48 hours in Ho Chi Minh City: what to see, eat and experience in the new merged metropolis

Together, they deliver a world-class experience. Every detail of the resort has been thoughtfully curated, with full amenities and impeccable service that answer every need while fostering moments of connection during a holiday.

The Grand Ho Tram features nine swimming pools of varying sizes across the grounds, as well as a golf course, cinema, poolside bar, outdoor sports facilities, camping spaces and a creative play zone for children. A suite of specialised wellness treatments for body, mind and spirit adds another layer of indulgence, inviting guests to retreat, recharge and momentarily escape the bustle of daily life.

Relax at Binh Chau hot spring and watch the sunset at Ho Coc beach

With more than 70 open-air mineral fountains, Binh Chau hot spring has long been one of Ho Tram’s most sought-after destinations. Immersing in its warm mineral waters brings both relaxation and health benefits, easing stress, improving circulation and nourishing the body with magnesium, sulphur and calcium.

After a restorative soak, head to Ho Coc beach to witness the sun dip beneath the horizon. Bordering the Binh Chau primeval forest, the beach is blessed with powdery sand, turquoise waters and striking rock formations, creating a natural stage for the spectacle of dusk as the sky glows orange and the sea shimmers into twilight.

Enjoy fresh seafood at Khoi restaurant

The ideal way to close a day in Ho Tram is with a seafood feast at Khoi restaurant. Here, the sound of the waves and a gentle soundtrack accompany the freshest catch, prepared on site to perfection.

With a wide selection of restaurants, The Grand Ho Tram offers visitors diverse culinary experiences, spanning Asian to European flavours. For those who favour freshly prepared seafood with a local touch, Khoi restaurant is the place to go. Meanwhile, The Grand Bistro caters to diners seeking classic fine dining, where dishes are crafted by five-star chefs and paired with premium wines from around the world.

Take a helicopter to see the whole view of Vung Tau

After a day of relaxation and fresh air in Ho Tram, the second morning begins with a helicopter ride over Vung Tau. From the skies, the town unfolds with sweeping views of turquoise seas, stretches of white sand, rugged mountains and the lively city below.

The flight also takes in Vung Tau’s landmarks, from the Christ statue to the lighthouse, Front Beach and Back Beach. With a panoramic vista and invigorating breezes, a helicopter tour is a spectacular way to begin a day of discovery.

Kayaking, fishing on Ngoc Island and lunch on Go Gang Island

Set amid mangrove forests and spanning more than 60 hectares, Ngoc Island is a haven for adventure. Visitors can spend the morning kayaking or fishing, while the waters shelter an array of rare marine life.

After an active morning, continue to Go Gang Island to savour the ocean breeze and enjoy locally raised seafood, prepared with simple freshness.

Check in at Hotel Indigo Saigon The City

In the heart of District 1, Hotel Indigo Saigon The City is the perfect address for those keen to immerse themselves in the culture and cuisine of this dynamic metropolis.

Drawing inspiration from the Ba Son shipyard, one of Ho Chi Minh City’s historic symbols, the hotel blends contemporary architecture with subtle heritage details. Every corner tells a story, with suites decorated in paintings of vintage streetscapes and a tangle of overhead power lines, recalling a bygone era of the city.

See more: Legacy 80: French-Vietnamese artist Clément Baloup and the paintings that re-draw the forgotten memories of overseas Vietnamese

On the rooftop, guests can unwind by the outdoor swimming pool while admiring sweeping views of Saigon. The hotel also offers a modern gym overlooking Ba Son Bridge, designed to inspire a workout.

On the occasion of National Day, 2 September, the hotel also unveiled a menu celebrating the beauty of Vietnam, drawing inspiration from both North and South. The evening began with a fig salad from the Central region paired with sweet giant freshwater prawns from the Mekong Delta, followed by Ca Mau crab soup with slow-cooked egg yolks for a silky, rich flavour. For the main course, diners could choose between La Vong-style pan-fried sturgeon fillet, a nod to Hanoi’s culinary heritage, or grilled beef seasoned with mac khen and served with bamboo rice, echoing the Central Highlands. The experience closed with Luc Ngan lychee mousse and macarons printed with the Vietnamese national emblem, a delicate flourish for a festive night.

Dinner at YEN Sushi Premium

Tucked behind a rustic wooden door in the city centre, YEN Sushi Premium is a haven for devotees of Japanese cuisine. Its design is rooted in the traditional Ryotei style, evoking the atmosphere of an ancient forest, complete with a rare 100-year-old tree and weathered bricks used in its décor.

The setting immerses guests in Japanese culture, while the menu showcases the artistry of skilled chefs, who craft each dish from the freshest ingredients. Every plate is more than a meal: it is a carefully composed work of art that awakens all the senses. Enjoying slices of sashimi in such a serene space feels like embarking on a journey into the culinary spirit of the Land of the Rising Sun, an experience at once elegant and indelible.

Enjoy Vietnamese breakfast at Man Moi restaurant

With every corner inspired by indigenous culture, Man Moi, Homey Authentic Vietnamese Cuisine is a destination not to be missed.

The restaurant offers hundreds of specialities from across the country, many made with organic produce. Its breakfast menu ranges from rustic to urban, with dishes such as crispy meatball baguettes, grilled pork sticky rice with tamarind sauce, rice vermicelli with pork skin, jellyfish noodles, noodle soup and pandan porridge with dried Tra river goby fish. Each is carefully prepared by a team of chefs, earning the restaurant a place in Tatler’s Top 20 best restaurants in Vietnam.

Visit historical architectural works

After a generous breakfast, when the city is still cool and uncrowded, it is the perfect time to explore Saigon’s historic architecture.

Begin with the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, two emblematic buildings whose charm lends itself to a romantic morning stroll.

Next in Ho Chi Minh City is the Independence Palace, best visited as the sun climbs higher, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s storied past.

Finally, the War Remnants Museum remains essential. Housing more than 20,000 documents, artefacts and films across three levels, it presents an unflinching look at history while underscoring the enduring importance of peace and humanity.

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