Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in September

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Overview

September is a less popular time to visit Ho Chi Minh City. The weather is usually very warm with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 76—87°F (24—30°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Ho Chi Minh City during this time. Some of our top recommendations: explore the Cu Chi Tunnels to see a piece of Vietnam's wartime history, visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda to witness the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations, take a day trip to the beach at Vung Tau, and more!

Ho Chi Minh City has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your September trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to September. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Ho Chi Minh City in September. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout September, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in September

Top experiences in September
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels to see a piece of Vietnam's wartime history
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an intricate network of underground tunnels that were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Visiting the tunnels in September allows you to see them at their greenest, as the surrounding countryside is lush and vibrant during this time of year. You can crawl through the narrow passages, learn about the ingenious design of the tunnels, and gain a deeper understanding of the hardships faced by the Vietnamese soldiers.
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda to witness the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations
The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a beautiful and historic temple in Ho Chi Minh City, and it is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike during the Mid-Autumn Festival. In September, the pagoda is adorned with colorful lanterns and decorations, and there are special ceremonies and performances to mark the occasion. It's a peaceful and spiritual experience that allows you to immerse yourself in the traditions and customs of the festival.
Take a day trip to the beach at Vung Tau
September is a great time to escape the city and head to the beach at Vung Tau, which is just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City. The weather is warm and sunny, and the beaches are less crowded than during the peak tourist season. You can relax on the sandy shores, swim in the clear waters, and enjoy fresh seafood at the beachside restaurants. It's a peaceful and rejuvenating experience that offers a different perspective of Vietnam.
Take a cooking class to learn about traditional Vietnamese dishes
Vietnamese cuisine is renowned for its fresh and flavorful dishes, and taking a cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City is a great way to learn about the local food culture. In September, you can learn to cook dishes that are made with seasonal ingredients, such as green papaya salad, banana flower salad, and grilled fish with dill. It's a fun and educational experience that will give you a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese food.
Take a sunset cruise along the Saigon River
In September, the weather in Ho Chi Minh City is warm and pleasant, making it the perfect time to take a sunset cruise along the Saigon River. You can relax on a boat and enjoy stunning views of the city skyline as the sun sets, casting a golden glow over the water. Many cruises also offer dinner and live music, creating a romantic and memorable experience that allows you to see the city from a different perspective.
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Attend the Mid-Autumn Festival in Ho Chi Minh City
The Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival, is a traditional Vietnamese celebration that takes place in September. During this time, the city comes alive with colorful lanterns, dragon dances, and street performances. Families gather to enjoy mooncakes, a traditional pastry, and children parade through the streets with lanterns. It's a beautiful and lively cultural experience that shouldn't be missed.
Explore the floating markets of the Mekong Delta
September is a great time to visit the Mekong Delta, as the water levels are high and the floating markets are in full swing. You can take a boat tour through the maze of canals and rivers, and witness the vibrant and bustling markets where locals buy and sell goods from their boats. It's a unique and authentic experience that offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life in the region.
Sample the seasonal fruits at the local markets
September is the peak season for many delicious fruits in Vietnam, including mangosteen, rambutan, and longan. Visiting the local markets in Ho Chi Minh City will give you the opportunity to taste these fresh and exotic fruits, which are at their best during this time of year. You can also learn about the different varieties and how they are used in Vietnamese cuisine.
Visit the War Remnants Museum to learn about Vietnam's history
The War Remnants Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in learning about the Vietnam War and its impact on the country. In September, the museum offers special exhibitions and events to commemorate the war and honor the victims. It's a sobering but important experience that provides insight into the country's history and the resilience of its people.
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Holidays in Ho Chi Minh City in September
September
  • Independence Day (September 23)
  • Independence Day (September 2)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Ho Chi Minh City in September

Temperatures on an average day in Ho Chi Minh City in September

The average temperature in Ho Chi Minh City in September for a typical day ranges from a high of 87°F (30°C) to a low of 76°F (24°C). Some would describe it as very warm with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Ho Chi Minh City, March, has days with highs of 99°F (37°C) and lows of 76°F (24°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 91°F (33°C) and lows of 71°F (22°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Ho Chi Minh City in September based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in September
87°F
highs
76°F
lows

General weather summary

Very warm with a gentle breeze
Feels like
79%
Chance of rain
0.447 in
Amount
11.0 mph
Wind speed
83%
Humidity
12.2 hrs
Daylight length
5:42 AM
Sunrise
5:54 PM
Sunset
21%
Cloud cover
Sleeveless shirt, rain coat and rain boots
What to wear
What to wear in September
With an average high of 87°F (30°C) and a low of 76°F (24°C), it generally feels very warm with a gentle breeze. There might also be a very high chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something very light like a sleeveless shirt and top it off with a rain coat and rain boots
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Best attractions for Ho Chi Minh City in September

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Ho Chi Minh City has to offer for travelers in September, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Ho Chi Minh City that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City for September.
War Remnants Museum
1. War Remnants Museum
4.5
(32705)
War museum
Museums
Memorial museum exhibiting photographs, weapons & other objects from the Vietnam & Indochina wars.
Cu Chi Tunnel
2. Cu Chi Tunnel
4.5
(12390)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Sprawling underground tunnel complex used by Viet Cong soldiers, plus exhibits & war memorials.
Saigon Central Post Office
3. Saigon Central Post Office
4.4
(3867)
Post office
Sights & Landmarks
Monumental central post office, completed in 1891, with a vaulted main hall & period finishes.
Ben Thanh Market
4. Ben Thanh Market
4.0
(55928)
Market
Shopping
Well-known standby for handicrafts, souvenirs, clothing & other goods along with local eats.
Independence Palace
5. Independence Palace
4.4
(34374)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Historical building of the Vietnam War era, with tours of government offices, war rooms & artifacts.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
6. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
4.4
(22177)
Catholic cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
1880s Catholic cathedral built with French bricks & featuring 58m-tall Romanesque bell towers.
Saigon Skydeck
7. Saigon Skydeck
4.4
(10647)
Observation deck
Sights & Landmarks
Glass-enclosed observation deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower with scenic views.
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
8. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
4.5
(13277)
Opera house
Sights & Landmarks
Ornate 19th-century French colonial opera house that is now home to the city's ballet & symphony.
Ho Chi Minh City
9. Ho Chi Minh City
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Đ. Bùi Viện
10. Đ. Bùi Viện
4.4
(578)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Lively thoroughfare known for its dining, shopping & drinking spots, especially busy at night.
Ben Nghe Street Food
11. Ben Nghe Street Food
4.2
(8161)
Night market
Sights & Landmarks
Đ. Đồng Khởi
12. Đ. Đồng Khởi
Sights & Landmarks
Points of Interest & Landmarks
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
13. The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater
4.3
(1560)
Performing arts theater
Concerts & Shows
Colorful venue for Vietnamese puppet shows performed in water & accompanied by live music.
Đ. Phạm Ngũ Lão
14. Đ. Phạm Ngũ Lão
4.6
(46)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Popular with backpackers, this busy hub features souvenir shops, bars, cafes & guest houses.
Đ. Nguyễn Huệ
15. Đ. Nguyễn Huệ
4.6
(429)
Notable street
Sights & Landmarks
Wide, bustling pedestrian street with French colonial architecture views & community events.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
16. Jade Emperor Pagoda
4.6
(462)
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Ho Chi Minh City?

Get inspired for your trip to Ho Chi Minh City with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

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