Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City travel guide
Plan a trip to Ho Chi Minh City: what to eat, where to stay, the best day trips and ready-made day-by-day plans.
What to eat in Ho Chi Minh City
See all
PhởClear broth with rice noodles, beef slices or meatballs; eaten for breakfast or any time.
Bánh mìCrisp baguette filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled veggies and cilantro; popular at street stalls.
Bún bò HuếSpicy beef broth with lemongrass, thick rice noodles and pork; a lunchtime specialty.
Bánh xèoTurmeric crepe stuffed with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts; served with lettuce and dipping sauce.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
See all
first‑time visitors
Close to museums, markets and nightlife; easy to walk to major sights.
culture lovers
Tree‑lined streets, French villas and many cafés; quieter than District 1.
budget backpackers
Hostels and cheap guesthouses dominate; lively bar scene nearby.
families and expats
Modern suburb with malls, parks and quieter streets; good transport links.
Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City
See all
Cu Chi Tunnels
37 km
A network of underground tunnels from the Vietnam War, reachable by a half‑day bus ride.
Vinh Trang Pagoda
59 km
A historic Buddhist temple on the Mekong Delta’s edge, known for its colorful mosaics.
Can Gio Mangrove Forest
22 km
A coastal mangrove reserve with boardwalks, good for wildlife spotting and a breezy walk.
Gò Công Old Town
46 km
A quiet riverside town with French‑colonial houses, offering a glimpse of old trade life.
Best time to visit
Midday highs, based on last year's weather. Green months have comfortable temperatures and few rainy days.
Turn this into a day-by-day plan with Triptime AI, or start from a ready-made one.
Plan 3 days in Ho Chi Minh City
What to pack in October
Ready-made plans for Ho Chi Minh City
Questions about Ho Chi Minh City
When is the best time to eat street food?
Early evenings (6‑8 pm) are less crowded and the food is still hot.
Do I need to reserve a hotel in Ho Chi Minh City?
Reservations are recommended for mid‑range and upscale hotels, especially during holidays.
Is it safe to drink tap water?
Tap water is not recommended; buy bottled or filtered water for drinking.
How do I get from the airport to my accommodation?
Take a licensed taxi or Grab ride; the journey to District 1 takes about 30 minutes.
