Ho Chi Minh City (also known by its colonial name of Saigon) is a major city in the south of Vietnam. Known for its crazy scooter traffic, great street food and nightlife scene, Ho Chi Minh City is well worth a stop on your Vietnam itinerary. There is so much more to Ho Chi Minh City than just food, Bui Vien Beer Street and traffic and spending a few days here will allow you to experience it all. This guide will cover how many days to spend here, how to get here, how to get around, the best hostels to stay in, what to do, where to eat and nightlife recommendations.
How many days to spend in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City gets a bit of a bad rep from many backpackers. Before I travelled to Vietnam for the first time, I heard other travellers saying, “Skip Ho Chi Minh City”. After travelling to Ho Chi Minh four times in the last few years, I have a different opinion. That is unless you really hate big cities or you’re on a majorly tight itinerary, Ho Chi Minh City is a necessary stop on your Vietnam itinerary. Not only is it a hub city, which is an easy place to either start or finish your trip in Vietnam, but it also has a lot of fascinating history, great food and a vibrant nightlife scene.
From my experience, two full days is the minimum amount of time you should spend in Ho Chi Minh City. If you like a good night out or are a slow traveller, allow four full days. Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling city but can also be extremely humid and hot. While it may be tempting to try and squeeze as much into every day, be mindful of the heat (particularly if sightseeing in the middle of the day) and whether you need to rest. On my best trip to Ho Chi Minh City, I broke up my days with a midday siesta in the hottest part of the day and had a much more enjoyable experience of the city.
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a major destination in the south of Vietnam and is connected by buses, trains and domestic flights to many destinations. For backpackers, the most popular destinations to depart from when heading to Ho Chi Minh City are Mui Ne, Dalat, Can Tho, and Phnom Penh (Cambodia). These are all accessible via direct bus services, which take between 4-8 hours, depending on the location. All buses can be booked online via 12GOAsia or usually through your hostel (which sometimes can be a better price or can include a free pick up at the hostel).
If you’re coming from elsewhere in Vietnam, consider travelling by sleeper train or domestic flight instead of bus, as the distance and time will be great. But also, you may want to ask yourself why you’re skipping destinations in between and whether breaking up the journey to stop for a few days in Mui Ne or Dalat would better suit your travel plans. Domestic flights from Da Nang (near Hoi An) and Hanoi can also be quite affordable, so you may want to consider this option.
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City from Cambodia
The only place in Cambodia where you can get a direct bus to Vietnam is Phnom Penh. The journey from Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh City takes between 6 to 8 hours, depending on the time spent being processed through immigration. Buses depart every 30 minutes from 4:30 am- 3:30 pm from various offices and bus stops around Phnom Penh, so check the departure location before booking. The buses range in price from 580k-900k VND Vietnamese Dong ($23-$36 USD), depending on departure time and which bus company you go with. If you catch one of the more budget buses, expect the amenities to be a bit more basic (e.g. seats that don’t recline much, poor A/C and greater language barriers with the driver).
The most expensive option is Giant Ibis, which includes both a driver and a “guide” who helps you with the border crossing. This is a major benefit of going through Giant Ibis, as they explain the process and help as much as they can to get everyone through both immigration departments as fast as possible. They also have super comfortable bus seats that recline pretty far back, and they give you water and a bunch of snacks. The Giant Ibis office in Ho Chi Minh City is right in the town centre and within walking distance from many hostels in District 1. In Phnom Penh, the office is around a 10-minute Tuk Tuk ride from most of the hostels.
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City from Can Tho
Buses between Can Tho and Ho Chi Minh City run virtually 24 hours a day. They run every hour on the hour, and there are multiple bus companies servicing this route. The journey takes around 4 hours on a sleeper bus or minivan. If possible, book the sleeper bus, as they are more comfortable and offer more privacy than minivans.
All the sleeper buses arrive at Mien Tay Bus Station (also called Western Bus Station) in Ho Chi Minh City. This is around a 20-minute drive from District 1. There are some alternative dropoff locations, but these are only usually for minivan transfers, which arrive at travel agencies instead of big bus stations. All buses depart from Can Tho Bus Station, which is on the opposite side of the river to the city centre. It’s super easy to get a taxi or Grab car from your hostel to the bus station. For a sleeper bus, expect to pay 230k VND Vietnamese Dong ($9 USD).
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City from Dalat
Dalat to Ho Chi Minh City is another super popular route, with sleeper buses departing virtually 24 hours a day, roughly every hour or so. There are multiple different companies as well that service this route. The journey takes around 8 hours in a sleeper bus, with around two bathroom/ food stops. Buses depart from the Intercity Dalat Bus Station, which is around a 10-minute drive out of town. In Ho Chi Minh City, most buses will arrive at the Western Bus Terminal (also called Mien Tay Bus Station), which is a 20-minute drive from District 1. Expect to pay between 300k-440k VND Vietnamese Dong ($12-27 USD) for this journey.
