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Ho Chi Minh City

Discover Ho Chi Minh City: Where Saigon’s Past Meets Its Modern Spirit

Fast-paced, colourful and constantly evolving, Ho Chi Minh City is a place where layers of history and contemporary life come together. Still affectionately known as Saigon, the city combines French colonial architecture, historic landmarks, modern neighbourhoods and lively streets filled with cafés, markets and local eateries.

From the elegant streets of District 1 and the historic Reunification Palace to the colourful atmosphere of Chợ Lớn, the city’s Chinese quarter, every neighbourhood reveals a different side of southern Vietnam. Beyond its landmarks, the real character of Ho Chi Minh City can be found in its street food, hidden cafés, bustling markets and the everyday rhythm of life unfolding around you.

Whether discovering the city on foot, tasting its diverse cuisine, exploring its history or simply watching the streets come alive from a local café, Ho Chi Minh City offers an engaging introduction to southern Vietnam.

For travellers beginning or ending their journey in the south, the city is also an ideal gateway to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s islands and other destinations across the region.

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Discover the Many Faces of Saigon

Ho Chi Minh City is a city of contrasts, where layers of history sit alongside modern architecture, traditional markets and an ever-changing street scene. The best way to experience it is to move beyond the main landmarks and discover the different neighbourhoods, flavours and everyday moments that give the city its character.

Historic Saigon & French Colonial Heritage

The centre of Ho Chi Minh City preserves some of the most recognisable traces of its past. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Saigon Central Post Office and other historic buildings reflect the city’s French colonial heritage, while tree-lined streets and older neighbourhoods offer a different pace from the surrounding modern city.

Exploring this area on foot allows travellers to take in the architecture while discovering cafés, small shops and local streets along the way.

Reunification Palace & Vietnam’s History

The Reunification Palace is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most significant historical landmarks. Formerly the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, it played an important role during the final stages of the Vietnam War.

Nearby museums and historic sites offer further opportunities to understand Vietnam’s complex 20th-century history. For travellers interested in the country’s past, the city provides an important starting point for putting the wider journey into context.

Chợ Lớn & Cultural Diversity

West of the city centre, Chợ Lớn, Ho Chi Minh City’s historic Chinese quarter, reveals another side of urban life. Centred around traditional markets, temples, family businesses and busy streets, the neighbourhood has a distinctive atmosphere shaped by generations of Chinese-Vietnamese communities.

A visit can include exploring Bình Tây Market, discovering historic temples and tasting some of the area’s distinctive dishes.

Markets, Street Food & Local Life

Much of Ho Chi Minh City’s character can be found away from its major landmarks. Local markets, street food stalls and small family-run restaurants bring the city to life throughout the day.

Travellers can discover Vietnamese specialities ranging from phở and bánh mì to cơm tấm and fresh seafood, while food tours and informal tastings offer a chance to explore the city’s diverse culinary traditions.

Cafés & Contemporary Saigon

Coffee is deeply woven into everyday life in Ho Chi Minh City. From traditional Vietnamese coffee served at small street-side stands to contemporary cafés tucked into renovated buildings and modern neighbourhoods, the city offers countless places to slow down and watch daily life unfold.

The café culture also reflects the city’s constantly evolving character, where traditional habits and contemporary influences naturally coexist.

The Modern City

Alongside its historic buildings and traditional neighbourhoods, Ho Chi Minh City has developed into one of Vietnam’s most dynamic urban centres. Modern skyscrapers, rooftop viewpoints, shopping districts and contemporary restaurants have transformed parts of the city skyline.

The contrast between old and new is particularly striking around the central districts, where historic architecture can stand just a short walk from modern high-rises.

Beyond the City Centre

Ho Chi Minh City can also be used as a base for exploring destinations beyond the urban centre. The Cu Chi Tunnels offer an insight into Vietnam’s wartime history, while the Mekong Delta can be reached easily as part of a longer southern Vietnam itinerary.

For travellers with additional time, the city can also be combined with coastal destinations and Vietnam’s southern islands.

When to Travel

Ho Chi Minh City can be visited throughout the year. Its tropical climate brings warm temperatures year-round, with a generally drier period and a wetter season characterised by short, often intense rain showers.

December to April: Drier Season
Generally sunnier and more comfortable for exploring the city on foot, taking day trips and enjoying outdoor activities. This is also a popular period for travel.

May to November: Green & Rainy Season
Rain showers are more frequent, particularly in the afternoon, but they are often short-lived. The city remains lively throughout the season, and travellers can easily combine indoor cultural visits, cafés and food experiences with sightseeing.

