Ho Chi Minh City

Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Vietnam's largest city and economic hub, featuring colonial architecture, bustling markets, and vibrant street life. Essential for experiencing modern Vietnam and visiting the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace.

Things to do

• War Remnants Museum — A sobering and comprehensive museum documenting the Vietnam War through photographs, weapons, and survivor testimonies that provides essential historical context.
• Reunification Palace — The iconic former presidential residence where the war ended in 1975, featuring impressive 1960s architecture and guided tours through state rooms and underground tunnels.
• Ben Thanh Market — A historic covered market in District 1 buzzing with vendors selling souvenirs, silk, spices, and street food in a quintessentially chaotic Vietnamese shopping experience.
• Bitexco Financial Tower Observation Deck — The city's tallest building offers 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City's skyline and the Saigon River from the 49th floor.
• Cu Chi Tunnels — An extensive network of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War, now accessible as a historical site where visitors can crawl through sections and learn about Viet Cong tactics.
• Jade Emperor Pagoda — A richly decorated traditional Chinese-influenced pagoda with intricate carvings and statues, offering a peaceful escape and insight into local spiritual practices.
• Saigon River Sunset Cruise — Evening boat tours along the Saigon River provide views of colonial architecture and modern development while experiencing local waterfront life.

Food to try

• Pho — Vietnam's iconic beef or chicken noodle soup served with fresh herbs, lime, and chili, best enjoyed at street stalls for an authentic breakfast experience.
• Banh Mi — A Vietnamese sandwich combining crusty French baguette with pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and cilantro, reflecting the city's colonial culinary heritage.
• Com Tam — Broken rice served with grilled pork chop, egg, and pickled vegetables, a beloved local comfort food that is affordable and deeply Vietnamese.
• Hu Tieu Nam Vang — A Cambodian-influenced clear broth soup with pork, shrimp, and tapioca pearls that is a Ho Chi Minh City specialty, reflecting the city's diverse heritage.
• Saigon Street Food Tour — Guided evening walking tours through neighborhoods like District 1 or Binh Thanh sampling grilled items, spring rolls, and local specialties from street vendors.

Local customs & good to know

• Bargaining at Markets — Haggling over prices is expected and even enjoyable at Ben Thanh Market and street stalls; start at 50% of the asking price and work upward.
• Motorbike Etiquette — Motorbikes dominate traffic; always look both directions when crossing streets and respect the flow rather than trying to rush, as drivers are accustomed to navigating crowds.
• Temple Respect — Remove shoes before entering temples or pagodas, dress modestly, and be quiet during prayers; photography may be restricted in certain sacred areas.
• Cash and Small Bills — Many small vendors and markets prefer cash in Vietnamese Dong; carry small denominations as vendors often claim they lack change for large notes.