Ho Chi Minh City

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Ho Chi Minh City

Located on the Mekong River, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest and most exciting city in Vietnam. Its population of nearly 9 million people makes it one of the densest urban areas in the world, and it's still common for several families to share a living space. Travellers will likely be amazed by the vibrant mix of old and new, including war relics from the devastating Vietnam War and well-preserved colonial structures. The vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh makes it stand out from other cities in Vietnam.

The City

Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City? The first used to be the first city of the French colony and the latter – the once-capital of the state of South Vietnam until the end of the war in 1975. Despite the historic connotations, you'll hear some locals still lovingly call it Saigon, while others rule in favour of the new name. Upon arrival, you’ll immediately be plunged into a lively street atmosphere, cadenced by over 3 million motorcycles, racing along sidewalks dotted with colourful fruit stalls. Ho Chi Minh did not escape the war but it’s now a rapidly growing city. The nation’s economic heart has embarked onto important urban and education developments. Some 50 universities and colleges attract over 300,000 students. You will also find dozens of supermarket chains, luxury shopping malls and modern fashion centres. But Ho Chi Minh is also a city with a rich past: heavily influenced by the French in terms of culture and style, the city is still characterised by elegant boulevards and historic colonial buildings.

Do & See Dining Cafes Bars & Nightlife Shopping Tourist Information

Do & See

Many of the tourist attractions, including the main walking streets or the famous Ben Thanh Market, are located in District 1. Here you will also find a range of temples and landmark buildings, as well as the Museum of Vietnamese History which houses 2,000 years of Vietnam’s past and enables you to gain deep understanding of the historical and cultural context.

The Independence Palace

Located just a 6-minute walk from the Notre Dame Basilica, the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is another not-to-be-missed destination in Vietnam’s second city. The Independence Palace was first designed by a French architect and originally given the name Norodom Palace; it once served as living and working quarters to French …

The Cafe Apartments

42 Nguyen Hue was once a relatively unremarkable residential building – that is, until apartment owners began renting out their spaces to local businesses. Today, the entire building consists almost exclusively of eateries, tea shops and boutiques, each occupying a former apartment of their own. It's a fun place to explore with plenty of …

The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument

In times of conflict between the Vietnamese government and the country's Buddhist population, Thich Quang Duc calmly sat down in lotus position in the midst of Buddhist protesters and lit himself on fire as a sing of protest. In memory of his sacrifice, a monument was inaugurated in 2010, showing him surrounded by …

Núi Bà Đen (Black Virgin Mountain)

With 1000 metres in height, this mountain is not a giant, however the flat surroundings of the now extinct volcano make it seem like one. Located 2 1/2 hours north from Ho Chi Minh City, you can ride cable car up to the peak of the mountain or go for a hike with …

Nui Dinh Mountain and Waterfalls

A 2 1/2 - 3 hour motorbike or scooter drive from Ho Chi Minh City, the Nui Dinh Mountain rises around 500 meters into the sky, remotely off the beaten tourist paths in Vietnam. Hike up the mountain and along the nearby Suoi Tien River and you will discover several waterfalls and opportunities for …

Emperor Jade Pagoda

Many beautiful pagodas (temples) are located in Ho Chi Minh City while the Emperor Jade Pagoda is considered to be the finest and most lavishly decorated temple. To understand more about the meaning of the carvings and statues and the purpose of different rooms, it is recommended to visit with a local …

Cho Lon (Chinatown)

Cho Lon, also well-known as China Town, is an area of Ho Chi Minh where many Chinese immigrants reside and earn their living. Within Cho Lon, the biggest and most crowded trade hub is Tan Binh Market, where you can find a wide range of clothing and knick knacks at very low prices (although …

Vinh Nghiem Temple

This is a seven layer temple and southern Vietnam’s most majestic one. It was the first pagoda in Vietnam that was built in Vietnamese traditional architectural style but with concrete. Here you will find a large standing monument of Buddha and a beautifully decorated pagoda, which awaits you …

Pham Ngu Lao / Bui Vien Street

Pham Ngu Lao / Bui Vien Street (also known as "Backpacker Street") is home to some of the city's most vibrant nightlife, with a plethora of bars, pubs and street food stands stretching along it. There is also a high concentration of hostels here, which means tourists are represented in abundance, but it's a …

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is a harmonious combination of Roman architecture and late medieval Gothic features. The most unique features of the Church – the two 60-meter high bronze bell towers – were added years following original construction in to magnify the Church’s beauty. Until now, the Church still remains in a near-undisturbed original state …

Scooter Tour

There are multiple local companies offering scooter tours of the Vietnam capital. These tours range greatly in thematic focus (street food to historic landmarks) and duration, and depend on the individual provider, but details can often be agreed upon on an individual basis. On these tours, an individual driver is normally assigned to each …

