Ho Chi Minh City — still Saigon to many — is Vietnam's pulsating commercial capital, a hot, fast and exhilarating southern metropolis where rivers of motorbikes surge past French colonial landmarks, gleaming skyscrapers and rooftop bars. Younger, brasher and more business-driven than Hanoi, it is a city of relentless energy, incredible street food and round-the-clock buzz — and one of the most exciting, opportunity-rich places to teach in Southeast Asia.
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with just two seasons — hot and dry, and hot and wet — staying warm all year round. It has the largest and most cosmopolitan expat community in Vietnam, with English widely used across its many international and language schools and its booming business scene. Vietnamese is the language of daily life, while a low cost of living, abundant teaching work and a vibrant nightlife make it a magnet for newcomers from all over the world.
Location Info
- The largest, most cosmopolitan expat scene in Vietnam, with a low cost of living
- Safe and welcoming, with energetic street life and a buzzing nightlife
- Cheap ride-hailing and taxis, plus a brand-new metro line, in a motorbike city
Top Experiences
Ben Thanh Market & District 1
Dive into the city's bustling central market for souvenirs, street food and the full sensory assault of Saigon, then explore the bars, boutiques and skyscrapers of surrounding District 1.
War Remnants Museum
A moving, unflinching account of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective — sobering, essential and one of the most powerful museums in the country.
Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
Two of Saigon's most graceful French colonial landmarks stand side by side — a red-brick neo-Gothic cathedral and a soaring, Eiffel-era post office still in daily use.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Head out of the city to crawl through the vast underground network the Viet Cong used during the war — a remarkable, claustrophobic glimpse into wartime ingenuity.
Rooftop Bars & Street Food
Saigon comes alive after dark. Sip a sundowner from a sky-high rooftop bar, then graze on banh mi, com tam and ice-cold beer at a streetside stall below.
The Mekong Delta
Take a day trip to the lush "rice bowl of Vietnam," cruising the canals and floating markets of the mighty Mekong by boat — a world away from the city's roar.
Getting Around
Ho Chi Minh City moves on motorbikes, but getting around is cheap and easy. Ride-hailing apps Grab and Be (for cars and motorbike taxis) are everywhere and astonishingly affordable, metered taxis are plentiful, and the city's first metro line has finally opened, with more to come. Many expats rent a motorbike to join the flow — though crossing the road on foot, slowly and steadily, is a skill you'll soon master. Most journeys cost just a dollar or two.
When to Go
The dry season (December to April) is the best time to visit, with warm, sunny days and lower humidity. The wet season (May to November) brings short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, and it stays hot and tropical all year — there is no real winter here.
Good to Know
- The Vietnamese dong (VND) is the currency, and Ho Chi Minh City is very affordable by world standards.
- Vietnamese is the official language, but English is widely used in international and language schools.
- The city runs almost entirely on motorbikes — take care crossing the road and always wear a helmet.
- Cash is still widely used for street food and markets, though cards and apps are growing fast.
- The city is generally very safe, though watch for bag- and phone-snatching in busy areas.
- The city runs on Indochina Time (GMT+7).
