Flights from Surabaya (SUB) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

About Ho Chi Minh City

Discover Ho Chi Minh City

Why visit Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City blends historic boulevards, tree-lined streets, and modern towers with a lively, energetic pace. You will find atmospheric lanes, leafy parks, and buzzing cafés that create a dynamic yet welcoming introduction to southern Vietnam.

What to expect
The city is shaped by wide avenues around District 1, the lively riverside, and compact neighbourhoods filled with scooters and shopfronts. You can explore grand colonial-era buildings, contemporary museums, and creative spaces, all within a short ride of each other.

Plan your trip
Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal starting point for journeys across southern Vietnam, from river landscapes to coastal getaways. With a growing transport network and a wide choice of tours and excursions, it is easy to combine a city stay here with wider adventures in the region.

Top sights in Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Central Post Office

Admire the elegant architecture and vaulted interior of this landmark building in the heart of the city.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Pause on the square outside this iconic red-brick landmark and take in its striking façade and twin bell towers.

Ben Thanh Market

Wander through busy aisles filled with local snacks, textiles, and souvenirs in one of the city’s most famous markets.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Stroll along this broad pedestrian boulevard, especially lively in the evening with lights, music, and people-watching.

Saigon Opera House

View the ornate exterior of this historic theatre or book a performance to experience its grand interior.

Bitexco Financial Tower Sky Deck

Head up to the observation area for panoramic views of the river, skyline, and surrounding districts.

Saigon River cruise

See the city from the water on a gentle cruise that reveals a different angle on the skyline and river life.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

Step into a tranquil courtyard and explore intricate carvings and statues within this atmospheric historic site.

Experience Ho Chi Minh City’s everyday rhythm

Getting around
You can move easily around Ho Chi Minh City using taxis, ride-hailing services, and an expanding bus and metro network for longer trips. For a different perspective, try a guided cyclo or scooter tour along the main boulevards, then explore narrow side streets on foot.

Local life & culture
Daily life often plays out on the pavements, with cafés, small shops, and street vendors creating a lively streetscape. Distinct neighbourhoods such as District 1, District 3, and the riverside areas each offer their own character, from historic façades to contemporary galleries and creative studios.

Where to unwind
Find a quieter side of the city in green spaces and along the river, where you can take a gentle walk or simply sit and watch the skyline. Early morning and late afternoon are pleasant times to explore parks and riverside paths, when temperatures soften and the city feels more relaxed.

A taste of Ho Chi Minh City

Street food & local specialties
Ho Chi Minh City is known for flavourful noodle soups, fresh herbs, and crusty baguette-style sandwiches, often served from simple stalls or family-run shops. Around Ben Thanh Market, District 1’s side streets, and busy local markets, you can sample snacks and bowls of noodles at almost any time of day.

Casual & modern dining hubs
Air-conditioned cafés, food courts, and contemporary bistros are easy to find in central districts and major shopping centres. You can choose from Vietnamese favourites, regional Asian dishes, and international flavours, with modest portions that make it simple to try several plates and share with friends.

Signature & scenic dining
For something special, look for restaurants and lounges with views over the Saigon River or from upper floors of high-rise buildings. These venues combine attentive service with memorable city vistas, turning a relaxed meal into an experience that frames the skyline in a new light.

Retail therapy in Ho Chi Minh City

Malls & lifestyle hubs
Modern shopping centres in District 1 and surrounding areas bring together international labels, local designers, cinemas, and cafés under one roof. They are convenient places to browse, meet friends, and enjoy air-conditioned comfort between sightseeing stops.

Markets & local crafts
Traditional markets and smaller streetside shops are ideal for finding textiles, handicrafts, and everyday items. Areas around Ben Thanh Market, Le Loi Street, and parts of District 3 are especially good for browsing stalls, boutique stores, and small ateliers featuring local makers.

Evening retail scene
After dark, central streets and retail areas glow with colourful signs and illuminated shopfronts, creating a lively evening atmosphere. Many markets and malls stay open into the night, so you can combine dinner with a relaxed shopping stroll, supported by taxis and public transport for an easy journey back to your hotel.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Dry season (mùa khô) – December to April, peak season
During the dry season, days are typically warm and sunny, with average temperatures around 27–30°C (81–86°F). This is considered peak season, with clearer skies that are well suited to walking city streets, taking river cruises, and combining your visit with nearby coastal or river destinations.

Early wet season (đầu mùa mưa) – May to August, shoulder season
In the early wet season, temperatures usually range from 27–31°C (81–88°F), with short, intense showers often in the afternoon or evening. This shoulder season brings lush greenery and fresher air after the rain, and you can comfortably plan indoor activities around brief downpours.

Late wet season (cuối mùa mưa) – September to November, low season
Late in the wet season you can expect warm conditions, around 26–29°C (79–84°F), with showers that tend to be more frequent but still broken by sunny spells. It is a low season period that rewards flexible travellers, with vivid city colours and a relaxed pace between bursts of rain.

Frequently Asked Questions