Formerly known as Saigon and renamed in honor of the former president and prime minister of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam), Ho Chi Minh City is not only the largest city in Vietnam but also one of the most well-known. A central character in the story of the Vietnam War, the “Fall of Saigon”, or the city’s liberation, depending on who is telling it, is one of the most pivotal events in both American and Vietnamese history.
For over a hundred years, Saigon was the capital – first under the French colonizers, and later the regime of South Vietnam. Following the end of the Vietnam War, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, though locals still refer to it by its old name. Today, Saigon is the industrial and commercial heart of the country, attracting green youth and seasoned businessmen alike with its rapid expansion and numerous opportunities. While development is rampant, the city still retains infrastructure from its days as the colonial capital – with quaint, European-style architecture alongside newly-constructed commercial buildings.
Region
Ho Chi Minh City
language
Vietnamese
capital
Hanoi
population
9,077,003
area
2,061 km²
currency
Vietnamese Dong
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FIND YOUR
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
Inspiration
Locally based with in-country expertise means our Destination Experience Designers can curate exceptional activities and experiences for you that are beyond the reach of the average traveller. We piece these together as a framework for your own bespoke adventure, you can find it in our featured journeys or speak to our travel advisors.
SEE THE AUTHENTIC MEKONG DELTA
EXPERIENCE the countryside life and see the destination authenticity with a carefully curated program by our destination specialists locally based in the region. Walk through the home grown fruit gardens, taste the local flavor of coconut candy with pure honey jasmine tea. Row the boat alongside the canals with coconut trees and bike in the rural villages, dine at a local farmer’s home.
UNEARTH SECRETS OF THE CU CHI TUNNELS WITH A VETERAN
SEE the renown preserved sections of the vast underground Cu Chi tunnels used by the Vietcong forces during the war in a sobering experience which illuminates what life was like for the Vietnamese during the conflict. Be led by a war veteran through this landmark site, learning how the war changed the lives of millions.
EXPLORE SAIGON NIGHT LIFE ON VINTAGE VESPA
MAKE the most of your time in southern Vietnam with an exciting vespa ride from your hotel to lesser known areas. Zooming through the neon-lit busy streets in the rush hours, seeing the city landmarks, learning Vietnamese history lessons. Experience a night like no other on your vintage vespa with experienced driver, and taste the authentic flavor of Vietnamese cuisines.
CRUISE THE SAIGON RIVER TO BEN DINH TUNNELS
EXPERIENCE the world like no other. Start your private cruise alongside of Saigon river with breakfast served on board to explore the renown historic Ben Dinh tunnels. Be led by a war veteran with untold mystic stories, just the insiders know. See the real tunnels with a local guerrila escort through out the journey, and reward yourself with a few rounds of AK45 at the shooting range.
DISCOVER VIBRANT SAIGON ON VINTAGE MILITARY JEEP
IMMERSE yourself in the local culture of Saigon, the biggest melting pot of Vietnam in the south. Drive through bustling China town streets with millions of motorbike, see the daily life of Saigonese. Experience the historic landmarks with explanations from our professional tourguide. Tour the colonial district 3, see the venerable statue of self-immolated Thich Quang Duc.
STREET EATS & PUB CRAWLS ON MOTORBIKES
GET ready for the amazing night with an empty stomach. Explore the hidden best street eats and bars of Saigon, just the insiders know. See the night life of this sleepless city by zooming through small little alleys. Visit the city’s lesser known areas, enjoy the free flow offered on tour, drink at rooftop bar with a view that will take your breath away.
SUNSET CRUISE ON PRIVATE YATCH
ENJOY the private luxury cruising moments with friends and families on this luxury yatch with 5 star Chef’s hand-picked canapes. Experience the busy Saigon city from a different angles that make your trip like no other. Cruising through district 1, 4 and 7, seeing the daily life of Saigon people and breath-taking view from your Yatch.
FULL DAY EXPLORATION THE OLD BATTLE FIELD LONG TAN & NUI DAT
BE guided by a local expert on an exploration of the old battle field Long Tan with stops at lesser known historic areas. Visit the old battle field of Long Tan, walk through the jungle with war relics. See the daily life of local people living in the peaceful countryside, once used to be a battle zone. Delve into Long Phuoc tunnels, stop by the war museum and the Australian built Nui Dat kindergarten.
AUTHENTIC COOKING CLASS WITH LOCAL MASTER CHEF
LEARN the Vietnamese cooking style from a renown Master Chef in Saigon. Start with a wet market walk with explanations of how to use and why from the escort and learn history lessons while passing through city landmarks on your private pedicab/rickshaw. Cook your Vietnamese food with Chef’s instructions, enjoy the local recipes and reward yourself a certificate with a local icy cold beer afterwards.
