Tips for visiting Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City in 2026: updated travel guide

Vietnam is one of those destinations that just keeps drawing me back. Between the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An and the nonstop energy of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s a trip that delivers magic in two completely different ways. If you’re planning to visit, here are the tips, lessons, and little discoveries I wish I’d known before going.

Planning your trip?
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Hotels, I use Agoda
Insurance: Cover-More
Rentals: Discover Cars
RVs: Motorhome Republic
Transfers: Welcome Pickups
Travel eSIM: Simify

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Hoi An

Hoi An

Getting there
The easiest way is still to fly into Da Nang and transfer about 45 minutes south. In 2026, Grab rides and private car apps like Dichung and BookaCar make it simple to skip the tourist-trap marble shops. A private car costs around 350,000–400,000 VND and can be pre-booked on an app.

Tailor-made clothes
Hoi An’s tailoring scene is still one of the best in the world. Prices have increased the last five years, but the quality remains high. It’s worth doing your homework—shops like Yaly Couture and Bebe Tailor continue to be reliable. I’d recommend giving yourself at least two full days for fittings and alterations.

Where to stay
I stayed at Allegro Hoi An (previously Essence Hoi An), which remains a gorgeous option close to the old town. Vinh Hung Emerald still has its riverside charm, though it’s a little dated now. For something more contemporary, Anio Boutique Hotel is a 2026 favourite, offering excellent service and a relaxed pool vibe.

Where to eat
Cargo Club is still there for a riverside drink or a sweet fix, but it’s become very touristic. For food that feels more authentic, head to Morning Glory Original for traditional dishes, or Nu Eatery tucked down an alley near the Japanese Bridge—small menu, big flavours. Street food tours with local guides are also a brilliant way to taste dishes you’d never discover on your own.

Tip: Don’t rush Hoi An. Two nights isn’t enough. Give yourself four to wander, eat, and soak up its rhythm.

Ho Chi Minh City

First impressions
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is wild, chaotic, and alive. The traffic is something else, but once you get used to it, the energy becomes addictive.

Getting around
Grab is still the most convenient way to get around. For something more memorable, I joined an evening scooter food tour with XO Tours—one of my favourite Vietnam experiences. Saigon on Motorbike also runs excellent tours and is a great alternative in 2026.

What to see
The War Remnants Museum (correctly named, not “War Museum”) is confronting, but it remains one of the most important and powerful sites to visit. Beyond that, take time for the Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral (currently under restoration but still impressive), and the buzzing Ben Thanh Market. For skyline views, the Landmark 81 SkyView deck now rivals the classic Bitexco Tower.

Where to stay
Hotel Nikko Saigon is still an excellent, reliable option. If you want a more modern icon, Vinpearl Landmark 81 offers sweeping views from Vietnam’s tallest building. For boutique charm, The Myst Dong Khoi blends quirky design with a great central location.

Where to eat
Street food still rules Saigon. Bánh mì, pho, and c?m t?m are everywhere, but finding the right stalls is half the fun. Guided food tours are worth every cent. For something elevated, Pizza 4P’s continues to be a local favourite, while Quince Saigon is one of the city’s top contemporary restaurants in 2026.

Tip: The city never really slows down, so build in a rooftop bar break. Chill Skybar and Social Club still serve some of the best views with a drink in hand.

Hoi An gives you charm, colour, and calm. Ho Chi Minh City hits you with noise, flavour, and pace. Experiencing both on the same trip feels like discovering two sides of Vietnam’s soul. If you can, give yourself time for both—they balance each other perfectly.

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