Grab / Xanh SM Taxi
The easiest way from Tan Son Nhat (SGN) to District 1. Fares are fixed in the app; meet drivers at the designated pickup zone.
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
Vietnam's biggest and busiest city blends swirling motorbike traffic, French colonial buildings and a buzzing cafe culture. It suits travelers who want great food, coffee and spas on a small budget, with easy day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
Plan your Ho Chi Minh City trip
We never take payment — compare, then book on the official partner site.
At a glance
- Currency
- VND (₫)
- Power & plugs
- 220V · Type A/C/F
- Driving side
- Right
- Tipping
- Optional (small, for good service)
- Local language
- Tiếng Việt
- How long to stay
- 3 to 5 days
Emergency numbers
When to go
The dry season from December to April is best, with December to February slightly less hot. The May to November wet season brings short afternoon downpours. Many shops close around Tet (Lunar New Year, January or February), so check dates.
Airport to the city
Bus 109
Yellow airport bus to the Ben Thanh area and the 23/9 Park bus station in District 1. Cheapest option if you travel light.
Metered Taxi (Vinasun, Mai Linh)
Pick a reputable company at the official taxi rank and make sure the meter is running.
Getting around
Grab (bike and car)
The go-to app for locals and visitors. GrabBike motorbike taxis are fastest and cheapest for short hops.
Xanh SM Electric Taxis
Green electric taxis you can book in the app or hail on the street, with transparent fares.
Metro Line 1
The city's first metro runs from Ben Thanh east toward Thu Duc (Suoi Tien). Handy between District 1 and Thao Dien.
Walking
Central District 1 is very walkable. To cross the street, walk slowly and steadily without running and traffic will flow around you.
Where to stay
District 1 (Ben Thanh, Dong Khoi)
Good for: First visit, sightseeing and shopping
Main sights, hotels and restaurants are all within walking distance. Most convenient but pricier than other areas.
Bui Vien Street (Pham Ngu Lao)
Good for: Backpackers, nightlife
Budget stays and bars on a loud party street until late. Stay a block away if you want to sleep.
District 3
Good for: Cafe hopping, local feel
Leafy streets, local eateries and stylish cafes, calmer than District 1. About 10 minutes to District 1 by Grab.
Thao Dien (Thu Duc City, former District 2)
Good for: Longer stays, families
Expat area with brunch cafes and spacious serviced apartments. The metro now links it easily to District 1.
Top sights
War Remnants Museum
Powerful photos and artifacts from the Vietnam War. Allow about two hours; the content is heavy.
Independence Palace
The former presidential palace, symbol of the war's end in 1975, including basement bunkers. It may close briefly at lunchtime.
Central Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral
French colonial landmarks side by side. The cathedral interior may be restricted during restoration.
Ben Thanh Market
Classic market for souvenirs, coffee, dried fruit and food stalls. Haggling is expected; night stalls set up nearby.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
A wide pedestrian boulevard from City Hall to the Saigon River, great for an evening stroll. Cafes fill the old apartment block along it.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Wartime tunnel network about 1.5 hours away by road, usually visited on a half-day tour.
Mekong Delta Day Trip
Boat rides through canals, orchards and coconut-candy workshops around My Tho or Ben Tre. Plan a full day.
Landmark 81 SkyView
Observation deck in Vietnam's tallest building, overlooking the city and river. Best around sunset.
What to eat
Pho
Beef noodle soup, about 50,000-90,000 VND (~2-3.50 USD) at local shops. Load it up with herbs and lime.
Banh Mi
Crispy baguette sandwiches filled with meat and pickles, about 20,000-50,000 VND. Perfect breakfast or snack.
Com Tam (Broken Rice)
Southern-style rice with grilled pork chop, Saigon's everyday meal. About 40,000-70,000 VND.
Bun Thit Nuong and Banh Xeo
Grilled pork vermicelli bowls and crispy Vietnamese pancakes. Wrap in greens and dip in fish sauce.
Vietnamese Coffee
Strong iced coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da) or coconut coffee, about 30,000-60,000 VND. Try a street-side plastic-stool cafe.
Daily budget (per person)
Budgetabout 800,000 VND (~31 USD) - hostels, local eateries, GrabBike
Mid-rangeabout 2,500,000 VND (~95 USD) - 4-star hotel, restaurants and cafes, spa
Comfortabout 6,000,000 VND+ (~230 USD+) - 5-star hotel, fine dining, private tours
Sample itinerary
- Day 1
Independence Palace, the Post Office and cathedral, pho for lunch, War Remnants Museum in the afternoon, then Nguyen Hue and a rooftop bar.
- Day 2
Half-day Cu Chi Tunnels tour, Ben Thanh Market in the afternoon, then Bui Vien or a night market for dinner.
- Day 3
Full-day Mekong Delta tour with boats and orchards, then a spa back in the city.
- Day 4
District 3 cafe hopping and com tam for lunch, Landmark 81 views, then head to the airport.
Local tips
- Check your visa status: many nationalities get visa-free entry (for example 45 days for several European and Asian passports), and others need an e-visa (up to 90 days) from the official Vietnamese government e-visa portal. Apply only there; lookalike agency sites charge heavy markups.
- Vietnamese dong has many zeros; the 10,000 and 100,000 notes, and the 20,000 and 500,000 notes, look similar, so double-check when paying.
- Motorbike phone and bag snatching happens; keep your phone out of reach of the street and carry bags on the building side.
- Markets and street food are cash only; hotels, malls and chain cafes take cards. Gold shops and exchange counters in town usually beat airport rates.
- Tipping is not required, but about 50,000-100,000 VND for spa staff or tour guides is appreciated.
- Local SIMs and eSIMs are cheap and sold at the airport; activate one on arrival so you can use Grab.
- Do not drink tap water; stick to bottled water.
Related articles
ComparisonAirport to City: Train, Bus, Taxi or Transfer? A Practical ComparisonCompare the five ways to get from the airport into town, with tips for late-night…ComparisoneSIM vs Pocket Wi-Fi vs Roaming vs Local SIM: Which Travel Data Option Wins?Compare the four ways to get mobile data abroad by cost, setup and trade-offs, plus how…TipsFlight Delay and Cancellation Compensation: EU261 Basics and How to ClaimEU261 and UK261 compensation amounts and conditions, what to ask for at the airport,…SafetyLost Passport or Emergency Abroad: Step-by-Step What to DoLost passport, stolen cards or a hospital visit abroad: police, embassy steps, emergency…
Prices and times are approximate as of 2026-09 and may change. Always re-check visa and entry rules with official sources before you travel.