Friends, with the May Day holiday approaching, I checked the travel data and found that Southeast Asian countries remain among the top choices for outbound travel from China. Countries like Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore are among the most popular destinations.
However, there’s one mysterious city that has always captivated me, and that is Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam, also known by its charming name, Saigon.
A while ago, I wrote an article about Hong Kong coffee, and a friend left a comment suggesting I should definitely go to Ho Chi Minh City for a coffee experience.
Being a coffee enthusiast, Ho Chi Minh City has already planted a seed in my heart. Previously, Guagua also wrote an article about Vietnamese coffee, which you might find interesting.
Coffee shops and French architecture are ubiquitous on the streets of Vietnam.
In addition, the famous story of “The Lover” by Marguerite Duras unfolds here. Later, a French director adapted the novel into a movie, and its scenes were set in Ho Chi Minh City.
Although the movie was made thirty years ago, watching it now can still stir your emotions.
With the support of the novel and the film, the whole city seems to be cloaked in a veil of romance. Many literary couples around me love to vacation here.
Although it is located in Southeast Asia, on the banks of the Mekong River, due to historical reasons (having been ruled by France), the whole small city exudes a strong European atmosphere. Eating French bread, drinking drip coffee, and staying in French-style villas can inadvertently immerse you in the romantic vibe of the city.
Many people think Ho Chi Minh City is underdeveloped, but it is Vietnam’s largest port city and economic center, even ranking 123rd among the world’s top 500 cities, not to be underestimated.
Here, you can snack on street food, stroll through night markets, choose a suitable Ao Dai, and enjoy Vietnamese-style spas. There are countless delightful activities. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Ho Chi Minh City, covering food, accommodation, and transportation, all sorted out for you. Those planning a trip can start arranging in advance.
Basic information before traveling
Here’s what you need to know đ
Where is Ho Chi Minh City, and how do you get there?
Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam and has only one international airport, Tan Son Nhat International Airport. There are direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xiamen, and Kunming.
After landing, you can get a taxi or take a bus (lines 109, 152) directly to the city center. The bus fare is 100,000 VND (approximately 30 RMB).
Land Route
There is currently no direct train from China to Ho Chi Minh City. You will first need to take a train to Hanoi, Vietnam (T8701/8702). Bring your ID card, passport, and visa to purchase a ticket at the counter. The price is 215 RMB per person. If time permits, you can spend a day exploring Hanoi before taking a plane or another train to Saigon Train Station in Ho Chi Minh City.
Time Difference, Language, and Currency
Vietnam is in the UTC+7 time zone, which is one hour behind Beijing time.
As for language, there’s no need to worry too much. Although Vietnamese is predominantly spoken, local tourism is fairly developed. Basic English communication is generally sufficient. In districts like the Fifth, Sixth, and Eleventh of Ho Chi Minh City, Cantonese can also be used due to a significant population of Chinese residents from Guangdong and Fujian provinces.
The currency in circulation in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Currently, 1 RMB can be exchanged for 3406.09 VND. Most local stores accept VISA or American Express cards.
Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 11 districts and 6 counties. Despite the numerous districts and counties, tourist attractions and commercial centers are relatively concentrated in District 1 and District 3, which are also the most popular among tourists.
District 1 is the cityâs central area, home to various luxury hotels and numerous consulates. District 3 is a bustling commercial zone, convenient for shopping enthusiasts.
Vietnam has an average annual temperature of around 28 degrees Celsius, classified as a tropical monsoon climate. Remember to bring sunscreen and essential heatstroke and stomach medicine. You can also purchase a SIM card online in advance. Enabling international roaming can be quite expensive and not cost-effective.
Visa Information
Currently, you donât need to worry about quarantine when entering Vietnam. There is no need to fill out a health declaration or provide a nucleic acid test. However, you will need to provide a 48-hour nucleic acid report when returning to China from Vietnam.
To apply for a tourist visa, you can visit this link:
After filling out the form, you need to submit it to the Vietnamese Embassy or Consulate in China.
Alternatively, you can directly apply for an e-visa. The application website is:
https://www.vietnamvisa.org.vn/zh/vietnam-e-visa/
With that covered, letâs move on to the detailed travel guide. I’ve prepared a four-day, three-night itinerary for you. Just follow it closely. (Ho Chi Minh City has always been one of the cities I most want to visit, so this guide also serves as a preliminary plan for myself.)
