Ho Chi Minh City Tours

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Tours to Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in Vietnam and one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. Located in southern Vietnam, it is a bustling metropolis with a rich history and culture. The city is famous for its French colonial architecture, buzzing markets, delicious street food, and friendly locals. There are numerous tours available to explore Ho Chi Minh City and its surroundings such as city tour in Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, Mekong Delta Tour and mix of Cao Dai Temple and Cu Chi Tunnels Tour.

Please contact Metta Voyage if you want to customize tour according to your preferences or refer to best Vietnam tours here

All Ho Chi Minh City Tour Packages

A trip is an excellent way to visit some of your desired destinations

Best Places To Visit In Vietnam

Nightlife experiences in Saigon

If you visit Saigon at night, there will be no shortage of appealing venues and foods to taste with your companions.

Walking down Nguyen Hue Street

  • Address: 22 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Attend performances at the Saigon Opera House

  • Address: 07 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh

Visiting Crescent Lake and the Starlight Crescent Bridge

  • Address: 02 Phan Van Chuong Street, Tan Phu Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.

Relaxing on Bui Vien West Street

  • Address: Bui Vien street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, City. Ho Chi Minh City
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FAQ

South  Vietnam

The southern region of Vietnam is especially great between December and April. In contrast to the North of Vietnam, the South has a consistently warm weather pattern all year round. 

There are specific seasons in Southern Vietnam including dry and wet seasons. The dry season is between November and April/ early May. The hottest time of the year belongs to this season’s February and May with a peak of 34 Celsius degrees. The wet season begins in May and ends in early November. June, July, and August are the months that receive the largest amount of rainfall. An interesting feature of the Southern wet season is how quickly the heavy rains last. Sometimes the rain only lasts for 10 minutes but it can get you soaking wet. 

At the end of Vietnam, Phu Quoc and Con Dao Island are often sunny all year round with enjoyable weather. 

Average temperature and rainfall levels of Ho Chi Minh City: here

Within the country

To travel within Vietnam, airplanes, trains, and coaches are the most common mode of transportation. If you want to get from Hanoi to the Central Highlands or South Vietnam, it is highly recommended to book a flight. Flight tickets might be pricier but it will save you from the long wait and uncomfortable accommodation on trains. 

If you only travel to a nearby city that takes only 4-5 hours on the road, book a coach.

Within the city

Vietnam offers a wide range of transportation from taxis, taxi motorbikes, Grab app, Be app, and buses. (But it can be really difficult for foreigners to take a bus.) 

Vietnam has different climates depending on each region. Therefore, this is a broad question to answer. If you want to experience a bit of everything in Vietnam, you can scroll down to understand more about the weather in Vietnam.

If your Vietnam plan is to go on a North-to-South tour, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) might be the most beautiful seasons of Vietnam. Overall, the weather is not too hot or cold. Most of the time, it will be cool with breezes and light sun rays.

In short, each Vietnam region has different weather patterns but spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) have the most pleasing weather.

South Vietnam

Sai Gon

The most vibrant and busy metropolis in our nation is Saigon. Visitors to the popular tourist destination of Saigon can explore numerous notable landmarks and attractions throughout the city, including Nguyen Hue pedestrian street and Nha Rong Wharf. Additionally, tourists have the chance to explore well-known tourist destinations close to Saigon such as the Cu Chi tunnels, Thanh An island, Long Hai beach…

Mekong Delta 

The Mekong river is the 12th longest river in the world flowing from the Tibetan plateau to the South China Sea. It stretches over an area of almost 5,000 km2 and crosses 6 countries, namely China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The river itself has created the fertile Mekong Delta with a biological treasure nowadays. Even though this magical land of Vietnam is quite off-the-beaten-track to foreign tourists, we are sure that a day trip to the Mekong Delta will not let you down. Let’s quickly explore the beauty of the Mekong Delta before you take your own real trip!

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels is a giant underground tunnel system that was initially built under the forest, connecting tunnels among hamlets and small communities during the war against French colonialists. It provided cover for Vietnamese revolutionaries as they traveled between areas covertly and avoided French scouts. This will definitely be a memorable destination for you in your travel in Ho Chi Minh City.

Most visitors to Vietnam will need to obtain a visa before arriving. You can apply for a visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country, or contact Metta Voyage for support with your e-visa application.

Saigon food tour

Saigon is the most developed and busiest city in Vietnam. Saigon cuisine has the influence of many regions and some countries in the world. Saigon is a city that “does not sleep”, You can come here and comfortably eat and play at any time. You can experience Saigon cuisine by eating in clusters such as markets or food alleys such as:

Ben Thanh Market and Ho Thi Ky Market are two places that always attract a large number of diners. Coming to Ben Thanh market, there will be vermicelli, rice vermicelli, sweet tea or sticky rice, and also various kinds of Banh Beo in the Central region. Ho Thi Ky Market is famous for attractive dishes with Cambodian cultural colors such as Cam tea, Num Bo Choc vermicelli, grilled beef spring rolls with lemongrass, etc.

You can also try to experience culinary alleys such as alley 76 Hai Ba Trung, alley 84 Nguyen Du, and alley 284 Le Van Sy to learn more about street food culture. The Japanese Quarter (Le Thanh Ton), the Chinese Quarter (District 5, District 6, District 11), or the Han Quarter (District 7) are the same attractions in Saigon.

In addition, in Saigon, there are hundreds of street stalls, street vendors, and street vendors specializing in Saigon snacks such as mixed rice paper, grilled rice paper, Saigon knock-on noodles, smoothies, etc. It will make you forget the way home because it is surprisingly delicious, cheap, and diverse.

No matter what parts of Vietnam you are traveling to, here is a list of 10 essential items you need to pack.

  • Backpack 

A thick-strapped backpack will be extremely useful for all the walking and traveling. It is recommended to pick a backpack that is big and durable enough to carry all your essential belongings such as water bottles, sunscreen, snacks, and maybe some clothes to change during the day. If you buy some food or souvenir on the way, a backpack is your credible safe. 

  • Travel pillow

If your trip includes a lot of road trips, a travel pillow is a must-have. Long hours of sitting and sleeping on a coach will be much better with a soft pillow to assist your neck. For your health, remember to pack a travel pillow to Vietnam.

  • Earplugs

Vietnam is sleepless, but travelers are not. Earplugs are necessary for light sleepers to have a restful and peaceful sleep. These items are perfect to ward off snorers or crying babies on long flights as well.

  • Diarrhea treatment

Medicines are a need for travelers. At some time during your travels, you will suffer from a terrible stomach ache for eating something you are not used to. Your travel routine is also different from your normal routine so the digestive system might have some problems getting used to it. Some remedies will help you to quickly recover and allow you to fully enjoy your Vietnam trip.

