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Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Destination Guide

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

28 curated attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

December - March

Average temp

28°C/82°F

Budget

Budget-friendly

Safety

Take care

About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city and an important economic hub. Its rapid growth stems from the legacy of the Vietnam War, which left a mix of colonial architecture and modern skyscrapers standing side by side. You’ll see the Bitexco Financial Tower rising above the historic Saigon Opera House, and the Pham Ngu Lao Street packed with backpackers and street food vendors. The city is famous for its street life and a blend of cultures reflected in its temples, markets, and nightlife. Visitors come primarily for the food scene and cultural experiences, from the Cu Chi Tunnels that reveal the grit of wartime history to the serene Jade Emperor Pagoda, showcasing the country's diverse religious practices.

Who it's for

Great for those who appreciate a lively atmosphere filled with street vendors and cultural sites. Not ideal for anyone seeking a quiet retreat or lush natural landscapes, as the city's energy can overwhelm those expecting a slower pace. Be prepared for crowds and traffic jams, especially around popular tourist spots.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • The centre is walkable, but expect to cover longer distances than planned due to heat and traffic
  • The Saigon Water Bus offers a pleasant way to see parts of the city from the water
  • Public buses are available but can be less reliable
  • Taxis and rideshares are abundant, but traffic can lead to longer travel times than expected
Starlight Bridge

Starlight Bridge

Bridges
Mariamman Hindu Temple

Mariamman Hindu Temple

Hindu & Balinese temples
Jade Emperor Pagoda

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Giac Lam Pagoda

Giac Lam Pagoda

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai Temple

Specialty & quirky museums
Independence Palace

Independence Palace

Castles & palaces
Fine Arts Museum

Fine Arts Museum

Art museums & galleries
Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels

Ancient ruins & archaeological sites
War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum

History museums
Saigon Opera House

Saigon Opera House

Theatres & opera houses
Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Streets & neighbourhoods
Bitexco Financial Tower

Bitexco Financial Tower

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Saigon Notre-Dame Square

Saigon Notre-Dame Square

Squares & plazas
Saigon Skydeck

Saigon Skydeck

Observation decks & city views
Binh Tay Market

Binh Tay Market

Local & craft markets
Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Saigon Central Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office

Modern architecture & skyscrapers
Saigon Water Bus

Saigon Water Bus

Canals, harbours & waterfronts
Saigon Outcast

Saigon Outcast

Live music venues & clubs
Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church

Churches & cathedrals
Saigon Botanic Garden and Zoo

Saigon Botanic Garden and Zoo

Zoos
Saigon River

Saigon River

Rivers, canyons & gorges
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

Theatres & opera houses
Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Ho Chi Minh City Museum

History museums
Suoi Tien Theme Park

Suoi Tien Theme Park

Theme parks
Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market

Local & craft markets
Saigon Flea Market

Saigon Flea Market

Flea & antique markets
The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre

The Factory Contemporary Arts Centre

Art museums & galleries

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