——————Itinerary Section——————
DAY 1
Visit churches and watch a puppet show âȘïž
Leisurely strolling around the city, enjoying the night market đđĄ
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Location: Duong Nguyen Du, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
đ«: Free
Opening Hours: 8:00-11:00; 15:00-16:00
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, also locally known as the Red Cathedral, is said to have taken six years to build.
It is one of the earliest Catholic buildings constructed in Vietnam, ranking only second to the Cathedral of Hanoi. The structure was designed by religious architectural expert Pollard and combines French Romanesque and Western Gothic architectural styles in its appearance.
Let’s delve into the history of this building, which dates back to 1859. At that time, the French army invaded, and Saigon became a colony of the French army. During this period, the French built several notable structures, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.
At the time, Vietnam’s production technology was lagging behind, and sourcing materials for the cathedral’s construction was challenging. As a last resort, the French had to import all the construction materials, including cement, steel, and even the red bricks and tiles, from France.
Even after more than a century, this building retains its classical appearance from that era and has become a must-visit landmark in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tan Dinh Church (Pink Church)
Location: 289 Hai BĂ TrÆ°ng, PhÆ°á»ng 8, Ho Chi Minh City
đ«: Free
Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
The Tan Dinh Church is the second-largest cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City, and due to its pink exterior, it is also known as the “Pink Church.”
I guess many of you have seen this Romanesque building in videos of Ho Chi Minh City; its entirely pink structure makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a dreamy princess castle.
It is also the only fully pink church in the world and serves as a relic from the French colonial period. Photography enthusiasts can take pictures outside for a souvenir, but the interior is not open to the public.
Central Post Office
Location: FIND THE NEAREST POST OFFICE LOCATION
Hours: 8:00-17:00
đ«: Free
Few post offices worldwide become must-see attractions, but in Ho Chi Minh City, the Central Post Office stands as a French architectural landmark that everyone must visit. It is even listed in Vietnam’s travel guides, conveniently located next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
The Saigon Central Post Office is the largest post office in Vietnam, blending Western architectural style with Eastern decorative elements. It was also the first post office built during the French colonial period in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tips: Sending a postcard back home costs 8,000 VND (approximately 2.5 RMB). The quality of the souvenirs sold inside is generally average. It might be better to purchase postcards from local bookstores instead.
Water Puppet Show
Location: Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre
đ«: About 70 RMB
Booking Method: http://goldendragonwaterpuppet.vn/
The allure of visiting a city is not only its beautiful scenery but also the unique cultural experiences it offers.
One must-see attraction in Vietnam is the “Water Puppet Show,” a national art form of Vietnam, comparable in prestige to Peking Opera in China.
Although water puppetry originated in northern Vietnam, it has gradually shifted to Ho Chi Minh City over the past decade, likely due to the surge in tourists.
@Food Queen
It reminded me of the string puppet show in Quanzhou, with its exquisite string manipulation and uniquely carved puppet heads that left a lasting impression. The most fascinating aspect of Vietnam’s water puppet show is that it is performed on a water surface, where performers manipulate the puppets while being submerged in water, adding a higher level of difficulty to the act.
@Miss Ni-0921
I’ve provided the online booking method above, but you can also purchase tickets on-site at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre. There are two shows daily at 17:00 and 18:30, each lasting 50 minutes. Remember to plan your time accordingly.
Bui Vien Street
Location: 185B PháșĄm NgĆ© LĂŁo, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hours: Open 24 hours
Bui Vien was originally the name of a person, reputedly an ancient Vietnamese national hero, and this street was named in his honor.
After dark, this street transforms into a utopia for young people. Here, you can meet backpackers from all over the world. Additionally, you can find local street food, various bars, and young people playing guitars and singing.
Experiencing the local nightlife in the old street and relaxing a bit is quite enjoyable.
DAY 2
Delving into Ho Chi Minh City
These places are a must-visit đ¶ââïž
Reunification Palace
Opening hours: 7:30-11:00; 13:00-16:00
đ«: 30,000 VND
This is one of the representative sites that best depicts the history of Ho Chi Minh City. It was established by the French colonizers to strengthen their control over Vietnam. Initially named “Norodom Palace,” its decoration is deeply influenced by French classical style.
@Grandpa Guo
Covering an area of 20,000 square meters, it features hundreds of halls of various sizes.
@YourUncleUnclesUnclesUncle
It wasn’t until 1954, when the French withdrew and handed over the entire palace to the then Vietnamese government, that the palace was renamed “Independence Palace.” Later, as North and South Vietnam unified, the palace was renamed “Reunification Palace,” symbolizing the Vietnamese people’s struggle for national independence and unity.
