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Introduction to Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the largest city in the country, serving as an economic hub and transportation center that plays a crucial role in the overall development of the nation.
When visiting Saigon, tourists will be captivated and impressed by the magnificent skyscrapers, bustling commercial centers,... of the most dynamic urban area.
In addition, ancient architectural structures, traditional markets are also very attractive for tourists to explore and admire. Moreover, the hospitality and friendliness of the people make it easy for you to adapt to the life here.
Saigon Travel Experience
Ideal Time for Visiting Saigon
Situated in the tropical climate zone near the equator, Saigon's weather is characterized by two seasons: dry season and rainy season. The dry season typically lasts from December to April, with high temperatures during the day, especially in April when it can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, but evenings are cooler and pleasant, suitable for strolling and sightseeing.
From May to November is the rainy season. During this time, rain showers are frequent and sometimes prolonged, lasting for a week, causing difficulties for travel activities.
The ideal time for visiting Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season. The sunny and cool weather is perfect for exploring everywhere without worrying about sudden rain showers disrupting plans.
The ideal time to visit Saigon is during the dry season
Prepare your documents and luggage
Planning thoroughly for your belongings and necessary tools can make your trip more convenient, minimizing potential issues. Keep in mind the things to prepare when traveling to Saigon listed below:
Personal documents
To facilitate procedures upon arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, such as hotel check-in, flight tickets, or scooter rental..., the necessary documents to bring are relatively simple.
Travelers should bring personal documents such as ID card/driver's license. If traveling with children, bring a certified copy of their birth certificate to facilitate procedures with adults. For foreigners or overseas Vietnamese, it's advisable to also prepare a passport.
Prepare personal documents for traveling to Saigon
Prepare luggage for traveling to Saigon
With the relatively high average temperature, you can easily choose clothes according to your preferences. Comfortable outfits like T-shirts, dresses, shorts... are very suitable and convenient for moving around.
A light jacket will help you both shield from the sun and keep warm when going out at night. Additionally, travelers should bring personal items such as cash (ATM card), medications, sunglasses, sunscreen, umbrella or raincoat, medical supplies, power bank, etc.
Book flight tickets to Saigon
Flights to Saigon are currently departing from 19 airports nationwide, specifically from Hanoi, Hai Phong, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Con Dao, Ca Mau, Phu Quoc, etc.
Ticket prices usually range from 49,000 to 2,329,000 VND (excluding taxes and fees) and may vary depending on various factors. To catch cheap tickets, you should book tickets 2 - 3 months in advance to ensure availability and get a favorable price.
|
Flight Route |
One-way Fare (VND) |
Round-trip Fare (VND) |
|---|---|---|
|
Hanoi - Saigon |
399,000 |
798,000 |
|
Da Nang - Saigon |
389,000 |
778,000 |
|
Vinh - Saigon |
199,000 |
398,000 |
|
Hai Phong - Saigon |
216,000 |
432,000 |
Fare Price Table for Flights to Saigon
>> Book cheap flights to Saigon at Mytour
Book Saigon hotel accommodation
Tips for Booking Hotels in Saigon
Saigon offers a diverse range of accommodation options, with various star ratings to suit your budget. To book a room, it's advisable to research and consider reputable and quality travel companies.
|
Hotel |
District |
Room Rate (VND) |
|---|---|---|
|
Saigon Eden Garden |
28/12 Bui Vien, District 1 |
831,000 |
|
A25 19A Bui Thi Xuan |
19A Bui Thi Xuan, District 1 |
587,000 |
|
Nhat Ha L'Opera Saigon |
12- 14- 16 Cao Ba Quat, District 1 |
1,533,000 |
|
Central Palace Saigon |
39-39A Nguyen Trung Truc, District 1 |
1,386,000 |
Price Reference Table for Hotels in Saigon
Modes of Transportation in Saigon
What are the transportation options to get to Saigon? How to travel between destinations within the city? Follow the information provided by Mytour below.
Transportation from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the City Center
You can choose from taxi, bus, airport shuttle, or motorbike taxi to travel to the center of Saigon. If you have minimal luggage and want to save costs, you should take bus routes 49, 109, or 152, with fares ranging from 6,000 to 40,000 VND per trip. Taking a taxi takes about 10 - 15 minutes with fares ranging from 100,000 - 150,000 VND.
Transportation Options in Saigon
Traveling by Cyclo around Saigon
If you don't book a full package tour, some common transportation options for tourists in Saigon include taxi, motorbike rental, bus, cyclo, or Saigon water bus. Taking a taxi is suitable for groups of friends or families. To explore the streets, renting a motorbike or taking a cyclo is the most convenient. Motorbike rental prices range from 80,000 - 200,000 VND per day. Cyclo rides are priced by the hour, with costs around 50,000 - 80,000 VND for 2 people, suitable for touring around the city center.
>> You may also be interested in: Compilation of the most convenient and cost-effective transportation methods in Saigon
Where to Go, What to Do in Saigon?
When it comes to Saigon, we are often eager to set foot in this bustling, glamorous city. Let's explore the tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City right below.
Duc Ba Cathedral
Duc Ba Cathedral is recognized as one of the 19 most beautiful cathedrals in the world and is an icon of Ho Chi Minh City. This construction is designed in the Roman and Gothic architectural styles of Europe, giving it a nostalgic charm. The cathedral's bell set is also the largest in Vietnam. Located in the city center, from the cathedral, you can easily visit other famous tourist destinations.
