of cultural visits + Thao Dien cafés + evening of live music bars |
4-5 days | Include a Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta excursion to discover the countryside | Mekong Delta day trip by boat + bike ride through orchards | Cu Chi + Mekong in a group + evenings in different neighbourhoods | Mix of sightseeing + getaways + cooking classes + night markets |
🏷️ Get flights, hotels, train tickets, eSIMs, attractions and tours in Ho Chi Minh City at discounted rates.
Explore the exceptional sites of Ho Chi Minh City
See all attractions
4067 booked
![Mekong River Day Trip in Ho Chi Minh City [English and Chinese commentary service + boating in the coconut grove + optional lunch]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0354a12000m3n5ec511EE_C_568_320.png)
🏘️ Must-Visit Districts in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is truly a city of distinct neighbourhoods, as if you were visiting several cities in one! From the very touristy and convenient District 1 to the leafy residential streets of Thao Dien, and passing through the historic Chinatown of Cho Lon, every corner really has its own atmosphere. We'll show you the unmissable ones!
District 1: the historic and lively heart of Saigon
District 1 is truly THE central district where most of the iconic monuments are concentrated: the Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Municipal Opera House, the City Hall, Ben Thanh Market, and all the major shopping avenues like Dong Khoi Street!
You'll also find a multitude of hotels for every budget, restaurants, bars, and shopping centres, making it the ideal spot for a first trip.
This is where you can stroll along Dong Khoi Street, filled with luxury boutiques and international brands, admire the French colonial architecture all around you, visit the main museums (notably the War Remnants Museum, which is truly striking), and enjoy the nightlife on the illuminated pedestrian streets.
District 3: local atmosphere and colonial villas
Right next to District 1 but far less touristy, District 3 is loved for its tree-lined streets, beautiful colonial villas converted into trendy cafés, and a truly more local atmosphere.
You'll find several pagodas, charming little neighbourhood markets, and many authentic Vietnamese restaurants where you'll see almost nothing but locals! A real treat for the palate as you discover many authentic dishes!
This neighbourhood is perfect if you're looking to stay somewhere a little quieter while still being close to the centre, with good connections by taxi, Grab or bus. Plus, hotel prices here are often more affordable than right in the heart of District 1!
District 5 (Cho Lon): Saigon's historic Chinatown
District 5, also known as Cho Lon (which means "big market" in Vietnamese), is the historic Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City (locals here still call it Saigon), renowned for its magnificent, richly decorated pagodas, bustling markets, and traditional medicine shops!
As you wander through its streets, you'll discover colourful temples with red lanterns everywhere, charming old facades, and a super intense commercial buzz.
It's also an excellent place to taste delicious Sino-Vietnamese cuisine and explore markets that are less touristy than Ben Thanh, particularly the large Binh Tay market, which is truly authentic!
Thao Dien (District 2): trendy cafés and expat life
Located in District 2 on the other side of the Saigon River, the Thao Dien neighbourhood has become a haven for expats and travellers in search of designer cafés, independent boutiques and international restaurants! The atmosphere here is much more relaxed, with leafy residential streets, cool concept stores, cocktail bars and even a few small art galleries.
It's an excellent choice if you want to alternate between days exploring the city centre and quieter evenings in cosy spots by the river. Digital nomads love this neighbourhood for its cafés with perfect Wi-Fi where you can work in peace!
Bui Vien Street: the wildest nightlife in South-East Asia
You can't talk about the districts of Ho Chi Minh City without mentioning the legendary Bui Vien Street! Located in District 1, this pedestrian street is literally THE beating heart of Saigon's nightlife! As soon as night falls, the street lights up with a thousand colourful neon signs, music is everywhere, and hundreds of bars, pubs, clubs, and restaurants open their terraces with little plastic chairs on the pavement.
It's the perfect spot to grab a cold beer for next to nothing (barely 50 cents!), listen to live music, meet travellers from all over the world, and soak up the crazy atmosphere late into the night!
💡 Trip.com tip: do be careful though, keep your belongings close to you as the area is usually crowded in the evening and pickpockets are on the lookout.
