Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It is a vibrant and exciting destination that is a popular destination for travellers.
Located in southern Vietnam, the city is known for its rich history and cultural diversity, as well as its delicious cuisine, shopping opportunities, affordability, hospitality and lively nightlife.
"The pink church of Saigon" is a stunning building in HCMC downtown
Saigon just like any other big city also comes with some drawbacks, such as traffic and noise pollution, language barrier (in terms of the English language), crowds, potential health concerns, high humidity, limited public restrooms and some other ones. Despite these minor issues, is it worth visiting Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. Ho Chi Minh City is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, delicious food, vibrant nightlife, safety and affordability.
The coffee culture is worth being discovered, especially, egg coffee, Vietnamese coffee and coconut coffee. Saigon is home to interesting museums, temples, and markets, as well as, it is a great base for exploring nearby stunning locations.
Why should you visit Ho Chi Minh? Top reasons
Culture
Ho Chi Minh City is a melting pot of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences, and this is reflected in the city's architecture, cuisine, and way of life.
If you are interested in exploring new cultures and learning about Vietnam's history and heritage, then Ho Chi Minh City is definitely worth visiting.
The city is home to numerous museums, galleries, temples, and other cultural attractions that can give you insight into the local way of life.
Food
Ho Chi Minh City is a food lover's paradise. It is known for its delicious culinary history and diverse cuisine. From the vibrant street food scene to a broad range of restaurants and cafes, the city is a top destination for those who love to eat.
If you are a foodie, then you should definitely visit this incredible city.
Street food
The street food in Saigon is exceptional, and it is one of the main reasons the city is worth visiting.
From the sizzling skewered meats and fragrant herbs to the savoury and spicy flavours Saigon's street food is an unforgettable culinary experience.
A bowl of Pho noodle soup with fresh leaves is a typical dish in Vietnam
We were amazed by the endless array of stalls, carts, and vendors in the streets of this lively city, even around the more suburban areas like the one we were staying at, Thao Dien.
Sampling all the street foods of Ho Chi Minh is a unique and adventurous experience at times!
On one hand, we thrived eating the most traditional Vietnamese dishes such as Pho, Bun cha, grilled skewers and Banh mi.
On the other hand, we were also shocked to see the availability of the more unusual street food fried snacks, such as grilled scorpion, snake, crickets and larvae, tons of grilled and stir-fried larvae!
No matter what the mood is, street food in Ho Chi Minh is not only delicious, but it is also an affordable and authentic way to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Fried pork noodle dishes are incredibly tasty in Saigon
Local specialties
Saigon is home to a number of local specialties that are worth trying if you are a food lover. These dishes are widely available throughout the city and are a great way to get a taste of the local cuisine. Some of the most popular dishes include:
Bun bo hue, a spicy noodle soup made with beef and lemongrass
Com tam, broken rice dishes served with grilled pork, egg, and pickled vegetables
Banh xeo, a savoury pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts
International options
While Saigon is best known for its local cuisine, Saigon is home to a variety of international restaurants and cafes.
Tons of coconuts when travelling Ho Chi Mihn!
We highly encourage visitors to try, thrive and support the local cuisine, but for those visitors feeling in the mood for something else, the city is also home to a wide range of international restaurants offering everything from Italian pasta, pizza and steak to Japanese sushi or other Western food.
Whether you are in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you will find plenty of options to suit your tastes in the city.
Dining Atmosphere
In addition to the delicious food, Saigon's dining scene is also known for its unique atmosphere. Many restaurants and cafes in the city are located in charming, historic buildings or have outdoor seating areas where you can relax and watch the world go by.
This makes dining in Saigon an enjoyable and memorable experience.
Wide range of options
Saigon is home to a wide range of coffee shops, cafes, and roasters that offer a variety of coffee styles and roasts to choose from.
Whether you prefer traditional Vietnamese coffee, espresso-based drinks, or specialty brews, you will find something to suit your taste in the city.
Many of these establishments also offer a range of non-coffee beverages, such as tea, smoothies, and coconuts!
Vietnamese locals are super friendly and having a daily coconut was our daily routine!
Weather
Saigon has a tropical climate with warm, humid weather year-round, with average temperatures ranging from 25-33°C (77-91°F). The hottest months are April to June, and the coolest months are December to February.
We would highly recommend travelling to Saigon around January as temperatures, although, humid, are way cooler and we found it delightful to explore the city in depth without passing out!