Cao Dai Temple

Also known as Holy See, Cao Dai Temple is the center of Cao Dai faith, an indigenous Vietnamese religion that incorporates the teachings of Taoism, Buddhism, Confucianism as well as part of Islam and Christianity. The balcony on the 2nd floor is the best vantage point from which the religious ceremony can be …

Museum of Fine Arts

Housed in a restored building, the Museum of Fine Arts offers a beautiful selection of Vietnamese and international artwork and ancient artifacts alongside contemporary works. You will be amazed by the number of pottery, sculpture and weapons exhibitions and how detailed the information …

Museum of Vietnamese History (bao Tang Lich Su)

The Museum of Vietnamese History first opened its doors in 1929. The Museum houses an unique collection of interesting artefacts of Vietnam's history, from ancient times to modern day. A statue of the Buddha with 1,000 eyes and 1,000 arms is also part of their …

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum contains exhibits reflecting the restless effort and deep devotion of people who endured the hardship of war, more specifically the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War. More than 20,000 valuable war documents, artifacts and films are exhibited here, but the biggest draw must be the outdoor exhibition of military …

Cu Chi Tunnels

The tunnels of Cu Chi hide an entire world including classrooms, kitchens and medical facilities underground. Today you can see the tunnels from above and even try to go down one, so as to better understand the hardships that Vietnamese soldiers had been through during wartime. One is left utterly amazed by the determination …

Mekong Delta

The Mekong River flows from the Tibetan Plateau and ends in the area close to Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam. The delta, dubbed a "biological treasure trove," is also home to over 17 million people that live their daily life on the river. There are several different tour operators that offer day and overnight …

Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

From the 49th level in Bitexco Financial Tower you can enjoy the panoramic view over the city and its surroundings. The design of the tallest building in the city is inspired by a Lotus bud, which makes it stand out against the city …

Dam Sen Water Park

To cool you off from the hot and bustling city, Dam Sen Water Park offers several swimming pools, water slides and rides that will keep you occupied and excited for a whole day. It is a very family-friendly destination where you can try different levels of water slides, from easy to challenging …

Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine

Though it is quite small, the modern exhibition rooms of this compact museum contain a range of interesting exhibit dating back to different periods in the history of traditional Vietnamese medicine. You can easily understand everything with the help of an English speaking …

Giac Lam Pagoda

Built in 1744, Giac Lam Pagoda is one of the oldest and most popular Buddhist pagodas, a place of pilgrimage during the Tet Holiday. It was officially accredited as a national cultural and historic site by the Vietnamese Department of Culture and Information. In addition, there are a lot of precious statutes of Buddha …

Central Post Office

The historic Saigon Central Post Office, which has long been one of the city's symbols, continues to offer postal services such as mailing and money exchange to-date. One interesting fact about the Post Office is that it was designed and constructed by the renowned French architect Alexandre Gustave Eiffel, who is best known for …

Saigon Outcast

Saigon Outcast is a vibrant venue particularly favored by the younger crowd, where all manner of events, festivals and movie screenings (every Thursday) are held throughout the year – the "Wednesday free food" event enjoys an understandable popularity. There's even a climbing wall on-site, plus a miniature skate park. Check their website for event …

Dining

Much like the rest of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh is a city where a fantastic plate of food is never too far away. From high-end restaurants to backwater eateries, there's plenty to discover beyond 'pho' alone. A great place to start is Thi Sach Street, lined with many small restaurants.

Nam Giao

Song Ngu Seafood Restaurant

Song Ngu is one of the best venues for enjoying seafood; don't forget to try the seafood hotpot with a wide selection of fresh seafood. Short shows of traditional dances and old folk music are offered so you can even enjoy traditional arts …

Nha Hang Asian Kitchen

Nha Hang Asian Kitchen, which is one of the favourites among backpackers, serves wonderful Asian food including curry chicken and a range of vegetarian options of high value for …

Cyclo Resto

Looking to try some homemade Vietnamese food? Cyclo Resto is your ideal place to go. On top of enjoying fresh and authentic Vietnamese food, you will be served by attentive staff in a home-style atmosphere. Want to make your trip more memorable? You can even cook here yourself (with instructions from the chefs) and …

La Villa French Restaurant

La Villa specialises in French cuisine. To accompany the meal, the wine selection offers a wide choice of options. Enjoy your dinner in the beautiful dining room or out in the lush garden by the swimming …

Ciao Bella

At Ciao Bella, the waiters and staff take good care of guests in the welcoming dining room. Home-made bread and dip are complimentary upon arrival and high quality Italian dishes come out from the kitchen. The cosy setting makes this restaurant perfect for a romantic …

Baba's Kitchen

This restaurant explores Indian flavours in a bustling ambience. Baba's Kitchen is located in the backpacker district of the city and attracts travellers searching for a good place for a drink and, perhaps, a chat companion for the …

