CultureBến Thành Market
The beating heart of commerce — a century-old iron-framed market hall packed with fabrics, spices, souvenirs and the hum of bargaining.
🖼 5 photosViệt Nam's largest city — street food, rooftop skylines, now stretching to the Vũng Tàu coast.
About TP. Hồ Chí Minh
Việt Nam's largest city runs at every scale and speed at once — alley coffee shops a scooter-width wide, rooftop skylines bristling with cranes, the dense markets and temple roofs of Chợ Lớn, and the new Thủ Thiêm riverfront rising in glass on the east bank. Since the merger the city also reaches the Vũng Tàu coast and the orchard belt of Lái Thiêu.
Most first-time visitors lose themselves in the street food — the traffic rhythm, the endless coffee stops, the sheer energy. Stay longer and the city opens up: rooftop sunsets over the Sài Gòn river, quiet French-era villas behind tamarind trees, the charcoal-and-fish-sauce smell of the evening markets. The coast, when you reach it, feels like a second city entirely.
Top things to do in TP. Hồ Chí Minh
Culture
CultureDistrict 1 skyline & rooftop walks
Modern high-rises crowd the riverbank — rooftop bars and cafés offer sunset drinks above the Sài Gòn, the city sprawling below.
Chợ Lớn (Chinatown)
A dense warren of alleys, herbal medicine shops and temples — the architecture and atmosphere of old Chinese quarters, untouched by modernization.
Thiên Hậu Temple (Chợ Lớn)
A red-walled Taoist temple with gilded roof and ornate carvings — a visual feast in the heart of Chinatown.
Thủ Thiêm waterfront
The newest district rising on the eastern bank — parks, promenades and the Sài Gòn river at dusk, a glimpse of the city's future.
FoodStreet-food crawl
Cơm tấm, bánh mì, phở and hủ tiếu — the Hồ Chí Minh version of Hà Nội's food streets, eaten standing up or perched on a low stool.
Eat & drink
Cơm tấm (broken rice)
Fragments of rice fried with pork, egg and shallots — a southern staple, eaten for breakfast or lunch.
Bánh mì (Vietnamese sandwich)
A crusty baguette split and filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables and herbs — a legacy of French colonialism, perfected in the south.
Hủ tiếu (clear broth noodles)
Flat rice noodles in a clear pork or shrimp broth, topped with pork belly and liver — the noodle soup of the Mekong delta.
Southern sweets & coffee
Chè (sweet soup), bánh flan and egg coffee — the warm, indulgent finishes to southern meals.
Things to do here
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Stories from TP. Hồ Chí Minh
70 stories·Latest story: Sep 13, 2026
The SouthGetting Around Vũng Tàu: Local Transport Options and Honest PricesThe SouthVũng Tàu After Dark: Night Markets, Evening Dining, and Late-Night Spots
The SouthSaigon Soul Revival Releases Third Album 'Chốn Ta Về' Exploring Vintage Southern SoundsThe SouthThings to Do in Vũng Tàu When It Rains: A Practical GuideFirst time & safety
- –Common Vũng Tàu Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- –Vũng Tàu Travel Guide: First-Time Visitor Essentials
- –Saigon Travel Mistakes to Avoid, and How to Fix Them
- –Common Củ Chi Tunnels Mistakes to Avoid
- –Sài Gòn First Time Visitor Tips: Your Essential Guide
- –Củ Chi Tunnels: What to Know Before You Go
- –Haggling Tips for Bến Thành Market and Saigon's Other Markets
Where to stay
When to go
How long to stay
Getting there
- –Day Trips From Vũng Tàu: Top Places Within Easy Reach
- –How to Plan a Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Tây Ninh
- –How to Get to Cu Chi Tunnels from Ho Chi Minh City: Transport & Prices
- –How to Visit Sa Đéc Flower Village: A Quiet Mekong Delta Guide
- –Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City: 5 Routes Ranked by Effort
- –Vietnam Airport Arrivals Guide: Hà Nội, Sài Gòn, and Đà Nẵng Compared
- –Can Giờ Mangrove Forest Day Trip From Ho Chi Minh City: A Practical Guide
- –How to Travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Cà Mau
- –How to visit Bến Tre from Hồ Chí Minh City: A day trip guide
- –How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Vũng Tàu: A local transport guide
- –How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Mui Ne: Route and Time Comparison
What to eat
Costs
More reading
