What currency is used in Ho Chi Minh City?

The US dollar is universal in Vietnam. The Vietnamese locals all collect US dollars. If they don't have the US dollar to find you, they will find your local Vietnamese Dong to see if you want it. I don't see anything in the airport duty-free shop. However, there are some cosmetics and the like. It is quite cheap. The perfume is not bad. There is a discount package at the airport in Hanoi. It is either European chocolate, and Dunhill seems to have seen it. There are also cigarettes.

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Ho Chi Minh City

2025 Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: Weather, Transportation, Popular Attractions, and Everything You Need (Updated 2025 4)

Q: What is the best season to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

If you only go to Ho Chi Minh, you can do it all year round.

Q: What's the best food in Ho Chi Minh City?

Vietnamese food Sweet - spicy - like fried and grilled - easy to get angry. You must ask the price first when you order food. The first district Xinyunhai and other restaurants feel expensive, and a two-pound fish is at least six or seven hundred yuan. If you go to attractions such as Nha Trang, you are advised to ask for price and then spend. Beware of being slaughtered. Roadside snacks are actually good. They are mainly sweet and spicy. If you are timid, don’t try the duck eggs on the street. It’s the unhatched duck eggs like domestic eggs. Vietnamese chili pepper sauce is particularly powerful. Friends who are spicy must try.

About Ho Chi Minh City

Recommended trip: 2–4 day(s)

26°C

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Ho Chi Minh City Local Travel Guide 2025

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Ho Chi Minh City Brief Guide

Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon. It is one of Vietnam's liveliest cities and a hub for commerce and culture. This place has all kinds of classically elegant French buildings. You will feel almost as if you are in Paris. Apart from the sightseeing tours of places like the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Ho Chi Minh City Hall, and the Saigon Opera House, you can witness more grand French-style architecture off the beaten path by visiting the Central Post Office and mail a postcard. At the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, you can learn about Vietnam's more recent history, take a boat trip along the Mekong River, or enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee in an old French-style café. Phạm Ngũ Lão Street is very quiet and peaceful during daylight hours. Once night falls, however, this place comes alive. Not only an excellent place to enjoy the city's nightlife, it is also a favorite place for backpackers to stay.

Ho Chi Minh City Must-try Local Experiences

1. Delve into Ho Chi Minh City's Historical Landmarks Visit the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, and Central Post Office to admire the French-style architecture, plus don't miss the War Remnants Museum for a more in-depth look at Vietnam's past. 2. Experience the Bustling Ben Thanh Market Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, where you can haggle for souvenirs, clothing, and enjoy delicious street food. 3. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels Discover the extensive network of Cu Chi Tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Crawl through the tunnels and learn about guerrilla warfare tactics. 4. Attend a Traditional Water Puppet Show Enjoy a captivating Vietnamese water puppet performance featuring colorful puppets, live music, and enchanting storytelling. 5. Visit the Ao Dai Museum Learn about the history and cultural significance of the Ao Dai, Vietnam's traditional dress, through exhibits at this dedicated museum. 6. Experience Vietnamese food and coffee culture Sample iconic dishes such as rice noodles, French bread sandwiches and fresh spring rolls at local restaurants and street food stalls. Vietnam is also famous for its coffee, so take in the rich flavour of Vietnamese coffee and try the local speciality, egg coffee. 7. Visit Dong Khoi Street in Cholon Explore Dong Khoi Street for high-end boutiques, local handicrafts and traditional Vietnamese clothing. 8. Capture the City's Skyline from a Rooftop Bar Ascend to a rooftop bar for panoramic views of the cityscape and capture stunning photos as the sun sets. 9. Photograph the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck Get panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City from the Skydeck of the Bitexco Financial Tower, ideal for capturing the city's skyline. 10. Experience the City on a Scooter Tour Embrace the local way of life with an exhilarating scooter tour, exploring bustling streets and hidden alleys. 11. Enjoy a Relaxing River Cruise Escape the city's hustle and bustle with a tranquil river cruise along the Saigon River, enjoying the skyline and a delicious meal. 12. Take a Cyclo Ride Experience the city from a traditional cyclo, a leisurely way to explore the streets and take in the sights and sounds.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips

1.Dress Modestly for Temples: When visiting religious sites like Jade Emperor Pagoda, dress modestly. Cover your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect. Remove your shoes before entering the main hall and avoid pointing feet towards Buddha statues. 2.Beware of Pickpockets and Bag Snatchers: Petty theft can be an issue in crowded areas like Ben Thanh Market. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings. Avoid wearing valuable jewelry and using your phone in public. Use anti-theft bags and keep them in front of you. Be cautious of distraction techniques and crowded places to avoid becoming a target for pickpockets and bag snatchers.. 3. Motorbike Helmet Law: If you rent a motorbike or ride as a passenger, wearing a helmet is mandatory by law. Ensure you have a proper helmet to avoid fines and for your safety. Helmets must meet specific standards and be worn correctly. Violations can result in fines.

