Best Saigon Travel Guide in 2024

Ho Chi Minh City overview

Ho Chi Minh City, nicknamed Saigon to locals, is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. The largest and most populous city in the country lies in the south. Once called the “Pearl of the Far East” during the Indochina era, Saigon today attracts visitors not for its stunning natural scenery but for its vibrant lifestyle, where infinite activities will steal your heart. This city stands out among others because, despite its rapid development, it retains a French flair in its architecture and lifestyle. For your exploration, Ho Chi Minh City is a must-see for transportation, religion, and entertainment.

Saigon has dry and wet seasons. Saigon's humid subtropical climate features lengthy, hot, humid summers and a strong monsoon with seasonal rainfall and thunderstorms. From December to April, the dry season replaces the rainy season from May to November. The dry season's peak temperature is 39°C in April, but periodic showers cool it. Thus, even in the warmest month of the year, Saigon is cool enough to explore.

However, December to February is the best time to visit Saigon due to the holiday season and pleasant breeze.

Transportation in HCMC

Due to the chaos and large number of motorbikes, Saigon traffic can overwhelm newcomers. One of Saigon's "specialties" is what you'll miss. The most modern metropolis in the country has a well-developed transportation infrastructure. Your trip's appropriate transition point and base to tour Southern Vietnam's cities.

Plane

The country's largest port, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, can handle domestic and international passengers. Vietnam Airlines is the national airline, together with Vietjet Air, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Bamboo Airways, etc.

The airport is 7 km from the city center and has various transportation options:

The No.159 bus from the airport bus station takes you to Park 23/9 in downtown District 1, from where you can easily get to your hotel or other sections of the city.

Taxi: many taxi firms offer fixed-price rides to Saigon downtown, so you won't get ripped off. District 1 shouldn't cost more than 250,000 VND ($11).

Popular ride-hailing applications like Grab and Gojek offer rides. Traveling to the airport after understanding city traffic is advised. Cheaper than a taxi.

Train

Vietnam's railway is one of its oldest industries. Five core routes connect 34 cities across the country on the 4,161-km railway system. Through Lao Cai and Lang Son, it connects to two Chinese railway stations in Yunnan and Guangxi. This facilitates international land travel. The longest train route is the North-South Route between Saigon and Hanoi. It travels practically parallel to National Highway 1A, so you can observe the sceneries change.

Train travel in Vietnam is less popular than other modes due to deteriorating infrastructure and facilities. New 5-star rail cars are being used to regain their reputation.

The Ho Chi Minh City train station is at 01 Nguyen Thong St, District 3.

Online ticket booking is available at dsvn.vn.

Bus

Short-route buses in Vietnam have no lane, making peak-hour bus travel slow. That may explain its unpopularity. If you have time, it's a fun way to tour the city. City buses have 136 routes and are well scattered. Both locals and foreigners can buy cheap tickets for 5,000–15,000 VND. The government began using clean-energy green buses in 2011. This promotes public transit. The three best Saigon stations for travel are:

The 23/9 Park Bus station is at 107 Pham Ngu Lao St in District 1.

Western Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Tay): 395 Kinh Duong Vuong St, Binh Tan.

Eastern Bus Station (Ben Xe Mien Dong): 39,448 Hanoi Highway, Binh An Ward, Thu Duc City

Busmap.vn or the Busmap app can help you find bus routes and schedules.

Please watch your possessions at the station and throughout your trip due to the crowds.

Buses long routes

This is the most common mode of transportation. Seating and sleeping buses. Many travelers choose this method since it saves time and money because buses run overnight, so you may board at midnight and arrive early in the morning, energized and ready to explore the city. Major firms including Futa Bus, Thanh Buoi Bus, and Kumho Samco offer this service. The pricing is reasonable (200,000–500,000 VND). Cambodian cities are connected via international routes.

Waterbus

Unfortunately, this method of travel has only been used recently. Creating a dense canal network could revolutionize Saigon's transportation. The Saigon water bus now only runs between Bach Dang Station (District 1) and Linh Dong Station (Thu Duc City). It's my favorite way to get about Saigon because you can avoid traffic and enjoy the river breeze. The water bus provides an escape and exploration experience for Saigoneers, not a main mode of transportation.

