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Ho Chi Minh

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About Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city of Vietnam located at an elevation of nineteen kilometers above the sea level. It is situated along the Saigon River near the border of Cambodia and is a bustling metropolis that has flourished to become the crowning jewel of SouthEast Asia.

Ho Chi Minh City is a visual paradise known for its stunning vistas, lush landscapes, and breathtaking views. It retains the look of a European city with well preserved colonial buildings and relics from the Vietnam War. Bestowed with incredible cultural riches, and historical artifacts, this city offers the perfect mix of mystic and modern.

It is a high octane city that is dotted with innumerable museums, art galleries, and sleek skyscrapers that offer a stunning view of the entire city during your Vietnam tour. You can also find here elegant sports clubs, expansive shopping malls, and upscale restaurants that serve lip-smacking cuisines from all around the world. The ornate Buddhist temples and pagodas are an absolute bliss for the spiritual seekers.

There is no dearth of activities on offer at Ho Chi Minh City, and you’re sure to come back looking for more once you’re over here. From lazing at the beaches and enjoying water sports activities such as surfing and diving to being a part of the walking tours, you’ll never get bored here. You can also enjoy the concert or ballet dance at the opera houses and theatres. You can go for a pampering massage and Ayurvedic treatments at the spas and bathhouses located here.

Ho Chi Minh City experiences a tropical climate, and it has three distinct seasons- hot and humid summers, chilly cold winters and monsoon. The humidity level is around 75% all through the year, and it increases further in the monsoon.

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Ho Chi Minh FAQ's

Which are the best places to visit in Ho-chi-minh?

  • Saigon Skydeck: Climb one of Vietnam’s tallest skyscrapers to witness stunning 60-degree views of Ho Chi Minh from the 49th floor.
  • Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens: Visit one of the world’s oldest and Vietnam’s largest zoos and see lions, white tigers, and plant gardens dedicated to butterflies, orchids, and cacti.
  • War Remnants Museum: The museum has a vast collection of thousands of Vietnam War artefacts. See exhibits like the tiger cages, French guillotine, and photographs of Agent Orange here.
  • Nguyen Hue Street: Soak in the city’s colourful nightlife and shopping opportunities at Nguyen Hue Street, dance away at clubs and relax at cosy cafes here.

What things can I do in Ho-chi-minh?

  • Enjoy a dinner Cruise on the Saigon River: Cruises on the Saigon River are an offbeat way of exploring Ho Cho Minh and its attractions. You can go on sightseeing cruises, dinner cruises, sunset cruises, and Bonsai cruises here.
  • Visit the Binh Quoi Village: Witness Vietnam’s rural life and admire open-air cottages, floating restaurants, bamboo bridges, and traditional cultural performances here.
  • Attend the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre show: Witness the magical art form of Vietnamese water puppetry at this famous show. The puppets perform traditional folktales on stage dressed as dragons and fairies as musicians play local instruments.
  • Shop at Ben Thanh Market: This market is the ultimate shopping destination in Ho Chi Minh and is a must-visit for its affordable prices. You can get clothes, souvenirs, accessories, and even delicious local food here.

Also Checkout : Vietnam 5 Days Tour Package

What is Ho Chi Minh famous for?

  • Coffee: Your trip to Ho Chi Minh will not be complete unless you try their traditional Saigon coffee that has the best assortment of coffee beans and other concoctions.
  • Bowl of Pho: If you’re a food lover then you should definitely relish a bowl of Pho at Ho Chi Minh that has a unique combination of rice noodles, broth and sometimes beef or chicken.
  • Bonsai River Cruise: Enjoy a unique dinner cruise on the Saigon River with interactive buffets and fusion shows for an immersive experience.
  • Giac Lam Pagoda: This is an important historical site in Ho Chi Minh city that is set amidst a lush green garden and the main shrine of the temple has gold inscriptions.
  • Ao Dai outfit: This is the traditional Vietnamese garment that people love to buy when they’re at Ho Chi Minh city.

What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh is a year-round destination, which means you can travel here at your preferred time.

