What to Wear in Ho Chi Minh City
When planning your trip to Ho Chi Minh City, clothing should be one of your top considerations. The city, also known as Saigon, has a hot, tropical climate, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 27°C to 29°C.
- Clothing: Pack light, breathable clothes like T-shirts, tank tops, crop tops, and skirts for women, and T-shirts and jeans or shorts for men. While days are warm, temperatures can drop a bit at night, so it’s wise to bring a light jacket. Also, remember to pack modest outfits if you plan to visit temples, pagodas, or other religious sites.
- Shoes: Comfortable sandals or sports shoes are perfect for exploring Saigon’s busy streets and attractions. They’re easy to walk in and pair well with casual outfits.
- Accessories: The Saigon sun can be intense. Don’t forget sunglasses, hats, umbrellas, and sunscreen to protect your skin.
Money Matters in Ho Chi Minh City
When traveling in Saigon, it’s best not to carry too much cash due to occasional theft and pickpocketing. Instead:
- Bring an ATM card for safety and convenience.
- ATMs are widely available around attractions and hotels.
- Most restaurants, hotels, and shopping malls accept card payments.
This makes managing your money in Ho Chi Minh City far simpler and safer.
Other Essentials to Pack
Besides clothing and money, here’s what else you should prepare for your Saigon adventure:
- Personal items: Toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, shower gel, shampoo, skincare products, and cosmetics. Many hotels in Saigon provide these amenities, so if you want to travel light, you can rely on the hotel’s supplies.
- Medicine: Pack basic medical supplies like motion sickness pills, fever reducers, stomach medicine, insect repellent, and band-aids—just in case of unexpected situations.
- Electronics: Your smartphone is essential for navigation, communication, and taking photos. If you’re into photography, bring a camera for higher-quality shots. Don’t forget your power bank, headphones, and any other gadgets you may need. Note: Power banks must be kept in your carry-on luggage when flying, as they’re prohibited in checked baggage.
Important Travel Tips for Ho Chi Minh City
- Keep personal documents such as ID cards, driver’s licenses, and passports secure to avoid loss or theft.
- If traveling by plane, remember that liquids in carry-on luggage are limited to containers of 100 ml each.
- Avoid overpacking to prevent overweight baggage fees and unnecessary hassle.
- Make a packing checklist and tick off items as you pack to ensure you don’t forget anything important.
Don’t Forget to Explore Saigon’s History and Culture!
Visit Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Housed in a stunning French-era building from the late 19th century, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum beautifully blends European and Asian architectural styles. Inside, you’ll discover the fascinating history and development of the city named after Uncle Ho.
Visit the War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is one of Saigon’s most visited landmarks. It holds thousands of artifacts and documents chronicling the Vietnam War and its profound impacts. The museum frequently hosts thematic exhibitions, ensuring there’s always something new for returning visitors.
Explore Cho Lon (Chinatown)
Like many major cities worldwide, Saigon has its own vibrant Chinatown, known locally as Cho Lon. Spanning Districts 5, 6, 10, and 11, this neighborhood is home to around 15% of the city’s population.
Here you can:
- Shop at bustling markets like Binh Tay Market or Soai Kinh Lam fabric market.
- Visit ancient temples such as Ba Thien Hau Pagoda.
- Sample iconic Chinese dishes like dumplings, wonton, duck noodles, herbal teas, and roasted duck.
Check Out Bui Vien Street – The “Western Street”
Bui Vien Street is the ultimate symbol of Saigon’s lively nightlife. Located in District 1, the street becomes a pedestrian zone every Saturday and Sunday night from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM, buzzing with lights, music, and entertainment. Even on weekdays, Bui Vien is alive with bars, restaurants, and street performers. Parking is available along the street, typically costing around 10,000 VND per vehicle.
Savor Saigon’s Famous Snails
Saigon is famous for its snail dishes, a beloved street food tradition. Walk around almost any neighborhood and you’ll discover countless vendors offering fragrant and delicious snail dishes—boiled, grilled, stir-fried, and more. From freshwater snails to sea varieties, locals have countless ways to transform these delicacies into unforgettable meals.
Hop On a Double-Decker Bus Tour
If you’re short on time but eager to explore the city, try the hop-on hop-off double-decker bus. It’s a fantastic way to see major landmarks like the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Saigon Skydeck, and Ben Thanh Market.
Perks include:
- Freedom to hop on or off at any stop.
- Audio guides available in eight languages.
Try Sports Shooting at Saigon Sniper
Looking for a unique adventure? Head to Saigon Sniper for a sports shooting experience. Although shooting sports aren’t widespread in Vietnam, locals have achieved impressive results in international competitions. At Saigon Sniper, you can discover this thrilling sport firsthand!
Experience Baseball at Baseball Cage District 7
Ever wanted to try baseball? At Baseball Cage in District 7, you can experience the thrill of hitting a baseball just like in the movies. While baseball is hugely popular in countries like the US, Korea, and Japan, it’s still new in Vietnam—making it a fun and unique activity for your Saigon trip.
Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic metropolis where tradition meets modern life, offering endless opportunities for discovery. With these tips and preparations, you’re ready for an unforgettable journey through the bustling streets, historical landmarks, and hidden gems of Saigon!