Hotels: Save up to 10% (Book online or on Mobile)
Homes & Apts: Save up to £39 (App-only deal)
Best Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
5 star
Very Good1402 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City|3.17km from city centre
The room is neat and clean, and very spacious. The bathroom is big and well equipped with the essential toiletries, and bath robes are provided too. The bed is firm and comfortable, with big fluffy pillows. Adequate lightings to brighten up the room.From£50
Amazing858 Reviews
District 1 Ho Chi Minh City|0.84km from city centre
I had a lot of hotels to choose from in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. I'd stayed at another one twice before and really liked it, but this time I wanted to be even closer to the city center. After a lot of searching, I picked this one and was absolutely thrilled after checking in!
First off, the location is unbeatable, truly unbeatable. It's right next to the Opera House, next to the Sheraton, and super close to all the attractions. Everything is within walking distance downstairs, and if you want to shop, it's incredibly convenient with various malls right below. Plus, there are tons of great restaurants and cafes nearby. Seriously, it's just awesome. I'll definitely stay here again next time!From£100
Amazing1581 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City|2.31km from city centre
Hotel Nikko Saigon — one of the best hotel stays I’ve ever had
My stay at Hotel Nikko Saigon was genuinely exceptional. I have stayed at other Nikko properties before, including Nikko Kansai Airport and Nikko Guam, and I can honestly say that Nikko Saigon exceeded both of them. In fact, the level of service was even better than what I experienced at my previous destination in Singapore, including at the Marriott hotel where I stayed.
From the moment I arrived, I was incredibly impressed by the staff. The doormen and reception staff were waiting to greet guests at the entrance, and one of the staff members noticed my Japanese passport and kindly spoke to me in Japanese. She explained everything about the hotel and even helped carry my heavy backpack. These small details made me feel genuinely welcomed and cared for.
One moment in particular made a very strong impression on me. I was travelling alone, and when my Grab driver suddenly started asking me for additional payment, claiming that he had “forgotten to add it through the app,” I was completely caught off guard. I had no cash with me because I thought I could manage a 22-hour layover entirely cashless.
I wasn’t even sure what amount the driver was asking for in the end, but the hotel staff immediately stepped in. They scanned a QR code, checked something on the driver’s phone, and I asked whether he had paid or whether I could transfer the amount or add it to my hotel bill. The staff simply told me not to worry about it and handled the situation themselves. As a young woman travelling alone, I honestly don’t know what I would have done if I had arrived at a hotel where the staff had not intervened. The two doormen in particular made sure the situation was handled and that I was safely away from the car. I am incredibly grateful to them.
The turn-down service was also absolutely outstanding. It was so seamless and thoughtful that it genuinely surprised me. The staff entered the room while I was away, and although I had left my belongings somewhat scattered around, they had taken such care with everything. They had even carefully flattened out the wrinkled receipts I had left on the table, cleared away my empty coffee cup, and left chocolates on the bed. It was an incredibly thoughtful touch.
The only thing I would mention as a small concern is that I was not aware that the staff had entered my room while I was away. Since I had left some personal belongings scattered around, I would have appreciated being informed beforehand. That said, the care they took with the room and the little details more than demonstrated how attentive the staff were.
Literally, this is one of the best hotel experiences I have ever had. The combination of genuinely warm hospitality, attentiveness, and thoughtful service was outstanding. Hotel Nikko Saigon has set an extremely high standard for me, and I would happily return without hesitation.From£92
Amazing889 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City|0.6km from city centre
I booked a premium room at Mai House Saigon, but I was pleasantly surprised when I arrived and received an upgrade to a premium suite.
The suite provided a much larger living area, which made the stay feel especially comfortable. After long days exploring the city in the heat, having a spacious place to relax was a real luxury.
The location was also convenient, making it easy to access many restaurants, cafés and attractions around the city.
One small thing worth mentioning for future guests is the bathroom hot water system. At first, it was a little confusing to figure out because the controls are not immediately obvious. You need to press a safety valve to activate the hot water. It sounds simple, but it took a while to figure it out after fiddling with the tap for a while. Once I understood how it worked, there was no issue, but I can imagine some guests may find it frustrating initially, especially after arriving tired and simply wanting to take a shower. It seems unnecessary and I would suggest the hotel updates the taps.
During my stay, I also recommend taking advantage of the hotel facilities. The spa is a wonderful addition and provides a relaxing escape after spending time exploring the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City.
The Mediterranean restaurant at the hotel is also worth visiting. Every dish I ordered tasted delicious - even if I wasn’t staying at the hotel, I would have wanted to travel to try the food.
