1. Features of the weather in Ho Chi Minh City in October

To have a smooth and enjoyable trip to Saigon, it is important to check the weather in October before you go.

1.1. Overview

As October arrives, weather in Saigon gradually transitions out of the peak wet season. With rainfall at 172 millimeters (6.77"), expect regular, though decreasing, tropical showers. This month marks the countdown to drier days ahead, making it an ideal time for outdoor exploration.

The long daylight hours and warming trend offer excellent opportunities for sightseeing and cultural immersion. October's mixed weather conditions create a unique backdrop for discovering the heart of Vietnam.

1.2. Weather patterns

Here are some key statistics for the weather in Saigon in October:

Temperature: In October, Ho Chi Minh City sees highs of around 31.3°C (88.3°F) and cooler nights at 24.5°C (76.1°F).
Humidity: The average relative humidity in October is 82%.
Rainfall: In October, Ho Chi Minh City typically sees 27.8 rainy days, with 172mm (6.77 inches) of rainfall.
Sunshine: In October, the average day length in Ho Chi Minh City is 11 hours and 53 minutes, with about 7.7 hours of sunshine each day.
UV Index: In October, the UV index in Ho Chi Minh City reaches 7, signaling high UV radiation. Limit sun exposure between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and use protective clothing and UV-blocking eyewear to stay safe.

2. Best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City in October

2.1. Grand Park

Grand Park is located on Nguyen Xien Street, Long Thanh My Ward, Thu Duc City. Covering an immense area, it features an impressive array of themed zones, offering diverse entertainment and relaxation experiences for visitors of all ages.

At Grand Park, visitors can enjoy exceptional attractions, including a state-of-the-art water park, vibrant amusement areas, a tranquil lagoon, and lively commercial streets. The park offers a mix of gentle activities and adrenaline-pumping adventures such as swing rides, wooden horse carousels, kayaking, free-fall experiences, water slides, and a variety of exciting indoor games.

A standout feature is the collection of 20 prize-winning games, where families can relax, try their luck, and win unique rewards. Further enhancing its appeal, Park Avenue Commercial Street is a haven for shopping and dining enthusiasts. This bustling street showcases a variety of renowned brands and provides an opportunity to savor exquisite culinary delights in an upscale setting.

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2.2. Performing art venues

Regardless of the weather in Ho Chi Minh City in October, the city's performing arts venues are a must-visit. At these venues, guests can immerse themselves in a diverse range of exceptional artistic performances.

Here are some notable places where you can watch traditional art performances in Ho Chi Minh City:

Truc Mai House (104 Pham Viet Chanh Street, Binh Thanh District): A perfect spot to experience Chau van performances, folk music, and musical compositions played on various traditional instruments.
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater (55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, District 1): An ideal spot for water puppet performances, one of Vietnam's oldest and most cherished traditional art forms.
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (7 Lam Son Street, District 1): A venue for a diverse range of musical performances, with a particular focus on classical music, traditional arts, and ballet.
Tran Huu Trang Theater (136 Tran Hung Dao Street, District 1): A stage for outstanding cai luong performances, showcasing classic-quality productions that explore themes of modern society.

2.3. Local museums

During the rainy days in October in Ho Chi Minh City, indoor activities are the ideal choice for visitors. Saigon offers a fascinating selection of museums, from historical exhibits to art galleries. These places promise to enrich every traveler's journey.

War Remnants Museum (28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3) preserves over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films across eight exhibition themes, offering a vivid and authentic portrayal of Vietnamese society during the war.
History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City (2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1) houses over 40,000 priceless artifacts, 12 national treasures, rare publications, and antiques, all waiting to be discovered.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum (65 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1), covering nearly 2 hectares, houses a vast collection of artifacts and documents that vividly illustrate the city's history and development.
Southern Women's Museum, covering 5,410.5 square meters, serves as a spot for collecting documents and artifacts that celebrate the vital contributions of Southern women in preserving and enriching the nation's cultural heritage.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts houses and conserves over 22,000 artifacts, along with a rich collection of artworks and antiques crafted from a variety of materials.

2.4. Local markets

Visiting traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City will bring delightful surprises to travelers. At these attractions, visitors can explore Saigon's rich history and culture, savor unique culinary offerings, and shop for quality goods at great prices.

Strolling through, you will also be captivated by the city’s distinctive architecture and have the chance to connect with friendly locals, gaining an authentic experience. Here are some recommended spots to consider.

