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Written by: Vicky Nguyen
Updated date:30/10/2024
Hello, I’m Vicky! As a passionate travel enthusiast and tour planner at Asia Viva Travel, I’ve gathered extensive experience traveling across Vietnam and other captivating destinations in Southeast Asia. Now, I’m thrilled to share these adventures with you through my blog. From my journeys, I’ve gained a deep understanding of the unique cultures, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences that this region has to offer. My goal is to bring you authentic and practical insights to help you design your own remarkable adventures. Join me, and let’s discover these extraordinary places together!
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Ho Chi Minh City, is a must-see destination that every traveler visit when traveling in Vietnam. It is one of the most modern cities in Vietnam; however, visitors will still see the cultural traits and lifestyle unique to the people of Saigon.With the name “the city that never sleeps,” Ho Chi Minh City is certainly a place where travelers will never run out of surprises, from attractions and food to the warmth and friendliness of the local people.
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam, located in the southern region along the Saigon River. Steeped in history, it played a crucial role during the Vietnam War and was renamed in honor of the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh after the country’s reunification in 1975. Known for its bustling energy, the city is a melting pot of cultures, where friendly locals are always ready to welcome visitors.
Ho Chi Minh City: A dazzling metropolis that never sleeps
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate. The average normal temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, and it can be very hot during the summer. However, the weather in Ho Chi Minh City is characterized by two distinct seasons: the dry season and the rainy season.
Due to the geographical location of Ho Chi Minh City being closer to the equator, the dry season will be very hot and dry, with temperatures potentially reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius. However, the hot weather and duration of heat will not last too long; from 11 AM to 2 PM will be the hottest time, so visitors can plan their outdoor activities or indoor visits accordingly. Although the weather is expected to be quite hot, unlike the rainy season, this time is still quite reasonable and convenient for visitors to participate in many activities.
Note: Visitors should remember to prepare sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, sunglasses, or umbrellas.
Normally, daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), making it comfortable to explore attractions such as the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. With less humidity and clear skies, this season is perfect for outdoor activities like walking tours, rooftop dining, or taking a scenic cruise along the Saigon River.
The rainy season lasts from May to November, and in some years, it can be delayed until the end of November, especially when influenced by low-pressure systems. The rain in Saigon is very unpredictable; sometimes it can rain continuously for a whole week, while at other times it may just be a brief shower, with Saigon experiencing rain followed by sunshine. After these rains, the air becomes very cool, and the showers usually occur in the afternoon, but the increased humidity can make outdoor activities more challenging. However, travelers can still enjoy fresh air after the rain by interesting activities like food tours, sightseeing, and strolling around.
Temperatures remain warm, ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F) in daytime. Morning sightseeing is usually dry, while indoor activities like museum visits, shopping at Ben Thanh Market, and dining at local restaurants are great afternoon options. Bringing a lightweight raincoat or umbrella and choosing waterproof shoes will help you navigate the occasional showers without interrupting your experience.
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season, from December to April of the following year. However, to facilitate travel and avoid the winter period in Vietnam, which lasts from late November to January, Asia Viva Travel recommends that tourists visit Ho Chi Minh City between January and April. When spring arrives, the weather is pleasant and not too hot; during spring, Vietnam also hosts many festivals, allowing visitors not only to explore but also to experience the unique traditional culture of Vietnam.
As a modern city with significant investment in infrastructure and transportation, getting to Ho Chi Minh City is currently very convenient, with a full range of airports, train stations, and bus services. Tourists can consider the following transportation options based on budget and travel itinerary:
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City – Tan Son Nhat International Airport
From Singapore
From India (Delhi, Mumbai)
From Australia (Sydney, Melbourne)
From the USA (Los Angeles, San Francisco)
From the UK (London)
From Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur)
From Hanoi (Noi Bai Airport – HAN)
From Da Nang (Da Nang International Airport – DAD)
From Nha Trang (Cam Ranh International Airport – CXR)
From Da Lat (Lien Khuong Airport – DLI)
From Hue (Phu Bai International Airport – HUI)
Ho Chi Minh City is easily accessible from both international and domestic locations, with a wide range of direct flights from major cities across Asia, Australia, the USA, and Europe. Domestic routes within Vietnam are also well-served with frequent, affordable flights, making Ho Chi Minh City a major hub for travelers. The most convenient time to travel can depend on factors such as budget, schedule flexibility, and whether transit stops are acceptable.
The location of Tan Son Nhat Airport is not too far from the city center, with a travel time of about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Travelers can get there by taxi or book rides through ride-hailing apps like Grab, Xanh SM, Be, etc.
Travelers can get to Ho Chi Minh City by car through car rentals or by purchasing tickets for buses or sleeper buses, as Vietnam currently has many roads and highways for travel. However, travelers should pay attention to the travel time from the departure location as well as the bus or coach company they choose; if opting for a private car rental, make sure the driver is experienced, especially in driving at night, is skilled, and knows the route well, as sometimes certain locations can be very far from Ho Chi Minh City, which may take 1 to 2 days to reach and may require traveling at night.
