Both. Ho Chi Minh City is the official name of the city previously officially known as Sai Gon, or Saigon, and it seems most locals continue to refer to their city as Sai Gon. I'm told by a reliable source that the central business district of the city is still officially called Sai Gon. It may be best, though, for visitors to err on the side of formality and refer to the city as Ho Chi Minh City.
Here's a link to a short article on the topic, which may be of interest:
https://www.tripsavvy.com/where-is-saigon-1458405
Visa requirements
Americans need a visa in order to enter Việt Nam, or Vietnam (the Vietnamese refer to their country as Việt Nam, but it seems the preferred way to write the name of their country in English is Vietnam. For more on this, check out: https://www.quora.com/Is-it-Vietnam-or-Viet-Nam).
E-visas and visas on arrival are options, as well as the old-fashioned way of obtaining a visa via one of Vietnam's embassies or consulates.
Americans may wish to consult the following sites for further details about entry requirements for Vietnam:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/vietnam.html
https://www.immigration.gov.vn/
https://vn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-traveling-vietnam/
Do I need vaccinations?
It seems the main health concerns for travelers here are mosquito-borne ailments, including malaria and dengue, so travelers may wish to bring their favorite mosquito-repellent. However, here's a link to what the experts recommend in terms of vaccinations:
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/vietnam
May I bring prescription medication with me?
Here's a link to comprehensive expert advice for Americans traveling to Vietnam, which seems to indicate no problem for bringing personal prescription medication to Vietnam:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/vietnam.html
What's the weather like?
It's usually hot and humid, tropical. The rainy season is usually from May/June to November.
Getting to and around town
When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport, it shouldn't be a problem getting a taxi from the taxi stand. You should assume that the taxi will only take cash for payment, although many may accept credit and debit cards. Best to get some cash from the ATM before you get in the taxi. It shouldn't cost more than about VND 200,000, or about $10 to get from the airport to Districts 1, 2, or 3.
You might also try booking airport transfers and other local/ground transportation via your hotel.
In general, in terms of getting around HCMC I've been happy with Grab.
And among the more reliable taxi companies I've used here are Vinasun and Mai Linh - both of which have apps.
What to do
- Shop - Among my favorite brands here are Mekong Quilts, Marou chocolate (see below, where to eat), and Minh Long porcelain gifts;
- Visit a museum - There are many museums in HCMC worth visiting, maybe none more important than the War Remnants Museum. Brace yourself, because the tragedy and horror of war on display is overwhelming, and I visited after they had removed the actual deformed fetuses preserved in jars and only showed photos of them and other awful reminders of the cost of war.
- Check out the historic, beaux arts Saigon Post Office
- See a show - You might want to catch an A&O acrobatic, cultural show at the beautiful Opera House, in the center of town.
Where to Eat
There are many good restaurants, cafes, and bakeries around. Here are some special favorites in Districts 1 and 2.
District 1:
Marou Chocolate - Artisanal chocolate, not to be missed. An exquisite blend of Vietnam, where the cacao is sourced, and the West, which inspired the chocolate-making technique Marou uses.
Ngoc Chau Garden - Comfortable (indoor, tables and chairs of the height and size that Westerners are accustomed to, and air conditioned) Vietnamese restaurant, offering a wide assortment of delicious, filling dishes. Soft shell crab, fried rice, and sauteed morning glory are among my spouse's and my favorites. Centrally located, near the Bitexco Tower.
Vietnam House - Luxury Vietnamese restaurant near the Opera House.
Here are a couple favorite restaurants for Western dishes:
Pasteur Street Brewery - Cozy, relaxed comfort food pub, highlighting craft beer.
Chanh Bistro Rooftop - Delicious Western food, friendly service, comfortable, if a bit industrial design. Across from the Bitexco Tower. The set menus are good value - there are a couple different set menus, though: one that is very good value and seems geared toward the portion sizes locals and I prefer, and one that is still good value if quite a bit pricier and that seems geared toward the portion sizes many Westerners might prefer.
