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Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam · City · VND · 10.823000, 106.629600
Family friendly 7.3/10 · Rank 506 of 2 709
Best season: December-April

Best for

Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal place for lovers of metropolises, nightlife and Vietnamese cuisine. It is recommended for young people, digital nomads and shopaholics. Suitable for solo travellers and groups of friends. Least suitable for those seeking a quiet beach holiday.

Best season

December-April

Daily budget
$53.00 (≈ 4 448 ₽ · ≈ 1 298 500 VND)
For 7 days
$371.00 (≈ 31 134 ₽ · ≈ 9 089 500 VND)
Ho Chi Minh City, still known to many as Saigon, is the bustling economic giant of Vietnam, where the endless flow of motorbikes creates a unique urban rhythm. French colonial buildings, such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office, stand alongside ultra-modern skyscrapers, while the city's nightlife pulsates in the Pham Ngu Lao area. From here, excursions begin to the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels and the floating markets of the Mekong Delta.
Summer
35.0°C
Winter
23.0°C
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Description and atmosphere

Energy

energetic

Pace of life

fast

Local character

Saigonese are energetic and entrepreneurial people. The city lives at the pace of a metropolis, with many young people, startups and cafes. The atmosphere is lively and dynamic.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Dynamic urban atmosphere
  • The best nightlife in Vietnam
  • Delicious and varied cuisine
  • Great shopping
  • Many attractions
  • Good transport accessibility
  • Modern infrastructure

Cons

  • Noisy and chaotic
  • Air pollution
  • No beach
  • Hot and humid all year round
  • High prices compared to other Vietnamese cities
  • Traffic jams
Climate
Summer Temperature
Average air temperature in June–August
29.0°C
Summer Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in June-August
33.0°C
Summer Max Temp
Maximum daytime temperature in summer months
35.0°C
Winter Temperature
Average air temperature in December–February
27.0°C
Winter Daytime Temp
Average daytime temperature in December-February
31.0°C
Winter Min Temp
Minimum temperature in winter months
23.0°C
Rainy Season
Months with the heaviest rainfall
May-November
Attractions

Ben Thanh Market

Ho Chi Minh City's most famous market. Souvenirs, street food and clothing all in one place.

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral

A neo-Gothic cathedral built by the French in the 19th century. A symbol of the colonial era.

Central Post Office

A majestic building with a clock and vaulted ceiling. In operation since 1891.

War Remnants Museum

A museum telling the story of the Vietnam War. A powerful and emotional place.

Reunification Palace

The former residence of the President of South Vietnam. The site of the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Landmark 81 Skyscraper

Vietnam's tallest building (461 m). An observation deck with panoramic views.

Bui Vien Street

The city's nightlife hub — bars, clubs, street food and hostels.

Best areas

District 1 (Centre)

The heart of the city with attractions, restaurants and nightlife. The best area for tourists.

District 3

A quiet area with colonial architecture, temples and cafes.

Pham Ngu Lao Area (Bui Vien)

A backpacker area with hostels, bars and budget food.

Must-try food

Banh Mi

A Vietnamese baguette with pâté, meat, vegetables and sauce. The best street sandwich in the world.

Com Tam

Broken rice with grilled pork chop, egg and vegetables. Saigon's signature dish.

Banh Xeo

A crispy rice flour pancake with shrimp and pork. Served with herbs.

Pho

The famous noodle soup with beef. The Saigon version is sweeter.

Hu Tieu

Rice noodles with shrimp, pork and vegetables. A popular breakfast.

Sugarcane juice cocktail

A refreshing drink of sugarcane juice with lime. Sold on the streets.

Where to go next

Vung Tau

A beach resort 2 hours away. Popular with locals and tourists.

Cu Chi

A network of underground tunnels used during the war. 1.5 hours away.

Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta with floating markets. 2 hours away.

