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Saigon
French colonial landmarks, war history, street food and skyscrapers – Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's most dynamic city and the gateway to the Mekong Delta.
Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest city and its economic engine. Since 1 July 2025 it has merged with Binh Duong and Ba Ria – Vung Tau provinces, covering about 6,772 km² with around 14 million people; the old District 1 is now the Saigon, Ben Thanh, Tan Dinh and Cau Ong Lanh wards. Visitors come for French colonial landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office, Vietnam War history at Independence Palace and the War Remnants Museum, legendary street food, rooftop bars and the views from Landmark 81. Saigon is also the gateway to the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
Why Visit Saigon?
- History: Independence Palace, where the war ended on 30 April 1975, and the War Remnants Museum.
- Colonial architecture: Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the Opera House.
- Food: cơm tấm, bánh mì and a Michelin-recognised dining scene; see our Saigon food guide.
- Markets and shopping: Ben Thanh Market and Binh Tay Market in Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown.
- Modern skyline: Landmark 81, Vietnam’s tallest building.
- Day trips: the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta: My Tho, Ben Tre and Can Tho.
Top Things to Do in Saigon
- Tour Independence Palace and its basement bunker.
- Visit the War Remnants Museum.
- Photograph Notre Dame Cathedral and send a postcard from the Saigon Central Post Office.
- Shop and eat at Ben Thanh Market.
- Watch the sunset from Landmark 81 SkyView.
- Stroll Nguyen Hue walking street and the riverside in the evening.
- Explore Cholon and Binh Tay Market.
- Join a street food tour by motorbike.
- Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Take a Mekong Delta day trip or stay overnight in Can Tho for the Cai Rang floating market.
Ho Chi Minh City Attractions at a Glance: Opening Hours & Ticket Prices 2026
Opening hours and adult ticket prices for the main sights in Ho Chi Minh City, checked in October 2026 against official and local sources. Prices are in Vietnamese dong (VND), can change without notice and are usually included in our private tours. Click a name for the full guide.
| Attraction | Opening hours | Ticket (adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Palace | Daily 7:00–18:00 | 80,000 VND |
| War Remnants Museum | Daily 7:30–17:30 | 40,000 VND |
| Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon | Exterior any time; interior mainly at Mass during restoration | Free |
| Saigon Central Post Office | Daily, roughly 7:00–17:00 (to 18:00 weekends) | Free |
| Ben Thanh Market | Daily about 6:00–18:00 | Free |
| Cholon & Binh Tay Market | Daily about 6:00–18:00 | Free |
| Landmark 81 SkyView | Daily 9:00 or 10:00–22:00 (ticket sales end earlier) | 300,000 VND weekdays, 500,000 VND weekends |
| Cu Chi Tunnels | Daily 7:00–17:00 | 135,000 VND foreigners (from 1 Feb 2026) |
Best Time to Visit Saigon
December to April, the dry season, is the best time, with sunshine and lower humidity; April is the hottest month at around 35°C. The rainy season from May to November brings short, heavy afternoon showers. More in our Saigon travel tips.
How to Get to Saigon
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is only 7–8 km from the centre, 25–45 minutes by car, with flights from Hanoi taking about 2 hours. The city’s first metro, Metro Line 1, opened in December 2024 from Ben Thanh to Suoi Tien. See our Saigon transportation guide and the Ho Chi Minh City Wikipedia page.
How Many Days in Saigon?
Two to three days covers the city’s main sights plus a half-day at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Add 1–2 days for the Mekong Delta. Saigon pairs well with Hoi An, Da Nang and Hanoi on a 10–14 day Vietnam trip.
Where to Stay in Saigon
The old District 1 (Saigon and Ben Thanh wards) is best for first-timers; old District 3 is more local; Thao Dien suits families. See our where to stay in Saigon guide.
