A Comprehensive Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide (2025)  

Travelling to Ho Chi Minh City is more than just ticking off landmarks - it’s about stepping the rhythm of a city alive with noise, flavour, and constant motion. This guide brings you the essentials - what to pack, how to get around, where to go, and what not to miss - so you can move with the city, not just through it.

 

1. Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips Before Departure  

1.1. Climate Overview  

Ho Chi Minh City's tropical monsoon climate has an average temperature of around 27°C year-round, with two distinct seasons: the dry season (December to April) and the rainy season (May to November).

The dry months are ideal for exploring, with sunny skies and low humidity - December is the coolest, April the hottest.

Rain during the wet season often comes in brief, heavy bursts, usually in the afternoon. But in September and October, showers can last longer or return throughout the day. It’s a quieter time to visit, great for a slower-paced trip.

 

1.2. Travel Documents  

Before travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned arrival date. Most visitors will need a Vietnamese e-visa and other immigration documents, which can be conveniently applied for online in advance.

If you plan to drive, don’t forget an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your home country’s license - both are required to rent vehicles in Vietnam legally.

Lastly, while not mandatory, travel insurance is highly recommended. It offers peace of mind for unexpected events, medical issues to trip delays or lost luggage.

1.3. Health Emergencies  

Health care in Ho Chi Minh City is reliable, with a wide range of public and private hospitals available to travellers. For public care, trusted names include Cho Ray Hospital, Children’s Hospital 1, and People’s Hospital 115. Hospitals such as FV Hospital, Tam Anh Hospital, and Hoan My Saigon are reputable options for private medical care, trusted by locals and international visitors.

In case of emergency:

• Dial 113 for the Police

• Dial 114 for the Fire Department

• Dial 115 for Medical Emergencies

For your Ho Chi Minh City travel, it’s smart to carry a basic medical kit with essentials like bandages, pain relief medicine, insect repellent, and sunscreen

Additionally, while Vietnam doesn’t require specific vaccinations, it’s wise to consult your doctor about routine immunisations and travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

 

1.4. Packing Checklist  

Smart packing makes a huge difference for Ho Chi Minh City travel. The climate is warm and humid year-round, so light, breathable clothing is key.

• T-shirts, long-sleeved tops, and loose-fitting trousers or shorts for comfort

• Activewear if you plan on hiking or outdoor excursions

• Modest clothing (long skirts, tops, or trousers) for temple visits

• A light jacket or extra layers for cooler evenings

Don't forget essentials like:

• A refillable water bottle

• A light waterproof jacket or poncho

• Swimwear, sunglasses, and a sunhat

• Comfortable sneakers for walking, plus sandals or flip-flops

• A prepaid SIM card, which you can get at the airport or your travel guide

• toiletries and personal medications.

• Vietnam uses type A, C, and F power plugs (220V), so bring a universal travel adapter and your necessary chargers.

1.5. Budget & Costs  

Vietnam is well known for its affordability, and Ho Chi Minh City is no exception. With a bit of planning, you can tailor your trip to fit almost any budget.

Attractions

• Cultural & historical sites: Entrance fees typically range $1 - $8, depending on the location.

• Museums & pagodas: Most cost between $0.80 - $4 per visit.

Food and Dining

• Street food is not only a central part of local culture but also an affordable and tasty option - favourites like bánh mì, phở, and cơm tấm usually cost around $0.80–$2.80.

• Local eateries offer a relaxed atmosphere and a wide variety of Vietnamese dishes, typically priced between $4 - $10 per person.

• International restaurants in the city centre offer diverse cuisines, with meals generally ranging $12 - $35, depending on the venue and style.

Accommodation

• Budget hotels provide essential comforts such as clean rooms and Wi-Fi, with prices around $20 - $40 per night.

• Mid-range hotels often include additional amenities like pools, on-site dining, and more spacious rooms, typically $40 - $80.