  • Below-the-knee skirts/ trousers

Vietnam has a lot of pagodas and temples along with the country. If you want to enter these holistic places, below-the-knee clothing is required. To express your respect, make sure that you bring some modest skirts or trousers while visiting sacred locations. On days that you plan to visit pagodas or temples, it is best to dress politely and not show too much skin. 

  • Power adapter

For Vietnam, travelers are recommended to use plugs type A (two flat vertical pins), type C, and type F (two round pins). The electricity supply in Vietnam is 220 Volts at 50 Hz. It is best you prepare a global adapter before traveling to Vietnam. 

If you are from Europe (excluding the UK), your power plugs are similar to the ones in Vietnam. If you are from North and Central America or Japan, you use the same plugs but it is needed to check the voltage carefully. If you are from the UK, type G plugs with 3 rectangular pins can be used in Vietnam but this plug is not common in Vietnam. If you are from Australia, you need an adapter. 

  • Power bank 

Power banks are super convenient. This will save you from boredom on a long flight, bus, or train ride. If you are using LTE constantly, power banks will be your lifesaver as your phone battery will burn down really fast. The worst scenario is having a dead phone in a foreign country that doesn’t speak English so avoid that by having a power bank.

  •  Sun protection

Vietnam has a tropical climate, which means it will be sunny and hot for most of the time. Protection yourself with a high SPF sunblock or spray. A wide-brimmed hat is also recommended to cope with the extreme sunlight. 

  • Waterproof jacket

During the monsoon season, a light and waterproof jacket will protect you from sudden rainfall. In Vietnam, the locals often use a thin plastic poncho that is extremely helpful when you are riding a motorbike. 

  • Mosquito-repellent

Undoubtedly, there are a lot of mosquitoes and insects in Vietnam. It is wise to carry a bottle or spray of insect repellent. Remember to apply it before going out and reapply it during the day. This can save you from malaria and dengue fever. 

If you happen to get bitten by mosquitoes, the famous tiger balm can prevent the bites from getting infected. Rub it to the mosquito’s bite to reduce swellings and itching

The currency used in Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND). While US dollars are accepted in some places, it’s generally recommended to use Vietnamese dong for smaller transactions.

Most visitors to Vietnam will need to obtain a visa before arriving. You can apply for a visa through the Vietnamese embassy or consulate in your home country, or through an online e-visa application.

We will send you an email notification within 24 hours of your order, and we will make every effort to find and suggest a similar alternative hotel that matches your preferences. If the suggested hotel is more expensive than your original choice, we will contact you first to discuss the price difference and get your approval before making any changes to your booking.

In this case, please inform us and the hotel immediately, as any modifications or charges will be subject to the hotel’s regulations. We will make every effort to provide you with comparable ground services.

Yes, booking online is a secure and straightforward process. All you need to do is fill out the reservation form with your relevant details, including your email address. Once we receive your request, we will respond within 24 hours to confirm your booking.

We connect with OnePAY Payment Gateway to accept Online Card Payment ( www.onepay.vn ). All of your card information are processed through SSL protocol with international card security standard. Your card information will not be stored at our system (merchant) but MasterCard with internation security standard.

We accept the payment online with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB Card

  • Bring mosquito nets during the rainy season if you go backpacking. 

As mentioned above, petechial fever is quite dangerous even though we have treatment for it. If you have a petechial fever, the worst scenario is that you would end up hospitalized. The mosquito sucks your blood to nourish her eggs and our trip sadly ended earlier than expected. A mosquito net will protect you from this bloodsucker. 

  • Equip yourself with hats, umbrellas, and raincoats to avoid heat in hot seasons

Some tourists prefer to soak up the sun but in Hanoi, Vietnam, the hot season is so extreme that many people get sunstroke. Do not underestimate this problem! Also, without umbrellas or raincoats, you may get soaked to the skin due to sudden showers. 

If your immunity is weak, it makes sense anyway that you are ill, have to lie on your bed, take some pills and stare dejectedly out the window. A sense of disappointment arises, for sure. 

Weighing up all the pros and cons, Metta Voyage highly recommends tourists visit Hanoi during the dry season (November to April) for the sake of your exhilarating and unforgettable experience. 

You might be interested

About Ho Chi Minh City

  • Visit Ben Thanh Market 

Ben Thanh Market started construction in 1912, which is a characteristic of Saigon. With an area of ​​over 13,000 m², the market sells mainly clothes, fabrics, shoes, fashion, handicrafts, fresh food, fresh fruits, and flowers. Also, coming to the market, you will be overwhelmed by the long line of sweet soup stalls of all colors and delicious flavors. Besides, dishes like broken rice or hearty crab soup noodle bring irresistible flavors for visitors. 

  • Saigon Central Post Office

Saigon Central Post Office is one of the ancient architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City, built from 1886 to 1891 by a famous French architect. Many souvenirs and postcards about the country and people of Vietnam, as well as about Saigon in particular, are sold to serve tourists along both sides of the building’s corridors.   

  • Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts 

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts has a unique beauty imbued with history and art culture. The museum has a lot of valuable artifacts, with up to 21,000 artifacts of famous painters from Gia Dinh school, Indochina Fine Arts, and modern art from before 1975.

Vietnam History Museum 

Vietnam History Museum was established in 1979, which collects and preserves the unique cultural heritage of the Vietnamese nation since the reign of the Hung king built the country. The whole building was built in the style of ancient Indochina, with tiled roofs decorated with phoenixes and stylized dragons, attracting many international visitors.

  • War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum was established in 1975, specializing in researching, collecting, preserving, and displaying evidence of crimes and consequences of the wars of aggression in Vietnam. It consists of 3 exhibition floors, with a total area of 4,522 m² and with nearly 1 million visitors annually. 

  • Independence Palace

Independence Palace is one of the most unique and famous architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City, which has existed for more than 150 years. The Palace has three main floors and a terrace that is also a helipad. More than 100 rooms of the Palace are decorated in different styles depending on the purpose of use, including staterooms, cabinet meeting rooms, offices of the President and Vice President in the past, etc.

Com Tam (Steamed Broken Rice)

Com Tam is an iconic dish from Saigon, Vietnam that is deeply rooted in the history and culture of the city. It is a simple yet satisfying breakfast, lunch, or dinner item typically made with broken rice grains cooked in a steamer. The Vietnamese people have long used broken rice in times of poverty and hardship, making Com Tam more than just a meal but a symbol of strength and resilience. 

The flavor of Com Tam is subtle yet distinct, with the steamed broken rice cooked to a light crispness that pairs perfectly with various condiments such as fish sauce, garlic, and chili. The addition of pork, shrimp, or other meats adds an extra dimension of flavor while still allowing the broken rice to shine through. 

