Book flights to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

Book your visit to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City pulses with energy and is full of truly memorable experiences for adventurous travellers. The blend of 21st century skyscrapers and colonial architecture highlights the city’s evolution through different eras.

Its energetic street atmosphere offers a sensory feast, with delicious Vietnamese cuisine and bustling marketplaces to explore.

Saigon, as it’s also known, is a bustling, vibrant city where tradition meets modern life and where each district has its own distinct personality. Shopping ranges from markets to malls, and the food is quite simply delicious. From historic alleys to contemporary art venues and serene temples, Ho Chi Minh City is a place of old and new, with a new experience waiting to delight you around every corner.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

A post office may be a strange tourist attraction, but Saigon Central Post Office is an exception. This incredible French Colonial building from the 19th century is an ornate combination of European and Asian design.

A visit to Ho Chi Minh City Museum lets you explore the culture and history of the city and the president after whom the city is named. Or visit the Museum of Vietnamese History before taking a stroll around the botanical gardens. If you’re here with the children, don’t miss the hilarious water puppet show.

Ho Chi Minh City is full of temples, and you can visit the city’s oldest, the Giac Lam Pagoda. Dating back to the 18th century and surrounded by gardens, it’s a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Activities in Ho Chi Minh City

It can get hot in Ho Chi Minh City, so cool off with a family day out at the city’s water park, with slides, pools and even the odd animatronic dinosaur or two to make you jump.

Shows and entertainment keep everyone amused in the city, from water puppets to traditional music and dance. Take in a show and learn more about Vietnamese culture.

For a change of pace, take a day trip beyond the city limits with a boat trip along the Mekong Delta. You can combine this with a shopping expedition as you can browse some of the floating markets, filled with fresh produce and locally made goods.

If you’d rather stay local to the city centre, embark on a Saigon River boat cruise at sunset, or take a boat ride to the Phu Chau Floating Temple. The tranquillity and peace is a serene escape and a chance to relax.

Food in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam is famous for its food, with its unique dishes and recipes enjoyed all over the world. Begin your gastronomic journey with pho, a Vietnamese noodle soup made with your choice of meat in a rich, aromatic broth flavoured with herbs and spices.

The soup differs depending on the region, and you’ll find pho in Ho Chi Minh City slightly sweeter than elsewhere. For a light lunch, indulge in bun cha, a bowl of grilled patties and noodles, with crisp herbs and tangy dipping sauce.

The street food in Ho Chi Minh City is unparalleled, much like many other areas of Southeast Asia. Stroll through markets and streets vendors dotted around the city for snacks of banh mi and rice paper rolls.

If you are looking for alternate cuisines, try Little Tokyo’s intimate eateries for delicious Japanese fare.

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s blend of contemporary and traditional infrastructure translates to its shopping scene. Start your shopping at the Ben Thanh Market, a central marketplace selling everything from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs and clothing.

Walk down Nguyen Hue Street, a lively shopping and entertainment zone with boutiques, flagship stores, and street performers. Here, you can find high-end fashion, electronics, and bespoke gifts. For book lovers, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street is a haven of bookstores and cafes.

An Dong Market is a treasure trove of fabrics and exquisite textiles. You can scout delicate silks, detailed embroidery, and even have a suit custom-made by one of the city’s talented tailors.