• Luxury hotels and resorts offer premium services and experiences, starting at $100 and reaching $300+, depending on location and season.

 

2. Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips During Your Journey  

2.1. Travel Safety  

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for visitors, with a strong presence of police and security officers regularly patrolling both main streets and smaller neighbourhoods. Still, like in any busy urban centre, staying alert and informed is key to a smooth trip.

Common Travel Risks & How to Avoid

• Taxi scams: Some drivers operating without a license may overcharge or deliberately take longer routes. To avoid this, use official ride-hailing apps like Grab or Be, which offer upfront pricing and GPS tracking.

• Petty theft: Pickpocketing can occur in crowded markets or tourist hotspots. Keep your bag zipped, wear it in front of you, and avoid displaying valuables in public.

• Tour scams: Not all tour operators are legitimate. To ensure quality and safety, book through reputable travel agencies, hotels, or well-reviewed online platforms.

Responsible Giving

You may encounter children begging on the streets. Child welfare organisations advise against giving money or sweets, as this can reinforce exploitative practices. Instead, consider supporting reputable charities or local education initiatives that work toward long-term change.

Quick Tips

• Stick to well-lit, populated areas, especially at night

• Keep important documents and valuables in a money belt or hotel safe

• Don’t carry all your cash or cards at once

You can make the most of your Ho Chi Minh City travel experience by staying aware and prepared.

 

2.2. Transportation  

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City is convenient, with a mix of modern apps and affordable transport options available to travellers.

Must-Have Travel Apps

• Google Translate: Helps bridge the language gap, especially useful with its camera translation

• Grab / Be / Xanh SM: Popular ride-hailing apps in Vietnam for car and motorbike rides with upfront pricing and cashless payments

• Google Maps and TripAdvisor: Essential for navigation, finding nearby attractions, and reading reliable reviews

Transport Options & Estimated Costs

• Public Buses: Approximately $0.3 - $0.8 per ride, use apps like Google Maps or Transerco to find routes

• Motorbike taxis and Taxis: Typically start $0.4 to $0.7 per kilometre, and the rate will vary based on each taxi brand

• Private car with driver: Prices typically start around $40 per day, depending on type, distance, or additional services

 

2.3. Cultural & Historical Attractions  

Ho Chi Minh City is rich in history and heritage, with landmarks that reveal stories of resilience, culture, and transformation. Here are some of the city’s must-visit sites:

- Cu Chi Tunnels

• TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City

• daily 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Ben Dinh: 4.2 USD / pax

• Ben Duoc: 3.5 USD / pax

• Step Vietnam’s wartime underground world. This vast network of tunnels once housed living quarters, kitchens, and command centres used by resistance fighters. Visiting Cu Chi offers a powerful glimpse the country’s struggle for independence.

- Reunification Palace

• 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

• Opening hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

• Ticket price: 1.5 USD / adult, 0.8 USD / student, and 0.4 USD / child

• This historic site was once the presidential palace of South Vietnam and played a key role at the end of the Vietnam War. Explore its preserved 1970s interiors, including underground bunkers and official meeting rooms.

- War Remnants Museum

• 28 Vo Van Tan, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3

• Opening hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

• Ticket price: 4.2 USD / adult, free for children under 6

• This museum presents a raw, thought-provoking look at the impacts of war, particularly the perspective of Vietnamese civilians. Exhibits include photographs, preserved military equipment, and detailed historical accounts.

- City Hall, Ho Chi Minh Monument, and Central Post Office

• District 1

• Central Post Office: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm (Monday - Saturday); 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (Sunday)

• Admire the neoclassical architecture of the Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, and visit the elegant City Hall and Ho Chi Minh Monument nearby. These colonial-era landmarks reflect the city’s European influences and remain favourite photo spots.

- Notre Dame Cathedral

• No. 1 Paris Commune, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

• Built between 1863 and 1880, this iconic cathedral stands tall with its 58-meter twin bell towers and classic red brick exterior. Though currently undergoing restoration, it remains a powerful symbol of the city’s French colonial history.