Duc Ba Cathedral (@tramvo38)
Independence Palace
Independence Palace is a historical and cultural landmark that has existed since the resistance war against the United States. It was also the workplace of the government of the Republic of Vietnam and still retains many relics from the old regime, from the day of national liberation on April 30, 1975. Visiting Independence Palace, you seem to recall a glorious period of the nation, and further appreciate the contributions of the fallen heroes who sacrificed for freedom.
Suoi Tien Tourist Area
This is an attractive entertainment complex inspired by cultural stories and legends such as Lac Long Quan - Au Co, the Hung Kings, Son Tinh - Thuy Tinh, etc. Before construction began, this was a pristine land with small streams flowing through, sparsely populated. With a total area of 105 hectares, every year Suoi Tien Tourist Area attracts many tourists for entertainment.
Check out Suoi Tien Tourist Area - a famous entertainment complex in Saigon
Ben Thanh Market
As the oldest market in Saigon, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit destination when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City. Operating from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., the market is always bustling with people coming to shop and eat. All goods, from traditional to modern, are available at the market.
Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street
Nguyen Hue Street has long been the central artery of Saigon. Put into use since 2015, Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is the most beautiful and modern square in Vietnam. As the sun begins to set, the street becomes crowded, becoming a gathering place for fun. Especially during the Lunar New Year, the flower exhibition held here attracts a lot of attention from people.
Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street (@paracetaminn)
Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels are a stronghold of resistance deep within the earth from the Indochina War period. This site has a system of tunnels connecting meeting rooms, infirmaries, living quarters, storage rooms... with a length of up to 200km. When visiting here, it's advisable to wear sneakers for easier movement.
>> Save the most popular tourist attractions in Saigon
Famous dishes in Saigon
As a large city with residents from various provinces, Saigon cuisine is extremely diverse. From traditional Southern dishes to those from many different regions. Take along some famous dishes in Saigon for your trip to the 'Eastern Pearl'!
- Broken rice: Marinated pork ribs are coated with a layer of fat and then grilled. When eaten, this dish not only has shiny golden ribs but also includes pork skin rolls, eggs, shredded pork skin, a little pickled vegetables. People often add a bit of onion oil to the rice to make the dish more appealing.
- Hu Tieu Go: The characteristic point of this dish is that it is sold on pushcarts along the street, you just need to go out and call, you can eat anytime on the plastic chairs on the sidewalk. A bowl of Hu Tieu Go includes thinly sliced meat, beef balls, quail eggs, pork liver, bean sprouts... along with fragrant hot broth.
Hu Tieu Go
- Mixed rice paper: It is a delicious and cheap dish in Saigon made from a variety of diverse ingredients. Rice paper is pre-cut into strips and then mixed with dried beef, quail eggs, roasted peanuts, satay sauce, shredded mango, fried shallots, laksa leaves... When the rice paper becomes soft, it is ready to enjoy.
- Banh canh: The broth of banh canh is simmered from fish, pork hock, and shrimp, so it is very fragrant and naturally sweet. When eating, tourists can enjoy it with tamarind sauce, chili sauce, and various fresh herbs. There are many types of banh canh for you to try such as crab banh canh, snakehead fish banh canh, or chive banh canh,...
- Snails: Various types of snails are imported from different regions to Saigon. Snail stalls are usually open from late afternoon until late at night. This is a delicious and inexpensive snack, suitable for gathering with friends and strolling around the streets.
Snails in Saigon
Shopping experience in Saigon
Some specialties of Saigon suitable as gifts for relatives and friends after the Ho Chi Minh City trip such as durian pastries, shredded pork crispy rice, dried snakehead fish, Phuc Long tea, lotus seeds,... Note a few things after shopping in Ho Chi Minh City:
- You should choose reputable shopping addresses, ensure that the products have full brands, avoid buying counterfeit goods, and poor quality products.
- Saigonese are quite friendly and enthusiastic, you can inquire or ask for assistance to reliable shopping places.
- Remember to ask the price carefully before buying, do not hesitate to bargain to avoid being overcharged. Some typical markets like Ben Thanh market for souvenir shopping, for fabric shopping you should go to Tan Dinh market,...
- Saigon is densely populated, with many people coming and going, so incidents of robbery and pickpocketing occur frequently. You need to be careful and vigilant when carrying valuables. If wearing jewelry, dress modestly to avoid attracting attention.
Shopping experience in Saigon
There are many shopping centers in Saigon, but it's not always advisable to shop there. If you want to buy products at an average price, you should go to supermarkets or Saigon Square. If you want to buy luxury goods, Parkson, Vincom, or Diamond are suitable destinations.
Some other experiences when traveling to Saigon
Here are some essential tips for your trip to Ho Chi Minh City:
- When participating in traffic in Saigon, remember to negotiate the fare before getting on the vehicle to avoid conflicts.
- Being a large city, during rush hours, traffic congestion is common. At these times, it's best not to go out but rather visit a shopping center or a café.
- Saigon has a wide area, so if you're traveling independently and not familiar with the roads, it's advisable to carry a map or use Google Maps for navigation.
- When visiting historical sites, tourists should dress modestly and avoid making noise.
- If you're traveling to Ho Chi Minh City during the rainy season, make sure to check the weather forecast before your departure and remember to bring an umbrella and raincoat.
With the comprehensive travel experiences from A to Z in Saigon shared above, we hope you have all the useful information you need and feel confident to travel here. If you're unsure about booking a tour to Ho Chi Minh City or where to find reputable hotels, don't hesitate to contact Mytour - a travel company with over 10 years of experience in the industry. Our professional and enthusiastic team will assist you with any inquiries. Now, pack your bags and let's explore the city named after Uncle Ho!
Linh Nguyen
Image sources: Instagram, Internet
