ABOUT HO CHI MINH CITY
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, once “The Pearl of the Far East” is the second largest city in Vietnam (the largest being Hanoi). It is the most crowded city in the country with the official population of over 8 million people on a total area of over 2,095 km2.
The city has emerged as the center of commerce, economy, education, science and technology, health care, and tourism in Vietnam.
TRANSPORT
Travelers can arrive in Ho Chi Minh City by bus, train, or plane.
Tan Son Nhat Airport is the main airport. The airport is located in Tan Binh District, over 7 km from the city center.
Taxis are everywhere, but those with a Vietnamese SIM card can use ride-hailing apps like Grab. Local buses cover a good portion of the city.
WEATHER
Ho Chi Minh City has consistent temperatures year-round, and the weather is generally warm. Heatwaves hit the city from April to May, welcoming the rainy season from May to November. Slightly cooler temperatures emerge in December and January.
CURRENCY AND BANKING
The official name for the currency of Viet Nam is VND. You can exchange money at the airport, banks, and hotels. Major credit cards are honored at most hotels. Banks usually open from 08:00 to 16:30 on all working days.
ELECTRICITY
Electricity in Viet Nam is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second. If you travel to Viet Nam with a device that does not accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will need a voltage converter.
TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Ho Chi Minh City is a popular travel destination, famous for its colonial charm and buzzing city life, offering a range of parks, temples, museums, and other attractions to fill your day. Whether you’re traveling to Ho Chi Minh City for a quick stop en route to other parts of Vietnam or are planning a visit to the city exclusively, you will be won over by the city’s frenetic energy and the many local gems just waiting to be discovered.
Built between 1863 and 1880 by French colonists, Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is one of HCMC’s architectural marvels. Located in a very peaceful picturesque corner in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City, the church is the most famous landmark as well as the core Cathedral of the city.
Distance from Venue: 200m
Walk: 2 mins
Located right opposite Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office is one of the must-visit destinations on your travel list. Built between 1886 and 1891 by renowned architect Gustave Eiffel, the building’s vaulted roof and arched windows are reminiscent of early European railway stations.
Distance from Venue: 220 m
Walk: 3 min
Being one of the most important historical buildings in Vietnam, the Independence Palace is known as the famous historical witness which passed through the two fierce wars against the French and American colonists.
As one of the finest colonial buildings in Saigon, it is considered not only the symbol of Vietnam’s national independence but also a special national relic for its architectural and historical values.
Distance from Venue: 600 m
Walk: 8 mins / Car: 3 mins
The theater holds water puppet shows every night, fostering the tourists to know more about Vietnamese traditional art. The show displays elaborately designed puppets in traditional costumes and is accompanied by live orchestra music.
Distance from Venue: 1.3 km
Walk: 16 mins / Car: 8 mins
With a height of 262m from the ground, Bitexco offers a 360 – degree view of the city at Saigon Deck, located on the 49th floor.
Distance from Venue: 1.5 km
Walk: 18 mins / Car: 7 mins
Constructed in the early 20th century by a French architect, this three-floor building features Vietnamese artworks in a collection of paintings, sculptures, and ceramics from both ancient and modern styles. Archaeological exhibitions and Buddhist art can also be found on the top floor. This is among Vietnam’s biggest art centers.
Distance from Venue: 1.6 km
Walk: 20 mins / Car: 8 mins