Travel in city Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Oct 10, 2024 • 5 min read

As summer heats up, Heathrow Airport highlights nine hidden gem destinations perfect for last-minute travel. From Pula’s glittering waters to Chengdu’s giant pandas, these varied locations cater to sun seekers, adventurers, and everyone in between. Heathrow, the most connected airport globally, serves numerous exclusive destinations, making it the ideal starting point for unforgettable summer holidays.

It's 10 p.m. and I'm riding pillion on a vintage Vespa through the traffic-choked streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Hair is lashing my face and sweat is pouring off my brow. My baby-faced driver doesn't speak a lick of English, nor I Vietnamese, but I know my euphoric smile says it all: I'm having the time of my life.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Valerie Do, 19, a TikTok creator who posts about life as an international student. It has been edited for length and clarity.

Stepping into the bustling heart of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and vibrant modernity that leaves first-time visitors awestruck. The city is soon to host the prestigious World Travel Awards Asia & Oceania Ceremony at the GEM Centre on the 6th September.