Ho Chi Minh City
Travel, through a family lens: a sea of mopeds, rich history, and vibrant culture in constant motion.
Ho Chi Minh City (still often called Saigon) was never my favorite place in Vietnam. For years, I told friends to skip it or keep their stay brief in favor of other destinations. But over time—especially on recent trips with our kids—I’ve come to truly appreciate what the city has to offer. We’ve discovered incredible food, from street-side eats to beautifully curated modern Vietnamese restaurants, along with small, thoughtfully designed shops I can’t wait to revisit. And during our most recent visit last winter, we found new and unique cultural experiences our kids were so excited about and continue to talk about to this day.
More than the places, though, what’s struck me most about Saigon recently is the people. Locals consistently went out of their way to engage with the kids, and there’s a clear sense of pride in how safe and modern the city has become. After visiting four times over the past two decades, it’s been amazing to watch Saigon evolve while still holding on to that distinct, unmistakable energy that makes you feel like you’ve truly arrived in Vietnam.
-Annie, Cofounder
Family Travel Journal
Quick insights before you dive into planning…
Perfect for: Travelers drawn to rich culture, vibrant cuisine, and deep history. Vietnam offers an experience that feels both strikingly different and warmly welcoming.
Ages: 4+. Older kids will enjoy the city’s lively pace, while younger ones may need more breaks—think New York City energy with extra humidity.
When to Visit: Winter break is ideal, as southern Vietnam’s dry season runs from December to April. If you visit outside this window, just be ready for some rain and humidity.
Trip Length: 3 nights; best as a stopover to or from another location.
Combine with: any of the other amazing places in Vietnam or Southeast Asia.
Destination Fit
At a glance
Ho Chi Minh City is a natural gateway to Southeast Asia and an ideal stopover for families exploring the region. As Vietnam’s largest city and the third largest in Southeast Asia—only after Manila and Jakarta—it has transformed dramatically over the past decade into a more modern, safe, and relatively clean city. With excellent infrastructure, it’s easy to walk around freely or grab a taxi, making it convenient for families. The city also serves as a major hub, with flights to nearly every key destination in Vietnam and across Southeast Asia.
Beyond the city itself, there are plenty of low-effort, high-interest day trips that work well for families—from cultural landmarks and historical sites to colorful markets and hands-on experiences. Ho Chi Minh City strikes a balance between old and new, offering modern comforts and services alongside the kind of local charm and cultural richness that makes travel in Vietnam so memorable—especially for kids seeing it for the first time.
Our Favorite Things
Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.
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One of the best parts about traveling in Vietnam is the incredible value—families can enjoy top-notch hotels and even luxury stays for a fraction of what they’d cost elsewhere. It’s comfort, space, and service without the steep price tag you may encounter at Western destinations.
M Hotel Saigon - Great location, modern rooms, beautiful views, and even better pricing, with suite options perfect for a family.
La Siesta Premium Saigon Central - More of a resort feel but still close to the action, this one is only five minutes from Ben Thanh Market. Connecting rooms are available for families.
New World Saigon - Ideal for families who want full amenities, this centrally located 5-star hotel in District 1 is one of the area's most popular, with pricing that reflects more premium service.
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Some of the best food the country has to offer can be found in Ho Chi Minh City, from street-side stalls to upscale restaurants.
Bún Thịt Nướng Chả Giò - Nguyễn Trung Trực (street food) - our Grab driver sent us here one day, and we’ve since discovered it’s been featured on many of the best Saigon street food eats lists.
Home Saigon (upscale dining) - familiar flavors but with a creative twist. The vibe is relaxed, and you can choose from prix fixe or à la carte—perfect for trying a bit of everything and also getting what the kids want.
Katinat (cafe, multiple locations around the city) - I’m still dreaming about the rambutan milk tea—I discovered it two trips ago and had to have one every day during our last visit to Ho Chi Minh City.
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Food is a big part of what keeps us coming back to Ho Chi Minh City, and you’ll see that reflected in our recommendations on what to do.
Food Tour (alt dinner) - a great way to get a quick overview of the best of what Vietnam has to offer. Just make sure to pick one run by locals that takes you to spots you wouldn’t find on your own. We found a tour that ended up being the highlight of our entire trip.
Cà Phé Ðô Phǔ (cultural coffee break) - originally an undercover base hidden in a busy neighborhood during the war. Today, it’s just a café—grab a coffee, then ask for the free tour across the street. The kids will love exploring the hidden passageways and trap doors. English is limited, but Google Translate does the trick.
Boat Ride (a break for you)- a kids fav to glide down the Saigon River for the cost of a coffee. Kids get the thrill of a boat ride, parents get a breather from the traffic, and you all get skyline views.
Museum of Vietnamese History (museum) - not a must-do, but a great indoor activity option—bite-sized and approachable for kids, with an interesting overview of Vietnam’s history that avoids the more sensitive or graphic parts of the war.
Tip: Choose tour companies, experiences, or guides carefully. Details like private vs group tours, group size, and the style of experience can make all the difference in how your family enjoys it.
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Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City covers everything from luxury brands and boutiques to local art galleries, vintage gems, custom gold jewelry, and gourmet food shops. There are also tons of affordable souvenirs. Some of our favorite buys have been unique artwork, custom gold pieces, and fun pajamas for the kids that remind us of our own childhood.
