Name: Ho Chi Minh City
Brand: Hayes & Jarvis

Ho Chi Minh City holidays take you to the business hub of Vietnam and offers a history that stretches back hundreds of years. Ho Chi Minh City is formerly known as Saigon and is often abbreviated today as HCMC. Visit the Củ Chi tunnels that have been left over from the Vietnam War, explore the French Colonial splendour of District 1, or explore beautiful natural surroundings with a trip to the outlying islands and conservation areas.

The region of Ho Chi Minh City was first settled by the Khmers of Cambodia, before the Vietnamese took control in the 17th century. In 1859 the French conquered what was then known as Saigon, leaving behind elegant architecture and wide boulevards that are still present today. This long history means Ho Chi Minh City is full of wonderful treasures, which can be witnessed through its architecture and explored through its food. Ho Chi Minh City is a unique blend of the old and the new, where sleek glass skyscrapers exist cheek by cheek with the grander of its French colonial past.

Ho Chi Minh City holidays: turbulent past and modern marvel

Below Ho Chi Minh City lies a fascinating legacy of the American/Vietnam conflict. The Củ Chi Tunnels is a 75 mile- long complex of tunnels, which form part of a much larger underground base. The site has been preserved by the government as a memorial to the war. Visiting the tunnels will give you more of an insight into the conflict and the conditions below ground.

French influence can be tasted in the food of Ho Chi Minh City, and it’s worth taking the time to explore the markets. The Chinese district, Chợ Lớn, literally means ‘big market’ and the Bình Tây Market at the centre of Chợ Lớn is a bustling hub full of fresh produce from all over Vietnam. This is the perfect place for you to sample the unique blend of flavours that make up Vietnamese cuisine.

As well as its fascinating history and French colonial architecture, Ho Chi Minh City offers excellent transport links to the rest of Vietnam, making it ideal for a multicentre holiday in Ho Chi Minh. Glimpse further back into Vietnam’s past with a trip to Hoi An. This UNESCO World Heritage site is an amazingly well-preserved example of a Southeast Asian trading port and offers a unique blend of indigenous and foreign influences. For a truly relaxing trip visit Phan Thiết, a coastal town that’s home to a picturesque fishing fleet and miles of unspoiled coast.

Destination Highlights

Immerse yourself in the thriving atmosphere of a city that blends the traditional and the modern
Hire a Vespa and zip through the streets - by far the best way to see Ho Chi Minh City
Visit Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts for a wide retrospective on the art history of Vietnam
Discover Chợ Lớn, found on the west bank of the Saigon River and home to the stunning Chaozhou Assembly Hall

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Great sample itineraries

Ho Chi Minh City is centrally located in Southern Vietnam, giving you easy access to the luxurious beach resort of Phu Quoc and historic city of Hoi An. Get inspired by our selection of popular itineraries for Ho Chi Minh City holidays. With so many options for your Ho Chi Minh City holiday package, we recommend you talk to one of our Destination Specialists to make the perfect tailor made holiday just for you.

Ho Chi Minh And Phu Quoc Holiday

11 Days
Guide Price £2,099 PP

Phu Quoc is one of Vietnam’s up and coming must-visit beach escapes. The island itself is located just off of...

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Honeymoons

Ho Chi Minh And Hoi An Holidays

9 Days
Guide Price £1,499 PP

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam. With French colonial buildings, bustling markets,...

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Beach holidays

Ho Chi Minh City and Phan Thiet Multi Centre

11 Days
Guide Price £1,499 PP

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. With its French colonial buildings, bustling...

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Beach holidays

Our favorite hotels

There’s all sorts of hotels in Ho Chi Minh City to choose from, including all-inclusive hotels to boutique city accommodation. Browse our favourite places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City - we are here to help you find the perfect hotel.

Ho Chi Minh City

The Reverie Saigon

The Reverie Saigon has the perfect location in the heart of the city’s prestigious District 1. This sky high retreat...

H&J Rating

Guide Price £2,099

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Ho Chi Minh City

Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Located in the heart of the city centre close to Reunification Palace, the Sofitel Saigon Plaza features a rooftop swimming...

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Guide Price £2,099

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Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon Prince Hotel

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s district one, the Saigon Prince Hotel offers easy access to Ben...

H&J Rating

Guide Price £1,199

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Explore Ho Chi Minh City

Time Zone

GMT +7 hours

Flight Time

Approx. 12 hours; direct flights are available from the UK

Currency

VND - Vietnamese Dong

Visa Information

British citizens don’t need to obtain a visa if staying less than 15 days for travel until 30 June 2018.

Language

Vietnamese

Health Info

All travellers should be up to date with routine immunisations. It’s important to contact your GP to check for the latest recommendations.

For this destination three nights is the recommended length of stay, this will give you enough time to get around the cities attractions and become more familiar with the day to day life of this city. With so many landmarks and points of interest you will not be stuck for things to do.

Ho Chi Minh Square

Especially pretty to visit at dusk, Ho Chi Minh Sqaure in the centre of District 1 is an area surrounded by French Colonial buildings, you will also find here a statue of the former President of the Communist Party of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh or "Unlce Ho" to the Vietnamese people. This pedestrianised area is part of Nguyen Hue Boulevard and the promenade takes you all the way down to the edge of the Saigon River, perfect for an evening wander.

Visit the Saigon Saigon Bar

The Caravelle Hotel is where you will find the Saigon Saigon Bar, on the tenth floor in the heart of the city this roof top bar it is a great place to visit after a days sightseeing. With live music and a relaxed atmosphere this bar draws visitors from all over the world.

Reunification Palace

Walk around this iconic government building, view the preserved rooms which is like a time capsule from 1975 when a Vietnamese War tank crashed through the front gates and declared the end of the Voetnam War.

Mekong Delta

Known as the 'rice bowl of Vietnam', explore this lush region on a traditional wooden sampan boat and see the bustling nearby towns provide a stark contrast to the countryside's serene pace. Make sure you save some time to visit the famous floating markets and witness a lifestyle here afloat the iconic waters.

Cu Chi Tunnels

Take a half day tour to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels and learn about this historic tunnel system which was vital during the French-Indochina and Vietnam wars.

War Remnants Museum

Here you will learn about how the 30 year long Vietnam War effected normal innocent civilians, pictures show in detail what life was like for them just mid war just 50 years ago and there are also items on show left from the war including American guns and tanks.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

December to January is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City. The temperatures remain mild, between 20ºC and 30ºC, and rainfall is at a minimum. The monsoon hits Southern Vietnam from May to December and is best avoided.

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