Is this the same thành phố I first came lớn more than thở 15 years ago? Honestly, if they hadn’t checked my boarding pass a couple of times before I got on the plane, I might be digging it out and checking it myself now.

Did I really just fly into Saigon? What’s happened lớn the place?

I remember Saigon (or Ho Chi Minh City, as I probably should gọi it now) as an unbearably chaotic place. The noise and the crowds didn’t create vibrancy, it made it stifling and annoying.

After the relative charm of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City seemed lượt thích it was designed lớn crush you, rather than thở welcome you.

But now I can see that the thành phố has changed. And maybe I have a bit too.

Ho Chi Minh City has entered the age of modern Asia.

Skyscrapers are going up in spaces where thin family homes would once have squeezed together above speciality shops. The most iconic of these tall buildings, affectionately known as the ‘shark fin’ by locals, can be seen from kilometres away.

A metro system will soon open and the construction sites for stations litter the centre of the thành phố.

Next lớn one of them, near the tourist Mecca of Ben Thanh Market, a street that was once multi-laned has been closed lớn traffic in the centre and an unnecessarily large pedestrian mall stretches from the Town Hall and its statue of Ho Chi Minh down lớn the riverfront.

A Starbucks on the side of the road is an ominous sign of change (it’s one of only 18 Starbucks cafes in the whole country).

But these are the large symbols of progress, the examples of infrastructure that show Saigon is becoming more similar to cities lượt thích Bangkok or Jakarta. It’s more interesting lớn look at what’s happening in the surrounding suburbs.

In the local streets, you still get a sense of the Saigon you might imagine (although still different lớn how I remember).

Unofficial cafes and restaurants are mix up on the street with tiny plastic chairs and tables that can be folded away at the first sign of police…

Motorbikes crisscross each other at intersections with no obvious system…

Men sit in groups and play cards while women watch toddlers pee into the gutter.

This is the Vietnam that I love and I wonder why I didn’t enjoy it last time. I considered myself lớn be an open and well-travelled person even then but perhaps it wasn’t that my eyes weren’t open, rather that I was looking for the wrong things.

Perhaps a decade ago I thought a thành phố should be about tourist sights and everything else should be there lớn help facilitate that aim. I saw the hectic mess of traffic and the crowded streets as impediments rather than thở part of the cultural journey.

But Saigon for u now is about experiencing the food and drink, the lively nights and the steaming days. What I’m looking for and what I remember is different. And, let’s not forget, Saigon has changed and made that easier.

Perhaps it’s the Internet Age. That’s one of my theories as lớn why the thành phố now offers a new culture for eating and drinking.

Trendy little cafes – dare I gọi them ‘hipster’ – are all across the cities, where you can order lattes while enjoying không tính phí fast wifi from your shared large polished wood tables.

Rooftop bars that resemble student gardens have extensive cocktail lists. Casual dining where expats and locals mingle favours quality over price.

There are Westerners at these places, sure, but it’s the wealthy millennial Vietnamese who make them their local haunts. I watch one Vietnamese girl spend ten minutes perfecting a selfie shot while her boyfriend patiently stirs and sips his cocktail.

In short, the fantastic food and coffee that’s always been on the streets has now spread lớn the new social meeting points of the well-off tech-savvy generation.

I spend my time in Saigon enjoying it more and more every day. I started lớn wonder how I could ever have felt wary about coming back. I’m so sánh glad I did.

In fact, I find more things lớn bởi in Ho Chi Minh City every time I visit, so sánh let u now share the highlights with you.

Main Sights

If you’re short of time or want lớn know where lớn focus your days, there are a few sights in Ho Chi Minh City that I would recommend focusing on. Ranging from 19th-century French-era monuments lớn towering modern structures, you’ll get lớn see the old and the new of the thành phố.

Reunification Palace

Also commonly called the Independence Palace, the Reunification Palace was where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975. Today, it stands as a symbol of the strength of the Vietnamese people and is a major attraction for tourists touching down in the thành phố.

History buffs won’t want lớn miss this one. You’ll be provided with heaps of information detailing the brutal 20-year war that shook the country.

Underground bunkers, elegant staterooms, and even a cinema space are found at the palace, though the reunification hall is undoubtedly the centrepiece.