Ho Chi Minh City Must-see Attractions

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis rich in history and culture, featuring landmarks like the architecturally stunning Saigon Central Post Office, the backpacker-friendly Pham Ngu Lao area, the historically significant Reunification Palace, the modern Bitexco Financial Tower with panoramic views, and the traditional Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, all of which offer visitors a diverse and immersive experience of Vietnam's largest city.

Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife Highlights

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant metropolis that blends historical charm with modern vitality, offering illuminated French architecture, the towering Bitexco Financial Tower, the historic People's Committee Building, and the lively Nguyen Hue Walking Street, all of which provide a dynamic and picturesque experience of Vietnam's rich culture and bustling nightlife.

Ho Chi Minh City Where to Stay

Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic metropolis that offers a wide range of accommodation options for travelers. The city's hotels are spread across various districts, each with its own unique characteristics, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect place to stay that caters to their preferences and needs.

Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant culinary hub where traditional dishes like Vietnamese spring rolls, bánh xèo, and bánh mì reflect its rich cultural tapestry, and its coffee culture offers unique brews, all contributing to the city's reputation as a gastronomic delight.

Ho Chi Minh City Useful Guide

Ho Chi Minh City's transportation infrastructure is integral to its status as a bustling metropolis, with Tan Son Nhat International Airport and Saigon Railway Station being key hubs for travelers. Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the largest in Vietnam, is a major gateway for international and domestic flights. Located just 6 km north of the city center, it comprises two terminals: Terminal 1 for domestic flights and Terminal 2 for international flights. To reach the city from the airport, visitors can take taxis, buses, or ride-hailing apps, with the journey to District 1 taking approximately 15 minutes. Saigon Railway Station, situated in District 3, is the southern terminus of Vietnam's North-South Railway Line. The station is about 1 km from the city center, making it easily accessible. Travelers can take a taxi or bus to reach District 1.

Trip.Best: Ho Chi Minh City

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Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

What to Do

Looking for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City? We provide up-to-date info on everything from must-see scenic spots to local hangouts.

Where to Stay

Discover the most popular places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, complete with recommendations from fellow travelers and special hotel offers

What to Eat

Want to eat like a local? Don't miss out on these top Ho Chi Minh City dishes and foodie spots.

Ho Chi Minh City Moments: Through Travelers' Eyes

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What People Are Saying About Ho Chi Minh City

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Sai Gon Central Post Office

Ana_leela_game

it’s great opportunity to buy unique postcards and souvenirs and send it in this central historical post office near the Notre DameSo use this opportunity !You’ll be happy to visit a historical place Reasons to Recommend:Send your photos from nowadays to future 👍💖🔆

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Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater

_TI***t2

Quite amazing and cultural. Didn't realize how time went by. Very colourful and a bit funny. The dolls danced on water and conveyed Very good messages and gave a reflection of ancient Vietnam and it's stories. A bit costly but definitely worth a try

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Hop On Hop Off Vietnam

Livvyirv

If you have been on one of these before then you will know what to expect. They are great to get round the city, sight see and learn a little about history. The auto Que can be a little behind at times but it’s not a problem. They have open top buses which we did find were quite busy at times and struggled for a seat but we ended up sitting downstairs with the aircon and the view was just as good. Tour guides on the buses are very helpful. We paid on trip and we found it is cheaper then at the desk.

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Bitexco Financial Tower

Isa Milian

The tower entrance is clearly marked and labeled as it has its own reception and elevator to the highest floor. The overall reception is very good and professional and gives you an elegant feel. If you enjoy over head views of city this sky deck gives a clear and perfect vantage point and 360 view of the city.

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Pham Ngu Lao

AROUND THAILAND

The park near Ham Ngu Lao Road is calm, shady, clean, safe, there are many people running. There is a labyrinth stage for training and exercising in the garden as well.

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Tan Dinh Church

Ana_leela_game

I’m enjoying this church ⛪️ so much!but I couldn’t come in It was some ceremony And was enjoy this place from the rooftops of cong cafe Reasons to Recommend:I recommend you to take coffee and follow the rooftop 3rd floorAddress:Business Hours:till 6pm

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Independence Palace

118***41

It feels like a museum of political symbols, and there will be not much resonance for Vietnamese history without understanding. There is still a difference in the human history, ideas, and westernization of the North and South Vietnamese.

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Landmark 81 SkyView

Sasha_aa

Landmark 81 is a skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, the official opening took place on July 27, 2018. height - 461.2 meters; 81 floors; height of the observation deck - 382.7 meters; The building has different functional areas: residential areas, a shopping center, a hotel, an observation deck. The external outlines of the tower resemble a traditional bundle of bamboo - a Vietnamese symbol of unity, a talisman of happiness and prosperity.

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War Remnants Museum

spread her wings ann_ she fly

Please come here to learn about history and the sad aftermath of it. there are a few sections/rooms for you to explore. There's also a cafe to relax and have a sip of coffee when the weather is hotTips:1) the entrance fee is cheaper at the counter2) it can be a bit crowded in the museum so come early3) walkable distance from Ben Thanh Market

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