Ho Chi Minh City: 9 Reasons Why It Is Worth Visiting

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City was renamed in honor of the late North Vietnamese leader shortly after the Vietnam War. Today, it stands as Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic city, a fascinating blend of past and present. While modern skyscrapers and luxury hotels define its skyline, the city still preserves its timeless charm, French colonial architecture, and vibrant street life. As the country’s financial and cultural heart, Ho Chi Minh City offers countless things to see, taste, and experience. Still curious why Ho Chi Minh city is so famous? Here are nine reasons why it deserves a spot on your Vietnam travel list.

Rich History and War Heritage

Ho Chi Minh City offers travelers a powerful journey through Vietnam’s turbulent past. At the War Remnants Museum, history comes alive through moving exhibits and photographs that reveal the human stories behind the Vietnam War. Just outside the city, a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels lets you crawl through the underground network once used by Vietnamese soldiers — a rare chance to experience history firsthand. Walking through these sites, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the country’s resilience and spirit. For travelers seeking meaningful cultural insight, exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s war heritage is an unforgettable and essential experience.

The Củ Chi Tunnels

Buzzing Street Life and Local Energy

Nowhere captures Vietnam’s vibrant rhythm quite like Ho Chi Minh City. The streets pulse with life from dawn to midnight — scooters weaving through traffic, vendors calling out their specialties, and locals sipping iced Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá) at every corner. Join the flow on a cyclo ride or simply wander through Ben Thanh Market to feel the city’s infectious energy. Every sound, color, and aroma tells a story of Saigon’s unstoppable spirit. This is not just a place to see, but a city to feel — a living, breathing experience that defines the heart of Vietnam travel.

Book Cafe

World-Famous Street Food Scene

Pho in Ho Chi Minh City

A visit to Ho Chi Minh City would be incomplete without tasting its legendary street food. From the aroma of freshly made pho simmering in roadside stalls to the crunch of a perfectly toasted banh mi, every bite tells a story of Vietnam’s rich culinary heritage. Wander through lively night markets or pull up a plastic stool at a local eatery to enjoy spring rolls, broken rice, or a steaming bowl of Vietnamese Pho just like the locals do. The city’s street food is not just a meal, it’s an experience that awakens all your senses and reveals the authentic flavor of Saigon.

French Colonial Architecture

Echoes of Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial past can still be felt in its elegant French architecture. Strolling along Dong Khoi Street, you’ll find iconic landmarks such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, and the Saigon Opera House — all beautifully preserved reminders of a bygone era. Their classic façades and timeless design offer a striking contrast to the city’s modern skyline. For travelers who love history, photography, or simply charming city walks, exploring these architectural gems reveals another side of Saigon’s unique identity, a graceful blend of European sophistication and vibrant Vietnamese soul.

Vibrant Markets and Shopping

Beyond its historic sites and street food, Ho Chi Minh City offers an exciting shopping scene that blends tradition with trend. Explore charming local boutiques showcasing handmade crafts, lacquerware, and silk products — perfect for meaningful souvenirs. For a taste of modern Saigon, head to Vincom Center or Saigon Centre, where luxury brands and chic cafés meet under one roof. Each shopping experience reveals a different side of the city’s personality — creative, stylish, and full of life. Whether you’re hunting for authentic Vietnamese art or the latest fashion, Ho Chi Minh City delivers a shopping adventure that’s as colorful as its streets.

Post Office Souvenirs

Dynamic Nightlife

When the sun sets, Ho Chi Minh City transforms into a playground of lights, music, and endless energy. From stylish rooftop bars offering panoramic skyline views to hidden speakeasies and lively backpacker streets like Bui Vien, the city’s nightlife scene caters to every taste. Enjoy a cocktail high above the skyline at the Bitexco Tower Skydeck, or dance the night away in one of Saigon’s trendy clubs. For something more relaxed, unwind with live jazz or a riverside dinner cruise. Whether you seek excitement or elegance, the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is as dynamic and unforgettable as the city itself.

Culture Diversity of Vietnam

One of the most fascinating aspects of Ho Chi Minh City is its rich blend of cultures and traditions. Influenced by Vietnamese, Chinese, Khmer, and French heritage, the city’s diversity can be felt in its architecture, cuisine, and daily life. Wander through Chinatown (Cholon) to visit centuries-old temples like Thien Hau Pagoda, or explore elegant French-style boulevards downtown. Each neighborhood tells a different story, reflecting the city’s openness and multicultural spirit. Experiencing Ho Chi Minh City’s culture means immersing yourself in a place where East meets West — a vibrant mix that makes every visit deeply rewarding and endlessly inspiring.

Warm Hospitality and Local Culture

What truly makes Ho Chi Minh City unforgettable is the warmth of its people. Locals greet visitors with genuine smiles, open hearts, and a natural curiosity that instantly makes you feel welcome. Whether you’re chatting with a street vendor, sharing coffee with new friends, or joining a family-run cooking class, every interaction reveals the city’s kindness and charm. This sense of connection turns a simple trip into something deeply personal. Experiencing Vietnamese hospitality in Ho Chi Minh City means discovering the true spirit of the country — friendly, resilient, and always eager to share its culture with travelers from around the world.

Vietnamese Women Wearing Traditional Ao Dai

Gateway to Southern Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is not just a destination — it’s the perfect starting point for exploring Southern Vietnam’s many treasures. From here, you can cruise along the Mekong Delta’s winding waterways, visit vibrant floating markets in Can Tho, or escape to the sandy beaches of Vung Tau and Phu Quoc Island. Each journey reveals another layer of the region’s beauty and way of life. With its convenient connections and endless travel possibilities, Ho Chi Minh City serves as a lively gateway to the south — where cultural discovery, nature, and authentic Vietnamese experiences await.

Hope this brief introduction whets your appetite for some time in Ho Chi Minh City. The rest of Vietnam is equally fascinating and HCMC is the perfect place from which to get to other parts of the country. But please have a look around the city before shooting off to the beach! You won't regret it.

Don't forget Odynovo can arrange tailored trips to Vietnam (and many other destinations around the world), all customized to meet your personal interests and requirements.