Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025 - Top Attractions, Local Food, Hotels & Travel Tips (Updated April, 2025) | Trip.com

About Ho Chi Minh City

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

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Ho Chi Minh City Local Travel Guide 2025

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Ho Chi Minh City Brief Guide

Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon. It is one of Vietnam's liveliest cities and a hub for commerce and culture. This place has all kinds of classically elegant French buildings. You will feel almost as if you are in Paris. Apart from the sightseeing tours of places like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Ho Chi Minh City Hall, and the Saigon Opera House, you can witness more grand French-style architecture off the beaten path by visiting the Central Post Office and mail a postcard. At the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, you can learn about Vietnam's more recent history, take a boat trip along the Mekong River, or enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee in an old French-style café. Phạm Ngũ Lão Street is very quiet and peaceful during daylight hours. Once night falls, however, this place comes alive. Not only an excellent place to enjoy the city's nightlife, it is also a favorite place for backpackers to stay.

Ho Chi Minh City Must-try Local Experiences

1. Delve into Ho Chi Minh City's Historical Landmarks Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, and Central Post Office to admire the French-style architecture, plus don't miss the War Remnants Museum for a more in-depth look at Vietnam's past. 2. Experience the Bustling Ben Thanh Market Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, where you can haggle for souvenirs, clothing, and enjoy delicious street food. 3. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels Discover the extensive network of Cu Chi Tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Crawl through the tunnels and learn about guerrilla warfare tactics. 4. Attend a Traditional Water Puppet Show Enjoy a captivating Vietnamese water puppet performance featuring colorful puppets, live music, and enchanting storytelling. 5. Visit the Ao Dai Museum Learn about the history and cultural significance of the Ao Dai, Vietnam's traditional dress, through exhibits at this dedicated museum. 6. Experience Vietnamese food and coffee culture Sample iconic dishes such as rice noodles, French bread sandwiches and fresh spring rolls at local restaurants and street food stalls. Vietnam is also famous for its coffee, so take in the rich flavour of Vietnamese coffee and try the local speciality, egg coffee. 7. Visit Dong Khoi Street in Cholon Explore Dong Khoi Street for high-end boutiques, local handicrafts and traditional Vietnamese clothing. 8. Capture the City's Skyline from a Rooftop Bar Ascend to a rooftop bar for panoramic views of the cityscape and capture stunning photos as the sun sets. 9. Photograph the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck Get panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Skydeck of the Bitexco Financial Tower, ideal for capturing the city's skyline. 10. Experience the City on a Scooter Tour Embrace the local way of life with an exhilarating scooter tour, exploring bustling streets and hidden alleys. 11. Enjoy a Relaxing River Cruise Escape the city's hustle and bustle with a tranquil river cruise along the Saigon River, enjoying the skyline and a delicious meal. 12. Take a Cyclo Ride Experience the city from a traditional cyclo, a leisurely way to explore the streets and take in the sights and sounds.

Ho Chi Minh City Must-see Attractions

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis rich in history and culture, featuring landmarks like the architecturally stunning Saigon Central Post Office, the backpacker-friendly Pham Ngu Lao area, the historically significant Reunification Palace, the modern Bitexco Financial Tower with panoramic views, and the traditional Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, all of which offer visitors a diverse and immersive experience of Vietnam's largest city.

Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant culinary hub where traditional dishes like Vietnamese spring rolls, bánh xèo, and bánh mì reflect its rich cultural tapestry, and its coffee culture offers unique brews, all contributing to the city's reputation as a gastronomic delight.

Ho Chi Minh City Transportation

Ho Chi Minh City's transportation infrastructure is integral to its status as a bustling metropolis, with Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Saigon Railway Station being key hubs for travelers. Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the largest in Vietnam, is a major gateway for international and domestic flights. Located just 6 km north of the city center, it comprises two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. To reach the city from the airport, visitors can take taxis, buses, or ride-hailing apps, with the journey to District 1 taking approximately 15 minutes. Saigon Railway Station, situated in District 3, is the southern terminus of Vietnam's North-South Railway Line. The station is about 1 km from the city center, making it easily accessible. Travelers can take a taxi or bus to reach District 1.

Ho Chi Minh City Where to Stay

Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic metropolis that offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers. The city's hotels are spread across various districts, each with its own unique characteristics, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect place to stay that caters to their preferences and needs.

Ho Chi Minh City Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season from December to April. This period is characterized by minimal rainfall and dry conditions, making it ideal for exploring the city's attractions and enjoying outdoor activities. December to February offers cooler temperatures and the chance to experience the festive atmosphere of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. March and April, while hotter, still provide good travel conditions with less rain. This time also coincides with the peak tourism season, offering a vibrant city experience.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips

1.Dress Modestly for Temples: When visiting religious sites like Jade Emperor Pagoda, dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Remove your shoes before entering the main hall and avoid pointing feet towards Buddha statues. 2.Beware of Pickpockets and Bag Snatchers: Petty theft can be an issue in crowded areas like Ben Thanh Market. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing valuable jewelry and using your phone in public. Use anti-theft bags and keep them in front of you. Be cautious of distraction techniques and crowded places to avoid becoming a target for pickpockets and bag snatchers.. 3. Motorbike Helmet Law: If you rent a motorbike or ride as a passenger, wearing a helmet is mandatory by law. Ensure you have a proper helmet to avoid fines and for your safety. Helmets must meet specific standards and be worn correctly. Violations can result in fines.

Ho Chi Minh City Useful Guide

Vietnamese, an Austroasiatic language, is the official and national language of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam. English is increasingly popular and taught in schools, with many locals, especially in tourist areas, able to communicate in English. Translation services and language apps can assist travelers, and learning basic Vietnamese phrases can enhance the travel experience.