| Size and people | 6,772.59 km² after the 2025 reorganization; 14,002,598 residents in 2024, the most populous place in Vietnam |
|---|---|
| Older name | the area was Prey Nokor, Khmer for ‘forest city’; people still call the city Saigon |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral | in District 1, completed 1880 |
| French-era buildings | City Hall, the Opera House, the Central Post Office and Nha Rong Wharf |
| Independence Palace | built under the Republic of Vietnam |
Ho Chi Minh City: Overview and Highlights
Ho Chi Minh City changes quickly. It has modern hotels, restaurants and shops alongside French colonial buildings, markets and temples. Renamed Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, locals still call it Saigon.
- Feel Local on a Vespa: Ride with a local guide on a Vespa through the streets, stopping at seafood stalls and hidden coffee bars with live acoustic music.
- Stroll District One: Discover wide boulevards, French-colonial architecture like the Saigon Opera House and Central Post Office, cosmopolitan cafés, and great shopping.
- Dine with a View: Visit the Bitexco Financial Tower for 360-degree views from the Skydeck, fine dining at EON 51, or cocktails at the EON Heli Bar.
- War Remnants Museum: Learn about the Vietnam War through documents, artifacts, and exhibitions, including war photography by Tim Page.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore the network of tunnels used by the Viet Cong, watch original film footage, and crawl through part of the tunnels.
- Chinatown (Cholon): Visit Bin Tay market, street hawkers, authentic restaurants, and tranquil temples like Thien Hau Pagoda.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh city
Visit from November to April for dry days and low humidity. March to May can be very hot, and May to October sees frequent showers but also intermittent sunshine.
Festivals and Events
- Lunar New Year (Tet): Late January or February; the city turns yellow with festive decorations, but expect busy travel and closed shops.
- Independence Day: September 2nd; the city is decorated with Vietnam flags, and there’s a grand fireworks display.
Make sure to visit Ho Chi Minh City when traveling to Vietnam!
Saigon in brief
Vietnamese Wikipedia describes Ho Chi Minh City as the largest city in Vietnam by population and an economic, entertainment, cultural and educational center. Before it was Saigon the area was a Khmer settlement called Prey Nokor, meaning forest city. The colonial period left many landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral in District 1, finished in 1880, City Hall, the Opera House, the Central Post Office and Nha Rong Wharf. Independence Palace dates from the Republic of Vietnam. Outside the center, the Cu Chi tunnels and the Can Gio mangrove forest are the main day trips. We have not verified ticket prices, opening hours or tour operators here, so check them before you go.
Sources (read in Vietnamese, Vietnamese Wikipedia): Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh. Last checked November 2026.
Ho Chi Minh City: FAQ
What was Ho Chi Minh City called before?
The area was Prey Nokor, a Khmer name meaning forest city, and it is still commonly called Saigon.
How many people live in Ho Chi Minh City?
14,002,598 in 2024, the most in Vietnam.
When was Notre-Dame Cathedral in Saigon completed?
In 1880, in District 1.
What are the main day trips from Ho Chi Minh City?
The Cu Chi tunnels and the Can Gio mangrove forest.
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
Two days cover District 1, the museums and a half-day trip.