War Remnants Museum
Location: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3
Hours: 7:30-17:00
đ«: 40,000 VND (approximately 12 CNY)
Operating hours: 7:30-12:00, 13:30-17:00. Visitors can obtain free guided tour brochures upon entry. The museum features authentic documentaries about the Vietnam War, screened six times a day in the “Historical Truths” hall, with showtimes at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, 14:00, 15:00, and 16:00.
Friends who have visited the War Remnants Museum told me that it is the most hardcore museum they have ever seen.
@MountainEmptyMoonSky
How intense is it? As you arrive at the entrance of the museum, you can see various equipment seized from American forces by the North Vietnamese army. Inside the museum, there are numerous exhibits of international support for Vietnam’s resistance, weapons used during the war, fragments, and written historical records from that era.
@Wishing Tree
This museum allows everyone to understand more clearly the real situation during the Vietnam War. Just reading the introduction, I felt a heavy atmosphere, and experiencing it firsthand on site will definitely make this feeling even stronger.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Location: No. 65 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (near the Reunification Palace)
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
After visiting the War Remnants Museum, you can conveniently visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum as well. Combining the experiences of several museums will undoubtedly give you a comprehensive understanding of Ho Chi Minh City’s history.
This museum displays Vietnam’s history and culture, exhibiting many historical artifacts and photographs. It also showcases the historical and cultural development of Vietnam.
Saigon Museum of Fine Arts
Location: 97A PhĂł Äức ChĂnh, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
After visiting a few museums, there is another spot worth visitingâ the Saigon Museum of Fine Arts. The museum is housed in an old building of a French merchant, constructed in the early 20th century during the French colonial period.
The architecture uniquely combines Vietnamese and French elements, with even the windows of the building featuring intricately carved stained glass. It’s a great place for impressive photographs.
The artwork on display is mostly modern art, with some themes related to history and humanities. Admiring the architecture, appreciating the art pieces, or taking photos can ensure a pleasant time here.
DAY 3
Experience Vietnamese-style Spa, visit Ben Thanh Market đ
A comprehensive experience of local culture
Mekong River Tour (can be a 1-2 day separate trip)
When I first saw the words “Mekong River,” what came to mind was the movie “Operation Mekong” starring Eddie Peng. In reality, the correct way to experience the Mekong River is by touring its scenic routes.
The upper reaches of the Mekong River are known as the Lancang River in China, and its lower delta lies within Vietnam, flowing into the Indochina Peninsula as the Mekong River. This transnational water system flows through China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, finally emptying into the South China Sea in Ho Chi Minh City.
Starting from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about an hour and a half to reach the Mekong River. The local residents’ English proficiency might not be sufficient, so it’s recommended to sign up for a local day tour of the Mekong River. You can leisurely row a small boat into the Mekong River, navigating through the water coconut groves.
Báșżn ThĂ nh Market
Location: LĂȘ Lợi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (2-minute walk from PháșĄm NgĆ© LĂŁo area)
Hours: 5:00 AM – 2:00 AM the next day
To truly experience the essence of a city, you must visit the local markets, and Báșżn ThĂ nh Market is a favorite among locals. Its history is quite long, having already been open since 1914.
@Luo Mo Han Yu
Inside, you can find a variety of small goods, both retail and wholesale, giving the feel of a Vietnamese version of Yiwu Wholesale Market.
@Dudu Bingguo
Here, you can purchase local handicrafts, ĂĄo dĂ i, and even taste local snacks. However, this is an indoor market, and by evening, the main market inside closes while the surrounding night market stalls become lively.
@Piliti Tempura
Itâs best to visit in the afternoon, so you can seamlessly transition from visiting the indoor market to the outdoor night market, which is also more convenient.
Vietnamese-Style Spa
After experiencing Thai massage in Thailand and getting hooked on itâthe techniques are impeccable and affordableâI was pleasantly surprised to find that Vietnamese-style spas are also gaining popularity. In addition to common treatments like shoulder and neck massages and hot stone therapy, there’s even a Vietnamese coffee spa.
Ho Chi Minh City is dotted with numerous spas of all sizes, and I noticed the prices are quite reasonable. (Itâs recommended to go for large chain stores for more reliable service.)
Local top-ranking spas such as Zen Spa, La Siesta Spa, and Le Temple des feuilles Spa are worth trying out.
