Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Vietnam

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14M
Population
SGN
Nearest airport
$117
Daily Budget
75
Walkability
MEDIUM
Safety

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Plan your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City

Arriving

  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) · 7 km away
  • Main stationsSaigon Railway Station

Getting online on arrival

  1. Install your Vietnam eSIM at home over Wi-Fi: iPhone or Android steps.
  2. When you land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), turn on the eSIM line and data roaming for it.
  3. Networks listed on our Vietnam plans: MobiFone (5G), Viettel Mobile (5G) and Vinaphone (5G).
  4. Vietnam plans currently start at $2.75, for 500MB/day over 1 day. Compare all 15 plans.

New to eSIMs? How an eSIM works · How much data you need

Landing late or with kids? Pre-book an airport transfer

Staying connected

  • Coverage4G/5G · excellent
  • Wi-Fiwidespread
  • Suggested dataabout 1.5 GB a day · work it out
  • Weak signalRural outskirts
Compare eSIM plans

Useful apps

  • TransportGrab
  • Food deliveryNow.vn and Foody
  • AttractionsTripadvisor

Ho Chi Minh City at a glance

Population
14,002,598 (2024)
Elevation
13 m above sea level
On or near
Bến Nghé Channel and Saigon River
Time zone
UTC+07:00
Currency
Vietnamese đồng (VND)
Plug types
A, C, F and G
Emergency numbers
Police 113 · Ambulance 115 · Fire 114
Drives on the
right
Official language
Vietnamese
Calling code
+84

Sources: Wikidata and OurAirports open data, checked 29 October 2026.

Staying Connected

How long is your trip?

Prices in USD

On every plan here

  • Uses Viettel Mobile, Vinaphone, and MobiFone, with 5G where available
  • Starts when you first connect, so you can install it before you fly

Our pick for each trip length from today’s plans: the lowest price that lasts the whole trip with enough data a day. A starting point, not a guarantee of what you’ll use. Data only, for unlocked eSIM phones. Check your phone · How much data do I need?

Compare all 15 Vietnam eSIM plans Travelling as a family? One order for 2 to 6 eSIMs, each labelled by name. Save up to 25%.

Top Attractions

1
War Remnants Museum
A museum dedicated to the history of the Vietnam War.
2h $2
2
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
A historic cathedral built by French colonists.
1h Free
3
Ben Thanh Market
A bustling market for local goods and souvenirs.
1.5h Free

Best Areas to Stay

District 1
The central district with many attractions and nightlife options.
TouristsBusiness
District 3
Quieter area with local charm and parks.
FamiliesBusiness

Typical Costs (USD)

$100
Hotel/Night
$15
Meal
$3
Transport
$4
Coffee
Estimated Daily Budget (USD)
Backpacker: $52 Tourist: $117 Family: $364

* Estimated from typical costs

Local Tips

Peak Hours:7-9am, 5-7pm
Best Day:Weekdays
Custom:Bargaining is common in markets; respect local customs during tet.
Common Mistakes
  • Not trying street food
  • Overlooking local customs

Food & Drink

Must Try:Pho, Banh Mi, Gio Lua
Vegetarian:Medium
Tap Water:Unsafe
Pho HoaBen Thanh Market

Getting Around

Public Transport:Fair
Rideshare:Grab
Walkability:75/100
Bus

Climate & Weather

Best time to visit: December, January, February

Ho Chi Minh City travel FAQ

When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

December, January and February are usually the best months to visit Ho Chi Minh City.

How much does a day in Ho Chi Minh City cost?

Plan from about US$52 a day on a backpacker budget to around US$117 for a typical visitor, covering accommodation, meals and local transport (estimates).

How do I get around Ho Chi Minh City?

Public transport includes bus and is rated fair. Ride-hailing is available through Grab. Walkability scores 75/100.

Which airport serves Ho Chi Minh City?

The nearest airport with scheduled flights is Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), about 7 km from Ho Chi Minh City.

Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists?

Overall safety is rated medium. Watch for fake taxi scams and overcharging for services. Areas generally considered safe include District 1 and District 3. Check official travel advice before you go.

How do I stay connected in Ho Chi Minh City?

Install a Vietnam eSIM before you travel and turn it on when you land at Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Our Vietnam plans list MobiFone (5G), Viettel Mobile (5G) and Vinaphone (5G).

Is tap water safe to drink in Ho Chi Minh City?

Tap water is generally considered unsafe.

Explore more of Vietnam

Vietnam travel guideVietnam eSIM plans

Straight-line distances from Ho Chi Minh City.

Disclaimer

The information in this guide is intended for general travel planning purposes only and may change without notice. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, Graba SIM does not guarantee the completeness, reliability, or timeliness of the content. Travellers should verify entry requirements, local laws, health advice and services with official sources before and during their trip. Graba SIM is not responsible for any loss, injury, or inconvenience arising from reliance on the information provided. Always check with relevant government and health authorities for the most up-to-date travel requirements.