Fly like a boss with Vietjet to Saigon: Here’s our handy guide to the best hotels, restaurants, bars, and tours to pack into your next weekend vacay.
Nothing like a vacation to help you get over the one you’ve just returned from. And what better place to visit than Vietnam for a heady mix of gritty city streets, divine eats, historical charm, and luxe watering holes? All that and so much more awaits at the end of a short flight from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City. And now, thanks to Vietjet and its Skyboss service (more on that later), you can travel in style at a reasonable price. Bags packed and flights booked, here’s our handy guide on how to nail Saigon in 48 hours.
Getting there
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietjet and take advantage of its Skyboss service. Not only are flight times super convenient (you won’t need to take any extra days holiday, just slope off from the office a little early on Friday night. The 5.25pm Sunday return flight is also ideal), it only takes 90 minutes to reach HCMC! What’s more, Vietjets prime gate spot at Changi T3 means you can squeeze in an extra vino at the bar as you won’t have to contend with the seemingly endless walk to the boarding gate. Hell yes! Other perks include priority check-in, free check-in luggage, airport lounge access, priority boarding, additional leg room, meals, and priority luggage. What’s more, once you’ve touched down you’ll find a private car with your name on it waiting on the tarmac to whisk you to the airport. Hassle free travel? Now that’s how we like to roll.
Rest your head
There’s only one place that’s top of our hotel luxe list: An Lam. Nestled into the bank of the Saigon River, this swish boutique hotel is a tranquil haven and a welcome escape from the bustling city. It’s chic, it’s stylish, and it totally owns the wow factor. For luxury minus the An Lam price tag, take a peek at Villa Song for classic elegance, or The Alcove Library Hotel if you’re a fan of quirky cool.
Top dinner picks
You’ve only got two evening meals on your weekend away, so you’d best make them both count! And we say a trip to Ho Chi Minh isn’t complete without a visit to Cuc Gach Quan. For authentic Vietnamese grub in a friendly, welcoming environment you can’t go wrong. It’s even rumoured to be (the now defunct) Brangelina’s foodie haunt of choice. If you’re on a budget we’re also fans of Propaganda and Quan Bui; both serve up an array of delish local dishes that will ensure your love affair with Vietnamese cuisine continues.
For sundowners
When it comes to sunset cocktails, it’s all about The Deck. Sipping on a Saigon mojito while overlooking the river is up there on our top HCMC moments list. Be sure to book ahead, this hotspot is the worst kept secret in Saigon. For drinks with a view, hit the heights of the rooftop bar at Hotel des Arts: the panoramic view of the city is breathtaking.
Things to do
We reckon the best way to explore any city is to eat your way around it, and there are numerous foodie bike tours that will zip you to the best spots favoured by locals. By the end of the weekend you’ll know exactly where to get the best banh mi in town. Alternatively, get your art and history fix with Sophie’s art tour; this deep dive into Vietnam’s fascinating past and dynamic present will get you up to speed on everything you need to know about ‘nam. Finally, pay a visit to L’Usine for a lunchtime pit stop and a spot of lifestyle shopping; you’ll leave with armfuls of covetable goodies (and stuffed to the brim thanks to the comforting international menu).
This article is sponsored by VietJet.
