Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s biggest city, its financial center, and the country’s former capital. It’s easy to be overawed by the sheer number of people you’ll find here, alongside its high-rise buildings, and bustling 24/7 feel. Arm yourself with a little knowledge though, and you’ll find a fabulous city, teeming with culture, and full of history. Check out our Ho Chi Minh private tours below.
Here, ultra-modern buildings exist in close proximity to colonial French architecture, parks galore, and a river snaking its way through the center. You’ll find a greater selection of bars and restaurants in HCMC than anywhere else in the country, a backpacker area around Bui Vien, and a great base for exploring the South of Vietnam.
Looking for something different? Find waterways, mangroves, and greenery on our Mekong Delta tours, or deserts, coastline and tranquility in Mui Ne.
FAQs
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe?
Like any major city in the world, Ho Chi Minh is not crime-free, but it’s safer than most of its size. Common sense should be used at all times and travelers should be mindful of pick-pockets, especially at night. Traffic levels can be high, so caution should be used when crossing roads. For best advice, find a local person and follow them across!
Is Saigon and Ho Chi Minh City the same?
Yes. Saigon is the former name of the city, up until independence was declared in 1975. Local people may prefer one term over another, although many use both interchangeably. Some refer to the city’s center (District 1) as Saigon, and the rest as Ho Chi Minh City. You may see both ‘Saigon Tours’ and ‘HCMC tours’ around, but they’ll likely cover the city’s highlights as a whole.
What’s so special about Ho Chi Minh City?
Private tours in Ho Chi Minh City will show you a region with something for everyone. Some sections of the city resemble the major business hubs found in the likes of Singapore, Taiwan, or even London. Yet just a few yards away you can be dining in a café with a distinct, old-school Parisienne vibe, or eating lip-smacking local food from a street vendor.
Take a Ho Chi Minh private tour and you’ll find museums dedicated to the area’s rich and colorful history, Buddhist temples of all sizes, and prominent churches making up the landscape. It’s also a shopper’s paradise, and you’ll find designer shops galore as well as traditional markets. Despite the city’s urban sprawl, you’re never too far from a green space, perfect for unwinding after a long day or for taking in some exercise.
What’s more, Ho Chi Minh City is ideally placed for exploring southern highlights including the Mekong Delta, Mui Ne, and Vung Tau. Anyone wanting a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City has a world of opportunity, right on their doorstep.