There are two distinct seasons in Saigon: the Northwest Monsoon season from November to April and the Southwest rainy season from May to October.
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is from December to March, the dry season (hot, dry and with low humidity). The temperature is between 20 – 34°C / 68 – 93°F. Many people like to come in January and February to enjoy the Tet festivities. Keep in mind that accommodation prices can rise due to the high demand during this period.
March, April, and May are pretty hot months, but the dryness makes the temperature more bearable. In December, the temperature can drop significantly in the morning (below 20°C / 68°F). This is why it is also a good period to come to comfortably enjoy your trip.
From May to September, tropical rain hits the city. Although you should be prepared for the sudden rain, it is still a good time to go if you are on a budget. This is due to the fact that accommodations tend to be cheaper around this time of the year.
There are various means of transportation available in Saigon that can cater to the itinerary and the budget you have. However, do keep in mind that HCM’s traffic is extremely dense, therefore some means of transportation may be more efficient than others.
The rickshaw is a tourist’s favourite and a comfortable way to go from famous places to others. Although it is not always available due to the high traffic, it is one of the popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Do remember to ask for the price before getting on so as not to get scammed. Price ranges around 50.000 – 70.000 VND/hour ($2-$3/hour)
Due to extremely busy traffic, most travellers don’t dare rent a motorbike and ride themselves. However, if you feel confident enough, you can rent your own motorbike to be completely independent on your journey in the city. Most hotels offer bike rental services, but the price can be more expensive than if you look for one yourself in the city. Try to go to Pham Ngu Lao District where you can rent a motorbike for about 120.000 VND ($5) a day and 20.000 VND for a helmet.
Most tourists may feel that the city is small because they only limit themselves to District 1, but in fact, HCMC is a massive city that has a lot to offer to those who are willing to search a little. With up to 21 districts, further divided into wards, there are many places to see in Saigon. The things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are endless. Though it is impossible to list them all, follow our guide to find the must-see attractions in Saigon!
This is the main district of HCMC, attracting the most tourists as there are many things to do here.
District 1 really stands out because of its French architecture. The most famous examples are the Saigon Central Post Office and the Notre Dame Cathedral. These two buildings are actually located very close to each other and are frequently visited together.
Location: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1 (Saigon Central Post Office), 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1 (Notre Dame Cathedral)
Fun fact: Most people mistakenly credit the Saigon Central Post Office as the work of French architect Gustave Eiffel while it was actually designed by another French architect, Alfred Foulhoux.
If you want to buy any souvenirs or try local food, Ben Thanh market is the place to go. It is among the most famous things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. You can pretty much buy anything there, but do not forget to bargain! The market is massive and can seem overcrowded when you navigate through the small alleys. It can be quite overwhelming during the day, so going at night can be a better alternative to avoid the heat. You can also taste various kinds of food. Note that although you need to bargain for most things, others have fixed prices (look for the ‘fixed price’ sign and tags on the clothes).
If you want to get the best deals, better come early in the morning!
Also known as the tortoise pagoda, the Jade Emperor Pagoda was built in the early 20th century by some Cantonese immigrants in honour of the Jade Emperor, perhaps the most spectacular and colorful pagodas in Saigon. It is also one of the most important shrines and is frequently visited with locals coming to pray daily. The carving on the walls depict the punishments for those who are not deemed worthy of entering heaven by the Jade Emperor and the dim light adds even more charm to this mysterious atmosphere.
There is a tortoise pond in front of the temple where you can actually feed some animals as part of the temple rituals.
This temple gets its popularity due to the fact that it is currently the only Hindu temple still open in HCMC. It was built in honour of the Deity Marriaman. Enjoy the colourful statues and the uniqueness of this temple.
This place was renamed the Reunification Palace after the fall of Saigon to the Communists and renamed again Independence palace when it was handed to President Ngo Dinh Diem in 1954 after the French withdrawal. It is a symbol of Vietnam independence and has a lot of cultural and historical heritage value.
It is the second most visited district after District 1. There are many attractions and places to see young Vietnamese people gather. With its colonial architecture, this district feels like a mix of old and new.
Previously known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes’, this museum displays shocking photographs and war relics as a reminder of the brutal war. Although it is open for everyone, keep in mind that the photographs displayed in the museum are very graphic
This square is officially called Cong Truong Quoc Te, but people still call it Turtle Lake because of its story. There was once a very big turtle statue that was built because a Master of Feng Shui believed that, while the Independence palace was the head of an underground dragon, this square was its tail. In 1978, the turtle was bombed by people against the government. Today, this square remains a very popular place amongst Vietnamese students. You can come and enjoy a variety of street foods while relaxing under the shadows of big trees.
