Guide to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City , previously known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and the former capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam).

Top reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Explore Vietnam’s interesting history from Chinese temples, through the war to unification

Visit Vietnam’s newest and largest tourist attraction, Dai Nam Tourist Park - temples, entertainment complex, cinema, hotels and a man-made mountain range!

Main areas of Ho Chi Minh City

Although Saigon was renamed in 1975, the old Saigon name is still used by Vietnamese and travellers, especially when resetting to the most central part of the city.

When to go to Ho Chi Minh City

Winter (mid-December to mid-February) can be cold and there is little sunshine, whilst snowfall is frequent. Spring (March and April) can vary, although the temperature is noticeably warmer.

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Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

• Reunification Palace
• People’s Committee Hall
• Dai Nam Tourist Park
• Cao Dai Temple
• Central Mosque
• Dam Sen Water Park
• Emperor Jade (Tortoise) Pagoda
• Chinese Temples - Quan Am Pagoda, Phung Son Tu Pagoda, Thieun Hau Pagoda
• Bitexco Financial Tower - viewing platform with 360 degree panorama of the city
• Saigon River Express - speedboat tours of the city
• Twenty-Three September Park

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnamese arts and crafts are a popular souvenir, but avoid the counterfeit and fakes by looking for the more expensive, but higher quality original items in the reputable stores in Dong Khoi.

Silk textiles from Sapa and the north are also popular purchases, along with lacquered paintings, plates and bowls.

Markets such as Ben Thanh Market, Cho Bin Tay, Night Market, War Surplus Market and Saigon Square are all popular choices.

Eating in Ho Chi Minh City

Authentic Vietnamese food is popular, but as the country opens up to international travellers, more types of international cooking and restaurants are appearing.

French colonial influences have left their mark on dining, with baguettes, deli meats and cheeses being popular, but for authentic Vietnamese food try:-

• pho
• bun ho hue - Hue Beef soup
• banh xeo
• Vietnamese omelettes
• enoki mushrooms

Recommended restaurants include Cafe Lam, Dong Ba, Khmer Vet Kitchen, Pao, Pho 19, Bi Saigon, deciBel Lounge, Huong Dong, Papaya by Chi Nigia, Quan An Ngon, La Sen, The Deck Saigon, Huy Long Vien, Pomodoro’s.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnamese and foreigners tend to hang out in different places when it comes to bars and nightclub.

• Late drinks - Go2 Bar, Apocalypse Now, ZanZBar
• Rooftop bar - Chill Sky Bar
• Drink with locals - Acoustic Cafe, Banana Pub, Ice Blue, Khong Ten, Lion’s, Metallic Bar, Serenata, The Tavern
• Drink with tourists - Alibi, Allez Boo, Oblivion, 163 Cycle Bar, Rex Hotel, Seventeen Saloon, Vascos
• Museums - Ho Chi Minh Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History, War Remnants Museum

Book a hotel today in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam - find your hotel deals here, as we specialise in cheap hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.