Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) city trip

When is the best time to go?

Ho Chi Minh City has two seasons: dry (November to April) and wet (May to October). The ideal travel period is December, January and February, with temperatures of 25 to 28 degrees and little rain.

If you prefer the shoulder months, May and October are acceptable: rain showers are short but heavy and mainly occur in the afternoon. Avoid June to September for a city visit, when rainfall and humidity are at their most intense.

Best neighbourhoods in Ho Chi Minh City

• District 1 The tourist heart: Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market and the city centre are all within walking distance.
• Bui Vien Street / Pham Ngu Lao The backpacker district full of bars, restaurants and nightlife. Really comes alive after 8 pm.
• District 3 More local and quieter than District 1, with well-preserved colonial architecture and excellent coffee bars.
• Cho Lon (District 5) The city's Chinatown, with the colourful Thien Hau Pagoda and an authentic market atmosphere.

Top 5 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

• War Remnants Museum A powerful and essential museum about the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. Entry 40,000 VND (approximately 1.50 euros).
• Independence Palace A time capsule of the 1960s, the headquarters of South Vietnam until 1975. Entry 40,000 VND.
• Ben Thanh Market The iconic covered market complex in the heart of the city. Free entry; most local in the early morning.
• Thien Hau Pagoda (Cho Lon) Impressive Chinese temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Free, open daily.
• Mekong Delta day trip Just 70 to 90 km away is the delta with floating markets and canal rides. Shared tours from approximately USD 19 per person.

Flights + transport from the Netherlands to Ho Chi Minh City

There are no direct flights from the Netherlands to Ho Chi Minh City. You fly via a hub: Vietnam Airlines (KLM codeshare), China Southern, Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Turkish Airlines or Finnair.

Flight time is approximately 12 to 14 hours including layover. Return tickets range from approximately 588 euros when booked early (China Southern) to 760 to 1,050 euros as a standard fare. Departure from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS).

Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN) is approximately 6 to 8 km from the city centre (District 1). Air-conditioned Bus 109 costs 15,000 VND (approximately 0.55 euros).

The Grab app is the safest and cheapest option: approximately 110,000 to 250,000 VND (4 to 9 euros) to District 1. Avoid un-metered taxis. Within the city, Grab rides and xe om (electric scooter taxis) are most convenient for short distances.

What does a Ho Chi Minh City trip cost?

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most affordable metropolises in Asia. Hostels are available from approximately 10 euros per night; a bowl of pho or banh mi on the street costs 1 to 2 euros. Sit-down restaurants charge 3 to 8 euros per meal. The Lunch Lady (famous through Anthony Bourdain) charges approximately 30,000 VND per portion. Museum entry fees are low: the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace each cost 40,000 VND (approximately 1.50 euros). A week in Ho Chi Minh City including flights is achievable for approximately 700 to 1,000 euros per person when booked early.