Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam

Vietnam Travel Guide

Shop

Get even more with a Lonely Planet guide.

Shop Book
HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM — March 2025 Views of Landmark 81 and Ba Son Bridge

HO CHI MINH CITY, VIETNAM — March 2025 Views of Landmark 81 and Ba Son Bridge

Why visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the country forward with its pulsating energy. A chaotic whirl, the city breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride.

Lonely planet’s trusted travel insurance provider

Dreaming of Ho Chi Minh City? Protect your trip

Travel with confidence. Protect your trip and your wallet.

LEARN MORE

We don’t represent World Nomads, we receive a fee from quotes using this link. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Take your Vietnam trip with Lonely Planet Journeys

Pick one of our ready-to-book trips or fully customize your own with help from our local experts.

bookable trip

The Mighty Mekong Delta: Vietnam’s Floating Markets and Historic River Villages

9 days / 8 nights

highlights

  1. 1 Watching a dazzling show at Saigon’s historic Opera House
  2. 2 Biking around Bến Tre and riding a traditional sampan, where canals crisscross with local villages
  3. 3 Sampling street food and fresh fruit from the floating markets of Can Tho
from $2,853

per person

book this trip see trip details

Explore more trips

  • All-Encompassing Vietnam: 12 Days in Quy Nhon, Hạ Long, Hội An, and the Mekong Delta
    Vietnam

    12 days / 11 nights

    All-Encompassing Vietnam: 12 Days in Quy Nhon, Hạ Long, Hội An, and the Mekong Delta

    FROM $2,224

    per person

    See Trip Details
  • The Best of Vibrant Vietnam: City, Coastal, and Countryside Traditions
    Vietnam

    12 days / 11 nights

    The Best of Vibrant Vietnam: City, Coastal, and Countryside Traditions

    FROM $2,730

    per person

    See Trip Details
Want our experts to design a custom trip for you?
start planning

Top places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the best attractions in Ho Chi Minh City from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

Explore all

Travel Guides

Ho Chi Minh City travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Time to Visit

With two main seasons – dry and wet – Ho Chi Minh City is a culturally rich destination year-round, but timing affects some of its top activities.

Read full article

Things to Know

Use these tips and tricks to make the most out of your time in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Read full article

Free Things to Do

Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s top budget destinations. From temples to local sports, here are the best free things to do in Saigon.

Read full article

Day Trips

Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced and fabulous, but brilliant day trips await nearby in the Mekong Delta. Here are our top day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.

Read full article

Money and Costs

Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s top budget destinations. From temples to local sports, here are the best free things to do in Saigon.

Read full article

5 Shops

Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced and fabulous, but brilliant day trips await nearby in the Mekong Delta. Here are our top day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.

Read full article

Get a book. Get inspired. Get exploring.

Explore all books

in partnership with getyourguide

Book popular activities in Ho Chi Minh City