What's Ho Chi Minh City like?
Ho Chi Minh City, previously known as Saigon, is the first stop in Vietnam for many tourists. HCMC offers a great introduction to the country, with a mix of local and French cultures, complemented by a burst of modern buildings in the city.
What airlines operate flights to Ho Chi Minh City?
Only those flying from Sydney or Melbourne have the option to fly directly to Ho Chi Minh City. Both Jetstar and Vietnam Airlines offer this. Qantas also sells a direct flight to HCMC, but it is operated by Jetstar.
Several airports across Australia give travellers the option for a one-stop flight to Ho Chi Minh City, including Cathay Pacific, Emirates and Singapore Airlines.
Do you need a visa to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
Australian citizens must apply for a visa to visit Vietnam. Only once this has been approved can you board a flight to Ho Chi Minh City. More information can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam website.
How long is the flight to Ho Chi Minh City?
| Adelaide to Ho Chi Minh City |
11 hours 35 minutes (1 stop) |
| Brisbane to Ho Chi Minh City |
11 hours 25 minutes (1 stop) |
| Melbourne to Ho Chi Minh City |
8 hours 25 minutes (direct) |
| Perth to Ho Chi Mh City |
8 hours 25 minutes (1 stop) |
| Sydney to Ho Chi Minh City |
8 hours 35 minutes (direct) |
When is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City has a consistent temperature, peaking with a monthly average of 30°C in April and dropping to a low of 27°C in December.
One major deciding factor in when to visit Southern Vietnam may be the rain. The wet season here starts in May and ends at the start of November.
Costs
In Ho Chi Minh City you'll be spending dong in shops and restaurants, although you may find that US dollars are also accepted. In 2016, an Australian dollar was worth between 15,500 and 17,500 dong.
Arrival airport
After you get through immigration and customs, you have the option of what type of transport you're going to take to your accommodation. If you're going to go by taxi, go to one of the licensed taxi counters and pre-pay a fare rather than accepting an offer from a driver who approaches you in the terminal.
Find out more about Ho Chi Minh City's airport.
How to get from Ho Chi Minh City's airport to the city centre
The majority of tourists stay in District 1 in central HCMC. This is less than 10km from the airport.
Taxi: Expect to pay between 160,000 and 180,000 dong for the 10-minute ride.
Mai Linh taxi: A more luxurious ride that costs 300,000 dong.
Public bus: Fares to District 1 cost between 10,000 and 20,000 dong depending on how much baggage you have.
Airport shuttle: 40,000 dong to the city centre.
City information
Ho Chi Minh City has many great relics from, and attractions devoted to, the American-Vietnamese War. As well as the War Remnants Museum, be sure to check out the Cu Chi Tunnels.
As well as a wide range of French-inspired architecture on show, many visitors are surprised at how modern the city is. This drone video will show you some of the Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic buildings:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dpKd1K02rxM
Useful tips
- Australian citizens need to arrange a visa to visit Vietnam.
- Tipping is common in Ho Chi Minh City.
- If you're booking tours while in the city, be sure to compare prices across a few agencies.
Please note: all information is correct as of July, 2017.
