Cu Chi Tunnels
An extensive underground tunnel network used during the Vietnam War, Cu Chi offers a sobering, genuinely eye-opening look at a pivotal chapter of the country's history — some sections are open for visitors to crawl through themselves.
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (still widely known as Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest and most energetic city — a fast-moving blend of French colonial architecture, modern skyscrapers, and a food and nightlife scene that runs late into the night. It’s the natural gateway to southern Vietnam and the Mekong Delta, and a genuinely different energy to the more measured pace of Hanoi.
Things to do
War Remnants Museum
A powerful, unflinching account of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective, this museum is essential for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of the country's modern history, alongside its more relaxed tourist trail.
Ben Thanh Market
One of the city's oldest and most iconic markets, Ben Thanh is a proper sensory experience — clothing, souvenirs, and an excellent night market food scene just outside once the daytime stalls close.
Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
Two of Saigon's most photographed French colonial landmarks sit almost side by side — the red-brick cathedral and the ornate, still-functioning post office designed in part by Gustave Eiffel's studio.
Mekong Delta Day Trip
A day trip into the Mekong Delta's waterways offers a completely different side of Vietnam — floating markets, coconut candy workshops, and boat rides through narrow canals lined with fruit orchards.
FAQs Ho Chi Minh City
Do UK travellers need a visa for Vietnam?
Yes — an e-visa arranged online in advance is the simplest route for UK passport holders. We're happy to guide you through this as part of booking.
Is Ho Chi Minh City different to Hanoi?
Very much so — Saigon is faster-paced, warmer year-round, and has a more modern, commercial energy compared to Hanoi's older, more traditional character. Many itineraries combine both for real contrast.
What's the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
December to April is the dry season and generally the most comfortable time to visit, with the city staying warm year-round regardless.
How do I get around Ho Chi Minh City?
Grab is genuinely the easiest way to get around, covering cars and motorbike taxis alike — worth setting up alongside an eSim before you leave the UK.
Can I combine Ho Chi Minh City with Hanoi?
Very easily, and it's one of the most popular ways to see Vietnam — many itineraries fly into one city and out of the other (Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City), with Hoi An, Da Nang, or Halong Bay as stops in between.
Where to stay
From landmark colonial-era grandeur to sleek city-centre polish, here are three of Saigon's finest addresses.
Where to Stay
Park Hyatt Saigon
Widely regarded as the city's premier luxury address, Park Hyatt Saigon sits directly on Lam Son Square in the heart of the city, pairing colonial-inspired architecture with genuinely exceptional service and one of Saigon's best spas.
Caravelle Saigon
A historic landmark dating back to 1959, the Caravelle has hosted journalists, film crews, and dignitaries for decades — a genuine piece of the city's modern history, now expanded into a full contemporary luxury tower.
Sheraton Saigon
Centrally located with excellent city views, Sheraton Saigon pairs dependable five-star service with a genuinely central base for exploring the city's main sights on foot.