The south

Ho Chi Minh City

Markets, museums, coffee floors.

photo: market morning, district one

Ho Chi Minh City, still Saigon to most of the people who live here, is the country at its busiest: coffee floors above the markets, dinner alleys behind the boulevards, and traffic that runs like weather.

The first landmarks cluster in District 1: the central post office, the cathedral on its long restoration, the war remnants museum and the former presidential palace. Beyond them the districts keep their own character, from the calm of District 3 to Chinatown in District 5.

Where to stay

District 1The landmarks, the riverfront and the hotel towers: walkable in the cool of the morning, close to everything.

District 3Quieter streets just north, with good coffee and a short ride to the centre.

Thao DienThe riverside east side: international kitchens, green streets, farther out.

Cho LonChinatown around District 5: markets, temples and one of the city's oldest stories.

When to go

DecJanFebMar

The drier stretch runs through the winter months, and December to March is the run most trips land on. From May to October the wet season arrives in heavy, short showers, and the city carries on around them.

Tours that start here

All toursAll

photo: coffee floor above the market

Morning · Ho Chi Minh CityMarkets and coffee floorsA walk from the market lanes to the old apartments.

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Getting there

AirTan Son Nhat (SGN) sits inside the city; allow generous time in traffic on either side of a flight.

RailThe north to south train ends at Saigon station in District 3.

RoadBuses run to the delta and the coast, and public buses link the airport with the centre.

Questions, answered.

How many days does the city need?Two days cover District 1 and one more quarter; a third opens the museums and a slower day by the river.

How do people get around?Metered taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the distances; the centre works area by area on foot, with mornings and evenings the comfortable hours.

Can I reach the Mekong from here?My Tho and Ben Tre work as long day trips from the city; Can Tho and the floating markets repay an overnight.

Other places

photo: old quarter at dusk

HanoiOld quarter, lakes, street kitchens

photo: limestone water at first light

Ha Long BayBays, caves, overnight boats

photo: lantern street after rain

Hoi AnTailors, lanterns, river evenings