Long Thanh International Airport (Under Construction)

Where Vietnamese history, street food, and energy collide

Ho Chi Minh City, commonly called Saigon, is Vietnam's largest and most dynamic metropolis, blending a turbulent wartime past with a fast-paced modern present. Tree-lined French colonial boulevards sit alongside glittering skyscrapers, while bustling markets and aromatic street-food stalls fill nearly every corner.

The city's Districts 1 and 3 form the tourist core, packed with museums, rooftop bars, and historic landmarks. Venture further into District 5's Cholon neighborhood for the oldest Chinatown in Southeast Asia, or head to the outskirts for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. Long Thanh, located about 40 km east near the new international airport site, offers a quieter gateway and growing infrastructure for travelers.

Saigon rewards curious, flexible travelers. Mornings belong to pho and iced coffee at sidewalk stalls; afternoons to history and temples; evenings to rooftop cocktails and night markets. The city moves fast, but its warmth and vitality are impossible to resist.

• •War Remnants Museum — unflinching, essential account of the Vietnam War
• •Reunification Palace — frozen-in-time 1975 landmark and seat of former government
• •Ben Thanh Market — iconic city hub for street food, souvenirs, and local life
• •Cu Chi Tunnels — remarkable underground wartime network just outside the city
• •Jade Emperor Pagoda — ornate Taoist temple alive with incense and devotion
• •Notre-Dame Cathedral Saigon — striking French colonial cathedral in the city center

Getting around: Grab and Be (ride-hailing apps) are the easiest and most affordable ways to move around, covering both motorbike and car options. Metered taxis from Vinasun and Mai Linh are reliable for longer trips. City buses are cheap but slow and require navigation in Vietnamese. The Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien) opened in late 2024 and connects key central and eastern districts. Renting a motorbike is popular but requires confidence in chaotic traffic.

Best time: Visit from December through April during the dry season, when skies are clear, humidity is manageable, and outdoor sightseeing is most comfortable.

Local food: Don't miss banh mi from street carts, a steaming bowl of hu tieu Nam Vang noodle soup, fresh spring rolls (goi cuon), and a slow iced ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) at any sidewalk plastic-stool café.

This guide is provided for general information only. Verify details locally before making travel decisions.