đ„Șđ„ đ
Where to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Baguette
Although it’s a Southeast Asian country, due to historical reasons, the prevalence of baguettes is quite high here. One baguette is large enough to serve as a girlâs lunch. Iâve heard many people backpacking across Vietnam pack their bags full of baguettes.
However, in Ho Chi Minh City, some shops have modified the traditional baguette by adding unique Vietnamese fried meat and pickled radish, creating the Vietnamese-style baguette, which is quite substantial and filling.
Recommended RestaurantsđŽ
Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: A top-notch local baguette shop, the sauces stuffed in the baguettes are all homemade. With high cost-efficiency and fresh ingredients, it’s a real gem.
Madam Khanh – The Banh Mi Queen: A local small shop specializing in baguettes, using very fresh ingredients and retaining a traditional taste.
Vietnamese Pho
Even if you haven’t been to Vietnam, you’ve likely tried Pho noodles at a Vietnamese restaurant. This noodle soup is quite common in Vietnam, alongside another type called Bun (rice noodles).
In the streets and alleys of Ho Chi Minh City, you can find various small shops selling Pho, as it is one of the local staple foods. For a “noodle enthusiast” like me, having it three times a day never gets old.
In those street-side shops, you’ll find steaming hot soup pots, paired with tender beef and crispy, fresh lettuce. The broth is very flavorful, reportedly made from onions and beef bones simmered together with various spices, creating a sour, spicy, and slightly sweet taste.
Recommended Restaurants đŽ
BĂșn BĂČ Nam Bá» BĂ BĂ : A long-established local shop, most famous for its beef noodles.
Pho Quynh: A Vietnamese local diner, specializing in various noodle soups, bread, and beer, offering a great value for money.
Vietnamese Rice Paper Rolls
Whenever I dine at a Vietnamese restaurant, rice paper rolls are an absolute must-order for me.
Sometimes, even when I’m too lazy to go out, I buy the ingredients to DIY at home. Especially in the summer, having a few rice paper rolls is refreshing and satisfying.
The ingredients are various fresh vegetables wrapped in a thin, transparent rice paper that reveals the vibrant fillings inside. Dipped in the unique local sauce, each bite is bursting with flavors.
Recommended Restaurants đŽ
Pho Hoa Pasteur: A local small shop with very fresh ingredients and great value for money.
nhĂ hĂ ng ngon: An affordable small shop with a semi-open kitchen where you can watch the making process.
Vietnamese Coffee
If you’re a coffee enthusiast, you will be delighted by the countless coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City. The Vietnamese love for coffee is unparalleled in Asia.
Back when Vietnam was under French rule, the French brought coffee beans to Vietnam, spawning a local coffee culture, with many farmers starting to grow their own coffee.
Currently, Brazil is the highest global exporter of coffee, with Vietnam closely following.
Nighttime at a Saigon Café Apartment
Due to the climate, Vietnam mainly grows Robusta beans. Those familiar with coffee will know that Robusta beans are relatively inexpensive and have a rougher taste. Locals typically use drip methods with deeply roasted beans, resulting in a more bitter flavor.
You might think, why not just add sugar and milk to improve the taste? That’s the basic approach most people would consider. However, Vietnam takes a unique route by adding condensed milk.
When the French introduced coffee beans to Vietnam, they realized that fresh milk would spoil easily in the climate, so they switched to using condensed milk instead. This has now become a distinct feature of Vietnamese coffee.
Recommended Restaurants đŽ
The Workshop Cafe: An independent café themed around photography, specializing in pour-over coffee.
Trung Nguyen Coffee: A well-known local coffee chain in Vietnam, where the coffee is categorized from No. 1 to 9, each with its unique characteristics.
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Having said so much, I wonder if I’ve sparked any interest in Ho Chi Minh City.
In the past, many people had prejudices against Vietnam, thinking it was unsafe to travel there, too niche, and lacked a holiday atmosphere. But once you truly understand this country, you’ll find it’s far more fascinating than you imagined.
Even female friends of mine have traveled to Ho Chi Minh City and shared their experiences upon their return. The city is mysterious and exotic, yet bustling and a bit bourgeois. Its exquisite cafés and countless street food stalls can quickly overwhelm your senses.
Personally, I think the pressing issue now is (the visa fee is too expensive) my financial situation. I’m eagerly awaiting some good news about Vietnamese visas.
More and more friends are planning trips abroad, and I hope Ho Chi Minh City can offer everyone a new idea for a holiday destination. I’ve prepared this guide for you, so if you’re planning to head out this May Day holiday, I hope it helps you out.