Travelers can easily travel by private car while traveling with Asia Viva Travel by taking part in travel packages that cover full transportations.
Private Vehicle Considerations: private car, sleeper bus, terminal bus,…
Another option is that travelers can consider taking the train to Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, the train offers two types of seating: air-conditioned soft seats and sleeper beds divided into 6-bed and 4-bed compartments. Asia Viva Travel encourages travelers to book tickets in the sleeper compartments for the most comfortable experience. Depending on the route, some trains will operate premium sleeper compartments to provide travelers with a wonderful and reassuring experience. Additionally, travelers can feel secure when traveling by train, as Vietnam’s railway system is currently rated as one of the most beautiful railways in the world, allowing travelers to enjoy stunning scenery in Vietnam from the train window.
Train Travel Considerations: Vietnam Railways
Ho Chi Minh City is always bustling with attractions, entertainment, and dining options open from morning until night, allowing visitors to explore and experience the scenery, culture, and lifestyle of the southern region of Vietnam in particular and the country in general.
The War Remnants Museum located in Ho Chi Minh City is a meaningful destination for those who want to learn about the history of Vietnam, especially during the years of war. It houses over 15,000 artifacts, images, and valuable documents that recreate historical events and the losses and suffering that war has inflicted on humanity. By visiting this destination, visitors might explore Vietnam’s war history through a powerful lens.
A historic visit at the War Remnants Museum – a profound experience for visitors
Ben Thanh market is a shopper’s paradise and a place to taste local delicacies. This is also one of the iconic check-in spots associated with Ho Chi Minh City. In the destination, visitors can explore and shop at thousands of stalls offering a wide variety of goods.
Ben Thanh Market – a vibrant blend of culture and commerce
These two landmarks are iconic examples of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. The Notre-Dame Cathedral, with its red brick façade and twin bell towers, stands as a symbol of the city’s Catholic heritage. Just across the square, the Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, boasts a stunning interior with arched ceilings and intricate details, making it a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Notre-Dame Cathedral: A glimpse of French architecture in Saigon
A symbol of modern Ho Chi Minh City, the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city’s skyline. Standing 262 meters tall, it provides a unique perspective, blending the urban landscape with the Saigon River. The Skydeck is perfect for those looking to experience the city’s rapid development and beauty from above.
With these interesting experiences, visitors can still explore Ho Chi Minh City with a lighter and more romantic activity by taking a boat tour on the Saigon River. This is a premium experience that is well worth the money, as guests will see the city from a very different perspective, being well taken care of with luxurious and delicious meals. This experience becomes even more beautiful when taking a cruise in the evening, when the city lights up with vibrant colors.
An unforgettable evening on a Saigon River cruise
If the travel time in Ho Chi Minh City is limited, visitors can choose to explore the city by double-decker bus or book a city tour service by Jeep. Visitors can see the city from above, passing by famous landmarks such as the Saigon Central Post Office and the Independence Palace. As for the Jeep tour, it will depend on the specific tour program booked, but it will still ensure that visitors can visit the aforementioned attractions along with some additional activities according to the unique tour program.
One of the most talked-about programs when visiting Saigon is the one-day tour exploring the Mekong Delta. The trip lasts 9 hours, but tourists will feel it is very short because the program always includes activities to participate in. The Mekong Delta, located in southern Vietnam, is a “maze” of rivers, islands, and ancient Khmer temples. Tourists will also visit Vinh Trang Pagoda, Turtle Island; enjoy delicious dishes and fresh fruits picked straight from the garden, and explore traditional craft villages such as fishing villages and coconut candy making. Travelers can also participate in interesting and highly anticipated craft workshops or cooking classes right here. What excites tourists even more is that the mode of transportation during the tour will be sitting on a boat and gliding along the Mekong River, with clumps of trees and bamboo groves on both sides.
This will be the most interesting activity to step into Vietnam’s history by visiting this underground maze. About 70 km from downtown Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a famous national monument that attracts many visitors both domestically and internationally. This was once a resistance base with a solid defense system built deep underground by the Vietnamese military and civilians. Participating in the tour “The City Beneath the Ground” at the Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors also have the opportunity to try their hand at the exciting activity of crawling through the tunnels or shooting rifles like real soldiers.
Cat Tien National Park is a wonderful natural destination in southern Vietnam, located about 160 km north of Ho Chi Minh City. This national park covers an area of up to 72,000 hectares and is home to many rare wildlife species, including rhinoceroses, tigers, lions, elephants, monkeys, wild boars, and various bird species. Visitors can also participate in other experiential activities such as camping, swimming in streams, visiting local villages, and learning about the culture, beliefs, and history of the area.
At Dai Nam Attraction Complex, visitors not only enjoy the experience of visiting the zoo and fun games, but the main attraction is the opportunity to enjoy an amazing Go Kart racing experience. The race takes place on an 800-meter track with curves and straight sections, ensuring an exciting and thrilling racing experience. Visitors can race alone or participate in racing competitions with friends and family.
In Ho Chi Minh City, it is not just an amusement park, but also a unique combination of culture, history, and spirituality. Visiting Suoi Tien, tourists will be captivated by the special atmosphere featuring images of famous historical and legendary figures of Vietnam.
