This Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide helps you make the most of your two days in the city. It features a well-crafted itinerary and a detailed budget for the trip.
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Introduction
I spent several hours in the arrival hall at Tan Son Nhat International Airport after arriving at 2:00 a.m. The oppressive stillness in my immediate surroundings transported me back to a time when Vietnamese people were no longer free. In 1955, millions of people suffered and lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
Our bus to Pham Ngu Lao left at exactly 5:30 a.m. Hence, I watched the surge of motorcycles cruising the congested city streets from where I sit. Nothing remains of the city’s painful past to mar the vibrant morning scene in Ho Chi Minh City.
Many years have passed since the city dealt with the worst episode in its history. However, due to the resilience of the Vietnamese people, the Asian city has evolved from a hopeless motherland to Vietnam’s economic might.
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Contents
- Quick Fact About Ho Chi Minh City
- Visa in Vietnam
- Standard Time in Ho Chi Minh City
- Climate In Ho Chi Minh City
- Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
- Language in Ho Chi Minh City
- Currency in Ho Chi Minh City
- Modes of Payment in Ho Chi Minh City
- Ways of Getting to Ho Chi Minh City
- Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
- Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- Internet in Ho Chi Minh City
- Power Adaptor in Ho Chi Minh City
- Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Itinerary
- Budget for Ho Chi Minh City Trip
- Travel Resources
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Quick Fact About Ho Chi Minh City
In 1857, France colonized Saigon or the present-day Ho Chi Minh City. The French occupation had greatly influenced the city’s culture, cuisine, language, and architecture.
Visa in Vietnam
Holders of foreign passports intending to visit Vietnam should contact the Embassy of Vietnam as to entry requirements. Otherwise, consult iVisa.com, a reputable and trusted visa service provider.
Philippine passport holders traveling for tourism in Vietnam are visa-exempt for a maximum of 21 days. In the event of a visit extension, you are required to apply for a visa.
However, travelers must undergo stringent immigration procedures before departure. Read ‘How to Avoid Getting Offloaded at Philippine Immigration?’
Standard Time in Ho Chi Minh City
The Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) in Ho Chi Minh City is UTC +07:00.
Thus, Ho Chi Minh City is three hours ahead of Dubai, five hours ahead of Paris, and six hours ahead of London. Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City is eleven hours ahead of New York. Conversely, Ho Chi Minh City is an hour behind Manila and four hours behind Sydney.
Climate in Ho Chi Minh City
Situated in southeastern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate. The city has distinct seasons; the dry season from December until April and the wet season from May through November.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Measuring 1,650 kilometers, the weather in Vietnam varies in each region. South Vietnam has warm temperatures with rains, which occurs from May to November.
December to April
Deemed the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, the dry season is from December until April. Experience fewer rains during this period but expect a sweltering temperature, particularly in April, the city’s driest month.
Come and visit Vietnam as it celebrates the Tet Festival, which happens in late January to mid-February.
May to November
The wettest season in Ho Chi Minh City is from May until November. Visitors may experience cloudy skies to short hours of rain, especially in the afternoon.
Language in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese is the official and widely spoken language in Ho Chi Minh City. Foreign visitors may expect language barriers as locals rarely speak English.
Here are some essential Vietnamese words and phrases to learn before your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
- Xin Chào – Hello
- Xin Lỗi – Excuse me
- Cảm Ơn- Thank you
- Tạm biệt- Goodbye
- Trạm xe buýt Ở đâu? – Where is the bus stop?
- Nhà vệ sinh Ở đâu? – Where is the toilet?
- Chậm lại– Slow down
- Bao xa – How far?
- Tôi Muon Mua – I want to buy
- Bao nhiêu? – How much?
- Mắc quá – Too Expensive
- Giảm giá dược không – Can I get a discount?
Currency in Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese dong, abbreviated as VND, is the official currency of Vietnam after the reunification of North and South Vietnam in 1978. Here is the exchange rate as of May 31, 2022: VND 1, PHP 0.0023, or USD 0.000043.
Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide Trivia: Do you want to experience becoming a millionaire with only USD 50 in your pocket? Come on and visit Vietnam!
Modes of Payment in Ho Chi Minh City
Cash, debit, and credit cards are all accepted payment modes in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Cash
Hard cash is the preferred mode of payment in Ho Chi Minh City. Aside from the local currency, some establishments also accept U.S. dollars.
