Ho Chi Minh City, widely remembered by its former name Saigon, is a place that never really slows down. It is Vietnam's largest city, its commercial heartbeat, and arguably its most exciting destination for travellers from around the world. Whether you are arriving for business, leisure, or simply out of curiosity, this city has a way of pulling you in and refusing to let go.
A City That Has Everything
The first thing visitors notice is the sheer energy of the place. The streets hum with motorbikes, the air carries the scent of lemongrass and grilled meat, and the sidewalks are packed at all hours. But beneath that organised chaos lies a city with extraordinary depth.
History lovers will find no shortage of meaningful stops. The War Remnants Museum offers a sobering and deeply moving account of the Vietnam War through photographs and artefacts that stay with you long after you leave. Just a short distance away stands the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, a stunning example of French colonial architecture that has anchored the city's skyline for well over a century. For those who want to understand the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people, a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels — an elaborate underground network used during wartime — is absolutely essential.
For a more relaxed pace, Ben Thanh Market in the heart of District 1 offers everything from fresh produce and local snacks to handcrafted souvenirs. It is the kind of place where bargaining is expected, conversations flow easily, and you invariably leave with more than you planned to buy.
Dining, Nightlife, and Modern Living
Ho Chi Minh City has quietly become one of Southeast Asia's most exciting culinary destinations. You will find everything from humble roadside stalls serving banh mi and Vietnamese iced coffee to rooftop restaurants with panoramic city views and internationally acclaimed menus. The dining scene spans every budget and every appetite, making it equally rewarding whether you are a solo backpacker or a business traveller on an expense account.
After dark, the city shifts into a different gear entirely. Bui Vien Street — often called the "backpacker street" — thrums with live music and laughter well into the early hours. Meanwhile, the upscale bars of District 2 and District 7 cater to a more sophisticated crowd. There is a version of this city for every kind of traveller, and it reveals itself gradually the longer you stay.
Understanding Your Visa Options Before You Travel
Before booking your flights, it is worth spending some time understanding the entry requirements, as Vietnam has several pathways depending on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay.
The most straightforward option for many travellers is the Vietnam Visa, which can be applied for entirely online before departure. This single-entry or multiple-entry permit is available to citizens of most countries and allows stays of up to 90 days, making it ideal for tourists and short-term visitors.
For those visiting on a professional basis, the Vietnam business visa is the appropriate route. It is designed for individuals attending conferences, meetings, or exploring commercial opportunities, and is typically sponsored by a registered Vietnamese company or organisation.
Travellers planning a longer stay — perhaps for study, work, or family reasons — may need to look into the Vietnam long-term visa categories, which include the DN visa for business investors, the LĐ visa for those with valid work permits, and the TT visa for family members of Vietnamese citizens or permanent residents.
Citizens of certain countries — including several in Europe, Southeast Asia, and beyond — may also qualify for Vietnam visa-free entry for short stays, typically ranging from 15 to 45 days depending on bilateral agreements. It is always worth checking whether your passport qualifies before applying for anything.
For travellers who prefer to sort things out on arrival, the Vietnam visa on arrival option (arranged in advance through an approval letter) remains available through certain airports, though it has become less popular since the e-Visa system was expanded and simplified.
Wrapping up
Ho Chi Minh City rewards those who come prepared and stay curious. Once you have sorted your Vietnam tourist visa online or whichever visa category applies to your situation, the city itself will do the rest. It is loud and layered, exhausting and exhilarating — a destination that genuinely earns its reputation as one of Asia's most dynamic metropolises. Wherever your travels take you in Vietnam, this city is almost always worth starting from.
