Absolute Asia/Destinations/Vietnam/Ho Chi Minh city ( Saigon )
The Essence of Ho Chi Minh city ( Saigon )
Suggestions for discovering Ho Chi Minh City Our specialists find authentic ways to explore destinations in your trip, including top experiences in Ho Chi Minh City with local guides.
Take a photo of Ho Chi Minh City, and it’ll be out of date within weeks. Once war-torn, it’s now a modern metropolis with contemporary hotels, restaurants, and shops. Despite its modernization, the city retains its charm with French-colonial architecture, bustling markets, and tranquil temples. Renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, locals still call it Saigon.
- Feel Local on a Vespa: Ride with a local guide on a Vespa motorbike through the bustling streets, stopping at seafood stalls and hidden coffee bars with live acoustic music.
- Stroll District One: Discover wide boulevards, French-colonial architecture like the Saigon Opera House and Central Post Office, cosmopolitan cafés, and great shopping.
- Dine with a View: Visit the Bitexco Financial Tower for 360-degree views from the Skydeck, fine dining at EON 51, or cocktails at the EON Heli Bar.
- War Remnants Museum: Learn about the Vietnam War through documents, artifacts, and exhibitions, including war photography by Tim Page.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore the network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong, watch original film footage, and crawl through part of the tunnels.
- Chinatown (Cholon): Visit Bin Tay market, street hawkers, authentic restaurants, and tranquil temples like Thien Hau Pagoda.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh city
Visit from November to April for dry days and low humidity. March to May can be very hot, and May to October sees frequent showers but also intermittent sunshine.
Festivals and Events
- Lunar New Year (Tet): Late January or February; the city turns yellow with festive decorations, but expect busy travel and closed shops.
- Independence Day: September 2nd; the city is decorated with Vietnam flags, and there’s a grand fireworks display.
Make sure to visit Ho Chi Minh City when traveling to Vietnam!
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