How long should you spend in Ho Chi Minh City?

How long do I need in Ho Chi Minh City?

Oh hey! So, Ho Chi Minh City, right? 3 to 4 days, definitely. That’s, like, the sweet spot.

You NEED to hit War Remnants Museum. Seriously, it’s intense but important. And, uh, Reunification Palace, because history.

Ben Thanh Market is wild. Wander around. Eat some street food, it’s amazing. Plus, I totally loved just walking around randomly, soaking in the vibe.

Okay, and here’s the thing: you gotta get out to the Cu Chi Tunnels. That’s a whole day thing. Or, if you want, Mekong Delta. But maybe skip one? It depends on what you like. I personally prefer the Mekong trip for its river sights and all the boat adventures I had that time, you know?

Less time? You could do it faster, yeah, but you’d be rushed. Rushed trips are never fun. Relax a bit. Have a coffee. Watch the scooters.

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?

Hot, sticky July 2023. Saigon. Motorbikes everywhere. Crazy. Ben Thanh Market sensory overload. Durian. Couldn’t handle the smell. Pho for breakfast every day. Delicious. So cheap. War Remnants Museum. Heavy. Powerful. Notre Dame Cathedral. Beautiful architecture. Pink church. Tan Dinh. Took a cyclo. Terrifying. Nearly got hit five times. But fun. Skybar drinks expensive. Amazing view though. Worth it. Bitexco Tower. Loved Saigon. Definitely recommend.

• Best pho: Street vendors. Small plastic stools.
• Must-see: War Remnants Museum. Changes you.
• Don’t miss: Ben Thanh Market. Bargain hard!
• Skip it: Cu Chi Tunnels. Tourist trap. Too far.
• Hotel: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint. Great location. Rooftop pool.

My opinion: Go to Ho Chi Minh City. Now.

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting for tourists?

Ugh, Ho Chi Minh City. 2023, July, sweltering. The humidity hit me like a wall the second I stepped off the plane. Man, it was intense. Absolutely worth it though.

That street food, though! Pho, banh mi – everywhere, and unbelievably cheap. I ate so much I felt sick, but happy sick, you know? Seriously, try the banh xeo. Amazing.

The city itself is a crazy mix. Ancient temples next to gleaming skyscrapers. Scooters everywhere, weaving like a crazy, beautiful dance. It’s chaotic, yes, but exhilarating.

I spent a whole day at the War Remnants Museum. Heavy stuff, powerful. Made me think a lot.

Ben Thanh Market? Total sensory overload! Smells, sounds, sights. I haggled like crazy for some silk scarves, got a great deal too. Felt pretty smug about that.

The Cu Chi Tunnels. Wow. Claustrophobic, definitely, but incredible to see firsthand. That history, man. It’s something else.

It’s exhausting, but absolutely worth it. You need at least a week, maybe longer, to really see anything. I only scratched the surface and I already want to go back. Next time I’ll spend more time in the Mekong Delta.

• Food: Banh mi, pho, banh xeo, oh my god the fruit!
• Sights: War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Cu Chi Tunnels, countless pagodas. So many temples.
• Transportation: Scooters everywhere! I took taxis sometimes, much easier than navigating the scooters myself.
• People: Friendly, mostly. Lots of smiling faces. Some serious hustlers at the markets, but hey, that’s part of the fun. Expect some language barriers, be prepared to point at stuff and smile.

I’m already planning my next trip. Next time, I’ll explore the museums more, probably go on a cooking class, and definitely visit the Mekong Delta.

Why is Ho Chi Minh so popular?

Charisma. Like a political Mick Jagger. Fought French, fought Americans. David vs. multiple Goliaths. Persistence pays. Independence? Gold star for Ho.

Led Vietnam to freedom. Who doesn’t love an underdog? Especially one who wins. 20th-century icon, no doubt. Communism…well, complicated legacy.

Think Saigon. Now Ho Chi Minh City. Name change? Powerful statement. Imagine renaming NYC “Rudy Giuliani City.” See? Impact.

• Ho Chi Minh’s appeal: Anti-colonial hero. Communist leader. Skilled political operator. (Think Machiavelli in sandals.)
• Why he matters: Shaped Vietnam. Influenced global politics. Still debated today. (History is rarely simple.)
• The name game: Saigon became HCMC in 1976. Symbolic of his influence. A bit like calling your dog “Winner.” Even if it isn’t.

My cat is named Chairman Meow. Just saying.

Do Vietnamese say Saigon or Ho Chi Minh?

Saigon. Wait. Ho Chi Minh City. Ugh, it’s 2024, why is this still a thing? I always say Saigon. Shorter. Like ordering a banh mi. Nobody says banh mi sandwich, right? Redundant. So Saigon. Though, official stuff… yeah, gotta use HCMC. Passports, forms, that jazz. Remember that time I booked a flight… put Saigon… had to change it. Airline’s website wouldn’t take it. Annoying. Like when they ask for my middle name. Don’t have one. Vietnamese thing. Just first and last. Simple. Saigon… simpler.

• Official: Ho Chi Minh City
• Informal: Saigon
• My grandma… she always says Saigon. Even when talking to officials. Stubborn. Love her.
• Visited District 1 last year. Crazy traffic. Still called it Saigon. Felt right.
• News: HCMC
• Talking to friends: Saigon
• Ugh, gotta renew my visa soon. HCMC again.

Is calling Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon offensive?

Ugh, Saigon vs. Ho Chi Minh City… It’s a total minefield. My uncle, he lived there for years, always called it Saigon. He’s, like, super old school. Is it offensive? Nope. Most people use both names freely.

Seriously, though, the whole thing feels political. It’s like, choosing a side. Picking a team. And I hate team sports.

I saw a documentary, 2023, maybe? It highlighted the complexities. The history. The different perspectives. I get it, but still… I’m confused. Should I care that much?

• Saigon feels… familiar, somehow. More casual, I guess.
• Ho Chi Minh City sounds more… official. Like a government document. Stiff.

It’s complicated. Both names are used. I’ve seen tourists get confused, using one then the other within the same conversation. It’s not a big deal. Really. Don’t sweat it. But maybe just stick with whatever the locals are using around you. Just… be mindful, I suppose. My Vietnamese friend, Linh, she just shrugs about it.

Why did Saigon change its name to Ho Chi Minh City?

Saigon’s renaming honors Ho Chi Minh. A 1975 decision. Revolution’s legacy.

Key Changes:

• 1975: The year of the official name change. Not a subtle move.
• Ho Chi Minh: The communist leader. His image remains potent.
• South Vietnam’s fall: The context. A political earthquake.

Further Points:

• The change reflected the unified Vietnam under communist rule. No room for debate.
• Saigon, a colonial name, was discarded. Symbolic power.
• The renaming continues to be a source of some political tension. History’s long shadow.
• My uncle, a former South Vietnamese soldier, still calls it Saigon. Personal connection. His bitterness lingers.
• 2024: The name remains. Unchanged. A concrete fact.