Bank Cards
Apart from cash, some hotels, restaurants, and shops accept bank cards, such as Visa and Mastercard.
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Tip: Convert your currency to Vietnamese dong in the city center. Money changers in downtown Ho Chi Minh City offer more competitive rates than in the airport.
Otherwise, convert just enough cash at the destination’s airport to cover your fare to the city center.
Ways of Getting to Ho Chi Minh City
Situated southeast of the Indochina Peninsula in mainland Southeast Asia: Ho Chi Minh City is accessible via air and land.
By Air
Several local and international airlines provide flights from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport. Flight duration between Manila and Ho Chi Minh City will take around two and 40 minutes.
The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is the main gateway to Ho Chi Minh City and the rest of Southern Vietnam. It is the busiest airport in the country, serving millions of passengers.
By Land
Vietnam shares a land border with China to the North and Laos and Cambodia to the west. Transports such as buses, cars, and trains are available for inland travel to Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Fact: The world’s longest connecting train journey begins in Porto, Portugal, and ends in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
This 17,000-kilometer journey traverses Portugal, Spain, France, Germany, Poland, Belarus, Russia, Mongolia, China, and Vietnam. Which do you prefer, the train or the plane?
Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has persistent traffic due to a lack of infrastructure and countless vehicles. Hence, the city is slightly intimidating for newly arrived visitors dealing with the chaotic and risky thoroughfares.
The severity of its traffic won’t stop you from exploring the city with its variety of transport options.
Bus
Public buses are probably the most economical mode of transport in Ho Chi Minh City, serving over a hundred routes.
City buses operate 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday. The fare starts at VND 5,000, PHP 10.89, or USD 0.22. Here are the two major bus stations in Ho Chi Minh City and the bus routes.
Tan Son Nhat Station to
- Ben Than Market (49, 152)
- Pham Ngu Lao (109)
- Chinatown (147)
- Mien Tay Station (119)
- Mien Dong Station (159).
Ben Than Station to
- Tan Son Nhat (49, 152)
- Chinatown (1)
- Mien Tay Station (102)
- Mien Dong Station (26).
Taxi
Cabs in Ho Chi Minh City are perhaps the most convenient way to navigate the city. City taxis operate 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday. The fare starts at VND 10,000, PHP 22.64, or USD 0.43.
Motorbike Taxi
Also known as Xe Om, motorbike taxis are cheap transport in Ho Chi Minh City. Aside from its one-way service, it also offers hourly service for tours.
Motorbike taxis operate 24 hours a day from Monday through Sunday. The fare starts at VND 20,000, PHP 45.28, or USD 0.86.
Bicycle and Motorcycle
Motorcycles and bicycles are other modes of transport in Ho Chi Minh City. The bicycle rental starts at VND 20,000, PHP 43.54, or USD 0.87. Moreover, motorcycle rental is at VND 120,000, PHP 271.67, or USD 5.17.
Cyclo
The cyclo is a three-wheeled taxi usually hailed for short-distance trips and tours. This slow-paced transportation is a must-do, especially for travelers who prefer a relaxed sightseeing experience.
Fare starts at VND 20,000, PHP 45.28, or USD 0.86.
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Reminder: The rigged-meter scam is widespread in Ho Chi Minh City. To prevent from being scammed, avail yourself of the services of Vinasun and Mai Lin – the city’s reputable taxi operators.
Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is the second most visited city in Vietnam, following Hanoi. With its thriving tourism industry, accommodations are manifold throughout the city.
Most of the accommodations are in the city’s prime locations, offering distinct atmospheres. From the chaotic streets of Pham Ngu Lao to the more laid-back Thao Dien, the city has more options. Here are the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City:
District 1
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 is Vietnam’s business and financial center. It is home to several western architectures and a manifold of accommodations found in Pham Ngu Lao and Dong Khoi.
Pham Ngu Lao is the city’s backpacking area. The vibrant neighborhood hosts inexpensive accommodations, shops, eateries, and bars. Must-see attractions in Pham Ngu Lao are Bui Vien, Sri Mahamariamman Temple, and Ben Thanh Market.
On the other hand, Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue offer several upscale hotels, boutiques, and diners. The neighborhood is home to western architecture like the city’s iconic landmark, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building.
Aside from the city hall, must-see attractions are the Saigon Opera House, Saigon Central Post Office, and Reunification Palace.
