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Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the country forward with its pulsating energy. A chaotic whirl, the city breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride.

Scenes around Tao Dan Park in Ho Chi Minh City.

Adrien Jean for Lonely Planet

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12 Days in Vietnam: City, Coastal and Countryside Traditions
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12 Days in Vietnam: City, Coastal and Countryside Traditions

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12 Days in Vietnam: City, Coastal and Countryside Traditions

12 days / 11 nights

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  1. 1 Hopping on a vintage vespa to taste the best bites of Saigon on a bustling street food tour
  2. 2 Cruising — and sleeping! — aboard a luxury boat on the magnificent Halong Bay
  3. 3 Island-hopping along the Mekong Delta to visit an artisan workshop and dine with a farming family
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    14 Days in Vietnam: Epic Trails, Temples and Terrain

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Top places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the best attractions in Ho Chi Minh City from must-see sights to unexpected hidden gems.

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Travel Guides

Ho Chi Minh City travel tips from Lonely Planet experts

Find practical guidance from our team of contributors around the world who bring their decades of first-hand travel experience to your next trip.

Best Things to Do

Fine food and French architecture set the mood in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's southern metropolis. Here are the 10 best things to do in the former Saigon.

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Best Time to Visit

With two main seasons – dry and wet – Ho Chi Minh City is a culturally rich destination year-round, but timing affects some of its top activities.

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Things to Know

Use these tips and tricks to make the most out of your time in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

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Free Things to Do

Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia’s top budget destinations. From temples to local sports, here are the best free things to do in Saigon.

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Best Neighborhoods

Explore Ho Chi Minh City one neighborhood at a time with our guide to the best districts.

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Day Trips

Ho Chi Minh City is fast-paced and fabulous, but brilliant day trips await nearby in the Mekong Delta. Here are our top day trips from Ho Chi Minh City.

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