Next stop: Vietnam. This was the second part of our Asia twin centre holiday. If you missed it, take a look at “Family Easter Trip to Asia Part 1” for the Thailand section of our journey.

Asia is our favourite continent and Vietnam is my favourite country. My husband and I last visited in 2002 and 2003, so we were curious to see how much Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) had changed 20 years on. For my 14‑year‑old son, this was his first visit and the part he was most excited about. He has a real interest in history and was keen to learn more, so we focused our time just on Ho Chi Minh City.

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City

After a short flight from Phuket we landed in wonderful Ho Chi Minh City. The people here have always stuck in my mind as some of the kindest and funniest anywhere, and it was lovely to see that had not changed.

We stayed in District 1, which is a bit like the West End of London: central, lively and the most expensive, but still brilliant value. Beer was less than £1 a pint, which says it all.

Our time was action‑packed: the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, street food, markets and soaking up Saigon’s incredible energy. For my husband and me, the standout was the motorbike street food tour. For our son, it was definitely the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Ho Chi Minh City is manic by anyone’s standards. You need nerves of steel to cross the road, but it is worth every minute. Vietnam’s population is around 98 million, and roughly 10% live in Ho Chi Minh City alone.

How Saigon has changed in 20 years

Has Vietnam changed since 2003? Absolutely. Ho Chi Minh City is almost unrecognisable in places, yet it still has so much charm.

There are now proper pedestrian crossings with green men and, sometimes, vehicles even stop. There are far more cars than before, although motorbikes still dominate. There are many more hotels, including a good choice of 5‑star options, and it is extremely tourist‑friendly and welcoming.

Coffee shops and restaurants have evolved from simple street carts to stylish cafés and patisseries. Think less “plastic stool on the pavement” and more “high tea at Betty’s” in some neighbourhoods, although you can still find the traditional side too.

Motorbike street food tour in Saigon

Our motorbike street food tour was incredible and I would highly recommend it if you are planning a Ho Chi Minh City food tour or Vietnam family holiday with teens. We each had our own driver, so it works brilliantly if you are travelling solo as well.

We had 12 lady riders and rode pillion with them. They were amazing at navigating the traffic and we felt safe throughout. My son’s rider was only a few years older than him, which he thought was brilliant.

As you ride through the evening, your guide shares fascinating snippets about everyday life in Vietnam. Each has their own story. My rider grew up in the Mekong Delta, won a university scholarship in Saigon and originally did motorbike tours as a part‑time job while studying. She now owns a flower shop and still rides in the evenings.

It was especially interesting to hear how culture is evolving. Traditionally, daughters were expected to marry and move in with their husband’s parents. The new generation of women do not always follow that path, focusing instead on financial independence so they can choose how they live.

We had five food stops in total. At each one the group came together to enjoy different dishes and a drink. The tour owner personally selects all the venues and has very high standards, which really shows. Choosing the right supplier for this type of excursion is important, both for safety and for the food. Anything booked through me will always have those checks in place.

Cu Chi Tunnels with a private guide

We opted for a private guide for the Cu Chi Tunnels and were so glad we did. It meant we could avoid the large groups, move at our own pace and really benefit from our guide’s insight.

When we visited in 2003 there were only a handful of visitors. That is certainly not the case now. You need to arrive early for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. The site has changed significantly, in a good way. There is now much more to see and learn about this harrowing period in Vietnam’s history, and it was especially impactful for our son given his interest in the Vietnam War.

Ben Nghe Street Food Market

A newer addition to Ho Chi Minh City, and a big highlight for us, is the Ben Nghe Street Food Market, recently relocated from the old Ben Thanh area.

The new venue is fantastic: immaculately clean, with a huge variety of food choices from Vietnamese classics to international favourites. We ate there every day we were in Saigon. My son loved being able to navigate the stalls and choose his food and drinks, from fresh fruit smoothies to bubble tea. We were happy for him to wander in such a safe, contained environment while we enjoyed an ice‑cold beer or cocktail.

Shopping and markets in Ho Chi Minh City

The markets in Ho Chi Minh City are brilliant for shopping, especially if you want items genuinely made in Vietnam. We stocked up on great‑quality T‑shirts and my husband found plenty of golf clothing. There are also beautiful handmade pieces that are very typical of Vietnam, such as lacquered bowls and cotton lingerie bags.

There are definitely some tips and tricks for navigating the markets and finding the right sections for fair prices rather than tourist mark‑ups, and I can help with that when planning a Vietnam itinerary.

Why Vietnam is still my favourite country

So has Vietnam changed? Yes, very much so. It is more modern, more developed and busier than when we first visited, but it has lost none of its warmth or magic. The people are still some of the most special I have met anywhere, and Vietnam remains my favourite country.

If you are considering a Thailand and Vietnam twin centre holiday, or a Vietnam family trip focused on Ho Chi Minh City, I would strongly recommend having an expert help you plan. Distances, timings and logistics in Asia can be deceptive, and the right structure means you make the most of both your budget and your time.

If you would like to follow in our footsteps, from Phuket and Kamala Beach to Saigon and beyond, please get in touch and I will help you design an Asia adventure that feels exciting, safe and completely tailored to you.