PIXEL VISA

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM

HO CHI MINH CITY AT A GLANCE

CITY

Ho Chi Minh City (Sài Gòn)

COUNTRY

Vietnam (Việt Nam)

TIMEZONE

UTC+7 (ICT)

TRAIN

HCMC Metro (Under Construction)

BUS

Ho Chi Minh City (₫7500 VND / $0.3 USD)

TERRAIN

Metropolitan Tropics

WEATHER

Cool Season: 32ºF - 59ºF October to March / Hot Season: 75ºF - 95ºF April to May / Monsoon Season: 75ºF - 89ºF and Rainy June to September

AVERAGE MEAL COST

₫60000 VND / $2.4 USD

AVERAGE HOSTEL COST

₫180000 VND / $7.2 USD

LAST UPDATED

21/12/2023

Top Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

LANDSCAPE

NOTABLE FEATURES

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis that serves as the economic and cultural hub of Vietnam. Renowned for its dynamic energy, the city seamlessly blends the old and the new, showcasing French colonial architecture alongside modern skyscrapers. Ho Chi Minh City is celebrated for its lively street markets, offering a sensory feast of exotic foods, traditional crafts, and a diverse array of goods. The city is steeped in history, with landmarks such as the War Remnants Museum and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon bearing witness to its past. As the economic center of the country, HCMC is a thriving business hub, attracting entrepreneurs and investors. Beyond its economic prowess, the city is known for its warm and welcoming people, vibrant nightlife, and a culinary scene that reflects the rich tapestry of Vietnamese cuisine. Ho Chi Minh City stands as a symbol of Vietnam's resilience, embracing progress while honoring its cultural heritage.

ACTIVITIES

Popular Activities

Ben Thanh Market: Explore the bustling Ben Thanh Market, a landmark destination for shopping where you can find a myriad of local products, textiles, and delicious street food.
War Remnants Museum: Gain insights into Vietnam's history at the War Remnants Museum, which provides a poignant perspective on the Vietnam War through exhibits and artifacts.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: Visit the iconic Notre-Dame Cathedral, a magnificent example of French colonial architecture, located in the heart of the city.
Saigon Opera House: Experience cultural richness at the Saigon Opera House, an architectural gem hosting various performances, including ballet and classical music.
Cu Chi Tunnels: Take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, an intricate network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
Saigon River Cruise: Enjoy a relaxing cruise along the Saigon River, offering panoramic views of the city's skyline and a delightful dining experience.
District 1 Nightlife: Immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of District 1, with its diverse range of bars, clubs, and rooftop lounges.
Street Food Tour: Embark on a culinary adventure through the city's streets, savoring the delectable flavors of Vietnamese street food, from pho to banh mi.
Jade Emperor Pagoda: Discover the tranquility of the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a Taoist temple adorned with intricate carvings and statues.
Bitexco Financial Tower Sky Deck: Marvel at panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Bitexco Financial Tower Sky Deck, offering a breathtaking perspective of the sprawling urban landscape.
Saigon Central Post Office: Visit the Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, where you can appreciate its colonial architecture and send postcards from this historical landmark.
Mekong Delta Day Trip: Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, experiencing the vibrant floating markets, traditional villages, and lush landscapes that characterize this vital region in Southern Vietnam.

Underrated Destinations

Artinus 3D Art Museum: Explore the Artinus 3D Art Museum, an underrated gem where interactive and visually stunning 3D artworks come to life, offering a unique and entertaining experience for visitors of all ages.
Binh Tay Market in District 6: Venture off the beaten path and visit Binh Tay Market in District 6. Less frequented by tourists, this market provides an authentic glimpse into local life, offering a variety of goods and a bustling atmosphere.
Rooftop Bars in District 4: Discover the underrated rooftop bars in District 4, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape. These spots offer a more laid-back ambiance compared to the famous ones in District 1, providing a unique perspective of Ho Chi Minh City.
Le Van Tam Park: Escape the urban hustle and bustle at Le Van Tam Park, a serene oasis in the heart of District 1. This green space offers a peaceful retreat for locals and visitors alike, with lush gardens, walking paths, and a lake providing a tranquil setting.
Saigon River Cruise at Sunset: Experience the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City from a different perspective by taking a sunset cruise along the Saigon River. This underrated activity allows you to witness the city's skyline as it lights up, creating a picturesque backdrop for a relaxing and scenic boat ride.