This district is considered as Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown due to its large Chinese population. It is also the district with the most pagodas and temples. Save at least half a day to explore this district if you want to also enjoy some excellent Chinese and Vietnamese food!
In this market, you can buy woodwork, textile, clothes, jewellery, etc. While the authenticity of some gemstones can be hard to prove, you can still find some nice handy-crafts.
Prices are already lower than most of HCMC’s markets, but don’t hesitate to bargain! Start with 50% lower than the original price and work your way from that.
This market is mostly visited by locals. People come to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, etc. You can also find textile and household supplies, although there is not as much variety as other markets. It is still a great experience with the locals. Come in the morning to enjoy a traditional breakfast of Vietnamese-Chinese delicacies with Vietnamese people.
As part of a war museum, the Cu Chi Tunnels let you experience the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers. There are over 120km of tunnels that create a labyrinth stretching all the way to the Cambodian border. You can visit two different sites: Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc site. Ben Dinh is the closest to HCM whereas Ben Duoc is situated 70km from the city centre.
We advise you to go to the Ben Duoc site. Because of its location, fewer tourists venture there and you can have a more authentic experience in the countryside.
If you are a little familiar with Vietnam, you most likely heard about the Mekong Delta and the infamous Cai Rang floating markets. HCMC is the starting point of many tours on the Mekong Delta. To go there, have plenty of options: you can either go to Can Tho (the main city of the Mekong Delta region) by bus in roughly 3 hours, book a private car, and if you feel adventurous, you can even rent a motorbike to enjoy the journey to the Mekong Delta. Be aware that if you plan on using GoogleMaps, motorcycles are not allowed on the Trung Luong freeway. One of the best ways to discover the Mekong Delta is by taking a cruise. That way, you can truly enjoy the scenery while experiencing the local boat-life. Many tours also offer activities such as visits of workshops for rice wine or local food tasting.
As one of the largest nature reserves in Vietnam, Cát Tiên National Park is a must-see place for nature-lovers. Located in Northeast of HCMC, you can get there by car in 3-4 hours. The park is home to many wildlife species such as reptiles, fish, birds and mammals, although primates are the most prevalent ones. Perhaps the most impressive thing is the variety of botanical species (1,610 different species!). The park is also part of many environment preservation projects for trees and endangered species.
Apart from its extraordinary nature reserve, the park offers a variety of activities for adventure lovers such as trekking or boat riding. You can also discover some of the local communities living within the National Park.
HCM is a very big city and thus has its fair share of secret places. If you still have time, or just want to wander off-the-beaten-tracks, look for these less-known places and things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Bình Quới Tourist Village is located only 30min away from the city centre and is built on a small peninsula in the Saigon River. You can get there by motorbike or by bus. It is a little haven of nature in the city. There are many activities and animations you can enjoy on the three different sites. Enjoy a boat ride on the Saigon river, taste over 50 specialties in the buffet or watch cultural performances. Come here to have a relaxing and authentic experience in this eco-friendly site. Staying in one of the bungalows on-site may be the best choice if you plan on staying there. As they are built on stilts above the water, you can get a taste of the traditional river life.
Many tourists venture in the Ben Thanh Market but most of them don’t know about the hidden shrine. Located behind the Ben Thanh clock, it is accessible on the first floor of the market. Designed for sellers to make their prayers, you can visit it. Don’t forget to remain calm and respectful in this place.
Located on the 2nd floor of a nail shop, look for a door on the right. Many consider it as the best burger in Saigon!
Many places in HCM offer cooking classes regardless of your cooking skills. Whether it is part of a tour or just for a night, you can try and learn how to cook your favourite Vietnamese dish or discover new flavors.
A Motorbike tour is a very fun way to discover the city. With a planned itinerary and an experienced driver, you will cruise through the city in no time to see the best attractions in the city.
If you’re a party animal or just want to experience the nightlife of the lively HCMC, check out Pham Ngu Lao District, aka the backpacker district. This is the place where the night never ends. Go to the main street of the district, Bui Vien Street also known as Phố Tây (Foreign area), where you can eat western or Vietnamese cuisine and drink some fresh beers while enjoying the night.
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, food to bring back or funny gifts, you’ll surely find everything in Saigon. There are plenty of shops, from local markets to high-end luxury boutiques to meet your desire.