- Thien Hau Pagoda

• Address: 710 Nguyen Trai, Ward 11, Dist. 5, Ho Chi Minh

• Opening hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm daily

• One of the most revered temples in the city, Thien Hau Pagoda honours the Lady of the Sea, a spiritual guardian in Chinese-Vietnamese culture. The ornate roof carvings, intricate ceramic reliefs, and hanging incense coils create a mystical atmosphere that transports visitors back in time.

2.4. Local Life & Street Experience  

Beyond the museums and monuments, the streets are where your Ho Chi Minh City travel truly comes alive - in the markets, the food stalls, the late-night music, and the everyday bustling of local life.

- Ben Thanh Market

• Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

• Opening hours: 7 am - 7 pm

• A trip to Ho Chi Minh wouldn’t be complete without exploring Ben Thanh Market, the city’s unofficial symbol. Inside, you’ll find everything textiles and lacquerware to electronics and souvenirs. The food court is a highlight, with over 20 stalls serving iconic dishes like broken rice, Pho, sizzling pancakes, noodles, and fresh seafood. Bargaining is expected - don’t hesitate to haggle the prices down.

- The Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City

• Address: 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, Ben Nghe

• Tickets: Prices range 19 USD - 45 USD for show tickets

• Built in 1897, the Saigon Opera House is a beautifully preserved architectural gem the French colonial era. Inside, you’ll find a grand stage that regularly hosts opera, ballet, and cultural performances. For a memorable evening, we recommend booking a ticket to the acclaimed A O Show - a vibrant mix of Vietnamese tradition and contemporary performance art.

- Saigon Food Tour with Scooter

• Nothing connects you to Saigon like riding through its streets on a scooter. A guided food tour by motorbike lets you dive deep the city’s flavour Bánh mì and iced Vietnamese coffee to more adventurous dishes like Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (Phnom Penh-style noodle soup) or Gỏi cuốn (spring rolls).

• Don’t miss local favourites such as: Cơm Tấm (broken rice); Bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper); Cơm cháy chà bông (crispy rice with pork floss); Bánh Mì Chảo (skillet bread); Gỏi khô bò (Vietnamese green papaya salad with dried beef)

• It’s not just a meal -  it’s a ride through the city’s soul.

- Walking Street

• Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Best time: 7:00 pm – 2:00 am (Saturday and Sunday)

• Nguyen Hue Street: Central District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Best time: after 5:00 PM, especially on Fridays and Saturdays

• End your day where the city comes alive: Bùi Viện and Nguyễn Huệ, the two most popular walking streets. On weekends, these areas are filled with live music, street performers, food vendors, and locals unwinding after work.

• You can: Watch live performances and pop-up art shows; Join in traditional games like nhảy dây (jump rope) and ô ăn quan (Vietnamese mancala); Sip a cold Bia Hơi (draft beer) and watch the city flow around you

• Spontaneous, lively, and unfiltered -  these are the moments that make travelling in Ho Chi Minh City unforgettable

 

Ho Chi Minh City travel is a symphony of opposites - the crackle of street food flames, the hush of wartime tunnels, the grace of old-world balconies, and the chaos of street life, all weaving together a city that never stands still. We hope this guide helps you not only plan your trip, but also embrace the richness that makes this city truly unforgettable.

 

At AsianwayTravel, travel is about meaningful experiences. That’s why we offer curated tours like our 4 Days Saigon & Nearby itinerary (just $170 per person) and our Full-day Private Saigon - Cu Chi - City Tour (only $61 per person, including hotel). Whether you’re here for a quick city break or exploring Vietnam on a deeper journey, we’re here to ensure each moment is meaningful, personal, and authentic.

With over 20 years of experience, Asianway Travel has grown a trusted name for immersive exploration across Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Contact our experts for free and personalised support to plan your next adventure.

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