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Your trip to Ho Chi Minh City

Arriving

Getting into Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City

TP. Hồ Chí Minh · Motorbikes, street food and a city that never slows down.

Places to visit

Ben Thanh MarketMust-see
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue Free~1 h

Bến Thành Market is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in District 1. The market is one of the earliest…

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Bến Thành Market is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in District 1. The market is one of the earliest surviving structures in the city and an important symbol of the city. Ben Thanh Market is a famous destination for many local and foreign tourists from all around the world.

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Nguyen Hue Pedestrian StreetMust-see
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue Free~2 h

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a vibrant and youthful entertainment hub in District 1, offering a host of exciting…

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Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a vibrant and youthful entertainment hub in District 1, offering a host of exciting activities that draw large crowds of Saigonese, especially young people. Since its inception, it has been regarded as one of the city's most popular leisure spots. Stretching 670 meters in length and 64 meters in width, the street is beautifully adorned with decorative features, flowers, and rows of green trees, serving as a symbol of green space amidst the bustling city.
Visitors can enjoy captivating street performances—ranging from live music and magic shows to instrumental acts—and savor delicious treats from street vendors and mobile carts, such as pickled mango and ambarella, grilled corn, and fried fish balls. Additionally, you can feed the pigeons, take a leisurely stroll, and snap photos to mark your visit to Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Some of the spots around the pedestrian street that you shouldn't miss include high-end fashion boutiques; the old apartment building right on Nguyen Hue Street, which houses numerous beautifully decorated coffee and milk tea shops; and the Nguyen Hue Bookstore.

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Bui Vien streetMust-see
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue Free~2 hEvening

Bui Vien Walking Street is a highly popular entertainment spot in District 1. Historically, the street attracted large…

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Bui Vien Walking Street is a highly popular entertainment spot in District 1. Historically, the street attracted large numbers of Western tourists for sightseeing and dining while visiting Saigon, earning it the familiar nickname "Bui Vien Western Street."
Every day around 7:00 PM, the area comes alive with street performances such as live music, fire dancing, and saxophone recitals. Additionally, folk games and traditional performances—featuring instruments like the đàn bầu (monochord zither) and đàn đá (lithophone)—attract international visitors eager to explore and learn more.

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The Independence Palace
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue 20,000₫ – 65,000₫ ≈ $1–2~2 hMorning

The Independence Palace is a renowned historical site that preserves vivid historical records of a fierce wartime era…

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The Independence Palace is a renowned historical site that preserves vivid historical records of a fierce wartime era. It stands as both a source of pride and a popular tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Vincom Dong Khoi
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue Free~2 h

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vincom Dong Khoi boasts three street frontages along Dong Khoi, Ly Tu Trong…

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Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vincom Dong Khoi boasts three street frontages along Dong Khoi, Ly Tu Trong, and Le Thanh Ton. It is a complex comprising a shopping mall, services, a hotel, offices, and high-end apartments.
At Vincom Dong Khoi, you can freely explore, stroll, and shop; enjoy delicious, enticing dishes with family and friends; and snap photos amidst the venue's magnificent, stunning surroundings.

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Takashimaya
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue Free~1 h

Shopping enthusiasts and those who love browsing through malls simply cannot miss Takashimaya. Located in District 1…

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Shopping enthusiasts and those who love browsing through malls simply cannot miss Takashimaya. Located in District 1, this is Saigon's largest shopping center, developed by a leading Japanese retail group.

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Bach Dang Wharf
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue Free~1 hEvening

Nestled along the Saigon River in District 1, Bach Dang Wharf is one of the city's premier attractions and leisure…

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Nestled along the Saigon River in District 1, Bach Dang Wharf is one of the city's premier attractions and leisure spots. The site comprises both the wharf and Bach Dang Park, covering a total area of ​​23,400 square meters and stretching 1.3 kilometers in length.
Bach Dang Wharf is currently a popular destination for sightseeing and leisure, offering a variety of waterway services such as river cruise boats, restaurants, and cafes. It is considered a "prime" tourist spot in the city, boasting a coveted location with stunning, unobstructed views of the Saigon River.