Family Friendly
Suitable for families with children
Yes
Nightlife
Level of nightlife
high
Getting there
Nearest airports
Хошимин Международный Аэропорт Таншоннят (SGN).
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Visa
Visa requirements
E-Visa required
Best Season
Months with the most comfortable weather
December-April
Accommodation
Hostel (Dorm Bed)
Average price for a hostel dorm bed
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 196 000 VND
3-Star Hotel
Average price for a 3-star hotel room
$35.00
≈ 2 937 ₽ · ≈ 857 500 VND
4-Star Hotel
Average price for a 4-star hotel room
$65.00
≈ 5 455 ₽ · ≈ 1 592 500 VND
5-Star Hotel
Average price for a 5-star hotel room
$120.00
≈ 10 070 ₽ · ≈ 2 940 000 VND
Villa / House
Average nightly rate for a villa or house
$90.00
≈ 7 553 ₽ · ≈ 2 205 000 VND
Apartment
Average nightly rate for an apartment
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 1 225 000 VND
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Food and drinks
Lunch at a Cafe
Average price for lunch at a casual cafe
$5.00
≈ 420 ₽ · ≈ 122 500 VND
Dinner at a Restaurant
Average check for dinner at a nice restaurant
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 294 000 VND
Coffee (Cappuccino)
Average price for a cappuccino
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 61 250 VND
Beer (0.5L)
Average price for a 0.5L beer
$2.50
≈ 210 ₽ · ≈ 61 250 VND
Water (1.5L)
Average price for a 1.5L bottle of water
$0.40
≈ 34 ₽ · ≈ 9 800 VND
Pizza
Average price for a pizza
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 147 000 VND
Burger
Average price for a burger
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 110 250 VND
Dessert
Average price for a dessert
$3.00
≈ 252 ₽ · ≈ 73 500 VND
Fast Food Combo
Average price for a fast food combo
$4.50
≈ 378 ₽ · ≈ 110 250 VND
Transport
Airport Taxi
Average taxi fare from the airport to the city centre
$15.00
≈ 1 259 ₽ · ≈ 367 500 VND
Public Transport
Average price for a single public transport ticket
$0.50
≈ 42 ₽ · ≈ 12 250 VND
Short Taxi Ride
Average fare for a short taxi ride
$4.00
≈ 336 ₽ · ≈ 98 000 VND
Car Rental (per day)
Average daily rate for an economy car rental
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 980 000 VND
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Activities and rentals
Bike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a bike or scooter
$6.00
≈ 504 ₽ · ≈ 147 000 VND
Motorbike / Scooter Rental
Average daily rate for a motorbike or scooter
$12.00
≈ 1 007 ₽ · ≈ 294 000 VND
Excursion
Average price for an organised excursion
$30.00
≈ 2 518 ₽ · ≈ 735 000 VND
Yacht / Boat Cruise
Average price for a boat cruise
$50.00
≈ 4 196 ₽ · ≈ 1 225 000 VND
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Shopping
Shopping
Average amount spent on shopping
$40.00
≈ 3 357 ₽ · ≈ 980 000 VND
Souvenirs
Average amount spent on souvenirs
$10.00
≈ 839 ₽ · ≈ 245 000 VND
Tourist SIM / Internet
Average price for a tourist SIM card
$8.00
≈ 671 ₽ · ≈ 196 000 VND
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Frequently asked questions
Ho Chi Minh City: when is the best time to go?
The best season for a holiday is December-April. At this time of year the weather is the most comfortable: minimal chance of rain, moderate humidity and optimal air temperature. This is also when the tourist infrastructure runs at full capacity — all hotels, restaurants and entertainment are open. If you want to save money, consider the period right after the high season ends: accommodation prices are lower, and the weather is still pleasant. You can check the temperature by month in the match-by-month tool.
Ho Chi Minh City: what is the weather like in summer?
In summer, the air warms up to an average of +35.0°C, during the day — up to +33.0°C. This is a great time for beach holidays and long walks. Sunscreen is recommended during the peak hours from 11:00 to 16:00.
Ho Chi Minh City: what is the weather like in winter?
In winter, the air temperature stays around +23.0°C, during the day — up to +31.0°C. For the winter period these are very comfortable figures that allow swimming and sunbathing. Evenings can be cooler, so a light jacket will not go amiss.
Ho Chi Minh City: when is the rainy season?
The rainy season falls on May-November. During this period rainfall is more frequent, but usually short — the rain lasts 1-2 hours, after which the sun comes out again. Humidity is higher, so being outside may be less comfortable. At the same time, accommodation and flight prices during the rainy season are significantly lower — an excellent option for a budget holiday.
Ho Chi Minh City: how much does a holiday cost?
