Ho Chi Minh City

Continent:

Asia

Region:

Southeast Asia

Country:

Vietnam

Population

9300000

Time Zone

GMT+7

Postal Code

700000

PhoneCode

+84 28

Ho Chi Minh City Landmarks

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam’s bustling southern metropolis, is well-connected by air, land, and sea. Here’s how to reach it from different locations:

✈️ By Air (Most Popular Option)

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Main airport serving HCMC, located 7 km from downtown (District 1).
International flights: From Bangkok, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Tokyo, Dubai, Europe, etc.
Domestic flights: From Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, etc.

Airport Transfers to City Center:

Taxi (15–20 mins, ~150,000–200,000 VND / $6–8 USD)
- Reliable companies: Mai Linh, Vinasun (use meters).
- Avoid scams: Only take official taxis.
Grab (Ride-hailing app) – Cheaper than taxis (~120,000 VND).
Public Bus (Cheapest but slow) – Bus #109 (20,000 VND) or #152 (6,000 VND).
Private Shuttle – Pre-booked via hotels/travel agencies.

🚆 By Train (From Other Vietnamese Cities)

Reunification Express Train (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City):
- Takes 30–35 hours, scenic but slow.
- Sleeper cabins available (~1,000,000–2,000,000 VND / $40–80 USD).
From Da Nang/Nha Trang: Overnight trains (~10–12 hours).
Arrival Station: Saigon Railway Station (District 3, near city center).

🚌 By Bus (From Cambodia & Domestic Cities)

From Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap)

Crossing at Moc Bai Border:
- Companies: Giant Ibis, Mekong Express (~6–7 hours, $15–25 USD).
From Siem Reap (Angkor Wat): ~12-hour ride.

From Vietnamese Cities (Dalat, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, etc.)

Sleeper buses (comfortable, cheap, ~5–8 hours).
Main bus stations:
- Mien Dong Bus Station (for northern destinations).
- Mien Tay Bus Station (for Mekong Delta).

🚢 By Boat (From Mekong Delta & Islands)

From Phu Quoc Island: Speedboat or ferry (~2.5–4 hours).
From Can Tho/Vung Tau: Hydrofoil boats (~1.5–2 hours).

🚗 By Private Car/Motorbike

From Mekong Delta (Can Tho, My Tho): ~3–4 hours.
From Dalat: ~6–7 hours (scenic mountain route).

🛂 Visa Requirements

✔ Visa-free entry: 15 days (for some nationalities).
✔ E-Visa (30 days): Apply online before arrival.
✔ Visa on Arrival (VOA): Requires pre-approval letter.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city, with a rich history shaped by indigenous cultures, colonialism, war, and rapid modernization.

🌍 Early History (Pre-17th Century)

Originally part of the Khmer Empire, the area was a small fishing village called Prey Nokor.
Vietnamese settlers began migrating south in the 17th century under the Nguyen Lords, gradually turning it into a trading hub.

⛵ Colonial Era (1859–1954) – “Saigon, Pearl of the Far East”

1859: French forces captured Saigon, making it the capital of Cochinchina (a French colony).
1862: The Treaty of Saigon officially ceded the city to France.
Late 1800s–Early 1900s: The French transformed Saigon into a modern city with:
- Wide boulevards (like Đồng Khởi Street)
- Colonial landmarks (Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, Opera House)
- Key economic port for rubber, rice, and coffee exports.
1940–1945: Occupied by Japan during WWII, then briefly reclaimed by France.

✊ Vietnam War Era (1954–1975) – Divided City

1954: After France’s defeat at Dien Bien Phu, Vietnam was split at the 17th Parallel.
- Saigon became the capital of South Vietnam (U.S.-backed).
- Hanoi was the capital of communist North Vietnam.
1960s–1970s: Saigon was the center of U.S. military operations, filled with:
- American soldiers, war journalists, and spies.
- A mix of wartime chaos, bars, and black markets.
April 30, 1975: Fall of Saigon – North Vietnamese troops captured the city, ending the war.

🕊️ Post-War & Renaming (1976–Present) – Ho Chi Minh City

1976: Saigon was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) after the communist leader.
1980s–1990s: Economic struggles under strict communist rule (post-war poverty, “Boat People” exodus).
1986: Vietnam’s Đổi Mới (Renovation) reforms introduced market economy changes, leading to rapid growth.
2000s–Present: HCMC became Vietnam’s economic powerhouse, with:
- Skyscrapers (Bitexco Financial Tower, Landmark 81)
- Tech startups, luxury malls, and a booming tourism industry.