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City from Mui Ne
Train and bus services run from Mui Ne to Ho Chi Minh City, which you can book online at 12GOAsia. The buses are generally sleeper buses with reclined seats and A/C (even for day buses). The trains have a few different seating class options, such as non-A/C budget seating and A/C sleeper seating. However, the train stop isn’t actually in Mui Ne, but in Bin Thuan, which is a 45-minute taxi ride from Mui Ne town. The prices are similar between the train and sleeper buses, so honestly, there is no benefit in getting the train over the bus, given how far away the station is.
Sleeper buses depart all through the day and night, with services virtually every 30 minutes. The journey takes around 6 hours, with one stop for food and bathroom breaks. Different companies will have different arrival points in Ho Chi Minh City, so double-check that you’re booking a departure point closer to where your hostel is in the city. Pickup points in Mui Ne are usually in the middle of town near Mui Ne Fishing Village and on the side of the main road outside iHome Hostel. You can expect to pay between 220k-320k VND Vietnamese Dong ($9-$13 USD) for the journey.
TIP: When booking the bus on 12GOAsia, make sure you book one that stops specifically at Mui Ne and does not go to Bin Thuan. Some buses only stop at Bin Thuan, which is 45 minutes away, but they still come up when you search the route specifically for Mui Ne. If you book a bus bound for Mui Ne, the bus makes a few stops on the side of the main road. They will stop opposite iHome Hostel and in town at the actual bus terminal in Mui Ne.
How to get around Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is a massive, busy city that is split up into different districts. District 1 is the historical centre of town, where you’ll find most of the sights, hostels, cafes and backpacker bars. There are a few sights in District 3, but near the border of Districts 1 and 3. Ideally, you want to make sure you are staying in a neighbourhood in District 1. Staying in District 1 will place you within a 20-minute walk of everything you want to access.
If you don’t fancy walking due to the heat, you can use the Grab rideshare app to call a taxi or scooter, as there are many in the city. For Ho Chi Minh City, scooter taxis will always be easier, faster and cheaper to get as they can easily filter through traffic jams. However, you can still get Grab cars, but they are less popular and can take longer to arrive.
Is it safe to walk around Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City is extremely busy, particularly in District 1, which is the historical centre. The city notoriously has crazy motorbike traffic, with it being estimated that at any time, there are over 7 million scooters across the city (all districts). To me, it feels very safe to walk around the city even at night, as there are generally lots of other pedestrians, and things are pretty well-lit. However, it can feel very daunting trying to cross the road in Ho Chi Minh as the traffic will not stop for pedestrians, and there aren’t any crosswalks.
To get across a road in Ho Chi Minh City (and most other big cities in Vietnam), you just have to start walking across the road confidently, and scooters will divert around you. If you stop on the road or speed up unexpectedly, you do risk being hit as drivers calculate how to get around pedestrians based on the normal speed of a person crossing the road and are not expecting you to stop or speed up. If you are nervous crossing the road, try to sneakily cross simultaneously as a local, keeping pace with them.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
There are many great hostels in Ho Chi Minh City to suit every type of backpacker, such as party hostels, flashpacker hostels, budget hostels and social hostels. All of the hostels mentioned below are located in District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City and will be within walking distance of sights, markets, cafes, restaurants and Bui Vien Beer Street. You can book all accommodation online here.
Base Backpackers– best social hostel
Base Backpackers is a newer hostel but is quickly becoming known as the social hostel in Ho Chi Minh (without being a party hostel). The beds are pod-style with curtains and big lockers underneath and good A/C in the room. They have a small common area/bar on-site, which forces people to sit together and make friends. Every night from 7 pm to 8 pm, guests of the hostels can get a free beer at the bar, which also promotes a social vibe without it being a party hostel. The location in Ho Chi Minh City is really central to everything in District 1 and is a close walk to the nightlife area of Beer Street (Bui Vien).
The Hideout Hostel– best party hostel
Hideout Hostel has been around for ages and is a well-known party hostel in Ho Chi Minh. Its location in Ho Chi Minh is perfect if you want to party, as it is right off Bui Vien Beer Street (but surprisingly, you don’t hear the noise from the street if you want to sleep). The beds are pod-style with curtains and fairly comfortable. Rooms feature ensuite bathrooms which are cleaned regularly, good A/C and big security lockers.