District 2
Located east of District 1, District 2 traced its roots from being the poorest in Ho Chi Minh City. The isolated area is packed with high-rise residential buildings, boutiques, top-end dining places, and shopping centers.
Must-visit attractions in District 2 include the Thu Thiem River Park, the Saigon Outcast, and Minh Dang Quang Pagoda.
District 3
A quieter neighborhood within the city center, District 3 offers a more authentic Vietnamese atmosphere. The area has good eateries, cafés, and plentiful cheaper accommodations.
It is also home to perhaps the most intriguing museum in Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum.
District 4
An excellent location for food lovers, District 4 boasts extensive side-street eateries and diners. The smallest district in Ho Chi Minh City is home to Vinh Khanh Street and the Dragon Wharf.
District 5
Chinatown or District 5 is home to Vietnam’s largest market. A must-place for travelers with a great appreciation of Chinese architecture and cultures.
Attractions in Chinatown are Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Temple, Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda, and Nhi Phu Temple.
Internet in Ho Chi Minh City
Aside from the hotel’s complimentary Wi-Fi, Ho Chi Minh City also offers free public Wi-Fi. For on-the-go internet connectivity, sim cards are available for rent.
Connect online anytime and anywhere. With Vietnam 4G SIM Card, you can guarantee fast and reliable 4G data. Grab yours now!
Power Adaptor in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City operates on a 220 V supply voltage with a frequency of 50 Hz and has three types of power adaptors.
- A or has two flat parallel pins
- C or has two round pins
- G or has three flat parallel pins
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Itinerary
Day 1 - Mekong Delta
10:30 pm – 12:25 am Flight to Ho Chi Minh City
12:25 am – 05:30 am Arrival at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, clear the immigration and customs checkpoint
05:30 am – 06:15 am Head to 23/9 Park (23rd of September Park)
- From the Tan Son Nhat International Airport Arrival Entrance
- Take the Yellow bus No. 109
- Alight at 23/9 Park
- Walk toward accommodation
06:15 am – 07:30 am Confirm reservation and check-in at the Urban Lodge Hotel and have breakfast
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Tip: Alternatively, stay in a hostel. A hostel is an inexpensive lodging facility that provides basic amenities, such as bunk beds and shared bathrooms. Thus, if you are on a tight budget, book a hostel in Ho Chi Minh City.
A Must-Eat in Ho Chi Minh City Travel: Considered the national dish of Vietnam, Pho is a traditional rice noodle soup made of chicken or beef broth, rice noodles, slices of meat, herbs, and spices.
The Mekong Delta is almost 200 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. And a better way to explore this countryside is through an arranged tour. Book a Mekong Delta Tour.
07:30 am – 10:00 am Head to and explore My Tho, Tien Giang Province
- From Pham Ngu Lao
- Take the hired-private shuttle
- Alight at Vinh Trang Pagoda
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Reminder: Whether you are a devotee or simply a temple visitor, you should treat religious beliefs and sacred places with reverence. When visiting a worship place, be mindful of temple etiquette.
Vinh Trang Pagoda
Built in 1849, Vinh Trang Pagoda is a 2-hectare Buddhist temple located in My Tho, Tien Giang Province. It houses over fifty Buddha statues decorated with tropical trees and plants.
Vinh Trang Pagoda is open from Monday until Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and entrance is free.
10:00 am – 04:00 pm Head to and explore An Khanh, Chau Thanh, Ben Tre Province, and have lunch
- From Vinh Trang Pagoda
- Take the hired-private shuttle
- Hop into a motorized boat
Things to do in Chau Thanh, Ben Tre
First, visit the local coconut candy processing factory. Second, explore the Mekong River while seated in a cruising sampan or a wooden boat. Thirdly, listen to Vietnamese folk music while sipping honey tea and tasting tropical fruits.
04:00 pm – 05:30 pm Head to Pham Ngu Lao
- From An Khanh
- Take the hired-private shuttle
- Alight at Pham Ngu Lao
05:30 pm – 9:00 pm Have dinner, stroll along Bui Vien Night Street
A different atmosphere awaits tourists at night in Ho Chi Minh City. Book your Street Food and Sightseeing Night Tour with an Aodai Rider and discover the city’s off-the-beaten paths.
Day 2 - District 1 and District 3
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Reminder: It takes around 800 meters to walk from point A to point B.
