Book a trip from Boston to Ho Chi Minh City with Cathay Pacific , fares from USD1,181

Located just over 7km from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, there are several transport options to get there from Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Taxis are the most convenient as they will take you to the heart of the city in approximately 20 minutes. Alternatively, shuttle bus services run regularly from the airport to Cong Vieng, taking around 20 to 30 minutes.

Known historically as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a vivacious metropolis brimming with rich cultural heritage, appetizing street food, and high-end shopping districts.

We recommend starting your trip by visiting the city’s many historical landmarks, which include the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon - a religious flagship that dates back to the French colonial period in Vietnam. Be sure to also visit the assortment of temples dotted across the city, such as the incredible 250-year-old Giac Lam Pagoda, Thien Hau Temple, Quan Âm, and Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagodas.

Learn about Vietnam’s history by visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s Reunification Palace (Independence Palace) - a 1960’s landmark building from the Vietnam War. Nearby is the lively Ben Thanh Market, where fresh produce, coffee traders, and night markets can be found. Dine at the market’s street food stalls and sample local delicacies like ‘pho’ (noodle soup), ‘goi cuon’ (spring rolls), and ‘xoi’ (savory sticky rice). Be sure to pair your meal with a glass of strong, yet sweet, Vietnamese coffee.

Much of Ho Chi Minh City’s famous buildings are influenced by French colonial architecture. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Saigon Opera House, and the Saigon Central Post Office are three popular tourist spots due to their beautiful interiors and exteriors. All three buildings are within walking distance of each other, making it easy for those who wish to explore all three locations in one day.

Cathay Pacific brings the convenience of finding the best hotels to you. If you wish to stay somewhere near the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, consider the New World Saigon Hotel. With its convenient location, guests can easily access popular attractions and enjoy the vibrant city life. The hotel boasts top-notch amenities, including a fitness center, spa, and outdoor pool, as well as various dining options. For a waterfront view, the Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon is a 5-star hotel situated on the banks of the Saigon River. With its modern and elegant design, the hotel offers a comfortable and luxurious stay for guests. 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, travelers should definitely try the local cuisine which is a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, and French influences. One must-try dish is pho, a popular noodle soup with fragrant broth, rice noodles, and various types of meat or seafood. Banh mi, a French-inspired baguette filled with a variety of ingredients such as pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and herbs, is also a must-try. Other famous dishes include banh xeo, a crispy pancake filled with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, and com tam, a dish made with broken rice, grilled pork chops, and various side dishes. Seafood lovers should not miss out on trying chao tom, grilled shrimp paste on sugarcane skewers, and ca kho to, caramelized fish in a clay pot. For those with a sweet tooth, there are plenty of delicious desserts to try. Che is a popular Vietnamese dessert made with various ingredients such as beans, fruits, and jelly in a sweet coconut milk broth. Another must-try is banh flan, 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