Reference price: 25.000 – 65.000 VND/bowl. ( 1-3$ )

Reference address:

  • Sa Bi Chuong: 179 Tran Binh Trong, Ward 13,  District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Com Tam Phuc Loc Tho: 236 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Com Tam Tu Map: 89-91 Dong Den, Ward 12, Tan Binh District
  • Com Tam Bai Rac: 73 Le Van Linh, Ward 13, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City 

Banh My (Saigon Baguette)

My is a signature dish in Vietnam that has become popular among locals and tourists alike. This delicious bread can be found on the street corners of Saigon and usually comes with various toppings such as Chinese sausage, lean pork paste, egg, chicken, and pork. This dish has a unique flavor, making it a must-try for anyone who visits Saigon. The combination of various ingredients makes for a hearty and flavorful sandwich that can be enjoyed any time of day. It is also surprisingly affordable, making it an attractive option for those looking to get their street food fix. All-in-all, Banh My is an excellent example of the delicious cuisine available in Vietnam and definitely worth a try. 

Reference price: 25.000 – 65.000 VND/piece. ( 1-3$ )

Reference address:

  • Hoang Yen – Saigon Bakery: 654/1 Pham Van Chi, Ward 8, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Tu Hai Banh Mi Sticks: 356 Dinh Tien Hoang, District 1. Ho Chi Minh City
  • Huynh Hoa Bread: 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Co Diep Bread: 238 Vo Thanh Trang, Ward 11, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Hoa Ma Bread: 53 Cao Thang, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Pha Lau dishes

Pha Lau is a popular street food in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, made of various animal organs including stomach, intestine, lungs, liver, and heart. The organs are marinated with spices and then fried until golden brown before being boiled until tender. Coconut milk is the main ingredient of the broth which gives it a sweet and fatty flavor. Eating Pha Lau with bread adds an extra delicious twist that can only be found in Saigon. The dish is widely available at small alleys throughout the city and appeals to both local tourists and visitors from afar due to its unique taste. In conclusion, Pha Lau is definitely a must-try for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City and wanting to experience the true flavors of Saigon.

Reference price: 35.000 – 65.000 VND/dish ( 3-4$) 

Reference address:

  • Pha Lau Mr.Li: 1A Suong Nguyet Anh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 
  • Pha Lau Mrs.Thao: 243 Ton Dan Street, Ward 15, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Pha Lau Mrs. Nui Saigon: 243/30 Ton Dan Street, Ward 15, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City 
  • Pha Lau Mrs. Hat: 533 Ba Hat, Ward 8, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 
  • Pha lau Mrs. Oanh: Alley 200 Xom Chieu, Ward 14, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City  

Banh Trang Tron (Rice Paper Salad) 

“Banh Trang Tron” is a Saigon street food dish that has become increasingly popular throughout Vietnam. This savory snack is composed of small pieces of raw beef jerky, dried shrimp, quail eggs, mango, laksa leaves, satay, and shrimp. These ingredients are all then wrapped in a thin layer of rice paper, which adds an interesting texture to the dish. The spicy and slightly sweet flavor of the laksa leaves provides a unique depth of flavor not found in many traditional Vietnamese dishes. 

The best part about this street food is that it can be eaten on the go or enjoyed while sitting in one of the many street-side eateries. The small size of the dish also allows for a quick meal, making it ideal for busy urbanites.

Reference price: 15.000 – 35.000 VND/dish (1-2$)

Reference address:

  • Banh trang tron Sai Gon Hao Hao: Hoa Hao Street, Lot S, Ngo Gia Tu apartment building, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 
  • Banh trang tron Long: 34 Nguyen Thuong Hien, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 
  • Banh trang tron Sai Gon Mr Vien: 38 Nguyen Thuong Hien, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City 
  • Banh trang tron Sài Gòn Thuy Long An: 108/2 Le Tu Tai, Ward 4, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City 
  • Banh trang tron Nhat Quynh: 78/10 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 

Banh Trang Nuong (Grilled Rice Paper)

Banh Trang Nuong, or grilled rice paper, is a simple but delicious dish that has been beloved by the people of Saigon for generations. This dish is so popular because it is easy to make and very cheap, yet still provides an unforgettable flavor. The thin rice paper is placed on a griddle and then topped with a mixture of beaten eggs, scallions, and dried shrimp. A hint of chili sauce gives it an extra bit of kick that ties the flavors together beautifully. Banh Trang Nuong is a great dish for any occasion and can be enjoyed by everyone. 

Reference price: 15.000 – 35.000 VND/dish (1-2$) 

Reference address:

  • Goc Da Lat: 386/43B Le Van Si, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Banh Trang Cao Thang: 61 Cao Thang, Ward 3, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Banh Trang C002: 002 Lot C, Apartment 23/49 Dinh Tien Hoang, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Banh Trang Mam Ruoc: 173 Cao Thang, Ward 12, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.

Hu Tieu (Noodles)

Hu Tieu is a delicious and unique specialty dish from Saigon. It is made with soft metal noodles combined with water, along with special spices to give it a strong flavor that is distinctly Southern. The combination of the flavors and textures makes Hu Tieu stand out from other noodle dishes. 

The aroma of the spices fills the air as soon as you open the package and it just gets better from there. When cooked, the noodles are perfectly soft with a subtle flavor of the spices that really bring out the best in this dish. The addition of raw vegetables provides a nice contrast to the softer ingredients and creates an overall balanced flavor. 

Reference price: 35.000 – 60.000 VND/bowl ( 2$-3$)

Reference address: 

  • Hu Tieu Pham Van Hai: 154/56 Pham Van Hai, Ward 3, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Hu Tieu 18 Ly Thai To:  18 Ly Thai To, Ward 2, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Hu Tieu Nam Vang: A65 Nguyen Trai, Ward Nguyen Cu Trinh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Hu Tieu 52 Tan Hung Dao: 52 Tran Hung Dao, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Hu Tieu food stall with braised ribs: alley 192 Ngo Quyen, Ward 8, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Fried dough

The fried dough dish is made very simply using fried flour, eggs, shredded papaya, soy sauce, and green onions. Crispy fried dough with soy sauce gives a deep, tasty taste. Many visitors to Saigon must praise it since the meal appears to be basic, made from common materials, and simple to prepare, yet it has such a unique flavor. On cold days, come to Saigon to savor this delectable fried dough.

