Ho Chi Minh City Holidays
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
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.
Phu Quoc and Ho Chi Minh City Multi Centre
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 the southern tip of the country, and just a one hour flight from Ho Chi Minh City. More than half...
Beach holidays
Ho Chi Minh City and Hoi An Multi Centre
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, designer shops, incense-scented pagodas and stalls selling fragrant noodle soup, this city hosts traditional and modern elements. We recommend spending...
Luxury holidays
Ho Chi Minh City and Phan Thiet Multi Centre
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 markets, designer shops, incense-scented pagodas and stalls selling fragrant noodle soup, this city buzzes with tradition and modernity. Drive from...
City holidays
Our favourite 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.
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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.
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![Ho Chi Minh City]( "Ho Chi Minh City")
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.
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![Saigon Bar]()
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.
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![Reunification Palace]( "Reunification Palace")
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.
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![Mekong River]( "Mekong River")
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.
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![Cu Chi Tunnels]( "Cu Chi Tunnels")
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.
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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.
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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Barbara
Destination Specialist
“Join the locals around the many dented metal tables across the city for the incredible street food that encompasses every regional specialty from around Vietnam.”
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Harriet
Destination Specialist
“Shop in the small boutiques around District 1 for some surprising retail discoveries, or stroll along the streets and alleys branching off of Dong Khoi, which are packed with all kinds of fascinating stores.”
Events & Festivals
Festivals and events are wonderful to include during your Ho Chi Minh City holiday, offering a glimpse into the country’s authentic culture and traditions.
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Nguyen Hue Flower Street Festival during Tet Festival
Tet Festival usually falls in late January or early/mid-February in Vietnam. The dates vary from year to year and are based on the lunar calendar. Nguyen Hue Street is closed to traffic throughout the celebrations so pedestrians can admire the beautiful flowers. You can take in the celebrations and events, which include games for children and exhibitions by local artists. Another unique sight during the Tet holiday in Ho Chi Minh City is the Tao Dan Spring Flower Festival. See beautiful flower arrangements, and enjoy wonderful music and food in one of the city’s parks.
