Ho Chi Minh City – still called Saigon by most of its residents – is Vietnam at full volume. Markets, motorbikes, rooftop bars, war museums, street food, and a skyline growing taller each year. It is also the city where Vietnam’s new Pre-Arrival Registration Form is most important, since Tan Son Nhat Airport was the first to mandate it. This guide covers everything for a great HCMC trip in 2026.
Arriving at Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) – Pre-Arrival Form Required
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is Vietnam’s busiest airport and the first where the Pre-Arrival Registration Form became mandatory – effective April 15, 2026. All foreign passport holders must complete this free declaration before landing. Submit it 2-3 days before your flight at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn.
On arrival at SGN, present your passport and QR code at immigration. Full guide: Vietnam Pre-Arrival Form 2026 Guide.
From the airport to central HCMC (District 1), about 8km:
- Grab: Most recommended – around 120,000-180,000 VND to District 1 (~$5-7)
- Official taxis: Vinasun and Mai Linh are reliable metered taxis from the official rank
- Bus (route 109): Cheapest option, about 40 minutes, 20,000 VND
Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
- War Remnants Museum: Powerful documentation of the Vietnam War – essential for understanding the country’s history
- Reunification Palace (Independence Palace): Historic site where the Vietnam War ended in 1975. Well-preserved with original furnishings and underground bunkers
- Ben Thanh Market: Iconic landmark and shopping hub. Haggle for clothes, souvenirs, and snacks
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: French colonial red-brick cathedral in the heart of District 1
- Central Post Office: Beautiful 1886 French colonial building – still an active post office
- Binh Tay Market (Cho Lon): Vietnam’s largest wholesale market in the Chinatown district
HCMC Food Guide
- Banh mi: Some of the best in Vietnam – try Banh Mi Huynh Hoa on Le Thi Rieng Street
- Hu tieu: HCMC-style noodle soup with pork broth – lighter than pho and often eaten for breakfast
- Com tam: Broken rice with grilled pork chop, eggs, and pickles – the definitive HCMC lunch
- Fresh spring rolls (goi cuon): Translucent rice paper rolls with shrimp, pork, and herbs
- Sinh to (smoothies): Fresh tropical fruit smoothies from street stalls – extraordinary value at 15,000-30,000 VND
- Ca phe sua da: Iced Vietnamese milk coffee – from any street stall for under 25,000 VND
Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
- Grab: Essential app for HCMC. GrabBike is fastest through traffic; car for groups or rainy days
- Walking: District 1 is compact enough to walk between major sites – but traffic is intense
- Cyclo: A tourist experience – good for relaxed sightseeing around the old centre
HCMC’s traffic is famously chaotic. The golden rule for crossing roads: step off the kerb steadily, maintain a consistent pace, and let motorbikes flow around you. Do not stop or run.
Best Areas to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
- District 1: Tourist centre – closest to major attractions and nightlife. Best for first-timers
- District 3: Calmer than District 1 with excellent local restaurants and cafes
- Bui Vien Street (District 1): The backpacker street – affordable but noisy
- District 7: Expat-friendly with international restaurants – good for longer stays
Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City
- Cu Chi Tunnels (40km): Remarkable underground network used by Viet Cong fighters – half-day tour from HCMC
- Mekong Delta (Ben Tre, My Tho): River life, floating markets, coconut farms – excellent full-day trip
- Can Gio Mangrove Forest: Biosphere reserve 50km from the city – boat trips through mangroves
- Da Lat (300km): Highland city with colonial villas and cool climate – 6-hour bus or short flight
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the pre-arrival form required at Tan Son Nhat Airport?
Yes – it has been mandatory at SGN since April 15, 2026. Complete it before your flight at prearrival.immigration.gov.vn (free, 3-5 minutes). Details: Vietnam airports guide.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists?
Generally yes. The main risks are petty theft (bag snatching) and traffic. Keep bags on the inside, use Grab rather than hailing taxis, and be careful crossing roads.
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Two to three days covers the main attractions. Four to five days allows for a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
Where should I stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 is the best area for first-time visitors – central, vibrant, and close to all major attractions and transport links.
