Book a trip from Toronto to Ho Chi Minh City with Cathay Pacific , fares from CAD1,750

Located just over 7 kilometres from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) has several transportation options available. Taxis are the most convenient, taking you to the heart of the city in about 20 minutes. Alternatively, shuttle buses run frequently from the airport to Cong Vieng, taking approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

Known historically as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is full of vibrancy as it boasts an exotic cultural heritage, delicious street food, and upscale shopping districts.

Brimming with French colonial history, the city is renowned for its historical landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. Be sure to also visit one of the many temples dotted throughout the city, with some of the most famous being the magnificent 250-year-old Giac Lam Pagoda, Thien Hau Temple, and Quan Âm and Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagodas.

Gain a deeper insight into Vietnam’s history by visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), a 1960s landmark building from the Vietnam War. We also recommend exploring the city’s bustling central market - Ben Thanh - where you can find fresh produce, coffee traders, and a night market full of clothes and intriguing souvenirs. While here, you can sample local dishes such as ‘pho’ (noodle soup), ‘goi cuon’ (spring rolls), and ‘xoi’ (savoury sticky rice).

French colonial architecture has influenced many of Ho Chi Minh City's most famous buildings. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Saigon Opera House, and the Saigon Central Post Office are three popular tourist attractions due to their stunning interiors and exteriors. All three buildings are within walking distance of one another, making it convenient for those who want to visit all three in one day.

Cathay Pacific brings the convenience of finding the best hotels to you. The Sheraton Saigon Hotel & Towers is a 5-star hotel renowned for its elegant and luxurious atmosphere. It is conveniently located in the city centre, providing easy access to popular attractions as well as a variety of dining and entertainment choices. The hotel has large, stylish rooms with high-end amenities, as well as a fitness centre, spa, and outdoor pool. Guests can also expect outstanding service and hospitality from the staff. The ibis Saigon South Hotel, on the other hand, provides comfortable and reasonably priced rooms with all of the amenities required for a pleasant stay. The hotel also features a restaurant, a fitness centre, and meeting rooms. Guests can expect to have an enjoyable and hassle-free stay. Book your stay today and discover a wondrous world of rewards, including special accommodation, room upgrades, and access to lounge facilities. You will also be able to earn miles when you book a holiday package or a hotel.

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, travellers should try the local cuisine, which combines Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. One must-try dish is pho, a popular noodle soup made with fragrant broth, rice noodles, and a variety of meats and seafood. Banh mi, a French-inspired baguette filled with a variety of ingredients, including pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and herbs, is also worth trying. Other well-known dishes include banh xeo, a crispy pancake filled with pork, shrimp and bean sprouts, and com tam, which consists of broken rice, grilled pork chops and a variety of side dishes. Chao tom, grilled prawn paste on sugarcane skewers, and ca kho to, caramelised fish in a clay pot, are two seafood must-tries. For those with a sweet tooth, there are numerous delicious desserts to sample. Che is a popular Vietnamese dessert that combines beans, fruits, and jelly in a sweet coconut milk broth. Another must-try is banh flan, which is a Vietnamese version of creme caramel served with a coconut milk sauce.

There’s plenty to remember when flying to a new destination. Here is some information that you should know before your flight to Ho Chi Minh City.

• Currency: Vietnamese Dong (₫, VND). Find out the current conversion rate.
• Plug: 220V Types A, B, and C
• Time zone: GMT+7
• Language: Vietnamese