District 2:
Although located across the river and a bit of a ways from D1, here are some favorite places that are worth a visit even if you'll be based in D1. If you'll be staying in D2, all the better to try these places out.
Sweet + Sour - Best bakery I know of in Vietnam, and maybe anywhere. It's not just the buttery sweet aroma you encounter when you enter the shop, but the decor and all the baked goods are cheerful, beautiful, and appetizing. Perhaps my most happy place in HCMC. In addition to the mini- and regular-size cupcakes, there are mini-cakes, full cakes, wonderful little tartlets, cinnamon rolls, banana bread loaves, and many cookies and candies. And there are espresso-based beverages, as well as champagne, to wash it all down with!
Trois Gourmands - A good place for special occasions, and worth the visit to D2 even if staying in D1 or farther afield. As the name suggests, this is a French restaurant whose owner/operators have a passion for food. The restaurant is the main floor of a stately home on a relatively quiet lane in Thao Dien. The presentation and taste of the food and wine my spouse and I ordered were pleasing. Service was friendly, even sophisticated. The cheese plate is very generous! Prices are high, in my view, but all-around good value for the whole experience.
Gardenia - Especially if travelling with small kids, this is a great family spot with a playground, good food and drinks, and friendly service. There's also seating away from the playground, for those who want a quieter space. The menu features Italian cuisine, and includes Vietnamese dishes.
Where to stay
District 1, the center of town:
Hotel des Arts: My favorite place to stay in HCMC. Beautiful, Accor-managed boutique hotel with a lovely blend of Vietnamese and Western design. Even if you don't stay here, the restaurant is worth a visit, if you're looking for Western comfort food in casually upscale surroundings, and the rooftop bar is renowned.
Caravelle - Where I stayed on my first visit to Ho Chi Minh City, in the late 2000s. Comfortable, reasonably-priced spot in the center of town, across from the Opera House, but the thing that stands out most for me is the perfection of the danishes here, at breakfast. Sublime.
Park Hyatt - Luxury, true five-star major-brand property in the center of town, and, like the Caravelle, across the street from the Opera House. Even if you decide not to stay here, afternoon or anytime tea is worth trying in the luxuriously cozy lobby.
Intercontinental Hotel - Tasteful, Asian inspired classically modern design. Good executive club - friendly staff, good food and drink, spacious rooms. If you don't stay here but want a delicious, reasonably priced Vietnamese lunch in comfortable surroundings, pop in for lunch in the lobby bar.
District 2, the 'burbs:
Riverside - If you're travelling with small kids, this is a great place to stay. Good food at the on-site restaurant, a playground, pool, and daily housekeeping service, as well as a laundry room that guests can use, and a weight room help make this a comfortable place to stay for a family.
Villa Song - Haven't yet stayed here, but heard its beautiful and was going to be one of the places I checked out, but fell in love with Hotel des Arts and didn't want to stay elsewhere, until I traveled with my small kids, in which case Riverside was the better option, since Villa Song seems more geared toward couples.
Farther afield
Some ideas for excursions/side-trips outside of Ho Chi Minh City:
Phu Quoc - Reminds me of Thailand's Phuket - resort island, beaches, relax. The JW Marriott is luxurious and Alice in Wonder-ish, which may appeal to some. There are also Accor properties on the island and properties not affiliated with an international brand. Phu Quoc is a short flight away from Ho Chi Minh City.
Con Dao - Six Senses - I've heard from reliable sources that this is the best resort in all of Vietnam. I hope to find out, myself, one of these days. It's a short flight away from Ho Chi Minh City.
Phan Thiet - Another resort town, this one's about a three-hour drive away from Ho Chi Minh City, I'm told. I believe there's also train service to get you there and back.
Da Lat - Charming, French hill station, a short flight away from Ho Chi Minh City. I've enjoyed staying at the cozy Dalat Palace Hotel, overlooking the lake in the center of town, and at the Ana Mandara, a comfortable, rustic property on the outskirts of town.
