The first time you land in Ho Chi Minh, it can be a bit overwhelming with its chaotic streets, rush hour traffic, and motorbikes zooming past you. If you are not used to crowded and noisy places, Ho Chi Minh can be a hard place to love. But beyond the chaotic and noisy streets lie a city that will pull you in with its vibrant energy, history, mouth-watering cuisine, and nightlife.
Here's a quick and easy beginner's travel guide for Ho Chi Minh city.
Ho Chi Minh being a cosmopolitan city has a great public transportation system. From the moment you land at the airport, you can request a car pickup to drop you off at your accommodation. The city has a very efficient public bus system that serves over 100 routes with fares starting as cheap as 300 VND.
You can also opt for a taxi or share-riding apps like Grab. Another popular method of getting around Ho Chi Minh city, especially between tourist sites, is cyclos and xe om or motorbike taxis with fares starting from 10,000 VND. If you want to explore the city by yourself you can choose to rent a car or motorbike from the many rental facilities available around the city.
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry months of December to March. The weather during these few months is pleasant and warm without any worry of rainfall to dampen your spirits.
Let’s take a look at the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh.
Take a peek into Vietnam’s history at the War Remnants Museum. The museum houses war paraphernalia from the American War (Vietnam War), Indochina war as well as conflicts during French colonial rule. It was built as a reminder of the horrors of war.
Walking around Dong Khoi Street in District 1, you’ll feel like you’re back in time with the number of colonial-style buildings. Most of these buildings have been converted into upscale boutiques and hotels. The district is also home to Ho Chi Minh’s most famous landmark, the historic Notre Dame Cathedral.
Located in District 5, Chon Lon or the Chinese Quarter is a treasure trove of pagodas, temples, and shops that are reminiscent of a bustling Chinese town. At its center is the colorful Binh Tay market where you can get everything from cheap street food to silk to exotic tropical fruits.
The Ben Thanh Market is one of Vietnam’s largest and most famous markets. With over 3000 vendors and stalls, the market is a treasure trove of souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothing. Once the sun sets, the market turns into a street food paradise.
No place in Vietnam does nightlife better than Ho Chi Minh. The city has numerous rooftop bars where you can enjoy a chilled beer and delicious finger food while looking at the cityscape. One of the most famous rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh and a must-visit is the historic Saigon Bar in Caravelle Hotel.
Like any other city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has a great food scene. You can choose to eat either at a street stall or in a restaurant. Both are equally amazing but, if you want to save money, I highly recommend street food.
One dish you cannot leave Ho Chi Minh without trying is banh mi and pho which you can find in every street corner and restaurant. Shellfish from District 3’s Nguyen Thuong Hien Street is delicious, fresh, and a local favorite. The goi cuon (spring rolls) and bun rieu (crab noodle soup) from Ben Thanh Market are another must-eat.
Check out this list of Vietnamese dishes you need to try in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh is divided into 24 districts. Out of those districts, District 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 are the best picks for finding great accommodations.
If you are a backpacker, Pham Ngu Laog in District 1 is your best choice. This area has been popular among backpackers for its budget accommodation and vibrant nightlife. You can also find luxury accommodations along Dong Khoi street in District 1.
Another area that is great for budget travelers is the Chinese Quarters in District 5. Here you’ll find plenty of clean and cheap hotels and hostels set amidst historic buildings.
District 2 is a more affluent area in Ho Chi Minh city, so the accommodations here are aimed towards mid-range to luxury hotel seekers. For more luxury hotels, you can check out the best luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh City.
To visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, you are required to have a valid visa approval letter before arrival and an official visa stamp upon arrival. The process to obtain the approval letter can be done either through an embassy or online. The latter is the easier and faster method. You can apply for a Vietnam visa online at BDATrip.
Vietnam is a land of breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures, where lush rice terraces meet bustling cityscapes. From the tranquil waters of Halong Bay to the vibrant streets of Ho Chi Minh City, this Southeast Asian gem offers travelers an unforgettable journey through history, nature, and culinary delights.
