Whether you know it as Ho Chi Minh City, HCMC, or Saigon, this city is Vietnam’s pride and joy—it’s not just the country’s commercial capital, but could possibly become Vietnam’s first smart city by 2020.

History buffs may be aware of this: Ho Chi Minh City was formerly a part of the kingdom of Cambodia. In fact, the city was a Khmer trading port until the 17th century, when it was taken over by Vietnamese settlers who renamed it “Saigon.” The city has also lived through close to a century as a French colony (1859 to 1954), which is why you’ll still see the remnants of French influence in its language, architecture, and food.

During the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 1970s, Saigon served as the headquarters for US military operations in the country. In 1975, North Vietnamese troops overcame the US and South Vietnamese forces, claimed Saigon, and renamed the city after their leader, Ho Chi Minh. 

If you’re on your first Saigon holidays, we recommend that you find a good tour guide to give you more insights on the city’s history and culture. Here are some suggestions on the best places to see in Ho Chi Minh City, put together by the PARKROYAL Saigon team for you.

Seeking out unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City? Book an adventure on wheels — bicycle, motorbike, or cyclo — to get a quick introduction to the city’s best-loved attractions.

If you’re bursting with energy, a five-hour cycling tour with I Bike Saigon is the perfect way to discover the city’s hidden gems. The local guides will show you the best places to capture your Saigon photos, plus they’ll give you the lowdown on where to find the city’s best French bakery, best coffee shops, and other top Saigon attractions. 

You’ll also get to ride through the backstreets of Ho Chi Minh City, and listen to stories that will make each attraction come alive. Sights that you will pass along the way include:

• Thien Hau Chinese Pagoda

• Saigon Municipal Opera House

• Citadel of Saigon

• Notre Dame Cathedral 

• Central Post Office

• Famous locations featured in movies

• A hidden monastery

Feeling sleepless in Saigon and looking for exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh at night? Join the motorbike crew from Back of the Bike Tours to zip around the city and sample local foods that you’ll never forget. 

Foodies: book the Chef’s Tour for an edifying experience, where you can discuss all things food-related and learn about the origins and preparation methods behind the city’s favourite dishes. For light eaters, pick the Saigon Night Ride Tour instead—this sightseeing ride weaves through busy streets and back alleys to reach the following locations:

• Thu Thiem Bridge (for the best city skyline view) 

• Le Van Tam Park (formerly the site of the city’s most famous French cemetery)

• Turtle Lake (the centre of ancient Saigon)

If you’re travelling with children or the elderly, you can tour the city on a cyclo, which is a three-wheel bicycle taxi pedalled by a driver behind you. It’s been hailed as one of the top activities to do while in Ho Chi Minh City, and you can book tours with operators such as Klook or Maika Tours. Be sure to check the reviews before you book a tour, or get a recommendation from a trusted source. Avoid negotiating rates with a cyclo driver on the street, and while riding in an open vehicle, be sure to keep your belongings secure to guard against theft.

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An authentic local food experience in Ho Chi Minh City includes trying banh cuon nong (hot steamed rolls), hu tieu (rice noodles), and bo kho (stewed beef soup with bread). And don’t forget to partake in the local toasting tradition, by raising your glass and saying “Một hai ba dzô!” or the shorter “Dzô!” (pronounced “yo,” and meaning “cheers”) with gusto! You can do all that and more by joining a dedicated food tour with providers such as Secret Food Tours.

For vegans and vegetarians, sign up for Saigon Adventure’s Vegan Food Tour, which offers an equally rich local experience. You’ll get to sample banh xeo (crispy pancakes), banh mi (Saigon bread), noodle soup and more, while mingling with those who ascribe to the same planet-friendly dietary lifestyle. 

To get the best out of your food tour, be sure to let the tour provider know about your dietary preferences or restrictions. If you’re travelling with the elderly and children, a tour with fewer stops may be more suitable, as many of these tours involve a fair bit of walking.

Keen to learn how the Vietnamese prepare their food? Enroll in a Vietnamese cooking class led by PARKROYAL Saigon’s very own master chef! Open to Platinum Pan Pacific DISCOVERY members, you’ll get a chance to visit a local market to purchase fresh produce and the sheer satisfaction of whipping up your own Vietnamese meal!

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Buy tickets (Saigon Adventure)
Redeem your Platinum Local Experience (Master Cooking Class for 2)

Believe in giving back to the local community as you travel? Join the Saigon Free Walking Tours, which are managed by hospitality and tourism students at Hoa Sen University in Ho Chi Minh City. For the students, it’s an opportunity to put to use what they’ve learned in school, as well as to practise their English. 

This meaningful experience lets you interact with the local youths to find out more about contemporary life in the city. As these tours are not run by professional tour guides, do temper your expectations and participate in the tours with an open mind and heart.

There are several themed tours that you can choose from, and the three-hour Saigon City Tour covers the following locations:

• District 1 (the central urban district)

• People’s Committee Building 

• Notre Dame Cathedral

• Central Post Office

• Reunification Palace or The War Museum

• Ben Tanh Market

For the insatiably curious traveller, a professionally run tour may be more suitable. Old Compass Travel runs a Saigon — Tales Of The City Tour led by guides who are passionate about art, history, and culture. Attractions covered include:

• Central Post Office

• Former French Lieutenant Governor’s residence (now the Ho Chi Minh City Museum)

• Former US embassy

• Notre Dame Cathedral

• Reunification Palace

There are also cafe stops along the way, and the tour includes a cozy lunch or dinner at The Compass Cafe. 

“This is not your run-of-the-mill tour. I highly recommend this for anyone wanting to dig a bit deeper, and to traverse 400 years of history through to modern-day, thriving Saigon,” raves a tour participant.

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Welcome to Saigon! Experience the modern comforts of our rooms and suites when you book a stay at PARKROYAL Saigon. A mere five minutes away from Tan Son Nhat International Airport, our hotel is located within the Tan Binh District, and offers easy access to renowned attractions such as the Ben Thanh Market, the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mekong Delta, and the Reunification Palace. 

Here’s a deal exclusively for Pan Pacific DISCOVERY (Platinum and Black) members: you can redeem a Master Cooking Class in Vietnamese Cuisine for 2, a War Remnants Museum and Water Puppet Theatre experience, and a Dinner Cruise on Saigon River for 2. These are Local Experiences that you won’t want to miss! 

Not a member yet? Join now and instantly receive Gold status as you begin your journey. When you book directly with us, you can enjoy a complimentary upgrade to the next room category and late check-out privileges (until 3.00pm), subject to availability.

Planning your travels soon? Bookmark our Destination Insights, browse our attractive room offers, and get in touch with our friendly PARKROYAL Saigon team today!