Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon is an interesting city in southern Vietnam. This is where the reunification between North and South Vietnam was signed on April 30, 1975. This ended the decades-long Vietnam War. But Ho Chi Minh City is now becoming a modern Asian metropolis. But thankfully with plenty of history!
In this travel guide, I briefly explain more about the fascinating history, read all about the best sights and discover the best accommodation in the city. A visit to Ho Chi Minh City begins here….
In this Travel Guide to Ho Chi Minh City
- Practical Information
- Best travel time?
- How many days?
- History – What makes Ho Chi Minh City historically interesting?
- Sightseeing – 10 things to see & do!
- Accommodation – Where to stay?
- Transportation – How to get there?
Plan your trip to Ho Chi Minh City & Vietnam
- Accommodation: Hotel by Booking or Hostel by Hostelworld?
- Activities: Tickets & Tours, including a Half Day Tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Transport by Air? Flight Tickets
- Public Transport? Train Tickets & Bus Tickets
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This article is also available in Dutch!
Practical information for visiting Ho Chi Minh City
Best travel time?
December to March
The best period to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the months of December to March. During these months, it does not rain as much in this city. However, the temperature is then at its highest and can get more than 35 degrees. During the months of May to October, there is the most rain, but the temperature is slightly more pleasant. It is then just above 30 degrees.
How many days?
At least 2 days
Ho Chi Minh City is starting to become a real metropolis. This also makes it the most modern city in the country and it is developing at lightning speed. In one day you can already have seen much of the sights. Are you planning to visit the Chi Chi tunnels? Then plan at least 2 days, but 3 days is most ideal.
History – What makes a visit to Ho Chi Minh City historically interesting?
Ho Chi Minh City was called Saigon until 1975. In that year, the Vietnam War ended and to honor Ho Chi Minh (1890-1969), the former leader of North Vietnam, the name was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. And before the French colonized Vietnam in the 19th century, it was called Prey Nokor and Gia Định. It was named Gia Định in 1698. From then on, the town grew from a small fishing village to a trading community with Indian, Malay and Chinese traders. A fort was also built.
Gia Định developed really quickly only when the French colonized the area around 1850. It was named Saigon and became one of the most important cities in French Indochina. It was also nicknamed the Paris of the Orient. Many sights in the historic center date from this period, including the canals and churches. The French left Vietnam in 1954. And in 1975, the reunification of North and South Vietnam was confirmed at the Reunification Palace. The new name became Ho Chi Minh City. Today, the city is modernizing at lightning speed.
Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City? 10x to See and Do!
Looking for the best sights to see in the former Saigon? Here’s a list of the best tips & ideas.
- Visit the Reunification Palace, the place where the reunification of North and South Vietnam was signed in 1975.
- Explore the Củ Chi Tunnel Complex, where the Vietcong fighters crawled through
- Explore the magnificent 1880s Basilica of Notre-Dame
- Meet Ho Chi Minh on the wall of the Sai Gon Central Post Office
- Learn about the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum
- Go local shopping at the historic Bến Thành Market
- See stunning views of the city at the Bitexco Financial Tower
- Take a historic walking tour of colonial buildings
- Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Take a day trip to the beautiful Mekong Delta
Accommodation – Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Looking for accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City? This city of 9 million is developing rapidly and expanding all the time. Still, as a tourist, the best place to stay is in the historic heart of the city.
For backpackers and budget travelers, we recommend a hotel or hostel around Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien Street. Here you will find many hostels for a good price. In addition, this is also the place for the best nightlife in the city. Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien Street are located in District 1.
Another place where you can find great accommodation is around the Bến Thành Market. This is also in District 1, but is a little quieter than Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien Street. You’ll also find more mid-range hotels here. From here you’ll be closer to the historical sights, such as the cathedral and the Reunification Palace. Look here for accommodation around the Bến Thành Market.
Looking for accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City? Check here for the best hotels or hostels!
Transportation – How to get there?
Ho Chi Minh City is located in the south of Vietnam. Along with Hanoi, it is among the destinations where you begin or end a trip through this beautiful country. A flight ticket to the former Saigon starts from €500 euros for a return ticket. Check here for the best deals.
Traveling into the city itself is basically unnecessary. Most attractions are within walking distance or you can take a tuktuk. However, a metro line is under construction. This will not be in use until 2024 at the earliest. To visit sights outside the city, it is best to use a tour. A Tour to the Củ Chi Tunnel Complex costs just over 15 euros.
Do you have any additional tips, comments or ideas about this Ho Chi Minh City travel guide? If so, feel free to leave a message below.
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