Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide: 15+ Things to know before visiting Saigon
Planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City? Learn the essentials before you arrive with our Saigon travel tips, covering everything from top attractions and accommodations to must-try dishes, transportation, safety, and practical advice for your journey!
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon to locals, will likely be the starting point of your Vietnamese travels, and while the city is wonderful, it can induce sensory overload - it’s big, hot, humid, and busy, and for the unprepared, can be a little overwhelming.
But it’s also vibrant, cosmopolitan and draped in history, making it a wonderful city to spend at least three days (although we do recommend more).
After visiting a number of times, first as backpackers, and now as a travelling family, we understand that making the most of your time in the city requires a decent understanding of the city and its foibles - for instance, how to get around, where to eat, and which district to base yourself in.
This Saigon travel tips guide is intended to provide an overview of our experiences and practical advice to help you enjoy your time in the city, whether it’s for a day, a week or a month.
Here’s what to know before visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
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HO CHI MINH CITY, OR SAIGON?
You’ll notice throughout this guide that we refer to the city interchangeably as both Ho Chi Minh City (it’s official name) and Saigon (its former, yet still widely used one).
Experts can’t seem to agree on the exact etymology of the name Saigon nor whether it predates French colonisation, but what they do agree on is that the city was called Saigon for hundreds of years before the city’s name was changed postwar to Ho Chi Minh City by the winning North Vietnam government.
Regardless, today the two are used interchangeably on the ground; we found most locals used Saigon conversationally, while official or more formal settings, of course, used HCMC. Others used both names in the same sentence, and one tour guide stated Saigon has two syllables, and Ho Chi Minh City has 5, which made his decision.
Personally, we found Saigon was the easiest and most applicable name to use during our time there.
HO CHI MINH CITY IS HOT, BIG & BUSY
Ho Chi Minh City is a megalopolis, with close to nine million residents calling the sprawling, city limits home.
In other words, it’s large. Very large.
Invariably, there are a number of issues that are associated with megacities - transport, pollution, and density, and Ho Chi Minh City deals with all of these. It can be hard, and slow to get around (although the predominance of motorcycles is a help), the skies are often shrouded in pollution, and at times, the vertiginous buildings, and rabbit-warren laneways make the city feel overwhelming and claustrophobic.
Add south-east Asia heat and humidity and you’ve got serious sensory overload.
Now, for some, this might be a negative, and many first-time travellers flee to the more relaxed regions of Vietnam at the earliest opportunity. But for lovers of that quintessential Southeast Asian megacity experience, of which we’re firm favourites, it’s wonderful.
So, what does this all mean for travellers?
We suggest planning your visit when the temperatures are at their most manageable (more on that below) and planning your exploration of the city’s attractions for early or late in the day.
Stay centrally (in District 1 or 3) to avoid long traffic, embrace the popular inner city parks, drink lots of fluids, wear breathable clothing (we’re lovers of linen), and apply sunscreen regularly. Additionally, apply the Saigonese approach to heat - sit under the shade, enjoying an iced coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da) or soda chanh (iced lime soda) at every possible opportunity.
But beyond that, HCMC is just like any other city in Southeast Asia - hot, big, busy, and wonderful.
IF SAIGON IS YOUR FIRST STOP, DON’T FORGET YOUR E-VISA!
Obviously this is irrelevant if you’ve already arrived in the country and cleared immigration, but for those planning on flying straight into Ho Chi Minh City for the first stop on their itinerary, don’t forget to organise your visa!
Currently (as of May 2024), 13 countries have visa-waived travel to Vietnam, and these are Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the UK, Russia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Belarus.
For everyone else, you’ll need to organise an E-visa ahead of your trip (no visas on arrival here), and be sure to allocate at least 3 business days for the visa to be processed (though we’d recommend more to save yourself the stress - especially around Tet!).
We suggest organising your Vietnam visa at least a fortnight before travel to avoid unnecessary anxiety (we’re speaking from experience).
The official Vietnam visa application site can be found here.
3-DAYS IS ENOUGH, BUT 5-DAYS IS IDEAL
We really enjoy Saigon. In fact, we’ve even discussed spending a six-month sabbatical here to savour it all (yes, we live in a fantasy land, but one can dream, right?).
As a city, it really has everything - excellent food, amazing bars & nightlife, great attractions, and close proximity to the Mekong Delta, Vietnam’s southern island, and other parts of Southeast Asia (Cambodia, specifically).
So, how long you spend in Saigon really depends on your needs, wants and desires.