- –Where to Photograph Vũng Tàu: Top Locations, Timing, and Light
- –Worth the Detour from Tây Ninh: Places Within Easy Reach
- –Expat or Immigrant: The Evolving Debate in Vietnam and Beyond
- –One Day in Vũng Tàu: A Route That Actually Works
- –Vũng Tàu with kids: what to do and what to skip
- –Cu Chi Tunnels for Older Travelers: Comfort, Access, and Pacing Guide
- –How to Visit Cu Chi Tunnels Solo: Safety, Transport, and Tours
- –Queer Art Exhibition 'Limerence' Opens in Thảo Điền
- –Best Photography Spots in Vietnam for Golden Hour Light
- –Where to get clothes made in Vietnam besides Hội An
- –Vietnam Market Shopping Guide: What to Buy and How to Bargain
- –Where to Celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival in Vietnam
- –Where to Find Apartment Cafes in Ho Chi Minh City: A Local Guide
- –Difference between Northern and Southern Pho: A Regional Guide
- –How to Visit Tây Ninh and Núi Bà Đen from Ho Chi Minh City
- –Hồ Tràm and Long Hải: The Quiet Coast Two Hours from Sài Gòn
- –ITE HCMC 2026 Dates: Saigon to Host Major Travel Expo
- –Ho Chi Minh City Partners with Australian Tourism Groups to Boost Travel
- –Historical Sites in District 1 Ho Chi Minh City: A Look Back to the 1860s
- –Hanoi to Saigon Train Ride: A 35-Hour Journey Through Vietnamese Life
- –Saigon Rainy Day Activities: What to Do When it Pours
- –Saigon nearby places to visit: easy day trips and overnight stays
- –Worth the Detour from the Mekong Delta: Nearby Destinations
- –Củ Chi Tunnels When It Rains: What to Do on a Wet Day
- –Saigon with Children: What Works and What to Skip
- –What to Do After Củ Chi Tunnels: Nearby Day Trip Ideas
- –Củ Chi Tunnels with Children: What Works and What to Skip
- –Hồ Chí Minh City Plans Major Nguyễn Tất Thành Street Expansion
- –Củ Chi Tunnels Visit Experience: What to Expect
- –Saigon District 1 vs District 3: Where to Base Yourself
- –Saigon After Dark: Rooftop Bars and Riverside Evenings
- –Preserving Sài Gòn's Everyday Sounds
- –Bánh Mì in Sài Gòn — Breakfast on the Sidewalk
- –Hồ Chí Minh City in 24 Hours — a First-Timer's Day
Where to stay in TP. Hồ Chí Minh
86 properties in the directory
Tips & FAQ
The practical questions we hear most about TP. Hồ Chí Minh, answered briefly.
How do I navigate the traffic?
Walk steadily and predictably; scooters will flow around you. Stick to crosswalks when available, and cross by walking into the stream.
How far is Vũng Tàu from the city?
~120km southeast, roughly 2.5–3 hours by road — a beach escape reachable as a long day trip or overnight.
What's the best area to stay in?
District 1 for riverside views and rooftop culture; Chợ Lớn for the old-quarter experience; Thủ Thiêm for modernism.
Is TP.HCM walkable?
District 1 and Chợ Lớn are best on foot; for longer distances, use taxis, ride-hailing or motorbike taxis.
What about the rainy season?
Roughly May to October — most days bring one short, heavy afternoon downpour rather than all-day rain. Carry a poncho, plan indoor stops for late afternoon, and the mornings are usually clear.
Is the city safe for visitors?
Generally yes — the main risk is opportunistic phone or bag snatching from motorbikes. Keep phones away from the kerb, wear bags across the body, and use licensed taxis or ride-hailing at night.
How do I get from the airport to the center?
Tân Sơn Nhất is ~7km from District 1 — usually 20–40 minutes depending on traffic. Use the official taxi ranks or a ride-hailing app from the marked pick-up areas; agree nothing off-meter.
Plan your trip
Getting there
Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport connects TP.HCM to the world; train and bus stations serve the north and the Mekong delta.
Getting around
Walk the center, use taxis and ride-hailing for longer trips; the rivers and canals are best explored by boat tours or rented scooters.
How to pace it
- 1
Day 1 — the heart
Bến Thành Market, District 1 rooftops at sunset, then street food after dark — capture the energy.
- 2
Day 2 — old quarters
Chợ Lớn alleys, Thiên Hậu Temple architecture, morning at the herb-medicine markets — the city's past.
- 3
Day 3 — new & beaches
Thủ Thiêm waterfront park, then a road trip to Vũng Tàu or the Lái Thiêu orchards to the north.