Tour operators/travel agencies
Here are some tour operators/travel agencies that may be able to assist you in planning your visit to Vietnam and around:
Americans need a visa in order to enter Việt Nam, or Vietnam (the Vietnamese refer to their country as Việt Nam, but it seems the preferred way to write the name of their country in English is Vietnam. For more on this, check out: https://www.quora.com/Is-it-Vietnam-or-Viet-Nam).
E-visas and visas on arrival are options, as well as the old-fashioned way of obtaining a visa via one of Vietnam's embassies or consulates.
Americans may wish to consult the following sites for further details about entry requirements for Vietnam:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/vietnam.html
https://www.immigration.gov.vn/
https://vn.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-traveling-vietnam/
Do I need vaccinations?
It seems the main health concerns for travelers here are mosquito-borne ailments, including malaria and dengue, so travelers may wish to bring their favorite mosquito-repellent. However, here's a link to what the experts recommend in terms of vaccinations:
May I bring prescription medication with me?
Here's a link to comprehensive expert advice for Americans traveling to Vietnam, which seems to indicate no problem for bringing personal prescription medication to Vietnam:
https://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/vietnam.html
It's usually hot and humid, tropical. The rainy season is usually from May/June to November.
When you arrive at Tan Son Nhat Airport, it shouldn't be a problem getting a taxi from the taxi stand. You should assume that the taxi will only take cash for payment, although many may accept credit and debit cards. Best to get some cash from the ATM before you get in the taxi. It shouldn't cost more than about VND 200,000, or about $10 to get from the airport to Districts 1, 2, or 3.
You might also try booking airport transfers and other local/ground transportation via your hotel.
In general, in terms of getting around HCMC I've been happy with Grab.
And among the more reliable taxi companies I've used here are Vinasun and Mai Linh - both of which have apps.
What to do
- Shop - Among my favorite brands here are Mekong Quilts, Marou chocolate (see below, where to eat), and Minh Long porcelain gifts;
- Visit a museum - There are many museums in HCMC worth visiting, maybe none more important than the War Remnants Museum. Brace yourself, because the tragedy and horror of war on display is overwhelming, and I visited after they had removed the actual deformed fetuses preserved in jars and only showed photos of them and other awful reminders of the cost of war.
- Check out the historic, beaux arts Saigon Post Office
- See a show - You might want to catch an A&O acrobatic, cultural show at the beautiful Opera House, in the center of town.
There are many good restaurants, cafes, and bakeries around. Here are some special favorites in Districts 1 and 2.
District 1:
Marou Chocolate - Artisanal chocolate, not to be missed. An exquisite blend of Vietnam, where the cacao is sourced, and the West, which inspired the chocolate-making technique Marou uses.
Ngoc Chau Garden - Comfortable (indoor, tables and chairs of the height and size that Westerners are accustomed to, and air conditioned) Vietnamese restaurant, offering a wide assortment of delicious, filling dishes. Soft shell crab, fried rice, and sauteed morning glory are among my spouse's and my favorites. Centrally located, near the Bitexco Tower.
Vietnam House - Luxury Vietnamese restaurant near the Opera House.
Here are a couple favorite restaurants for Western dishes:
Vietnam House - Luxury Vietnamese restaurant near the Opera House.
Here are a couple favorite restaurants for Western dishes:
Pasteur Street Brewery - Cozy, relaxed comfort food pub, highlighting craft beer.
Chanh Bistro Rooftop - Delicious Western food, friendly service, comfortable, if a bit industrial design. Across from the Bitexco Tower. The set menus are good value - there are a couple different set menus, though: one that is very good value and seems geared toward the portion sizes locals and I prefer, and one that is still good value if quite a bit pricier and that seems geared toward the portion sizes many Westerners might prefer.
District 2:Chanh Bistro Rooftop - Delicious Western food, friendly service, comfortable, if a bit industrial design. Across from the Bitexco Tower. The set menus are good value - there are a couple different set menus, though: one that is very good value and seems geared toward the portion sizes locals and I prefer, and one that is still good value if quite a bit pricier and that seems geared toward the portion sizes many Westerners might prefer.