The all-year-round mild weather in Saigon makes it a great destination and an appealing escape worth the try.
Shopping
I can confirm that Ho Chi Minh City is a true shopper's paradise! During my time there, I found a wide variety of local markets, shopping malls, and street vendors selling all sorts of goods, from souvenirs and clothing to electronics.
Whether you are looking for a unique gift or just love the thrill of the hunt, you will find plenty of options to keep you occupied in this city.
Nightlife
If you're in Ho Chi Minh City and looking for a good time, you're in luck! The city has a lively and vibrant nightlife, with a range of bars, clubs, and live music venues to choose from.
Whether you want to dance the night away or just kick back and relax with some friends, you will find plenty of options to keep you entertained.
This city knows how to party!
Hospitality
Vietnamese people are known for their warmth and hospitality, and this is especially true in Saigon.
Whether you are staying in a hotel, guesthouse, or homestay, you can expect to receive friendly and attentive service from the local staff.
The riverside part of Ho Chi Mihn city is a beautiful and pleasant side of Saigon downtown
We can personally endorse the warmth and hospitality of the people in Ho Chi Minh. We were after a nice local Bahn Mi from a local vendor and we definitely had a language barrier in trying to communicate with the vendor despite each other’s efforts!
Another local nearby witnessed our struggle and immediately came closer to facilitate the transaction.
Just like that, we had an amazing conversation with who turned out to be an economics professor at the University and also we happened to have an incredible meal from a super smiley vendor!
This tale is just an example of many. We were struck by how friendly and welcoming the locals were! Most locals were eager to help visitors like us, offering recommendations and assistance. We felt truly welcomed.
Affordable prices
Ho Chi Minh City is known for being a relatively inexpensive destination for travellers. The cost of living in Saigon is lower than in many other major cities, and this is reflected in the prices of things like accommodation, food, and transportation.
One of the main reasons that Saigon is cheap is because the Vietnamese currency, the dong, has a lower value compared to many other currencies.
This means that things like meals, souvenirs, and local transportation will all be relatively inexpensive for tourists.
We can personally praise how affordable this city is, as we decided to not book accommodation with a kitchen during our weeks in Saigon due to the high quality and low prices of meals. s
Some of the meals we had during our time there were around 2-4 US$ for two people including drinks!
It is absolutely possible to experience all that the city has to offer without worrying about breaking the bank.
Many attractions
Saigon is a city with something for everyone, with a wide range of attractions and activities to choose from. Whether you are interested in history, culture, nature, or entertainment, you will find something to suit your interests in the city. Some of those include:
Tan Dinh Church: Also known as "The pink church of Saigon", is a stunning pink-walled Catholic church with Gothic and Romanesque architectural influences that is an iconic landmark of the city.
The Reunification Palace: This palace was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam, and it played a significant role in the Vietnam War.
Notre Dame Cathedral: This iconic cathedral is a popular tourist destination and a beautiful example of French colonial architecture.
Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon is beautiful, unfortunately it was under renovation when we visted
The Central Post Office: This stunning building was designed by Gustave Eiffel and is an excellent example of French colonial architecture.
The Ben Thanh Market: This bustling market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and try local foods.
Cu Chi Tunnels: These underground tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and are now a popular tourist attraction.
The Saigon Opera House: This beautiful building is home to the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and is a great place to catch a performance.
The Saigon Skydeck: This observation deck offers panoramic views of the city and is a great place to watch the sunset.
The Panoramic views at sunset from the top of the tower are sensational
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: This large park is home to a wide variety of animals and is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
The Saigon River: The river is a major artery of the city and offers a variety of boat tours that allow visitors to see the city from a different perspective.
The Saigon Riverside of the city is a beautiful area to hang out, have some dinner or simply stroll by the river
Street art throughout the city:
Visit the Cafe Apartments: Also known as, the Nguyen Hue Apartment, is a unique building containing small apartments on its upper floors, while the ground floor is home to a variety of trendy cafes, restaurants, and shops!.
The Cafe Apartments is an iconic building in the center of Ho Chi Mihn city
Visit the Independence Palace: This palace was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam, and it is now a museum that showcases the history of the country.
Take a trip to the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is a vast network of rivers and canals that flows through southern Vietnam.
You can take a boat tour through the delta to see floating markets, visit local villages, and learn about traditional crafts.
