Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon, is the economic capital of Vietnam and one of the most dynamic cities in Southeast Asia. With nearly 9 million people, it is Vietnam’s most populous city and its primary gateway for international travellers heading south. Its energy is unmistakable — a city in constant motion, where colonial architecture, Buddhist pagodas, rooftop bars and street food stalls coexist in a dense and fascinating urban landscape.
The city’s French colonial heritage is preserved in landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office and the grand boulevards of District 1. Alongside these, the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace offer some of the most compelling and moving insights into Vietnam’s modern history available anywhere in the country.
Beyond the city center, Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect starting point for day trips to some of southern Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. The Cu Chi Tunnels, just 70 km northwest, bring the Vietnam War to life through its extraordinary underground network. The Mekong Delta, Can Gio Mangrove Forest, Vung Tau beach and Cat Tien National Park are all within easy reach for a full day or two.
Whether you are spending one day or one week in Saigon, the city and its surroundings offer an extraordinary range of experiences — from wartime history and river life to street food, nightlife and nature.
Explore our most popular Ho Chi Minh City tours, from short escapes to immersive local experiences.
The classic Cu Chi experience in half a day. Wartime film, original Ben Duoc tunnels, bomb craters, mantraps and American tank. Back in the city by lunchtime.
View tour
The Cu Chi tunnel visit in a private minivan with a small group of max 10. More personal, more comfortable, light meal included.
View tour
Cruise through the largest mangrove forest in Southeast Asia, spot monkeys, crocodiles and exotic birds in the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve closest to Saigon.
View tour
The essential Saigon city tour — Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market and Chinatown.
View tour
Cycling through rice paddies and dragon fruit farms, rice planting, rowing, cooking class and BBQ lunch under the coconut trees.
View tour
Escape the city for a day at Vung Tau, the closest beach resort to Saigon. Visit the Giant Jesus statue, Long Hai beach and the lighthouse.
View tour
The most active Mekong day tour. Kayaking through waterways, cycling through orchards, cooking class and BBQ lunch. Small group — max 10 pax.
View tour
Two iconic South Vietnam experiences in one day. Cu Chi underground tunnels in the morning, Mekong river cruise and folk music in the afternoon.
View tour
Saigon city tour in the morning — Independence Palace, War Museum, Notre Dame — then Cu Chi Tunnels in the afternoon. The best of both in one day.
View tour
Cu Chi Tunnels then Mekong Delta with cooking class, BBQ lunch, boat cruise, bee farm, folk music and coconut candy factory. The most complete South Vietnam day tour.
View tour
Cable car on Black Virgin Mountain, the spectacular Cao Dai Holy See midday ceremony and Cu Chi Tunnels. The most culturally rich day tour from Saigon.
View tour
Discover a different side of Ho Chi Minh City after dark — rooftop bar, street food tour, vibrant markets and the city's most photogenic illuminated landmarks.
View tour
Spend a night with a local family in the Mekong Delta. Sampan canals, cooking class, BBQ dinner, cycling and sunrise over the rice paddies.
View tour
My Tho, Ben Tre and overnight in Can Tho, ending at the famous Cai Rang floating market at sunrise.
View tour
Explore one of Vietnam's most biodiverse national parks — night safari, jungle trekking, Bear Rescue Centre and crocodile lake. 1 night in the park.
View tour
The complete overland Mekong journey from Ho Chi Minh City through My Tho, Ben Tre, Can Tho and Chau Doc with optional Cambodia border crossing.
View tourPlan your trip
Tell us your travel dates and preferences — we'll reply within 24 hours.
Message sent!
We'll get back to you within 24 hours.
Rated 4.6/5 on Trustpilot
Explore Travel is a Vietnam-based travel agency specializing in tailor-made journeys, private tours, and authentic local experiences.
© 2026 Explore Travel. All rights reserved.