Why visit
Saigon is the country's economic engine. War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame Basilica, Ben Thanh Market, the Cu Chi Tunnels day-trip, and a relentless food culture.
Ho Chi Minh City at a glance
City population
9.3 million
Elevation
19 m
62 ft
Time zone
UTC+7
Asia/Ho_Chi_Minh
Airport
SGN
Tan Son Nhat International
Founded
c. 1623 (Prey Nokor)
Getting around
Metro line 1 (2024), buses, extensive scooter culture
Signature dish
Banh mi, com tam, pho, hu tieu, Vietnamese iced coffee
Neighborhoods for travelers
District 1District 3District 5 (Chinatown)Thao DienBinh Thanh
Vietnam at a glance
Country center
16.2°, 107.8°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
331,212 km²
127,882 mi²
Country population
100.3 million
303/km²
Subregion
South-Eastern Asia
Currency
Vietnamese đồng (₫)
VND
Dial
+84
Language
Vietnamese
Demonym
Vietnamese
Internet
.vn
UN
Member state
ISO code
VN / VNM
Where in the world
16.2° · 107.8°
Vietnam
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Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Saigon (the city's older name) is still used by most locals.
- The War Remnants Museum is one of the top 10 most-visited museums in Asia.
- Vietnamese coffee (cà phê sữa đá) culture is centered here: strong drip + condensed milk + ice.
- Vietnam is the world's second-largest coffee producer after Brazil.
- The country is 1,650 km long but only ~50 km wide at its narrowest point.
Bordering Vietnam
Traveler notes
- Cu Chi Tunnels day-trip
- Bitexco Financial Tower Saigon Skydeck
- Street food on Hai Ba Trung in District 1
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Ho Chi Minh City
What currency is used in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City uses the Vietnamese đồng (₫), ISO code VND.
What languages are spoken in Vietnam?
The primary language is Vietnamese.
What is the international calling code for Vietnam?
The calling code is +84.
What airport serves Ho Chi Minh City?
Tan Son Nhat International (IATA: SGN).
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