When to go
Vietnam has a tropical climate with average annual temperatures ranging from 22°C to 34°C. Although temperatures are consistent year round, various parts of the country, at certain times of the year, can be affected by unpredictable storms which may cause flooding. From May to November, most of the country is affected by south-western monsoons. The rains, which tend to be concentrated in the late afternoons, provide welcome relief from the heat. The heaviest rainfall tends to occur between July and August in the north; June to October in the south; and October to December in Central Vietnam. December to March is a pleasant time to visit the southern city of Ho Chi Minh City and the Mekong Delta, although temperatures in Hanoi and northern regions tend to be cooler during those months. In the mountainous regions in the far north such as Sapa, the temperature can at times drop below zero. The best time to visit the north is between September and December when there’s a good chance of clear skies and low humidity, while March to September is an ideal time to enjoy the beaches and attractions of Central Vietnam. Beach destinations in the south such as Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and Con Dao Island are warm and sunny most of the year. However, the rainy season varies for each destination: Nha Trang (October to December); Phu Quoc (June to September) and Con Dao (November to January).
Destination Indochina has been delivering rare opportunities to engage with beautiful Vietnam and her people. Our dedicated team of travel professionals have their finger on the pulse of what is new and trending in the region and our transformational journeys inspire travellers of all walks of life. Connect with specialists in culture, food, art, religion and history and get the best advice on where to eat, shop and unwind.
OUR PREFERRED
Accommodation
Park Hyatt Saigon
Park Hyatt Saigon, inspired by the colonial traditions of the French, enjoys a prime location on the city’s most famous square, within walking distance of the most popular cultural attractions including the Opera House. The hotel’s recently renovated 245 rooms and suites are decorated in elegant neutral tones channelling the old-world charms of colonial Saigon,…
The Reverie Saigon
The Reverie Saigon commands the upper and lower floors of the iconic and modern 39-storey Times Square development in Ho Chi Minh City. With unreserved grandeur that epitomizes the best of Italian design, the hotel transcends expectations of space to deliver a modern-day exploration of classically inspired splendor. And the striking visuals of the hotel…
Accommodation
Park Hyatt Saigon
Park Hyatt Saigon, inspired by the colonial traditions of the French, enjoys a prime location on the city’s most famous square, within walking distance of the most popular cultural attractions including the Opera House. The hotel’s recently renovated 245 rooms and suites are decorated in elegant neutral tones channelling the old-world charms of colonial Saigon,…
The Reverie Saigon
The Reverie Saigon commands the upper and lower floors of the iconic and modern 39-storey Times Square development in Ho Chi Minh City. With unreserved grandeur that epitomizes the best of Italian design, the hotel transcends expectations of space to deliver a modern-day exploration of classically inspired splendor. And the striking visuals of the hotel…
FEATURED
Saigon Journeys
Saigon Journeys
- 8
- 1
- Long Tan, Vung Tau
Discover Long Tan Battlefield, Nui Dat Base & Vung Tau
Escape the bustling city noises with the honking sound, travel to the peaceful & quiet rural areas of Ba Ria. Sightsee the old battlefield relics from 1960s and learn history lessons while visiting the Nui Dat base (SAS Hill), Luscombe airfield, Horse-shoe Fire Base, Long Tan Memorial Cross & Long Phuoc tunnels. Experience the countryside…
- 6 hours, from $US145pp
Shore Excursion | Visit Historic Cu Chi Tunnels & The Countryside
Quick escape to rural parts of Saigon & see the daily life of farmers on your private vintage jeep. Learn Vietnam war history lessons, interact with the local people, see the war relics at the Free Fire Zone & challenge yourself by crawling through the narrowest size of original tunnels. Experience different types of riffles…
- 2
- 1
- Saigon
Saigon Jeep Tour With An Expert Guide
There’s no better way to experience the bustling Saigon city at a close-up than a vintage US military jeep. Experience the city historical colonial sites with explanation from professional and knowledgeable tourguide. Learn the daily city life through lively street images of motorbikes with honking sound. See the famous Jade Emperor pagoda where local people…
- 10
- 1
- Cu Chi Tunnels
Xin Chao Vietnam !
Reward yourself a quick escape, get out and away the city on your private military US jeep to the countryside of Saigon. Learn the daily life of farmers living along the rice fields & farms. Challenge yourself and friends by crawling through the narrowest part of the tunnels. Experience the underground life of Viet Cong,…
- 4 hours, from US$125pp
Saigon After Dark Jeep Tour Adventure
Experience the city night life and local culture on an open roof vintage US military jeep with in-depth knowledge Saigon insider. Discover the non-touristic and lesser known areas and learn the local culture, history lessons while zooming through historic colonial sites of the city. You will cover all major districts within these 4 hour jeep tour.
- 4 hours, from US$150pp
Vespa Tour Saigon Street Eats Adventure
Discover the city’s hidden charm after dark with stops by famous colonial historical sites as Presidential Palace, Notre Dame Saigon, Central Post Office, Opera House. Dive in the culture of Vietnamese’s culinary with hand-picked dining places and local restaurants. Enjoy the night from the ground to the sky, and end by the underground before heading…
