Your money is secured in a trust account
Unlike many other travel companies we operate on a trust account model. Once we’ve paid the airline for your flights, the rest of your money is held in a trust account. We do not have access to this directly and can only withdraw funds when you are back home from holiday
We're ATOL protected
All of our holidays that include flights are protected by the ATOL scheme from the moment you book. So if one of our suppliers fails, you’ll get your money back. If you’re left stranded abroad, a flight home will be arranged at no extra cost. Our ATOL number is 11806
We're ABTA registered
As proud ABTA members we deliver the highest standards when it comes to our holidays. So if you book with us you’re guaranteed the best service. Our ABTA number is P8283, Y6720.
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Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a fast-paced metropolis brimming with activity. It's a side to Vietnam with relentless energy - a whirlwind of scooters, street markets, and glittering skyscrapers. Generously dotted with heritage sites and temples.
Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh
Just wandering through the streets you'll feel the city's buzz. Follow your taste buds around the food stalls. Sip cocktails with skyline views. And when you need a breather, there are plenty of temples and gardens to retreat to.
Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City
Food & Drink in Ho Chi Minh City
Indulge in Ho Chi Minh City's vibrant food scene with iconic dishes like pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and fresh spring rolls. The local favourites to try are bun bo Hue (spicy beef noodle soup) and com tam (broken rice with grilled pork), served up all across bustling street stalls and eateries.
Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City
Get ready to paint the town red along bustling Bui Vien Street, known for its lively bars and clubs. Sip cocktails with a skyline view from Dong Khoi's chic rooftops. And soak up Nguyen Hue's bustling night markets - alive with music and excitement.
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with a dry season (December-April) averaging 25-32°C and a rainy season (May-November) featuring frequent showers and high humidity.
Flights from London to Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). The airport in Ho Chi Minh City is eight kilometres from the city centre. On average, a direct flight takes approximately 14 hours and 30 minutes.
Culture vultures: Discover historic temples, colonial architecture, and vibrant local traditions that make Ho Chi Minh City a cultural gem.
Nature lovers: Explore lush parks, botanical gardens, and the scenic Saigon River, offering a green escape within the bustling city.
Foodies: Experience the lively street food scene with vendors cooking up delicious dishes right by the roadside.
Language: Vietnamese is the predominant language in Ho Chi Minh City, with French spoken as a secondary language. English is pretty widespread, especially in touristy spots, but picking up a few Vietnamese phrases can really add to the adventure!
Currency: Vietnam uses the Vietnamese đồng (VND) as its currency.
Local time: Vietnam is in the GMT+7 time zone, putting it 7 hours ahead of the UK.
Fly to: Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Or into Noi Bai International Airport (HAN), also known as Hanoi Airport, the largest and main international airport serving Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam.
Flight time from UK: 12-14 hours
Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at Vietnam’s tourism website.
Taking Taxis: Use reputable companies like VinaSun and Mai Linh to avoid scams.
Using Rideshare Services: Check out Grab app
Bus: Inexpensive; routes like bus #152 from airport to Ben Thanh Market.
Airport Shuttle Bus: Yellow buses (#109 and #49) are economical and just a 45-minute ride to the city centre.
Tết Nguyên Đán (Lunar New Year): When Tết rolls around (usually in late January or early February), Ho Chi Minh City lights up with colourful decorations, lively music, and dragon dances.
Reunification Day (Ngày Thống nhất): April 30th is all about celebrating unity after Saigon's fall in 1975. Expect parades, cultural shows, and fireworks.
Mid-Autumn Festival (Tết Trung Thu): During this September or October festival, Ho Chi Minh City streets glow with lanterns, and everyone tucks into mooncakes.
For up-to-date advice on travelling to Vietnam, please visit the FCDO website.
Tourist information: Further tourist information can be found on Vietnam’s tourism website.
Do I need a visa?
Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.
Ho Chi Minh City is tropical with two main seasons:
Dry Season (December to April):
It's sunny and dry, perfect for exploring with temperatures around 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Great for outdoor adventures!
Rainy Season (May to November):
Get ready for some serious rain and humidity. Temperatures stay warm, but expect sudden downpours and occasional storms. Keep your umbrella handy!
