South Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide
Ho Chi Minh City (still widely called Saigon) is Vietnam's biggest, loudest, and most energetic city. Stay in District 1 for first-time trips, spend two days on the city itself, and use it as a base for day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.
Ho Chi Minh City (still widely called Saigon) is Vietnam's biggest, loudest, and most energetic city. Stay in District 1 for first-time trips, spend two days on the city itself, and use it as a base for day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta.
What to do
- War Remnants Museum — confronting but essential.
- Independence Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Ben Thanh Market for lunch, the Ben Thanh night market for dinner.
- Bui Vien Walking Street if you want chaos, District 3 cafes if you don't.
Day trips
- Cu Chi Tunnels (half day).
- Mekong Delta (full day to Ben Tre or My Tho; two days to Can Tho).
Day trips from Ho Chi Minh City
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Can Gio Mangrove Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City: The Honest 2026 Guide
An honest take on Can Gio — Saigon's UNESCO mangrove biosphere — what's worth it, Monkey Island, Vam Sat, ferry logistics, and costs in VND and USD.
Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City (2026 Guide)
How to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels — Ben Duoc vs Ben Dinh, speedboat vs bus, and what to expect from one of Vietnam's most-visited war sites.
Mekong Delta Day Trip from Ho Chi Minh City: The Honest 2026 Guide
The reality of a Mekong Delta day trip from Ho Chi Minh City — My Tho vs Ben Tre, what you'll see, prices in VND and USD, and why overnight is far better.
Frequently asked questions
Is it called Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City?
Both. The official name has been Ho Chi Minh City since 1975, but locals — especially in the south — still use Saigon in daily speech and for the central downtown area (District 1).
How many days do I need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Two full days for the city, plus one day for Cu Chi Tunnels and another for the Mekong Delta — so 3 to 4 days total.
What's the best area to stay in Saigon?
District 1 for first-timers — central, walkable to most sights. District 3 for a quieter, more local feel. Thao Dien (District 2) is the expat bubble, good for longer stays.