Flights from Switzerland to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

Discover Ho Chi Minh City

Discover Ho Chi Minh City

Why visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic blend of historic boulevards, tree-lined neighbourhoods, and a modern skyline. You will find a city that balances energy and warmth, with a welcoming atmosphere at every turn.

What to expect

Expect buzzing streets filled with scooters, elegant colonial architecture, and contemporary towers sharing space with leafy parks. Distinct districts each offer their own mood, from riverside promenades to lively café-lined lanes.

Plan your trip

Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal base for exploring southern Vietnam, from the Mekong Delta to coastal escapes. With its busy airport, varied hotels, and easy onward transport, you can tailor a trip that fits both short stays and longer journeys.

Top sights in Ho Chi Minh City

Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Admire the red-brick façade, twin bell towers, and peaceful square around this iconic landmark in the heart of the city.

Saigon Central Post Office

Step inside this grand 19th-century building to see its ornate interior, soaring arches, and beautifully preserved details.

Ben Thanh Market

Wander among stalls selling everything from souvenirs to local snacks, and soak up the lively atmosphere of this central market.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Stroll this broad pedestrian avenue, framed by fountains, trees, and historic buildings, especially atmospheric in the evening.

Saigon Opera House

View the elegant façade of this French-era theatre and, if you wish, enjoy a performance in its intimate interior.

War Remnants Museum

Explore exhibits that document the country’s modern history, with outdoor displays of aircraft and thoughtful indoor galleries.

Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Take in sweeping views of the city and the Saigon River from the observation deck high above the streets below.

Thao Cam Vien Saigon (Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens)

Relax in one of the city’s greenest spaces, with shady paths, gardens, and family-friendly attractions.

Experience Ho Chi Minh City’s everyday rhythm

Getting around

Use taxis and ride-hailing apps for most journeys, with the growing metro network linking key areas. For a different perspective, try a guided cyclo or scooter tour, and walk the last stretch through compact central streets.

Local life & culture

You will see daily life unfold in pavement cafés, leafy boulevards, and narrow alleys where residents socialise outdoors. The city blends traditional elements with contemporary art spaces, live music venues, and modern galleries.

Where to unwind

Find calm in city parks and along riverside promenades during the cooler early mornings or evenings. Many hotels and rooftop venues also offer pools and lounges where you can pause above the busy streets.

A taste of Ho Chi Minh City

Street food & local specialties

Sample dishes such as noodle soups, grilled skewers, and fresh herb-filled snacks from street stalls and casual eateries across District 1 and District 3, as well as around popular local markets.

Casual & modern dining hubs

Discover cafés, bistros, and food courts in central malls and office towers, where you can try Vietnamese flavours alongside regional and international options, often in portions that make it easy to share and taste more.

Signature & scenic dining

Enjoy riverside restaurants, rooftop terraces, and high-floor dining rooms that overlook the skyline, perfect for watching the city lights come on as you dine.

Retail therapy in Ho Chi Minh City

Malls & lifestyle hubs

Central shopping centres around District 1 bring together international brands, cinemas, supermarkets, and dining, creating easy places to combine errands, browsing, and a relaxed meal.

Markets & local crafts

Smaller markets and side streets offer clothing, textiles, and handmade items, especially in and around Ben Thanh Market, Saigon Square, and parts of District 5.

Evening retail scene

After dark, illuminated streets, pop-up stalls, and late-opening shops keep central districts lively, and short rides by taxi or ride-hailing services make these areas simple to reach.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season, typically from December to April, is often considered peak season, with warm temperatures around 27–34°C (81–93°F) and lower rainfall, making it comfortable for sightseeing. The shoulder season, around November and May, brings slightly higher humidity and occasional showers, with temperatures around 26–33°C (79–91°F), but it can be a pleasant time with fewer crowds. The rainy or low season, usually from June to October, sees more frequent afternoon downpours and occasional heavier storms, with temperatures about 25–32°C (77–90°F); showers are often brief, so you can still explore between bursts of rain.

Frequently Asked Questions