Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

About Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City runs on motorbikes—millions of them, weaving through streets lined with French colonial buildings and modern glass towers. Old pagodas sit next to new office blocks. The contrast works. Mornings here follow a pattern. Sidewalk pho stalls send steam into the air while businesspeople in suits line up next to construction workers. Everyone eats the same breakfast. Everyone drinks the same coffee—iced, strong, sweet. The city moves fast. Deals happen over coffee at plastic tables, often before 8 AM when the heat hasn't hit yet. You'll hear prayers from temples at dawn, then traffic noise takes over for the rest of the day. French architecture tells one story. War museums tell another. The new financial district tells a third, and none of them agree on what this place should be. That tension is what makes it interesting. The Saigon River cuts through the center, brown and wide. Watch it at sunset if you want. Skip it if you don't. People here will talk to you. They'll ask where you're from, how long you're staying, whether you like the food. That part isn't exaggerated—the hospitality is real, even when it comes with a sales pitch. This city rebuilt itself after the war ended in 1975. The evidence is everywhere. So is the ambition.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Download Grab app for reliable motorbike taxis (xe om) and cars. Always negotiate taxi fares upfront or insist on meters. Rent a motorbike only if experienced—traffic is chaotic but follows unspoken rules. Walking is viable in District 1's core areas.

Money: Vietnamese Dong (VND) is essential for street food and small vendors. Withdraw from ATMs (better rates than exchanges). Keep small denominations—many places can't break 500,000 VND notes. Credit cards accepted at upscale restaurants and hotels only.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes when entering homes and temples. Dress modestly at religious sites—cover shoulders and knees. Don't point feet toward altars or people. Learn basic Vietnamese greetings like 'Xin chào'—locals deeply appreciate the effort.

Food Safety: Choose busy street stalls with high turnover—locals know best spots. Drink bottled or boiled water only. Avoid raw vegetables unless at reputable restaurants. Pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls are generally safe street food options.

When to Visit

Ho Chi Minh City's tropical climate offers year-round warmth, but timing affects your experience dramatically. The dry season (December-April) brings sunshine, temperatures of 25-35°C, and minimal rainfall—perfect for sightseeing but expect peak pricing with hotels 40-60% more expensive and crowded attractions. January-February offers the most comfortable weather with cool evenings around 20°C. March-April becomes intensely hot and humid. The rainy season (May-November) sees daily afternoon downpours, 80-150mm monthly rainfall, but temperatures stay pleasant at 26-32°C. This period offers 30-50% savings on accommodation and fewer crowds, though flooding can disrupt plans. October-November provides the best value with lighter rains and post-monsoon freshness. Key festivals include Tet (Lunar New Year, January/February) when the city empties but prices soar, Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October) with beautiful lantern displays, and Liberation Day (April 30th) featuring parades and celebrations. Business travelers should avoid Tet week when everything closes. Budget travelers benefit most from June-September despite rains, while luxury seekers should target December-January for optimal weather and full service availability.