On hot summer days, visitors can experience The Amazing Bay to escape the heat. The Amazing Bay is an internationally recognized water park with five impressive records. It is the largest water park in Vietnam, boasting the largest artificial beach, the highest artificial waves, the longest Miracle River, and the largest outdoor Samsung LED screen in Vietnam.
As Vietnam’s tallest building, Landmark 81 stands as a symbol of modernity and ambition in Ho Chi Minh City, reaching an impressive 461 meters. This towering structure offers more than just breathtaking 360-degree views from its SkyView Observation Deck, where visitors can marvel at the cityscape from the 79th to 81st floors. Inside, Landmark 81 provides a range of entertainment options. Guests can enjoy ice skating at the indoor ice rink, catch the latest movies at the CGV Cinema, or shop at the luxurious Vincom Shopping Center. For a memorable evening, head to the SkyBar for chic cocktails and stunning panoramic views. Whether you’re looking for retail therapy, family fun, or nightlife, Landmark 81 has something for everyone.
In Asia Viva Travel, we would love to prepare and schedule for you a perfect vacation in Ho Chi Minh city, so you can travel without any worries. Moreover, these are full packages that will charge you with an affordable price:
https://asiavivatravel.com/vietnam-itinerary-14-days-escapade-to-dragon-shaped-country
https://asiavivatravel.com/vietnam-family-tour-15-days-landscape-beach
https://asiavivatravel.com/vietnam-family-trip-15-days-truly-colorful-image
District 1:The heart of Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 is bustling with activity, featuring major attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, and the Saigon Opera House. It is a vibrant area with a mix of modern skyscrapers and historical buildings.
District 3: A quieter, more residential area compared to District 1, District 3 is known for its tree-lined streets, local cafes, and cultural landmarks like the Jade Emperor Pagoda. It offers a blend of local life and tourist amenities.
District 5:Known as Chinatown (Cholon), District 5 is rich in cultural heritage and bustling markets. It’s famous for its traditional shops and temples, offering a unique glimpse into Vietnamese culture.
Travelers should consider our hotel list in Ho Chi Minh city, these hotels have been inspected by our experts.
Vietnamese cuisine has always impressed travelers from around the world. The diversity and blending of many cultures make the food in Ho Chi Minh City very accessible, with many dishes from different countries. Notably, visitors can find not only famous Vietnamese dishes like Bánh mì and Phở, but also Chinese dishes, as there is a small community of Chinese people living in Ho Chi Minh City, creating a Chinatown right in Vietnam. This is also one of the must-visit places for those wanting to try Chinese food, with dishes like dim sum, dumplings, and wonton noodles.
Dive into Saigon’s diverse street food culture!
Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)
Phở is a fragrant soup made from beef or chicken broth, flat rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, garnished with fresh herbs, lime, and bean sprouts.
Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)
Bánh Mì features a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients like pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, and chili, combining Vietnamese and French culinary influences.
Gỏi Cuốn (Fresh Spring Rolls)
These light rice paper rolls are filled with shrimp, pork, vermicelli noodles, and fresh herbs, served with peanut or hoisin sauce.
Cơm Tấm (Broken Rice)
Cơm Tấm is a dish made from broken rice, typically served with grilled pork chops, a fried egg, and pickled vegetables, topped with green onions and fish sauce.
Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese Sizzling Pancake)
Bánh Xèo is a crispy pancake made from rice flour and turmeric, filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, served with fresh lettuce and herbs for wrapping.
Hủ Tiếu (Rice Noodle Soup)
This noodle soup features a clear broth made from pork or chicken bones, served with rice noodles, shrimp, and pork slices, offering a lighter alternative to phở.
Chả Giò (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)
Chả Giò are crispy fried spring rolls filled with a mix of minced pork, shrimp, and vegetables, often served with lettuce and dipping sauce.
Bánh Khọt (Mini Coconut Pancakes)
Bánh Khọt are small, crispy pancakes made from rice flour and coconut milk, topped with shrimp or pork and served with fresh herbs and dipping sauce.
Bánh Flan (Vietnamese Caramel Custard)
Bánh Flan is a creamy custard dessert topped with rich caramel, offering a smooth texture and a delightful sweetness.
Chè (Vietnamese Dessert)
Chè is a sweet dessert made from ingredients like mung beans, jelly, and coconut milk, served chilled and customizable with various toppings.
Ho Chi Minh City is a place where history and modernity blend seamlessly, offering travelers a truly unforgettable experience. From its rich historical heritage and vibrant culinary scene to the bustling city life, this city provides an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese culture. Whether you’re eager to explore the past, savor unique flavors, or dive into the dynamic energy of urban Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has something special for every traveler. Make it a priority on your Vietnam itinerary, and prepare to be captivated!
At Asia Viva Travel, we are committed to supporting society, especially in Vietnam’s remote regions. By traveling with us, you help support local tourism workers and contribute to building schools and providing free lunches for disadvantaged children in North Vietnam’s mountains.Join us to help build a better future for Vietnam’s children and vulnerable communities in the “Nuôi em” project .
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