Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Why Ho Chi Minh City?

Saigon (everyone still calls it that) is Vietnam at full volume. This is the country’s most modern, most energetic city — a place where French colonial architecture sits next to glass skyscrapers, where you can visit sobering war museums in the morning and dance on rooftop bars by night. The street food is bigger, sweeter, and more casual than the north. The coffee shops never close. And the city’s history — from the fall of Saigon to the Cu Chi Tunnels — hits harder when you’re standing where it happened.

What to Do

District 1 & History

Start at the War Remnants Museum — one of the most powerful and sobering museums in Southeast Asia. Walk past the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Central Post Office (designed by Gustave Eiffel’s firm). The Reunification Palace is where the Vietnam War officially ended. For city views, head to the Bitexco Financial Tower’s Saigon Skydeck.

Cu Chi Tunnels

A half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels (70km northwest) is essential. This 200km underground network was used by the Viet Cong during the war — you can crawl through widened sections and learn about the incredible ingenuity of the tunnel system.

Markets & Street Life

Ben Thanh Market is the city’s most famous market — great for browsing but haggle hard (start at 50% of asking price). For a more local experience, hit the food stalls on Co Giang Street or the legendary 200 Xom Chieu alleyway in District 4. Bui Vien Walking Street is the backpacker hub — loud, cheap, and buzzing every night.

Rooftop Scene

Saigon’s rooftop bar scene rivals Bangkok’s. Chill Skybar and Saigon Saigon at the Caravelle Hotel offer stunning river views with cocktails. Even on a budget, sunset drinks are affordable compared to other Asian capitals.

Pro Tips

• Grab everything — Grab bikes are the fastest way through Saigon’s legendary traffic
• Banh mi at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa — Arguably the best banh mi in the world, always a queue, always worth it
• Com tam for breakfast — Broken rice with grilled pork is Saigon’s signature breakfast; look for crowded street stalls
• Mekong Delta day trip — Book through a reputable agency ($15-30); visit floating markets and coconut villages
• District 4 for food — Less touristy, better prices, incredible seafood and street food alleys
• Phu Quoc extension — Fly from HCMC (1 hour, $30-50) for beaches and island vibes
• Digital nomads — 24/7 coffee shops, fast wifi, growing coworking scene; HCMC is a top remote work hub in Asia