Pizza 4P's

Pizza 4P's is a contemporary restaurant with a not-so-common cuisine combination: Italian and Japanese fusion. The Japanese chef makes delicious pizzas with their home-made cheese in a wood-fired oven. Since the opening of Pizza 4P's in 2010, it has been mentioned in several magazines and appeared on a number of …

Hum Vegetarian Cafe & Restaurant

For the vegetarian visitors to the city or anyone looking to dine meat-free, Hum Vegetarian Cafe & Restaurant is the place to go. With its small garden with lotus-flowers, this is a peaceful and quiet venue in the bustling city perfectly suited for enjoying a range of cuisines, including basil fried rice and crispy …

Shamballa Vegetarian Restaurant & Tea House

“Shamballa” in Sanskrit stands for a “place of peace, stasis and joy”. Following that motto, Shamballa aims to offer organic, vegetarian cuisine like bowls, salads and hotpots. You will find yourself in a very relaxed environment, the interior balancing out rural and urban Vietnamese …

Five Oysters

If you are looking for inexpensive and authentic Vietnamese food, this locally-run seafood restaurant is the right place. Five Oysters serves vegan and vegetarian options as well – and every Friday you can look forward to a special offer on …

Lai Cantonese Restaurant

Lai is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s best venues for authentic Cantonese cuisine. Peking duck, dim sum and other classics are served either inside or out on the terrace – with a breathtaking view over the city. You can also book one of their ten private rooms for a special dining …

Cafes

The Cafe Apartments

Eden Coffee House

Eden Coffee House offers a wide range of premium local coffees and international foods, including poached eggs with mashed avocado and an all-day breakfast menu. Make your way into the inviting courtyard if you …

Café 343

This café brings western European coffee and beverage culture to Vietnam. Pick from a wide selection of drinks, including freshly pressed juices and smoothies, or go for a light lunch. The menu in both Vietnamese and English makes ordering …

Bread & Butter

Bread & Butter is a great spot to meet fellow travellers in the backpacker’s district. They serve Western-style food like steak and fries, plus …

Shalom Coffee

This place is not only a splendid coffee shop but also a roastery, so the coffee brewed here comes from freshly-roasted beans. In addition to the popular coffee, the cafe serves a wide selection of salads, sandwiches, chocolates, and …

The Old Compass Cafe and Bar

The Old Compass Cafe & Bar promises “an old Saigon experience” and is appreciated for its relaxed ambiance. It serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as alcoholic beverages like craft beer and wine. Daily happy hour is from 5pm to …

Miyama – Modern Toyko Restaurant Cafe

Miyama welcomes you in two locations in Ho Chi Minh and describes itself as "speciality dessert cafe" – as you can tell by the name, the focus is on Japanese treats. They serve other Japanese dishes for lunch and dinner as well, all to be had in the cafe's minimalist …

The Workshop Coffee

The Workshop is one of Ho Chi Minh’s most popular coffee spots. Here you can find freshly brewed Italian coffee, alongside many breakfast and lunch options, as well as other beverages. The interior is industrial but cozy, with long tables bathed in light from the floor-to-ceiling …

Little HaNoi Egg Coffee

Little HaNoi Egg Coffee started with tea and egg coffee, a traditional Hanoi drink. Many people in Hanoi once could not afford condensed milk and put yolk and sugar in their coffee instead, creating a beverage now emblematic of Vietnamese coffee culture. As of lately, the cafe offers breakfast options, like eggs and toast, …

Bars & Nightlife

District 1 is the best place to go when the sun goes down, especially around Hai Ba Trung and Dong Khoi. In Saigon, you can have fun and dance the night away in the company of like-minded revellers. As is the case with bars, the best nightclubs are also in District 1. They usually have a cover charge and no particular dress code to get in – you're welcome in as you are.

Hoa Vien Brauhaus

Rooftop Garden Bar

Being one of the best bars in Vietnam, Rooftop Garden Bar offers you a breathtaking view over the city, lovely drinks, local cuisine and a great atmosphere. Enjoy your favourite cocktail at …

Ruong Pub & Hub

Looking for a pub to spend your night with new friends and good beer? Ruong Pub & Hub is the place to go. This pub offers a wide selection of beer including …

Banana Mama Rooftop & Kitchen

Banana Mama offers drinks and food on the 10th floor of WMC Tower. If you want to watch the sunset in a cozy bar with beach-style interior, this is the …

Phatty's Sports Bar and Grill

Phatty’s is an expat-owned sports bar, popular with both travelers and locals. Choose one of the various beers or another beverage and watch sports like football, basketball, and even …

Shopping

Welcome to a shopper's paradise! A rule of thumb is that anything without a price sticker on it can be purchased for a fraction of the price announced initially. Unique crafts and art work are to be had in abundance, and so are the expected knick knacks like the traditional cone hats that go for pennies.