Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Explore a fascinating side of Vietnamese history in the countryside to the north of Ho Chi Minh City. During the Vietnam War, Viet Cong communist fighters dug a 250km-long network of tunnels here in which they could hide for long periods, store food and weapons, communicate with other resistance groups and more. For this visit, you’ll travel by private transfer straight to Cu Chi, where you’ll learn all about these extraordinary relics of the country’s past. You’ll hear about the challenging conditions in this three-level underground “village” at the time, from the darkness and foul-smelling air to invasions of snakes and scorpions, but also the ingenuity that enabled the creation of subterranean hospitals, kitchens and wells. A short section of tunnel has been widened a little (and cleared of insects), so brave and curious visitors can get an insight into what life was like below ground for themselves. From here, you’ll return to Ho Chi Minh City in time for lunch (not included).

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private

Good to know
The heat and humidity make the narrow tunnels even stuffier than you’d imagine possible, so don’t feel you have to experience them if you’d rather not.

Swap the noise of the city for the peace of the countryside - and get a little gentle exercise - on a private bicycle tour through the serene Mekong Delta. On arrival in the area, you’ll have a chance to soak up the slower pace of life here at a village café while your bicycles are prepared, before setting off on a relaxed pedal along quiet rural lanes flanked by rice paddies, orchards and fields of vegetables. The whole place is crisscrossed by waterways, so one minute you might be cycling on a bankside path past a floating market selling local produce and fish, and the next, hopping on a tiny ferry packed with friendly locals. You’ll pass through charming country towns and sleepy villages, pause at a small shop where they make traditional woven mats, and tour a nearby cocoa plantation. After lunch, featuring Delta dishes made with fresh local ingredients served on the leafy terrace of a private home, you’ll swap two wheels for a small boat and a leisurely cruise through some of the region’s sleepy canals, before being collected for the return to Saigon.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
There’s a support van during the cycling part of the trip, making it suitable for all ages. Helmets are also provided.

If you’ve always wanted to experience Saigon like a local, this fun-filled morning tour by vintage Vespa scooter is for you. Riding behind an experienced driver who knows the streets like the back of their hand, you’ll be whisked around a beguiling blend of must-see landmarks and off-the-beaten-track gems. You’ll discover a secret weapon bunker dating from the Vietnam War, watch coffee made the traditional way in clay pots at Saigon’s oldest café and be dazzled by the colour and scent of a vibrant flower market. You’ll also explore a historic residential district, stop at breathtaking Buddhist temples and check out specialist markets dedicated to everything from spare parts for motorbikes to fabrics from all around Asia. Lunch at a neighbourhood restaurant that serves authentic Vietnamese cuisine is a perfect way to round off an adventure that’s sure to be a hit with couples and honeymooners.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is suitable for those over the age of 16 only. Helmets - and raincoats in case of showers - are provided.

Plunge into Saigon’s dynamic night-time scene local-style as you zip between some of its buzziest foodie haunts on a vintage Vespa. Riding pillion behind an expert driver, you’ll begin the evening with a tour around several vibrant downtown districts, passing some of the city’s must-see sights. After pausing for a drink and a spot of people-watching at a neighbourhood café, you’ll head for one of Saigon’s best stalls for banh mi, a stubby baguette sandwich with an array of delicious classic fillings. The next stop is a bustling night flower market, ablaze with colour, followed by a taste of traditional rice pancakes and seafood at a popular restaurant. No gourmet experience is complete without something sweet to finish things off, so the final tasting of the evening is Vietnamese che - a sort of dessert soup - which comes in a dizzying range of varieties.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is suitable for those over the age of 16 only. While every effort will be made to cater for food allergies or special diets, this may not always be possible.

There are few more relaxing and rewarding ways of spending a day exploring Saigon, aka Ho Chi Minh City, than in your own car, complete with a driver and guide. It gives you the freedom to set your own itinerary and then change your mind if you spot something enticing along the way. There’s no timetable to stick to, so you can stop for a break when you want and stay for as long as you like - something that families will particularly appreciate. Want to mix up the guide-book highlights with places only the locals know about? Your guide will be happy to suggest options tailored to your interests, whether that’s a quirky shopping centre in what used to be a block of flats, a newly opened trendy café or just an overlooked corner of one of the city’s main sights.

• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Private experience

Good to know
Entrance fees are not included. Mileage up to 100km is included; you can pay a small supplement directly to the driver for any extra distance or time.