Flights from Brussels (BRU) to Ho Chi Minh City (SGN)

About Ho Chi Minh City

Energy and heritage in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a place of constant movement, where motorbikes weave through tree-lined boulevards and pavement cafés spill out onto the streets. Old villas, bustling markets, and contemporary glass towers sit side by side, creating a skyline that reflects the citys evolving story.

As Vietnams largest city, it is a centre for commerce, design, and dining, yet many neighbourhoods retain a distinctly local feel. You can stroll past colonial-era architecture in the city centre, explore narrow lanes filled with street food vendors, then end the evening in a rooftop bar looking out over the Saigon River.

Whether you are here for business, a short city break, or as a starting point for wider travels in Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City offers an engaging blend of modern convenience and everyday local life.

Top sights in Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market

Browse stalls selling textiles, handicrafts, coffee, and snacks in one of the citys most famous and lively markets.

Saigon Central Post Office

Admire this grand 19th-century building with its vaulted interior, intricate details, and elegant ironwork.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Join locals on this wide pedestrian avenue, lined with cafés, boutiques, and fountains that light up after dark.

Saigon Opera House

See the ornate façade and, if time allows, attend a performance in this beautifully restored city landmark.

Bitexco Financial Tower Sky Deck

Head up to the observation deck for sweeping views of Ho Chi Minh City and the winding Saigon River.

Experience the spirit of the city

Begin your discovery of Ho Chi Minh City with a guided walking tour through District 1, where you can learn the stories behind grand public buildings and tree-lined avenues. Join a small-group experience to explore hidden alleys, independent galleries, and contemporary design studios that showcase local creativity.

Food-focused tours are a memorable way to see the city from a different angle. Ride pillion on a motorbike with an experienced driver as you visit evening street food hubs, or join a small cooking class to learn how to prepare fragrant broths, fresh herbs, and rice-based dishes using ingredients sourced from a nearby market.

If you would like a change of pace, spend time along the Saigon River on a leisurely boat trip, or visit green spaces and quieter neighbourhoods on the citys edge. Day trips can take you into the surrounding countryside, offering a glimpse of canals, orchards, and small communities beyond the urban centre.

A taste of Ho Chi Minh City

Dining in Ho Chi Minh City ranges from pavement-side stools to refined restaurants, often on the very same street. You can start your day with a strong local coffee and a crisp baguette-style sandwich, then move on to hearty noodle soups or rice dishes topped with grilled meats and fresh herbs.

In the evening, follow the locals to bustling food streets where the air is filled with the aroma of charcoal grills and sizzling woks. Sample dishes layered with texture and freshness, from rice-paper rolls to seafood cooked to order. Many eateries specialise in recipes from different regions of Vietnam, giving you a sense of the countrys culinary diversity without leaving the city.

For a different atmosphere, explore rooftop bars and contemporary bistros that reinterpret local ingredients in new ways. International restaurants, cafés, and dessert shops are easy to find, so you can alternate between comfortingly familiar flavours and new discoveries throughout your stay.

Retail therapy in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City offers a mix of modern malls, traditional markets, and independent boutiques. Large shopping centres in District 1 and beyond bring together international brands, local labels, and lifestyle stores in air-conditioned comfort, often with cinemas and food courts attached.

Markets and smaller shops are ideal places to look for items that reflect local craftsmanship. You can browse for textiles, lacquerware, ceramics, and contemporary design pieces, many of which make distinctive souvenirs or gifts. In creative neighbourhoods, you will also find concept stores and studio spaces that showcase up-and-coming designers.

For a more relaxed experience, explore older streets lined with small, family-run shops where daily life unfolds at a gentler pace. Here, browsing can be as enjoyable as buying, and you will see how the citys retail traditions continue alongside new developments.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Dry season (December to April, peak season) brings plenty of sunshine and relatively low humidity, with average temperatures around 27–32°C (81–90°F). Clear skies make it ideal for walking tours, rooftop views, and day trips, and you can still find quiet corners away from the busiest spots.

Early rains (May to July, shoulder season) see brief, refreshing showers in the late afternoon or evening, with temperatures around 27–31°C (81–88°F). Skies often clear quickly, leaving cooler air and dramatic sunsets, and this period can feel pleasantly lively without being overwhelming.

Rainy season (August to November, low season) brings more frequent showers, usually short-lived, and temperatures of about 26–30°C (79–86°F). The city remains active, with lush greenery, quieter attractions, and plenty of indoor cafés, markets, and galleries to enjoy between bursts of rain.

Frequently Asked Questions