Where is Ho Chi Minh City

Where is Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh city, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It is located in the southeastern part of the country, on the banks of the Saigon River, roughly 60km from the South China Sea, between Southeast Vietnam and the Mekong Delta.

The city also shares borders with Binh Duong province in the north, Tay Ninh province in the northwest, Dong Nai province in the east/northeast, Ba Ria - Vung Tau in the southeast, and Long An and Tien Giang province in the southwest. Located in the heart of Southeast Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh is an important transportation hub connecting the many surrounding provinces of the country, making it a crucial international gateway.

The city has a population of over 8 million people and is the cultural, economic, and political center of Vietnam. It’s also often the first stop for visitors who travel to Vietnam!

The best way to discover this alluring city is by exploring the city on a private tour! This is exactly why we have curated our very own private tours in Ho Chi Minh – because we think it’s one of the best destinations in the world and we want to help you discover it in the best way possible! Our friendly local tour guides will ensure you get to see the real Ho Chi Minh by sharing their in-depth knowledge and advice to help keep you happy, interested, and safe on your tour trip. They’ll act as your personal tour guide, driver, and photographer for the day – what could be better?

If it's your first time in Ho Chi Minh, you might want to check some of our other blog posts, where you will find a lot of information that might come in handy when planning your trip such as 'The best time to travel to Ho Chi Minh' or 'The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh'!

Are Ho Chi Minh and Saigon the same city?

Yes, they are. We understand this can be confusing but it actually makes a lot of sense as its name changed throughout history. Let us explain:

Ho Chi Minh City has been the official name of the city since 1976. After winning the Vietnam war in 1975, the North of Vietnam renamed Saigon in honor of the country’s prime minister, Ho Chi Minh, a communist revolutionary leader and Vietnam's biggest hero, who is remembered primarily for his lifelong battle against great odds to build an independent and unified Vietnam. So Saigon, the former capital of South Vietnam, was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in his memory. The name change was not voluntary on the part of those living in the South; it was a statement of the North’s success.

The old name “Saigon” is still used daily by many Vietnamese — particularly in the south. “Saigon” simply has fewer syllables and is used more often in daily speech. On the other hand, official documents nearly always refer to Vietnam’s most populous city as Ho Chi Minh City. The newest generation of Vietnamese youth growing up under the current government tends to use “Ho Chi Minh City” slightly more often.

What is Ho Chi Minh City like?

There are numerous types of architecture in the city, ranging from grandiose French colonial buildings and broad boulevards (thanks to the French conquest of Saigon in 1859) to the sleek skyscrapers of the present day.

Now the city is a bustling metropolitan hub and the heart of a rapidly developing country. Designer malls and fine restaurants compete with age-old temples and street food stalls, forming a fascinating blend of old and new. It’s a great place to explore no matter what your budget!

Ho Chi Minh City also has some of the best food in Vietnam! You can enjoy street food, fine dining, and a variety of other cuisines in numerous city restaurants. The city is well-known for its craft breweries and coffee shops, making it an ideal spot to explore Vietnam’s burgeoning beer and coffee culture.

The city is divided into 19 urban districts and 5 rural districts. The urban districts are numbered from 1 to 12, with 7 additional districts such as Binh Thanh, Phu Nhuan, Tan Binh, Thu Duc, Go Vap, Binh Tan, and Tan Phu. Each district has its own character, though some are more frequently toured than others.

Best time to travel to Ho Chi Minh

Vietnam has a tropical monsoon climate, making the dry season (from December to April or May) the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh. The wet season (from May to November) shouldn’t discourage you from traveling, as frequent tropical storms usually come in the form of brief afternoon downpours. The average temperature in the city ranges from 26°C to 29°C, though it can reach up to 40°C in the hottest months (March-May).

Make sure to check our blogpost where we talk about the best time to travel to Ho Chi Minh in detail!

(Fun) Facts about Ho Chi Minh

• Religion: Approximately 73% of Vietnamese adhere to Vietnamese folk religion or non-religious practices, while 12% are Buddhists, 8% are Christians, and the remaining 7% are followers of Caodaism, Hoahaoism, and other religions.
• Ho Chi Minh City has a rich coffee culture: Here's a guide to the best coffee shops in Ho Chi Minh City!
• Solo female travelers are safe in Ho Chi Minh! Just use common sense and avoid shady streets at night.
• Driving is chaotic: To drive a scooter in Ho Chi Minh City you need to be fearless and have little regard for the law or other motorists. The whole experience is chaotic from start to finish.
• Visa: To visit Vietnam, all travelers must have a valid passport and, depending on nationality, a visa. Citizens from 24 countries can enter visa-free for 14-30 days, while citizens of 80 countries are eligible for e-visas. Others may apply for a visa upon arrival or acquire one before traveling. For more information, read our detailed blog post about Vietnam Visas!
• You have to re-learn how to be a pedestrian: Scooters often use sidewalks, and crossing the road requires a unique approach as few vehicles stop for pedestrians.
• Language: Vietnamese; though most tourist spots in Ho Chi Minh City will have English-speaking guides! Learn more about language in Vietnam here!
• Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Vietnam, though it’s appreciated. Some establishments add a 10% service charge, but tipping is generally optional.
• Bargaining: Bargaining is common in night markets and on streets. Always let the vendor offer the first price and only bargain if serious about buying.
• Time Zone: GMT+7; does not observe daylight savings time
• Voltage: 220V
• Electric Socket: Types A (two flat pins), C (two round pins), F (two round holes)

Conclusion

From the breathtaking views from the many rooftop bars to the busy night markets and stunning French architecture, everything about Ho Chi Minh is enticing and your time here will be beyond special! Our private tours in Ho Chi Minh are designed to allow you to fully immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture.

If you have any questions about your trip to Vietnam or any concerns, feel free to ask our friendly team, who is always on hand and ready to help!