Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam where towering skyscrapers, vibrant districts, and trendy cafes come together. The city, formerly known as Saigon, is located in the southern part of Vietnam and often serves as the starting or ending point of a journey through the country. Let’s not beat around the bush; Ho Chi Minh City is not the most favorite city for many travelers in Vietnam. This is mainly because it can be quite crowded and chaotic, and there aren’t a ton of interesting sights to see. If you want to visit the southern part of Vietnam, you can’t skip Ho Chi Minh City, and it’s a mandatory stop on your itinerary. To make the most of your visit, read this article for 7 fun tips for Ho Chi Minh City that you shouldn’t miss while you’re there.

How to Travel to Ho Chi Minh City?

Most people travel from Hoi An, Mui Ne, or Phu Quoc to Ho Chi Minh City. Below, you’ll find information on how to travel from these destinations to Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re coming from a different destination, check out all the different routes.

What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City?

Here are some things you shouldn’t miss in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Vibrant District 1

District 1 is the most popular district among travelers in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a bustling area where you can find most of the attractions, restaurants, cafes, bars, and hotels. The district is equally popular among locals and travelers, and you can feel the lively atmosphere. For a fun night out, head to Bui Vien Street. This nightlife street is somewhat similar to Khao San Road in Bangkok.

Enjoy Cocktails at a Rooftop Bar

Ho Chi Minh City is known for its many skyscrapers, and the exciting part is that many of these skyscrapers have rooftop bars. The rooftop bar Social Club Saigon is a great place to enjoy a cocktail. There’s a cool pool and a beautiful terrace with a fantastic view of the entire metropolis. Happy hour is from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM! Another option is Banana Mama Rooftop & Kitchen, a trendy rooftop bar to have a meal and sip cocktails. Prices here are slightly lower than at Social Club Saigon, but the view is also slightly less spectacular.

Visit the Impressive Cu Chi Tunnels

In 1955, the Vietnam War began, with the United States sending troops to Vietnam to combat communism. Communist rebels, known as the Vietcong, engaged in guerrilla warfare, marking the start of a guerrilla war.

During the war, an extensive tunnel network was constructed and used by the communist rebels as hiding places. Creative methods were employed during the resistance to ensure that American soldiers suffered injuries. The Cu Chi tunnels have a total length of about 300 kilometers (186 miles). The tunnels consist of multiple levels and are incredibly narrow. During the war, entire underground villages emerged where people tried to survive under bizarre circumstances. During the tour of the Cu Chi tunnels, the guide will share all the fascinating history of the Cu Chi tunnels, and you can even crawl through the tunnels yourself if you dare!

Tip: A visit to the Cu Chi tunnels is one of the most popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, so it can get quite crowded. The Ben Duoc tunnels are quieter but are located a bit farther from Ho Chi Minh City. The advantage of the Ben Duoc tunnels is that these tunnels are in their original state and haven’t been widened like the Cu Chi tunnels. For a quieter experience, you may want to book the tour to the Ben Duoc tunnels.

Explore the Ben Thanh Market, the Oldest Market in Ho Chi Minh City

The Ben Thanh Market has been around since the 17th century and is the city’s oldest market. You’ll find this bustling market in District 1, open daily from early morning until late at night. During your visit, you can sample Vietnamese street food or score souvenirs, clothing, and accessories at affordable prices. Haggling over prices is part of the experience at Vietnamese markets. Always do it with a smile, as that often gets you the best deal.

Take a Look at Tan Dinh Church

If there’s one building that stands out among the skyscrapers of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s Tan Dinh Church. This church is bright pink! It was built in 1876 in Romanian architectural style. The area around the church is open every day from 08:00, but you can’t enter during a service.

Extra tip: The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is also a remarkable cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1877 and 1883 by the French colonists, it’s an important place for the Catholic community. Unfortunately, the cathedral has been under construction for years.

Visit the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh City

The Mekong Delta is a unique water landscape comprising hundreds of small rivers and lush rice fields. Besides the beautiful natural scenery, there are several interesting attractions, such as the Cai Rang Floating Market. This is Vietnam’s oldest floating market, and during a visit, you’ll be amazed by the unique life on and by the water. The water is filled with hundreds of long-tail boats, each selling something different. You’ll see boats selling watermelons, pineapples, coconuts, and even fresh soups. To indicate what’s for sale, each boat has a pole with the respective product. Grab a delicious breakfast or lunch during your visit, like the famous Wat Pho soup or the delightful Vietnamese Banh Mi sandwich.

You can visit the Mekong Delta as a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City with this Mekong Delta tour. During the tour, you’ll visit the Cai Rang Floating Market and a rice noodle factory, among other attractions. If you have more time, I recommend staying a few days in the Mekong Delta to truly experience the Vietnamese countryside. Read all tips for visiting the Mekong Delta.

Best Restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City

In a big city, it can sometimes be challenging to choose a good restaurant. I’ve searched for the best restaurant recommendations, and here are my favorites in Ho Chi Minh City.

Soo Kafe – This hidden gem is located in District 1. Once you find it, you can enjoy delicious coffee and a bookshelf filled with literature.
Baba’s Kitchen Restaurant – This is the best Indian restaurant in the city.
Poke Saigon Ly Tu Trong – Here, you can create delicious fresh poke bowls. Choose your own toppings, and you have a perfect healthy lunch!
Veggie Saigon Restaurant – This vegetarian restaurant serves delightful Vietnamese and Thai dishes.
Home Saigon Restaurant & Bar – The finest of Vietnamese cuisine.
El Gaucho – Visit here for the best Argentine steak or enjoy a nice red wine from Mimoza along with a cheese platter.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

Earlier in this article, we mentioned that District 1 is a very popular district. Here, you’ll find many hotels, restaurants, and attractions. District 1 is the most enjoyable district to stay in, especially around Bui Vien Street. The hotels I recommend below are all located in the lively District 1 in great locations.

Our Favorite Places to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Do you want to treat yourself to a hotel with a pool? Then, Jovia Hotel is a great choice. It’s a modern hotel with a lovely rooftop pool, and in the morning, you can enjoy an extensive breakfast buffet. If you prefer to stay in a hostel, Saigon Chill Hostel is a nice place to stay. This peaceful hostel is in a superb location because it’s in a side street off Bui Vien Street. So, the excitement of Ho Chi Minh City is just around the corner! This hostel offers both double rooms and comfortable dormitories with plenty of privacy. The Like Hostel & Cafe is perfect for solo travelers who want to meet other travelers. The rooftop terrace is often lively, and every day between 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, you get a free beer. This is the perfect place to make new friends!

Jovia Hotel More information

Saigon Chill Hostel More information

The Like Hostel & Cafe More information