For most travellers to Vietnam, 3 days is enough to see the main sights and experience a little of the city’s vibe. But we feel like this undersells the city a little, especially if you’re like us, and like to travel slowly and delve a little deeper. There’s so much on offer outside of District 1, and the city’s true treasures can be found on the streets of District 3 and beyond.
That, and travelling at a rapid pace in South East Asian heat and humidity is not fun.
Therefore, we recommend you spend at least 5 days in Ho Chi Minh City. This will give you enough time to see everything we’ve suggested in our things to do in Ho Chi Minh City guide but at a slower and more measured pace.
DECEMBER TO APRIL IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT (BUT AVOID TRAVELLING DURING TET)
Saigon is the epitome of a steaming tropical Southeast Asian city, so regardless of when you visit, expect heat and humidity.
The city has two very distinct seasons: the wet monsoon season from April/May through to October/November, and the dry season that brings some relief when it arrives between December to April.
We travelled during the early dry season and the weather was hot, but pleasant, especially in the morning and late afternoon - although we highly recommend waking with the sun and starting your exploring early (see below).
Vietnamese New Year, Tet, falls during the dry season, usually towards the end of January, and while it’s a wonderful cultural experience, for first-time visitors to the country, it can be rather painful, with shutdowns, disruptions, and price surges across the country.
Expect crowds in all the major sightseeing spots too, as locals gather for photoshoots and to generally enjoy the best of their cities - which can make for an even more overwhelming experience.
As a result, and purely from a traveller’s perspective, we would avoid visiting HCMC/Vietnam during the Tet period if possible.
If travelling during the rainy season, usually between April - October, there are a few things you should know.
The daily rainstorms tend to be intense, but quick, however, they’re fairly predictable - mornings are often dry and rain free, before you notice the clouds start to intensify and darken. This is often a good time to escape inside - cafe, restaurant, mall…
Before you leave each day, we suggest adding the following items to your backpack: thongs/flip-flops, a waterproof jacket/poncho, and a small travel towel to dry yourself off.
But otherwise, tropical monsoons are wild, so just embrace it!
EXPLORE THE CITY’S ATTRACTIONS DURING THE MORNING OR LATE IN THE DAY
As we mentioned above, the heat, humidity and intensity of the city can be overwhelming during the middle of the day, so we think it’s wise to join the Saigonese and start your day early, at sunrise, and explore the city early.
Beyond the obvious (cooler temps, clearer skies etc.), the benefits are multifaceted.
Most major attractions are quiet and, you’ll enjoy exploring them without the overwhelming crush of humans and humidity.
And with the city waking up, you’ll enjoy a far more authentic experience on the streets - locals exercising in parks, humming colourful markets, religious offerings, and just general life on the street which is so distinct to this part of the world.
Just remember to stop at your favourite cafe or street vendor for a coffee & egg banh mi (Bánh Mì Trứng ốp la).
SAIGON IS VERY SAFE, BUT TAKE PRECAUTIONS
If we were to place Saigon on a list of cities we’ve felt the most safe in, it’d be right at the top - it just feels safe.
Even amongst the tangled network of narrow laneways that snake through the city’s districts, we never felt remotely unsafe, and while it might be cliche, every local encounter we had felt friendly and authentic.
We’re not naïve enough to believe Saigon is free from petty crime, especially targeting foreign tourists, however, overall the city has a low crime rate and a very low violent crime rate. Bag snatching and phone/camera theft are slowly increasing, especially around the major markets, but isn’t such an issue as it is in places like Phnom Penh.
That being said, it's important to keep your wits about you, and follow the below precautions:
Secure your backpack, especially in markets or downtown areas (we always wear ours on our chest for visibility)
Be aware of your surroundings and note any potential threats
Avoid displays of wealth, such as jewellery,
Be extra cautious when using your mobile phone (we know you’ll want photos + videos, but just hold the phone tight)
Avoid walking alone late at night, particularly in poorly lit or unfamiliar areas
Dress appropriately
Use Grab for transport (from personal experience they’re great at resolving any issues or threats from their drivers)
Rely on your instincts in unfamiliar situations
Where you do need to be careful is on the roads, be it as a passenger or pedestrian. Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City requires a degree in physics, and each step feels like defying death - but there’s a method to the madness and as long as you don’t hesitate when crossing a road, you’ll be fine (we always try to cross and designated crossings, or next to a local).
Follow the below precautions:
Vehicles drive on the left in Vietnam, so look both ways and proceed with caution
Be confident but predictable when crossing the road so drivers & riders can anticipate your actions
Cross at traffic lights whenever possible, or follow a local
As a passenger on the back of a scooter, always wear a helmet, and if you ever feel unsafe, ask the rider to pull over and kindly end your trip.