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Notre-Dame Cathedral
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue Free~1 h

Located in the heart of District 1, Notre Dame Cathedral is a famous attraction that visitors to Saigon should not…

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Located in the heart of District 1, Notre Dame Cathedral is a famous attraction that visitors to Saigon should not miss. It stands out for its unique French architecture, which blends Romanesque and Gothic styles.
Notre-Dame Cathedral is a unique architectural landmark boasting numerous captivating features. Highlights include walls constructed from bricks imported from Marseille (France), a Swiss clock over 140 years old positioned above the arched entrance, distinctive bell towers, and a remarkable overall design and layout.
Opening hours: 9:30 – 21:30

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Cu Chi Tunnel Ben Duoc
Cu Chi Tunnels 35,000₫ – 100,000₫ ≈ $1–4~6 hMorning

Part of the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site, it was the most important underground base for the Regional Party Committee…

Good to know: The best time to visit the tunnels is in the morning or during the cooler part…

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Cu Chi Tunnel Ben Dinh
Cu Chi Tunnels 35,000₫ ≈ $1~4 hMorning

Ben Dinh: Formerly the headquarters of the Cu Chi District Party Committee during the resistance war. The site is…

Good to know: Suitable for visitors looking for a nearby location and a short tour (half a…

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Ben Dinh: Formerly the headquarters of the Cu Chi District Party Committee during the resistance war. The site is neatly laid out and well-suited for visitors—especially international tourists—to explore and experience crawling through the tunnels.
Ben Dinh: Smaller in scale, with an area of ​​approximately 17 hectares.

Good to know: Suitable for visitors looking for a nearby location and a short tour (half a day) to experience crawling through the tunnels and learn about the combat layout.

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Bitexco Tower
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue Free~1 hMorning

The Bitexco Financial Tower—often simply referred to as the Bitexco Building—is an ultra-chic destination in District 1…

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The Bitexco Financial Tower—often simply referred to as the Bitexco Building—is an ultra-chic destination in District 1 where young people flock to "check in." Before the advent of Landmark 81, Bitexco held the title of the city's tallest building and was a source of pride for the people of Saigon.
Opening hours: 08:00 – 23:00

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Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue Free~1 h

One of the entertainment spots in District 1 for book lovers is Nguyen Van Binh Book Street. It is the first book…

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One of the entertainment spots in District 1 for book lovers is Nguyen Van Binh Book Street. It is the first book street complex designed with an open-space concept, allowing visitors to freely browse and discover a wealth of fascinating books.

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Landmark 81
Binh Thanh - Landmark 81 Free~1 h

Landmark 81 is the tallest skyscraper in Vietnam. Designed by UK-based Atkins, Landmark 81 stands 461.2 meters tall…

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Where to eat

The Running Bean - Coffee and Brunch
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue 100,000₫ – 500,000₫ ≈ $4–19~1 hMorning

The Running Bean is a highly popular, contemporary coffee and all-day brunch destination known for its vibrant energy…

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The Running Bean is a highly popular, contemporary coffee and all-day brunch destination known for its vibrant energy, specialty coffees, and carefully curated menus that blend Western favorites with subtle local flavors. Originating in Ho Chi Minh City, it has successfully expanded into Hanoi, offering welcoming spaces perfect for casual catch-ups, remote working, or slow weekend mornings

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Huynh Hoa Bread
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue 80,000₫ – 150,000₫ ≈ $3–6~0.5 hAfternoon

What sets Huynh Hoa Banh Mi apart from other brands is the experience of savoring its signature meat and cold-cut…

Good to know: Open from: 13:00 – 23:00. You will need wait to buy.

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What sets Huynh Hoa Banh Mi apart from other brands is the experience of savoring its signature meat and cold-cut filling. It is a unique culinary encounter; with the very first bite, you are immediately greeted by a rich blend of creamy pâté, savory golden butter, and ham—all harmonizing with the crispy crust to create a distinctive, indescribable flavor profile.