Reference price: 45.000 VND/dish

Reference address: 

  • Hoai Thuong- Fried dough near Cho Lon post office: 280 Hai Thuong Lan Ong, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Dat Thanh Fried dough: 277 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Van Thanh Fried Flour – Vo Van Ta: Alley 185 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Fried Noodles, Fried Flour – Nguyen Kim: 187 Nguyen Kim, Ward 6, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Bo Kho (Vietnamese Beef Stew)

According to TasteAtla, which presents itself as a globe atlas of traditional meals, local ingredients, and genuine eateries, Bo kho (Vietnamese beef stew) ranks fourth among the top ten stews in the world. Bo Kho is full of juicy, fall-apart braised beef slices, herbs, aromatics, and a savory broth that pairs nicely with Vietnamese bread!

Reference price: 45.000 VND/dish

Reference address: 

  • Bo kho Tron: 706 Truong Sa, Ward 14, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Bo kho Mrs Mai: 6 Thang Long, Ward 4, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Me Chung Quan: 166 Ngo Tat To, Ward 22, Bình Thạnh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Xoi Saigon (Sticky rice)

Xoi- is not only a tasty and appealing food for many Saigon locals, but it is also an important part of Vietnamese culinary tradition. Vietnamese people like eating sticky rice for breakfast. Nobody knows how long or who originated this dish, but it is currently one of the most popular meals served at the breakfast table. I hope you give it a shot if you ever get the chance to visit Vietnam. You could choose to have a choice between salty and sweet flavors. People in Saigon prepare sticky rice on the spur of the moment; no matter what can be eaten with sticky rice, another unique sticky rice meal will emerge.

Reference price: 20.000 – 45.000 VND/bowl. ( 1-2$ )

Reference address:

  • Sticky rice Mrs. Lan: 14b Ky Dong, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Sticky rice in Ba Chieu Market: Ba Chieu Market, 318/1 Bui Huu Nghia, Ward 1, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Mama Chang: 318 Hoa Hao, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City

Bap rang (Roasted popcorn)

It comes to Bap rang (Roasted popcorn), you undoubtedly already know how tasty and oily this Saigon street snack is. This meal is popular throughout the country due to its distinct flavor, which generates a distinct regional style. Bap rang is created with simple ingredients like sweet corn, dried shrimp, and green onions, as well as a little butter. The sweet and soft corn kernels combined with creamy butter, the crispiness of fried shrimp, the fat, and the scent of green onions all combine to make an unforgettable meal.

Reference price: 15.000- 30.000 VND/disc( 1$)

Reference address: 

  • Miss Ba – Stir-fried Corn with Salted Eggs: 24c Cao Thang, Ward 5, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Stir-fried Corn in Turtle Lake: 118 Co Giang, Ward 2, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
  • SUDO Stir-fried corn with salted egg: 435/47/12c, 47 Huynh Tan Phat, Tan Thuan Dong, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

Snail 

Snail is a famous street dish in Saigon that is cooked in a variety of ways, giving it a distinct flavor. And the Saigon snail dish has a distinct Southern taste. Several different cuisines are made from various species of snails, such as boiling snails, fried snails with spicy tamarind, fried snails with chili pepper, grilled snails, and so on. It makes a meal with the dusty style of Saigon people when combined with the signature sweet dipping sauce, fiery chile, and salty figs. Snail foods are often seen and enjoyed throughout Saigon’s streets. Try this recipe in particular during the winter, as its unique hot and spicy flavor will provide you with a sense of relaxation on cold days.

Reference price: 80.000 – 200.000 VND/dish ( 3-10$)

Reference address:

  • Oc Nhu: 650/4/29D Dien Bien Phu Street, Ward 11, District 10,  Ho Chi Minh City
  • Oc Nho: 178 Le Quoc Hung Street, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Oc Dao: 212B/C79 Nguyen Trai Street, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon is a vibrant and bustling city located in the south of Vietnam. Every year, the city attracts a lot of domestic and international tourists who come to explore tourist attractions, tasty cuisine, and local culture.

When coming here, visitors will not only admire the splendor and bustle of the city but also experience high-class resort services at luxury hotels. If you are looking for comfortable, luxurious accommodation at a reasonable price, 4 star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City are definitely a great choice for you.

  • Fusion Suites Saigon

Fusion Suites Saigon is a familiar address for many tourists when visiting Saigon. It is situated in the center of District 1, only steps from one of the oldest parks in Ho Chi Minh City and a 15-min walk from the Ben Thanh Market. Fusion Suites Sai Gon is a 4-star all-suite hotel created to bring harmony and peace to travelers in their busy life. 

The most beautiful characteristic of the hotel is the elegant interior decor of the suites. The elements largely from wood add a warm ambiance, offering you a serene and relaxing moment. In addition, when coming to Fusion Suites Saigon, guests can also use additional services such as a spa, restaurant, and free breakfast.

  • Silverland Yen Hotel

Silverland Yen Hotel is one of the 4 star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, which was established by French architecture when creating Sai Gon. Silverland Yen Hotel was refurbished from a 9-story building with a pleasant and simple style. Every room has a beautiful balcony with green trees. The bedroom is pretty large with a full variety of modern equipment. All visitors will be greeted warmly as a friend, and family. This hotel will definitely be a great accommodation for you and your family in Ho Chi Minh.

  • Lief Mojo Saigon

One of the other 4 star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City that many people choose is Lief Mojo Saigon. Lief Mojo does not have a prime spot in the city’s center, but its earnest devotion has never let down any of its visitors. As soon as you arrive at the hotel,  you  have seen a nice area with two magnificent green sculptures that greet guests amiably right on the hotel’s front porch. 

Lief Mojo also offers complimentary fruit plates and healthy drinks to visitors. In Ho Chi Minh City, breakfast is stocked with regional cuisine. When you stay at Lief Mojo Saigon, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the hotel’s kind personnel and comfy surroundings.

  • Edenstar Saigon Hotel & Spa

The Edenstar Saigon Hotel is conveniently situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It takes only seven minutes to walk from the hotel to Ben Thanh Market. The hotel has always aimed to attract guests for both business and leisure travel with many opulent guest rooms, warm hospitality, and fully equipped business amenities. Today, when it comes to 4 star hotels in Ho Chi Minh city, local and foreign businessmen frequently choose the Edenstar Saigon Hotel & Spa.

  • Ibis Saigon Airport

If you are looking for 4 star hotels in Ho Chi Minh city near the airport, Ibis Saigon Airport will be the right choice for you. This hotel is really accessible for traveling as it is only 500m from the Tan Son Nhat airport. Besides, the hotel also provides many accompanying services such as a rooftop bar, swimming pool, gym, and restaurant with impressive dishes. Ibis Saigon Airport Hotel is a cozy and appropriate spot for you to rest after a long trip.

