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Ho Chi Minh City

Energetic southern metropolis reimagined

Curated by Vinod Kumar Jain & Amit Jain · All Frontier Global · free, no login · reviewed 2026-07-05

The journal

My cousin's friend drove me through District 1 on the back of his scooter, weaving through traffic with a calm that terrified and impressed me equally. We stopped for coffee dripped slow over ice, bitter and sweet at once. The city's energy felt less like chaos than choreography I hadn't learned yet.

Things to do

War Remnants Museum · Museum

This powerful museum documents Vietnam's war history through photographs, artifacts, and deeply moving testimony. Best: Nov–Apr

Ben Thanh Market · Market

This historic market overflows with silk, handicrafts, souvenirs, and Vietnamese street food within an iron-domed roof. Best: Nov–Apr

Independence Palace · Palace

This 1960s modernist structure served as South Vietnam's presidential residence and holds significant historical importance. Best: Nov–Apr

Bitexco Financial Tower · Skyscraper

This iconic tower's observation deck offers 360-degree city views, capturing Saigon's modern skyline and energy. Best: Nov–Apr

Cu Chi Tunnels · Ruins

Extensive underground tunnel network used during Vietnam War, now historical museum. Best: Nov–Apr

Arrival

Airport
Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) — Taxi/Grab ~15–30 min, 6 km to District 1.
SIM / data
Viettel tourist SIM/eSIM at the arrivals kiosk with passport.
Money on arrival
Licensed banks or gold shops near Ben Thanh Market.

Daily costs

Backpacker/day
$22
Mid/day
$45
Comfort/day
$90
Rent (1BR)
$350–700

Modern, slightly pricier

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