The high-energy Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a vibrant blend of proud heritage and sleek modernity, of elegant French colonial buildings and glittering skyscrapers, of gritty authenticity and cosmopolitan comforts. Formerly known as Saigon, it’s a city that witnessed a period of tumult in its not-so-distant past. Now, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest and liveliest city in Vietnam—an essential stop for any traveler on a journey of history and discovery.
Fast Facts
- Language: The national language is Vietnamese, but Ho Chi Minh City locals can understand English.
- Currency: The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the unit of currency in Vietnam.
- Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport
- COVID-19 Travel Guidelines: As of May 15, 2022, Vietnam no longer requires a negative COVID-19 test result for entry into the country. Travelers must have valid medical or travel insurance covering COVID-19 treatment with a minimum coverage of US$10,000.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam’s dry season between December and March is a fantastic time for visiting Ho Chi Minh City. The city is typically warm, but the months of January and February are especially pleasant with their relatively cool, dry weather. It’s best to avoid the monsoon season between May and October.
How to Get There
Domestic and international travelers may fly directly to Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Get a convenient airport transfer to your hotel and kick off your Vietnam trip in total comfort.
Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
As a famous tourist hub, Ho Chi Minh City features plenty of accommodation options, from affordable backpacker favorites to fancier five-star hotels.
Alcove Library Hotel
A chic budget hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, Alcove Library Hotel is the ideal haven for book lovers. The boutique hotel doubles as a library for guests, with the lobby filled with novels that guests can take to their room to read. Rooms and suites are clean, spacious, and tastefully decorated. Located between the city center and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, Alcove Library Hotel is a convenient 15-minute drive away from either.
Address: 133A – 133B Nguyen Dinh Chinh Street, Ward 8, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: https://www.alcovehotel.com.vn, Facebook
Pullman Saigon Centre
Modern and luxurious, Pullman Saigon Centre is a five-star hotel in the heart of the city that’s a top choice for both leisure and business travelers. Sunlit rooms are fitted with contemporary décor and plush furnishings, while hotel facilities include a rooftop pool, a spa, and a fitness center. The hotel boasts a convenient location in traveler-friendly Tran Hung Dao, close to the city’s top shopping and recreational attractions. It’s steps away from the popular Ben Thanh Market.
Address: 148 Tran Hung Dao Boulevard, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: https://www.pullman-saigon-centre.com, Facebook
The Reverie Saigon
The Reverie is a showstopper, a five-star sanctuary hailed as the most stylish and luxurious hotel in Ho Chi Minh City. Hotel interiors by the finest Italian interior designers feel fit for royalty, while world-class facilities promise an unparalleled experience in Vietnam. Nestled on the topmost floors of Saigon Times Square, The Reverie is an opulent retreat with breathtaking city views through floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s set in the upscale Nguyen Hue of District 1, a luxe retreat in a convenient location for all your sightseeing adventures.
Address: Times Square Building 22 – 36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard & 57 – 69F Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: https://www.thereveriesaigon.com, Facebook
Where to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Traveling to HCMC is incomplete without diving headfirst into the city’s thriving foodie scene. Street food is exceptional in this part of southern Vietnam, but there are also a couple of sit-down restaurants where travelers can sit back, relax, and enjoy the finest fare in the city.
Secret Garden Restaurant
An authentic Vietnamese restaurant tucked away on the rooftop of an old colonial building, Secret Garden Restaurant is a serene escape from the usual bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. Traditional lanterns, string lights, leafy plants, and city views create a picture-perfect setting for an intimate lunch or dinner. Food is expertly prepared yet infused with the authenticity of a home-cooked meal. This is an excellent place to sample fresh Vietnamese food such as stir-fried beef and green pepper.
Address: 158 Pasteur Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: Facebook
Noir. Dining In The Dark
Even while traveling, it’s not every day that you’re faced with something completely new but Noir offers an unforgettable unique culinary experience in Ho Chi Minh City. As the name “Dining in the Dark” suggests, Noir invites guests to sit down for a fine dining meal in complete darkness. Here, you’ll discover that savoring Vietnamese food and wine without seeing them opens up the palate to an unusually vivid explosion of flavor.
Address: Lane 178 – 180D Hai Ba Trung, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: https://www.noirdininginthedark.com, Facebook
The Refinery
For something a little bit more refined, treat yourself to delectable French cuisine at The Refinery. Set in a quiet courtyard in District 1, the French bistro and wine bar offers an exceptional dining experience in the heart of Saigon. Romantic European-inspired interiors make it ideal for travelers seeking a special night out. Each dish is meticulously prepared; you won’t go wrong with any order, although the filet mignon is especially heavenly and a must-try.
Address: 74 Hai Ba Trung, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Website: https://therefinerysaigon.com, Facebook
Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Explore Cultural Landmarks in District 1
The cultural attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are second to none, so make sure you allot a day to explore it all. District 1 is a superb place to start, with a huge chunk of the city’s French colonial landmarks within walking distance of each other: Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon Central Post Office, among others. The Ben Thanh Market is also within the district—a good place to buy souvenirs and the famous “weasel coffee.”
Visit the War Remnants Museum
Learn about the Vietnam-American War from the perspective of the Vietnamese at the War Remnants Museum in District 3. Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, it’s a sobering place that documents the horrors and tragedy of wartime. There are indoor exhibits showing war paraphernalia and weapons, while military tanks and jets are showcased in the courtyards outside.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Another landmark from the American War, the Cu Chi Tunnels is about two hours away from Ho Chi Minh City by car. It’s worth the trip, though, with the winding network of underground providing a close-up look at the lives (and deaths) of the Viet Cong during the war. This is the base of operations of the rebels, who carved out the intricate network themselves. At one point, the Cu Chi Tunnels had living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, bomb shelters, and more!
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