Top Ho Chi Minh Experiences

A little luxury, a lot of difference

A comfortable haven to return to at the end of each day in this extraordinary city is something we know you’ll be glad of. HCMC can be a challenging place: the streets are crowded, the traffic chaotic, the pace relentless and the heat phenomenal. By complete contrast, your luxury hotel will be cool, quiet and superbly relaxing. Choose historic French colonial or ultra-modern: most of the luxury hotels are in District 1 and close to the main attractions. All offer excellent in-house amenities and many have fine views of the city and its river. Plus of course, if you need a night at the airport, there are world-class properties there too. Sightseeing in old Saigon is an essential part of your luxury stay: sip a cool drink at the famous Continental Hotel, cruise the river and once-war-torn Mekong Delta, and stroll down elegant Dong Khoi, the city’s most famous street. And, to counteract the exhaustion, do try a traditional Vietnamese massage, or book yourself in for a luxury spa. For fine dining, head for Dong Khoi and its immediate vicinity.

The timeless culture of old Saigon

Despite all that has happened in and around the city once known as Saigon, its culture remains intact, and can be seen in countless pagodas, temples, French colonial architecture, markets (try Binh Tay) and the water-borne trades of the river. Don’t miss magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral and spend an evening at the Opera House - now known as the Municipal Theatre. The building alone is worth it. Less visible in this city - but impossible to ignore - are the reminders of the war years. They are an essential part of the HCMC experience, and no traveller can leave without visiting at least one of the museums that showcase these horrors. Without doubt the most affecting is the War Remnants Museum; not a place for the squeamish, but a lesson, perhaps, to be learnt. Also from the war era are the remarkable Cu Chi tunnels; worth a visit, though some distance from the city centre.

That legendary Vietnamese cuisine

Before we look at food, a word about drink - specifically, coffee. This country is a big producer and the quality is excellent, so be sure to try it. On the food score, we hardly need tell you that some of the most delicious Oriental flavours of all were created in this country, and finding somewhere to eat will not be a problem. There are restaurants and stalls all over the city, serving every type of local delicacy. Nor is it hard to track down European (French, German and more), or other ethnic food, if that’s what you prefer. Do start at least one day here with a bowl of pho (noodles), and for fast food in the local style, try the Pho 24 shops; not very adventurous, but a Ho Chi Minh City institution. Top of the pops for street food are bowls of mien ga (vermicelli, chicken and mushroom soup), sandwiches, banh khoi (pancakes) and mouth-watering rice dishes, which are usually available around lunchtime. Many vendors cook only one recipe, so shop around. Order by pointing, if necessary - even the locals do.