Loading…
Southern Vietnam
Vietnam's largest city — French colonial architecture, modern skyline, and buzzing street life.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is the economic engine of Vietnam — modern skyscrapers, a motorbike tsunami of 8 million bikes, rooftop bars, and French colonial landmarks. It's the country's most dynamic city and the gateway to the Mekong Delta.
The War Remnants Museum (District 3) is the essential stop — a sobering, unflinching record of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. The Cu Chi Tunnels (1.5 hours outside the city) are the underground Viet Cong network: 250 km of tunnels, some sections you can crawl through. Book a half-day tour.
Notre-Dame Basilica (1880) and the Central Post Office (1891, designed by Gustave Eiffel's firm) face each other across the square. The Reunification Palace (1966) is where the war ended in 1975 — the tanks that crashed the gates are still parked outside. Ben Thanh Market is the city's central market, good for souvenirs and street food.
Banh mi — the best in Vietnam. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng) is the most famous. Com tam (broken rice with grilled pork) is the Southern lunch staple. Hu tieu (pork and seafood noodle soup) is the Saigon breakfast. Wash it down with ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee).
The city is sprawl — you'll use Grab everywhere. District 1 is the tourist core: walkable, full of hotels, restaurants, and rooftop bars (Saigon Saigon, Chill Sky Bar). Best time: December–March (dry season, 28-33°C). May–October is the wet season with daily 30-minute downpours.
Mekong Delta (2 hours) — boat through the canals of My Tho or Ben Tre, coconut candy workshops, honey tea, tropical fruit. Vung Tau (2 hours) — a beach town for a quick escape.
Stay Connected in Ho Chi Minh City
Airalo eSIMs activate on arrival — no SIM swap needed. Vietnam data plans from $5.
Two to three days: one for the war history (War Remnants Museum + Cu Chi Tunnels), one for the colonial landmarks and markets, and one for a Mekong Delta day trip.
December to March is the dry season — warm (28-33°C) with low humidity. May to October is the wet season with daily short downpours.
Yes, but motorbike snatch theft is common — keep phones and bags away from the street, especially at night. Use Grab rather than hailing taxis on the street.
Tan Son Nhat Airport is 30 minutes from District 1. A Grab costs US$5-8. The airport bus (route 109) costs about US$1.
12 experiences
Escape the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City in favor of the tranquil Mekong Delta on a 2-day tour that provides a great introduction for first-time visitors. A guide takes care of planning activities, accommodation, and transfers so you don’t have to, and provides an insider’s perspective into the culture of southern Vietnam. You’ll explore Cai Raing Floating Market, the biggest in the region, and enjoy the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off in Ho Chi Minh City.
From 2.413.000 ₫From the market to your plate! Purchase ingredients with your chef at the local market and then head back to our kitchen for a hands-on cooking class. Sharp your cooking skills, eat and have fun! Visit Ben thanh Market and find its hidden gems guided by your chef Take a hands-on cooking class Make and enjoy a 3 course meal
From 1.498.600 ₫Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon and long considered as the Pearl of the Far East, is the most dizzying city of commerce and culture in Vietnam. A visit to Saigon is like an encounter with exotic delicious food, French colonial architecture and memories of Vietnam War. A state-run handicraft enterprise exports a wide range of products—including furniture, carpets, lacquer paintings, and other works of art—made largely from local materials and you will be shown a part of this attraction.