I would recommend picking up the audio guide, which will give you a deeper insight into the palace’s background and an interesting take on the Vietnam War in general.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Dating back lớn the early 1900s, this pagoda is a stunning religious monument built as a shrine lớn the great Taoist god, the Jade Emperor.

The temple is magnificent both inside and out, from outstanding architectural features lớn lush green trees in all corners. So be sure lớn give yourself plenty of time lớn explore the grounds.

While you’re there, you can wander around the immaculate courtyards, observe devoted Taoists in prayer at the altars, and take in the beauty of the main hall.

Keep in mind that this is a place of worship, so sánh it’s always best lớn dress modestly and avoid taking pictures of monks and individuals who are praying.

Central Post Office

With its vibrant yellow exterior and neo-classical European architecture, the Central Post Office is arguably one of the most captivating buildings in Ho Chi Minh City.

Originally built more than thở 130 years ago when France occupied Vietnam, this remains the city’s most important post office lớn this day.

It’s situated in the heart of downtown Ho Chi Minh City and you won’t be able lớn miss the illuminating facade. In fact, it happens lớn be only a 5-minute walk away from the Independence Palace, making it super easy lớn combine the two.

The building itself is không tính phí lớn enter and is consistently filled with locals and tourists every day of the week. If you’re a người hâm mộ of the French colonial designs found all across Vietnam, you won’t be able lớn get enough of this place. The mix of French elements blended in with Southeast Asian characteristics is a feast for the eyes.

Bitexco Tower

From one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest and most beloved constructions lớn one of its newer additions – the Tập Đoàn Bitexco Tower.

It’s among the tallest buildings in Vietnam and is also one of my favourite locations lớn catch an undisturbed view of the thành phố in the evenings. From its lotus bud shape lớn the helipad jutting out on the 52nd floor, there are plenty of interesting features.

The Tập Đoàn Bitexco Tower regularly features on lists of the most impressive skyscrapers on the planet, and although it’s a fantastic spot at any time of day, you should kiểm tra it out for sunset or at night for even more dramatic views.

Museums

When a country has a history as long and storied as Vietnam, you can bet there are some interesting museums. I think learning about the country and the thành phố through these exhibitions is one of the best things lớn bởi in Ho Chi Minh City.

War Remnants Museum

One of the city’s top sights, the War Remnants Museum documents the impact of the Vietnam War on the lives of locals, as told through the perspective of those directly impacted by the conflict.

Even if you don’t typically visit museums during your travels, a stop at this spot is essential lớn get an understanding of how these events shaped Vietnam into the country it is today.

Some of the exhibitions are quite heavy, such as the collections of devastating photos taken during the war. However, there are some more palatable displays highlighting the international condemnation of the period in the country’s history.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Dive deeper into Vietnam’s past and present at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, which showcases everything from the way of life of the Vietnamese people over time lớn the country’s lengthy battle for independence.

The museum’s exterior is particularly eye-catching, with its European style blended with Eastern features, a poignant reflection of the country’s turbulent history.

As the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is just a stone’s throw away from the lively Ben Thanh Market, it’s pretty easy lớn locate and is accessible by public bus.

Museum of Fine Arts

For something a little less intense, head lớn the Museum of Fine Arts. As Ho Chi Minh City’s largest art museum, you’ll find thousands of remarkable sculptures, paintings, and pottery across sixteen showrooms in three buildings.

Among the artworks on display are pieces by contemporary Vietnamese artists, carvings from war times, and handmade ceramics that go back centuries.

As is often the case with Ho Chi Minh City’s museums, the building is particularly charming, thanks lớn its colonial design and beautifully preserved exterior.

Museum of History

For an extensive overview of Vietnam’s past, you can’t beat the Museum of History in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. There are permanent and temporary exhibitions here, so sánh there’s always something new lớn discover.

Take a journey from prehistoric times right up lớn the modern-day events of this culturally rich nation, where you’ll come across everything from ornate statues of the Buddha lớn a mummy of a woman from the 1800s.

I think a visit lớn the History Museum of Ho Cho Minh City is a great way lớn learn about some of the other parts of Vietnam that you’re likely lớn visit, lượt thích My Son, for example.