🏛️ Historical Landmarks Today

Reunification Palace – Where the Vietnam War ended.
War Remnants Museum – Graphic war history exhibits.
Jade Emperor Pagoda – 1909 Taoist temple.
Cu Chi Tunnels – Viet Cong guerrilla network.

🎭 Cultural Legacy

“Saigon” is still used nostalgically by locals.
A blend of French colonial charm, wartime history, and modern capitalism.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) blends French colonial charm with modern energy. Here are the must-visit landmarks and attractions:

🏛️ Historical & Cultural Landmarks

1. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

📍 Location: District 1
🕒 Hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
💰 Entry: 40,000 VND (~$1.70)
✔ Why Visit? A preserved 1960s government building where the Vietnam War ended in 1975.

2. War Remnants Museum

📍 Location: District 3
🕒 Hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
💰 Entry: 40,000 VND
✔ Why Visit? Powerful exhibits on the Vietnam War, including military vehicles and photographs.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (Under Renovation)

📍 Location: District 1
✔ Why Visit? A stunning French-built Catholic cathedral (closed for restoration until 2027).

4. Central Post Office (Saigon Post Office)

📍 Location: Next to Notre-Dame Cathedral
🕒 Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
✔ Why Visit? A beautiful colonial-era post office designed by Gustave Eiffel.

5. Thien Hau Temple (Ba Thien Hau Pagoda)

📍 Location: Chinatown (Cho Lon)
✔ Why Visit? A colorful Chinese temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea.

🌆 Modern Attractions & Viewpoints

6. Bitexco Financial Tower (Saigon Skydeck)

📍 Location: District 1
🕒 Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
💰 Entry: 200,000 VND (~$8.50)
✔ Why Visit? Panoramic city views from the 49th-floor observation deck.

7. Landmark 81 (Vietnam’s Tallest Building)

📍 Location: Binh Thanh District
✔ Why Visit? Luxury mall, restaurants, and sky-high views (no public observation deck).

8. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

📍 Location: District 1
✔ Why Visit? A lively pedestrian street with cafes, street performances, and nightlife.

🛍️ Markets & Shopping

9. Ben Thanh Market

📍 Location: District 1
🕒 Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Night Market: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM)
✔ Why Visit? Famous for souvenirs, clothes, and street food (bargain hard!).

10. Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon Market)

📍 Location: Chinatown (District 6)
✔ Why Visit? Less touristy, great for local goods and Chinese-Vietnamese food.

🌿 Parks & Day Trips

11. Tao Dan Park

📍 Location: District 1
✔ Why Visit? A peaceful green space with morning exercise groups and bird cafes.

12. Cu Chi Tunnels (Half-Day Trip)

📍 Location: 1.5 hours from HCMC
💰 Tour Cost: ~ $10-$ 20 (group tours available)
✔ Why Visit? Historic Viet Cong tunnel network used during the war.

13. Mekong Delta Tour (Full-Day Trip)

✔ Why Visit? Boat rides, floating markets, and rural Vietnamese life.

🍜 Food & Drink Hotspots

Banh Mi Huynh Hoa – Famous Vietnamese sandwich spot
Pho Hoa Pasteur – Must-try beef noodle soup
Bui Vien Walking Street – Backpacker nightlife hub

🚗 Getting Around HCMC

✔ Grab Bike/Taxi – Cheaper than regular taxis
✔ Cyclo (Rickshaw) – Tourist experience (negotiate price first)
✔ Walking – Best in District 1 (but watch for motorbikes!)

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a bustling metropolis with a mix of traditional and modern transport options. Here’s the best way to navigate the city:

🚗 Best Transport Options in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Motorbike Taxis (Xe Ôm) 🏍️**

✔ Best for: Fast & cheap short trips
💰 Cost: 20,000–50,000 VND (~$1–2 USD)
⚠ Tips:

Agree on price before riding (or use apps like Grab).
Hold on tight—driving is chaotic!

2. Ride-Hailing Apps (Grab, Gojek, Be) 📱**

✔ Best for: Affordable, fixed-price rides
💰 Cost:

GrabBike (motorbike): 15,000–40,000 VND
GrabCar (taxi): 50,000–150,000 VND
⚠ Tips:
Grab is the most reliable (cash or card payment).
Gojek/Be sometimes offer cheaper prices.

3. Traditional Taxis (Mai Linh, Vinasun) 🚖**

✔ Best for: Safety & comfort (but pricier)
💰 Cost: 12,000–16,000 VND/km (~$0.50–0.70/km)
⚠ Tips:

Only use Mai Linh or Vinasun (avoid unmarked taxis).
Ensure the meter is running.