They have a good bar downstairs with a free beer special from 7 pm to 8 pm, and afterwards, they have various happy hours on cocktails and shots. The bar area is pretty small but great for meeting people before heading out to Bui Vien (the famous beer street in Ho Chi Minh City). In terms of age, it tends to attract younger backpackers compared to the other hostels in Ho Chi Minh City.
Meander Hostel– best flashpackers hostel
Meander Hostel is perfect for digital nomads or those wanting a bit of a bougie hostel option. They have pod beds with curtains, proper duvets and really fluffy pillows (like hotel-quality bedding). The top bunks actually have stairs instead of ladders, strong A/C, and massive security lockers with rails to hang up clothing. The bathrooms are massive and super clean, with the showers featuring a separate changeroom area in each cubicle. They have a free coworking area on site, cafe, rooftop and even inexplicably a massive slide. The location is in District 1, but further away from the nightlife area of Ho Chi Minh City, particularly Bui Vien Street. The one downside to Meander is it is harder to make friends, as many couples, digital nomads and groups of friends will stay here, and they don’t run events to help people make friends.
Vy Da Backpackers– best budget hostel
Vy Da Backpackers is great bang for your buck if you’re looking for a hostel which is central, but only really a place to sleep. They have pod-style beds with curtains, big security lockers and good A/C. The bathrooms are small, with infrequent hot water, but they are clean. They offer a free basic breakfast (no coffee or tea included, though), and they have a rooftop cafe where you can purchase hot drinks if you want. The location is amazing, right in the middle of District 1. The main downside is they don’t really have a common area, so it is hard to make friends. Also, it is a budget hostel, so expect the facilities to be a bit older, but it is still clean and secure and much more affordable than other hostels in District 1.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City
There are so many great things to do in Ho Chi Minh City! The first thing you should do in the city is go on a free walking tour to see sights like the Independence Palace, Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the famous Nguyen Hue walking street and to get information and history on Ho Chi Minh City. Other sights in the city that are worth visiting are the War Remnants Museum, the Pink Church and Ben Thanh Market. These sights are all walkable from District 1. Also, I highly recommend joining a half-day Cu Chi Tunnels Tour and a night foodie scooter tour if you have the time and budget.
Free Walking Tour
A “free” walking tour around Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect way to get orientated on your first day and learn a little about the history. Note: free walking tours are always tip-based, so you pay whatever you feel is right. I booked the Ho Chi Minh City Walking Tour with Joseph on Guru Walk, which was fantastic. You can book walking tours online at Guru Walk by clicking here. The tours run from 9-1 or 3-6:30. We visited key sights like the Independence Palace, Saigon Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral and the famous Nguyen Hue walking street, among many other sights. Don’t get me wrong, the tour involves a lot of walking, and it gets pretty hot in parts of the day, but it is so worth it for the explanations and recommendations.
Cu Chi Tunnels day trip
No visit to Hi Chi Minh City is complete without a half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels! Most tours start early in the morning, between 7- 9 am, as the journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels is around a 2-hour drive out of the city. On this drive, you’ll have a tour guide explaining the history of the tunnels and the Vietnam War. Once you arrive in the tunnels, you’ll have a guided tour through the many areas and can explore the tunnels, exhibitions and inventions of the Viet Cong on the way.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are really well-preserved, and there are lots of interactive areas that show how people lived in these tunnels. After the tour, you are dropped back in the city in the mid-afternoon, usually between 2 pm and 3 pm. You can expect to pay around 500k VND Vietnamese Dong ($20) per person for a Cu Chu Tunnels Tour, including transportation, entrance and your tour guide, but excluding any food and drink.
War Remnants Museum
A visit to the War Remnants Museum is highly recommended, particularly after you’ve visited the Cu Chi Tunnels, as it provides an even more in-depth history and personal accounts of the effects of the war. If you only visit one museum in the whole of Vietnam, it should be this one. The museum does a great job of telling the stories of those affected by the war. The museum is just outside of District 1 but still walkable and is open every day from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.
It costs 40k VND Vietnamese Dong ($1.60 USD) to enter and an additional 80k VND Vietnamese Dong ($3 USD) for an audio guide. Highly recommend getting the audio guide as you hear many stories of survivors. It is a large museum with three levels, an outdoor section, and much information, so allow 3 hours here. Be warned, much of the content is quite harrowing and can be upsetting, but it is an important history to be informed and aware of when travelling to Vietnam.
Food Scooter Tour
Ho Chi Minh City is known for two things: crazy motorbike traffic and great food. Food Scooter Tours are the perfect combination of these two elements. There are lots of companies that operate these tours, but personally, I went with XO Tours, which I highly recommend. XO Tours is a local female-led tour company that runs food tours every night from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. They pick you up from your hostel and take you to several different food stops across different districts of Ho Chi Minh City, such as local markets, street food stalls, sightseeing stops and other restaurants. The drivers are also guides who chat about their experiences growing up in Ho Cho Minh City and give local insight and stories about the city.
