How many days do you need to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

A stay of 3 days is considered ideal for a well-rounded experience in Ho Chi Minh City, allowing time to visit major landmarks, enjoy the food scene, and take a day trip. While 2 days are sufficient to see the main city highlights, 4 to 5 days offer a more relaxed pace for deeper exploration or extra excursions.

Is 4 days in Ho Chi Minh too much?

If you are a first-time traveler to Vietnam, you may ask yourself how many days in Ho Chi Minh City are enough to see everything you have planned. Depending on the number of attractions you want to visit and whether you want to extend your trip elsewhere, two to four days should be adequate for an enjoyable trip.

Is 3 days enough in Ho Chi Minh City?

While Ho Chi Minh City is large and full of character, three days is surprisingly sufficient for a well-rounded experience. You can cover the main landmarks, understand the city's history, enjoy its famous food culture, explore different districts, and even take a classic day trip.

How long is it best to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

A 3-day-2-night itinerary is the perfect answer to the question, “How many days in Ho Chi Minh City?” During your Ho Chi Minh City 3-d​​ay itinerary, you can fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes and vibrant culture of this city.

Is it better to go to Da Nang or Ho Chi Minh?

If you like cities and want that fast-paced feel, go for Ho Chi Minh City. If you prefer something more chill with nature and beach time, Da Nang is a great pick.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City: 4 best districts & hotels

What is the nicest part of Vietnam to visit?

1. Explore the city of Hanoi. Although Hanoi the perfect gateway for places such as Halong Bay and Sapa, it also deserves to be given a few days itself. With direct flights from the UK and excellent links to the rest of Asia, Hanoi is an ideal start or end point to a Vietnam adventure.

Is there a luxury train from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang?

People often flock to Vietnam's beautiful beaches and landmarks via planes or tour buses, there's another way to experience this Southeast Asia gem in style – by train. Luxury train services have made it possible to travel around Vietnam with utmost comfort and luxury, especially the route from Ho Chi Minh to Da Nang.

When not to visit Ho Chi Minh?

The worst months to visit Ho Chi Minh City are May to October because these coincide with the rainy season and the most humid time of the year. However, it's still not a terrible time to visit. As mentioned, the rain is usually brief.

Is it safe to walk around HCMC at night?

Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe at night, but it's always important for you to remain vigilant and take precautions. You should stick to well-lit areas, avoid isolated streets, and keep an eye on your belongings. It's also advised to use trustworthy transportation options and stay aware of your surroundings.

What is the best month to go to Ho Chi Minh City?

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season from December to April, with December to February being ideal for cooler, less humid, and sunny weather perfect for exploring, while March and April are hotter but still dry, ideal for Mekong Delta trips. The rainy season (May to November) brings high humidity and heavy showers but also lush landscapes and fewer crowds, with September being the wettest month. 

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth it?

In summary, Ho Chi Minh City offers a vibrant and culturally rich experience that makes it a worthwhile destination to visit.

How much is 1 pound to a dong?

£ 1 GBP = ₫ 35236.8239 VND

Last updated Monday, 19 January 2026 13:53. Rates shown are interbank rates. eurochange rates will differ.

Should I bring dong or USD to Vietnam?

US dollar is a widely accepted currency in Vietnam and most goods and services can be paid for in Dongs or Dollars. It is good to carry a combination of both at all times. It is also preferable if the dollar bills are in good condition as many businesses may refuse to accept worn out notes.

Is Vietnam cheap for the UK?

For UK visitors, Vietnam is considered to be a relatively cheap destination to travel to. The cost of living in Vietnam is relatively low, and this is reflected in the prices of food, accommodation and transport.

What to avoid in Ho Chi Minh?

Petty crime in Ho Chi Minh City

• Carry bags cross-body and on the side away from traffic.
• Keep phones and cameras secure when taking photos near the street.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or wearing expensive jewellery.
• Store passports and valuables in your hotel safe.

How bad are the mosquitoes in Vietnam?

The worst mosquito areas are in forested regions and near national parks like Cat Tien, Bach Ma, and parts of the Central Highlands. These places can have both day-biting and night-biting mosquitoes. If you're going on a jungle trek or sleeping in basic eco-lodges or tents, you should be very careful.

What vaccinations do I need for Vietnam?

Many expatriate doctors also advise travellers to vaccinate against diphtheria, hepatitis A and B, Japanese encephalitis, polio, and TABT (tetanus, paratyphoid A and B, and typhoid). Also, as malaria is prevalent in a number of areas in Vietnam, malarial prophylaxis may be prescribed.

Can you flush toilet paper in Da Nang?

4. Don't Flush Paper. One of the golden rules of restroom etiquette in Vietnam is not to flush toilet paper. Most plumbing systems aren't designed for it, so flushing can lead to blockages.

What is the famous train ride in Vietnam?

The famous Reunification Express will carry you across the country to freely admire villages, towns, verdant hills, vast rice fields and gentle mist along the travel routes. The railway was built in 1881, running mainly along the coast, in a 1,072-mile journey connecting Ha Noi to Ho Chi Minh City.

Is it worth paying first class on a train?

First class train travel is worth it if you prioritize comfort, space, and perks like complimentary food/drink, especially for long journeys, business travel, or special occasions, but it depends heavily on the price difference and the specific operator's service, with it being less valuable for short hops or if the upgrade cost is high. Key benefits include larger seats, extra legroom, quieter surroundings, guaranteed tables, and sometimes lounge access, making it great for working or relaxing.