Aktivitäten in  Ho Chi Minh City

Formerly Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s commercial capital. Amid the hubbub, pagodas and temples provide pockets of calm, while the food scene runs from street eats to international fine dining via craft beer. Popular day trips include the Cu Chi Tunnels, the floating markets, and the Mekong Delta.

Ho Chi Minh City has fairly few must-see sights, although the War Remnants Museum is world class. If you are short on time and not into food or nightlife, two days in Ho Chi Minh City should be enough, including a side trip to the tunnels, although it’s easy to spend longer.

Yes. Pickpocketing, taxi scams, and bag snatching are not uncommon, but violent crime is rare. Many tourists die or are injured while riding motorbikes. Only rent a scooter if you have a valid license and medical insurance, and always wear a helmet. It is illegal to drive with any alcohol in your blood.

Both are fine. Saigon was founded in 1698. After North Vietnamese forces reunified Vietnam in 1975, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City to honor the deceased wartime leader, Ho Chi Minh. It is called Ho Chi Minh City in all official contexts but the name Saigon is still commonly used.

If you are exploring southern Vietnam or are on a long trip in Vietnam then, yes, Ho Chi Minh City is worth visiting. But it takes at least a week to scratch the surface of each of Vietnam’s three main regions (northern, central, and southern), so many travelers choose to focus on just one.

For most travelers, Hanoi is better than Ho Chi Minh City. It is better preserved and more walkable with a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although it can be very cool in winter. Ho Chi Minh City is the best choice for fans of high-end and high-energy nightlife, and has a tropical climate.