About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is the most populous city and centrally-governed city of Vietnam, with a population of more than 14 million in 2025. Its geography is defined by rivers and canals, of which the largest is the Saigon River.
Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
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Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
ReligiousA red-brick cathedral built by the French in the late nineteenth century, with twin bell towers facing a busy square. Restoration work may limit access, but the exterior and square are worth seeing anyway.
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Independence Palace
HistoricThe former presidential palace of South Vietnam, where a tank crashed through the gates in 1975, preserved with its original furnishings and bunkers. Explore the underground command rooms, which are the most atmospheric part.
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War Remnants Museum
MuseumA museum documenting the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective, with military hardware outside and graphic photographs inside. Some exhibits are very disturbing, so it may not suit young children.
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Ben Thanh Market
MarketA large covered market in the city center selling clothing, souvenirs, and local food. Bargain firmly but politely, and return in the evening when the surrounding streets fill with food stalls.
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Cu Chi Tunnels
Historic · 23 mi from centreA vast network of underground tunnels used by Viet Cong fighters, northwest of the city. Go on a morning tour to beat the heat, and wear clothes you do not mind getting dirty in the narrow passages.
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Saigon Central Post Office
LandmarkA grand French colonial post office with an arched iron-framed hall and old painted maps, still working today. Mail a postcard home from the counters, then visit the cathedral across the street.
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Mekong Delta
Nature · 80 mi from centreA maze of rivers, canals, orchards, and rice paddies south of the city, reached on day trips to towns such as My Tho or Ben Tre. Take a small boat into the narrow canals for the best experience.
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Bitexco Financial Tower
ViewpointA lotus-shaped skyscraper with a helipad jutting from its side and a sky deck overlooking the Saigon River. Have a drink at the upper-floor bar as an alternative to paying for the observation deck.
Top experiences in Ho Chi Minh City
Tours, tickets and experiences you can book with Destina Holidays, from 87 available.
Discover Cu Chi Tunnel through the Eyes of a War Veteran
From $35 per adult
Saigon Foodie Walking Tour
From $40 per adult
Phu Quoc Island Half-Day Experience
From $66 per adult
Phu Quoc Pearl Farm and Heritage Full-Day Tour
From $120 per adult
Phu Quoc Island Snorkeling and Fishing Adventure
From $150 per adult
Phu Quoc Night Squid Fishing Boat Experience
From $152 per adult
Chinatown Cyclo Journey - Half-Day Small Group Tour
From $42 per adult
Ho Chi Minh City Motorbike Ride Experience - Half-Day Small Group Tour
From $41 per adult
Cao Dai Temple and Black Lady Mountain - Full-Day Small Group Tour
From $122 per adult
Can Gio Mangrove Eco and Wildlife Discovery - Full-Day Small Group Tour
From $149 per adult
Long Tan Battlefield and Long Phuoc Tunnels - Full-Day Small Group Tour
From $128 per adult
Mekong Delta Flavors and River Adventure - Full-Day Small Group Tour
From $61 per adult
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Popular hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, out of 1,836 properties you can book.
Seashells Phu Quoc Hotel & Spa
From $465 per night
La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc - MGallery
From $248 per night
Harmony Saigon Hotel & Spa
From $78 per night
Eastin Grand Hotel Saigon
From $75 per night
The Odys Boutique Hotel
From $87 per night
Ho Tram Beach Boutique Resort & Spa
From $140 per night
Saigon Prince Hotel
From $77 per night
Caravelle Saigon
From $170 per night
Royal Hotel Saigon
From $79 per night
Rex Hotel Saigon
From $142 per night
Sanouva Saigon Hotel
From $63 per night
Somerset Chancellor Court Ho Chi Minh City
From $160 per night
Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is June to March, when average daytime highs are around 87–96°F and rain falls on about 19 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Ho Chi Minh City weather forecast
- Wed 11 Nov 89° 77° 100%
- Thu 12 Nov 90° 76° 99%
- Fri 13 Nov 85° 75° 93%
- Sat 14 Nov 87° 77° 84%
- Sun 15 Nov 89° 77° 92%
- Mon 16 Nov 88° 77° 90%
- Tue 17 Nov 89° 77° 76%
Know before you go
- Currency
- Vietnamese đồng (VND)1 US dollar ≈ ₫25,608
- Language
- Vietnamese
- Calling code
- +84
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- Asia/Ho_Chi_MinhUTC+7
- Capital
- Hanoi
Upcoming public holidays in Vietnam
- New Year's DayTết dương lịch
- Reunification DayNgày Giải phóng miền Nam, thống nhất đất nước
- Labour DayNgày Quốc tế lao động
- National DayQuốc khánh
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Ho Chi Minh City
These are the airports closest to central Ho Chi Minh City. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- SGN Tan Son Nhat International Airport5 mi (7 km) from the city centre
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
Getting around HCMC can be a challenge: traffic slows to a crawl for most of the day, the heat and chaotic streets make walking long distances impractical, and the public transport system has not kept up with the city's explosive growth.
By train
Ho Chi Minh City's first metro line opened in December 2024, connecting Ben Thanh Market in the city center with Suối Tiên and the Eastern Bus Terminus in the northeast. While it's only mildly useful for short hops around the city center now, a full network of eight lines is planned for the future.
By boat
Saigon Waterbus operates a service on the Saigon River from District 1 into Thu Duc City in the north of the city. It is geared more towards local commuters than tourists, but one of its stops is located near the Hotel Majestic, making it easily accessible from the Opera House and other downtown attractions.
By bus
Bright green and blue city buses, along with teal metro feeder buses, serve over 170 routes throughout Ho Chi Minh City. The buses are a cheap and safe way to travel around the city, and they're usually not too packed during off-peak hours (from 9AM to 4PM). Most buses have air conditioning, cushioned seats and next-station announcements.
Ho Chi Minh City travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is June to March, when average daytime highs are around 87–96°F and rain falls on about 19 days a month.
What is the weather like in Ho Chi Minh City?
April is usually the warmest month in Ho Chi Minh City, with average highs of 96°F (36°C). September is the coolest, with average lows of 76°F (25°C). The wettest month is typically September, with about 438 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Ho Chi Minh City?
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is the closest airport, about 5 miles (7 km) from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.
What currency is used in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City uses the Vietnamese đồng (VND). At the latest exchange rate, 1 US dollar ≈ ₫25,608.
What time zone is Ho Chi Minh City in?
Ho Chi Minh City uses the Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh time zone (currently UTC+7). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Ho Chi Minh City?
Getting around HCMC can be a challenge: traffic slows to a crawl for most of the day, the heat and chaotic streets make walking long distances impractical, and the public transport system has not kept up with the city's explosive growth.
What are the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City?
Top sights in Ho Chi Minh City include Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum and Ben Thanh Market. A red-brick cathedral built by the French in the late nineteenth century, with twin bell towers facing a busy square. Restoration work may limit access, but the exterior and square are worth seeing anyway.
What are the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
Popular experiences you can book in Ho Chi Minh City include Discover Cu Chi Tunnel through the Eyes of a War Veteran, Saigon Foodie Walking Tour and Phu Quoc Island Half-Day Experience. Destina Holidays offers 87 tours and activities here.
Where should I stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Popular areas for hotels in Ho Chi Minh City include Phu Quoc Island, Ho Chi Minh City and Vung Tau. Well-reviewed options include Seashells Phu Quoc Hotel & Spa and La Veranda Resort Phu Quoc - MGallery.
How many hotels can I book in Ho Chi Minh City?
Destina Holidays currently lists 1,836 properties in and around Ho Chi Minh City, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
