Saigon and the things you need to know

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Saigon at a glance

The city has two names, that are often interchanged; Saigon is the historic name for this city and is commonly used to describe the inner city, however, the official name is Ho Chi Minh City (changed from Saigon after the fall of Saigon in 1975). Ho Chi Minh City is the largest metropolitan area in Vietnam, located just north of the Mekong delta. With Saigon located at the bottom of the country, it is often the start or end destination for visitors to Vietnam.

How long to stay – I recommend 3 days in Saigon; one for hitting off the main tourist attractions, second day for take a trip to explore Mekong Delta. The rest you can use to experience Cu Chi tunnels, 70km from city centre.

Best time of year – Nov to April is dry season with temps exceeding 30°C, while May to Oct is monsoon season and you can expect daily rain showers interspersed with sunshine. Temperatures remain above 28°C even in monsoon season.

Things to see in Saigon

Saigon has several historic sites to see, as well as museums and suburban districts to explore. Here are the top things to see and do in Saigon.

Send postcards from the Central Post Office		Visit the War Remnants Museum
Take a stroll through the historic centre of Saigon, stopping at Central Post Office. The building retains its grand facade from the French occupation and is still fully operational. So hit the gift store and pick up postcards to send home (or grab one on book street nestled to the side of the post office). There are some nice cafes nearby, like Katinat, where you can sit to write. Visit the Independence Palace The palace is most famously known for its role in the Vietnam War. On April 30, 1975, the North Vietnamese forces captured the palace, marking the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. This event led to the reunification of North and South Vietnam under communist control. The images of tanks crashing through the gates of the palace are iconic and symbolize the end of the war.		The war remnants museum houses many exhibitions that detail some of the key moments and atrocities of the Vietnam-America war. A trip here will help you learn more about what happened on the ground during the war, though it is a sobering experience. Outside there are a series of tanks and fighter jets. Experience Ben Thanh market Ben Thanh Market is famous for its wide array of goods. Visitors can find everything from fresh produce, meats, and seafood to clothing, textiles, handicrafts, and souvenirs. The market is also known for its selection of Vietnamese snacks and street food. The market features numerous food stalls offering local Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls. It’s an excellent place to sample traditional street food in an authentic setting.

How to get to Saigon

As the largest city in Vietnam, Saigon is extremely well serviced. The easiest ways to travel into the city are via the airport and bus.

By Plane

Ho Chi Minh City airport, called Tan Son Nhat airport, has both a domestic and international terminal. The airport is located within the city, about 25 mins from the city centre making it cheap and easy to get to-and-from the airport. I normally book using Grab for efficiency, but there are also shuttle bus and public bus options into the city centre.

By bus

The bus is undoubtedly the cheapest option for travelling to Saigon, with routes from all major hotspots in the south. It is also the cheapest way to travel into Vietnam from Cambodia, with coaches passing through the Moc Bai border. I’ve found the easiest way to book transport in advance is through Asia Top Travel, a search engine that compares all travel options to find the best one for you.

From Dalat From Mui Ne From Can Tho From Vung Tau
6.5 hours 3 hours 3,5 hours 2 hours
250k 150k 150k 160k

By Train

The main connection into Saigon train station is from Phan Thiet, next to Mui Ne. I’ve found the easiest way to book transport in advance is through Asia Top Travel, a search engine that compares all travel options to find the best one for you.

From Phan Thiet
3.45 hours
160k

Getting around Saigon

While District 1 area of Saigon is very walkable, the heat and humidity can make it challenging. Most people use taxis and ride-hailing apps, like Grab (motorbikes and cars), Xanh SM (motorbikes and cars) ( and Be (motorbike only), to travel around the city. Saigon is also serviced by an extensive and cheap public bus service. You can use BusMap to find routes and fares. The majority of buses operating in the inner city are clean and most have air conditioning.

Unless you are living in Saigon or planning to take a day trip out of the city, I don’t recommend renting a motorbike here. The roads are always busy with motorbikes and driving without any experience of the roads is unwise.

What to eat in Saigon

In addition to the popular dishes that can be found all over Vietnam, the south has a few dishes that you should try while you’re here. Two of the most popular (and my personal favourites) are bun thit nuong and com tam, both of which are not common in the north of Vietnam.

1. Pho

Description: A fragrant noodle soup consisting of broth, rice noodles (bánh phở), herbs, and meat, typically beef (pho bo) or chicken (pho ga).
Where to Try: Pho 2000 (the restaurant visited by former U.S. President Bill Clinton) and Pho Hoa are popular choices.

2. Banh Mi

Description: A Vietnamese sandwich made with a French baguette and filled with a variety of ingredients like pork, pate, pickled vegetables, cilantro, and chili.
Where to Try: Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is renowned for its delicious banh mi.

3. Goi Cuon (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

Description: Fresh spring rolls made with rice paper and filled with shrimp, herbs, pork, rice vermicelli, and other ingredients. Served with a peanut or hoisin sauce.
Where to Try: Goi Cuon can be enjoyed at many local eateries, including The Lunch Lady.

4. Banh Xeo

Description: Crispy Vietnamese pancakes made with rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk. They are typically filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and sometimes mushrooms.
Where to Try: Banh Xeo 46A is a popular spot for this dish.

5. Com tam (Broken Rice)

Description: A dish made from broken rice grains, often served with grilled pork (sườn nướng), pork skin (bì), and a variety of accompaniments like pickled vegetables, fried egg, and fish sauce.
Where to Try: Com Tam Ba Ghien and Com Tam Moc are well-regarded.

6. Hu Tieu

Description: A noodle soup that typically features a clear and flavorful broth with rice noodles, often accompanied by seafood, pork, and vegetables.
Where to Try: Hu Tieu Nam Vang is a great place to sample this dish.

7. Bun Thit Nuong

Description: A noodle salad made with grilled pork (often marinated), vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, pickled vegetables, and crushed peanuts, all topped with a tangy fish sauce dressing.
Where to Try: Bun Thit Nuong is commonly found in local markets and restaurants. Try it at Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen.

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well-prepared to enjoy your trip to Ho Chi Minh City and experience all the vibrant culture, history, and cuisine it has to offer.

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