Shutterstock / Sean Hsu

Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the country forward with its pulsating energy. A chaotic whirl, the city breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride.

Best Time to Visit

Best Things to Do

Attractions

Must-see attractions

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh City

Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), this is one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi…
War Remnants Museum

Ho Chi Minh City

To understand the US invasion of Vietnam, and contextualize its devastating impact on the country's civilians, this remarkable and deeply moving museum is…
Notre Dame Cathedral

Ho Chi Minh City

Built between 1877 and 1883, Notre Dame Cathedral enlivens the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's government quarter, facing Ð Dong Khoi. A red-brick, neo…
Reunification Palace

Ho Chi Minh City

Surrounded by royal palm trees, the dissonant 1960s architecture of this landmark government building and the eerie ambience of its deserted halls make it…
Giac Lam Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh City

Believed to be the oldest temple in HCMC (1744), Giac Lam is a fantastically atmospheric place set in peaceful, garden-like grounds. The Chinese…
HCMC Museum

Ho Chi Minh City

A grand neoclassical structure built in 1885 and once known as Gia Long Palace (and later the Revolutionary Museum), HCMC’s city museum is a singularly…
Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda

Ho Chi Minh City

Delightfully fronted by greenery and opening to an interior blaze of red, gold, green and yellow, this is one of the most beautifully ornamented temples…
Binh Tay Market

Ho Chi Minh City

Cholon’s main market has a great clock tower and a central courtyard with gardens. Much of the business here is wholesale but it’s popular with tour…

View more attractions

Planning Tools

Expert guidance to help you plan your trip

Things to Know

Use these tips and tricks to make the most out of your time in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Read article

Best Neighborhoods

Explore Ho Chi Minh City one neighborhood at a time with our guide to the best districts.

Read article

Day Trips

Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced and fabulous, but brilliant day trips await nearby in the Mekong Delta. Here are our top day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.

Read article

Free Things to Do

Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s top budget destinations. From temples to local sports, here are the best free things to do in Saigon.

Read article