Oh, and always purchase comprehensive travel insurance before you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City.
BUY | We recommend using HeyMondo. The Common Wanderer readers get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here
EMBRACE THE COFFEE & CAFE CULTURE OF HO CHI MINH CITY
In Saigon, you don’t have to search long to get your fix of coffee; from the first ray of sunlight each day, the scent of robusta beans and caphe de sua drifts through each street, boulevard and laneway.
The coffee here is served strong (rocket to Mars kind of strong) and sweet; it’ll most likely arrive tall, thick with condensed milk and ice, enjoyed from plastic blue tables and chairs while watching the world go by.
But in more recent times, an incredibly cool and creative cafe culture has sprung up all around the city, with historic coffee houses packed full of character and charm, hipster third-wave hangouts and hole-in-the-wall espresso spots now lining every street.
The coffee scene now rivals Melbourne (in our opinion, don’t come at us!), so we suggest diving head first into the scene during your time in the city.
Below are some of our favourite spots for coffee in Saigon:
CHEO LEO
For the unsuspecting traveller wandering District 3’s streets, the fairly nondescript and humble interior of Cheo Leo is an easily missed landmark. But for locals, and those in the know, the nostalgic blue and white checked tiles, faded walls, and rich scent of roasted coffee of this local coffee shop represent one of the city’s best-loved and oldest cultural institutions.
Now in its 86th year of operation, Cheo Leo is one of Saigon’s original coffee shops. Its founder, Vinh Ngo, mastered the art of cà phê vợt, or ‘stocking coffee’, rich coffee brewed in filters in traditional clay pots over a charcoal stove, and began selling it here in 1938. For decades, Saigon’s residents from all walks of life have met here regularly to chat, celebrate or commiserate, or simply enjoy a moment of peace in a city that’s forever evolving.
Ngo’s unique coffee tradition is now a ritual passed down through generations, with his three daughters now at the helm of the cafe — brewing cups of coffee for the cafe’s visitors from the same charcoal fire and clay pots today.
BEAN THERE CAFE
Amidst the urban jungle of Saigon, down a tangle of hidden alleys and hidden behind a secret garden wall lies a jungle of a different kind: Beanthere DIY House. This coffee house is a surprisingly lush sanctuary providing welcome relief from the bustling streets of Saigon.
It was here, seated next to the grand atrium windows and surrounded by green that we had our first official Vietnamese coffee (an experience one never forgets) on our first morning in the city, and enjoyed a moment of quiet calm in the tropical surroundings. It’s the kind of place where coffee-loving locals and tourists in the know alike come to relax, chat, have business meetings in the lush garden or tap away quietly on keyboards.
The food leaves quite a bit to be desired, but for those looking for a green oasis serving a great cup of joe, this is your place.
CONG CA PHE
It’s rare that we’d say a coffee chain is actually worth visiting, but Cong Ca Phe is one of Vietnam’s best success stories (and exports, with cafes now found in Canada, South Korea, and Malaysia too). Each of its uniquely decorated locations brings Vietnam’s communist era to life - not in a political way, as one might assume - but in a nostalgic, self-confessed ‘hipster’ celebration of founder Linh Dung’s childhood memories growing up in Vietnam’s communist subsidy era.
While every location shares the same lick of army green paint and a preference for pokey, dimly lit interiors stacked with retro paraphernalia and antiques, no two venues actually look alike, which only adds to a sense of adventure every time you visit.
Cong serves up a huge array of traditional coffee options, although their coconut coffee is what they’ve become renowned for, both locally and internationally.
And a few more coffee shots that deserve a visit:
The Running Bean Hồ Tùng Mậu
The Little Bean Coffee - Cao Thắng
FIND THE BEST FOOD ON SIDEWALKS & IN MARKETS
In a city of 9 million people, almost 1 million make a living by selling food on the street.
And it’s where Ho Chi Minh City's culinary scene beats strongest. In our personal opinion, there’s nothing more visceral, more delightful, than sitting on toddler-size blue tables on a frenetic sidewalk, devouring local street food and iced Jasmine tea.
For first-time visitors, there are a few obvious dishes to try - the ubiquitous banh mi, which you’ll find on just about every street corner in the city, and the universally recognised Pho, one of the best soups on the planet.
But our favourite is a city favourite - Bún thịt nướng - grilled marinated pork with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and salad, topped with peanuts and fried shallots, and served with a tangy nước chấm sauce.
