Vietnam destination guide

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Plan your trip with practical local information, detailed travel guides and tours for Ho Chi Minh City.

Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city. A sprawling metropolis of 10 million people, it offers a compelling mix of war history, French colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and some of the best street food in the world. The city also serves as the gateway to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.

Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City

December–April: Dry season. Hot (30–35°C) but minimal rain. Best overall.

May–November: Rainy season. Heavy afternoon showers (usually 1–2 hours) followed by clear skies. Still very visitabl — just carry an umbrella.

Top Things to Do

1. War Remnants Museum

Vietnam’s most visited museum documenting the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War). Powerful exhibits including photographs, military equipment, and personal stories.

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

An extensive network of underground tunnels used during the war, located 60km from the city center. Visitors can crawl through sections of the tunnels and learn about the ingenuity of the Vietnamese resistance. Half-day trip from the city.

3. Mekong Delta Day Trip

Explore the waterways, floating markets, and fruit orchards of the Mekong Delta. Most day trips visit Ben Tre or My Tho (2 hours from HCMC) and include boat rides, local lunch, and village visits.