4. Cyclos (Three-Wheel Bicycle Taxis) 🚲**

✔ Best for: Short scenic rides (tourist areas)
💰 Cost: 100,000–200,000 VND (~$4–8 USD)
⚠ Tips:

Negotiate hard—prices are inflated for tourists.
Best for District 1 sights (Notre-Dame, Central Post Office).

5. Public Buses (Low-Cost Option) 🚌**

✔ Best for: Budget travelers & longer routes
💰 Cost: 5,000–10,000 VND (~$0.20–0.40)
📍 Popular Routes:

Bus 109: Airport to District 1 (Ben Thanh Market).
Bus 49: Airport to Phu My Hung (Expats area).
⚠ Tips:
Use Google Maps for routes.
Buses are slow (not ideal for short trips).

6. Renting a Motorbike 🛵**

✔ Best for: Experienced riders who want freedom
💰 Cost: 100,000–200,000 VND/day (~$4–8 USD)
⚠ Tips:

Traffic is intense—only rent if confident.
Police rarely stop tourists, but always carry ID.

📍 Key Transport Hubs

Ben Thanh Market (District 1): Central hub for buses, taxis, and xe ôm.
Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): Grab/Bus 109 to the city.
Bui Vien Street (Backpacker Area): Easy motorbike taxis.

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a shopping paradise, offering everything from luxury brands to bustling street markets. Here’s where to shop for the best deals, souvenirs, and local goods.

🛍️ Best Shopping Places in HCMC

1. Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành)** – Iconic Saigon Shopping

📍 Location: District 1 (city center)
⏰ Hours: Day Market (6:00 AM – 6:00 PM) / Night Market (6:00 PM – 12:00 AM)
✔ Best for: Souvenirs, clothes, coffee, street food

Bargain hard! Vendors overcharge tourists (start at 50% off).
Must-buy: Ao Dai (traditional dress), lacquerware, Vietnamese coffee.

2. Saigon Square** – Cheap Fashion & Knockoffs

📍 Location: Near Ben Thanh Market (District 1)
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM
✔ Best for: Fake designer clothes, sportswear, cheap accessories

Prices lower than Ben Thanh—great for North Face jackets, Nike shoes.

3. Vincom Center & Takashimaya** – Luxury Shopping

📍 Location: District 1 (Vincom: 72 Lê Thánh Tôn / Takashimaya: Saigon Centre)
⏰ Hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM
✔ Best for: High-end brands (Gucci, Dior), cosmetics, electronics

Air-conditioned and modern, with Japanese department store Takashimaya.

4. Binh Tay Market (Chợ Bình Tây)** – Wholesale & Local Market

📍 Location: District 6 (Chinatown)
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
✔ Best for: Bulk spices, dried seafood, Vietnamese snacks

Less touristy, better prices than Ben Thanh.

5. Dong Khoi Street** – Boutiques & Art Galleries

📍 Location: District 1 (near Opera House)
✔ Best for: Silk scarves, handmade crafts, high-end souvenirs

Visit Mai Lam for custom-tailored Ao Dai.

6. An Dong Market (Chợ An Đông)** – Fabric & Tailoring

📍 Location: District 5
⏰ Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
✔ Best for: Cheap fabrics, tailor-made clothes (suits, dresses from $30).

🎁 Best Souvenirs to Buy in HCMC

✔ Vietnamese Coffee & Phin Filter (Trung Nguyen, Weasel Coffee)
✔ Ao Dai (Traditional Silk Dress) – Custom-tailored versions available
✔ Lacquerware & Handmade Ceramics
✔ Conical Hats (Nón Lá) – Symbol of Vietnam
✔ Local Snacks (Banh Trang, Coconut Candy, Dried Mango)

💡 Shopping Tips

✔ Bargain aggressively in markets (except malls).
✔ Avoid fake branded goods if exporting (customs may seize them).
✔ Pay in cash (VND) for better deals (some places accept USD).
✔ Check quality of silk & electronics before buying.

Ho Chi Minh City

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14/09

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Country:

Vietnam

Region:

Southeast Asia

Continent:

Asia

Continent:

Explore some the beautiful pictures of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), still commonly called Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant city.

Ho Chi Minh City

Food In Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Landmarks

✈️ By Air (Most Popular Option)

Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)

Airport Transfers to City Center:

🚆 By Train (From Other Vietnamese Cities)

🚌 By Bus (From Cambodia & Domestic Cities)

From Cambodia (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap)

From Vietnamese Cities (Dalat, Nha Trang, Mui Ne, etc.)

🚢 By Boat (From Mekong Delta & Islands)

🚗 By Private Car/Motorbike

🛂 Visa Requirements

Explore some the beautiful pictures of Ho Chi Minh City