Another favourite of ours was Bánh cuốn nhân thịt, which consists of thin, steamed rice flour rolls filled with seasoned ground pork. The dish typically includes rice flour, ground pork, bean sprouts, wood ear mushrooms, shallots, various herbs and fish sauce for dipping - it’s just so unique and delicious.
You’ll find Bún thịt nướng and Bánh cuốn nhân thịt throughout the city, especially in the morning, and to find the best one, we suggest following the locals - the busier the street vendor, the better.
Below are some recommended dishes to try in the city:
TÀU HỦ NÓNG | Often found on street corners, Tàu Hủ Nóng is a silken tofu pudding with ginger syrup, coconut milk, pandan leaves and tapioca pearls. Sweet, spicy, and savoury, all at the same time
PHO | Pho is the quintessential Vietnamese noodle soup, and a breakfast (and for most tourists, lunch and dinner) staple. A delicious broth traditionally made from beef bones and a blend of spices. Served with rice noodles, tender slices of beef (or tofu), and fresh herbs, it’s the perfect dish.
BÚN THỊT NƯỚNG | One of the best dishes in Vietnam, hands down, Bún thịt nướng pairs grilled marinated pork with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and salad. Topped with peanuts and fried shallots, it's served with tangy nước chấm sauce. Washed down with an iced-jasmine tea, is the best way to start the day
BÁNH CUỐN NHÂN THỊT | A personal morning favourite of ours is Bánh cuốn nhân thịt, which consists of thin, steamed rice flour rolls filled with seasoned ground pork. The dish typically includes rice flour, ground pork, bean sprouts, wood ear mushrooms, shallots, various herbs and fish sauce for dipping.
BÁNH MÌ | Don't miss out on bánh mì, a Vietnamese sandwich that's a symphony of flavours packed into a crispy baguette
BÒ LÁ LỐT | Bò lá lốt is a dish of seasoned ground beef wrapped in lá lốt leaves (betel leaves), which are then grilled to perfection. The leaves leave a peppery and slightly bitter flavour that complements the savoury, spiced beef. Often served with rice noodles and fresh herbs
BÁNH XÈO | A sizzling savoury pancake filled with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts, wrapped in lettuce, and dunked in tangy fish sauce
CƠM TẤM/CƠM GA | Cơm tấm, or "broken rice," is typically served with grilled pork or chicken. Accompanied by a fried egg, fresh vegetables, and pickled sides, it's completed with nước chấm sauce. Simple, delicious and cheap
SỦI CAO TÔM THỊT | Soup wonton dumplings filled with a mixture of minced shrimp, pork, water chestnuts, and spring onions, typically served in a clear broth alongside fresh herbs, bok choy, and fried pork fat.
FRIED BANANAS (CHUỐI CHIÊN) | A popular Vietnamese street snack usually made with small and ripe chuối sứ bananas coated in a light, crispy batter, deep-fried to golden perfection. The epitome of street food heaven
CHÈ CHANGHI | The weirdest, most delicious dessert ever - a traditional coconut milk-based sweet soup with grass jelly, tapioca pearls, flan cakes and pandan jellies. Chè is served just about everywhere and comes in endless variations, featuring ingredients like mung beans, tapioca pearls, and tropical fruits
To help you navigate the vast foodie scene in town, we highly recommend joining a food tour (book ours here) - it was potentially the best thing we did in Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you’re keen to sample the city’s myriad of markets and street vendors.
COME TO HO CHI MINH CITY, EAT BANH MI
Our philosophy, anywhere in Vietnam, is that the best banh mi is the one closest to where you’re standing.
As the birthplace of the modern banh mi, we’ve rarely found a bad one in Saigon (we’ve eaten many), but we always find random street vendors on a street corner serving up the most delicious versions.
But what is a banh mi, exactly?
A soft in the middle, hard on the outside baguette, packed with a blend of meats (generally roasted pork and cold cuts), pâté and laced with herbs and vegetables. A flavour sensation. Heaven in a roll.
