Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City: Discover the City that Never Sleep in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon captivates travelers with its vibrant urban energy and modern skyline, rich historical landmarks and lively nightlife

Why travel to Vietnam and visit Ho Chi Minh City? This electrifying metropolis in southern Vietnam, pulsing with life and history, offers a mix of culture, cuisine, and lifestyle that makes it a must-visit for travelers craving the essence of modern Vietnam. From colonial architecture to hidden alleys teemed with streetfood stalls and trendy bars, Ho Chi Minh City promises a journey that’s both inspiring and exhilarating.

Whether you’re a history lover eager to explore the Vietnam War or a foodie seeking explosive flavors, Ho Chi Minh City offers unforgettable moments. Here are some reasons why you should visit this city and enjoy the unique experiences it offers.

Vibrant urban energy and modern skyline

One of the most exciting reasons why visit Ho Chi Minh City is its vibrant urban energy and modern skyline, where the constant buzz of over 9 million residents creates an electrifying atmosphere that’s both chaotic and captivating. The city’s skyline, dominated by gleaming towers. The Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Southeast Asia’s at 461 meters, offers panoramic views from its observation deck, overlooking the Saigon River and motorbikes weaving through streets below. Modern districts like District 1 pulsing with high-end malls, rooftop bars, and innovative startups that showcase the city’s forward-thinking spirit. Amid the skyscrapers, pockets of green like Tao Dan Park provide respites for morning tai chi or evening strolls, balancing the hustle with moments of calm.

Ho Chi Minh City skyline.

This energy manifests in daily life, from the dawn rush of coffee carts to late-night food stalls. For travelers, it means endless opportunities. Join the flow on a motorbike tour through narrow alleys, or ascend Bitexco Tower’s helipad bar for cocktails with 360-degree vistas. Eco-friendly high-rises with green rooftops add sustainable appeal, making the skyline not just a sight but a symbol of progress. This urban vibrancy energizes visitors, offering a taste of Vietnam’s dynamic future while grounding them in its lively present.

Rich historical landmarks from the Vietnam War era

Beyond modern elements, Ho Chi Minh City also preserves numerous important historical and cultural monuments. These landmarks offers deep insights into one of the 20th century’s defining conflicts through preserved sites that blend education with emotional reflection. The War Remnants Museum, housed in a former U.S. information building, displays powerful exhibits like captured American aircraft, graphic photos of war atrocities, and Agent Orange effects galleries that highlight the human cost. This museum not only documents the Vietnam War from a Vietnamese perspective but also promotes understanding and reconciliation, with interactive VR simulations to provide a vivid learning experience.

The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace), the site where tanks crashed its gates marking Saigon’s fall, allows tours through its bomb shelters, war rooms, and rooftop helipad where the last U.S. helicopter departed. Its preserved decor, including the president’s office and banquet halls, evokes the era’s tension. Cu Chi Tunnels, 70km northwest, reveal an underground network used by Vietnamese soldiers for guerrilla warfare. Crawl through widened sections to experience the claustrophobic conditions, with demonstrations of booby traps adding context to your visit.

Reunification Palace in ho Chi Minh City.

World famous street food

Ho Chi Minh City’s is famous for its street food and diverse cuisine, with over 500,000 vendors offering an explosion of flavors from Vietnamese staples to international influences. Iconic dishes like pho bo, fragrant beef noodle soup simmered with star anise, cinnamon, and herbs, topped with fresh basil and lime, can be found at legendary spots like Pho Hoa Pasteur, where a steaming bowl costs just $2. Banh mi, the crispy baguette sandwich stuffed with pâté, grilled pork, pickled carrots, cilantro, and chili, originated from French colonial roots but evolved into a Vietnamese classic. Try it at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa for overloaded fillings that make it a meal on the go.

Street food havens like Ben Thanh Market buzz with stalls frying hu tieu (rice noodles with seafood) or grilling bo la lot (beef wrapped in betel leaves), while District 1’s alleys hide gems for com tam (broken rice with pork chops and fried egg). Diverse options include Korean BBQ in Phu My Hung or Middle Eastern shawarma in backpacker areas, reflecting the city’s expat community. New food halls like those in Bitexco Tower feature fusion twists, like vegan pho or craft beer pairings. Cooking classes in Ho Chi Minh City teach balancing flavors, connecting food to culture. This culinary scene not only satisfies but tells migration stories, making meals memorable explorations.