Plan Your Saigon Trip with Local Experts
We hope this Saigon travel guide helps you plan. Vietnam Tour Expert organises private Saigon city tours, street food tours, Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta trips, and complete Vietnam itineraries. Browse our Saigon tours, or Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
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Popular Attractions
Independence Palace Saigon: Tickets, History & Bunker
War Remnants Museum Saigon: Ticket, Hours & What to Expect
Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon: History, Restoration & Visiting
Saigon Central Post Office: History, Maps & Visiting Tips
Ben Thanh Market Saigon: Hours, What to Buy & Bargaining
Landmark 81 SkyView: Tickets, Hours & Best Time to Visit
Cu Chi Tunnels: Ben Dinh vs Ben Duoc, Tickets & Tips
Mekong Delta Day Trip from Saigon: Routes, Tips & Tours
My Tho Mekong Delta: Vinh Trang Pagoda, Islands & Day Trip
Ben Tre: Coconut Canals, Sampan Rides & Homestays
Can Tho & Cai Rang Floating Market: Best Time & Guide
Cholon & Binh Tay Market: Saigon Chinatown Guide
Saigon Travel Guide
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Saigon worth visiting?
Yes. Saigon combines war history, French colonial landmarks, outstanding food and easy day trips. See the top attractions in Saigon.
2. Is Saigon the same as Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes. The city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, but Saigon is still widely used, and a central ward is now officially called Saigon ward.
3. How many days do you need in Saigon?
Two to three days, plus 1–2 days for the Mekong Delta. See our Saigon travel tips.
4. What is the best time to visit Saigon?
December to April, in the dry season. More in our Saigon travel tips.
5. What are the top things to do in Saigon?
6. How much is the Independence Palace ticket?
About 80,000 VND for the combo (palace plus exhibition) or about 40,000 VND for the palace only. See Independence Palace.
7. How much is the War Remnants Museum ticket?
40,000 VND, with 50% off for students and free entry under 6. See War Remnants Museum.
8. Can I go inside Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon?
During the restoration, the interior is generally only open for Mass. See Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon.
9. How much is the Landmark 81 SkyView ticket?
Roughly 300,000 VND for adults on weekdays and 500,000 VND at weekends; check current prices. See Landmark 81.
10. What time does Ben Thanh Market open?
About 6:00–18:00, with a night market outside until about 22:00. See Ben Thanh Market.
11. Does Ho Chi Minh City have a metro?
Yes, Metro Line 1 opened on 22 December 2024 between Ben Thanh and Suoi Tien. See our Saigon transportation guide.
12. How do I get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the city centre?
By Grab or taxi (about 150,000–250,000 VND, 25–45 minutes) or bus 109. See our Saigon transportation guide.
13. How do I get from Hanoi to Saigon?
Fly in about 2 hours, or take the Reunification Express train, which takes more than 30 hours.
14. How far are the Cu Chi Tunnels from Saigon?
Ben Dinh is about 50 km and Ben Duoc about 65–70 km, 1.5–2 hours by car. See Cu Chi Tunnels.
15. Can I visit the Mekong Delta from Saigon?
Yes, My Tho and Ben Tre are 1.5–2 hours away for a day trip; stay overnight in Can Tho for the floating market. See our Mekong Delta day trip guide.
16. What food is Saigon famous for?
Cơm tấm, bánh mì, hủ tiếu, bánh xèo and snails. See our Saigon food guide.
17. Does Ho Chi Minh City have Michelin-starred restaurants?
Yes, the 2026 Michelin Guide Vietnam lists six one-star restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. See our Saigon food guide.
18. Where should I stay in Saigon?
The old District 1 for first-timers, District 3 for local life or Thao Dien for families. See our where to stay in Saigon guide.
19. Is Saigon safe for tourists?
Yes; the main risks are phone snatching and overcharging. See our Saigon travel tips.
20. What scams should I watch out for in Saigon?
Cyclo overcharging, fake ride-hail drivers and confusing 500,000 and 20,000 VND notes.
21. Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Most visitors need an e-visa of up to 90 days; some nationalities are visa-exempt for up to 45 days. Use the official e-visa portal.
22. Is Saigon expensive?
No; street food costs about 30,000–80,000 VND per dish, and mid-range hotels about US$48–80 per night.
23. What is the weather like in Saigon?
Hot all year (about 26–35°C), with a dry season from December to April and a rainy season from May to November.
24. Should I visit Saigon or Hanoi?
Both if possible: Saigon is modern and energetic, Hanoi is historic and cultural.
25. Can Vietnam Tour Expert customise a Saigon tour?
Yes. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
