Ho Chi Minh City Cruises

The city of Ho Chi Minh is located in the south of Vietnam and is the country’s biggest city. Formerly known as Saigon, the city was once Vietnam’s capital until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.

Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the economic centre of the country and boasts a population of over 8.5 million people, with nearly the same amount of tourists coming to visit every year.

The exciting and energetic Ho Chi Minh City should be on everyone’s bucket list – its vitality is contagious, making visitors come back again and again. The city is full of:

• Contrasts that live harmoniously alongside each other
• Welcoming locals
• Restaurants and stalls with equally delicious food
• Temples
• Designer boutiques

Ho Chi Minh City has to be visited to be believed!

The Best Time to Cruise to Ho Chi Minh City

Like many cities in Asia, Ho Chi Minh has a wet season and a dry season, rather than real seasons. The most popular months to visit the city are December, January and February for a number of reasons:

• – The temperatures are mild, 24-26°C
• – Humidity and rainfall are low
• – It is time for festivals: Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year

However, the prices will be higher by as much as 30%, plus many shops and restaurants are closed during the Lunar New Year period (February).

Visiting around the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn is also great, plus you’ll avoid the high prices and touristy crowds.

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is energetic and lively, there is always something to do and see, whatever time of the day it is. Check out just some of our favourites:

• – The War Remnants Museum is a must-visit. You will learn all about the US invasion of Vietnam and the devastation it caused the country and its citizens. The exhibits will also help you understand why Vietnam is the way it is today.
• – Arrive early and you’ll get to explore the Jade Emperor Pagoda and avoid the crowds that flock to the stunning Taoist temple every day. It is full of both Taoist and Buddhist statues, elaborate tiles and fascinating detail.
• – The Ben Thanh Market is where you can eat, shop for souvenirs and just watch local life unfold before your eyes. Bargaining and looking after your personal belongings is essential.
• – Wander along the Cu Chi Tunnels and find out all about Vietnam’s resistance movement during the war.
• – Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese performance with music, dancing and flying acrobats at the AO Show, located in a beautiful French-colonial building of the Opera House.

Top Cruise Lines

A great number of cruise lines offers itineraries that include the exciting city of Ho Chi Minh, a lot of them will also include ports in Thailand, Malaysia and other Asian cities. Here are some of the most popular ones:

• Princess cruises to Ho Chi Minh City
• Cunard cruises to Ho Chi Minh City
• Norwegian cruises to Ho Chi Minh City
• Oceania cruises to Ho Chi Minh City
• Silversea cruises to Ho Chi Minh City

Setting sail from a home port in Australia is the easiest and most popular way to cruise to Ho Chi Minh City. Most cruise lines will depart from these port cities:

• Sydney
• Brisbane
• Melbourne
• Perth (Fremantle)