Go shopping at Saigon Square. This popular shopping centre is a great place to find souvenirs and local handicrafts.
Visit the Saigon Central Mosque. This beautiful mosque is a peaceful oasis in the midst of the city and is a great place to learn about Islam in Vietnam.
Visit the Saigon Children's Museum. This museum is a great place for families to learn about Vietnamese culture and history.
Safety
Ho Chi Minh City is generally considered to be a safe city for travellers. The city has a low crime rate, and tourists are generally not targeted by criminals.
However, as with any city, it is always important to be cautious and take basic safety precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Use reputable transportation, avoiding unlicensed drivers. We absolutely and with no doubt, encourage all travellers to use Grab app. It is not only super reliable but also very affordable.
It is widely used throughout the city and it can come in the form of a car or a shared motorbike. If you are fit and in the mood, try sharing a motorbike with a Grab local driver, it is super fast!
Staying in safe areas is crucial. Ho Chi Minh City is quite safe, but it is always a good idea to avoid walking alone in deserted or poorly lit areas at night. Also, stay in reputable areas like Districts 1,2 and 7.
We stayed in district 1 for a couple of days given that our Airbnb booking turned out to be a scam! and it turned out great! It is right in the heart of the city, full of things to do and very busy!
After 4 days we moved on to a more local and quiet district in Thao Dien, District 2. Very safe and with a great local atmosphere.
Coffee culture
This one deserves a special mention! Ho Chi Minh City is home to a thriving coffee culture that is an integral part of the local way of life.
For Saigon locals, coffee is more than just a drink, it is a social activity that is enjoyed with friends, family, and colleagues.
There are tons of local and international coffee shops, cafes, and roasters to choose from. Whether you are a coffee connoisseur or just looking for a place to relax and people-watch, you will find plenty of options in the city. But a word of caution, coffee in Saigon is strong!
One of the exceptional aspects of Saigon's coffee culture is the traditional Vietnamese coffee, which is made with dark roast beans and served with sweetened condensed milk.
This potent and flavourful coffee is often enjoyed over ice and is a staple of the local coffee scene.
In addition to traditional Vietnamese coffee, Saigon's coffee shops and cafes also offer a range of espresso-based drinks and specialty brews, as well as non-coffee beverages such as tea and smoothies.
One-of-a-kind and must-try Ho Chi Minh City's coffees are egg coffee, also known as cà phê trứng in Vietnamese!
Egg coffee is a mind-blowing coffee style brough to Vietnam by the French
It may sound a little weird but this blew our minds! It tastes like the liquid version of a Crème brûlée. Absolutely delightful. Also very strong!
Egg coffee is a creamy and rich coffee drink, made with whipped egg yolks, sugar, and condensed milk, and is usually served over a shot of strong Vietnamese coffee.
The result is a velvety smooth and sweet coffee drink that is unlike anything you have tasted before. It can be found in many coffee shops and cafes throughout the city.
Besides, traditional Vietnamese coffee and egg coffee, Ho Chi Minh City, is also home to another remarkable coffee drink. This is coconut coffee, also known as cà phê dừa in Vietnamese!
This refreshing and tropical coffee drink is made with coconut water and sweetened condensed milk, and is usually served over a shot of strong Vietnamese coffee. It is simply spectacular, perfect for sipping on a hot day.
Off the beaten path and day-trips
Visit the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market: This bustling market is a great place to see a wide variety of flowers and plants, and it is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
Visit the Ba Thien Hau Temple: This beautiful temple is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu, and it is a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
Take a trip to the Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park: This large park is filled with temples, gardens, and waterfalls, and it is a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
Take a trip to the Ba Den Mountain: Located to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Ba Den Mountain is a popular destination for hikers and nature lovers.
Vung Tau, a beach town is located about two hours southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a great place to relax on the beach, go fishing, or visit the large Jesus statue on top of Nho Mountain.
Tay Ninh, a small town is located about two hours northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and is home to the Cao Dai Temple, the spiritual centre of the Cao Dai religion.
It is a unique and interesting place to visit and can be easily reached on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, we truly believe that Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is an absolutely worth it destination for travellers.
We were blown away by the city's energy, people’s hospitality, low prices, delicious food and coffee and the plethora of things to do in the city and around the city,
About Us
Hi, we are Amy and Jo and we are avid travellers.
We've made this site to answer common travel questions. We are live long travellers and love to share our knowlegde with you.
