Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

As the largest city in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is full of strong French feelings, known as the "little Paris of the East", but it still has a unique Vietnamese vibe, a kind of leisure and romance. It's not just French bread, French architecture and plane trees that the French have bequeathed here. There's always a French style that is buried deep here. When you walk among the exquisite houses and see the sun shining through the plane trees on the ground, you feel like you have come to a French town. Until now, I think you can't wait to appreciate the cityscape. So, today, let's make a complete guide for traveling to Ho Chi Minh city and hope you will be ready to start your tour to Vietnam in the near future.

When is the Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Located in southern Vietnam, the climate of Ho Chi Minh City is warm all year round, making a cozy feeling for each time visit. The temperature from November to April is moderate, the average temperature is 25℃to 32℃, which is very suitable for outdoor activities. There will be a bit of rainfall from May to October. During the day, the rain doesn't last so long, so there is no worry about your city sightseeing. You can also visit some indoor sightseeing, such as museums or art galleries which will be offered a lower price with fewer crowds.

If you come to Vietnam between February and March, you might experience the local festivals, the celebrations will be held on the streets. In January and February every year, at the same time as the Chinese New Year, local people will welcome the biggest traditional festival of the year - Spring Festival(Tet). During the Spring Festival, every family sends the kitchen god, prepares New Year's goods, worships ancestors, sets off fireworks, pastes Spring couplets, hangs red lanterns, and has dragon and lion dances and other artistic activities on the streets.

What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City?

Cross the Cu Chi Tunnels

An underground network used during the war, now a popular place to enjoy the underground world. Almost 200 kilometers long, this underground exploration of the tunnels will give you a unique experience. Slowly descend to the base and immerse yourself in the darkness. With the help of lights, you can see the kitchen, the meeting room, the restroom, and even the arsenals during your adventure. Stop for a while, you will have the chance to try them out or learn how to make traps. Then follow the tunnel, which can lead you to unexpected exits that will really surprise you.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Send a Postcard from the Central Post Office

Traveling around Ho Chi Minh City, it is easy to notice this Western-style building with a giant clock for decoration. But don't hurry to leave after taking your photos, it is an old post office built in the 19th century but still offers its postal services. Pick up some stamps and postcards, send them to a friend or family member, or even fill in your own address - it will be a very special experience to document your journey as a letter to yourself, which seems to travel through time and space.

Shop in Local Markets

A visit to the local markets is always a good way to experience local life and culture. Ho Chi Minh City's markets are always bustling with fresh food, fruit and vegetables, as well as some unexpected handicrafts and decorations. You can pick some up as souvenirs or just take a stroll to soak up the lively atmosphere. If your nose is attracted by a nice smell, please do not hesitate to follow the crowd and you will find the authentic flavor of this city.

Ben Thanh Market

What Attractions to See in Ho Chi Minh City?

Reunification Palace

In the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Palace is a sprawling four-story white structure covering 120,000 square meters. There are one hundred halls with elaborate designs available for diplomatic, banquet, entertainment, lodging, and military command purposes. General La Garantie of Southern Vietnam constructed it on February 23, 1869. The entire undertaking required three years to execute, represents the determination of the Vietnamese people to fight for freedom and unification.

Reunification Palace

War Remnants Museum

On September 4, 1975, the War Remnants Museum opened in a former U.S. intelligence home. Most of the museum is made up of pictures, and some of the biggest guns used in the Vietnam War are on display. These are things like tanks, planes, guns, and bombs. Most of the picture descriptions are written in Vietnamese, but you can find them written in English below.

Cao Dai Temple

The Cao Dai Temple is well-known in the south and is one of the most important temples of Vietnam's third-largest faith. The building's shape is influenced by both the East and the West. It has tall Gothic towers, Chinese rooms with cornices and brackets, and columns with dragons on them. The most important thing about the Cao Dai temple is that it has a lot of gods. Every six hours, from 6 a.m. to 18 p.m., people in white clothes gather at the temple to sing.

How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City & Around?

There are a few ways to help you can travel around Ho Chi Minh City, but make sure you need to discuss the price and final destinations in advance.

Taxi

Regular taxi companies charge strictly by mileage and do not take detours. You can call the reservation number of the car rental company, the phone number is on the body of the car.

Motorbike

The streets of Ho Chi Minh City are full of motorcycles that waiting for the passenger. The general starting price is around 1$, make sure that you need to tell the driver clearly about your destination, so as to avoid misunderstanding.

Rickshaw

The Vietnamese-style touring tricycle, in which visitors sit in the front and the driver pedals in the back, offers an unobstructed view of the surrounding landscape, while those who prefer not to walk or cycle can choose. Negotiating the price with the driver before boarding to avoid unnecessary disputes.

Private Car

If you travel with Odynovo, a private transfer will be throughout your trip. With a personal guide and driver, you can fully enjoy your trip.

Useful Tips for Traveling Ho Chi Minh City

Power Supply

Vietnam's standard voltage is 220 volts, 50 Hz, the plug board is German standard with two holes, and the shape is round or flat.

Bank

In Vietnam, you can exchange money at banks, currency exchange places, hotels and other places. You can also go to jewelry stores to exchange money. The exchange rate is similar to that of banks. It is very easy to find a bank or ATM in downtown, and you can also find currency exchange spots around tourist areas. At Pham Ngu Lao Street, there are several ATM machines. You can withdraw a UnionPay card from cooperative banks, and pay attention to the ATM with the UnionPay logo. Mainstream credit cards such as VISA, JCB, MasterCard and American Express can be used at upscale hotels, restaurants and shops in most Vietnamese cities. You can also use credit cards to withdraw cash, but there is a 1% to 5% handling charge.

Sim card

It is recommended to buy a Vietnamese SIM card in Ho Chi Minh. The Internet is very fast. There are two types of local SIM cards, Vinaphone and Mobifone. They are available at airports, post offices, or mobile phone shops, as well as some of supermarkets, hotels and restaurants.

Safety

Ho Chi Minh City is pretty safe, but watch out for thieves and protect your belongings in street. In case of any situation, contact the local police immediately. When you walk out at night, do not take jewelry with you to prevent theft.

Ho Chi Minh City is an interesting place. It is the "Little Paris of the East" and it is also the romantic Saigon in Duras's writing. For those with time to spare, set aside at least three days to soak up the retro romance of Ho Chi Minh City's tropical monsoon climate. In Ho Chi Minh City, a cup of coffee or a postcard can take you back to the 19th century.

Travel with Odynovo, you can enjoy your customized trip in Ho Chi Minh City, with our specific caring during your trip, you will enjoy the ultimate travel service. And finally, welcome to Hoi Chi Minh City.