If you reallllly want to find the best one (seriously, use our method above and you won’t go wrong), there are a couple of options that we believe are absolutely top-notch in the city:
BÁNH MÌ HỒNG HOA | About as authentic a banh mi as you can get. Crispy bread, well-balanced flavours, delicious meats… pull up a chair, tuck into your banh mi and watch the world go by (map)
BÁNH MÌ HÒA MÃ | There are many variations of banh mi, including the breakfast special of crispy fried egg and meats, and Bánh Mì Hòa Mã serves the best breakfast option in town. Stop by, sit down and enjoy Bánh Mì Trứng ốp la, wash it down with an iced coffee, and enjoy a quintessential Saigon experience
BÁNH MÌ HUYNH HOA | Popular for a reason, Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa serves absolutely enormous, flavoursome banh mi. Arrive early for the best cuts
MY BÁNH MÌ | Located near Saigon Central Post Office, My Banh Mi serves large, delicious, ‘mainstream’ banh mi. Catering for tourists, you can choose your filling (veggie options are available), and while fairly basic, it’s a great option for first-timers
We also enjoyed many random ones as we strolled the streets in the morning, but we had no idea where they were. So, as we said above, just follow your instincts and buy one wherever you see a vendor!
HO CHI MINH CITY IS SE ASIA’S CRAFT BEER EPICENTRE
It might be surprising for any first-time visitor, but beer is a big deal in Vietnam (the country is SE Asia’s largest consumer of beer). Similar to coffee, just about every street corner has some form of bar or outdoor drinking hall, usually selling Saigon Bia by the dozen.
And while visiting one of these local institutions is a right of passage for any visitor to Vietnam, the burgeoning craft beer scene is a surprising highlight of a visit to Saigon.
At the forefront of this movement is Pasteur Street Brewing Company (District One location), a pioneer that has married local Vietnamese ingredients with American craft brewing techniques, producing award-winning beers that have become almost synonymous with craft beer in Vietnam. Their Jasmine IPA is a winner, a perfect blend of floral notes and hoppy bitterness that works perfectly on sweaty Saigon nights.
Set in a crumbling colonial mansion in District 1, upmarket Belgo produces, you guessed it, Belgian-style beers. They’re heavy, hoppy, and thoroughly refreshing on a sweaty Saigon afternoon. They also serve hearty European food, which feels a little out of place - we’d much prefer to wash down our beer with streetside barbecue.
Another standout is Heart of Darkness, located on the tree-lined boulevard of Lý Tự Trọng in District 1. The brewery has over 100 different beers on its roster, and we suggest you don’t sleep on Kurtz's Insane IPA - it’s refreshing and delicious. Alternatively, try the tropical bia - a mix of tropical flavours and hops, resulting in an easy-to-drink fruit punch-style beer.
Other popular craft breweries in Saigon include Biacraft, Rooster Beers, East West, and 7 Bridges.
Now, while we love and advocate Saigon’s craft beer scene, we also suggest going hyper-local and visiting an outdoor beer hall. These drinking holes, usually positioned down a random alleyway or on a building site, are loud, slightly abrasive, and wonderfully authentic. Oh, and super cheap - beers will set you back around 50c - $1.
STAY IN DISTRICT 1
For any first-time visitor to Ho Chi Minh City, District 1 is where you’ll spend most of your time.
Home to almost all major tourist attractions, popular restaurants and cafes, and the city’s myriad of exceptional breweries, District 1 is thriving and caters for just about every tourist type - from backpackers to Boomers.
As a result, we recommend staying in District One, where you’ll be able to find every type of accommodation.
Backpackers love Bui Vien, where hostels and affordable guesthouses jostle for space among the neon-lit bars playing thumping EDM line the street. While it’s not as debaucherous as Bangkok’s Khao San Road, it has the same vibes and is the perfect base to explore the city’s attractions, but also enjoy a party.
For those who are after something a little more upmarket, we suggest looking amongst the wide streets of Ben Nghé and the streets of Nguyen Hue. Here, you’ll find the majority of the 4 - 5* hotels, which sit alongside many of the city’s famed French colonial landmarks. Some of the new, boutique hotels in the area are incredible (many feature rooftop pools & bars), and you can easily walk to many of the major sites in town.
Finally, for something a little more local and laidback, the southern corner of District 1, Cô Giang is where we stayed and loved.
Filled with local markets, excellent street food, and all the amenities you could wish for (including local bakeries which we sampled daily!), Cô Giang offers respite, but close proximity to the main attractions.
If you’re really keen to immerse yourself in some local neighbourhoods, Districts 3, 4 & 5 are great alternatives (more on that below).
Below are a few of our recommended hotels in town:
LUXURY
THE REVERIE | Opulent to the point of obnoxious, but the Reverie Saigon can’t be beaten on luxury and old-world hospitality
HOTEL DES ARTS SAIGON | An MGallery collection design-forward boutique hotel, blending modern luxury and traditional furnishings, just a stone’s throw from Notre Dame cathedral
MID-RANGE
PROSTYLE HOTEL HO CHI MINH CITY | Vibrant, eclectic and with an epic buffet breakfast to boot, you’ll find ProStyle in the heart of District One - perfect for exploring!