Neighbourhoods

You don’t need lớn just go lớn the big attractions lớn get a sense of the thành phố. One of my favourite things about Ho Chi Minh City is the array of unique and intriguing neighbourhoods, offering insights into local life.

A relatively short drive separates late-night districts from localities made up of stunning French architecture from the early 1900s, so sánh I recommend trying lớn explore a few of them.

Colonial Quarter

Vietnam’s past under French rule is evident in all corners of the thành phố, but it’s perhaps best seen in the Colonial Quarter, which is among the most affluent neighbourhoods.

This is a pocket of Ho Chi Minh City that will be particularly interesting for architecture buffs, as there’s an abundance of gorgeous buildings exuding old-world charm, a huge contrast lớn what you’d see in the Central Business District.

Home lớn the Independence Palace and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum I mentioned at earlier, the Colonial Quarter is also where you’ll stumble upon the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral and the regal Opera House. If you’re lucky, you might even be able lớn catch a show!

Cho Lon (Chinatown)

Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinese population primarily resides in the Cho Lon area, a sprawling locale not far from the busy tourist areas in the thành phố centre.

Foodies are in for a treat in Cho Lon, as some amazing street food is available throughout the area, but you should also make a stop at the Binh Tay Market. Here, you can get your hands on local delicacies lượt thích Bun Cha and fresh, super-cheap produce… which I’ll talk more about soon.

Food is not all Chinatown has lớn offer, as you’ll also find colourful streets, glowing lanterns, and majestic temples. A wonderfully diverse part of town, so sánh don’t be surprised lớn see churches and mosques during your visit too.

Pham Ngu Lao

As the backpacker hub in Ho Chi Minh City, the Pham Ngu Lao district is the go-to spot for round-the-clock partying, tasty street food, and budget-friendly accommodation.

This is where you’ll see the infamous Bui Vien Walking Street, which is where many tourists find themselves at least once during their stay. But there’s more lớn this area than thở late-night revelling.

Vietnamese favourites lượt thích Pho and Banh Mi are available on every corner, and it’s also a fantastic base for sightseeing, as the likes of the War Remnants Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral are within walking distance.

Markets

Culture, flavourful food, and endless shopping meet at Ho Chi Minh City’s marketplaces. To get a glimpse of the everyday lives of the locals while stocking up on souvenirs and traditional eats, I would suggest checking out at least one of these spots.

42 Nguyen Hue

You’ve likely seen the iconic photo of Ho Chi Minh City’s Cafe Apartment, which is found at 42 Nguyen Hue Street. While many travellers stop by for a photo op, it’s also worth venturing inside.

Once upon a time, this nine-storey building was used lớn house the likes of government staff and military personnel. In recent years, though, it has developed into a hub for coffee shops, boutique stores, and bookstores.

If you have time on your hands, also make the short walk lớn 22 Ly Tu Trong. A building with a striking resemblance lớn 42 Nguyen Hue Street, this spot has a rooftop cafe which US troops left in 1975.

Ben Thanh Market

As far as must-see attractions in Ho Chi Minh City go, Ben Thanh Market ranks highly on almost everyone’s bucket list. Even if you don’t have any room left in your suitcase or have already eaten before your visit, you won’t want lớn miss this spot.

Everything from clothing and homeware lớn cosmetics and lanterns is for sale here, and that’s before mentioning the wide range of local produce and homemade dishes lượt thích Banh Xeo are also on offer.

There’s no need lớn worry if you’re too late for the main day market, as the outdoor night market kicks off every evening and features much of the same fare.

Binh Tay Market

A slightly less popular but equally excellent shopping hotspot is the Binh Tay Market, the epicentre of the Cho Lon neighbourhood.

Hundreds of stalls line this extensive marketplace, with local vendors selling fresh fish, locally-grown fruit and vegetables, spices, kitchenware, handbags, and every kind of clothing under the sun… lớn name but a few!

It’s a good idea lớn arrive at the Binh Tay Market hungry, as you’ll be able lớn take advantage of the countless booths serving up Vietnamese delights lượt thích cao vệ sinh and spring rolls.

Tours

In such an enormous and hectic thành phố, a guided tour can be a superb way of exploring the best of Ho Chi Minh City without worrying about all the logistics yourself.