Ben Thanh Market (Le Loi Street, District 1) boasts a distinctive architectural style that blends Indochinese and French influences. Here, you will find iconic dishes like Vietnamese pancakes, avocado ice cream, grilled pork noodles, grilled spring rolls, vermicelli with snails, and meat skewers.
Binh Tay Market (No. 57A, Thap Muoi Street, District 6) is popular among international visitors, especially those interested in exploring the Chinese community in Cholon. It is a perfect place to buy unique souvenirs, fresh seafood, and authentic local specialties at great prices.

2.5. Michelin-starred restaurants

Exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of any visit to Ho Chi Minh City, regardless of the weather in October. For an unforgettable culinary experience, consider visiting the Michelin-starred restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City. These exceptional establishments offer a refined twist on traditional Vietnamese dishes, elevating your dining experience.

You can refer to the following Michelin 1-star restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City:

Akuna (3C Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1) features a tasting menu, offering creative European dishes with Vietnamese influences that never fail to impress.
Long Trieu (22-36 Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1) offers an elegant dining experience with Cantonese cuisine, including must-try dishes like fried prawns with XO sauce and hot and sour wonton soup.
Anan Saigon (89 Ton That Dam Street, District 1) blends modern techniques with street food, offering dishes like tuna tartare, mini pizzas, tacos, and Wagyu pho.

Alongside Michelin-starred restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can explore local eateries that serve an authentic taste of Vietnamese cuisine in a more relaxed setting. Here, they can savor regional specialties like pho Saigon, banh xeo, com tam, banh mi, bun dau mam tom, and bun bo Hue.

Some popular spots include Nha Tu (129/4 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3), Bo Kho Ganh (Ngo Gia Tu Apartment, Su Van Hanh Street, District 10), Pho Mien Ga Ky Dong (14/5 Bis Ky Dong Street, District 3), Pho Phuong (25 Hoang Sa Street, District 1), and Xoi Bat (8 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Binh Thanh District).

2.6. Saigon Special Forces sites

Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City can explore several significant historical sites related to the Saigon Special Forces. Key attractions include the Intelligence Mailbox and the Floating Tunnel, located at 113A Dang Dung Street and House No. 145 Tran Quang Khai. Additionally, tourists can visit the Phu Xuan Gold Shop, which is another notable landmark connected to the Special Forces.

Other fascinating destinations include the Gio Long Saigon Special Forces Base in Can Gio (166/8 Tac Xuat, Can Thanh Town), the Secret Weapon Storage of the Saigon Special Forces (located at 287/70-72 Nguyen Dinh Chieu or 270 Vo Van Tan, District 3), and the Citroen Garage (499/20 Cach Mang Thang Tam, District 10).

These locations offer a glimpse into the region’s military history and provide an immersive experience for those interested in learning about the city’s past.

2.7. Racquet coffee shops

Saigon's traditional "racquet coffee" (ca phe vot) initially catered to the elite, but over time, it became a beloved drink for all social classes, popping up at street corners across the city. From 6:30 to 8:00 AM, coffee shops serving racquet coffee buzz with activity.

Priced affordably (VND 15,000 to 20,000 per cup), its quality is unmatched, often assessed by both sight and taste. Notable spots for tourists to check out include Vot Cafe, Ba Lu Vot Cafe, and Cheo Leo Cafe.

3. What to keep in mind about the weather in Saigon in October?

While preparing for a trip to Ho Chi Minh City in October, it is essential to consider the warm and dry weather conditions. Here is a quick guide on what to pack to ensure a comfortable experience:

Regularly check the weather.
Opt for cotton or linen shirts, T-shirts, tank tops, and jackets with jeans, and pair them with sandals, sneakers, or boots.
Bring essential items such as a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, insect repellent, wet wipes, and a personal first aid kit.
Pack your swimsuit if you plan to hit the beach or a pool.
On rainy days, indulge in a cup of coffee or savor a hot pot for a refreshing experience.
In Saigon's rainy season, you can get around by taxi or bus or use a motorbike with a raincoat.

The weather in Ho Chi Minh City in October offers a mix of warm temperatures and occasional rain, creating a lively and dynamic atmosphere. Despite the rain, the city’s energy remains undeniable, with plenty of indoor and outdoor activities to enjoy.

Besides, Vietnam offers a rich and diverse culinary scene, which can be explored by visiting vibrant destinations like Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. Each location showcases its unique food culture and flavors.

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