FUSION SUITES | Scandi vibes in the heart of Saigon, you’ll find a kitchenette in each suite, along with a hearty buffet breakfast and al fresco terrace dining at the onsite Fresh Restaurant
BUDGET
CHEZ MIMOSA | Great value for money, with cheap and cheerful rooms and a rooftop terrace for evening drinks
YU STAY APARTMENTS | Where we stayed during our two visits to Ho Chi Minh City. Newly built apartments in District One with everything we needed for a comfortable stay (especially with a toddler)
BUT EXPLORE BEYOND DISTRICT 1
One of the best things we did in Ho Chi Minh City was step outside the relative comfort of District One and step inside the chaos of some of the city’s other districts (3, 5 and 6), discovering local coffee shops, bustling markets, foodie hot spots and hidden cultural gems.
Despite its location in the centre of the city and bordering District 1, District 3 somehow still feels like an area that tourists largely forget to explore - save for the War Remnants museum located here.
Here, you’ll find a quieter and more residential vibe amongst the weaving alleyways and tree-lined streets with historic French colonial villas.
That said, don’t expect a slow pace here, there are plenty of foodie haunts, sightseeing spots (like the famous pink Tan Dinh church and the Jade Emperor Pagoda - see above) and local markets to explore.
Often referred to simply as Chợ Lớn (China town) - although only half of this sprawling district is ‘officially’ China Town - District 5 is where Chinese immigrants settled during the 18th century, bringing with them unique traditions and trade, spices and incense and in the process creating a distinctly Chinese enclave.
While the rest of Ho Chi Minh rapidly modernises, the tangle of historic buildings brimming with traditional Chinese medicine shops, temples, teahouses and the general old-town allure is undeniable and makes for some wonderful wandering.
Some points of interest in this district include: Binh Tay market, Thien Hau Temple, Hao Si Phuong Alley, and the many, many wonderful eateries found scattered all over the district - best discovered via foot, open mind, and hungry tummy!
Chinatown also spans across District 6, where you’ll also find the beautiful Hau Giang Flower Market.
Given that we were short on time during our Saigon visit, we opted to maximise our time and efforts by taking this walking tour and couldn’t recommend it enough. Hieu, our guide, was wonderful and really helped us gain a whole new perspective of the city.
If you’re looking for all the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, read our detailed guide here.
CASH, CARD, TIPPING… MANAGING YOUR MONEY IN HO CHI MINH CITY
CASH OR CARD?
From our first visit in 2012 through to our last in 2024, how you pay for goods and services in Vietnam has fundamentally changed, with the majority of transactions now cashless.
This includes everything from large attractions, getting around town (Grab), restaurants, and shopping at convenience stores or supermarkets.
This shift to cashless makes life very easy for a traveller, as you can manage your budget more efficiently, especially when using apps such as Wise (we highly recommend using Wise when travelling - you can sign up here).
However, we also found that cash was still an important part of society, especially at street level - with street food vendors, markets, public transport, and even to enter some popular temples.
As a result, we always carry cash with us when exploring the city, and we suggest you do the same.
ATMS
One issue you should be aware of, and one we came up against time and time again in the city was trying to withdraw larger amounts of money from ATMs.
Due to the high numerical value of the Vietnamese Dong (1 USD = 24,000 VND), withdrawing anything more than $100 out of the ATM at any one time was impossible. Therefore, we’d need to process around four separate withdrawals during each ATM visit to have sufficient cash to last us. This left us with a huge wad of cash, and feeling very vulnerable at times.
We suggest taking a limited amount out with you when exploring the city ($50 USD per day should be enough) and placing it safely and strategically throughout your bags/pockets.
SAIGON BUDGET
Saigon, and Vietnam in general, is an extremely affordable travel destination (based on Western incomes). Accommodation, food and transport and cheap, and make the city a very appealing value-for-money destination.
We recognise that all travel styles are different, however, you can easily budget for $100 USD or less per day, and manage comfortably in the city.
For families, we suggest a budget of around $200 USD per day, depending on your style of accommodation, the attractions you intend to visit, and where you’re eating.
Backpackers should budget for $25 USD per day, staying in a District 1 hostel, and eating street food.
BARGAINING
Bargaining, or haggling, is part of the Vietnam experience, although it now occurs mostly in markets. Bargain away in these environments, however, do it respectfully and don’t be a dickhead.
