First Time in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is one of the most popular tourist cities in Vietnam.

Population (2019): 9 million

Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Hoa, Cham, Khmer

Highlights: War Remnant Museum, the Independence Palace, Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, Bui Vien walking street, Nguyen Hue walking street, Cho Lon, Cu Chi Tunnels

Climate

There are 2 distinct seasons. The rainy season is from May - November and the dry season is from December - April. The annual average temperature is 27.5^oC (81.5^oF). It is very tropical and there is no winter.

Administrative Districts

Ho Chi Minh City is divided in 19 urban districts and 5 sub-urban districts. 

Transport

Ho Chi Minh City is 1,690km from Hanoi, 1,051km from Hue, 445km from Nha Trang, 300km from Da Lat, 338km from Ha Tien, 250km from Rach Gia, 169km from Can Tho, 136km from Vinh Long, 116km from Vung Tau, and 72km from My Tho.

Air

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is 7km from the city center. A taxi to the city center costs VND 150,000. Air-conditioned city buses (No. 49, 109, 199, 152) depart daily every 20 minutes and costs from VND 12,000 - 40,000.

Car

Most travel agents or hotels can arrange car-with-driver rental services.

Taxi

There are many companies offering metered taxi services in Ho Chi Minh. Some reputable taxi companies: VinaSun, Mai Linh, etc. Grab car is also available via the app.

Motorbikes

Rentals are available at hotels and along the backpacker streets: Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, and Bui Vien. Motorbike taxis are also available via the Grab or Go Viet app.

Bicycles

The city's heavy traffic isn't bicycle-friendly.

Things to do:

What to do on Your First Time in Ho Chi Minh City

Travel Cost: 

Costs of Traveling in Ho Chi Minh City

Find the best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City below:

Money tips for Ho Chi Minh Travel

• Vietnamese Currency
• Money Exchange Spots
• Tipping
• Bargaining
• ATMs
• Debit and Credit Cards
• Money-Saving Tips
• Free Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh

Safety and Security in Ho Chi Minh:

• Scams and Annoyances
• Avoid Taxi Scams Tips
• How to Cross Streets
• Is It Safe to Travel in Vietnam?
• Can I Visit Ho Chi Minh City by Myself?
• Get Legal Advice

Health Care in Ho Chi Minh:

• Tap Water
• Food Safety in Vietnam
• Healthcare System
• Vaccinations
• Travel Insurance

General Information:

• Vietnam at a Glance
• Vietnam's Economy
• Electricity & Outlets
• Emergency Contacts (Embassies and Consulates, Hotlines)
• Vietnam Transportation

When You Should Visit Ho Chi Minh:

• Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City
• Weather in Ho Chi Minh

What You Should Pack for Ho Chi Minh:

• Things to Bring to Ho Chi Minh City
• Things Not to Bring to Ho Chi Minh City
• Checklists of Ho Chi Minh City Travel

Transportation in Ho Chi Minh: 

• Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
• Riding Motorbikes in Ho Chi Minh City
• Renting a Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh
• Cycling in Ho Chi Minh City
• Taking Motorbike Taxis
• Waterbus in Ho Chi Minh
• Speedboats from Ho Chi Minh to Vung Tau
• Shuttle Buses from Tan Son Nhat Airport

How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City: 

Going to Ho Chi Minh from Abroad and within Vietnam

Find tickets online to travel to Ho Chi Minh City:

Useful Mobile Apps:

Useful Mobile Apps for Your Vietnam Travel

Get your travel insurance plan to visit Ho Chi Minh City: