Ho Chi Minh City Holidays
Ho Chi Minh City, still widely called Saigon, is Vietnam's largest city, set on the Saigon River with French colonial landmarks, vibrant street markets and some of the country's best food. It is also a gateway to the Cu Chi Tunnels, Can Gio mangroves and the coast at Vung Tau.
- Best price guarantee
- 24/7 support
- Handpicked resorts
- ATOL protected
Enquire now
Discover Ho Chi Minh City - Explore the Map
Ho Chi Minh City: Steady Tropical Warmth Throughout the Year
Ho Chi Minh City offers reliably warm, tropical weather all year. Overnight lows start around 22 °C in the coolest months (December–January) and rise to approximately 26 °C by April–May. Daytime highs hover between 28 °C and 30 °C, peaking in April and May. Seasonal temperature swings are minor. The rainy season runs from May to November, bringing afternoon showers and high humidity, but average daily temperatures remain consistent. Even the coolest months feel warm. Overall, the city delivers stable tropical warmth year‑round, ideal for travel whenever you choose to visit.
- Jan High 29°C Low 22°C
- Feb High 29°C Low 23°C
- Mar High 30°C Low 25°C
- Apr High 30°C Low 26°C
- May High 30°C Low 26°C
- Jun High 29°C Low 25°C
- Jul High 29°C Low 25°C
- Aug High 29°C Low 25°C
- Sep High 29°C Low 24°C
- Oct High 29°C Low 24°C
- Nov High 28°C Low 23°C
- Dec High 28°C Low 22°C
Things to know
Do I need a visa to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
You can stay in Ho Chi Minh City for up to 45 days without a visa. Your passport must have six months' validity. Please click here to check for the latest updates about your visa requirements.
What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
The best months are from December to April. Days are dry and warm, perfect for exploring markets, rooftop bars, and historic landmarks.
What currency is used in Ho Chi Minh City, can I use credit cards?
The Vietnamese Dong is the currency. Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and large shops. Cash is useful for street vendors.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists?
Ho Chi Minh City is safe and lively. Streets are busy yet welcoming. Locals are friendly. Markets and attractions feel warm and vibrant.
What transportation options are available in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can take taxis, book ride-hailing services, or use buses. Walking is easy in central areas. Resorts can arrange private transfers.
Are there any cultural customs I should follow?
Dress modestly in temples. Remove shoes before entering homes. Avoid public displays of affection. Show respect to elders. Keep beachwear for resorts.
Flight information
- Average flight time
- 12 - 16 hours
- Distance from London
- 10, 227 Kilometres
- Direct flights
- London Heathrow
-
Vietnam Airways (Direct)
- Monday: no flights
- Tuesday: flights
- Wednesday: no flights
- Thursday: flights
- Friday: no flights
- Saturday: flights
- Sunday: no flights
-
Singapore Airlines (Non-direct)
- Monday: flights
- Tuesday: flights
- Wednesday: flights
- Thursday: flights
- Friday: flights
- Saturday: flights
- Sunday: flights
-
Qatar Airways (Non-direct)
- Monday: flights
- Tuesday: flights
- Wednesday: flights
- Thursday: flights
- Friday: flights
- Saturday: flights
- Sunday: flights
-
Emirates (Non-direct)
- Monday: flights
- Tuesday: flights
- Wednesday: flights
- Thursday: flights
- Friday: flights
- Saturday: flights
- Sunday: flights
-
Cathay Pacific (Non-direct)
- Monday: flights
- Tuesday: flights
- Wednesday: flights
- Thursday: flights
- Friday: flights
- Saturday: flights
- Sunday: flights
Ho Chi Minh City travel guide
Ho Chi Minh City is a city break first, yet the coast is within reach. Vung Tau, about two hours by road or around two and a half by high speed ferry, has four beaches, including Back Beach and Front Beach, and a 32 metre statue of Christ completed in 1974. Many travellers add it to the end of a city stay for a slower, more relaxed seaside day. Allow generous extra time for traffic.
Begin in District 1, where Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Central Post Office and Ben Thanh Market all date from the French colonial period. Climb the Saigon Skydeck in Bitexco Financial Tower for city views, stroll Nguyen Hue Boulevard, the city's first pedestrian street, and visit the Independence Palace. Metro Line 1, opened in 2024, links Ben Thanh with Suoi Tien Park, making wider exploring easy. The Opera House and Emperor Jade Pagoda repay a visit.
Ho Chi Minh City was renamed in 1976 after reunification, though many still say Saigon. France took the city in 1862 and made it capital of Cochinchina. The Independence Palace served as the South Vietnamese president's residence, and the War Remnants Museum, first opened in 1975 and named as it is today in 1995, covers the wars through exhibits, photographs and equipment. Visits are sobering and deserve unhurried time. French buildings still shape the centre.
Nature lies closer than expected. Can Gio, about 40 kilometres south east of the city centre, is a coastal wetland dominated by mangroves and listed by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. Visitors can explore eco tourism areas, monkey islands, salt villages and fishing communities, and December to March is the best time to go. The city also sits on the Mekong Delta, where canals carry waterway traffic. It makes an easy and memorable day out.
Luxury here means service, space and local knowledge. Advisors can arrange private guides for District 1 and a private day at the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network about 121 kilometres long used by Viet Cong fighters, with a tailored pace that avoids the crowds where possible. Evenings can end in refined dining rooms or high above the city, with a hotel chosen to suit your budget and your preferred neighbourhood. Advisors handle every transfer too.
Food is the reason many travellers return. Banh mi, the sandwich popular in the south, and small street stalls serving noodle soup are inexpensive and everywhere. Ben Thanh Market is good for traditional dishes, though prices can be negotiated, while food tours and cooking classes often include market visits. The Pham Ngu Lao and Bui Vien area is known for its alleyways, bars and late nights. Save an evening for a guided food tour too.
For couples, Ho Chi Minh City works through atmosphere rather than scenery. Walk Nguyen Hue Boulevard in the evening, see the city lit from the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor of Bitexco Financial Tower, and share a long, unhurried dinner in a French colonial district. A quiet day at Can Gio or a seaside night in Vung Tau adds a gentler contrast to the city. Advisors can add a private dinner or sunset view.
Families will find plenty to share. Older children can crawl through the safer parts of the Cu Chi Tunnels, ride Metro Line 1 and look over the city from the Saigon Skydeck. Can Gio offers monkey islands and mangrove boat trips. Plan around the heat, which peaks in April and May, and the rainy season from May to September, with its short downpours and sunny breaks. Advisors can arrange family friendly guides and private transport.
Other destinations you may like
Newsletter sign up
Subscribe for the most up-to-date news and offers.