English
French
Spanish
Italian
After being merged with other provinces, post-merger Ho Chi Minh City now presents itself as a hub where urban, cultural, and coastal gateways come together. Read Asia King Travel’s article to discover new travel ideas to add to your future southern Vietnam tour.
Post-merger Ho Chi Minh City is a New All-in-One Travel Destination
On July 1, 2025, a significant milestone was set as three of the four “development quadrants” of Southeast Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, and Ba Ria - Vung Tau were officially merged to form the new Ho Chi Minh City.
As a result of the reorganization, post-merger Ho Chi Minh City now spans 6,772 square kilometers with a population exceeding 13 million people. This structural shift has not only changed the city’s map but also laid the foundation for a more integrated tourism identity.
Even before the merger, Ho Chi Minh City had already gained fame for its vibrant urban life
According to the Department of Tourism, the new city boasts 681 potential tourism sites. That said, Ho Chi Minh City becomes an “all-in-one” destination that possesses every kind of travel experience you need.
To be more specific, Post-merger Ho Chi Minh City is developing signature tourism products built around interconnected routes. One example is the “From Streets to River and Sea” route, which connects urban culture, riverside eco-spaces, and seaside resorts. Another is the “Coastal Culture” series highlighting marine ecology.
In the near future, Ho Chi Minh City plans to keep elevating its travel products with stronger thematic depth and cultivate a unique trait for each area.
At the same time, the merger has also brought great convenience for Vietnam’s tourist agencies. This is because when previous bureaucratic barriers have been removed, they can easily create more cross-regional tours.
Long before the merger, Ho Chi Minh City was already famous for its urban life. Here, entertainment, shopping, and culture naturally blend. You can participate in a wealth of experiences that reveal the spirit of Vietnam’s largest metropolis.
One of the most distinctive ways to explore the city is by taking a river bus. While riding along the Saigon River, you will see familiar landmarks like Nha Rong Wharf, Phu My Bridge, and Binh Khanh Ferry from a new perspective. Unlike daytime cruises reveal the city’s lively rhythm, evening departures are glittered by thousands of street lights reflecting on water.
You may also want to enhance your sightseeing experience with a dinner option. Both Vietnamese cuisine and European dishes are served right on the boat, so there is a high chance you will find ones that fit your taste. Moreover, you can also count on these boats to play live music or even magic shows in the background.
You may also want to enhance your sightseeing experience on boat with a dinner option
Back on land, the double-decker bus ride might be the most informative journey you've ever had. Multilingual audio guides and attendants are always ready to help you get to know more about iconic destinations.
Ho Chi Minh City’s urban charms also lie in the city’s green spaces. The 150-year-old Zoo and Botanical Gardens still attract a lot of visitors. A walk through giant trees dotted with orchids will become your tranquil pause from bustling streets.
As darkness falls, Bui Vien Street bursts with energy
When night falls, the atmosphere shifts toward excitement, especially along Bui Vien streets as known as the backpacker district. It seems like this stretch never sleeps. No matter how late the night is, bars and food stalls are still awake to cater to locals' and international travelers’ demands.
Yet, the city is also home to traditions carried by its diverse communities. To cite an example, we can mention Cho Lon, where old shophouses and temples stand alongside Chinese restaurants serving dim sum, roasted duck, or herbal soups.
Finally, Ho Chi Minh City preserves its historical soul through old landmarks. For instance, a pivotal moment in 1975 was kept by the Independence Palace, while the Central Post Office, designed by French architects, continues to operate with its original beauty intact.
Together, these highlights remind you why Ho Chi Minh City has long been Vietnam’s most crowded hub. In the meantime, with the city’s boundaries now expanded, the journey does not stop at its familiar urban core.
Nowadays, you are able to continue your exploration into Binh Duong’s eco-craft villages or venture further to Ba Ria - Vung Tau’s coastline. These are two new dimensions that make Ho Chi Minh City all-in-one itinerary more compelling than ever.
Read more: Sai Gon Tour 2 hours: Saigon River Cruise
When post-merger Ho Chi Minh City embraced its new face, Binh Duong’s traditional craft villages became an essential part of the city’s identity.
First of all, you shouldn’t miss the wood-carving heritage in Thu Dau Mot. Over two hundred years, carvers have transformed wood into furniture decorated with motifs like bamboo, chrysanthemums, and plum blossoms. Even today, those artisans still try their best to preserve the conventional art while adapting it to contemporary life.
Equally captivating is Lai Thieu pottery village. Their creations have long dominated southern markets and been loved by audiences abroad. In fact, we can enjoy each finished piece as a work of art or use them in daily life. They can be flower vases, bowls, pots or plates…
The merger brought Binh Duong’s traditional craft villages into Ho Chi Minh City’s character
Visiting these kinds of villages, you will not only have a chance to try your hand at practicing age-old craft techniques, but also gain insight into the cultural tales that give each product its soul.
Beyond crafts, Binh Duong also introduces you to eco-tourism destinations. The journey continues with Phu An Bamboo Village. As you walk under archways of bamboo, each step carries you deeper into Southeast Asia’s first bamboo conservation museum. Over 300 species are preserved here, and with every turn, you discover how this plant has shaped Vietnamese life by becoming their homes, tools, and musical instruments.
Looking for both nature and fun? Head to Dai Nam Tourist Complex
Or if you’re looking for a destination where nature and high-energy activities sit side by side, why not consider Dai Nam Tourist Complex? In their open zoo, you can see animals like rhinos, tigers, and giraffes living in spacious enclosures that let them move freely.
And when you’re ready for more action, it’s time for the amusement zone to shine. You can ride on roller coasters or a Ferris wheel and let adrenaline make you forget how quickly the hours have passed.
Later, don’t forget to try out Dai Nam’s artificial beach. With modern wave systems, it won’t take you too much effort to move around while the fun remains the same.
Read more: Mekong Delta Tour 3 days: Mekong Delta Eco Excursion
The Final chapter of Ho Chi Minh City tourism’s new face takes you to coastal and luxury retreats, a dimension inherited from the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province.
The city’s new tourism face concludes with coastal and luxury escapes
Originally, this area has been blessed with a climate that is great for seaside getaways: sunshine graces nearly 360 days, and its average temperatures often stay warm at around 27 degrees.
Once you arrive, you will be greeted by a 100-kilometer coastline and many beaches, each has its own character. If you are seeking wide sands, Sau Beach might be an ideal option as it stretches nearly 10 kilometers under your feet. For a more romantic setting, you can wander to Truoc Beach to catch the sun sinking in a glowing descent.
Then there are also quieter spots, such as Dua Beach or Vong Nguyet Beach under the cliffs of Nho Mountain.
Ba Ria - Vung Tau’s natural charm makes it an ideal luxury retreat destination
Surrounded by such natural abundance, you won’t be surprised by how Ba Ria - Vung Tau has evolved into one of Vietnam’s top luxury retreat destinations. Your coastal holiday to post-merger Ho Chi Minh City is going to be completed with a ton of international-standard resorts to choose from, such as the Grand Ho Tram Strip, Melia Ho Tram, Marina Bay, or InterContinental Grand Ho Tram.
As the changes reshape post-merger Ho Chi Minh City, diverse travel options stand ready to welcome travelers. For those planning a memorable Vietnam southern region tour in this city, let Asia King Travel be your trusted companion. With our expertise and local insights, we’ll help you design a journey that perfectly matches your style and expectations
Read more: South Vietnam tours