The tour caters to all dietary requirements (just need to let them know in advance) and includes so much food and drinks. Food is eaten family dinner style with your group, and by the last stop, everyone was so sickly full of good food. Whether you’re a solo traveller or with a group, XO Tours’ Scooter Foodie adventure is a super social tour where you’ll be placed in a group with other travellers, so you’ll be sure to make friends. Be warned, this tour is a little on the pricey side, but it’s worth it. Expect to pay around 1.8 million VND Vietnamese Dong ($73 USD). This includes hostel pickup and dropoff, all transportation, helmets and waterproof clothing, several meals including seafood, all drinks, guides who give thorough explanations, photographs of the tour and water.
Pink Church
It is located in District 3, in the social media-famous Tan Dinh Church, fondly known as the Pink Church. Opening its doors in the late 19th century, this charming church is mainly just a photo-stop. You can only enter the church when there’s a service, but most people just visit to snap some photos out front. The best time to visit is during the golden hour when the fading sunlight makes the colours pop.
Visit Ben Thanh Market
Browsing through Ben Thanh Market is like taking a crash course in Vietnamese daily life. Locals and tourists alike weave through the narrow lanes, creating a dynamic and lively atmosphere. Whether you’re searching for unique souvenirs or just eager to immerse yourself in the local rhythm, this market is a vibrant snapshot of Ho Chi Minh City’s soul. The market is divided into sections, making it easy to explore. You’ll stumble upon rows of stalls dedicated to clothing, accessories, spices, and souvenirs. The market is open from 6 am to 6 pm daily, and haggling is expected. I would try not to visit in the middle of the day as it is incredibly hot there. For food, the Ben Thanh Street Food Market is better, and it is open until late in the evening for dinner and drinks.
Where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling metropolis of Vietnam, is a food lover’s paradise, offering a kaleidoscope of flavours that reflect the country’s rich culinary heritage. For backpackers exploring the vibrant streets of this city, there’s no better way to dive into the local food scene than by visiting some iconic establishments.
Ben Thanh Street Food Market
If you’re a backpacker seeking an authentic taste of Vietnamese street food in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Street Food Market should be your first stop. Located adjacent to the famous Ben Thanh Market, the Street Food Market is a vibe with cute fairy lights at night and lots of backpackers.
As you wander through the many food stalls, you can choose from different local dishes prepared right before your eyes. From banh mi sandwiches and pho noodle soup to fresh spring rolls and savoury Vietnamese pancakes (banh xeo), the market showcases the diversity of Vietnamese cuisine. I highly recommend trying the iconic ‘com tam’ (broken rice) and exotic fruits like dragon fruit and mangosteen.
Workshop cafe
Workshop Cafe is the perfect blend of a trendy coffeehouse and a workspace for digital nomads. Nestled in the heart of District 1, this chic cafe attracts locals and expats alike with its minimalist design, industrial aesthetics, and great coffee. This is the perfect place to try a Vietnamese-style iced coffee – a strong brew sweetened with condensed milk, an absolute must-try. The menu extends beyond coffee, offering a variety of teas, fresh juices, and a selection of pastries and light bites.
Secret Garden
This is my absolute favourite restaurant in Ho Chi Minh City because of the food, the vibe and the adventure of finding it! It’s tucked away down a random alleyway in District 1, surrounded by local businesses and residences. When you find the sign for Secret Garden, you’ll need to ascend a narrow staircase and walk up a few stories (past locals’ houses and other businesses). Once you reach the top, you’ll find yourself in a lush garden oasis adorned with lanterns, fairy lights, and traditional Vietnamese decor. The menu at Secret Garden is extensive, featuring local dishes like grilled lemongrass chicken, crispy spring rolls, and fresh seafood. The rooftop location is cute, especially in the evening when the city lights twinkle below.
Ho Chi Minh City Nightlife
Ho Chi Minh City comes alive when the sun sets, and if you’re a backpacker looking for a fun night out, Bui Vien Street is your go-to destination. This bustling strip in the heart of the city’s District 1 is absolute chaos but in the best way. Bui Vien is a walking street at night in Ho Chi Minh City, with a mix of backpackers, locals, and expats. The street is lined with an eclectic array of bars, pubs, and clubs, each offering its own unique vibe. Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back beer with fellow travellers or to dance until the early morning hours in Ho Chi Minh City, Bui Vien has you covered. While Bui Vien Street is a crazy, fun night out, it’s essential to be mindful of your surroundings and belongings, as the busy streets can attract pickpockets.
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