Water buses depart daily from Bach Dang Station, 27 Ton Duc Thang St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

One-way tickets cost 15,000 VND and two-way tickets 30,000.

See the schedule at saigonwaterbus.com.

Motorbike

The most common mode of transportation in Vietnam is the motorbike. Most days in Saigon, scooters honk for right of way or to voice their displeasure.

People may find rush-hour motorbike traffic overwhelming, but if they get used to it, they'll love it. Exploring the city on a motorbike will show you how effortlessly this system works and how well drivers blend into traffic. The traffic appears crazy, but the bikes go gently and the drivers utilize eye contact to indicate to other commuters, making it safe.

Ride-hailing applications or motorbike tour firms let you sit on the back of a bike.

Once you master the bike, you can rent one and go exploring. You can rent a bike daily (about $7) or monthly, depending on your needs. Bike riding requires a driver's license.

A helmet is required while entering traffic, and a mask reduces pollutants.

Ho Chi Minh hotels

As said, Saigon possesses the nation's busiest airport, hosting millions of travelers annually. Saigon is the most popular entry point for international travelers after Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. To accommodate the city's tourism demand, many lodgings have opened. Whatever your budget and vacation goal, it will please you.

Ho Chi Minh City features many 5-star hotels for luxury vacations. They overlook the Saigon River and traffic in ideal downtown locations, especially those from the French colonial period.

Saigon features many low-cost homestays, guesthouses, and airbnbs if you're only passing through and need a place to sleep. Due to general trends, hotels are designed with aesthetics in mind, so you can discover an economical, character-filled accommodation.

Top 10 Ho Chi Minh City attractions

Saigon is a multicultural city with few mountain views or ocean breezes. You may not love this city at first look, but if you give it time and open up to locals, you'll see why so many expats stay here. If you only have a few days in Saigon, these top attractions will give you a taste of its history and culture.

1. War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum

At present, Saigon has 11 museums covering all aspects of culture, from Fine Arts to Geology and Ao Dai. The War Remnants Museum is always a great choice for learning about the terrible yet magnificent Vietnam War.

First, it's really approachable. This vibrant documentation of the US-South Vietnam War includes over 20,000 papers, images, and weapons.

The War Remnants Museum is three-story. Since the ticket box and contribution area are on the ground floor, there is little to see. The “Tiger Cage” prison, which tortured prisoners during WWII, and its combat jets and tanks are highlights.

The other two floors contain weapons and photographs of wartime tragedies for both countries and their victims. Remember that the visuals may be upsetting.

Entrance: 40,000 VND/person ($1.7).

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels, on Saigon's outskirts, are another Indochina War and Vietnam War site. The entire tube is an underground city with hospitals, conference rooms, kitchens, and hundreds of kilometers of road tunnels. The deepest layer is 10 meters underground and 0.8 meters high, allowing for one crawler. For visitors, parts of the tunnel were extended, so you may picture living there for days or months.

Local buses connect downtown Saigon to Cu Chi Tunnel. Cu Chi Bus Station is easily accessible from District 1 by bus No.13 for 7,000 VND (30 cents). From there, take the No.63 bus to the location.

Admission: 110,000 VND/person (snacks included).

Tinh Lo 15 St, Phu Hiep Ward, Cu Chi District

3. Jade Emperor Pagoda

This populous metropolis has numerous religions, but Buddhism dominates. Saigon's sacred pagoda lies in the city center.

In a busy metropolis, this small pagoda remains mysterious and solemn. Due to its 1892 construction on a 2,000-square-meter site, it took 16 years to finish. This pagoda of 300 figures of various sizes will show you how Taoism shaped Vietnamese architecture and religion. Many people worship this pagoda because it is supposed to satisfy prayers for love and children, according to word-of-mouth stories.

Former President Barack Obama visited this historic pagoda in 2016.

Street: 73 Mai Thi Luu, District 1.

