Vietnam combines its rich history with modern life in a way that makes you feel like you are in an enchanting place. Imagine a place full of life, where old traditions mix perfectly with a busy city—welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Once called Saigon, this city is more than just streets and buildings—it is a place that will wow you right away.
Imagine busy roads packed with bikes, street food made from recipes handed down for years, and history waiting at every turn. Ho Chi Minh City is more than just a travel destination – it is a sensory explosion that will challenge, inspire, and transform you. If you like learning about the past, eating good food, trying new things, or seeing different cultures, you will love what this city offers. With its beautiful old buildings, lively street markets, delicious food, and friendly people, Ho Chi Minh City offers a trip you will never forget.
Here is everything you need to know about this famous Vietnamese city.
Also Read: Top 5 Reasons Indian Tourists Love Traveling to Vietnam and Thailand
You may wonder why you should visit Ho Chi Minh City – well, here are all the reasons you should.
The best way to travel from India to Ho Chi Minh City is by airways. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, and Indigo offer connecting and direct flights from various Indian cities. You can get around by taking a taxi, or bus, or renting a motorbike. Or just walk – many streets are safe and easy to walk. But watch out for traffic and the hot, humid weather.
Also Read: Why Ha Long Bay Should Be on Your Vietnam Bucket List in 2025!
The city has two seasons – a dry season and a wet season. Each has its own benefits. Each has its own benefits. The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience.
This is what the city is like in every season.
Also Read: Experience Da Nang in 2025: Coastal Charms and Mountain Adventures!
The city has many attractions for all interests. Visit ancient buildings to discover history, or walk through crowded markets to see how people live here. These must-visit places in Ho Chi Minh City will help you understand both the history and modern culture of this city.
History lovers will enjoy this museum. It is a place in Vietnam that collects, preserves, and shows exhibits about war crimes and their effects on the Vietnamese people. The War Remnants Museum is part of international peace museum groups. You will see military equipment like tanks and aircraft, plus photo galleries that show how the war affected regular people. The museum also shares a message about the fight for independence, the value of peace, and friendship between nations. Visiting here gives you a real look at what Vietnam is like today. Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours here.
Standing tall in the city centre, this beautiful red-brick cathedral looks like it is been plucked straight from Paris! The French built this famous landmark in Ho Chi Minh City in the 1880s. The Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, built between 1863 and 1880, is a red-brick church with beautiful stained-glass windows and two 60-meter-tall bell towers. The bright red color of the church makes it easy to spot. Inside, you will find peaceful spaces, stunning stained glass windows, and beautiful old wooden benches. It is a perfect spot for both history buffs and photography lovers. The best time to visit is early morning when it is less crowded.
The Reunification Palace is a special national monument in Vietnam. Big things happened here in history, like when North and South Vietnam became one country in 1975. Being here feels like stepping back to the 1960s! It has over 100 rooms, each designed for a specific purpose, like meeting rooms, a strategy room, a ballroom, the president’s residence, a movie room, and a library. You can see old military maps in the command room and check out vintage cars in the garage.
Step into a world of peace and mystery at the Jade Emperor Pagoda! Built in 1909, this temple is like a spiritual treasure box filled with intricate wood carvings, colorful statues, and drifting incense smoke. The moment you step inside, everything feels new and different. Look up to see the amazing details on the roof, filled with dragons and sacred animals. Check out the altar of Kim Hoa Thanh Mau – the goddess of childbirth, and the 12 midwives, where couples pray for children. To join in, tie a red thread around your wrist. Here, you can escape the noisy streets and experience the calm, spiritual side of Vietnam.
Looking for a view of the entire city? Eat at neighborhood restaurants, talk to people who live there, and enjoy the popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. This helps you understand what life is really like there and makes your trip more special.
For the best views of the city, visit the Bitexco Tower, which looks like a dragon’s eye! Standing 262 meters tall, this modern skyscraper offers an observation deck with 360-degree views of the city’s skyline. You can spot the twisting Saigon River, ancient pagodas, and modern buildings all in one glance. Visit during sunset for magical photos when the city lights start twinkling. You can have drinks at a rooftop bar while looking out over the city.
Watch a special puppet show in Vietnam where wooden puppets seem to dance and move on top of the water. It is an old form of storytelling that will amaze you – you will keep wondering how they make the puppets move like that! For a long time, Vietnamese people have been using puppets on the water to tell their ancient stories. Accompanied by live music and storytelling, the show is entertaining for all ages. The movements of the puppets, combined with the artistry of the performance, make it a fascinating experience. The show last about 45 minutes, which is great for families with kids.
Do not miss to explore the exciting Ben Thanh Market, where buying things is fun! It is a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s lively shopping scene. With about 1,500 shops, this market has something for everyone in your family. Ben Thanh Market is perfect for finding everything from tasty street food to traditional Vietnamese souvenirs. The market comes alive with colors, smells, and sounds that will make your senses dance. Remember to bargain – it is expected and part of the fun! Morning visits are best for fresh food, while evenings transform the streets outside into a lively night market.
Ready for a real adventure? Crawl through the famous Cu Chi Tunnels to experience a piece of history firsthand! Step back in the past and explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a historic underground network used during the Vietnam War. These narrow tunnels played a vital role for Vietnamese soldiers, serving as living quarters, supply routes, and hiding spots. You can crawl through parts of the tunnels to experience what it was like for the soldiers. This amazing war site is called an underground maze, with about 250 km of tunnels spread like a spider web. It includes trenches, bunkers for eating and sleeping, meeting rooms, medical areas, food storage, wells, and kitchens. Be careful if you do not like tight spaces.
Also Read: Cu Chi Tunnels – A Journey Through The Fascinating Underground World of Vietnam!
From lavish to budget-friendly hotels, there are many places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. They cater to every budget, preference, and travel style, ensuring comfort and convenience for all visitors. Here are a few of the popular hotels in the city.
Also Read: Unveiling 5 Best Luxury Hotels & Resorts In Vietnam In 2025!
The city has a great mix of food, from fine-dining restaurants to street stalls. You can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes and new creative flavors.
Here are a few places to eat in Ho Chi Minh City,
Also Read: 8 Famous Vietnamese Foods to Try On Your Trip!
Planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City? It is an exciting place that is perfect whether you are traveling alone, with family, or friends. Ho Chi Minh City shows how Vietnam is growing fast while keeping its old traditions alive. So, now, if you are keen to explore this enchanting city, check out our Vietnam tour packages that take you to all the best spots in the city and country. Whether you like history, food, or just watching city life, you will make great memories in Ho Chi Minh City.
I graduated in commerce from Bombay University and run a family-owned business where we believe in transparency, trust, knowledge distribution and provide quality tours to our customers. According to me “Customers are our brand ambassadors and employees are our biggest Strength”. I also believe that “Travel brings knowledge, Knowledge brings opportunity and Opportunity brings prosperity”. With God’s grace was awarded the “Best Female Entrepreneur of India” by Tourism awards Gujarat. And currently, I am actively involved in key decisions and itinerary staff management in the travel industry.
