Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City)
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis, is renowned for its rich history, vibrant street culture, and central role in shaping the nation’s identity. Originally a small Khmer fishing village known as Prey Nokor, the area gradually came under Vietnamese influence and was renamed Saigon during the 17th century. Its transformation accelerated under French colonial rule in the 18th and 19th centuries, when it became the capital of Cochinchina and later the economic heart of southern Vietnam, characterized by wide boulevards, grand colonial buildings, and European-style infrastructure. Saigon remained a focal point during the Vietnam War, symbolizing both the conflict and the aspirations of a rapidly modernizing country. In 1976, following reunification, the city was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City in honor of the revolutionary leader. Today, it pulses with energy—where historic French architecture meets gleaming skyscrapers, and where traditional markets sit beside upscale cafes and galleries—making it a captivating city that reflects both Vietnam’s past struggles and its ambitious future.
💡Phu My (Ho Chi Minh City): Good to Know
🛂 Visa: Vietnam requires most foreign visitors to obtain a visa prior to arrival, though citizens of some countries can enter visa-free for short stays or apply for an e-visa online. For cruise passengers, the cruise line can normally arrange the visa while on board.
✈️ Closest Airport: Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
💬 Language: Vietnamese is the official language. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
🏷️ Price Level: Affordable to moderate — Ho Chi Minh City offers good value for food, accommodation, and transport compared to many Western cities.
🍔 Big Mac Index: US: US$5.69 / Vietnam: US$2.60
💰 Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND) | 1 USD ≈ 23,000 VND (exchange rates fluctuate)
☀️ Best Times to Visit: December to April — dry season with warm, pleasant weather ideal for exploring.
🚆 Transportation: Options include buses, motorbike taxis (xe ôm), ride-hailing apps like Grab, cyclos, and taxis. Traffic can be busy; walking is easiest in central areas.
🔌 Adapter: Vietnam uses Type A, C, and D plugs, so most visitors will need an adapter.
🛜 WiFi: Widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and many public areas. Mobile data SIM cards are inexpensive and easy to purchase.
🏧💰 ATM and “Cash or Card”: Credit and debit cards are accepted in larger establishments, but cash is preferred for street vendors, markets, and smaller shops. ATMs are plentiful.
💸 Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. In restaurants, a 5-10% tip is common if service charge isn’t included. For motorbike taxi drivers and hotel staff, small tips or rounding up are polite gestures.
🚢 Cruise Terminal Address: Phu My Cruise Terminal (docked)
✈️ 🚇 🚕 Getting There and Around
🏙️ Phu My is located about 44 miles (70 km) from the city center of Ho Chi Minh City.
🎟️ Getting around Ho Chi Minh City can be lively and fun, offering a unique way to experience this bustling, vibrant metropolis. While the city is quite large, many of the key attractions, markets, restaurants, and shops in District 1—the city’s main hub—are easily explored on foot within 10–20 minutes.
For longer trips to other districts like District 7, Phu My, or outlying suburbs, Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of transport options. Public buses cover much of the city, but ride-hailing apps like Grab are the most popular and convenient choice, providing quick and affordable rides across town. Motorbike taxis (xe ôm) also offer a local, fast-paced way to get around.
Payment for ride-hailing is seamless via credit/debit cards or mobile wallets in the app, while buses usually accept cash.
✈️ Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is located about 6 km (3.7 miles) from Ho Chi Minh City’s center, offering quick and convenient access to the city. You can take public buses that run regularly between the airport and key locations like District 1, with a typical journey time of around 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Taxi and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available at the airport, with rides to the city center usually taking 20–30 minutes and costing approximately 150,000 to 250,000 VND (around $6–$10 USD).
Traveling from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) in Ho Chi Minh City to Phu My Port, the main cruise terminal, is about 90 km and typically takes around 2 hours by car, depending on traffic. Taxi fares usually range from 1,200,000 to 2,400,000 VND (roughly $50–$100 USD) for a one-way trip
🚇 Ho Chi Minh City’s cruise terminal at Phu My Port is a major gateway for ships visiting southern Vietnam, located about 90 km from the city center. While the port itself is outside the bustling urban core, transfers to central Ho Chi Minh City typically take around 2 hours by car. From the city center, you can easily explore popular attractions like Ben Thanh Market, the War Remnants Museum, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Though public transport options are limited for direct port access, taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are widely available at the terminal for convenient transfers to hotels and key destinations within the city.
