🇻🇳Ho Chi Minh City
Still called Saigon by most locals — a fast-moving, entrepreneurial city of glass towers rising over French colonial landmarks, with a motorbike sea and a street-food scene that runs 24 hours.
In photos
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Quick facts
Money & what things cost
Cash is still king at street stalls and markets, though District 1's malls, hotels, and modern cafes accept cards widely. ATMs are plentiful but often have per-withdrawal limits and fees — a fee-free travel card helps. Bargaining is normal at markets like Ben Thanh, less so at fixed-price shops and restaurants.
What locals earn
| Average monthly salary (HCMC) | ≈ $400–500 | gross; the highest in the country given the concentration of business and foreign investment |
| Minimum wage (Region I, incl. HCMC) | ≈ $190/month | government-set regional minimum |
Food & drink
| Item | Local price | ≈ USD |
|---|---|---|
| Banh mi or com tam from a street stall | 20,000–40,000₫ | $0.80–1.60 |
| Casual restaurant meal, per person | 70,000–150,000₫ | $3.00–6.00 |
| Mid-range restaurant dinner, per person | 250,000–500,000₫ | $10–20 |
| Vietnamese iced coffee | 20,000–40,000₫ | $0.80–1.60 |
| Local beer (Saigon, 333) | 15,000–25,000₫ | $0.60–1.00 |
Transport
| Item | Local price | ≈ USD |
|---|---|---|
| City bus ride | 5,000–7,000₫ | $0.20–0.30 |
| Grab motorbike, short trip | 15,000–25,000₫ | $0.60–1.00 |
| Grab car, across town | 60,000–130,000₫ | $2.50–5.50 |
| Tan Son Nhat Airport → District 1, Grab/taxi | 150,000–200,000₫ | $6.00–8.00 |
Where to sleep & what it costs
| Tier | Per night | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel dorm | $5.00–12 | Concentrated around Bui Vien and Pham Ngu Lao (the backpacker area) |
| Budget hotel | $18–35 | District 1 has good value even at the budget tier |
| Mid-range hotel | $35–65 | Often includes a rooftop pool or bar given the tropical climate |
| Luxury | $130+ | District 1's riverside and central hotels concentrate the top end |
Getting around
- From the airport
- Tan Son Nhat Airport is unusually close to the city center — Grab or taxi to District 1 takes just 20–30 minutes (traffic depending) and costs 150,000–200,000₫.
- Grab (ride-hailing app)
- The default way to get around for most visitors — cheap, fixed-price upfront, and available for both cars and motorbike taxis via the app.
- Walking
- District 1 is walkable in sections, but the heat, humidity, and motorbike-dominated streets make it less pleasant for long stretches than in cooler cities.
- Metro
- Line 1 (Ben Thanh–Suoi Tien) opened in recent years and covers a useful stretch toward the east of the city — more lines are under construction, gradually expanding coverage.
- Crossing the street
- Same technique as Hanoi — walk at a slow, steady, predictable pace and let motorbikes flow around you rather than stopping or running.
Neighborhoods to stay in
- District 1 (Dong Khoi/Ben Thanh)
- The central, walkable core — close to the cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, the Bitexco Tower, and most major sights.
- Pham Ngu Lao / Bui Vien
- The backpacker district — cheap hostels, bars, and nightlife, still within District 1.
- District 3
- Quieter, more residential, still close to District 1, with good local dining.
- Thao Dien (District 2)
- Leafy, expat-heavy, more relaxed, popular for its cafes and brunch spots — a short Grab ride from downtown.
Tipping & etiquette
- Locals still commonly call the city 'Saigon' in everyday speech, even though the official name is Ho Chi Minh City — both are understood and fine to use.
- Dress modestly when visiting the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, or any pagoda — shoulders and knees covered.
- The War Remnants Museum presents the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective and includes graphic material — worth knowing before visiting, and worth visiting for the historical context it adds.
- Bargaining at markets is expected but should stay good-natured — aggressive haggling is considered rude, not skillful.
Safety & common scams
Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for visitors, with violent crime against tourists rare. The most common issues are traffic (as a pedestrian or motorbike passenger) and petty theft — bag-snatching by passing motorbikes is a real risk in busy areas, so keep bags on the side away from the street.
Scams to know
- Bag-snatching from passing motorbikes — walk with bags on the building side of the sidewalk, not the street side, and keep straps across the body.
- Unmetered or 'broken meter' taxis — stick to Vinasun or Mai Linh (reputable companies with marked cars) or use Grab, which fixes the price in advance.
- Shoeshine or trinket sellers who won't take no for an answer around Bui Vien and District 1 tourist spots — a firm, polite decline usually works.
- Currency mix-ups given the number of zeros in the dong — double-check change carefully, especially at night markets and with unofficial vendors.
Emergency numbers: 113 (police), 114 (fire), 115 (ambulance)
Phone & internet
Cheap and reliable — a tourist SIM or eSIM (Viettel, Mobifone, Vinaphone) with several GB of data runs $3.00–8.00 for a couple of weeks, sold at the airport or phone shops throughout District 1. Coverage is strong across the city.
First-timer FAQs
Do I need a visa?
Many nationalities can apply for a 45-day e-visa online in advance, and some countries get short visa-free stays — check current requirements for your passport before booking, since Vietnam has adjusted these rules several times in recent years.
How many days do I need?
Two to three days covers District 1's main sights (Notre-Dame, Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace) at a relaxed pace; add a day for a Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels day trip.
Is it safe to eat street food?
Yes, generally — look for stalls with high turnover and locals eating there, which is usually a sign of fresh ingredients and safe handling. Street food is a highlight of visiting, not something to avoid.
Should I visit Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City first?
Neither is objectively better — HCMC is bigger, more modern, and closer to the Mekong Delta; Hanoi has more historic character and easier access to Ha Long Bay. Many itineraries fly between the two.
How hot does it get?
Consistently warm to hot year-round given its tropical location — expect 27–34°C (80–93°F) most of the year, with high humidity, so pack light, breathable clothing regardless of season.