Curator’s statement
Ho Chi Minh City is the perfect city to spend a couple days with a family. The intersection of French colonial influence and the historical significance of the Vietnamese-American war made it a rich city to explore with our daughters. Modern-day Ho Chi Minh City is vibrant and teeming with life, and we wasted no time jumping into the food, traditions, and history of this fascinating city.
The Fora Difference
Book with Stephanie to access exclusive perks and experiences on your trip.
Killer perks
Free upgrades, spa credits and more—we got you
Personalized recs
Customized travel planning for your style
Insider knowledge
Expert advice from people who’ve actually been there
Where to stay in Saigon
Unlock perks by contacting Stephanie to book your trip.
We stayed in the Park Hyatt Saigon, which made for a wonderful and luxurious home base while we explored the city. One our first night, we took the girls to the A O Bamboo Circus Show at the Opera House. We were all mesmerized by the dazzling acrobatics and stunning visuals that told a captivating story of the country's rich cultural heritage. The hour flew by and we were all sad when it ended!
On our second day, we took a private speed-boat tour up the Mekong River to the Cu Chi Tunnels. I highly recommend this route so that rather than getting stuck in traffic with other tourists on a bus, you can enjoy a cruise on the river and arrive before the rest of the crowds. Our kids loved crawling through the tunnels and learning about this underground network used by the Viet Cong during the war.
The highlight of our time was a cultural tour of Ho Chi Minh City on the back of the scooters of the XO Saigon Girls. We experienced the flow of the city like true locals. We rode through fresh markets, tasted delicious street food and visited the home of a local family. We felt extremely safe and loved the sensation of flowing through the city with the locals on their evening commute home.
On our last afternoon in Ho Chi Minh City, we all enjoyed a delicious and sophisticated tea in The Lounge at the Park Hyatt. Surrounded by the elegant ambiance of the lobby, we savored exquisite French pastries while listening to live piano music. All the while watching the other guests relax and sip their tea in the serene, refined setting. It was the perfect way to end our memorable stay in this vibrant city.
Need to know
I now understand why Anthony Bourdain once said, "The street food in Vietnam is as good as it gets!" From savory pho to crispy banh mi, the city offers a tantalizing array of flavors that reflect its rich cultural heritage. And whatever you do, don't miss trying their famous egg coffee! Ho Chi Minh City makes the perfect starting or ending point for an extensive journey through Vietnam, whether you're exploring the natural beauty of Hanoi, relaxing on the beaches or diving into the bustling energy of this dynamic city.
For more travel inspiration and recommendations, check out our Vietnam page.
Travel Advisor
Stephanie Jones
Get in touch with Stephanie
Did you like this guide? Reach out to customize and book your own experience. Or, just to chat about travel in general.
You can normally expect a response from Stephanie within a business day or so. You’ll also be subscribed to our travel newsletter (you can unsubscribe at any time).