Plan Your Perfect Saigon Trip

Plan Your Perfect Saigon Trip

Discover Vietnam's electric city — motorbikes, street food, war history, French colonial charm, and the unstoppable energy of Ho Chi Minh City

3

Itineraries

15+

Attractions

3+

Day Trips

50+

Restaurants

Choose Your Saigon Adventure

Whether you have one day or a long weekend, we've crafted the perfect itinerary for every type of traveler.

Iconic Saigon Attractions

Saigon is home to powerful war museums, French colonial landmarks, and historic tunnels. Here are the three you should not miss on your first visit.

Why Visit Saigon?

Vietnam's largest city offers an extraordinary blend of French colonial architecture, world-class street food, wartime history, and an electric energy that captivates every visitor.

French Colonial Architecture

Over a century of French colonial rule left Saigon with stunning architectural landmarks. Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office designed by Gustave Eiffel, and tree-lined boulevards create a unique fusion of European grandeur and Southeast Asian vitality found nowhere else.

Incredible Street Food

From steaming bowls of pho at dawn to crispy banh xeo at midnight, Saigon's street food scene is legendary. Banh mi sandwiches for 25,000 dong, com tam broken rice plates, fresh spring rolls, and the world's best Vietnamese iced coffee — all served on tiny plastic stools on bustling sidewalks.

War History

As the former capital of South Vietnam, Saigon played a central role in one of the 20th century's most significant conflicts. The War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and Cu Chi Tunnels provide powerful, firsthand perspectives on the Vietnam War and the resilience of its people.

Electric Energy

With nearly 9 million people and over 7 million motorbikes, Saigon pulses with an energy unlike any other city. Neon-lit skyscrapers tower over ancient temples, rooftop bars overlook chaotic street markets, and the city never truly sleeps — from 5 AM pho stalls to 3 AM Bui Vien backpacker bars.

Get Your Free Travel Guide

PDF download + weekly travel tips

Join our community and get a comprehensive travel guide with maps, budgets, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.

Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, we promise.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saigon

The best time to visit Saigon is December to April during the dry season, with temperatures averaging 25-35°C and plenty of sunshine. February and March are particularly pleasant with lower humidity. The wet season (May-November) brings heavy afternoon downpours lasting 1-2 hours, but mornings are usually clear and prices are lower. Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year, usually late January or early February) is festive but many shops and restaurants close for a week — plan accordingly.
We recommend 2-3 days as the ideal duration for Saigon. Two days lets you cover District 1 highlights like the War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, and the best street food spots. Three days adds time for Cholon (Chinatown), the Mekong Delta or Cu Chi Tunnels day trips, and leisurely café hopping. Even one packed day can cover the essential landmarks and give you a genuine taste of the city's energy.
Yes, Saigon is generally very safe for tourists. Violent crime against visitors is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty theft and bag snatching from motorbikes — keep your phone and bag on the side away from the road, and use a cross-body bag. Be cautious when crossing streets (walk steadily and the motorbikes will flow around you). Avoid unlicensed taxis and always use Grab (Southeast Asia's ride-hailing app) for reliable, metered transport.
Budget travelers can spend 500,000-800,000₫/day ($20-32 USD) with hostels, street food like phở and bánh mì (25,000-50,000₫ each), and walking. Mid-range is 1,500,000-3,000,000₫/day ($60-120 USD) with 3-star hotels, restaurant meals, and museum entries. Luxury travelers should budget 5,000,000+₫/day ($200+ USD) for boutique hotels, fine dining, and private tours. Saigon is one of Southeast Asia's best-value cities.
Many nationalities can visit Vietnam visa-free for 15-45 days depending on their passport (UK, Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN countries get 15-45 days). US, Canadian, Australian, and most European citizens need an e-visa, which costs $25 USD and can be applied for online at evisa.xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn — processing takes 3 working days. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date. E-visas allow a single entry for up to 90 days.

Ready to Explore Saigon?

Start planning your Saigon adventure with our most popular itinerary, trusted by thousands of travelers.