I would highly recommend considering Mai House.From£126
Great781 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|1.04km from city centre
This hotel stay turned out to be even more pleasant than I expected. From the moment the bellboy proactively took my luggage when I got out of the car, to the efficient check-in process at the front desk, there was no unnecessary waiting. The staff's smiles were just right – not overly enthusiastic, but not aloof either.
Upon entering the room, the first thing I noticed was how spotless it was. No dust on the surfaces or floor, and even the curtain seams were clean. The bed was soft yet supportive, and the toiletries were high quality with a refreshing, non-overpowering scent. Opening the floor-to-ceiling windows revealed an expansive city street view. In the evening, I enjoyed sitting by the window, feeling the breeze. A convenience store and coffee shop were just a two-minute walk away. The location was perfect – quiet yet central, making it convenient for getting around without being disturbed by the city's hustle and bustle.
The breakfast selection wasn't huge, but every item was exquisite. The freshly made noodles were perfectly al dente, and the freshly squeezed juice had no added sugar, which was exactly to my taste. Overall, while it doesn't boast exaggerated '网红' (internet-famous) design, it's full of thoughtful details. It's definitely a place I'd choose to stay again the next time I visit this city.From£111
Business travel
Very Good566 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|0.59km from city centre
Pros: amazingly delicious buffet breakfast from western to asian cuisines. Delicious food and always fresh seasonal fruits. Menu changes daily. Their Triple Roomnis quiet spacious with bonggavillas on window sills. Room is cleaned and linens changed on a daily basis. Bar at the rooftop with jacuzzis and spa pool which added to the zen vibes. Lobby is dimly lighted but just enough to light the way which I think uphholds to its ZEN vibes. The location is superb. Next to it are spas for hair, nails, massage and 3 mins walk right through ben thanh market, saigon square, saigon center. 10 mins walk to Notre Dame Cathedral. Easy to catch Grab. Staff are all very friendly, helpful and communicates in English well.
Cons: they don't have a swimming pool as what is advertised on its amenities. It's more like a spa pool where clients can sit, dip and maybe drink some coctails while watching the night lights and relaxing with the zen environment. However, the spa pool is perfect for my 8 yo nephew. He can play, swim on the pool without us worrying that the water might be deep for him. Bath tub is high so its not good for a short elderly client who got issues with mobility. My 78 yo mom got a hard time climbing in and out of the tub as its also slippery. We finally managed by letting her sit on th edge of the tub first before putting her foot in/out of the tub and putting towel on the floor of the tub while she's showering.From£29
Very Good314 Reviews
District 1 Ho Chi Minh City|0.85km from city centre
The location is absolutely fantastic! It's in the safest area of Ho Chi Minh City, and we even stumbled upon a lively local event. It's an old hotel that's been recently renovated, and the hot water really is hot. There's still room for improvement, but overall, it's good. The service is excellent; the front desk staff were all very enthusiastic and even helped us prepare a breakfast box since we had an early flight and couldn't make it to breakfast.From£29
Very Good577 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|0.93km from city centre
I visit Ho Chi Minh City every 3-4 months and always book my stay here. It's close to Ben Thanh Market and within walking distance to Bui Vien. The breakfast is also excellent. Plus, Manager Tien is incredibly kind and perceptive; even with my limited English, communication during check-in and when addressing any issues was never a problem.From£31
Great120 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|0.88km from city centre
My third time at this hotel. Very convenient because of the location, the reception staff are very pleasant and happy to help you. The breakfast is very boring. Cheap ingredients. And the room is too small for the number of guests even though they added a room. Going down the stairs is not the most convenient. And the service lacks character, the cook does a great job and always fills in what is missing. You can see that he is professional and experienced. And he is also very friendly. But we took sandwiches for the long train ride and I must say that this was the biggest disappointment. Because I did not take a sandwich down to the kitchen for myself, because to get a sandwich from the dining room I am supposed to pay extra. Although only a few dollars, the principle is completely stupid. The sandwich I received was terrible, dry, boring, made from two slices of cheap bread, a kind of cheese leaf and a hard-boiled egg. Something really inedible. Bread that chokes you. I prefer nothing to this free nothing.From£28
Very Good703 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City|1.34km from city centre
The hotel is conveniently located in District 1, close to every attractions and restaurants. What I asbsolutely love about this hotel is 24-hour stay policy. I check in around 1AM and check out around 10PM, which is perfect and no other hotel in the city offers this kind of flexibility.
The hotel holds a youthful vibe. You can feel it through their modern, chic design and the lobby space.