A holiday for one person will cost around $53.00 (≈ 4 448 ₽ · ≈ 1 298 500 VND) per day. The daily budget includes: a 3-star hotel, lunch at a cafe, dinner at a restaurant, drinking water, two public transport trips. Flights are not included in the calculation. You can calculate the cost of your holiday in more detail in the trip planning calculator across all 70 parameters.
Ho Chi Minh City: how much does accommodation cost?
Accommodation is available for every budget: a hostel dorm bed — $8.00 per night, a 3-star hotel room — $35.00 per night, a 4-star hotel — $65.00 per night, a five-star hotel — $120.00 per night, an apartment — $50.00 per night, a villa — $90.00 per night. In high season prices can be 20-30% higher, and in low season — lower.
Ho Chi Minh City: how much does food cost?
Food is one of the main expense items: lunch at an affordable cafe — $5.00, dinner at a restaurant — $12.00, a cup of cappuccino — $2.50, a 0.5L beer — $2.50, a 1.5L bottle of water — $0.40. You can eat significantly cheaper at markets and street cafes.
Ho Chi Minh City: how much does transport cost?
a taxi from the airport — $15.00, a single public transport ticket — $0.50, a short taxi ride — $4.00, car rental — $40.00 per day. Public transport is the most budget-friendly way to get around.
Ho Chi Minh City: what is there to see?
Among the main attractions are: Ben Thanh Market — Ho Chi Minh City's most famous market. Souvenirs, street food and clothing all in one place.; Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral — A neo-Gothic cathedral built by the French in the 19th century. A symbol of the colonial era.; Central Post Office — A majestic building with a clock and vaulted ceiling. In operation since 1891.; War Remnants Museum — A museum telling the story of the Vietnam War. A powerful and emotional place.; Reunification Palace — The former residence of the President of South Vietnam. The site of the fall of Saigon in 1975.. These places are worth visiting first to get a full impression of the destination.
Ho Chi Minh City: what local food should I try?
Be sure to try the local cuisine: Banh Mi — A Vietnamese baguette with pâté, meat, vegetables and sauce. The best street sandwich in the world.; Com Tam — Broken rice with grilled pork chop, egg and vegetables. Saigon's signature dish.; Banh Xeo — A crispy rice flour pancake with shrimp and pork. Served with herbs.; Pho — The famous noodle soup with beef. The Saigon version is sweeter.; Hu Tieu — Rice noodles with shrimp, pork and vegetables. A popular breakfast.; Sugarcane juice cocktail — A refreshing drink of sugarcane juice with lime. Sold on the streets.. Local dishes are an important part of the travel experience.
Ho Chi Minh City: what are the best areas to stay?
For accommodation you can consider the following areas: District 1 (Centre) — The heart of the city with attractions, restaurants and nightlife. The best area for tourists.; District 3 — A quiet area with colonial architecture, temples and cafes.; Pham Ngu Lao Area (Bui Vien) — A backpacker area with hostels, bars and budget food.. The choice of area depends on your preferences: active or relaxing holiday.
Ho Chi Minh City: is a visa required?
Visa: E-Visa required. Before your trip, be sure to check the current requirements with official sources, as the rules may change.
Ho Chi Minh City: how do I get from the airport?
The nearest airport — Хошимин Международный Аэропорт Таншоннят (code SGN). You can get from the airport to the centre by taxi, the average cost is $15.00. Public transport is also available — a more budget-friendly option.
Ho Chi Minh City: what is the currency and how much money should I take?
Currency — VND. It is recommended to have cash for small expenses and a bank card for larger purchases. The approximate daily budget is $53.00 (≈ 4 448 ₽ · ≈ 1 298 500 VND). Check the current exchange rate before your trip.
Ho Chi Minh City: is it suitable for a holiday with children?
Yes, the destination is excellent for a family holiday with children. It has all the necessary infrastructure: well-maintained beaches, cafes and restaurants with children's menus, and entertainment for all ages.
Ho Chi Minh City: what is the nightlife like?
Nightlife is rated as high. There are plenty of bars, clubs and restaurants that stay open until morning.
Ho Chi Minh City: where can I go nearby?
Nearby you can visit: Vung Tau — A beach resort 2 hours away. Popular with locals and tourists.; Cu Chi — A network of underground tunnels used during the war. 1.5 hours away.; Mekong Delta — The Mekong Delta with floating markets. 2 hours away.. These places are convenient to visit on a day trip.

Putivator rating

7.3/10
Overall rank: 506 of 2 709
Rank among cities: 133