Ho Chi Minh City at a glance
Known to many as Saigon, this is often the highlight of any trip to Vietnam. It is a place of intense energy and deep-seated tradition, packed with enough contradictions to keep you guessing. Locals often call it HCMC to save time, and it leaves a lasting impression on anyone who wanders through its labyrinthine alleys.
The relentless energy of Ho Chi Minh City
The first thing that hits you in Ho Chi Minh City is the sheer volume of scooters weaving through traffic in every direction. As the nation's economic powerhouse, the city feels like a hive that never stops humming. The skyline is constantly changing as new high-rises go up. The Saigon One Tower, which stands at 262 meters (860 feet), is a prime example of this vertical growth, even though it remains unfinished. The cost of living here is higher than in the rest of the country, and the bar and restaurant scene is intense. Grabbing a drink on one of the many rooftop terraces is the best way to take in the city's frantic pace from a distance.
The authentic side of Ho Chi Minh City
Beyond the facades of modern shopping malls and high-tech storefronts, a more traditional side of the city persists. It is a place that has maintained its ancient temples and pagodas with care. You can see this clearly at Bến Thành Market, which has been operating since the 17th century. You will find delicious snacks and goods for just a few thousand VND (a few cents) among the colorful stalls. Keep your eyes peeled as you walk around to spot the daily mix of office workers, street vendors, and locals starting a game of mahjong right on the sidewalk. Afterward, find a moment of peace at the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Catching a religious ceremony at the Great Tay Ninh Holy See is another experience that stays with you long after you leave.
A deep colonial legacy
Ho Chi Minh City is defined by a strong colonial past. The city center was essentially rebuilt by the French in the 19th century. Often called the Paris of the Orient, it still features many monuments from that era, including the Reunification Palace, the Central Post Office, the former City Hall, and the Opera House. The grand hotels lining Nguyễn Huệ Avenue still exude a sense of past grandeur. Meanwhile, Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon stands out with its blend of neo-Romanesque and neo-Gothic styles.
When to go
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is between December and March. The weather is dry with very little rain. If you visit in February, you can experience the Tet festival, and in March, you might catch the unique annual rickshaw race.
Getting there
Ho Chi Minh City is served by its own international airport, Tan Son Nhat. A round-trip flight from the US typically requires a connection and varies significantly in price depending on your departure city and the season.
Ho Chi Minh City isn't one of the must-see spots in Vietnam, but it still has a few things going for it. We did our last souvenir shopping at the huge Ben Thanh Market, where you will have no shortage of options.
The one visit you shouldn't miss is the War Remnants Museum. We went with our kids to learn more about the Indochina and Vietnam wars, but we avoided taking them into certain rooms, especially the one with photos of civilian Napalm victims, which are just too traumatic.
Beyond that, it is fascinating to learn more about these wars and what Vietnam went through for so many years before regaining its independence.