There’s just something about Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon, as the locals still lovingly call it) that captures your heart and never quite lets go. I wasn’t convinced at first—moved here in 2018 expecting a temporary stay. Fast forward a few years, a handful of districts lived in, countless alleys explored, and I still feel like I’ve only scratched the surface.
Whether you’re a culture buff, foodie, history nerd, coffee addict, or just a curious traveler, this city has something for you. In this guide, I’ll walk you through 11 compelling reasons why Ho Chi Minh City should be high on your travel bucket list.
1. It’s Incredibly Affordable (And Still Full of Luxury)
Inside the French colonial Saigon Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City.
Let’s talk cash. Ho Chi Minh City is one of those magical places where you can eat, sleep, and explore like royalty without burning through your savings.
Need a place to crash? Think stylish four- and five-star hotels in central locations for as little as $50–$150 a night. I’m talking about gems like:
- Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint in bustling District 1
- Hotel Majestic Saigon — perfect for riverside views with historic vibes
- Mai House Saigon in leafy District 3
Plus, food is ridiculously cheap. Street eats can cost you $1–$3 a dish, while rooftop dining experiences might only set you back $20–$40. And transport? Use Grab (Vietnam’s version of Uber) and you’ll zip around town for a few dollars a ride.
So yeah—your flight might be the most expensive part of your trip!
2. The Coffee Scene Will Blow Your Mind
Egg coffee in District 1.
If you’re a coffee lover, prepare yourself: Vietnam takes its coffee seriously—and Ho Chi Minh City is the epicenter of caffeinated innovation.
From robust cà phê sữa đá (Vietnamese iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk) to more adventurous concoctions like egg coffee, peanut coffee, and salted coffee, your caffeine options are many and they are mighty.
Make time for cozy spots like Little HaNoi if you want to sip on one of the best egg coffees in town (trust me, I’ve tried more than I’d like to admit).
3. Street Food That Deserves Its Own Passport Stamp
Bun cha Hanoi and spring rolls.
This isn’t just a city where you eat well. You eat epically.
Vietnam’s street food game is world-class, and in Ho Chi Minh City, it’s practically an art form. For a couple of bucks—yes, seriously—you can dive into steaming bowls of:
- Pho (iconic beef noodle soup)
- Bun bo Hue (spicy beef broth-based noodles)
- Bun cha Ha Noi (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles)
- Heavenly bánh mì sandwiches fit for royalty on a ramen budget
Follow the local crowds and you’ll find the good stuff. My latest obsession? Bun bo Hue for the win.
(Tip: Probiotics might help if your stomach isn’t street-food-seasoned.)
4. The Architecture Tells a Story
Hotel Continental Saigon.
Ho Chi Minh City is where old meets new—and they make it work beautifully.
Historic French colonial buildings stand tall among modern skyscrapers. You’ll stroll past Instagram-worthy spots like:
- Notre Dame Cathedral (yep, the materials were shipped from France)
- Saigon Central Post Office (crafted by a disciple of Eiffel)
- The People’s Committee Building
- Ho Chi Minh Opera House
One minute it’s tree-lined streets with 19th-century charm, the next it’s cutting-edge design and glitzy malls. It’s like walking through different decades without leaving the block.
5. Scooters Are Scary—and So Much Fun
Scooter riding in front of the People’s Committee Building.
I’ll say it: learning to ride a motorbike here is half the experience (and half the adrenaline rush).
I crashed into trash cans day one. Been accident-free since—don’t jinx me—but every ride feels like an adventure. Zipping around HCMC on a scooter offers a glimpse into local life unlike anything else. It’s freeing… and a bit chaotic. But man, it’s fun.
Not feeling bold enough to ride yourself? GrabBike will do the trick—cheap, fast, and way more reliable than street taxis.
6. The Chaos Comes With Rewards
Walking towards Ben Thanh Market.
Let’s be real: Ho Chi Minh City isn’t the most polished travel destination. Compared to Bangkok or KL, there are rough edges. And yet—that’s part of the charm.
You’ll need a sense of adventure and a little patience. But that extra effort? It pays off with unforgettable experiences that don’t feel sanitized or overly touristy.
There’s something deeply rewarding about figuring out this city on your own terms.
7. Warm Weather—All. Year. Long.
Tourists inside the War Remnants Museum.
Pack light: it’s genuinely warm here almost every day of the year.
Shorts, sandals, and t-shirts will get you through. If you’re visiting during the dry season (December to March), it’s practically perfect. Rainy season (May to November) brings showers, but the city never stops.
Just toss a lightweight poncho in your backpack—and bring the sunscreen!
8. You’ll Never Run Out of Things to Do
Bitexco Financial Tower observatory.
Ho Chi Minh City has enough to keep you busy for weeks—or more.
Some top picks:
- Independence Palace (where the Vietnam War ended)
- War Remnants Museum (heartbreaking but important)
- Nguyen Hue Street (a vibrant plaza perfect for people-watching)
- Ben Thanh Market (bargain hunter’s paradise)
- Saigon Skydeck (360-degree city views from the 49th floor)
Culture, history, food, fun—it’s all here. Make a list, and don’t forget to veer off it.
9. History Lives in Every Corner
People’s Committee Building at night.
Saigon’s past is written in every corner—and not so long ago, either.
From streets that saw the Fall of Saigon in 1975 to grand architecture from the French colonial era, the city is a living history book. You’ll find war-era exhibits, heroic statues, and stories from locals who lived through it all.
Walking these streets, it’s impossible not to feel the weight and richness of the past.
10. Vietnam’s Tallest Building Lives Here
Landmark 81 from Vinhomes Central Park.
Meet Landmark 81—Vietnam’s tallest building, soaring over Binh Thanh District like it owns the skyline.
It has:
- A killer observation deck on the 81st floor
- Fancy cafes, steak houses, and luxury shopping
- The Vinpearl Landmark 81 hotel (hello, panoramic views)
Right outside is Vinhomes Central Park, a fabulous riverside green escape perfect for picnics, workouts, or lazy afternoon strolls.
11. Every District Has a Totally Different Personality
Phu My Hung in District 7.
Think of Saigon as a bunch of mini-cities stitched together.
Each district has its own vibe:
- District 1: The energetic heart of HCMC, packed with hotels, shops, and colonial landmarks
- District 3: Leafy, local, and delightful for wandering on foot
- District 2: Especially Thao Dien—expat-friendly with yoga studios, Western cafes, and grocery stores
- District 7: Phu My Hung is quieter, cleaner, and more suburban-feeling. A Korean expat haven with wide roads and green spaces.
Exploring different districts feels like exploring different cities—and that’s part of the magic.
TL;DR? Ho Chi Minh City Is Full of Surprises
There’s no one-size-fits-all experience in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you’re into ancient temples or rooftop cocktails, motorbike rides or museum strolls, this city’s got you covered.
It rewards curiosity. Challenges your comfort zone. And leaves you with stories to last a lifetime.
Got questions or need help planning your trip? Join the conversation in our friendly Ho Chi Minh City travel group on Facebook!
See you in Saigon 🇻🇳☕🍜
Looking for travel tips, hidden gems, or the best districts to stay in? Check out Ahoy Vietnam for insider guides from folks who’ve been there (and are still loving every minute).