Best for: walking, sightseeing and day trips → December–April
Best for: cafés, food and cultural experiences → Year-round

Ho Chi Minh City, Your Way

Whether you want to explore Vietnam’s history, discover Chợ Lớn, follow the city’s street-food culture, experience its café scene or simply wander through its neighbourhoods, Ho Chi Minh City offers many ways to begin your journey through southern Vietnam.

Viettourist can tailor your stay around your interests, combining Ho Chi Minh City with the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s islands and other destinations across the country for a seamless journey.

Previous Central Vietnam off the beaten track

Practical Information

  • Best Seasons December to April
  • Main Experiences Historic landmarks, street food, markets, cafés, local neighbourhoods and city life
  • Highlights Notre-Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, Chợ Lớn, Bến Thành Market and the city's vibrant streets
  • Ideal For Culture lovers, food enthusiasts, history enthusiasts and urban explorers
  • Travel Style Cultural, immersive and dynamic
  • Combined with Mekong Delta, Vietnam Islands, Củ Chi Tunnels and Southern Vietnam journeys

The best time to visit Vietnam

If you want to visit Vietnam, you might be wondering what the weather is like in different months. Well, it depends on where you go and what you want to do. Vietnam has a diverse climate, so there is no one-size-fits-all answer. But don’t worry, I’ll give you a general overview of what to expect in each month, based on the average weather patterns. You can also check out the holidays and events that happen in each month in Vietnam.

January
This is a good month to enjoy the dry and pleasant weather in most parts of Vietnam, except for the north. The north can get quite cold, especially in the morning and evening. You might need some warm clothes and jackets if you go to places like Sapa and Ha Giang. If you’re looking for some beach time, head to Phu Quoc, where the sun is always shining. Just be aware that Halong Bay can be foggy this month, so you might not see the best views.

February
The weather gets warmer in most of Vietnam, except for the north, which still feels chilly. This is a high season for tourism, so expect more crowds and higher prices. But it’s also a great time to experience the TET festival, which is the Vietnamese New Year. It’s a big celebration with lots of food, fireworks, and fun. Just keep in mind that many shops, museums, and restaurants are closed for about a week during TET.

March
This is one of the best months to visit Vietnam, as the weather is fantastic everywhere. You have more options for beach destinations, such as Mui Ne, Con Dao, and Nha Trang. Hoi An is also a lovely place to enjoy the beach and the old town. This is also a great time to visit Halong Bay, which should have clear blue skies and no fog.

April
Like March, April is another great month to visit Vietnam, with amazing weather everywhere. This is also a high season for tourism, so be prepared for more crowds and higher prices.

May
The weather gets hotter in May, but it’s still a good time to visit Vietnam before the rainy season starts. You might get some rain in the north and south by the end of the month, but nothing too serious. You can also take advantage of the lower prices after the high season.

June
You might get some rain in the north and south of Vietnam, but it’s usually not too bad. You can still enjoy the sunny days in Hanoi, Mai Chau, and Halong Bay. The best place to be is in central Vietnam, where the weather is still dry and sunny. You can relax on the beaches of Lang Co and Hoi An, or explore the countryside and culture. This is also a good time to travel before the school holidays start next month.

July
Central Vietnam is still the best place to be in July, with lots of sunshine and little rain. The rest of Vietnam might have some showers, but they won’t ruin your fun.

August
Central Vietnam is still a good place to visit in August, although you might get some more rain by the end of the month. The rest of Vietnam might also have some rain, but it’s not too bad. You can also enjoy some discounts on flights and hotels during the low season.

September
This is a good month to catch the last sun on the central coast of Vietnam before it gets too rainy. The north and south are usually very wet this month, but you can still find some bargains on hotels.

October
The weather gets better in the north of Vietnam in October, and this is a great time to visit places like Sapa or Ha Giang. You can admire the stunning scenery of rice terraces, valleys, and mountains that change color with the seasons. You can also hike, bike, or stay with the local people who live there. This is not a good month for beach lovers, but Vietnam has so much more to offer than just beaches. And traveling in October means you avoid the crowds.

November
The high season starts again in November, as many people come to Vietnam for the cooler winter months in the north. By the end of the month, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again, except for the central region, which might have some rain.

December
There is still a chance of rain in the central part of Vietnam in December; however, most of Vietnam is hot and dry again. The beach season starts again on Phu Quoc island. You should book early for Christmas time, as it can get very busy.