Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Prices & Travel Costs

Last Updated: Jan 2024

Vietnam’s largest city, Saigon (officially Ho Chi Minh City) is much more sprawling and modern than the capital. Nearly all of the downtown buildings are new and it has a very different feel than Hanoi. It’s best to visit both cities if you have a chance, and the long train ride that connects them is an excellent way to see even more of the country.

Is Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Expensive or Cheap?

Ho Chi Minh City is an incredible travel bargain compared to most of the rest of the world, though it’s also among the more expensive cities in Vietnam. Prices in Hanoi are similar, and everywhere else in the country is at least a bit cheaper, so regardless of which big city you start in, things will get better as you go until you reach the other one. Hoi An prices are strangely low for food and drinks and even hotels, and it’s a major highlight for most visitors to Vietnam.

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) City Featured Image

Travel Costs to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Population 7,200,000
Area 7,200,000
Timezone UTC+7
Currency Vietnam Dong
Airports Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
BACKPACKER INDEX: US$20.95
1 USD = 24,725.0000 VND
134 World cities ranked cheapest to most expensive: Backpacker Index for 2024

Accommodation Costs in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Hotel Seasons

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Hotel Prices

Rating Price(USD)
starstarstarstarstar7.00 - 21.00
starstarstarstarstar9.00 - 36.00
starstarstarstarstar17.00 - 65.00
starstarstarstarstar35.00 - 120.00
starstarstarstarstar68.00 - 180.00

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Hostels Prices

Type Price(USD)
Hostel Bed5.00 - 8.00

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Attractions Prices

Best tours in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Location Description Type Price(USD)
War Remnants MuseumThis iconic museum is considered a must-visit in spite of its one-sided story.
adults
1.62
Reunification PalaceFamous government building still used occasionally, but popular for tours. Admission price includes a 1-hour guided tour in English (and other languages).
adults
1.62
Cu Chi Tunnel tourTake a 90-minute bus ride to see these famous and slim tunnels with a group. Many tour options are available.
adults
4.45
Saigon SkydeckHere you'll find 360-degree views on the entire city and of the Saigon River.
adults
8.09

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Food and Drink Prices

Food Type Description Price(USD)
Budget breakfastSome hotels include breakfast, but if not you can get pancakes or eggs and a baguette at many places.1.29 - 2.22
Budget lunchSaigon has many restaurants featuring Vietnamese and Western food.2.43 - 4.04
Budget dinnerAll the same restaurants are open all day and well into the evening with the same menus. This is a sit-down meal.4.85 - 7.28
Beer (.33L)Saigon and Tiger are the most popular brands. Prices in nightclubs are about double.0.89 - 1.42
Bahn mi sandwichThose on a tight budget can get an excellent sandwich at many stands all over, from morning until very late at night.0.65 - 0.97
Wine (Vietnamese) - full bottleLocal wine, bottled in Dalat, is fairly drinkable and available by the bottle in most restaurants and many shops. Imported wine is many times more expensive.2.83 - 3.64
CocktailsNearly every restaurant serves mixed drinks at good prices. Ones with local spirits are cheapest, and at nightclubs they are at the top range.1.82 - 3.64

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Transport Prices

Type Price(USD)
Taxi from airport to city center6.47 - 14.16
Bus from airport to city center0.20 - 0.40
3km taxi ride in Saigon1.46 - 2.43
1 hour cyclo ride around town1.42 - 1.58
Motorbike rental (per day)5.10 - 6.07

Getting to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Getting around Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

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When to visit Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)

Temperature and rainfall

Month High F Low F Precip (inches)
January89700.6
February91730.2
March93760.5
April94781.7
May93778.7
June907613.0
July907612.3
August897610.5
September887613.2
October887510.6
November88734.5
December87712.2

Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) Weather advice

Sunrise and sunset

21 Mar5:57am6:04pm
21 Jun5:32am6:13pm
21 Sep5:42am5:50pm
21 Dec6:06am5:36pm

Where to go before and after