Banh Xeo, a famous streetfood dish in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bustling markets and shopping paradises

Ho Chi Minh City is also a shopping paradise with a multitude of modern shopping centers. The city offers endless variety from chaotic street stalls to sleek malls where you can find everything from designer fashion to street souvenirs at unbeatable prices. Ben Thanh Market, the city’s iconic hub since 1914, overflows with over 3,000 stalls selling silk ao dai dresses, coffee beans, dried fruits, and handicrafts like lacquerware. Haggle for deals amid the lively chaos, with vendors calling out in multiple languages. This market not only provides bargains but immerses you in local life, with food sections serving fresh spring rolls or durian.

Saigon Square and Russian Market cater to fashion hunters with knockoff brands and tailored suits at fractions of Western costs, while luxury malls like Vincom Centers house international names like Zara alongside Vietnamese designers. These spots reflect the city’s entrepreneurial spirit, blending commerce with cultural exchange.

Lively nightlife and rooftop bars

Ho Chi Minh City’s lively nightlife and rooftop bars are an exhilarating reason why visit Ho Chi Minh City, with venues offering stunning views, craft cocktails, and vibrant energy that keep the city alive long after sunset. Bui Vien Walking Street in the backpacker district buzzes with open-air bars, live music, and street performers, where cheap beers flow and international crowds mingle till dawn. For upscale vibes, rooftop bars like Chill Skybar at AB Tower provide panoramic cityscapes with DJ sets and signature drinks like lemongrass martinis.

District 1’s clubs like Lush Saigon pulse with EDM, while speakeasies like The Gin House offer intimate craft gin tastings. New bars are installed, emphasizing sustainable mixology with local ingredients. This diversity suits all, from relaxed lounges to high-energy dance floors, ensure you will find endless fun after a full-day exploration.

The buzzing Bui Vien street.

Joyful celebrations

Ho Chi Minh City’s cultural festivals and traditional performances are a festive reason why visit Ho Chi Minh City, showcasing Vietnam’s vibrant traditions through events that bring streets alive with color, music, and community spirit. Tet Nguyen Dan, the Lunar New Year in January-February, transforms the city with flower markets, dragon dances, and fireworks over the Saigon River, where families gather for banh chung rice cakes and lion performances symbolizing good luck. The Mid-Autumn Festival in September fills parks with lantern parades and mooncakes, delighting kids with colorful processions. New festivals such as the Saigon Food Festival or Banh Mi Festival will highlight fusion cuisine. These events promote experiences and connections to the roots of Vietnamese culture.

Traditional water puppet shows at the Kim Long Theatre recreate folk culture with puppets dancing on the water to live music, while emerging shows like À Ố offer a blend of traditional art with modern sound and lighting systems. Such events provide a richer glimpse into Vietnamese culture, making your visit even more vibrant and enjoyable.

Read more: The Best Shows in Ho Chi Minh City You Should Not Miss

Colorful street art and creative scenes

Ho Chi Minh City embodies a modern and progressive spirit, and its people are free to express their creativity. The city’s colorful street art and creative landscape are a compelling reason to visit, with murals in districts like Pham Ngu Lao depicting war history, modern life, and social issues in bold colors, transforming alleyways into art galleries. Saigon Outcast hosts events with graffiti workshops and live music, while galleries like The Factory showcase works by contemporary artists combining traditional motifs with urban themes. New street art will be implemented, highlighting murals incorporating augmented reality (AR) technology. This innovation reflects the city’s youthful energy, inspiring visitors.

Tips for visiting Ho Chi Minh City

Best time to visit

Unlike the four-season climate of Hanoi, Saigon has only two seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The weather here is warm year-round, but the temperature is not too high, averaging around 27 degrees Celsius.

From May to November: The special feature of Saigon during this period is the sudden showers. If you visit Saigon during this time, remember to bring an umbrella or a raincoat to avoid getting wet.

Early afternoon showers in Ho Chi Minh City resulted in flooding affecting traffic.

Read more: Rainy season in Vietnam and things to note during the trip

The dry season from December to April: Although the day can be a bit hot, the evenings are very pleasant, ideal for sports activities and park walks.

Thanks to this pleasant climate, you can visit Saigon at any time of the year. Each season in Saigon has its own attractive beauty.