Already feeling hot and sweaty from the tropical weather? Worry no more! There are quite a few water parks in HCMC that will cool you down after a long day. Check out Saigon Water Park. It’s a massive complex full of pools and water rides. Location: Thu Duc District. Price: Adult 40.000 VND / Child 35.000 VND / Swim-only ticket 35.000 VND.
What would be an ultimate guide without a food guide? Due to its location, Saigon is the best place to try Vietnamese traditional cuisine as well as Chinese-inspired dishes. The city also has its own specialties and adds its touch to National Specialties. Embarking on a special food tour is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
Banh Mi has now become one of the symbols of Vietnam, but what better place to try Banh Mi than its hometown? This is the perfect breakfast, snack, meal on the go (although some vendors start selling it later in the day). Banh Mi is basically a baguette sandwich filled with either meat, paté, fried eggs, pickled vegetables, etc. Ingredients vary according to the vendors and each of them has a different twist on the iconic sandwich. If you’re a meat lover, you’ll love Banh Mi Huynh Hoa. It is considered by both locals and tourists as one of the best places for Banh Mi in Saigon. When it’s always packed with long lines, you definitely know it’s a good place. Located on 26 le Thi Rieng P. Ben Thanh, District 1, it is only open from 2 PM.
If you’re looking for a filling and delicious breakfast, don’t miss out on this one! Banh Mi Op La consists of a pan filled with sunny side up eggs, different kinds of grilled meat and the traditional vietnamese fresh baguette. We recommend you go to Banh Mi Hoa Ma on 53 Cao Thang, Ward 3 in District 3. Open from 7 AM to 10 AM, don’t wait too long to go as it is a famous place among both locals and tourists, so you may have to wait to get a spot.
There are plenty of noodle dishes in Vietnam, but Pho remains the most infamous. Originally a northern Vietnamese dish, it is now part of Vietnam’s culinary experience. The dish consists of white rice noodles in a clear broth garnished with green herbs, lime, chili, chopped scallions, and beef or chicken. It can be eaten at all times, although Vietnamese people usually eat it in the morning. With so many places to eat Pho, we recommend you head for Pho Pasteur on 260C Pasteur, Ward 8, District 3. Open from 7 AM to 10 PM, enjoy a bowl of pho for approximately 50.000 VND ($2).
Bo Bia is a vegetable roll. For only 3000 VND per roll, it’s probably the cheapest street food option you can find. It’s also one of the healthiest options as the ingredients are pretty low-carb. It comes in pretty small portions, but the flavors and the dips of bean paste with fried shallots, chili and peanuts make this dish a must-eat during your Saigon food experience.
This snack is prepared with dried beef, mango, peanuts, mint, basil, rice paper strips, and chili powder. What makes this snack special is the sauce. Most sellers have their own sauce recipe. The most common one is made from soy sauce and bean paste. The seller will put all the ingredients in a little plastic bag and then mix them with the sauce. Of course, you can also mix it yourself! You can find this snack on food stalls in the street for about 35.000 VND ($1.50). Try to look for Nguyen Thuong Hien Street, which is considered as THE mixed rice paper salad street.
This dish is quite simple and consists of rice flour cakes, fried eggs, and green onions. The best part about this dish is the secret sauce the dish is pre-marinated in. The sauce is much thicker when it’s homemade and adds a unique texture to the rice cakes. You then can top it with shredded papaya.
The best place to eat it is in Cho Lon, the Chinatown of Saigon, and is called Bot Chien 190. Located at 190 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street in District 5, it is a family-owned restaurant that has been running for more than 20 years. You can go to this hidden gem and enjoy a Bot Chien for only 25.000 VND ($1)
Originally from China, this dish has quickly become a go-to snack for Saigonese. It’s made from the viscera of animals boiled in a salty broth that you eat with either Banh Mi, potatoes or noodles. There are many kinds of Pha Lau, but the most popular is the one made with cow meat. Easy, quick and tasty, what more could you ask for.
Nothing feels like home to Vietnamese people like a plate of Com Tam. Made from broken rice grains, considered in the past as the “poor people’s rice”, it has now become a staple food in Saigonese’s everyday life. Com Tam Sai Gon, the Saigon-style broken rice, is usually served with caramelized pork, steamed egg, pickled vegetables, and garlic chive oil.
If you can’t decide between all the places offering Com Tam, we recommend Co Hong’s Com Tam. Moreover, if you’re having one of those late-night cravings, Co Hong’s opened till 4 AM! Join the taxi drivers and the night workers of Saigon for a good plate of Com Tam with grilled pork and eggs.
