Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City at a glance

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Sai Gon to the locals, is one of the most appealing attractions when traveling to Vietnam. Situated in the southern part of Vietnam, this city is famous for its large acreage and population as well. Once biased as “The Pearl of the Far East” by the French, Saigon's modern pace now grabs tourist’s attention for not only its breathtaking views but also its dynamic lifestyle, especially the nightlife. Acting as the heart of the economy, the center of religion and entertainment, and the non-sleep city in Vietnam, you should definitely take a Ho Chi Minh City tour to deeply immerse yourself in life and culture. Let’s let Asia Private Travels provide you with the top things deserving to do in your journey of exploring there!

Ho Chi Minh city overview

Must-visit attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon is more of a multicultural metropolis, so do not anticipate breathtaking mountain views or a soothing coastal wind. You will not likely have this city at hello, but if you stand a second chance, you will recognize why so many foreigners choose to make it their home. However, if you just have a few days to spend in the city, check out these top sights to learn more about Saigon's lifestyle and history. 

Ben Thanh Market is definitely a worth-deserving place added to your Ho Chi Minh Day Tour list. Located in the center of the city, this market is well-known for its quantity of commodities and regional produce. You can find whatever you need on the market. Since this market is indoors, you may avoid the Saigon heat while still having a real shopping experience. You will need to take a long stroll to thoroughly explore the market, but do not forget to stop by the food court and the meat and fish aisles to get a true sense of the hustle and bustle of the energetic environment. 

Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh city

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the best place for walking lovers. The Saigoneers frequent this location, especially when the sun is out and the temperature drops. There is a lot to "see" in this place. You may get a taste of how the inhabitants spend their evenings by taking a stroll down this street. In just under a kilometer, there is a lot happening, including people taking photos, kids practicing skating, water music performances, and more. The Cafe Apartment is one of the most amazing places. These former flats were converted into cafes and stores along the pedestrian street; at night, the lights from the sign panos are lit, creating an incredible sight in and of itself. Here, folks bring their significant others, take pictures, or complete work. You can also take into consideration Saigon Garden, which is a cluster of restaurants where you may find fusion meals and have a drink before returning to the street.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City

The Independence Palace in Saigon is the go-to historical location if you have only one day for a tour in Ho Chi Minh City. The residence and workplace of the brothers Ngo Dinh Diem and Ngo Dinh Nhu, the previous presidents of the Vietnam Republic, may be compared to the White House. The palace, which has survived for more than 150 years despite the passage of time, exhibits a subtle fusion of Indochina and Western architectural styles. On the campus, there are more than a hundred rooms with various settings, a rooftop where an airplane could land, and a network of sturdy tunnels that could hold powerful weapons and bombs.

The Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

Located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnel is a historical relic from the Vietnam War and the Indochina War. It is suitable for the Cu Chi 1-Day Tour if you do not have much time in Saigon. The entire tunnel is actually an underground metropolis with all the amenities needed, including kitchens, meeting rooms, hospitals, and hundreds of kilometers of connected road tunnels. Only one crawling human can fit in the lowest stratum, which is only 0.8 meters high and 10 meters below the surface. Now that the tunnel has been extended for viewing purposes, you can enter it and envision spending days or months there.

Cu Chi Tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City

Cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City 

The food scene is thriving in Saigon. Food and beverage production is Saigon's most important business, hence there are several dining options available. Here are a few traditional Saigon foods to try. 

The most likely savory dish to be attempted in Saigon is Banh Mi, because it is ideal for takeout while you are busy seeing the city. A Banh Mi is essentially a baguette with a variety of fillings inside, such as char siu, pickled veggies, and Vietnamese pig sausage. It is practical, affordable, and delicious.

Banh Mi in Ho Chi Minh City 

Com Tam is a cuisine that this city excels at more than anyplace else. Saigon is alleged to have no particular niche at times. Steamed broken rice is the base of a classic Com Tam Saigon, which is topped with grilled pork ribs, egg cake, sunny-side-up eggs, and shredded pig skin. To keep the dish balanced, cucumber, tomato, and pickled carrots are also often included. A tiny cup of fish sauce with garlic and chile is offered beside the rice to round out the flavor.

