Overview
Ho Chi Minh City – still affectionately called Saigon by many locals – is Vietnam's largest city and the gateway to the buzzing south of the country. Expect motorbike-filled streets, French colonial architecture, incense-filled pagodas and some of Southeast Asia's best street food, all wrapped up in a city that never quite slows down. For UK travellers, it's a long-haul adventure that rewards you with real value for money, genuine warmth from locals and a fascinating mix of history and modern energy.
Best time to fly to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with two main seasons rather than four. The dry season, from around December to April, brings warm, sunny days and is generally considered the best time to visit, with February to April being hottest. The wet season runs roughly May to November, bringing humid afternoons and short, heavy downpours – but rain rarely lasts all day and this period can mean quieter attractions and better fares. Avoid booking around Tet (Vietnamese New Year, usually late January or February) if you can, as flights fill up and prices climb with locals travelling to see family.
Airlines and routes
There are currently no nonstop flights between the UK and Ho Chi Minh City, so you'll be connecting somewhere en route. Vietnam Airlines flies nonstop from London Heathrow to Hanoi, with an onward domestic hop of around two hours down to Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, one-stop options with major international carriers – including Emirates via Dubai, Qatar Airways via Doha, Etihad via Abu Dhabi, Turkish Airlines via Istanbul, Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong and Singapore Airlines via Singapore – connect through their respective hubs. Total journey time, including the layover, typically runs from around 15 to 20 hours depending on the connection.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Once you land, there's plenty to fill your days:
- War Remnants Museum: A powerful, sobering look at the Vietnam War through photography and personal accounts.
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica: A striking red-brick French colonial landmark in the heart of District 1.
- Ben Thanh Market: The city's most famous market, perfect for street food, souvenirs and people-watching.
- Cu Chi Tunnels: An extensive wartime tunnel network, an easy half-day trip from the city centre.
- Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck: Panoramic city views, especially memorable at sunset.
At Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN)
Tan Son Nhat is one of the most centrally located major airports in Asia, sitting only around 7km from District 1. A taxi or Grab (the local ride-hailing app, widely used and easy to book) typically takes 20–40 minutes depending on traffic, and metered taxis are readily available outside arrivals. Public bus route 109 also runs between the airport and the city centre for a budget-friendly option.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Ho Chi Minh City
- Book several months ahead where possible, and use the When to book chart above to spot the cheapest windows for your travel dates.
- Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) is usually cheaper than weekend departures.
- Stay flexible with your dates by a few days either side if you can – it often unlocks noticeably lower fares.
- Compare one-stop routings via different hubs, as prices can vary significantly between connecting airlines.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa to enter Vietnam; most travellers apply for an e-visa online in advance, which is straightforward and typically processed within a few days. The local currency is the Vietnamese Dong (VND), though larger hotels and tour operators sometimes accept payment in pounds or US dollars. Check the latest NHS travel health advice for recommended vaccinations before you go, and make sure your passport has at least six months' validity remaining.
