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 Be or Grab apps for motorcycles (xe om) at 15,000-40,000 VND ($0.60-$1.61) per short trip. Regular taxis cost 80,000-150,000 VND ($3.22-$6.04) across districts. City buses cost 7,000 VND ($0.28) but announcements are in Vietnamese only.

Money: Exchange at Dong Khoi Street gold shops for rates around 24,850 VND per dollar. ATMs everywhere but charge 50,000-80,000 VND ($2.01-$3.22) fees. Budget 400,000-700,000 VND ($16.10-$28.17) daily for meals and sightseeing.

Cultural Respect: Bow slightly when greeting and remove shoes in War Remnants Museum certain areas. Don't photograph military or police without permission. Tip tour guides 50,000-100,000 VND ($2.01-$4.02) for good service.

Food: Try com tam (broken rice) at street stalls for 30,000-50,000 VND ($1.21-$2.01) per plate. Sample fresh spring rolls at Ben Thanh Market for 40,000-60,000 VND ($1.61-$2.41). Bia hoi (fresh beer) costs 8,000-15,000 VND ($0.32-$0.60) per glass.

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.