🚌 City Sightseeing operates one bus route covering the most important sights around the city (more info here).
⭐️ Top Sights in Ho Chi Minh City
"The yellow traffic light in Ho Chi Minh means ‘drive faster’."
📸 Ben Thanh Market: One of Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous landmarks, this bustling market offers a vibrant mix of local food, crafts, and souvenirs. It’s a great spot to experience the city’s lively atmosphere and sample authentic Vietnamese street food. Be sure to bargain politely to get the best prices on souvenirs.
📸 War Remnants Museum: A powerful and moving museum showcasing Vietnam’s history through exhibits focused on the Vietnam War, including detailed photographs, military equipment, and personal stories. The museum provides important insights into the war’s impact and is a sobering reminder of Vietnam’s resilience.
📸 Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: A stunning example of French colonial architecture, this cathedral features beautiful stained glass and twin bell towers, serving as a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. Visitors often stop here to admire its architecture and the nearby central post office designed by Gustave Eiffel.
📸 Nguyen Hue Walking Street: A lively pedestrian boulevard lined with shops, cafes, and public art, perfect for evening strolls, people-watching, and catching cultural performances or light shows. It’s especially vibrant on weekends when locals gather for outdoor concerts and events.
📸 Saigon Opera House: A French colonial-era architectural gem hosting concerts, ballets, and theatrical performances, showcasing the city’s rich cultural scene. Check the schedule ahead of time to catch a live show during your visit.
📸 Central Post Office: Located just opposite the Notre-Dame Cathedral, this beautiful French colonial building boasts a grand vaulted ceiling and intricate historic maps on the walls. It’s still a working post office, where you can send postcards and marvel at the blend of history and daily life.
📸 Cu Chi Tunnels: Located just outside the city, this extensive network of underground tunnels offers fascinating insight into the ingenuity and resilience of Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Guided tours let you explore the tunnels firsthand. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for narrow, low tunnels if you decide to crawl inside.
🍽️😋 Regional Specialties
Ho Chi Minh City’s food scene is a vibrant reflection of its rich cultural heritage, dynamic energy, and welcoming spirit. As a historic trading hub, the city has absorbed flavors and influences from across Vietnam and around the world, creating a diverse culinary landscape where tradition meets innovation. From iconic Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi to fresh seafood, bustling street food stalls, and trendy fusion eateries, Ho Chi Minh City offers something to satisfy every craving. Bustling markets, cozy cafés, and lively food streets buzz with locals and visitors alike, all drawn together by a shared love of delicious food and convivial dining. For food lovers, the city promises an unforgettable and flavorful journey.
🍽️ Pho: Vietnam’s world-famous noodle soup, made with fragrant beef or chicken broth, tender slices of meat, fresh herbs, and rice noodles. A beloved comfort food and a must-try for any visitor.
🍽️ Fresh Local Seafood: Thanks to its coastal location, Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide variety of fresh seafood like prawns, squid, and fish, enjoyed grilled, steamed, or in flavorful stir-fries at bustling markets and street stalls.
🍽️ Banh Mi: A delicious Vietnamese sandwich combining a crispy French baguette with savory fillings such as grilled pork, pate, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on the go.
🍽️ Che: A traditional Vietnamese dessert made from sweetened beans, jellies, fruits, and coconut milk, served warm or cold. It’s a refreshing and sweet way to end any meal.
🍽️ Goi Cuon (Spring Rolls): Fresh rice paper rolls filled with shrimp, pork, herbs, and vermicelli noodles, served with a tangy peanut dipping sauce. Light, healthy, and flavorful.
🍽️ Com Tam (Broken Rice): A popular street food dish featuring fractured rice grains topped with grilled meats, pickled vegetables, and a fried egg. It’s a hearty and satisfying local favorite.
🍽️ Banh Xeo: Crispy Vietnamese savory pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, bean sprouts, and herbs, usually wrapped in lettuce leaves and dipped in nuoc cham sauce. It is a perfect mix of textures and flavors.
🥤 Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee): Strong, drip-brewed coffee mixed with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice. It’s the perfect energizing and refreshing drink to enjoy alongside any meal or during a hot day.
📍🗺️ Maps, Apps & Links
🚕 Grab