 Com Tam in Ho Chi Minh City 

Recognized as the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee by the International Organization of Coffee, it is not surprising that cafes are the most popular in Vietnam. In Saigon, people have a habit of enjoying a glass of coffee in the early morning before breakfast. This facilitates coffee lovers to be fresh and have enough energy for a long working day. Saigonnees have a unique way of devouring coffee forming a cafe-consuming culture – “Ca Phe Bet”, which means you just need a comfortable place and enjoy your own kind of drink without chairs or desks. It is time to get your own coffee and immerse yourself in Saigon’s lifestyle!

 “Ca Phe Bet” in Ho Chi Minh City 

Last but not least, Ho Chi Minh City is regarded as “the heaven of street food” in the world. It is not very challenging for tourists to catch up with the random food stalls in the streets. Take a quick street food tour in Ho Chi Minh; some dishes could be mentioned, such as Banh Trang Tron (a snack that changes the game) with the combination of a bag of rice paper strips, dried meat and shrimp, quail eggs, and green mango and herb shreds, Bap Xao Tep (fried corns and shrimp), Ca Vien Chien (fried fish balls),... All the mouth-watering dishes will definitely make you fall head over heels in love with the city. 

Street food tour in Ho Chi Minh

The weather in Ho Chi Minh City 

As it is only 8 degrees north of the equator, Ho Chi Minh City is full of the characteristics of a tropical place—always hot and dry. Therefore, the weather in Saigon is divided into two main seasons: dry and wet. 

Ho Chi Minh contains full of characteristics of a tropical place - always hot and dry.

The rainy season usually starts from May to November and is the coolest month in Saigon, when the average temperature is around 26 °C. It is also the best and most suitable time for tourists to visit the attraction because of its cool breeze and lower humidity. Summer-weight jeans and a loose shirt are the most appropriate clothing for you. More importantly, do not forget to take an umbrella along with you to protect you from the sun as well as the rain when you go on a Ho Chi Minh Road trip.

The dry season, meanwhile, starts in December and ends in April. From January to April, the temperature soars to an average of around 33°C in Ho Chi Minh City. It is also around this time that the locals prepare for Tet, the Vietnamese New Year. This is a week-long holiday where people wear red, exchange gifts, and decorate with fruits. Remember to choose suitable clothing, like shorts or loose shirts. 

Transport in Ho Chi Minh City

Being one of the five central cities of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has the most advanced transportation system. Newcomers to Saigon may feel intimidated by the traffic because of the overwhelming number of motorcycles and the erratic flow. On the other hand, that is one of Saigon's "specialties" and what you will miss about it. This is the ideal halfway point for your journey and serves as a convenient starting point for visiting other places in the south of Vietnam.

Motorcycles in Ho Chi Minh city

With a great capacity to serve passengers and travelers, Tan Son Nhat International Airport is one of the largest and essential airports in the nation. Vietnam Airlines - the official national airline, and other commercial airlines such as Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways,... are some good choices for tourists. It takes 7 km to get to the city center.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport

Moreover, short-route or long-route buses should also be considered. Because buses in Vietnam do not have their own lanes, traveling by bus during rush hour is incredibly slow. That may help explain why it is less well-liked. If you are not in a rush, it is an intriguing way to view the city. The city’s bus system is widely dispersed, with 136 different routes that guarantee to bring you the best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.

Short-route or long-route buses in Ho Chi MInh city

Many tourists agree that you haven’t seen Saigon until you see the city with a motorbike, which is also the iconic means of transportation in the country. It is definitely overwhelming for foreign visitors when traveling to Saigon for the first time because of the high level of motorbikes on the roads. It is considered a “specialty” of Ho Chi Minh City. The service for hiring motorbikes now is developing significantly, and you can completely hire a motorbike for yourself easily at a reasonable price. 

Accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City

For visitors from abroad, Saigon is the preferred entry point into the nation. As a result, a variety of hotels have been springing up to satisfy the needs of the city's tourism business. No matter your trip goals or budget, you will always be satisfied. For opulent vacations, Ho Chi Minh City has a sizable selection of 5-star hotels. They are situated in the most desirable areas of the city, notably in areas that were still part of the French colonial era, with views of the Saigon River and ongoing traffic.

Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City

Hope that the above information somehow assists you with your next vacation to Ho Chi Minh City. For all the remarkable heritages, along with the diverse and typical cuisine, Ho Chi Minh City is definitely a must-go destination on your Vietnam tour. Contact Asia Private Travels right now to experience the best journey!