Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its perfect blend of lifestyle, beauty, and culture from both the past and present.
Why travel to Vietnam and visit Ho Chi Minh City? Also affectionately known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the most dynamic and developed center in Vietnam.
With its refined mix of classical and modern architecture, bustling streets, and large shopping centers, Ho Chi Minh City attracts not only locals but is also an ideal destination for international tourists. Here are some reasons why you should visit this city and enjoy the unique experiences it offers.
Overview of Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City, often referred to as Saigon, is the largest economic, cultural, and educational center in Vietnam. Located in the southern part of the country, this city is one of the most attractive destinations for both domestic and international tourists due to its harmony between modern architecture and historical sites.
With over 9 million residents, Ho Chi Minh City is not only a place where numerous bustling shopping centers, famous restaurants, and cafes are concentrated, but also a place where many cultural and artistic activities take place. The dynamism, vibrancy, and constant spirit of innovation in Saigon contribute to affirming the city’s position on the world map.
Why visit Ho Chi Minh City?
1. The blend of classic and modern
Ho Chi Minh – City, the mix between classic and modern
One of the distinctive features of Ho Chi Minh City is its architectural buildings influenced by French colonial imprint. As you stroll through the city, you’ll encounter numerous buildings, churches, and public works constructed during the French colonial era, which still retain their classical and elegant beauty. Notable sites include the Notre-Dame Cathedral with its imposing twin bell towers, the Central Post Office with its unique architecture, and the splendid City Hall. These structures not only bear witness to history but also serve as major points of interest for tourists.
In addition to its classical architecture, Ho Chi Minh City is also home to splendid modern skyscrapers. For instance, the Landmark 81, currently the tallest building in Vietnam and one of the tallest in the world. From the top of Landmark 81 or the Saigon Skydeck in the Bitexco Financial Tower, you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city, especially at night when the city is illuminated.
2. Guardian of Historical Narratives
Beyond modern elements, Ho Chi Minh City also preserves numerous important historical and cultural monuments. The War Remnants Museum, the Reunification Palace, and temples such as Ngoc Hoang Temple and Vinh Nghiem Temple are must-visit destinations if you want to delve deeper into the history and culture of the city.
3. Vietnam’s Largest and Most Dynamic City
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city, bustling with economic, cultural, and entertainment activities. During the day, the city is vibrant with a fast-paced lifestyle. At night, Saigon never sleeps with a plethora of bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues open late into the night. The pedestrian streets of Bui Vien and Nguyen Hue are ideal spots to soak in the lively and dynamic atmosphere of the city in the evening.
Ho Chi Minh City, the largest and most vibrant city in Vietnam
4. Large Shopping Centers
Ho Chi Minh City is also a shopping paradise with a multitude of modern shopping centers. You can shop at places like Vincom Center, Saigon Centre, or Takashimaya. These malls not only offer fashion items, electronics, and cosmetics from famous brands but also numerous restaurants, cafes, and entertainment zones. Additionally, Ben Thanh Market is a place where you can find souvenirs, handicrafts, and enjoy a variety of street food.
5. Experiencing Daily Culture with Motorbikes
One of the characteristic images of Ho Chi Minh City, as in other large Vietnamese cities, is the dense flow of motorbikes on the streets. Here, you can feel the vibrant energy of the city where motorbikes are the primary means of transportation. Although the traffic might seem chaotic for newcomers, it is an integral part of life in Saigon. You can also rent a motorbike to freely explore the city on your own.
6. Diverse Cuisine
Ho Chi Minh City is also famous for its diverse and rich cuisine. From simple street foods like banh mi, pho, and hu tieu to southern specialties like lau ca keo, banh xeo, and com tam. You can easily find delicious eateries everywhere, from small street stalls to luxurious restaurants.
7. Warm and Friendly Locals
The people of Saigon are known for their friendly, open, and hospitable nature. No matter where you come from, you will always be warmly welcomed and assisted by the locals. This will certainly make your trip even more memorable and meaningful.
So why visit Ho Chi Minh City? With all these reasons, Ho Chi Minh City is truly an attractive and worthy destination to explore. Plan your trip and discover all the wonderful things this city has to offer!
Travel Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City
What is the Best Time to Visit Saigon?
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.
Sudden rain in Ho Chi Minh City, southern Vietnam
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.
Tourist and Leisure Activities to Try
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.
Some Must-Visit Tourist Sites
Reunification Palace
Reunification Palace from above-Ho Chi Minh City
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
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
Why visit Ho Chi Minh City?
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. 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!
