Flying into Ho Chi Minh is easy with many nonstop options from popular Asian cities. We flew here from Singapore on Scoot Airlines, one of the numerous low-cost Asian carriers. Use Google Flights to find the best price and route!
How to get a Vietnam Visa
You need to get a visa to visit Vietnam as a US Citizen. Getting one online will cost around US$17, you can add on the fast track option for an extra US$25. Getting the fast pass can be helpful when arriving as it allows you to skip through many of the traditional long lines. Visa’s will be delivered to your inbox within 2 business days, remember to bring 2 passport photos with you to the airport along with your visa approval letter. Once you land, you will have to complete visa on arrival paperwork, wait for the clerk to issue the physical visa in your passport and then go through immigration. You may or may not need the fast pass to get through this process, but if you’re impatient I’d recommend just paying the extra.
Best time to travel to Ho Chi Minh
The dry season in Vietnam runs from December to March with temperatures ranging from 70°F to 90°F with very high humidity levels. We visited in November, the very end of typhoon season which typically runs from July to November experiencing just a few showers.
Getting around Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh is full of moped and motorcycles, filling the streets at every major intersection. Here’s where you’ll have the opportunity to use a Grab taxi (Uber is no longer available) or bike, this dangerous activity is not recommended!
For most of our trip we used Uber (try Grab) as taxi drivers tend to prefer cash and will not take every trip, particularly those they feel are too short. Uber was much cheaper than any taxi and removed the need to haggle for a good price. However, drivers did seem limited in some locations and were not always available. Be prepared to wait for your ride during the nighttime hours.
Currency
VND 1000 = US$.43
As you can see from the exchange rate, Vietnam can be a very inexpensive country when visiting with US dollars. The average meal will cost under US$5 with accommodations also being very reasonable. You can exchange some currency in the airport, at all banks and most hotels. Small shops within the city tend to exchange at a slightly better rate. As always, I get some cash at the airport and pay with credit cards wherever possible. Ensure that your credit card does not charge additional foreign transaction fees and that you call ahead to let them know you are traveling.
Where to stay
Staying loyal to the SPG brand (now Marriott Bonvoy), we stayed at the Le Meredian Hotel in downtown Ho Chi Minh, a 30 minute drive from the airport without traffic. Beware of rush hour traffic, it can be very hectic and extend your commute greatly! You do not want to get stuck in this.
The Le Meredian Hotel is in a central location with a view of the iconic Saigon River, great gym, clean rooms and near all the major tourist spots. Staff were extremely friendly and helpful giving you true Asian hospitality. Despite Vietnam being a low cost destination food and drinks in the hotel were a bit pricey, but this is expected from any higher end hotel in the city.
If you’re looking for an ultra-lux experience checkout The Reverie Saigon, home to 286 marble-lined rooms and suites with lavish Italian designs, gold mosaics and eye catching artwork. Even if you don’t stay here you can stop for a drink, the decor is something not to be missed!
Where to eat
PHO2000 is a bustling ramen spot made famous by former US president Bill Clinton who visited in 2002 (you’ll see photos of him all over the walls). Trying to get a table here can be very difficult as it is very busy throughout the day and reservation are not accepted. Just show up after the normal lunch rush and your wait should be shorter to get a table. We had the chicken and beef Pho, both pretty good!
Chill Skybar also provides a rooftop bar with a party experience along with a few dining options, definitely something to checkout if you’re looking for a fun night out.
Find additional restaurant recommendations here.
Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is a saddening yet sobering experience that everyone must see when visiting Ho Chi Minh. Going through the museum will take a few hours depending on how long you are able to bear the gruesome photographs and tear jerking stories shown in each exhibit.
The most prominent room shows victims of “Agent Orange”, where almost 5 million people were exposed to chemical sprays and pesticides. The effects of this chemical warfare can still be felt today as the country suffers from a small elderly population and numerous people with birth defects.
You can choose to go through the museum on your own or with a guide, I prefer a guide to really give you an understanding of the history of each room and artifact.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Built in 1909 by Chinese immigrants, this small temple can look a bit run down from the outside but is an interesting place to visit in the heart of the city. Inside the temple you can make a small donation and get a religious blessing using traditional oils, quite a unique experience.
As you can see from the photo above, you will also find safes inside the pagoda encouraging locals and tourist to donate cash, something I’d never seen before!
Reunification Palace
Also known as Independence Palace, the Reunification Palace is another historic building located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh. This building is famously known for the North Vietnamese Army tank smashing through its gates in 1975, starting the revolution. Getting through the building will take you about an hour, get a guide to learn more about the bunkers, communication rooms, and iconic basement from the Vietnam War in the 70s.
An audio tour is also available if you prefer to roam around at your own pace. Everything inside this building is well preserved with a beautiful rooftop giving you a garden view of the grounds. You’ll also find a replica of the helicopter used in the war on the rooftop, another cool spot to take photos!
Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office
Located next to the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica, the Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office is an iconic representation of the French Indochina rule in the late 19th century. Credited as being the work of Gustave Eiffel (yes the same person who created the Eiffel tower in Paris!) this post office has been open since 1891 and is still a fully functional despite being a tourist attraction. Stop here to send a post card back home to family and friends!
Notre Dame Cathedral
Known at the City’s cathedral (Saigon Notre Dame Basilica), the Notre Dame Cathedral is a catholic church established by French colonist in the 1800s, one of the few Catholic churches left in the city as most of the country is Buddhist. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet) with all the original building materials imported from France. Unfortunately you will only be able to catch some outside views of this church as it is under renovations until 2020!
Binh Tay Market
Another building constructed by the French in the 1800s is the Binh Tay Market, a bustling place where you can find local eats, souvenirs, spices and fruits. If you’re looking for a cheap local meal, this is the place to go!
Bitexco Tower and Sky Deck
Catch a bird’s eye view of the city from the Bitexco Tower and Sky Deck, the tallest building in the city at 68 stories high, the entrance fee is US$9. You can also take the World of Heineken tour that will guide you through the 58th, 59th, 60th floor as well as give you two glasses of Heineken beer, mineral water, and a small gift. Tickets for this tour cost about US$11 and is highly recommended for any beer lover!
Heli Bar
Located on the 52nd floor of the Bitexco building The Heli Bar will give you stunning day or night views of the city. I recommend coming here for a drink and enjoying the views. Note, drink prices are on the higher end here.
Things I Missed
During the Vietnam War soldiers used an extensive network of tunnels to move around undetected by their enemies. The Cu Chi Tunnels give tourist an idea of what this was like by allowing you to actually crawl through some of them yourself! You can take a boat tour here along the Saigon River or drive, either option will be a full day tour. Discover more things to do alongside locals using the new Airbnb expereinces or Get Your Guide.
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Checkout this visual journey of the city from Roger B Stillz most recent trip in September 2019!