Must-do activities

Taking the River Bus

River experiences are a highlight of tourism in Ho Chi Minh City, offering visitors the chance to see the city from a different angle, passing by many famous sites such as Nha Rong Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, Phu My Bridge, Den Do Cape, and Binh Khanh Ferry.

The river bus service departs daily from 8:30 AM from Bach Dang, Binh An, Linh Dong, Thanh Da, and Hiep Binh Chanh docks. The night bus line has its last departure at 10 PM. Tickets can be booked online or purchased directly at the dock for 15,000 VND per trip.

Dinner on a Cruise

Every evening, cruises depart from Saigon Port, taking visitors along the river to admire the nighttime beauty of famous sites such as Nha Rong Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, Saigon Bridge, and Landmark 81. Visitors can enjoy dinner on board, taking in the beautiful views on both sides of the river. Meals can be in the form of Asian or European-style buffets or set menus. Cruises also offer artistic programs, including singing, dancing, and magic shows.

Sightseeing from a Double-Decker Bus

The center of Ho Chi Minh City offers convertible double-decker buses for tourists. The buses are equipped with an automatic multilingual commentary system, tourist maps, free Wi-Fi, and an accompanying guide. Each trip lasts about 60 minutes, passing by famous sites such as Thao Cam Vien Zoo, the War Remnants Museum, Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Opera House, and ending with a panoramic view from the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower.

The buses operate from 9 AM to 10:30 PM daily, with a frequency of 30 minutes per trip. In the evening, they also offer luxury dinner cruise packages along the Saigon River. Tickets can be purchased directly at the departure counter located at 92-96 Nguyễn Huệ, District 1, or booked online.

Must-visit destinations

Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace is a unique architectural work imbued with oriental style. This place is associated with many important stages of history, symbolizing peace and marking the end of the over 20-year war in Vietnam. When visiting, visitors can admire valuable artifacts and explore over 100 rooms where high-ranking leaders worked and held meetings.

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM daily
• Ticket prices: Adults: 40,000 VND per person; Students: 20,000 VND per person; Children: 10,000 VND per person.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral, an icon of the city, stands out among the modern skyscrapers with its Romanesque and Gothic European architecture. It houses the largest bells in Vietnam, a pride of the Saigon diocese.

• Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM, 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM Monday to Friday
• Mass schedule: 5:30 AM, 5:00 PM Monday to Saturday; Sunday: 5:30 AM, 6:30 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM, 4:00 PM, 5:00 PM, 6:30 PM

Ho Chi Minh Museum – Nha Rong

Nha Rong was built in 1863 with Western architecture. It is the place from where the young Nguyen Tat Thanh (President Ho Chi Minh) began his 30-year journey to save the country, marking a turning point that changed the entire history of Vietnam. Today, Nha Rong preserves and displays many artifacts related to the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh.

• Address: 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening days: Tuesday to Sunday
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the liveliest markets in Saigon. It was established in the early 17th century. Currently, it has nearly 1,500 stalls selling a wide variety of products, from the simplest to the most sophisticated. Ben Thanh Market has four main gates (East, South, West, North) opening onto major streets and twelve secondary gates.

• Address: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market, a vibrant trading hub in Ho Chi Minh City.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a popular tourist and leisure destination for both visitors and locals. If you visit Saigon, you must stop by and take photos here. You should visit Nguyen Hue Street in the evening to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere with street artist performances. Don’t forget to try the delicious snacks in the building at 42 Nguyen Hue.

• Address: Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: Every evening

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a resistance base during the Vietnam War, dubbed the “underground city” due to their length of over 200 km, comprising many rooms, infirmaries, kitchens, workrooms, warehouses, etc. The tunnel system was built from 1946 and continued to be developed for 20 years, with a depth of 3 to 12 meters, capable of withstanding heavy bombings.

• Address: Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City

Plan your adventure in Ho Chi Minh City with Paradise Travel

Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City? With its unique blend of history and modernity, Ho Chi Minh City offers visitors a varied and rich experience. From classic French architectural buildings and modern skyscrapers to bustling shopping centers and diverse cuisine, this city will leave you with unforgettable memories for your Vietnam tours. Additionally, the dynamic pace of life and the friendliness of the locals will make you feel right at home.

Ho Chi Minh City is not just a tourist destination, but also a place where you can feel the pulse of one of Southeast Asia’s most dynamic cities. Contact us to plan and discover all the wonders that Saigon has to offer!