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Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Vietnam tailor-made holidays

Introduction

Although Ho Chi Minh City was renamed at the end of the Vietnam War, Vietnam's largest city is still known to many as Saigon. This division is mirrored across a city that is one part modern metropolis – full of lively bars, lavish restaurants and high-end boutiques – one part colonial grandee, and one part ancient Asia, where catfish wriggle on the lids of steel drums in lunchtime markets and incense wafts from centuries-old pagodas. It’s a place that our travel specialists know and love.

Ancient streets and markets

There's Dong Khoi Street, formally Rue Catinat, running from the river to the Notre Dame Cathedral and lined with some of the city's most impressive colonial architecture. Surrounded by high-end boutique shops, galleries and smart hotels, Dong Khoi Street transports visitors back to Saigon, as it was before 1975. The centrally located Ben Thanh Market is the best place to find authentic Vietnamese street vendors. Almost anything that's eaten, worn or used by locals is available here, including vegetables, meats, spices, sweets, tobacco, clothing and hardware. You’ll also find a range of souvenirs, from conical hats to bullet-case key rings. It's one of the city's largest and oldest markets and is a cultural hot spot and social meeting place for many of Saigon's residents. A walking tour is an excellent way of familiarising yourself with Ho Chi Minh’s buzzing streets – speak to our specialists for more information.

Fruit seller in streets of Ho Chi Minh City
Fruit seller, Ho Chi Minh City

Historic landmarks

The Chinese section of Ho Chi Minh is home to vibrant markets and a number of the city's landmarks, including the 19th century Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Lady of the Sea. Yet, as the symbol of Saigon's French legacy, Notre Dame Cathedral holds centre stage. The twin-spire, red-brick cathedral was built in the late 1800s, supposedly using materials sourced only from France, and as recently as 2005 reports spread across the Catholic world that the statue of the Virgin Mary in the square outside had shed a tear. The city’s Central Post Office is also classically French –you’ll find both buildings at the end of Dong Khoi Street, in the heart of the city.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam
Notre Dame, Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam’s wartime legacy

Perhaps one of the most iconic images of the Vietnam War was that of a North Vietnamese tank smashing through the gates of the Reunification Hall, formerly the Presidential Palace. It is now a museum, preserved just as it was found in 1975. The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular museums in Ho Chi Minh City, its exhibits displaying the effects of various chemical warheads used by the United States during the war. And, just a short distance from the city are the notorious Cu Chi Tunnels, developed by the Viet Cong to attack US forces during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were used as supply routes, hospitals and sleeping quarters, and are undoubtedly one of the reasons for the eventual defeat and withdrawal of US troops. A visit to Ho Chi Minh is not complete without seeing them – no matter how sobering.

Inside the Cu Chi War Tunnels near Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cu Chi Tunnels

 

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Special offers in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Essential Vietnam & Cambodia

14-day river cruise holiday from £3,795 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Save up to £1,250 per person off selected dates
Book by: 31 March 2024

Discover the ancient and cultural wonders of the Mekong on this two-week tour of Vietnam and Cambodia, travelling from Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap with Travelmarvel by APT.

Top itineraries in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Best of Vietnam & Cambodia

17-day tailor-made holiday from £4,995 pp incl. flights

From city greats and iconic, jungle-shrouded temples to off-the-beaten-track gems framed by a fabulous food scene, this best-of tour takes in the must-see highlights of two Far East favourites.

Lan Ha Bay, Halong Bay

Highlights of Vietnam

12-day tailor-made holiday from £4,510 pp incl. flights

Discover the best of Vietnam, taking in vibrant Hanoi, the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay and the culturally rich towns of Hue and Hoi An. Then, fly south to take in the magic of the Mekong Delta and the infamous Cu Chi Tunnels.

Aqua Mekong Exterior View, South Vietnam & Mekong

Aqua Mekong River Cruise

14-day tailor-made holiday from £8,985 pp incl. flights

Either side of a luxurious cruise along the Mekong River, enjoy private touring and luxury stays among Angkor Wat’s world wonders, Saigon’s colonial beauty and Phnom Penh’s glittering palaces.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Singapore to Hong Kong with Silversea

16-day luxury ocean cruise from £8,800 pp incl. flights

Explore the cultural and coastal delights of Southeast Asia as you sail from Singapore to Hong Kong with Silversea, taking in everywhere from the golden beaches of the Gulf of Thailand to the buzzing cities of Bangkok and Saigon.

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Top places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Riverfront Pool Villa (Bedroom), An Lam Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City

An Lam Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City

Small & intimate hotel

An Lam Saigon River is a luxury riverside resort that offers a relaxing retreat, and access to Ho Chi Minh City via speedboat

Villa Song 1

Villa Song, Ho Chi Minh City

Small & intimate hotel

Villa Song is a colonial-style house offering an intimate and relaxed riverside retreat within easy access of the city

Intercontinental, Ho Chi Minh City

Intercontinental Asiana, Ho Chi Minh City

Traditional hotel

This award-winning hotel enjoys a prime position in the heart of Ho Chi Minh, is excellent value, and is located just a short stroll from its famous landmarks including Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Opera House.

18thfloor Swimming pool, Liberty Central Saigon,  South Vietnam

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint, Ho Chi Minh City

Contemporary hotel

The Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint is stylish, modern and excellently priced. It's also located in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City just minutes from Le Loi Boulevard and other main attractions.

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Meet our Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0613

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0613 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

Learn why Wexas is the leader in creating luxury holidays. What is tailor-made travel?

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