Plan 3 days for the city, plus a day each for the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
Top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum: a powerful look at the Vietnam War (VND 60,000).
- Independence Palace, frozen in time since 1975.
- Saigon Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral (under long-term restoration).
- Ben Thanh Market and the street food around it.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: the underground network used during the war. See our Cu Chi Tunnels guide.
- Mekong Delta: boats, floating markets and orchards. See Mekong Delta day trip.
- Rooftop bars and the view from Saigon Skydeck or Landmark 81.
See all 20 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, or
Where to stay
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| District 1 (Ben Nghe, Dong Khoi) | First visit, sights, upscale hotels |
| District 1 (Pham Ngu Lao / Bui Vien) | Backpackers, nightlife, budget |
| District 3 | Local cafés, quieter, mid-range |
| Thao Dien (Thu Duc City) | Expat cafés, riverside, families |
| Binh Thanh (Landmark 81 area) | Modern high-rise apartments, views |
More in where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City.
Getting around
Grab (cars and motorbike taxis) is cheap and easy, and avoids taxi scams. Metro Line 1, opened in December 2024, runs from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien via Thao Dien (single fares about VND 7,000–20,000; day pass VND 40,000). Crossing the road: walk slowly and steadily so motorbikes can flow around you.
Airport to the city
Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is only 6–8 km from District 1, but traffic can make the trip take 25–45 minutes. Grab costs roughly VND 150,000–250,000. Cheap public buses also run to the centre. See Ho Chi Minh City airport to the city.
Best time to visit
The dry season (December–April) is sunny; March to May is the hottest. The rainy season (May–November) brings short, heavy afternoon storms. Around Tet (Lunar New Year, 6 February 2027), many shops close for several days. Details: best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City.
Visa and before you go
Many visitors need a Vietnam e-visa (US$25 single entry, up to 90 days), while citizens of some countries get visa-free stays. See our Vietnam e-visa guide. Cash (Vietnamese dong) is still useful for street food and markets.
Ho Chi Minh City guides
- 20 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City itinerary: 3, 4 or 5 days
- Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City airport to the city
- Cu Chi Tunnels tour
- Mekong Delta day trip
Also in Vietnam: our Hanoi travel guide (about 2 hours by plane).
FAQ: Ho Chi Minh City travel
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Three days for the city, or four to five with the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
Is Saigon the same as Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. The city was renamed in 1976, but “Saigon” is still used every day, especially for the centre.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe?
Generally yes. The main risk is bag and phone snatching from motorbikes: keep your phone away from the roadside.
Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City?
Hanoi is more traditional, with a cooler winter; Saigon is more modern and energetic. Most travellers visit both.
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