The room, however, would be a little small for 2 guests. When I arrive, my room had a stinky smell of mold. I told the front desk and they brought in a dehumidifier immediately.From£39
Family friendly
Great550 Reviews
District 1 Ho Chi Minh City|1.29km from city centre
Hello, I was the guest in room 206, checking in on June 30th. After resting for a bit, I went out around 3 PM. When I left, my suitcase was open, and inside were clothes and a GoPro camera, which was attached to a neck strap mount and not easy to remove. When I returned in the evening, I noticed the room had been tidied. The next morning, I checked out and left my luggage at the hotel. Around 6 PM that afternoon, I returned to pick up my luggage to go to the airport. During that time, I opened my suitcase once at the luggage storage area to put something in. I didn't use the GoPro at all during my two days and one night in Ho Chi Minh City, so I didn't pay close attention to it. Afterward, I flew directly to Hanoi, and at the hotel there, I discovered my GoPro was missing from my suitcase, with only the neck strap mount remaining. I contacted you to help me look for the camera, but you said it hadn't been seen. After returning home, I carefully replayed all the events in my mind, and it's only possible that it went missing at your hotel. I hope that after seeing this review, you can help me check the surveillance footage again and contact me.From£83
Very Good1007 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City|1.58km from city centre
Overall, the hardware is excellent, but the front desk service needs improvement.
My overall stay was actually quite good. The hotel lobby is spacious and beautiful, with a strong sense of design, and there are many comfortable seats, making the wait during check-in quite pleasant. The room was also satisfactory – clean, spacious, and equipped with a bathtub; the overall hardware facilities were excellent.
The breakfast was the highlight. The breakfast area is on the top floor, where you can walk out onto the outdoor terrace to enjoy views of Ho Chi Minh City. The morning breeze was very refreshing. The food selection was incredibly diverse, including Vietnamese, Chinese, Western, Japanese, and Indian cuisines, offering such a wide variety it felt like a dinner buffet, just without seafood. One or two floors above the top floor, there’s also a large infinity pool, with a very relaxing environment. However, the pool is quite deep, reaching around shoulder height, so be mindful when using it.
However, some unpleasant incidents occurred on the day of check-out. There's an electronic entertainment/game area on the 4th floor, and staff mentioned that each guest room receives a USD25 voucher. After I collected the voucher for my room, my friend was checking out of their room next to me. I reminded the front desk staff to give them their voucher, but the staff member seemed to ignore me and continued with the check-out process. Only afterwards did they say that since the room was already checked out, they couldn't issue the voucher. When I tried to explain further, the staff member became impatient and even slammed documents on the counter, making their colleagues a bit awkward. Ultimately, I had to escalate the issue to another manager, who then helped to cancel the original check-out process and re-issue the voucher to my friend.
Additionally, for a hotel of this caliber, I had expected a welcome drink to be offered proactively, but it was self-service, requiring guests to fetch it themselves. I felt that the attention to service details could be better.
In summary, the hotel's hardware, rooms, breakfast, and pool are all quite good, but the front desk's service attitude and how they handle guest inquiries still have room for improvement. The hardware is highly recommended, but the service experience didn't fully align with the hotel's positioning.From£73
Great1819 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City|3.51km from city centre
This hotel is located in District 5, the heart of the Chinese community, making it very convenient to get around. There are many restaurants and shops nearby, and communication is easy. The hotel rooms are spacious and very clean, making for a comfortable stay overall. The lobby staff are very polite and service is quick. Breakfast offers a wide variety of choices.From£42
Very Good302 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City Centre Ho Chi Minh City|0.95km from city centre
I was very disappointed with the attitude of the hotel staff during my stay. Several employees came across as arrogant and unhelpful, especially at the front desk. Instead of providing assistance, they often made me feel as if my questions and requests were an inconvenience. This is not the level of professionalism I expect from a hotel in this price range. I hope management will address this issue and provide better training in customer service and basic courtesy.
Anyway, it should be last time I will visit this hotel.From£51
Amazing199 Reviews
Ho Chi Minh City|0.29km from city centre
I've stayed at this hotel both times I've been to Ho Chi Minh City for business. The location is great, I really like the decor, and the service is excellent. The only minor drawback is that the toilet isn't a smart toilet, but overall, I really enjoy my stays here.From£110
⭐ Top 5 Activities and Landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City
After exploring the city's must-visit districts, it's time for the top activities you can't miss in Ho Chi Minh City! Here is our current top 5:
Ho Chi Minh City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus: the ideal option for discovering the city quickly
The Ho Chi Minh City Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is truly the perfect activity for families or friends to quickly discover all the city's main sites without the hassle of figuring out transport!