4. Chinatown

Vietnamese culture is significantly impacted by Chinese culture because the Chinese attacked Vietnam for a thousand years and the two countries share the border. Over decades, Saigon has had a large Chinese population. They gravitate toward districts 5, 10, and 11 with bustling businesses and activity. The Big Market (Cho Lon) is Chinatown's core. The juxtaposition of all the shops—a chaotic layout in an otherwise ordered picture—is hard to describe. Since this is the city's wholesale market, seeing merchants pick up their wares while chatting would be unforgettable.

Pagoda tours are recommended since this walking region contains many long-standing pagodas with religious details and stories that are Instagrammable. Sit down for iced coffee and meals after a long day of touring. Chinatown features some of the best food, mostly Chinese food modified to fit the local climate and palate.

5. Palace of Independence

HCM City Independence Palace

Independence Palace is another Saigon landmark. Former Vietnamese Republic presidents Ngo Dinh Diem and Ngo Dinh Nhu lived and worked here, like the White House. The palace, preserved for 150 years, shows a fascinating blend of Western and Indochina architecture. The campus has approximately 100 rooms with varied settings, a rooftop where an airplane could land, and sturdy tunnels for heavy guns and bombs.

The Independence Palace is significant to Vietnamese history since it was where the enemies surrendered unconditionally.

Admission: 40,000 VND/person

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia St, District 1.

Open 8 AM–4:30 PM

6. Walking Street Nguyen Hue

This is where Saigoneers go when it's sunny and cooler. Here, there's little to do but much to see. Walk down this street to see how folks spend their nights. People taking photos, kids skating, water music, and more are all happening in less than 1 kilometer.

My favorite is the Cafe Apartment. These historic apartments were converted into cafes and stores along the pedestrian street. At night, the sign panos' lights create a spectacular view. People date, take photos, and work here. Photography enthusiasts will love this place because every nook is alive and photogenic. Exploring the cafe apartment is like a treasure hunt: you visit each floor and each café to explore its design, food, and view before choosing one. Many cafes offer a little balcony overlooking the pedestrian street where you may sit and enjoy the breeze while watching the world go by.

You may also try fusion food and wine at Saigon Garden before returning to the street.

The entrance is free, but bikers must pay a 10,000 VND parking charge.

7. Notre Dame Cathedral

French colonial history includes Notre Dame Cathedral. This has become a cultural and religious symbol of Christians and Saigoneers after 140 years. French architect J. designed the Cathedral. Therefore, Bourad's architecture was heavily influenced by Western architecture with Roman and Gothic elements.

Interestingly, all cathedral materials were transported from France, and only Christians were hired to build it. The Virgin Maria Statue in front of the cathedral came from Rome. This monument has many intriguing stories, such as how she shed tears, which draws crowds hoping to see a miracle. This hallowed spot sees couples every day for wedding photography, hoping Supreme Beings will protect their marriage.

However, time and weather damaged Notre Dame Cathedral, which is currently under renovation. Still, the environs and adjoining streets like Han Thuyen St and Pasteur St are worth seeing for their French vibes.

District 1, 01 Cong Xa Paris St.

8. Central Post Office Saigon

The largest Vietnamese post office, the Central Post Office, was built by French colonists near to the cathedral. Gustave Eiffel, the Father of the Eiffel Tower, created this building. People visit to admire the distinctive architecture and feel nostalgic.

Why not write a postcard here and send it to your loved ones?

District 1, 02 Cong Xa Paris St.

9. Ben Thanh Market

Everything you need is on the market. Its wealth of commodities and local produce makes Ben Thanh Market famous. Indoor markets get you out of the Saigon heat and offer authentic shopping. A long stroll is needed to thoroughly explore the market, but don't miss the food court and meat and fish department to enjoy the active atmosphere.

The area becomes a nighttime market with lines of stores offering fabric, garments, leather, and street food. This is where to buy travel mementos.

District 1, Le Loi St.

10. The Opera House

The Opera House completes the French colonists' heritage sites. Beautifully designed, this area is walkable from the previous two buildings. People sit in a tiny square in front of the House to appreciate the city's majestic design.

The Opera House showcases many excellent cultural programs, including “A O Show”. It incorporates Vietnamese culture like Non La and bamboo trees. The show is amazing and worth every penny.