· VN

Hồ Chí Minh

Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a vibrant metropolis in southern Vietnam. Known for its rich history, bustling streets, and delicious cuisine, it offers a unique blend of old and new. Explore the iconic Notre Dame …

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Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Hồ Chí Minh.

Top Hotels in Hồ Chí Minh

Top Flights to Hồ Chí Minh

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Hồ Chí Minh.

Tours

Sightseeing in District 1

Explore the heart of Hồ Chí Minh City, home to French colonial landmarks and bustling markets.

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

Visit the historic tunnels used during the Vietnam War.

Backpacker Street: Bui Vien

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh on Bui Vien Street.

Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Learn about the history and culture of the city through various exhibitions.

Chinatown: Cho Lon

Visit the largest Chinatown in Vietnam, known for its historic temples and markets.

Shopping

Shopping in Saigon Centre

A modern shopping mall featuring international brands and dining options.

Outdoor

Saigon River Cruise

Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Saigon River and see the city from a different perspective.

Cyclo Tour of the City

A cyclo tour around the main attractions of the city, a traditional mode of transport.

Trekking in Cat Tien National Park

Explore the diverse flora and fauna in one of Vietnam's largest national parks.

Vinhomes Central Park

Relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of this urban park in the city center.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

From travelers

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Hồ Chí Minh.

Currency
₫ | VND | Vietnamese đồng
Population
9.2 million
Languages
Vietnamese, English, French

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Hồ Chí Minh.

What people love

Traveling to Hồ Chí Minh City, located in southern Vietnam, has several advantages that make it a popular destination for tourists:

  1. Rich History: Hồ Chí Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has a fascinating history with influences from French colonization, the Vietnam War, and the country's journey towards independence. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and Cu Chi Tunnels.

  2. Vibrant Culture: The city is a melting pot of Vietnamese traditions and modern influences, offering a dynamic cultural experience. Visitors can enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine, explore bustling markets, and witness colorful festivals and events.

  3. Architecture and Landmarks: Hồ Chí Minh City boasts a mix of colonial-era architecture, modern skyscrapers, and iconic landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, and Bitexco Financial Tower. The cityscape is a blend of old and new, providing diverse sightseeing opportunities.

  4. Street Food and Culinary Delights: Food lovers will appreciate the diverse culinary scene in Hồ Chí Minh City. From street food stalls serving pho and banh mi to upscale restaurants offering fusion cuisine, visitors can indulge in a wide range of flavors and dishes.

  5. Shopping and Nightlife: The city is known for its vibrant shopping districts, including Ben Thanh Market and Saigon Square, where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. Hồ Chí Minh City also offers a lively nightlife scene with rooftop bars, nightclubs, and live music venues.

  6. Gateway to Mekong Delta: Hồ Chí Minh City serves as a convenient gateway to the Mekong Delta region, known for its lush landscapes, floating markets, and traditional villages. Visitors can take day trips or tours to explore the beauty and culture of the Mekong Delta from the city.

Overall, traveling to Hồ Chí Minh City offers a blend of history, culture, cuisine, shopping, and entertainment, making it a rewarding destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Vietnam.

What to know

Traveling to Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam, also known as Saigon, can have some drawbacks. Here are some cons to consider:

  1. Traffic congestion: Hồ Chí Minh City is notorious for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. Navigating the streets can be challenging due to the large number of motorcycles, cars, and pedestrians.

  2. Air pollution: The city's traffic congestion contributes to poor air quality, which can be a concern for those with respiratory issues or sensitivities to pollution.

  3. Noise pollution: Hồ Chí Minh City is a bustling metropolis with a constant cacophony of sounds, including honking horns, street vendors, and construction noise. This can be overwhelming for some travelers, especially those seeking a quiet and peaceful environment.

  4. Scams and petty theft: Like any popular tourist destination, Hồ Chí Minh City has its share of scams and petty theft targeting unsuspecting visitors. Travelers should be cautious of pickpockets and be wary of overly friendly strangers offering unsolicited help.

  5. Language barrier: While many people in Hồ Chí Minh City speak English to some extent, there may still be communication challenges, especially in more remote areas or with older individuals. Having a basic understanding of Vietnamese phrases can be helpful.

  6. Cultural differences: Travelers may experience cultural differences that can be challenging to navigate, such as different social norms, customs, and etiquette. It's important to be respectful and open-minded when interacting with locals.

Overall, while Hồ Chí Minh City offers a vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and delicious cuisine, travelers should be prepared for some of the challenges that come with visiting a bustling urban center in Southeast Asia.

Hồ Chí Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a major city in southern Vietnam. It has a rich history marked by significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks. Below is a detailed history of the city:

Early History

  • Pre-Colonial Period: The area that is now Hồ Chí Minh City has a history dating back several centuries. Originally, it was part of the Kingdom of Funan, then the Khmer Empire. It was known as Prey Nokor to the Khmers before Vietnamese settlers arrived in the 17th century.

Colonial Era

  • French Colonization: In 1859, the French captured the city from the Vietnamese and by 1862 it became part of French Cochinchina. The French developed Saigon into a major port city and the capital of Cochinchina, transforming it into a prominent commercial and administrative center.

20th Century

  • Japanese Occupation: During World War II, the city was occupied by Japanese forces from 1941 until Japan's surrender in 1945.
  • First Indochina War: Post-World War II, the French sought to regain control, leading to the First Indochina War. Saigon remained under French control until 1954 when the Geneva Accords led to the division of Vietnam.
  • Vietnam War: Saigon became the capital of South Vietnam (Republic of Vietnam) after the division. During the Vietnam War, it was a focal point for American military operations. The city fell to North Vietnamese forces on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the war. This event is known as the Fall of Saigon.

Post-War Period

  • Reunification: After the war, Saigon was renamed Hồ Chí Minh City in honor of the North Vietnamese leader Hồ Chí Minh. The city underwent economic and social changes as it adjusted to reunification under communist rule.
  • Economic Reforms: In the late 1980s, the Đổi Mới economic reforms were introduced, transitioning Vietnam to a socialist-oriented market economy. This led to significant economic growth and development in Hồ Chí Minh City.

Significant Landmarks

  • Reunification Palace: Formerly the Independence Palace, this historical site was where the North Vietnamese tanks crashed through the gates on April 30, 1975.
  • Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A French colonial-era cathedral that is a major landmark in the city.
  • Saigon Central Post Office: Another French colonial architectural masterpiece, designed by Gustave Eiffel.
  • Ben Thanh Market: A large marketplace in central Hồ Chí Minh City offering a variety of goods, it is one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon.
  • War Remnants Museum: This museum documents the impact of the Vietnam War with exhibits including military hardware and graphic photography.
  • Bitexco Financial Tower: A modern skyscraper that symbolizes the economic growth of the city post-Đổi Mới.

Historical Figures

  • Hồ Chí Minh: The revolutionary leader after whom the city is named. He played a significant role in the fight for Vietnamese independence from foreign rule.
  • Ngô Đình Diệm: The first president of South Vietnam, who ruled from 1955 until his assassination in 1963.

Hồ Chí Minh City today is a bustling metropolis that serves as Vietnam's economic center, with a blend of historical architecture and modern skyscrapers. Its dynamic history and cultural diversity make it a significant city in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.