Both Vietnamese and Western food are widely available in HCMC and English menus are common. Cholon's speciality is Chinese food. And if you are feeling spring-rolled out, don't fret - there is plenty of superb international food around.

In general, and as a guide to fitting your sightseeing around meals (or vice versa), local restaurants are open from 6am to 9pm; gourmet and international restaurants from 11am to 2pm and 6pm to 11pm; street stalls keep all hours; and markets are open from 6.30am to 5.30pm.