Find cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh City

Any time of the year is nice to visit Ho Chi Minh City. Once referred to as the “Pearl of the Orient,” this breathtaking destination has pleasant year-round climate and rarely sees harsh storms. If looking for the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, go for the dry season over the wet. The dry season runs from December – April, but it is also the hottest. You can expect average temperatures of 82 degrees Fahrenheit and peak temperatures of 102 degrees Fahrenheit in April. December experiences high humidity; therefore, if you are not one for heat and sticky weather, stick to January – April when the moisture in the air gradually declines. For the activity calendar, you see peaks of events for Christmas and New Year’s in the city. Hotels have colorful decorations during this time of year. Lunar Year, which is January – February, is when most stores close down and airlines are overbooked. Therefore, you must plan and book ahead of time if you are eager to visit during this time.

Like most cities in Vietnam, the traffic is heavy in Ho Chi Minh City. Luckily, you can still get around, explore the major attractions, and not spend hours waiting in lines.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is one of the easiest ways to get around the city, and in District 1 you can usually travel to anywhere for approximately 10,000 – 15,000 VND and 6,000 VND per kilometer thereafter. Popular taxi companies in the area include Mai Linh Taxi and Vinasun.

Motorcycle Taxi

If you are up for the adventure, the motorcycle taxi lets you weave in and out of the traffic, skip the lines, and get from one point to another much faster. It is also an inexpensive way to travel in the city, costing approximately 25,000 VND per hour. Rental companies provide you with a helmet for safety.

Cyclo

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the city on the cyclo. While a slowly diminishing form of travel in the city, you can find them near landmarks, temples, and other tourist attractions. The hourly rental rate is approximately 20,000 VND. Cyclos can seat 1 – 2 people per bike.

Bus

Air-conditioned and non-air conditioned buses are available throughout the city center. Look for the buses with the white and green exterior, which have air conditioning and tickets for as little as 300 VND. Major bus terminals are close to the main attractions too.

Metro

In the future, the HCMC Metro will let you avoid the chaos above ground and quickly get from one area to another. While not functional yet, it is expected to open its doors in 2020.

U.S. nationals require a visa to visit Ho Chi Minh City. For details, please check the Vietnam Visa website.

Things to do and places of interest in Ho Chi Minh City

No matter how long you are planning to stay, you will see very easily that Ho Chi Minh City has earned its name and tourist popularity for a reason. While small, it is incredibly packed with activities and attractions. While you are here, try as many foods as possible and taste the local cuisine. You are exposed to authentic, real-deal Vietnamese fare. As far as sightseeing goes, here are a few attractions to prioritize on your itinerary:

• Shopping is a popular activity in the city, especially if you are enthusiastic about bargains. Make a trip to the famous shopping malls, including Parkson and Diamond Plaza. Then, head over to the Ben Thanh Market where you find souvenirs, local goods, and a variety of items available for bargain shopping.
• For a small city, the art and museum culture is plentiful. The War Remnants Museum details the effects of the 30-year war between the U.S. and Vietnam, and is a popular tourist attraction. You must also check out the Cu Chi Tunnels, which let you experience what it was like as a soldier in the elaborate, winding underground network.
• The temples of Vietnam are breathtaking in their colors and distinct architecture. The Cao Dai Temple is the revered center for Cao Dai faith (a combination of Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism). You also have the Jade Emperor Pagoda, which is one of the most revered temples of the city. The Mariamman Hindu Temple is a community base for those practicing Hinduism, and it is open daily. Lastly, you have the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, which was constructed in the 1880s by French colonists and is beautifully preserved to this day.
• You might not think much of it at first, but the Central Post Office in the city is quite the sight. It boasts a combination of French and Vietnamese architecture and still functions as the city’s main post office.
• Visit the Reunification Palace, which is the place where the North Vietnamese claimed their victory over the United States. The Palace almost appears frozen in time, and you can take tours of the Palace to find secret rooms, command bunkers, and many other exciting features from its adventurous past.

Tips and tricks for visiting Ho Chi Minh City

Street vendors are seen throughout the city and can be quite pushy. For the most part, Ho Chi Minh City is quite safe for American tourists. However, there are a few important tips to keep in mind while visiting this city:

Avoid certain areas

While small, there are some neighborhoods in the city it may be best to avoid, especially at night. Avoid the Tan Binh District, 23rd September Park, and Hoa Binh Park at night. Prostitution and drug use along with robbery are the type of crimes that thrive in these neighborhoods.

Avoid the heavy traffic times

Traffic runs heavily from 7 – 9 am and 5 – 7 pm, much like in the U.S. when people are heading to and returning from work. As a tourist, you want to avoid taking taxis or riding bikes during these hours, because locals are in a hurry and rarely keep an eye out for you as they wind their way through the busy roads.

Be prepared for some smells

The eating and drinking places of Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal are exciting, but also tend to have a foul odor that can be quite overwhelming if you are not used to it. While the HCMC Zoo is exciting, be aware that the facilities are outdated and some tourists have reported poor conditions for the animals and their cages, along with smells that can be quite unpleasant.