Ho Chi Minh City Tours & Holidays
Join us on a holiday to Ho Chi Minh city
Vibrant, diverse, and full of excitement, Ho Chi Minh City is one of Southeast Asia's most dynamic cities.
A heady mix of old and new, the city boasts both elegant French colonial architecture and glitzy modern skyscrapers. Vietnam's largest city is home to a vast array of fantastic hotels, bars, and dining options, as well as a variety of world-class attractions. Whether you're travelling solo or setting off on a family holiday to Ho Chi Minh City, you're sure to be swept up in the thrilling buzz of the city.
There's a great mix of things to do and see on a sightseeing tour of Ho Chi Minh City. The grand Central Post Office dates back to the late 19th century and features striking painted maps and mosaics, while the Xa Loi Pagoda stands proud and houses a bronze Buddha. Explore the official meeting rooms and former living quarters of South Vietnamese president Nguyen Van Thieu at the Independence Palace, or head to historic Ben Thanh Market in search of souvenirs and street food.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
For a place as lively as Ho Chi Minh City, it's not surprising that there is a wonderfully diverse array of things to do. Museums, historic landmarks, shopping, nightlife... it's all here. Not sure where to start? Here is our pick of three must-do experiences for your Ho Chi Minh City holiday.
Explore Independence Palace
Also known as the Reunification Hall, Independence Palace was the former office building and residence of the former President of the Republic of Vietnam. Today, you can tour the palace and its various meeting rooms, its library, ballroom cinema, and more, as well as its perfectly manicured gardens.
Dig Deeper at the War Remnants Museum
Housed in the former US Information Service building, this poignant museum offers a reflective look at Vietnam's turbulent past, with a particular focus on the Vietnam War. There are various images and artefacts on display, including US vehicles and weapons, a guillotine and prisoner of war cages.
Visit Ben Thanh Market
Housed inside one of the city's oldest buildings, the Ben Thanh Market features around 1,500 stalls and welcomes thousands of visitors every day. With both a day and night market, it is the perfect place to do a spot of shopping before sampling some of the city's famous street food dishes.
Things to see in Ho Chi Minh City
From brightly coloured temples to glamorous skyscrapers, there's plenty to see on a Ho Chi Minh City tour. Wander the streets lined with French colonial buildings, explore the authentic local markets, or just sit at a cafe and watch the scenes of everyday life unfold around you. Here are a few highlights to get you started.
Food and drink in Ho Chi Minh city
Home to a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, Ho Chi Minh City is something of a foodie paradise. Being home to a large immigrant community, you'll find a broad mix of cuisines throughout the city, as well as eateries serving carefully formulated fusion-style dishes. Of course, if it's local food you're craving, there are plenty of fantastic options, from unassuming street food stalls to swanky fine dining establishments.
One of the first stops on any Ho Chi Minh City food tour should be Ben Thanh Market. This historic market is home to a variety of street food vendors, many of which have been here since it was first opened. You can find a great range of authentic local dishes being served here, with everything from summer rolls to grilled meat on the menu. Many of the street food cooks here, and throughout the city, only sell one dish which they have tweaked to perfection over the years. If it is your first foray into the mouthwatering world of Vietnamese street food, look out for classic dishes such as bột chiên - savoury fried rice flour cakes - and bánh cuốn - steamed rice rolls usually stuffed with minced pork and mushrooms.
Other popular Vietnamese dishes that you may like to sample on your Ho Chi Minh City holiday are hủ tiếu nam vang - noodles in a soup made from pork and shrimp with toppings such as pork, egg and onion - and bánh mì đặc biệt - a local version of the famous sandwich which consists of pork, pâté, pickled carrots, cucumber and mayonnaise served in a baguette. More adventurous diners might like to try local delicacies such as snails cooked in coconut milk or marinated offal. Whichever dish you opt for, you can enjoy an after-dinner beverage with exquisite panoramic views at one of the city's fabulous rooftop bars, such as Blank Lounge in the glamorous Landmark 81 development.