  • Peak Season: December to March marks the winter season in Ho Chi Minh. Rainfall in this period is minimal and the weather is comfortable. You can visit outdoor attractions like the Saigon Zoo and participate in festivals like the Vietnamese New Year.
  • Shoulder Season: April and November see less rainfall and are a great time to explore the night markets like Ben Thanh, go on river cruises, and travel to the Mekong Delta.
  • Waning Season: May to November see frequent and heavy rainfall, which makes it a good time to explore indoor attractions like the War Remnants Museum without crowds.

How is the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh city?

The nightlife is extremely vibrant and lively in Ho Chi Minh city.

  • Enjoy cocktails at rooftop bars: Enjoy the immersive views while having the best collection of cocktails at the rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh. Chill Sky Bar & OMG Rooftop Bar seem to be bustling with a young and energetic crowd and are a must-visit for the night owls.
  • Try your luck at the casino: If you’re looking for the best activity to try at night, then hit the roulette table at the famous casinos in Ho Chi Minh. The best casinos here are located in Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Caravelle Hotel.
  • Shake your legs at the nightclubs: Dance, drink, and enjoy lip-smacking delicacies at the best nightclubs in Ho Chi Minh that are known for organizing mainstream parties and live concerts.
  • Take a leisurely cruise: Take the joy of the night to the next level as you enjoy the Bonsai Dinner Cruise down the Saigon River. The slow river journey, accompanied by traditional Vietnamese food, will definitely offer you tons of enjoyment and thrill.

How to reach Ho Chi Minh?

You can fly from India to Ho Chi Minh’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Direct Flights

From India: Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad

Airlines: VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines, and Indigo

Duration: 3 to 5 hours approx.

Frequency: Regular

Connecting Flights:

Connecting flights from India fly from New Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad. Major airlines providing regular services include Air India, Vistara, Indigo, VietJet Air, and Vietnam Airlines. Popular layover cities are Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, and Colombo. The journey can take six to twelve hours approximately.

Which are the best places for shopping in Ho-chi-minh?

  • Ben Thanh Night Market: The night market opens from evening to midnight daily. You can shop for a wide range of products like clothes, bamboo items, local handicrafts, bags, and watches.
  • Ho Chi Minh Flea Market: This flea market is one of Ho Chi Minh’s busiest and oldest markets. It is best for home décor and unique fashion products at incredibly affordable rates.
  • Vincom Centre: This is the largest mall in Ho Chi Minh with more than 200 retail stores. The products here range from elite sports products to international brands like Ralph Lauren and Caprese.
  • Saigon Square: Get good quality products at reasonable prices at Saigon Square. The mall-cum-market has the latest trends in clothing, shoes, cosmetics, perfumes, jewellery, and much more.

How many days are enough for the Ho Chi Minh tour?

2 days is the minimum time to explore Ho Chi Minh, but you can extend your stay to 3-4 days for a more comprehensive experience. Two days are enough for exploring the main city, but four days are a must for nearby areas like Cu Chi Tunnels and Can Gio Forest.

What are the different activities one can do in Ho Chi Minh City?

  • Explore the spiritual attractions: Ho Chi Minh is home to numerous pagodas and temples that date back centuries like the Jade Emperor Pagoda and Mariamman Hindu Temple.
  • Attend an opera performance: Opera performances are a big part of Ho Chi Minh’s culture, with the best shows held at Saigon Opera House.
  • Enjoy a guided tour of different museums: Learn more about the city’s eventful past at the War Remnants Museum, Fine Arts Museum, Artinus 3D Art Museum, and Ho Chi Minh Museum.
  • Indulge in Ho Chi Minh’s nightlife: Watch shows at Saigon Opera House, go on Saigon River dinner cruises, and shop at Ben Thanh night market for a fun evening.

What is the famous local cuisine in Ho Chi Minh? Which are the best places to try them?

Ho Chi Minh’s local cuisine is Saigonese cuisine, which includes dishes like Banh Mi (baguette sandwich), Com Tam (barbecued pork), and Hu Tieu (soup). 