  • Liberty Central Saigon

The next 4-star hotel we would recommend is Liberty Central Saigon. With over 140 rooms and suites and a location in the center of Ho Chi Minh City’s Central District, Liberty Central Saigon Centre will offer you the utmost comfort and serve as an excellent home base for exploring the city. The hotel has a wide range of amenities to suit both leisure and business tourists, such as a modern fitness center with views of the rooftop infinity pool, meeting spaces, and the spa.

Ho Chi Minh City is dotted with myriad luxury hotels which hold the vision to serve each customer with great convenience and warm concern. Even though there is no one-size-fits-all approach for all people because some may prefer unique stays, the below hotels are the top 10 recommendations from most travelers. Ready to enjoy a luxury experience? Here are 10 hotels that will give you a perfect introduction to the most first-class hotels in Ho Chi Minh!

  • Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection

2022’s Tripadvisor top-rated hotel belongs to Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection when 98% of travelers recommend this hotel. The sky-high hotel is in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, 25 minutes from the airport, and 15 minutes from the city walking street.  It locates near a shopping mall, ice skating rink, cinema, kid play center and many restaurants. 

  • Le Meridien SG

Le Meridien Saigon – a riverside hotel lies at 3C Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. It lures huge influxes of tourists because it is located downtown and within walking distance to fascinating destinations in the city. 

  • Sofitel Plaza SG

The hotel is located at 17 Le Duan Boulevard District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, just a few minutes from the city’s center with its fabulous shopping dining and attractions like Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace. 

  • Lotte Hotel Saigon

 Lotte Hotel Saigon is only 3-5 minute walk to the famous Opera House, Dong Khoi Street and Le Thanh Ton Street. The breathtaking resort setting and distinctive architectural interior give tourists a sense of luxury and tranquility. 

  • New World Saigon Hotel

If you are looking for a hotel that is close to restaurants and entertainment venues, and within walking distance of markets and museums, New World Saigon Hotel is definitely your pick. It is located at 76 Le Lai Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. 

 

  • Park Hyatt Saigon

Park Hyatt Saigon offers a luxurious experience with world-class restaurants with authentic Italian, Vietnamese and Western dishes. There is also a lively bar inside the hotel, and a nice lobby with live music and a dedicated singer. 

  • The Reverie Saigon

The Reverie Saigon is in a modern high-rise tower and is conveniently located between the Saigon River and several tourist sites. The rooms are huge, luxuriously appointed and in flawless condition. Tourists enjoy great silence here and comfortable bedrooms give them quality sleep. The breakfast buffet was comprehensive with Western and Asian items, which can please the most challenging eaters.

  • Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection

Passionately independent, this exquisite Boutique Hotel fuses distinctive local flavor with classical charm and contemporary facilities to create unique and memorable stays. The hotel is well-located, well-designed, and very comfortable. It is fabulous with an amazing rooftop pool and bar and skywalk.

  • Intercontinental Hotel Saigon

Intercontinental Saigon offers nice upgraded rooms with plenty of space and very comfortable bedrooms. The executive lounge has tasty light bites and friendly service. About food and drink, a customer feedbacked that “Dim Sum buffet is better than all dim sum restaurants in Los Angeles USA for $25 per person is very cheap for those food items with unlimited ordering”. Intercontinental Saigon is really a tip-top hotel!

  • Mia Saigon Luxury Boutique Hotel

Choosing Mia Saigon Luxury Boutique Hotel, you treat yourself to a fine dining restaurant, a brasserie, a cigar lounge, a spa and a swimming pool. Mia’s Suites are full of Indochine-style furniture, spacious, clean and have a lovely view of the pool and river. The pool area was fabulous and it was a real bonus having a freebie speedboat into the city!

Located in Paris Square, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is officially called the “Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception“. It is one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world. It was built, between 1863 and 1880, by French Roman Catholics and featured a striking red façade and towering stone arches constructed with materials imported from France. 

The name Notre Dame was given after the installation of the stature “Peaceful Notre Dame” in 1959. Currently, the place is temporarily closed for renovation. To prepare well for your next visit, let’s check out this famous landmark of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) with Metta Voyage! 

  • Address: No.1 Cong Xa Paris St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours:  8:00 AM – 11:00 AM &  2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  • Notice: The cathedral is currently under renovation, only Catholic believers attending mass can go inside.

History of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon traces its history back to the late 19th century when the French started to invade Vietnam. During this time, the French government wanted to build a church to provide religious services for local and French Colonialists. 

The French first built a church on Ngo Duc Ke Street, but it is so small that they have to build a bigger one on Mar 28th, 1863. The construction of the big church lasted 2 years and was called “ Saigon Church”. 

In 1985, two bell towers were added to the cathedral, and each of them was 57.6 high. Around the towers are six additional smaller bronze bells. The tops of each tower were constructed with crosses. They are around 3.5 m tall, 2 m broad, and weigh 600 kg each. The building is currently 60.5 meters tall from bottom to top. 

A bronze statue of Pigneau de Behaine, also known as the Bishop of Adran, guiding Prince Canh (the eldest son of King Gia Long) was also constructed by the French colonists. This monument was placed at the church’s entrance. Even though it was demolished in 1945, its base still exists today.

In 1959, Catholic Bishop Joseph Pham Van Thien arranged a ceremony to erect a statue of Our lady of Peace on an empty foundation. Cardinal Agagianian from Rome solemnly attended the ceremony for the statue, then the cathedral was renamed Notre Dame Cathedral.

 

Since 1962, the Cathedral was called Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.

The Cathedral has undergone 3 renovations. Currently, it is temporarily closed for renovation and only opens for the Vietnamese Catholics Ceremony every Sunday.  Tourists are still welcome to visit the Basilica’s surrounding grounds or go walking in the square in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. 

Vietnam War Museum Ho Chi Minh was established on September 4, 1975, currently a member of the system of Vietnam Museums, Museums for World Peace and International Council of Museums (ICOM). The museum specializes in researching, collecting, preserving and displaying evidence of crimes and consequences of the invasion wars in Vietnam. Thereby, the Museum calls on the public to raise their awareness against unjust wars, to protect peace and the solidarity and friendship among peoples of countries around the world.

Vietnam War Museum Ho Chi Minh has entered the top 25 most beautiful museums in the world, as announced by a famous travel website. This is a destination that many people consider not to be missed when visiting the city. Domestic and foreign tourists coming here can deeply feel about the Vietnam War and its consequences.

– The museum exhibits a variety of relics and pictures of the US-wartime Wei’s atrocities, with the following themes: mass murder, the use of poisonous chemicals, torture, incarceration, and war to overthrow the North.

– Artifacts such as airplanes, cannons, tanks, guillotines and two compartments “tiger cages” were built to the same size as those in Con Dao prison. There are galleries about: Southwest border war, Northern border defense war, Truong Sa archipelago issue, conspiracy of enemy forces.

  • Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3
  • Opening Hours: 7:30 am to 6 pm
  • Ticket Price: For Vietnamese People 2 000 VND/person, For Foreign Tourists 15 000 VND/person

Note:

For subjects who are armed forces, veterans, students, and senior officials, ticket prices will be reduced from 50 to 100%. Free for wounded soldiers, families of martyrs, people with meritorious services to the country, children under 6 years old and children in remote areas.

 

How to move to Vietnam War Museum Ho Chi Minh

  • Plane: For tourists traveling from Hanoi or Da Nang area, it is most convenient to go by plane to Saigon, then take a taxi or motorbike taxi to the museum for about 50 000 – 60 000 VND.
  • Coach: Tourists can also take a coach from Hanoi, central provinces or nearby to Saigon bus station and take a motorbike taxi to the war remnants museum.
  • Bus: From the Eastern bus station, visitors can take route 14 or from Ben Thanh market with bus route 28 or from Cho Lon bus station with bus route 06 passing through the museum.

Taxi: If tourists have already traveled to Saigon and want to visit the Vietnam War Museum Ho Chi Minh, they can follow Cong Hoa Street for about 18 minutes or Truong Chinh and Cach Mang Thang Tam streets for about 22 minutes to reach the museum.

 

Ho Chi Minh massage service is gradually becoming popular in today’s life. This is because the benefits of massage are extremely great for everyone’s health. People look to massage services not only to improve their health but also to relax, let off steam or simply enjoy a quiet and comfortable atmosphere. In Ho Chi Minh, you can easily find spas and massage parlors on any street. The top 10 Saigon massage spots that Metta Voyage summarizes below will help you choose the right one for you!

Best places for Ho Chi Minh massage 

1.Temple Leaf Spa

Temple Leaf Spa placed in the heart of the city center of Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most well-known spas in Vietnam. At Temple Leaf Spa, you can receive well-executed spa services, including Thai and Vietnamese massages with carefully picked spa scent oil. Additionally, there are two soothing packages for 2 full hours of massage therapy if you need a little extra spa treatment. This can be a combo of body and foot spa treatments, and shower services are also offered in this wellness package. This spa not only offers massage services but also “post-relaxation” services and an opulent cafe, which is undoubtedly appropriate for a day spent with friends and family.

  • Address: 5/7, Nguyen Sieu Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

2. Miumiu Spa

Another famous Ho Chi Minh massage we recommend for you is Miumiu Spa. With more than twelve years of expertise, Ho Chi Minh City’s Miumiu Spa is a well-known luxury brand. With five spas in Saigon, Miumiu Spa makes it simple to find reasonably priced and dependably excellent body treatment at any of their locations around District 1. 

Before the treatments start, customers are requested to fill out a form specifying which body part, such as your arms, shoulders, calves, etc., you would like to receive extra attention to. You are also asked to indicate whether you would want the therapist to apply light, medium, or heavy pressure. At Miumiu Spa, as soon as you enter the store and take in the stunning modern Asian décor and the perfume of essential oils, you’ll feel completely at ease. Miumiu Spa is one of the top Ho Chi Minh massage stores for you.

  • Address: 4 Chu Manh Trinh Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

3. Indochine Spa Saigon

When it comes to Ho Chi Minh massage, Indochine Spa Saigon is a name you cannot miss. Coming to Indochine Spa Saigon, you will experience excellent customer service. When you enter the spa, services start with a cold, fragrant towel and a cup of Vietnamese tea to get you started on the road to relaxation. 

Traditional massages using massage oils, natural facial treatments, body waxing and scrub reflexology ocedures are a few of the spa’s offerings for you. Even better, Indochine Spa provides free pick-up services to guests who are staying in Ho Chi Minh City’s Districts 1 and 3. Indochine Spa Saigon will be a great place to relax and recharge for everyone.

  • Address: 69 Thu Khoa Huan street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

4. Saigon Heritage Spa

Another top Ho Chi Minh massage spas we highly recommend for you is Saigon Heritage. Despite being a modest, straightforward health and beauty brand, this spa consistently wows its clients with its highly competent and experienced therapists. In fact, Saigon Heritage thoroughly vets all of its massage therapists before allowing them to treat for clients. The fact that they have managers who speak not only Vietnamese but also Korean, Japanese, and Thai makes this place stand out for its multilingual service. Therefore, Saigon Heritage Spa can surely satisfy even the most demanding guests.

  • Address: 69 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

About Vung Tau

Top things to do in Vung Tau:

Visit the Jesus Christ Statue: This iconic landmark is located on top of Nho Mountain and offers panoramic views of Vung Tau and the surrounding area.

Relax on the beaches: Vung Tau has several beautiful beaches, including Back Beach and Front Beach, where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy water sports.

Explore the Vung Tau Lighthouse: This historic lighthouse was built by the French in 1862 and offers stunning views of the coastline.

Visit the White Palace: This historic palace was built in the early 20th century as a summer residence for the French governor of Indochina. It features a mix of European and Asian architectural styles.

Try local seafood: Vung Tau is known for its delicious seafood, particularly its fresh crab, shrimp, and fish. Visitors can try local specialties at one of the many seafood restaurants in the city.

Visit the Vung Tau War Heroes Shrine: This shrine is a tribute to the soldiers who fought and died in the Vietnam War. It features a large statue of a soldier and offers a peaceful atmosphere for reflection.

Take a boat tour: Visitors can take a boat tour of Vung Tau’s harbor and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the coastline and surrounding islands.

Ganh Hao Seafood Restaurant: This restaurant is one of the most popular seafood restaurants in Vung Tau, known for its fresh seafood and beautiful ocean views

Cay Bang Restaurant: This restaurant offers a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine, with a focus on fresh ingredients and local flavors.

Quan Ut Ut: This restaurant is a great spot for lovers of barbeque and American-style cuisine. It offers a range of dishes, including ribs, burgers, and pulled pork, as well as a variety of craft beers.

Lan Rung Resort & Spa Restaurant: This restaurant is located in a beautiful resort overlooking the ocean and offers a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine.

Cay Da Restaurant: This restaurant is a great spot for those looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine. It offers a variety of dishes, including banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake), bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup), and com tam (broken rice).

Oceanami: This restaurant is located on the beach and offers a mix of Vietnamese and international cuisine.

Pullman Vung Tau: This beachfront hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars. It’s located in the heart of Vung Tau, within walking distance of many attractions.

The Imperial Hotel Vung Tau: This hotel features spacious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and several restaurants and bars. It’s located on Back Beach, one of Vung Tau’s most beautiful beaches.

The Grand Ho Tram Strip: This beachfront resort is located about 30 minutes from Vung Tau and features luxurious rooms and suites, a casino, a golf course, a spa, and several restaurants and bars.