The concept is simple: you buy a 24-hour ticket, hop on and off as many times as you like at the stops of your choice (monuments, museums, districts, markets), and enjoy audio commentary in several languages to learn all about the city's history.
This is an excellent option for your first day, especially if you're short on time or travelling as a family with children who can't walk for hours! The open-top sightseeing buses also allow you to take great photos of the skyline and bustling boulevards without getting stuck in scooter traffic.
Saigon Central Post Office: an architectural jewel not to be missed
Located right opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral in the heart of District 1, the Saigon Central Post Office is truly one of the city's most iconic buildings!
Built between 1886 and 1891 and designed by French architect Alfred Foulhoux, it blends classic European style with colonial touches, featuring a pastel yellow façade, large wrought-iron arches, and a magnificent interior glass roof that resembles an old Parisian railway station.
Entry is completely free and the place still functions as a real post office, which is pretty crazy when you think about it! Inside you'll see a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh at the back, old vintage telephone booths, antique maps of Vietnam on the walls, and plenty of little shops selling postcards and cool souvenirs.
It's also a great spot for taking Instagrammable photos with the beautiful light streaming through the glass roof!
Landmark 81 Sky View Observatory: the most impressive view in the city
At 461 metres high, Landmark 81 is one of the tallest towers in Asia and dominates the entire Ho Chi Minh skyline! At the top, the Sky View Observatory offers an absolutely spectacular 360° panoramic view of the Saigon River winding below, the central districts with their buildings, and the outlying neighbourhoods as far as the eye can see.
Ultra-fast lifts whisk you up to the observation floors in seconds, where you'll find large floor-to-ceiling windows to admire the view, photo platforms, and even areas with transparent glass floors for the brave who want to take a photo above the void!
📌 The Trip.com recommendation: the best time to go is undoubtedly late afternoon, so you can soak up the golden light, the sunset, and finally the city as it gradually lights up at nightfall. A magical moment!
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater: a traditional show you absolutely must see
Another unmissable activity you shouldn't miss: the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater! This very ancient traditional Vietnamese art form (which comes from the rice paddies of northern Vietnam) features colourful wooden puppets that come to life on the water while an orchestra plays traditional music live with typical instruments.
The show lasts about an hour and tells Vietnamese legends, scenes of daily life in the villages (fishing, rice cultivation, festivals), and important historical moments, all with lighting effects and spurting water!
Saigon River Princess Cruise: romantic dinner cruise on the river
To end a day of sightseeing on a truly memorable and romantic note, there is nothing quite like a dinner cruise on the Saigon River Princess! Aboard this elegant boat, you will cruise peacefully along the Saigon River, admiring the city illuminated by all its neon lights and shining skyscrapers!
A delicious Vietnamese and international buffet dinner allows you to savour plenty of local specialities while cruising, usually whilst enjoying live music or traditional dance performances to set the mood!
It really is the perfect outing for couples looking for a romantic moment, but it's also highly popular with families and groups of friends who want to enjoy a different and relaxing evening after a day of walking.
🏷️ Get flights, hotels, train tickets, eSIMs, attractions and tours in Ho Chi Minh City at discounted rates.
Get the best eSIM for Vietnam
See all attractions
🌤️ Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct main seasons: a dry season and a rainy season, but frankly, temperatures remain warm all year round! You can therefore visit the city in any season, provided you don't mind the humidity and a few heavy downpours during the monsoon.