The top places to try these dishes are:

  • Ho Thi Ky: The street is social-media famous for popular Vietnamese snacks sold at incredibly affordable prices. Try the tamarind seed sweet soup and hal au here.
  • Alley 76 Hai Ba Trung: Try a delicious Vietnamese meal at affordable prices on this small yet vibrant street. The best dishes are bun thai, bun rieu, and grilled meat skewers.
  • Bui Vien: Try cuisines like Vietnamese, Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Italian here. Savour barbecue meat and seafood as you enjoy karaoke performances here.

What are the must-have romantic experiences for honeymoon couples in Ho Chi Minh?

  • Enjoy a riverside candlelight dinner on Saigon’s Secret Island: Take your romance to the next level by enjoying a candlelit dinner in the famous cafes of Saigon’s Secret Island. You can also enjoy boating here while admiring beautiful views and breathtaking sceneries.
  • Propose your better half at Starlight Bridge: If you wish to spice up your love life, then you should not miss the chance to propose to your partner in front of thousands of people at Starlight Bridge. A beautiful display of colored light falls from the bridge to the river below, making it an ideal site to express your love for your partner.
  • Attend water puppet shows: If you and your partner are looking for endless entertainment, then you must attend the puppet show at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre. You can also enjoy acrobatics and musical performances here.
  • Cruise in a speedboat along the Mekong Delta: If you’re looking for the most romantic thing to do in Ho Chi Minh city, then you should definitely go cruising along the Mekong Delta. During your journey, you will come across various colonial structures and flower markets.

Which are the best resorts to stay in Ho Chi Minh?

  • Hotel des Arts Saigon MGallery: The five-star accommodation is one minute from Notre Dame Cathedral and is known for its pet-friendly spaces, fine dining restaurant, and massive outdoor pool.
  • Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint: This luxurious five-star resort is in District 1 and is close to major malls and a lush green park. The hotel has meeting rooms, a fitness centre, and a beauty salon.
  • Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon: This famous five-star resort overlooks the Saigon River. Popular facilities include an outdoor pool, fine-dining restaurants, and a fitness centre.
  • Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon: This five-star resort in District 1 has stunning riverside views and luxurious accommodations. It is close to major markets and heritage landmarks and offers top-class amenities by Marriott.

What are the best public transport modes to commute around Ho-chi-minh?

Taxis are the transportation of choice for most travelers as they’re comfortable, affordable and fast. Buses are a second option and are cheaper. However, they may not ply to places that are out of the way.

Ho Chi Minh Reviews

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Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Reviewed: 16 Nov 2022
5.0/5
Excellent management and support from both the ground team and the booking team, absolutely well curated trip and the inclusions were delivered on time, the tour guides were very knowledgeable, very helpful and extremely friendly at the same time. we're extremely happy with all the support and the t... Read More
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
(23+)View All
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Vaish Ahmad
Reviewed: 09 Jul 2024
5.0/5
Amazing trip 🇻🇳🇻🇳🇻🇳
Vaish Ahmad
Vaish Ahmad
Vaish Ahmad
Vaish Ahmad
Vaish Ahmad
Vaish Ahmad
(17+)View All
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Mohit Benadikar
Reviewed: 21 Feb 2023
5.0/5
At first, after reading lot of google reviews and YouTube videos  I was skeptical whether to book via thrillophilia. But trust me, this was the best decision I made. Everything was arranged fabulously. All the airport pick up and and drops were always on time. Had zero issues with hotel checkin and ... Read More
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
(20+)View All
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Abhishek Pandit
Reviewed: 31 Mar 2024
5.0/5
I liked the group. All the places were covered in the tour as mentioned in the iternary.
Abhishek Pandit
Abhishek Pandit
Abhishek Pandit
Abhishek Pandit
Abhishek Pandit
Abhishek Pandit
(11+)View All
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Aditi Narayan
Reviewed: 23 Dec 2023
5.0/5
Would travel again with thrillophilia and would recommend to friends and family as well. Everything was smoothly organised and we'll coordinated.
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
(10+)View All
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Renu Singh
Reviewed: 21 Nov 2023
5.0/5
Excellent trip. Hotels locations were very good. I did trekking too which was not included, but it is not a problem. Itinerary was excellent, fulfilled my need. Specific need like vegetarian and gluten free was looked after well. Local team was well planned, punctual and supportive.. I will love to ... Read More
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
(10+)View All

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