Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. The city's French colonial past is visible in landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
The Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit for local food and souvenirs. History enthusiasts will appreciate the War Remnants Museum and the Cu Chi Tunnels, which provide insights into Vietnam’s past. For a taste of local culture, visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and take a stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
What is the best part of Ho Chi Minh City to stay in?
New and popular hotels in Ho Chi Minh City recommended by Trip.com. Looking for hotels in Ho Chi Minh City? Trip.com is a great place to start. While traveling to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular destinations.
You don't have to worry about accommodations when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City. Here, there are more than 1,707 hotels for you to choose from. When looking for hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, there are likely good options at a nightly budget of just 39 USD.
- Five-star hotels: 30 hotels, 164 USD per night
- Four-star hotels: 66 hotels, 75 USD per night
- Three-star hotels: 351 hotels, 42 USD per night
- Two-star hotels: 358 hotels, 23 USD per night
Hotels in District 1
District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, known for its historical landmarks, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife. Key attractions include Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities | Rating |
| The Chill Suites - City Center | 21B Đ. Bùi Thị Xuân, District 1 | Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, minibar, smart TV | 4.2/5 |
| Triip Cupid Hotel | 7A/7-8 Nguyễn Trãi, District 1 | Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, 24-hour front desk, laundry service | 4.0/5 |
| Wink Hotel Saigon Centre | 75 Nguyễn Bỉnh Khiêm, District 1 | Free Wi-Fi, fitness center, bar, restaurant | 4.5/5 |
Hotels Near Tan Son Nhat Airport
Staying near Tan Son Nhat International Airport is convenient for travelers with early flights or layovers. The area is close to several shopping centers and local eateries.
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities | Rating |
| Thanh Long Hotel | 63 Bạch Đằng, Tân Bình District | Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, restaurant, 24-hour front desk | 4.1/5 |
| Le Saigon Hotel | 1-3 Đặng Văn Sâm, Phú Nhuận District | Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, fitness center, restaurant | 4.3/5 |
| Golden Dragon Hotel | 1A Cộng Hòa, Tân Bình District | Free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, restaurant, 24-hour front desk | 4.0/5 |
Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
In the city center of Ho Chi Minh City, you'll have easy access to Le Thi Rieng Culture Park. If you want to spend a fun vacation with your family, locals recommend visiting Ben Dinh Tunnels, Cu Chi Tunnels, My Tho. You can also visit top-rated attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral, Quận 1, Pham Ngu Lao Street. Upon departure, you can head to popular commercial areas like Thien Cung Cave, An Dong Market, Ben Thanh Market to buy souvenirs or travel accessories.
The Sai Gon Central Post Office, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is a stunning example of French colonial architecture. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this historic building features a grand interior with high vaulted ceilings and intricate detailing. Visitors can admire the beautiful antique maps and the large portrait of Ho Chi Minh. The post office is still in operation, allowing visitors to send postcards and buy souvenirs from the small shops inside.
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Location: 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ticket Price: Free
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater is a must-visit for experiencing traditional Vietnamese culture. The theater hosts water puppet shows that depict rural Vietnamese life and ancient folklore. The performances, accompanied by live music and singing, are entertaining for both children and adults. The puppets are controlled by puppeteers standing waist-deep in water, creating a unique and captivating performance.
Show Times: 6:00 PM and 7:15 PM
Location: 55B Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai, Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ticket Price: Starting at $11.50
Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace, is a significant historical site in Ho Chi Minh City. It was the residence of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The palace is known for its 1960s architecture and its role in the end of the war when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates in 1975. Visitors can explore the preserved rooms, including the president’s office, the war command room, and the basement tunnels. There are also exhibits on the history of the palace and the Vietnam War.
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Location: 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Thành, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ticket Price: $2
Pham Ngu Lao Street is the bustling backpacker district of Ho Chi Minh City. It is famous for its vibrant nightlife, budget accommodations, and lively street scene. Visitors can find a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, as well as travel agencies offering tours and transportation services. The area is also known for its street food, where you can enjoy local Vietnamese dishes at affordable prices.
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Location: Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ticket Price: Free
The Bitexco Financial Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City and features the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the Saigon River. The tower also has a bar on the 52nd floor, where you can enjoy a drink while taking in the views. The observation deck offers interactive touch screens to learn more about the city's landmarks.
Operating Hours: 9:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Location: 2 Hải Triều, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ticket Price: Starting at $8.24
The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a prominent landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, known for its impressive neo-Romanesque architecture. Built between 1877 and 1880 by French colonists, the cathedral features two bell towers reaching a height of 58 meters. The interior is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and a peaceful atmosphere. Although the cathedral is currently closed for renovations, its exterior remains a popular spot for photography and sightseeing.