TIPPING
Tipping is not part of Vietnamese culture, however, it is on the rise in certain environments, such as tours, up-scale restaurants, or where you’ve received exceptional service.
We suggest tipping your tour guide (provided they were excellent), or where your restaurant/foodie experience has been exemplary (even on the streets) - just remember the denominations are ridiculously large in Vietnam!
WANDERER TIP | When using an ATM or contactless anywhere abroad, always withdraw cash in the local currency. This will help you avoid higher exchange rates charged by banks.
GRAB WILL BE YOUR BEST FRIEND…
We used Grab, the Southeast Asian equivalent of Uber, every.single.day during our time in Saigon, and recommend you do so too.
Firstly, the app also provides transparent pricing, so you’ll know the fare before confirming your ride - we found this super useful as previous trips to SE Asia had resulted in many disputed fares.
Additionally, the app gives you the option to select your preferred vehicle type, which allowed us to choose a larger car with more comfort as we were travelling without a toddler (and many associated bags), or just book a scooter if Mark needed to do a nappy (not for him!) or food run.
Because Grab is so easy to use, we recommend avoiding traditional taxis here, as they are known for price-gouging unsuspecting tourists.
…
Unfortunately, the Ho Chi Minh City metro remains unfinished, however, there is talk of Line 1 opening in July 2024. This remains to be seen (works have taken over 10 years!), but if it does, please let us know how it goes in the comments below.
Additionally, if you’re worried about how to get from Saigon Aiport to the city centre, we’ve written a detailed guide on the four options, which you can read here.
PLAN | How to get from Ho Chi Minh City Airport to the city centre
BUT NAVIGATING THE CITY ON FOOT IS CHALLENGING (BUT REWARDING)
Navigating Ho Chi Minh City on food, especially the downtown districts is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have in the city.
The wide boulevards in District 1 house a lot of the grand colonial buildings, and walking can be the most efficient way to see most of the downtown attractions.
When you start entering the rabbit-warren laneways (hẻm) of the surrounding districts, you’ll get a real sense of true Saigon. This is where the Saigonese live, and the community feel within these claustrophobic, yet weirdly pretty laneways is immense. You’ll find hidden coffee shops, bustling markets, street food vendors, and just about every type of commerce within these alleyways. We suggest joining this excellent tour to experience hẻm life.
Whether it’s within the laneways, or anywhere in the city for that matter, sidewalks are often used by bikes, both for mobility (why wait in traffic when you can take the path?), or for parking. It makes exploring the city somewhat challenging at times, especially with children. We brought our travel pram/stroller with us, and while we did manage to use it through District 1, we believe a child carrier is a more effective way to explore (if your child enjoys them - ours doesn’t).
But overall, expect to be navigating the sidewalk, relentlessly twisting and turning like you’re in a maze.
Finally, you’ve probably seen the countless viral videos that show road crossings in Saigon, and we’re here to tell you that they’re 100% true - crossing a road in Ho Chi Minh City is one hell of an experience.
Now, that should not put you off - if you do it right, you’ll have no issues crossing the road, ever.
As we mentioned above, look both ways before proceeding onto the road with caution. Don’t hesitate, and be predictable in your actions so drivers and riders can anticipate your actions - hesitation is the main cause of issues. If you feel uncomfortable, cross with a local, or find traffic lights. But most of all, don’t stress - it’s completely normal here.
VISITING HO CHI MINH CITY WITH KIDS
We’re aware that not everyone reading this post will be visiting with kids, but for those who do, we’ve got your back.
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in HCMC with our toddler and highly recommend visiting the city, and Vietnam in general with your child.
Although it didn’t come without its challenges, which we’ve listed below:
MOBILITY
As we mentioned above, mobility was probably the number one issue we encountered.
We used Grab to get just about everywhere in the city and took our foldable travel pram on each journey. We were able to explore almost all the major attractions and things to do using this method, and having the pram allowed her to rest when she was tired (jetlagged), or knocked about by the heat and humidity.
There were only a few occasions where we carried her instead of using the pram, and these tended to involve potential traffic hazards or the crush of Tet crowds.
That being said, leave the pram at home if your child is more comfortable in a baby carrier - it’s easier and more efficient to travel that way.
ACCOMMODATION
One thing we really struggled with was finding hotel rooms with enough space to place our daughter’s travel cot and have enough space for her to play and chill.
Eventually, we booked an apartment and this proved to be a great decision as it allowed us to set up her cot in a second room, have space to play, and have a kitchen to cook and clean her things.
We highly recommend doing the same if travelling with kids - it just makes life a lot easier.