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Nam Vang noodle soup
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue 50,000₫ – 10,000₫ ≈ $2–0~0.5 hMorning

What sets it apart from other rice noodle varieties is its emphasis on freshness—more vegetables, a wider variety of…

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Phat Ky noodle soup
District 1 - Ben Thanh - Nguyen Hue 50,000₫ – 80,000₫ ≈ $2–3~0.5 hEvening

The shop offers a diverse menu featuring various types of hủ tiếu (rice noodle soup) with different toppings, though…

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The shop offers a diverse menu featuring various types of hủ tiếu (rice noodle soup) with different toppings, though the two main styles remain the dry and broth-based versions. A large, hearty bowl overflowing with ingredients and a delicately sweet broth is what draws many diners to the shop.

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Good to know before you go

What can you do, eat and photograph at Landmark 81 in Saigon?

Landmark 81 (720A Dien Bien Phu, Thanh My Tay Ward, HCMC, inside Vinhomes Central Park) stands 461.2 m tall, Vietnam's tallest building, with a design inspired by a bundle of bamboo. Get there by bus routes 06, 30, 53, 104 or 150, or by metro to Tan Cang or Saigon Bridge station (about 600 m); basement parking costs about 5,000 VND.

  • SkyView observation deck (floors 79–81): 360-degree views, the outdoor SkyTouch glass bridge nearly 400 m up, and a VR skydiving experience.
  • Fun: Vincom Ice Rink (220,000 VND adults, 150,000 VND children), a CGV cinema with IMAX and Gold Class, and a rooftop infinity pool (9:00–18:00, from 220,000 VND per person).
  • Landmark 81 Park (14 ha, 5:00–21:30, free): BBQ areas, picnic lawns, a Japanese garden and plenty of photo spots.
  • Cafés with a view: Blank Lounge (floors 75–76, 9:30–24:00), Cafe RuNam, Starbucks, Phúc Long, Highlands Coffee.
  • Restaurants: Capricciosa (Italian), Khao Lao (Lao), Gánh (Nha Trang dishes), Kichi-Kichi (conveyor-belt hotpot), Gogi House (Korean BBQ), Sushi Kei, Dì Mai (retro Vietnamese), Hue Delights (Hue cuisine), Coco Ichibanya (Japanese curry).

Note: In the park, no pets, no DSLR or professional cameras, and no parties without management approval.

What should you eat in Ho Chi Minh City?

Main dishes and specialties:
1. Saigon Bánh Mì – a crispy baguette filled with a variety of ingredients such as grilled meat, Vietnamese pork sausage, shredded pork, or pâté.
2. Phá Lấu – a popular snack or side dish made from beef offal stewed in a rich, creamy broth, typically enjoyed with bread or instant noodles.
3. Nam Vang Noodle Soup – a bowl of noodles featuring pork, liver, and quail eggs, offering a harmonious blend of flavors.
4. Bún Thịt Nướng – vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, spring rolls, fresh herbs, and pickled vegetables, served with a sweet and sour fish sauce dressing.
5. Crispy Skin Chicken Rice – a plate of fluffy yellow rice served with chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside.
6. Broken rice with grilled pork chop, shredded pork skin, and steamed egg meatloaf.
Street snacks and refreshments:
1. Bánh tráng trộn (mixed rice paper salad) and bánh tráng nướng (grilled rice paper)—beloved local favorites featuring shredded rice paper tossed with mango, beef jerky, and quail eggs, or grilled until crispy over charcoal.
2. Snail dishes: A paradise for snail lovers, offering a vast array of preparations such as stir-frying with garlic, grilling with scallion oil, or coating in salted egg yolk sauce.
3. "Dừa tắc" (coconut and kumquat drink): A refreshing, cooling beverage made with fresh coconut water, tender coconut meat, and sweet-and-sour kumquat preserves—perfect for Saigon's weather.

How do I get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to District 1?

The airport is close to the centre: Grab or a metered taxi takes about 20–40 minutes. Public buses also run to Ben Thanh. Traffic is heavy at rush hour, so allow extra time when going back for a flight.

Is it safe to walk around Ho Chi Minh City with my phone out?

Phone and bag snatching by passing motorbikes is the most common problem in the city centre. Hold your phone on the side away from the road, wear bags across your body and don't use your phone at the kerb when waiting for a ride.

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Make it a longer trip

Travellers often combine these with Ho Chi Minh City.