Although located across the river and a bit of a ways from D1, here are some favorite places that are worth a visit even if you'll be based in D1. If you'll be staying in D2, all the better to try these places out.
Sweet + Sour - Best bakery I know of in Vietnam, and maybe anywhere. It's not just the buttery sweet aroma you encounter when you enter the shop, but the decor and all the baked goods are cheerful, beautiful, and appetizing. Perhaps my most happy place in HCMC. In addition to the mini- and regular-size cupcakes, there are mini-cakes, full cakes, wonderful little tartlets, cinnamon rolls, banana bread loaves, and many cookies and candies. And there are espresso-based beverages, as well as champagne, to wash it all down with!
Trois Gourmands - A good place for special occasions, and worth the visit to D2 even if staying in D1 or farther afield. As the name suggests, this is a French restaurant whose owner/operators have a passion for food. The restaurant is the main floor of a stately home on a relatively quiet lane in Thao Dien. The presentation and taste of the food and wine my spouse and I ordered were pleasing. Service was friendly, even sophisticated. The cheese plate is very generous! Prices are high, in my view, but all-around good value for the whole experience.
Gardenia - Especially if travelling with small kids, this is a great family spot with a playground, good food and drinks, and friendly service. There's also seating away from the playground, for those who want a quieter space. The menu features Italian cuisine, and includes Vietnamese dishes.
District 1, the center of town:
Hotel des Arts: My favorite place to stay in HCMC. Beautiful, Accor-managed boutique hotel with a lovely blend of Vietnamese and Western design. Even if you don't stay here, the restaurant is worth a visit, if you're looking for Western comfort food in casually upscale surroundings, and the rooftop bar is renowned.
Caravelle - Where I stayed on my first visit to Ho Chi Minh City, in the late 2000s. Comfortable, reasonably-priced spot in the center of town, across from the Opera House, but the thing that stands out most for me is the perfection of the danishes here, at breakfast. Sublime.Park Hyatt - Luxury, true five-star major-brand property in the center of town, and, like the Caravelle, across the street from the Opera House. Even if you decide not to stay here, afternoon or anytime tea is worth trying in the luxuriously cozy lobby.
Intercontinental Hotel - Tasteful, Asian inspired classically modern design. Good executive club - friendly staff, good food and drink, spacious rooms. If you don't stay here but want a delicious, reasonably priced Vietnamese lunch in comfortable surroundings, pop in for lunch in the lobby bar.
District 2, the 'burbs:
Riverside - If you're travelling with small kids, this is a great place to stay. Good food at the on-site restaurant, a playground, pool, and daily housekeeping service, as well as a laundry room that guests can use, and a weight room help make this a comfortable place to stay for a family.
Villa Song - Haven't yet stayed here, but heard its beautiful and was going to be one of the places I checked out, but fell in love with Hotel des Arts and didn't want to stay elsewhere, until I traveled with my small kids, in which case Riverside was the better option, since Villa Song seems more geared toward couples.
Farther afield
Some ideas for excursions/side-trips outside of Ho Chi Minh City:
Phu Quoc - Reminds me of Thailand's Phuket - resort island, beaches, relax. The JW Marriott is luxurious and Alice in Wonder-ish, which may appeal to some. There are also Accor properties on the island and properties not affiliated with an international brand. Phu Quoc is a short flight away from Ho Chi Minh City.
Con Dao - Six Senses - I've heard from reliable sources that this is the best resort in all of Vietnam. I hope to find out, myself, one of these days. It's a short flight away from Ho Chi Minh City.
Phan Thiet - Another resort town, this one's about a three-hour drive away from Ho Chi Minh City, I'm told. I believe there's also train service to get you there and back.
Da Lat - Charming, French hill station, a short flight away from Ho Chi Minh City. I've enjoyed staying at the cozy Dalat Palace Hotel, overlooking the lake in the center of town, and at the Ana Mandara, a comfortable, rustic property on the outskirts of town.
Tour operators/travel agencies
Here are some tour operators/travel agencies that may be able to assist you in planning your visit to Vietnam and around:
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