Here is a summary table to help you choose:
Season | Weather | Comments | Activities & Festivals |
🌸Dry season (Dec–Mar) | Moderate heat (25-30°C), dry weather | THE ideal time! Clear skies, little rain | City tours, river cruises, Cu Chi & Mekong excursions, Tet (Lunar New Year) |
☀️End of dry season (Apr–May) | Very hot (up to 35-38°C), humid | Can be tiring during the day | Early morning or evening activities, rooftops, air-conditioned museums, swimming pools |
🌧Rainy season (Jun–Sep) | Hot and very humid, short showers late in the day | Heavy rain, but it rarely lasts all day | Museums, shopping centres, spas, puppet shows, covered markets |
🍂End of monsoon (Oct–Nov) | Drier weather, bearable heat | Excellent time with less rain | Comprehensive tours, sunset cruises, Mekong Delta getaways |
Book a cheap flight to Ho Chi Minh City
LON-SGN
MAN-SGN
EDI-SGN
BHX-SGN
GLA-SGN
See all flights
🚌 Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is also an excellent starting point for exploring the surrounding area! Tempted? Here are our top day trips from Ho Chi Minh City:
Cu Chi Tunnels: a deep dive into Vietnam's history
Located about 70 km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an absolutely essential historical site for understanding the Vietnam War. This network of over 250 km of underground tunnels allowed Vietnamese fighters to resist American forces for years. This visit is truly striking for understanding the ingenuity of the Vietnamese fighters!
Essential information:
- Travel time: around 1h30 from the centre.
- Transport: minibus or bus excursion, sometimes combined with the Mekong.
- The highlights: a network of underground tunnels used during the war, reconstructions, historical explanations, and the chance to crawl through some of the widened passages.
Mekong Delta: endless rice paddies, orchards and canals
For a nature getaway and a total change of scenery, head to the Mekong Delta! This lush region, where the famous river divides into several branches before reaching the sea, offers landscapes of endless rice paddies, authentic floating markets, and traditional villages where time seems to have stood still. A day in the delta is a striking contrast to the hustle and bustle of Saigon!
Essential information:
- Journey time: 2 to 2.5 hours depending on the departure city (My Tho, Ben Tre, Cai Be).
- Transport: bus + boat excursions, sometimes by bike.
- Must-sees: boat trips on the Mekong branches, tropical orchard islets, craft workshops, fruit tasting, floating markets.
🍜 Ho Chi Minh City, a Paradise for Vietnamese Street Food
What would a trip to Ho Chi Minh City be without tasting its renowned street food? On every street corner, you will find stalls selling delicious dishes for just a few euros, and the atmosphere of sitting on little plastic chairs on the pavement is all part of the experience.
Here are the dishes you absolutely have to try during your stay:
- Pho: THE legendary soup of Vietnam with its beef broth simmered for hours, fresh rice noodles, tender meat and aromatic herbs. Pho Hoa Pasteur (260C Pasteur, District 3) is renowned for being one of the best!
- Banh Mi: the Vietnamese sandwich served in a crispy baguette inherited from the French, filled with pâté, Vietnamese cold cuts, pickled vegetables, coriander, and spicy sauce. The best in Saigon? Banh Mi Huynh Hoa with its ultra-generous filling!
- Bun Bo Hue: a spicy noodle soup from Hue with beef, pork and a chilli sauce that packs a punch!
- Banh Bao: fluffy steamed buns filled with meat and eggs, perfect for a snack.
- Banh Cuon: ultra-thin, delicate steamed rice rolls filled with meat and served with nước mắm sauce.
Have a great trip to Ho Chi Minh City! ✨
❓ FAQ – Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
-
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City in one day?
-
What's the best district to stay in?
-
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City when it rains?
-
Is the city worth visiting in the evening?
🧩 Explore Ho Chi Minh City & beyond
How to Get from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to City Center
Explore all transport options from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city center, including buses, taxis, Grab, private transfers, car rentals, and travel tips.
September 13, 2026
Best Time to Go to Southern Vietnam: Weather, Seasons & Activities
When is the best time to visit Southern Vietnam? Find the ideal time to go by weather, seasons, and budget, plus top destinations and activities.
September 13, 2026
Best eSIM for Vietnam from £0.43
Find the best Vietnam eSIM options for tourists. Compare prices, data plans, and coverage to stay connected with high-speed 4G/5G during your Vietnam trip.
September 13, 2026
Vietnam entry requirements for UK travellers: What visa or documents do you need?
Check Vietnam entry requirements, including visa rules, required documents, health regulations, and stay limits for UK and international travellers.
September 13, 2026
Top Things to do in Vietnam: Best Activities & Must-Sees
Discover what to do in Vietnam: top activities, must-see sights, local culture and neighbourhoods to make the most of your trip.
September 13, 2026
Top Things to do in Hanoi: Best Activities & Must-Sees
What to do in Hanoi? Discover the best activities, where to stay, street food, day trips, and must-see sights – plus when to visit for the perfect break.
September 13, 2026
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Popular Searches
-
Travel guides