Tours that visit TP. Hồ Chí Minh
8 days · AdventureHà Nội, Đà Nẵng, Ho Chi Minh & Phú Quốc DiscoveryExplore Vietnam from north to south, discovering Hà Nội's ancient culture, Hội An's charming lantern-lit streets, Ho Chi Minh City's historical depth, and the island adventures of Phú Quốc, including Grand World and Vinpearl Safari.From $810See the day-by-day →1 day · CultureCủ Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Exploration from Ho Chi Minh CityJourney from Ho Chi Minh City to explore the historic Củ Chi Tunnels, delve into wartime ingenuity, and then discover the vibrant Mekong Delta with a boat trip on the Tien River and local experiences in My Tho.From $35See the day-by-day →7 days · AdventureĐà Nẵng to Ho Chi Minh City & Phú Quốc DiscoveryExplore Vietnam's diverse south, from Đà Nẵng's Marble Mountains and Bà Nà Hills, to Ho Chi Minh City's Củ Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta, concluding with island relaxation in Phú Quốc.From $850See the day-by-day →8 days · CultureĐà Nẵng, Hội An & Ho Chi Minh City DiscoveryExplore Vietnam's central and southern gems, from Đà Nẵng's Bà Nà Hills and Hội An's ancient charm to Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant life, including the Mekong Delta and historic Củ Chi Tunnels.From $620See the day-by-day →7 days · AdventurePhú Quốc & Ho Chi Minh City AdventureExplore the vibrant island of Phú Quốc, enjoying wildlife at Vinpearl Safari, thrilling rides at VinWonders, and serene island excursions, before discovering the bustling Ho Chi Minh City and the tranquil Mekong Delta over 7 days.From $850See the day-by-day →5 days · AdventureĐà Nẵng, Hội An & Ho Chi Minh City with Mekong DeltaExplore central and southern Vietnam, visiting Đà Nẵng's Marble Mountain, Bà Nà Hills' Golden Bridge, Hội An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City's historical sites, and cruising the Mekong Delta's waterways for local experiences.From $410See the day-by-day →9 days · AdventureNorthern Charm to Southern Splendor: Hà Nội, Sapa, Hạ Long, Đà Nẵng & Mekong DeltaExplore Vietnam from north to south, discovering Hà Nội's history, ascending Fansipan by cable car in Sapa, cruising Hạ Long Bay, visiting Đà Nẵng's Marble Mountains, and experiencing the Mekong Delta's waterways.From $870See the day-by-day →9 days · AdventureNorthern & Southern Vietnam Highlights: Hà Nội, Hạ Long Bay, Ho Chi MinhExplore Vietnam's vibrant north and south, from Hà Nội's ancient culture and Hạ Long Bay's limestone karsts to Ho Chi Minh City's history and the Mekong Delta's river life, including craft villages and iconic tunnels.From $1,000See the day-by-day →9 days · AdventurePhú Quốc, Ho Chi Minh City & Đà Nẵng HighlightsExplore Vietnam's south and central regions, from Phú Quốc's VinWonders and Safari to Ho Chi Minh City's Củ Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta, concluding with Đà Nẵng's Marble Mountain and Bà Nà Hills Golden Bridge.From $1,100See the day-by-day →8 days · AdventureHo Chi Minh & Phú Quốc Island DiscoveryExplore Ho Chi Minh City's history at Củ Chi Tunnels and Reunification Palace, then unwind on Phú Quốc island with a Vinpearl Safari adventure, island hopping by boat, and a scenic cable car ride.From $1,100See the day-by-day →8 days · AdventureNorthern Peaks to Southern Waters: Hà Nội, Hạ Long, Đà Nẵng & Ho Chi MinhExplore Vietnam's diverse landscapes from Hà Nội to Ho Chi Minh City, featuring a luxury cruise on Hạ Long Bay, the iconic Golden Bridge at Bà Nà Hills, the charm of Hội An ancient town, and the historic Củ Chi Tunnels.From $790See the day-by-day →8 days · AdventureHà Nội, Hạ Long Bay, Đà Nẵng & Ho Chi Minh City HighlightsExplore Vietnam's diverse landscapes from Hà Nội, cruising Hạ Long Bay and visiting Ninh Binh's Tràng An, then fly south to discover Đà Nẵng's Bà Nà Hills and Ho Chi Minh City's Củ Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.From $780See the day-by-day →6 days · CultureĐà Nẵng & Ho Chi Minh City HighlightsExplore Vietnam's vibrant central and southern regions, from Đà Nẵng's Bà Nà Hills and ancient Hội An to Ho Chi Minh City's historic Củ Chi Tunnels and the lush Mekong Delta.From $480See the day-by-day →5 days · AdventureHo Chi Minh City, Củ Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta DiscoveryExplore Ho Chi Minh City's colonial architecture and wartime history, delve into the Củ Chi Tunnels, and experience the vibrant Mekong Delta with boat trips, local markets, and island life over 5 days.From $380See the day-by-day →
Areas of TP. Hồ Chí Minh
District 1 (Central)
The colonial core and modern skyline — markets, temples, riverfront cafés and rooftop nightlife.
Chợ Lớn (Chinatown)
A maze of old-world charm — temples, herbal shops, markets and the architecture of Chinese centuries.
Thủ Thiêm
The newest district — modern parks, riverside promenades, galleries and the city's future unfolding.
Vũng Tàu coast
Beach and coastal getaway ~2.5h from the city — Long Hải, fishing hamlets and calm waters.
Plan your trip
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