NEIGHBORHOODS

District 1 (D1): This central district is the heart of the city and a bustling commercial and entertainment hub. It's home to many tourist attractions, luxury hotels, and vibrant nightlife.
District 3 (D3): Adjacent to District 1, District 3 offers a mix of residential areas and commercial activities. It's known for its French colonial architecture and local markets.
Binh Thanh District (Binh Thanh): Situated northeast of District 1, Binh Thanh is undergoing rapid development. It features a mix of residential and industrial areas, with the Saigon Pearl complex and a riverside park.
Phu Nhuan District (Phu Nhuan): This district is a blend of residential and commercial areas. It's known for its tree-lined streets, parks, and a variety of local markets.
Tan Binh District (Tan Binh): Home to Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Tan Binh is a busy district with industrial zones, markets, and a mix of residential and commercial areas.
Go Vap District (Go Vap): Located northeast of Tan Binh, Go Vap is a predominantly residential district with local markets and a variety of housing options.
Thu Duc City (Thu Duc): Recently designated as a city, Thu Duc is in the eastern part of Ho Chi Minh City. It's undergoing rapid urbanization, with a focus on education, technology, and innovation.
District 2 (D2): Across the Saigon River, District 2 is a rapidly developing area with expatriate communities, international schools, and modern amenities. It offers a more spacious and suburban living environment.
District 7 (D7): Known as the "Phu My Hung" area, District 7 is a modern and planned urban development with wide boulevards, high-end residential complexes, and international schools.
Can Gio District (Can Gio): Located at the mouth of the Saigon River, Can Gio is known for its mangrove forests, eco-tourism, and the UNESCO-listed Can Gio Biosphere Reserve.

HOW TO GET HERE

Bus / Van

For travelers journeying into Ho Chi Minh City from nearby cities, reliable bus and van options facilitate convenient and cost-effective transportation. From Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the bus journey covers approximately 240 kilometers, taking around 6 to 7 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $10 to $25 USD. For those coming from Vientiane, Laos, the bus ride covers a longer distance of around 1,100 kilometers and takes approximately 24 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $30 to $50 USD. The journey from Bangkok, Thailand, to Ho Chi Minh City spans approximately 1,000 kilometers and takes around 24 hours by bus, with ticket prices ranging from $25 to $50 USD. These options provide travelers with various choices based on budget and travel preferences, ensuring a well-connected transportation network to and from Ho Chi Minh City. Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City from other popular Vietnamese cities is facilitated by a well-established network of buses and vans. For example, the journey from Hanoi, the capital city, spans approximately 1,700 kilometers and takes around 30 hours by bus, with ticket prices ranging from $30 to $60 USD. Similarly, the route from Da Nang, a central coastal city, covers approximately 1,000 kilometers and takes around 24 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $40 USD. These diverse transportation options cater to travelers from various regions, offering flexibility and accessibility when reaching Hanoi.

Train

In the southern region of Vietnam, the train system is well-connected, providing an efficient means of transportation. Ho Chi Minh City serves as a major hub, with the railway network extending to key destinations. The layout includes routes that traverse the scenic landscapes of the Mekong Delta and connect cities like Bien Hoa, Nha Trang, and Phan Thiet. The train system in the south offers different classes of travel, allowing passengers to choose based on their preferences and budget. This network provides not only a convenient way to reach Ho Chi Minh City but also an opportunity to experience the diverse beauty of the southern Vietnamese landscapes.Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City by train from various Vietnamese cities provides an alternative and scenic option. For instance, the train journey from Hanoi, the capital city, spans approximately 1,700 kilometers and takes around 30 hours, with ticket prices varying based on the class of travel and ranging from $30 to $100 USD. From Da Nang, a central coastal city, the train ride covers about 1,000 kilometers and takes around 18 to 20 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $20 to $60 USD. For those coming from Can Tho in the south, the train journey involves a combination of rail and bus travel, taking approximately 10 to 12 hours, with ticket prices ranging from $15 to $40 USD. Travelers can enjoy the picturesque landscapes while experiencing the comfort of train travel when arriving in Ho Chi Minh City from other parts of Vietnam.

Plane

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City by plane is the most efficient and convenient option for travelers seeking swift entry into the city. Tan Son Nhat International Airport serves as the primary air gateway, well-connected to various domestic and international destinations. Airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, and other reputable carriers operate flights to Ho Chi Minh City. Domestic flight prices can vary based on the departure city and season. As a general estimate, a one-way domestic flight within Vietnam might range from $50 to $300 USD. Shorter routes, such as from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, tend to be on the lower end of the price spectrum, while longer routes from cities like Da Nang or Can Tho may incur higher costs.