Operating Hours: Temporarily Closed for Renovation
Location: 1 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ticket Price: Free
Ho Chi Minh City Transportation
Every day, travelers worldwide arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport to start their vacations and business trips in Ho Chi Minh City. If you don't want to take a flight, coming to Ho Chi Minh City by train is a good choice as well.
Ho Chi Minh City's transportation network includes buses, motorbike taxis (xe ôm), traditional taxis, ride-hailing services like Grab, and cyclos (pedicabs).
- The Bus System in Ho Chi Minh City is extensive, with over 150 routes covering the city and its outskirts. Buses operate from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Fares range from 3,000 VND to 10,000 VND (approximately $0.13 to $0.43) depending on the distance. Buses are the most economical way to travel, but routes can be confusing for non-Vietnamese speakers and buses can be crowded during peak hours.
- Motorbike Taxis (Xe Ôm) are a popular and fast way to navigate the city's often congested streets. Available 24/7, fares are typically negotiable but generally range from 10,000 VND to 15,000 VND per kilometer (approximately $0.43 to $0.65). They are quick and flexible, but safety can be a concern, and it’s advisable to agree on a fare before starting the journey.
- Traditional Taxis are available throughout the city. Reputable companies include Vinasun and Mai Linh. The base fare is around 10,000 VND for the first 500 meters (approximately $0.43), and then it costs 13,000 VND to 15,000 VND per kilometer (approximately $0.56 to $0.65). Taxis are comfortable and air-conditioned, but more expensive compared to other options and can be slow during traffic jams.
- Ride-Hailing Services like Grab are widely used in Ho Chi Minh City. The fares are usually cheaper than traditional taxis and more predictable as they are calculated by the app. A typical short trip costs around 20,000 VND to 30,000 VND (approximately $0.87 to $1.30). These services are convenient and reliable, with cashless payment options available through the app.
- Cyclos are three-wheeled bicycle taxis that offer a leisurely way to see the city. They are ideal for short distances within the city center. Fares should be negotiated beforehand, typically around 100,000 VND for a short ride (approximately $4.30). While they provide a unique experience, they are slower and mainly for tourist use.
- Water Buses operate along the Saigon River, offering a scenic alternative to road transport. The main route runs from Bach Dang Wharf in District 1 to Linh Dong in Thu Duc City. Operating hours are from 6:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Fares are 15,000 VND per trip (approximately $0.65). Water buses are scenic and avoid traffic, but their routes are limited.
- Airport Transfers from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to the city center can be done via taxis, ride-hailing services, or airport shuttle buses. Taxis and ride-hailing services cost around 150,000 VND to 200,000 VND (approximately $6.50 to $8.70). The airport shuttle bus (Bus 109) operates from 5:30 AM to 1:30 AM, with a fare of 20,000 VND (approximately $0.87). Shuttles are economical and reliable, though slower due to multiple stops.
Better to know before visiting Ho Chi Minh City
| Category | Details |
| Language | Vietnamese; English widely understood in tourist areas |
| Currency | Vietnamese Dong (VND) |
| Currency Conversion | 1 VND = $0.000041 USD, €0.000038 EUR, $0.000056 SGD |
| Visa Policies | Vietnam grants e-visas for citizens of all countries with a 90-day stay duration, valid for multiple entries. Citizens from 25 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, South Korea, and others, can stay visa-free for up to 45 days |
| Top Attractions | War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels, Bitexco Financial Tower, Mekong Delta, Saigon Opera House, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City Museum |
| Must-Try Foods | Pho, Banh Mi, Goi Cuon (spring rolls), Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork with noodles), Com Tam (broken rice), Banh Xeo (Vietnamese pancake), Hu Tieu (noodle soup), Ca Kho To (caramelized fish in clay pot), Che (Vietnamese sweet soup), Ca Phe Sua Da (iced milk coffee) |
| Best Time to Visit | December to April; this period offers dry weather with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 33°C, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing |
| Electricity | 220V, 50Hz, common plug types are A, C, and F |
Weather in Ho Chi Minh City
Average Temperature
• January to March: 30.27°C during the day, 25.2°C at night
• April to June: 31.55°C during the day, 27.32°C at night
• July to September: 29.86°C during the day, 26.18°C at night
• October to December: 28.93°C during the day, 24.77°C at night
Average seasonal Rainfall
• Spring: 9.47 cm
• Summer: 193.5 cm
• Autumn: 296.87 cm
• Winter: 143.83 cm
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