Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide
Why visit Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is southern Vietnam's largest, round-the-clock metropolis—a paradise for food lovers and shoppers. Browse Ben Thanh Market, admire the colonial architecture, then take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta. At just 90 minutes from Bangkok—the shortest direct flight—it's perfect for a weekend escape.
Ho Chi Minh travel map
Explore the city area by area
District 1
See products in this area
The heart of Saigon, where Ben Thanh Market, Dong Khoi Street, and colonial landmarks are all within walking distance. Stroll from the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral to the Central Post Office and Independence Palace, then let the neon lights and live music of Bui Vien Walking Street wake up your senses at night. There's a reason why 90% of first-time visitors to Ho Chi Minh City choose to stay here.
How to explore this area
District 1 is best explored on foot. A half-day walking route connecting Independence Palace → Notre Dame Cathedral → Central Post Office → Ben Thanh Market is perfect; add Nguyen Hue Walking Street and the nightlife of Bui Vien to make it a full day. Since traffic is chaotic with countless motorbikes, Grab is essential for trips outside the area. For the most efficient itinerary, visit landmarks and markets by day, head to a rooftop bar or a Saigon River dinner cruise at sunset, and end your night at Bui Vien.
See
Independence Palace, Cathedral, Central Post Office
City landmarks featuring the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and Independence Palace.
Ben Thanh Market
Saigon's most iconic traditional market, packed with souvenirs and local street food.
Bui Vien Walking Street
Saigon's ultimate nightlife destination, buzzing with neon signs and live music.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
A spacious pedestrian plaza in the city center, blending the City Hall, fountains, and stunning lights.
Do
Walking Street Food Tour
A culinary journey through the alleys of District 1, tasting Saigon's finest, including Cơm Tấm, Bánh Mì, and Phở.
Egg Coffee Making Experience
A unique hands-on experience where you can craft your own sweet and creamy Vietnamese egg coffee.
Saigon River Dinner Cruise
A romantic evening cruise featuring a delicious dinner and breathtaking city night views.
Rooftop Bar & Bui Vien Night
The perfect night itinerary, combining stunning sky-high views from a rooftop bar with the vibrant energy of Bui Vien.
Eat
Cơm Tấm
Saigon's signature comfort bowl: charcoal-grilled pork ribs served over broken rice.
Bánh Mì
A classic Vietnamese sandwich featuring a crispy baguette stuffed with savory meats and fresh vegetables.
Saigon Iced Coffee
The iconic Cà Phê Sữa Đá—rich, bold coffee sweetened with condensed milk.
Ben Thanh Market Food Court
Savor authentic Southern-style phở and fresh seafood right in the heart of the traditional market.
Themed itineraries
Who are you traveling with?
Ho Chi Minh City 4D3N with Kids
An educational journey exploring city landmarks, the Cu Chi Tunnels, and the Mekong.
Trip highlights
- Step back in time at the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Sampan boat ride through the My Tho Mekong Delta
- Ben Thanh Market and walking street food tour
- Stay at a hotel within walking distance of Ben Thanh
Arrival & District 1 Landmarks
District 1Transfer
Tan Son Nhat Airport Fast Track & Pickup
Skip the immigration queues with Fast Track and head straight to your hotel in District 1.
Instant[Ho Chi Minh City] Tan Son Nhat Airport Arrival Fast Track - VIP Meet & Greet
From฿673BookPrivate Vehicle·30 min·8 kmRest
Check-in at a hotel near Ben Thanh
Drop your bags and relax at a hotel conveniently located within walking distance of Ben Thanh Market.
The Heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Perfect Base within Walking Distance of Ben Thanh Market [Happylife Hotel]
From฿2,571BookSee
Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral & Ben Thanh Market
Take a leisurely stroll to explore the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and Ben Thanh Market.
Meal
Walking Street Food Tour
Wander through the hidden alleys to savor the authentic tastes of Saigon, from Cơm Tấm and Bánh Mì to Phở.
[Ho Chi Minh City] Ho Chi Minh Walking Street Food Tour
From฿224Book
Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Experience
Transfer
Depart for the Cu Chi Tunnels
Head to the Cu Chi Tunnels, the legendary underground fortress of the Vietnam War.
Instant[Ho Chi Minh City] Cu Chi Tunnels Day Tour: Exploring the Underground Fortress of War History
From฿224BookTour Vehicle·90 min·65 kmActivity
Exploring Cu Chi Tunnels
Step back in time and experience wartime history as you navigate through the actual underground tunnel networks.
Meal
Local Lunch
Savor authentic Vietnamese home-style cooking at a local restaurant during the tour.
Rest
Return to City & Relaxation
Head back to the hotel to unwind and recharge before your evening activities.
Tour Vehicle·90 min·65 km
My Tho, Mekong Delta
Transfer
Departure for My Tho
Journey to My Tho in the Mekong Delta, where scenic waterways are lined with lush palm trees.
Instant[Ho Chi Minh City] My Tho Mekong Delta Jungle Waterway Exploration Day Tour
From฿224BookTour Vehicle·90 min·70 kmActivity
Sampan Boat & Orchards
Glide through narrow canals on a traditional sampan boat and enjoy tropical fruits and honey tea at a local orchard.
Meal
Mekong Delta Lunch
Enjoy a riverside lunch featuring Mekong specialties, including the famous Elephant Ear Fish.
Activity
Folk Music & Honey Farm
Enjoy a traditional folk music performance and explore a honey farm before heading back to the city center.
Tour Vehicle·90 min·70 km
City Tour & Departure
District 1Activity
Half-Day City Tour & Airport Transfer
After exploring the city's highlights, enjoy a comfortable transfer to Tan Son Nhat Airport.
InstantHo Chi Minh City Half-Day Tour Package: From City Tour to Airport Transfer
From฿224BookPrivate Vehicle·30 min·8 km
Good to know before you go
Ho Chi Minh City works well as 2–3 days downtown plus Cu Chi and Mekong Delta day trips. Traffic is heavy with motorbikes, so Grab is essential, and combining Cu Chi and the Mekong in one day feels rushed—split them if you can. The dry season runs December to April, and even the wet season brings only short downpours that rarely disrupt travel.
Start planning your Ho Chi Minh trip
Turn the sights from this guide into a booking