Melia Ho Tram Beach Resort: This beachfront resort is located about 30 minutes from Vung Tau and features luxurious rooms and suites, a swimming pool, a spa, and several restaurants and bars.

The Wind Boutique Resort: This boutique hotel features stylish rooms and suites, a swimming pool, and a restaurant. It’s located in a peaceful area of Vung Tau, about 10 minutes from the city center.

About Mekong Delta

Tourists can visit the Mekong Delta all year round, but this destination is the most vibrant in spring and early summer. In spring (from late January to March), you can enjoy the fine show of blossom when walking around flower markets and gardens Sa Dec, Tan Quy Dong, Vi Thanh, etc. 

Summer is the best time to taste tropical fruits which are nutritiously raised by the Mekong river and whole-hearted farmers. As April comes, pink shower trees (Cassia bakeriana) are in full blossom in some Mekong Delta provinces. You can snap some pictures under the trees or play with the petals driven by the wind. 

Still, the Mekong Delta in other seasons holds its own beauty and let’s come here for an interesting experience. 

1. Take boat trips along floating markets 

  • Opening hours:  5:00 to 17:00

You can start your trip to the Mekong Delta right away by going on a relaxing cruise along floating markets such as Cai Be, Cai Rang, Phong Dien, Ninh Kieu, etc. These markets are centrally located in the Mekong Delta so it would be an ideal first stop. You can also see the scenery along the river and its charming reflection in the water. From a far distance, tourists can see products hung on long poles. If you want to buy something, ride your boat near the seller and get them directly and easily at a reasonable price. Then, you can enjoy them in your fluctuating boat, we bet it is a thing that you hardly experience in other places. 

2. Taste honey tea and sample locally-made coconut candy

Tourists will then get the paddle boat down the river and head to a beekeeping island. Here you can hold a bee hive and taste honey tea which is made from a mixture of pure honey, fresh lime and hot tea. It looks really fresh and healthy! During this time, you enjoy some folk songs and take a look at some local products such as Vietnamese honey, queen bee pollen, and cobra wine. 

Coming to the nearby island “Đất Dừa”, you can see how the coconut candy is made. The coconut mixture milk is made from 20% glutinous rice flour and 10% peanuts and is stirred for about 30 minutes. You can try some aromatic, chewy and sweet coconut candy for free. There are also several flavor variants such as ginger, chocolate, and pandan. This place also offers other coconut products like coconut oil, soap, and masks. 

3. Taste Mekong Delta’s exceptional food

  • Hu Tieu Banh Cam: Address: No. 215 Ap Bac, My Tho city, Tien Giang province

  • Pia Cake: Soc Trang province

The first thing you need to try is a family lunch in Mekong Delta. The meal is simple but still delicious and wholesome. Some familiar dishes are tofu, spring rolls, fried rice, veggie food, and so on. 

Then, it’s time for you to snack on seasoned locally grown fruits such as dragons, mangos, jackfruits and Nam Roi pomelo. Besides coconut candy in Ben Tre, tourists are sometimes confused about choosing what to eat first as there are many different types of fruits and snacks. A must-try food we recommend is Pia Cake in Soc Trang which flavors the pure aroma of durian fruit. This is a specialty of Soc Trang province and is an acquired taste. Another food is Hu Tieu (rice noodle soup), a traditional Vietnamese dish that originated from Mỹ Tho province in the Mekong Delta. A My Tho Hu Tieu bowl consists of clear rice noodles, covered with rich broth topped with slices of boiled lean pork and stir-fried ground pork will please you at the first bite. 

4. Cycle around local villages

To deeply dive into the rural life in Mekong Delta, you can hire bikes from locals and experience tranquility and refreshment while cycling around local villages. Mekong Delta’s quiet back roads, friendly inhabitants, and stunning rural scenery will definitely take your breath away. Nothing could be more wonderful than staying healthy and recharging your battery during your Mekong biking. 

5. Engage with locals

Locals affectionately dub the Mekong Delta “Miền Tây” and they always welcome tourists from all countries in the world. They put great emphasis on affectional love and have a simple lifestyle. 

Tourists will be able to watch locals turn simple rice grains into unique dishes and snacks and learn to cook with the best authentic Mekong recipes. Also, folk music in the southwest region of Vietnam is so special as it features the life and people here. Sometimes, listening to them makes your heart leap with joy and grief.

RV Mekong Princess Cruise

The RV Mekong Princess’s 14 opulent suites were created with the grandeur of French colonial decor, going with tranquility and comfort. Taking a Mekong Princess boat trip, enjoying leisure activities on board, or even taking part in cooking classes will be your most wonderful experience! For tourists who want to enjoy the Mekong River cruising in Cambodia and Vietnam on a top-luxury, yet reasonably-priced boat, the RV Mekong Princess cruise ship is a fantastic option.

RV Mekong Prestige II Cruise

The R/V Mekong Prestige II Cruise is pleased to be one of the most popular luxury river cruise ships. With a length of 68m (223ft), the RV Mekong Prestige cruise offers 32 spacious cabins designed in a modern Asian style. RV Mekong Prestige cruise will help you relax while sipping a sundowner on the sundeck, letting your eyes stray over the stunning scenery, and taking in the Mekong river’s dynamic life.

Victoria Mekong Cruise

35 roomy suites aboard the four-story Victoria Mekong Cruise have opulent modern conveniences. In addition to amazing cuisine, the cruise offers a variety of recreational facilities, including an infinity pool, a bar, and a mini golf course, to ensure travelers have the most enjoyable holiday. As the first and largest luxury boat in the Mekong region, the Victoria Mekong Cruise promises a distinctive tour to take in the beauty and learn about the pace of life in the West of the river.

Lotus Cruise

Lotus Cruise provides travelers with three ships including Mekong Navigator, Mekong Jewel, and Mekong Muse. Each boutique river ship has attractive, spacious suites with modern amenities and a charming French colonial design. While traveling along the Mekong River, guests can unwind on the sun deck and enjoy the changing views.

Mekong Eyes Explorer

The Mekong Eyes Explorer Cruise, which was introduced in 2016, charms visitors with a sophisticated cabin decorated in a colonial style using local materials and hand-crafted vintage accents. Let’s spend a fantastic river trip aboard the Mekong Eyes Explorer to explore the hustle, bustle, and scenery of the Mekong!

Bassac Cruise

All three Bassac are constructed from wood in keeping with the history of the Mekong delta’s rice barges. In the picturesque Mekong, the Bassac Cruise provides short to moderately long exploration trips. Up to 24 people can be comfortably seated in this boat, which was built and fashioned in an elegant style based on the timeless appearance of ancient rice boats.

Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise

Heritage Line Jayavarman Cruise is the very first ship of Heritage Line’s collection, which is named after the most illustrious king of Cambodia, King Jayavarman VII. The Jayavarman ship’s 27 accommodations feature beautiful French colonial decor with an aura of the Far East.

Heritage Line Jahan Cruise

The Heritage Line Jahan Cruise is regarded as the most romantic and opulent luxury cruise ship on the lower Mekong. It has exquisite bedrooms and suites that evoke the elegance and nostalgia of bygone British and Indian eras. Taking a Heritage Line Jahan boat trip will lead you to a very royal life with the sun’s rays in the morning making you awaken.

About Cu Chi Tunnels

Located 45km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City,  70 kilometers away from the city center, Cu Chi Tunnels (Địa đạo Củ Chi in Vietnamese) has a lot to offer both domestic and international tourists. The underground tunnels were built between 1946 and 1948 as solid shelters for the Vietnam revolutionary troops to discreetly commute between regions and evade French scouts. 

During the Vietnam War, the tunnels had been developed into an assembly complex covering hundreds of miles and multiple districts for Communist guerilla soldiers to shelter, transport communications and supplies, receive medical treatments, hide from aerial bombardment, and mount surprise attacks. It functioned as a remote base from which military strategies are thoroughly discussed. The most notable operation was the Tet Offensive launched in 1968. 

Creative structure and resounding victories have made Cu Chi Tunnels one of the world’s top underground tourist attractions that’s really worth your visit. 

Address: TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City

  • Opening hours: 8 AM – 5 PM (7 days a week)
  • Entrance fees (updated in 2023):
  • Ben Duoc: 110.000 VND/ person 
  • Ben Dinh: 90.000 VND/ person

For those who travel from the North of Vietnam or provinces outside Saigon, you can choose to travel by plane, passenger cars (neighboring provinces), or self-driving cars (self-driving cars, motorbikes, coaches).

When you are in the center of Saigon, there are plenty of means of transport for you to move to Cu Chi Tunnels, including:

  • Taxi: It may take you 1.5 hours to reach Cu Chi Tunnels from the center of Saigon to the Ben Dinh Tunnels. Traveling by taxi is quite expensive, but it offers much more convenience. 
  • Bus: No. 13 (from 23-9 Park / Ben Thanh Bus Station) or No. 94 (from Cho Lon / 12 Xuan Dieu) to Cu Chi Bus Station, then get on bus No. 79 to Ben Duoc Tunnel or bus No. 63 to Ben Dinh Tunnel.
  • Private vehicle (self-driving cars or motorbikes): follow the route Truong Chinh -> An Suong – Hoc Mon intersection -> follow TL15 to arrive

If you want to rent a car or motorbike in Ho Chi Minh City, remember to bring your identification or any legal documents to prove your identification. Also, be familiar with Google Maps or GPS to find the right location and make sure you can ride a motorbike safely in the jungle of motorbikes in Vietnam. 

  • Boat/ canoe: You can take a luxury speedboat (with the first boat leaving at 7:30 am every day) departing from Tan Cang Pier along the Saigon River to Cu Chi in 75 minutes. Or following the route to Bach Dang Wharf and enjoying the beautiful scenery of the river along the way.  
  • Experience the Cu Chi Tunnel complex

It is highly recommended that tourists go with a tour guide so that they can fully explore Cu Chi Tunnels. Local tour guides are eager to take you to lots of different areas where you are able to see some of the original tunnels and learn how dangerous booby traps were made. You will also know many interesting facts about these underground tunnels. 

  • Firing real Guns and Playing Paintball Guns

Both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc have shooting ranges where you can experience using real weapons such as AK-47s and M16s. This activity attracts the attention of several visitors as many of them have not done it before and the whole experience was really cool. 

Regarding paintball shooting, players will be equipped with masks, uniforms, armor, and guns for their combat in the natural forest. These war simulator games give participants an opportunity to experience the shooting, team collaboration, and fighting spirit as soldiers of the past.

Note that those who want to use real guns must have good health conditions and a minimum age of 16. You must follow the staff’s instructions for safety. 

Ticket price: 50.000 VND (~$2.12) /person/hour

  • Take a look at the Military liberation zone’s reenactment areas

This area vividly portrays the daily life of guerrilla soldiers and people living in Cu Chi during the fiercest period of war from 1961 to 1972. During wartime, the village scenes were heavily damaged by toxic chemicals, artillery, and bombing raids. Today, tourists can go sightseeing and take photos with tanks and aircraft remnants left in Cu Chi combat zones. 

  • Swimming in Cu Chi Park

Inside the Cu Chi park, a swimming pool with good facilities such as changing room, bathroom, restroom, etc. are well-designed. There are 500 meters square for adults and 150 meters square for children. After participating in military activities, visitors can rush here to immerse themselves in the deep cool water and escape from the heat this summertime. 

  • Visit Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station

Nestled between Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc Tunnels, about 8 kilometers away from the center of the tourist area, Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station stretches about 4,000 square meters and was known as the largest rescue center in southern Vietnam.

Since its establishment in 2006, Cu Chi Wildlife represents our great efforts to protect 5500 rare animal species and successfully educate young minds about wildlife. 

Address: No. 50, Road No. 15, Cho Cu Ha Hamlet, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi tunnels used to have an area of roughly 250 kilometers, some even stretched into neighboring Cambodia. Today, 120 kilometers of Cu Chi Tunnels: Ben Dinh Tunnels (Ben Dinh Hamlet, Nhuan Duc Commune) and Ben Duoc Tunnels (Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune) have been well-preserved and welcome tourists to explore. 

When you go inside the Cu Chi Tunnels, you will be astonished by its multi-layered constructions and great resilience. There are many specialized compartments for various purposes such as living, sleeping, dining, receiving medical treatments, meeting and even entertaining. It seems to be something impossible during wartime. 

On the ground level (the first 3m deep), the entrances to these tunnels are so tiny that only Vietnamese could fit in, with wooden manholes hidden by leaves. Also, several traps, bunkers and firing posts are set up for Vietnamese snipers to pop up and attack the enemies suddenly before escaping into the tunnels. 

The second floor (6m deep under the ground) was mainly used for living and cooking. Interestingly, a Viet Minh soldier in 1951 made a Hoang Cam smokeless stove, successfully protecting Vietnamese soldiers from being detected by US troops. Nowadays, the Hoang Cam stove is still considered the King of the battlefield kitchen. 

On the third level (more than 12 meters from the ground), there are meeting rooms, first-aid stations, armories, chambers, and “theaters” for soldiers to relax. In peacetime, you may think this complex looks like an underground city, but during the war, it was a magic shelter for brave Vietnamese soldiers to fight against the US. 

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