08:00 am – 12:00 pm Head to Dong Khoi and Nguyen Hue
- From Pham Ngu Lao
- Walk toward De Tham Street
- Take the Yellow bus No. 109
- Alight at Chua Ong Bus Stop
- Walk toward the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building
Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Building
Built-in 1908, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building is a former luxury hotel of Renaissance architecture. This iconic landmark now serves as the office of the city government.
Saigon Municipal Opera House
Constructed in 1898, Saigon Municipal Opera House resembles the Paris Opera Garnier style. The well-preserved French colonial edifice hosts some of the city’s important cultural events and entertainment activities.
Saigon Municipal Opera House is not open to visitors except for performances and events.
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
The Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a 60.5-meter tall Neo-Romanesque and Gothic-style church built in the 1800s. This stunning Catholic church is one of the remaining proof of Catholicism in a Buddhist-dominated nation.
The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is open from Monday through Sunday from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m. Admission is free.
Saigon Central Post Office
Located opposite Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Saigon Central Post Office is a 19th-century post office. Aside from the post service, it also houses several souvenir shops.
The Saigon Central Post Office is open from Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. While on the weekends, the office is open from 8:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Reunification Palace
The Reunification Palace, or the Independence Palace, is a historical landmark that witnessed the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. Today, the monument constructed on the 12-hectare land serves as a museum and is occasionally for government functions use.
Reunification Palace is open from Monday to Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. The entry fee is VND 40,000, PHP 90.56, or USD 1.72.
12:00 pm – 02:00 pm Head to and explore District 3, have lunch
- From Reunification Palace
- Walk toward War Remnants Museum
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is a war-themed museum exhibiting the horrendous chapter of Vietnam’s history during the Vietnam War. It houses military hardware, photographic items, and dioramas depicting the atrocities of the American forces.
War Remnants Museum is open from Monday through Sunday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. The admission fee is VND 40,000, PHP 90.50, or USD 1.72.
Alternatively, book Saigon City Half-day Tour to deeply understand the city’s rich history with this guided tour.
02:00 pm – 02:30 pm Head to Pham Ngu Lao
- From War Remnants Museum
- Walk toward 166-168 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Bus Stop
- Take the Yellow bus No. 109
- Alight at De Tham Bus Stop
- Walk toward accommodation
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Tip: For a smooth journey via bus, make an early reservation from HCMC to Siem Reap.
02:30 pm – 03:00 pm Check out and prepare for departure
03:00 pm – 05:00 am Head to Siem Reap
- From 23/9 Park Bus Station, Pham Ngu Lao
- Take a bus toward Phnom Penh
- Alight at the border gates of Moc Bai and Bavet and clear the immigration and customs checkpoints
- Get off at Phnom Penh
- Take a bus toward Siem Reap
- Alight at Siem Reap Bus Terminal
Budget for Ho Chi Minh City Trip
In 2019, I spent PHP 6,342.00 for two days and one night in Ho Chi Minh City. However, costs may still vary depending on your travel lifestyle. Please read ‘35 Excellent Tips to Save Money on Travel.’
Here is the Ho Chi Minh City budget breakdown for your reference.
Pre-Departure
- One-way airfare, Manila to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, PHP 2,819.00
- 2D1N accommodation with breakfast, PHP 1,055.00/2, PHP 528.00
- Manila travel tax, PHP 1,620.00
- 1-Day Mekong Delta Tour with Lunch, PHP 750.00
1st Day
- Tan Son Nhat International Airport to 23/9 Park Bus Stop via Yellow Bus No. 109, PHP 45.00
- Breakfast, PHP 150.00
- Dinner, PHP 150.00
2nd Day
- De Tham Bus Stop to Chua Ong Bus Stop via Yellow Bus No. 109, PHP 20.00
- Lunch, P 150.00
- War Remnants Museum entrance fee is PHP 90.00
- Nam Ky Khoi Bus Stop to De Tham Bus Stop, PHP 20.00
Travel Resources
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Drive your way to undiscovered places! Book a car via Discover Cars and experience hassle-free road trips.
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide Question: A former luxury hotel and iconic landmark of Ho Chi Minh City?
Please drop your answers and messages in the comment section. Thank you, and see you on the road!
About the Author
J. Sac is the author of ‘Ho Chi Minh City: An Excellent Guide to the World.’ He is also the founder of Traveledictorian – a travel blog that publishes well-thought-out travel content.
His passion for writing, photography, and travel fueled him to explore Asia and the rest of the world. He also plans to undertake humanitarian work in his travels. Read his inspiring story and follow him on social media!
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