Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon, is located in the southeast of Vietnam. The city is the most populated city in Vietnam and the financial centre of the country. Tourism has been active in this city since the French colonisation due to its western-style boulevards and colonial buildings. Ho Chi Minh is now frequented by tourists for its local culinary, historical sites and recreational attractions available throughout the city.

Best time to fly from Boracay to Ho Chi Minh

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh is between December to April. This period is the dry season in the city and an excellent time to explore the city outdoor. Visitors may want to reconsider travelling between May to October to the city as rainfall is the heaviest and the longest during this period. If visitors still keen to visit the city at this time, be sure to equip yourselves with raingear to ease your journey.

Main airports available in Boracay and Ho Chi Minh

Kalibo International Airport – Boracay is served by two airports, one of which is the Kalibo International Airport. This airport is situated in Aklan province and only two kilometres away from the city centre. At the moment, there are 15 local and international airlines operating in Kalibo Airport. Among these airlines include Cebu Pacific, Pan Pacific Airlines, Philippines AirAsia, Philippine Airlines and Royal Air Charter.

Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport – Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport is the main airport serving Ho Chi Minh city and south-eastern Vietnam. With total passengers of 35.9 million passengers handled in the year 2017, this airport is the busiest in Vietnam. About 38 per cent of the total passengers are international passengers. Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport offers the busiest route in Southeast Asia, the Ho Chi Minh – Hanoi route. More than thirty airlines are now operating in this airport, among which includes Bamboo Airways, China Southern Airlines, Jetstar Pacific Airlines, Philippine Airlines, VietJet Air, Vietnam Airlines and VASCO. Transportation to the city centre is available at the airport terminal such as bus, shuttle, taxi and train services.

Climate pattern in Boracay and Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh has a tropical savannah climate with high humidity throughout the year. Temperature is relatively stable about 27 degrees centigrade on average. The city also has a distinct wet and dry season. The wet season carries long and heavy rainfall to the city between May and October. Whereas the dry season lasts between December to April.

Highlights attractions in Ho Chi Minh

• Chu Chi Tunnels – Chu Chi Tunnels is one of the top-visited attractions in Ho Chi Minh city. The tunnels are located within the grounds of a war museum which depicts the life of Vietnamese soldiers during the war in the year 1948. The tunnels have a total length of about 120 kilometres and visitors can see the remains of the trapdoors, kitchens, storage facilities and armoury. The tunnels are also equipped with an efficient air ventilation system. Visitors can access the underground tunnels and walk through narrow routes. Emergency exits are available at every 10 meters for safety reasons. However, this walk is not recommended for those who have breathing difficulties.
• Reunification Palace – Reunification Palace, or Independence Palace, was a resident of South Vietnam's former President during the Vietnam War. The main building has five levels. Its basement has a war room and tunnels where visitors will be able to see the display of the old telecommunication devices and war propaganda materials. On the third and fourth floor of the building are the card-playing room and casino, respectively. Decorations of antique furniture and lush gardens can also be seen around this building. Reunification Palace also hosts important functions such as the APEC Summit. The public can access the palace daily between 8.00 am to 11.00 am and 1.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
• Bitexco Financial Tower & Sky Deck – Bitexco Financial Tower & Sky Deck is a mixed development which has offices, commercial outlets and a helipad. Visitors can visit its Sky Deck on the 49^th floor of the tower to experience the 360-degree view of the Ho Chi Minh city from high above. Information on the city’s landmarks can be seen through the interactive touch screen fact boxes and English guided tour is available for your hire at the Sky Deck. The observation deck is opened to the public every day between 9.30 am to 9.30 pm.