Luxury Tailor-Made Vietnam Holidays Ho Chi Minh City 2024 & 2025
The perfect complement to the more serene Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) has a pulsating energy that is impossible to resist. Attractions include the bustling Ben Thanh Market, where vendors sell everything from food, sweets and spices to tobacco, souvenirs and clothing - including custom-made suits, and Nha Hang Ngon, where you can taste traditional street food served up from food stalls in a leafy garden.
Other notable sites and experiences include the Notre-Dame Basilica, the Jade Emperor Pagoda for its statues and woodcarvings, the War Remnants Museum, and the Khanh Van Nam Vien Pagoda, said to be the only pure Taoist temple in Vietnam.
Tell us more about your Vietnam travel plans, and we'll create a tailor-made holiday, just for you.
Things to do and see in Ho Chi Minh City
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast network of underground passageways that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. Located about 70 kilometres northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, these tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches, and living quarters. The tunnels allowed the Viet Cong to mount surprise attacks and then vanish almost without a trace.
The experience is interactive and engaging. You can see various underground facilities, including makeshift kitchens where food was prepared with minimal smoke to avoid detection, and living quarters that housed entire families. Demonstrations of the traps and defences used to protect the tunnels are also a part of the tour.
Visit the War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City provides a sobering look into the Vietnam War through different exhibits, photographs, artefacts, and military equipment. If you are interested in history, then this is an essential visit.
The museum's detailed exhibits cover different aspects of the war, including the effects of Agent Orange and other war crimes. This educational experience sheds light on the hardships faced by the Vietnamese during the conflict and the long-term consequences that followed. The War Remnants Museum is a poignant reminder of the war's devastating impact and serves as an important historical site for visitors.
Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Constructed between 1863 and 1880 by French colonists, the cathedral stands as a striking testament to the city’s rich colonial heritage.
The cathedral houses several religious artifacts and statues, including a statue of the Virgin Mary that stands in front of the main entrance. This statue, known as the Virgin Mary statue, gained international attention in 2005 when locals claimed it shed tears, drawing crowds of visitors and devotees.
Located in the bustling downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City, near other historical landmarks like the Saigon Central Post Office, the cathedral is easily accessible and often included in walking tours of the city.
Take a Vespa Ride Through Ho Chi Minh City
Exploring the city on a Vespa is an exhilarating and authentic way to experience the city's vibrant energy and bustling streets. Riding through the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, you'll weave through a maze of scooters, past colonial-era architecture, bustling markets, and modern skyscrapers. The wind in your hair and the hum of the engine add to the thrill as you navigate narrow alleys and broad boulevards.
A Vespa ride provides a unique vantage point to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the city, from the aromatic street food stalls to the lively local cafes. Whether you're cruising by iconic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral noted above and Reunification Palace or discovering hidden gems off the beaten path, a Vespa tour encapsulates the dynamic spirit and rich culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season from December to April. During this period, the weather is typically warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 21°C to 34°C. The skies are mostly clear, making it ideal for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and exploring the city's vibrant streets and historical sites. March and April can be particularly hot, but the overall climate is more comfortable compared to the rainy season, which runs from May to November and brings heavy downpours and occasional flooding.
Sample Itineraries Including Ho Chi Minh City
Our sample itineraries will show you suggestions for what you can do, see, and the best places to stay while travelling in Ho Chi Minh City.
If you like the look of any of these below, let us know and we can completely tailor-make your trip so it is totally unique to you!
Grand Tour of Vietnam
Vietnam and Angkor Wat
Grand Tour of Vietnam with Nam Hai
Top Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
Build Your Tailor-Made Holiday to Vietnam
Interested in booking a tailor-made holiday to Vietnam or have any other questions? Give us a call on 01442 617777 or fill out our contact form below.