Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City: packing for markets and city walks
Japanese nationals can stay up to 45 days visa-free. Bring quick-access rain gear for rainy-season downpours and a hands-free bag for busy streets.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City: packing for markets and city walks
Japanese nationals can stay up to 45 days visa-free. Bring quick-access rain gear for rainy-season downpours and a hands-free bag for busy streets.
- Year-round
- Food
Editor-picked essentials
- Quick-access rain gear
For rainy-season afternoon downpours; a poncho keeps your hands free.
- A small cross-body bag
Keep valuables in front and hands free in crowds and traffic.
- Small amounts of cash (dong)
For markets and street food, alongside card payments.
Recommended packing
Apps that can help at this destination
Grab
Editor's pickBook cars, motorbikes and other rides in Ho Chi Minh City, and check pickup points and fare estimates.
Before using: Register and sign in before departure, and check you can receive SMS verification on your number. Confirm the pickup point and listed payment methods before riding.
Things to know: Ride types and service areas vary by city and location. Check fares and any fees in the app.
Sources
About this guide
An editorial guide for Ben Thanh Market, the Independence Palace, cafés and street food. In the south’s rainy season, heavy afternoon downpours are common, so keep rain gear within reach. With heavy motorbike traffic, a cross-body bag keeps your hands free; avoid crossing roads while using your phone. Grab shows pickup points and fare estimates for rides.
Trip photos
Local travel notes
How to read this guide
Editorial recommendationAn editorial packing guide for markets and city walks in Ho Chi Minh City, written from the cited sources rather than a first-hand trip. Dates, costs and party size are not set. Entry rules and venue rules change, so confirm official information before you travel.
Photo credits and licence notes
Photo 1: credit and licence
Travel tipHo Chi Minh City Hall. Steffen Schmitz / Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International. Resized and converted to WebP. No endorsement by the original photographer is implied. This adaptation is available under the same licence.
Sources
- Photo 1: original and author Wikimedia Commons
- Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Creative Commons
Photo 2: credit and licence
Travel tipSaigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Steffen Schmitz / Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International. Resized and converted to WebP. No endorsement by the original photographer is implied. This adaptation is available under the same licence.
Sources
- Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International Creative Commons
- Photo 2: original and author Wikimedia Commons
Photo 3: credit and licence
Travel tipThe clock and façade of Saigon Central Post Office. Prenn / Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported. Resized and converted to WebP. No endorsement by the original photographer is implied. This adaptation is available under the same licence.
Sources
- Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons
- Photo 3: original and author Wikimedia Commons
Photo 4: credit and licence
Travel tipThe Saigon River and city skyline. Diego Delso / Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported. Resized and converted to WebP. No endorsement by the original photographer is implied. This adaptation is available under the same licence.
Sources
- Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported Creative Commons
- Photo 4: original and author Wikimedia Commons