FOOD & DRINK
Regarding, food and drink, our daughter happily ate the local food, which we made sure wasn’t spicy.
Favourites included Pho, spring rolls, banh mi, and some of the barbecued meats. And of course the tropical fruits. We also ate some Western meals when needed.
For fluids, we made sure she had a full supply of water at all times. Due to the nature of Vietnamese tap water, we did purchase bottled water for her, which we struggled with, but our daughter’s health is our priority, and we haven’t yet found an environmentally effective solution.
She thankfully didn’t get sick throughout our entire three-week trip.
HYGIENE
For our trip to Vietnam, we packed a full supply of nappies and wipes for our trip, as we wanted to make sure she was comfortable, however on a few occasions we needed to purchase a backup supply of nappies.
They were freely available at convenience stores, however, larger selections could be found at VinMart supermarkets. The quality isn’t the best, but they do the job at a pinch.
For bathing, we would shower with her but use cloths to clean her body so she didn’t sip any tap water. This method worked well.
For cleaning her bottles, we brought cleaning brushes from home and made sure we used boiling water to clean and disinfect them.
Overall, travelling to Ho Chi Minh City with children can be challenging, but it was far more rewarding than we thought it would be.
STAY AWAY FROM THE TAP WATER IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Unfortunately, you can’t drink the tap water in Vietnam.
Water tends to be contaminated with pathogens that cause illness, especially in western travellers, and can lead to common traveller illnesses such as diarrhoea, gastroenteritis and giardia. None of these are fun, so at the very least we suggest boiling your water before consumption (or buying a water filtration bottle - see below).
In terms of use for brushing teeth or cleaning dishes, this is where things become a little contentious.
I (Mark), didn’t worry about boiling water for these tasks, however, Mim was a little more strict and would boil water for each clean. In the end, neither of us became ill, however, whether it was by luck or chance is anyone’s guess. However, if you’re anxious, always boil.
If travelling with children, we also suggest boiling water for any of the above tasks.
Now, as responsible travel advocates, we’re totally against buying single-use plastic bottles, especially in Vietnam, where plastic pollution is a huge problem.
Our advice is to buy this water filtration bottle before leaving your home country, and you can drink safe, fresh water everywhere you visit, straight from the tap.
It’ll save you a heap of money in the long run and also save marine animals and those pretty beaches you like to relax on.
BUY | This amazing water filtration bottle
HOW TO BE A RESPONSIBLE TOURIST IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Responsible, sustainable travel is what we’re all about here at TCW HQ, and this is especially true when we travel to places suffering from climate change and plastic pollution, such as Vietnam.
Disappointingly, we encountered quite a bit of plastic pollution during our Vietnam trip — a sad reality of our planet today! — so we feel it’s important to share a few tips on how you can minimise your overall impact while still having the holiday of your dreams.
DON’T BUY BOTTLED DRINKS | There’s just no need to buy bottled water on your travels (the one caveat - travelling with babies or toddlers). Buy one of these amazing bottles instead
DON’T USE PLASTIC BAGS | Pack a reusable tote and use these to carry your snacks, drinks, or new souvenirs instead
TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON | Shoulder season is the time before and after the peak season when things are quieter, cheaper, and more enjoyable. Travel over this period to reduce over-tourism, and extend the season for local operators
OCEAN-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Everything that goes down the boat drain ends up in the ocean, try and make sure all your toiletries, sunscreen, and shampoo are as ocean-friendly as possible! Solid bars are a great place to start
LEAVE NO TRACE | Limit your consumption of plastic, and opt for sustainable / zero-waste alternatives instead. Pack a reusable water bottle, bring your reusable coffee cup, and if you can’t sip your cocktails without a straw, bring a metal or bamboo one along instead. And never leave a trace...
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY | Visit a locally owned restaurant or street food vendor and support the local economy and community
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF VIETNAM
HO CHI MINH CITY | The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, 15+ Essential Saigon Travel Tips, How to visit Tan Dinh Church (Saigon’s Pink Church), Where to eat and drink in Ho Chi Minh City, How to get from Saigon Aiport to City Centre
HOI AN | The best things to do in Hoi An, 15+ Essential Hoi An Travel Tips, How to visit My Son Sanctuary, How to get from Danang Airport to Hoi An, A guide to the Hoi An Old Town Ticket
HANOI | The best things to do in Hanoi, How to visit the Temple of Literature
MEKONG DELTA | The best things to do in the Mekong Delta
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
DISCOVER THE BEAUTY OF VIETNAM WITH OUR GUIDES
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That, and you're officially a legend.
