How many days should I spend in Ho Chi Minh City?

3-4 days lets you see the highlights, take a Cu Chi Tunnels trip, and properly explore the food scene. If you're visiting the Mekong Delta too, add another 1-2 days.

What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

December to April brings dry weather and temperatures around 28-32°C. The wet season (May-November) means afternoon downpours, but they're usually short. September-October sees the heaviest rain.

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists?

Generally very safe. Watch for phone and bag snatching by motorbike - keep valuables in front pockets or crossbody bags. The biggest danger is honestly the traffic, so cross streets slowly and predictably.

Where should I stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

District 1 puts you in the heart of the action - walking distance to major sights, restaurants, and nightlife. District 3 offers a more local vibe at lower prices. Thao Dien in District 2 suits families and longer stays.

City

South Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam's vibrant southern hub combines French colonial charm, buzzing street life, and world-class cuisine. A must-see for first-time visitors.

3-4 days recommended

$35-60 per day

Food, history, nightlife

Where to Stay

Overview

Ho Chi Minh City, still called Saigon by locals, pulses with an energy you won't find anywhere else in Vietnam. This is where motorbike rivers flow through streets lined with French colonial facades, where rooftop bars overlook ancient pagodas, and where the best pho might come from a plastic stool on a random alley.

The city rewards those who dive in. Skip the tourist traps and let a local guide you through District 4's seafood scene or Chinatown's hidden temples. HCMC is chaotic, loud, and absolutely unforgettable - the perfect introduction to Vietnam's entrepreneurial spirit.

Top Things to Do

1Explore the War Remnants Museum for a sobering look at Vietnam's recent history

2Get lost in Ben Thanh Market's maze of stalls selling everything from silk to spices

3Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels on a half-day trip from the city

4Join a street food tour through District 4 for the city's best banh mi and hu tieu

5Watch sunset from a rooftop bar on Nguyen Hue Walking Street

6Wander through the art galleries and cafes of District 3's quieter backstreets

Getting There & Around

By Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) sits 7km from District 1. Grab to central hotels costs 80,000-120,000 VND and takes 20-45 minutes depending on traffic. Avoid arrivals during rush hour if possible.

By Train: Saigon Railway Station connects to Hanoi via the Reunification Express (30-35 hours). Shorter routes run to Nha Trang (7 hours), Da Nang (16 hours), and Phan Thiet for Mui Ne (4 hours).

Getting Around: Grab is king here - reliable, air-conditioned, and fairly priced. The new Metro Line 1 connects Ben Thanh to the eastern districts. Brave souls can rent motorbikes, but traffic here isn't for beginners.