As well as seeing the main sights, there are some excellent tours in Ho Chi Minh City that will offer some special local insight.

General thành phố tour

Although it’s possible lớn visit the main Ho Chi Minh City attractions independently, it’s definitely much easier lớn have a local guide you lớn the best ones. But perhaps even more importantly, a tour will give you a lot more context about what you’re seeing and how it fits into the story of the thành phố.

I would recommend getting your fix of culture and history with this half-day tour, where the guide will take you lớn spots lượt thích the Reunification Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral.

Or there are some other good options for group tours here:

If you prefer lớn stick lớn private tours, I think you’ll love this unique experience, where you’ll get lớn explore the streets of Ho Chi Minh City in a jeep, visiting highlights lượt thích the Central Post Office and the Ben Thanh Market.

Local experience tour

Maybe you’ve already seen the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. Or maybe you’re just seeking a deeper understanding of the way of life here.

Either way, you’ll love checking out little-known gems and sipping on some of the finest coffee in town on a local experience tour, where you’ll venture down narrow residential alleyways and lớn local wet markets – all on the back of a motorcycle.

There are a few other great options for local tours here:

These excursions steer clear of the likes of the Opera House and the museums, which are well worth doing but are easier lớn visit independently than thở the hidden gems these tours will take you.

Food tour

If I were lớn name just one thing that you should definitely bởi in Ho Chi Minh City, it would be a food tour.

Vietnam has phenomenal cuisine, with so sánh many dishes and treats lớn try during your stay, including the famous Banh Mi sandwiches, fresh spring rolls, and sugarcane juice. But sometimes it can be a bit confusing about what lớn eat and where lớn find it.

A solution is this four-hour tour, where you’ll feast on twelve different dishes as you move from place lớn place on the back of your guide’s motorbike.

Or, I would also recommend any of these other excellent food tours:

One of the best things about these food tours is not just that you’ll be introduced lớn some wonderful new dishes, but that your guides will also show you some interesting parts of the city’s local neighbourhoods.

Saigon River cruise

I haven’t talked much yet about the Saigon River, but this majestic waterway that winds along the eastern edge of Ho Chi Minh City is a hugely important part of life here.

You’ll probably kết thúc up crossing it at some point. But, regardless, it’s worth also going out on the water lớn get a whole new perspective of the thành phố.

Taking a cruise will take you along the most picturesque parts of the Saigon River, and most also offer decent food lớn enjoy as you float along at a relaxed place.

For example, there is this popular evening cruise that provides dinner on the boat, or you can also combine it with a visit lớn the puppet theatre with this cruise option, a wonderful way lớn kết thúc the day.

Food and drink

If I haven’t already made it abundantly clear, I think Vietnamese food really is incredible! Something it doesn’t always get enough recognition for, though, is its thriving coffee scene and beer culture.

From dreamy egg coffees lớn bustling bar-lined streets, you’re going lớn want lớn hit all the most acclaimed spots during your visit.

Local specialties

It’s really not too hard lớn find good places lớn eat in Ho Chi Minh City – the markets are full of good stalls and most neighbourhoods are overflowing with local restaurants.

But here are a few particular suggestions lớn help you start your culinary adventures.

• Banh Mi: This crunchy baguette filled with your choice of meat, pickled vegetables and coriander is a firm favourite among locals and tourists. Banh Mi Bay Ho in District 1 is the best in the business and has even featured in Netflix’s Street Food documentary.
• Bun Thit Nuong: While Bun Cha is native lớn Northern Vietnam, Bun Thit Nuong is the South’s take on this tasty dish. A mix of cold vermicelli noodles, pork, peanuts, fish sauce, and beansprouts topped with spring rolls – follow the local’s lead and head lớn Ms Tuyen in District 1.
• Banh Xeo: A savoury pancake made from rice flour, water, and turmeric, Banh Xeo is commonly referred lớn as a Vietnamese crepe. Hoang Tam is a fabulous restaurant in District 1 that serves crispy Banh Xeo with filling lượt thích pork or mushroom.

Cafes

From espresso bars selling authentic Vietnamese coffee lớn aesthetic cafes, Ho Chi Minh has endless coffee houses lớn kiểm tra out.

