Saigon is hot throughout the year, with an average temperature of about 28°C. It has two distinct seasons. The dry season, which runs from December to April, is considered the best time of the year to visit Saigon. The wet season from May to November is characterised by high humidity and tropical storms.

While the majority of Vietnamese are Buddhists, the country does celebrate Christmas and New Year's Day. Hence, you can still enjoy a festive vibe during the December to January period.

Do take note of the Tet holiday season (Vietnamese Lunar New Year), which usually falls between the end of January and early February. While it provides a glimpse into some of Vietnam’s more colourful traditions, many food and retail establishments will be closed for the first few days of the Tết festival.

The currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Food and lodging are relatively inexpensive here – you can budget around VND 3,000,000 (USD 118) per day, which should cover your hotel room, meals, transportation, museum/attraction entrance fees, and light shopping.

You can exchange major currencies almost anywhere in Vietnam. However, banks and airport money changers may offer less attractive rates compared to gold or jewellery shops, so it pays to shop around. Some larger hotels also provide competitive exchange rates.

While cash rules in Vietnam, credit cards are accepted in larger restaurants, hotels, and shops. Credit cards are also handy when paying for bigger ticket items such as hotel accommodation and allow you to avoid carrying too much cash around. 

Ho Chi Minh City is split into 19 inner districts and 5 suburban districts. District 1 is where all the action is, with the hippest restaurants and bars, plus must-see attractions like the Reunification Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Ben Thanh market.

Located just a 15-minute drive from these places of interest, and a stone’s throw away from the city’s main airport, is PARKROYAL Saigon. Slightly away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre yet close to the action, the hotel offers top-notch service in comfortable settings and provides a complimentary shuttle service to and from the city centre. After all the sightseeing, you can opt to wind down the day with a relaxing massage at its award-winning spa, St. Gregory.

Saigon’s food makes its presence felt at every turn. If you’re here for just a few days, skip the restaurants. Make a beeline for its legendary street food (remember the waterfall chicken mentioned earlier?) and sample the city’s must-try signature dishes.

If you do feel like splurging on good food, consider dining at Ănăn, one of the restaurants featured in Vietnam’s First Michelin Guide. Saigon's first Michelin-starred restaurant champions "new Vietnamese cuisine" with a chef's tasting menu featuring creative twists like single-bite bun cha, alongside an à la carte menu of reimagined classics like Wagyu pho and banh xeo (crepe or pancake) tacos. Don't miss the inventive cocktails at the rooftop bar Nhau Nhau after your meal.

Did you know that Vietnam is the world’s second-largest coffee exporter behind Brazil? Coffee is a national obsession here, so don’t miss the chance to sip on a Ca Phe Sua Da, or Iced Milk Coffee. It’s even better enjoyed at one of Saigon’s top hidden cafes. Made with sweetened condensed milk that helps balance the strong, bitter taste that Vietnamese coffee is known for, and a single mouthful will make you forget all your road-crossing woes instantly.

Get directions to Anan

Visit historical sites and museums: For culture and history buffs, the Independence Palace and War Remnants Museum, which offer a poignant glimpse into Vietnam’s war-torn past and are definitely worth a visit.

Housing Vietnam’s most extensive collection of artworks, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is a must if you love Vietnamese art. Even the building itself is an exhibit of sorts, with elegant period details, colourful, retro tiles, and an antique working elevator. These stand as poignant reminders of the institution’s cultural significance; as an article published on the Guggenheim wrote: "the museum was host to numerous important works and events that shaped the development of contemporary art in Ho Chi Minh City."

Shop at the markets: With more than 3,000 stalls, District 1's Ben Thanh Market is the most famous market in Saigon. It is especially popular in the evening, when food vendors set up their stalls and locals and tourists gather to eat and shop.

Insider Tip: Prices can be inflated for tourists, so put your bargaining prowess to good use. An alternative market to visit is District 1's Tan Dinh Market, which specialises in silks and cloth materials.

Take a day tour: If you opt for a day tour, make it an exploration of the Cu Chi tunnels, an extensive network of tunnels stretching some 250 kilometres long built during the French Occupation. Be prepared though: The tunnels are dark, low, and extremely narrow at parts – definitely not for the faint-hearted.

Short on time? Check out our 48-hour itinerary.

Get directions to War Remnants Museum

Get directions to the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts

Get directions to Ben Thanh Market

Get directions to Tan Dinh Market

Get directions to Cu Chi Tunnels

• Taxis: Taxis are a budget-friendly and convenient way to get around Saigon. Whichever taxi you choose to take, do ensure that the driver starts the meter once you get inside. 

• Moped: Mopeds are undoubtedly the king of the roads in HCMC. They are also the easiest way to get around. 

• Walk: Despite the chaos on the streets, it is possible to traverse Ho Chi Minh City on foot. The city’s grid-like layout, tree-lined avenues, and hidden alleyways invite leisurely strolls.

• Ride-Hailing: With the rising popularity of ride-hailing services, getting around Ho Chi Minh is now a little more convenient. There are three popular ride-hailing apps in Vietnam, with the most popular being Grab, the leading ride-hailing platform in Southeast Asia. With fare transparency, real-time tracking and cashless payments, they can be relied upon to get you from destination to destination with ease. 

Insider Tip: While exploring the streets, be mindful of your surroundings. In busy and crowded cities like Ho Chi Minh City, theft can be a concern. Only take out your phone or wallet in a safe, sheltered area or inside a shop.

Now that you have valuable tips for your Saigon trip, explore our Destination Insights for more must-see attractions and activities. For a comfortable and convenient stay, consider PARKROYAL Saigon as the gateway to your Saigon adventure.