Ben Thanh Market - turn chaos into adventure. This is a symbolic central marketplace of HCM as it was founded in the 17th century. It can feel overwhelming, especially with the humidit,y but our idea is to turn it into a scavenger hunt: find the brightest fruit, the silliest T-shirt, or count the motorbike helmets.
Takashimaya - airy, posh shopping center with designer boutiques, gourmet eateries & a glamorous vibe.
111 Concept - vintage and retail store
L’usine Space - set in a 19th-century colonial building reimagined as a Thirties French clothing factory
There's so much more to explore. For a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered), reach out for a custom itinerary.
Tips
Getting a Visa
Getting into Vietnam is easier than ever with e-visas. On your application, we suggest entering an intended arrival date several days before your actual arrival and 30 days for the length of stay (as long as you intend to leave before then). Processing takes a few days, so doing this at least one week ahead is sufficient.
Planning around seasons
Vietnam only has two seasons—wet and dry—but they don’t always line up across the country. So while it might be dry in one place, it could be pouring in another (important for multi-city planning). That said, the convenience of stopping in Ho Chi Minh City should outweigh any weather concerns, and you’ll be fine any time of year.
Dress for success
Ho Chi Minh City’s southern climate is hot and humid year-round, so a little preparation goes a long way. Pack light, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Small rechargeable fans can also be a lifesaver in the afternoon heat. And, if you're visiting during rainy season, bring a compact umbrella or poncho—those quick showers can feel like a refreshing reset and even turn into a fun little adventure for the kids.
Date nights
If you can sneak away for a date night, Ho Chi Minh City delivers. Think rooftop bars with live DJs (no RSVP required—just hop in the elevator), chic speakeasies with hidden doors, and beer tastings so good even non-beer drinkers (like me!) will want to join. Need a babysitter or nanny while you’re out? We’ve got you covered.
Getting around
Download the Grab app and use it like Uber. It’s just as easy and super affordable. You’ll also enjoy a rest from the outdoor humidity.
Where to stay
Ho Chi Minh City is sprawling, but most people will spend the majority of their time in or around District 1, the heart of the city. We’d recommend a central stay in District 1, but District 3 is close by with more of a local feel.
Street food safety
Of course, there are no guarantees, but street food in Vietnam is generally safe to eat, and we’ve never had any problems. Stick with places that are busy and have high turnover, and if you want to be extra cautious, only drink bottled water and avoid raw veggies.
Our food allergy situation
Vietnamese food often features peanuts and cilantro, but managing allergies here is very doable. We started by skipping food stalls at first, and most restaurants (especially those that serve more Western travelers) were accommodating once we explained our needs. Since these ingredients are often just garnishes, it’s easy to ask for dishes without them—and requesting fresh pans and utensils gave us extra peace of mind. A simple hack that helped us: carrying a translated allergy note (we used a Google Translate screenshot) to show staff when needed.
Trusted Family Voices…
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“Join us as we spend 2 days in the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in Vietnam.”
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Liv, age 10
From Mimi’s daughter: “Oh I loved Ha Long Bay so much. It was amazing, my favorite!!! In Saigon, shopping was so much fun. I love how they have shops everywhere and if you want to eat, just go around the corner!”
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Glimpse of another city (one of our favorites too) to add to your Vietnam trip- “We took the family to Vietnam not knowing exactly what to expect,…”
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“Riding a mini kart in Viet Nam”
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“A cute moment on the streets of Vietnam.📍Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.”
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“To be honest, I was not expecting much before traveling to Vietnam, but it not only exceeded my expectations, but...”
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“And that’s a wrap in Vietnam!Grateful to have seen it with my family.”
Family Travel Journal 2
We planned our family holiday in Vietnam during the December school break, which I think is the best time to visit with kids. The weather is still warm but far more manageable than the sticky humidity and summer heat. Our trip began in the north, continued through central Vietnam, and wrapped up with a southern leg that included a three-day stop in Ho Chi Minh City on the way to Phu Quoc. This stop carried special meaning: both of my parents were born there when it was still called Saigon, and bringing my children to their grandparents’ hometown made the trip deeply personal. The city has transformed dramatically since my parents’ time—and even since my own visit 15 years ago—but it still felt familiar and welcoming. Ho Chi Minh City today is a dynamic mix of skyscrapers and culture-rich corners, with the vibrant energy of New York but more friendliness, ease, and value.
Food was at the heart of our experience. Our kids swapped pasta cravings for steaming bowls of pho and discovered noodle dishes they still talk about. At the markets, their pocket money went far, I found the cutest dresses for the girls, and my husband savored pomelos sweeter than any we’ve had back home. We were spoiled with home-cooked meals at my uncle’s three-generation townhouse in District 1 and ended nights strolling Nguyen Hue Walking Street, joining crowds for performances that felt like a nightly block party. That’s the magic of Ho Chi Minh City: a modern metropolis where locals remain the heartbeat of the city. It’s this blend of city life and cultural connection that makes visiting with family an unforgettable experience- and why we can’t wait to return.
-Mimi, Cofounder
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