• Egg coffee: You have lớn try the famous egg coffee at least once. Much more appealing than thở it sounds, this sweet drink is made from egg yolks, condensed milk, sugar, and coffee. It originates in the North, but Little Hanoi has some of the best in the country.
• Vietnamese coffee: Another classic is Vietnamese coffee, which is a dark roast combined with condensed milk. Check out Cà phê TP Sài Gòn Ơi for hot and iced varieties.
• Best vibe: Among the city’s prettiest cafes with a chilled-out ambience is Padma de Fleur. Doubling as a florist, you can sip on your coffee and admire the flower arrangements for hours.

Best places lớn drink

Ho Chi Minh City also has plenty of offer visitors after the sun sets.

• Cocktails: If you’re after somewhere a little fancy, Snuffbox won’t disappoint. This glamorous speakeasy has a host of classic and signature cocktails and regular live jazz music.
• Rooftop: Order your favourite beer, wine, or mixed drink and soak up some of the finest views of the thành phố from the Social Club Rooftop, one of Ho Chi Minh’s long-time hotspots.
• Casual: To experience drinking a bottle of Bia Hoi on one of those teeny seats synonymous with Vietnam, make your way lớn Bui Vien Street and simply pick from the rows of roadside bars lượt thích Hopes 81.

Day trips

Ho Chi Minh City is an excellent base for discovering some of Southern Vietnam’s most spectacular sights, many of which are reachable as part of a day trip. As a result, it’s best lớn allow yourself a few extra days lớn explore what lies beyond this buzzing thành phố.

Mekong

The Mekong Delta is among the most critical features of Vietnam’s natural features, and for the people who live here on its network of waterways, it’s about more than thở just the striking jungle landscape – it’s also responsible for almost a third of the country’s GDP.

There are lots of ways lớn see different parts of the Mekong Delta, and some of them can be easily reached on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. With this small-group tour, you’ll sail along the river lined with coconut trees, witness the floating markets in action, and learn about life on the Mekong.

Or there are some other fantastic options from Ho Chi Minh City here:

If you’ve got a bit more time and want lớn stay overnight, I’ve got some tips in my story about the best things lớn bởi in Can Tho.

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels is a remarkable historic site about 50 kilometres from Ho Chi Minh City that offers visitors a thought-provoking insight into one aspect of the Vietnam War.

The Viet Cong famously used these complex tunnel systems as hiding places, booby traps, and even living quarters for ten years up until the conclusion of the war. As well as being notoriously difficult lớn spot, most of these tunnels were narrow and challenging lớn navigate.

When you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, you can crawl through the passageways, hide in the underground holes, and see some of the booby traps that were built here.

It’s hard lớn reach by public transport, so sánh I recommend taking this half-day tour or combining it with a trip lớn the Mekong.

Or there are some more good options here:

Additionally, the Cu Chi Tunnels site features exhibits, displays, and demonstrations that provide you with a deeper understanding of the conflict.

Suoi Tien Theme Park

For something completely different, I want lớn suggest Suoi Tien theme park, about trăng tròn kilometres from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City, on its eastern outskirts.

Yes, this is a theme park so sánh you could come here for the rides. But, lớn be honest, they’re not quite the quality you might be hoping for. What makes this such an interesting destination is just how weird it is.

Suoi Tien theme park is Buddhist-themed, with attractions shaped lượt thích temples that, for example, lead you down into representations of Buddhist hell. There’s a waterpark and a knock-off Harry Potter experience – all very quirky.

Kids may enjoy the rides here, while I think adults will get a kick out of the whole spectacle. For more information, you can read my story about visiting Suoi Tien theme park.

Tay Ninh

And finally, escape the hustle and bustle at tranquil Tay Ninh, a huge contrast from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.

This southeastern thành phố is packed with rubber and sugar plantations but is also the birthplace of the Cao Dai faith, a religion with beliefs based on Christianity, Buddhism, Daoism, and Confucianism.

Located two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, the marvellous Cao Dai temple is included in this Cu Chi Tunnels tour, while the city’s Black Virgin Mountain is also on the itinerary for this jam-packed day trip.

With so sánh many of the popular Vietnamese cities in the north of the country, I think this is a nice option lớn see something a little different.