Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is located in the center of the southeast region of Vietnam. This is the biggest and most developing city as well as the head of the economy and culture of Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City is adjacent to Binh Duong province in the north, Tay Ninh province in the northwest, Dong Nai province in the northeast, Ba Ria-Vung Tau in the southeast and Long An and Tien Giang provinces in the west and southwest. Therefore, Ho Chi Minh City is deemed to be a gate to connect the Mekong River Delta to other regions of the country.

In the past, Ho Chi Minh City was a commercial port where traders from China, India, Europe countries, etc. came to trade and exchange the goods, and they built a town called Cho Lon. So, this city is the harmonious combination of the national tradition and cultural features of the North and the West. That has created the lifestyle and characteristics of Saigon people who are very famous for their faithfulness, generous and strong-willed spirit

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is in the zone of tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons including dry season (from December to April) and the rainy season (from May to November). But in general, the climate of this city is quite pleasant, the rain comes and goes quickly while the sunshine is not too hot. 

The temperature of the year ranges from 25 - 35 Degree Celsius. In each season, Saigon has its own beauty so that you can travel there at any time of the year. 

Saigon Overview

The main tourist areas in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon River area

The busiest area along Saigon River is Ton Duc Thang Street, also in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. This street has high-class hotels and restaurants, from which you can admire the view of the Saigon River in the afternoon. There is a pier for guests to take a trip on the Saigon River or try dinner at floating restaurants.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

It is the central area of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The Cathedral area clearly shows the "character" of Saigon city. Near the old church is the image opposite to the modern buildings. From Notre Dame Cathedral, you can visit Independence Palace, shop at Diamond Plaza, go to Dong Khoi Street, cross Turtle Lake, drink ground coffee at Han Thuyen Street.

Nguyen Hue Street, District 1

This is a street in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City, on which both sides are many luxurious hotels and shopping centers, some of which have existed for hundreds of years with the classic European architecture. Head straight to Nguyen Hue Street in the southeast direction; you will arrive at Ton Duc Thang Street on the Saigon River.

Notably, on Lunar New Year, Nguyen Hue Street becomes extremely brilliant with a lot of flowers. Flower Street is displayed in about 7-10 days, usually from December 28 to January 5.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Ben Thanh Market

Since the 19th century, Ben Thanh Market is a historical witness through many fluctuations of the time. The market has four gates facing the main streets in downtown Saigon. Coming here, visitors can buy a lot of souvenirs, fabrics, clothes, or handicrafts.

China Town, District 5

The Chinatown is the busiest trading center in Saigon. It is also a densely populated area of Chinese people in the South. Coming here, you can enjoy the very rich cuisine with loads of dishes in Chinese style. Around the Chinatown area are the largest wholesale and retail markets such as Binh Tay Market, Kim Bien Market, and Soai Kinh Lam Market.

Where to stay when traveling to Saigon

As one of the most famous tourist destinations, Ho Chi Minh City provides a wide range of accommodation for travelers.

Top luxurious hotels in HCMC

• The Reverie Saigon (22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1)
• The Caravelle Saigon (19 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1)
• Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection (76-78 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, Ward 6, District 3)
• Hotel Nikko Saigon (235 Nguyen Van Cu Street, District 1)
• The Myst Dong Khoi (6-8 Ho Huan Nghiep, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1)
• Sofitel Saigon Plaza (19 Le Duan Street, District 1)

The Myst Dong Khoi 

Top budget hotels in HCMC

• Town House 50 Saigon (50E Bui Thi Xuan, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1)
• The Alcove Library Hotel (133A Nguyen Dinh Chinh, Phu Nhuan District)
• Ma Maison Boutique Hotel (656/52 Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, District 3)
• Millennium Boutique Hotel ( 7 Thai Van Lung, Ben Nghe, District 1)
• Cinnamon Hotel Saigon (74 Le Thi Rieng, Pham Ngu Lao, District 1)
• Lief Hotel Saigon (30/57B Nguyen Cuu Van, Binh Thanh District)