Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis located in southern Vietnam. As the largest city in the country, it serves as a hub of commerce, culture, and tourism. With a population of over 8 million people, Ho Chi Minh City is a melting pot of different cultures and traditions, making it a fascinating destination to explore.
One of the must-see attractions in Ho Chi Minh City is the War Remnants Museum, which showcases the devastating impact of the Vietnam War on the country and its people. Visitors can view powerful exhibits and artefacts, including military equipment, photographs, and personal stories from those who lived through the war.
For a taste of local culture, head to the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where vendors sell everything from fresh produce and traditional handicrafts to clothing and souvenirs. It’s a great place to bargain for a deal and experience the vibrant energy of the city.
Foodies will love Ho Chi Minh City’s culinary scene, which is known for its delicious street food. From pho and banh mi to fresh seafood and grilled meats, there’s no shortage of tasty dishes to try. For a unique dining experience, check out one of the city’s many rooftop bars and restaurants, where you can enjoy stunning views of the city skyline while savouring local cuisine.
As the sun sets, Ho Chi Minh City comes alive with a thriving nightlife scene. Whether you’re looking for live music, rooftop cocktails, or dancing at a trendy club, there’s something for everyone in this city that never sleeps.
In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and fascinating destination that offers something for every type of traveller. From its rich history and culture to its delicious food and exciting nightlife, it’s a must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Vietnam.
3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis located in southern Vietnam. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to plan a trip that covers all the highlights. Here is a suggested itinerary for spending 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City.
Day 1
Start your day by visiting the War Remnants Museum, which showcases the devastating impact of the Vietnam War on the country and its people. Spend a few hours exploring the powerful exhibits and artefacts on display. Afterward, head to the Reunification Palace, where you can learn about the country’s history and see the room where the South Vietnamese government surrendered to the North in 1975. End your day at Ben Thanh Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and try local street food.
Day 2
Begin your day by exploring the city’s colonial architecture. Visit the Saigon Central Post Office, which was designed by Gustave Eiffel and built in the late 19th century. From there, head to the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a beautiful example of French colonial architecture. Next, visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda, one of the city’s most important Buddhist temples. In the evening, head to one of the city’s rooftop bars for a drink and enjoy the stunning view of the city skyline.
Day 3
On your last day, take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. You can crawl through the tunnels and see the booby traps and weapons used during the war. On your way back to the city, stop at a local farm and learn how rice paper is made. End your day by trying some of the city’s famous street food at one of the many food stalls around town.
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and exciting city that offers something for everyone. With this 3-day itinerary, you’ll be able to experience some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, learn about its history, and enjoy its delicious food.
How to get to and around Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a popular tourist destination. Here’s a guide on how to get to and around Ho Chi Minh City:
Getting to Ho Chi Minh City
- By plane: Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the largest airport in Vietnam and is located in the city centre. Many airlines fly to and from Ho Chi Minh City, including budget airlines like VietJet Air and Jetstar.
- By bus: Ho Chi Minh City has a bus station that connects it to other parts of Vietnam and neighbouring countries like Cambodia and Laos.
- By train: Ho Chi Minh City has a train station that connects it to other parts of Vietnam, including Hanoi.
Getting around Ho Chi Minh City
By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Ho Chi Minh City, and it’s a convenient way to get around. Always make sure to use a metered taxi or negotiate the fare before getting in.
- By motorbike: Motorbikes are a popular way to get around Ho Chi Minh City. You can rent one for a day or take a motorbike taxi, which is cheaper than a regular taxi.
- By bus: Ho Chi Minh City has a good public bus system, and it’s an affordable way to get around. However, the buses can be crowded, and it’s not the most comfortable option.
- By Grab or Gojek: Grab and Gojek are ride-hailing apps that are popular in Ho Chi Minh City. You can use these apps to book a car or motorbike taxi, and the fare is usually cheaper than a regular taxi.
- On foot: Ho Chi Minh City is a walkable city, especially in the city centre. Walking is a great way to explore the city and discover its hidden gems.
Places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling city in southern Vietnam. With its rich history, delicious food, and lively nightlife, it’s a popular tourist destination.
District 1 is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and the most popular place to stay. It’s home to many of the city’s landmarks, including the War Remnants Museum and the Reunification Palace. It’s also where you’ll find the famous Ben Thanh Market and a wide range of restaurants and bars. There are many hotels and hostels in District 1, ranging from budget to luxury.
Pham Ngu Lao is a backpacker district in Ho Chi Minh City and a great place to stay if you’re on a budget. It’s known for its cheap hostels and guesthouses, as well as its lively nightlife. It’s also a great place to meet other travellers.
Binh Thanh is a quieter district in Ho Chi Minh City and a good option if you’re looking for a more residential feel. It’s a bit further away from the city centre, but it’s still easy to get around. There are many hotels and serviced apartments in Binh Thanh, as well as local markets and restaurants.
District 3 is a residential district in Ho Chi Minh City that’s popular with expats. It’s a bit further away from the city centre but still within easy reach. It’s a good option if you’re looking for a quieter place to stay and want to experience local life. There are many hotels and serviced apartments in District 3, as well as local markets and restaurants.
What and where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a food lover’s paradise. With its diverse culinary scene and delicious street food, there’s no shortage of places to eat in the city. Here are some suggestions for what and where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City:
Pho
Pho is a classic Vietnamese dish that’s popular all over the country. It’s a hearty bowl of rice noodles, broth, and meat (usually beef or chicken) that’s flavoured with herbs and spices. Pho Hoa Pasteur and Pho 24 are two popular places to try pho in Ho Chi Minh City.
Banh mi
Banh mi is a Vietnamese sandwich that’s made with a baguette, pâté, pickled vegetables, and various meats (usually pork or chicken). Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is a popular place to try banh mi in Ho Chi Minh City.
Com tam
Com tam is a dish made with broken rice, grilled pork chops, and various other toppings, including pickled vegetables and fried eggs. Com Tam Ba Ghien is a popular place to try com tam in Ho Chi Minh City.
Seafood
Ho Chi Minh City is located near the coast, and seafood is a popular dish in the city. There are many seafood restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, including Oc Dao Seafood Restaurant and Quan Ut Ut.
Street food
Ho Chi Minh City is known for its delicious street food, which can be found all over the city. Some popular street food dishes to try include banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), bun cha (grilled pork and noodles), and banh khot (mini rice pancakes).
Coworking in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling metropolis located in southern Vietnam, and it’s a popular destination for digital nomads and remote workers. The city has a growing coworking scene, with many coworking spaces offering modern facilities and a vibrant community of like-minded professionals. Here are some suggestions for coworking spaces in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Dreamplex is a popular coworking space with multiple locations in Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a range of flexible workspace solutions, including private offices, dedicated desks, and hot desks. The spaces are modern and well-designed, with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and communal areas.
- Toong is a stylish coworking space with locations in District 1 and District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a range of workspace solutions, including private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms. The spaces are designed to be creative and inspiring, with plenty of natural light and a modern aesthetic.
- Start Coworking Campus is a coworking space located in District 4 of Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a range of flexible workspace solutions, including private offices, hot desks, and virtual offices. The space is modern and well-equipped, with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and communal areas.
- The Hive is a coworking space with multiple locations in Asia, including one in District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City. It offers a range of workspace solutions, including private offices, hot desks, and virtual offices. The space is modern and well-designed, with high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and communal areas.