Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), also widely known by its historic name Saigon, is set to undergo a major administrative expansion by merging with the neighboring provinces of Binh Duong and Ba Ria–Vung Tau, officially forming a dynamic mega-city as of July 1, 2025. Already Vietnam’s leading economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City is rapidly emerging as a top-tier destination for MICE tourism (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions).

In 2024, the “former” Ho Chi Minh City welcomed over 6 million international visitors, accounting for 34% of all foreign arrivals to Vietnam – solidifying its reputation as one of Asia’s most vibrant urban destinations. It strikes a perfect balance between business and leisure, offering a seamless blend of modern infrastructure, an expansive transportation network, rich cultural heritage, and world-class hospitality services.

With this upcoming transformation, the “new” Ho Chi Minh City is poised to become not only Vietnam’s leading MICE center, but also a major player in Southeast Asia’s MICE industry.

A Fusion of Nature, History, and Vibrancy

Nestled along the broad Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh City enchants visitors with a distinctive harmony of natural charm, historical depth, and heartfelt local hospitality. Boasting a tropical climate with an average annual temperature of approximately 28°C, the city offers ideal conditions for MICE events all year round. Notably, the dry season from November to April presents the perfect window for outdoor gatherings and sightseeing excursions.

With the classical beauty of Notre-Dame Cathedral, the City Hall, the Central Post Office, and more – memories of Saigon, once a French colony in Indochina. Historical sites like the Cu Chi Tunnels, the Mangrove Special Forces Base in Can Gio – places that bear witness to resilient stories from the war. All of these are vivid symbols of development from a past filled with hardship. Driven by a desire for a bright future, the city is brimming with youthful energy and dynamic modern rhythms. The busy streets, bustling with characteristic motorbikes, create a lively urban landscape. In addition, traditional markets, charming coffee shops, and a rich culinary culture offer visitors unique cultural experiences. Beyond the city’s vibrancy, the allure of Ho Chi Minh City also comes from the warmth and friendliness of its people. Their affectionate gazes, welcoming smiles, and the hospitality of the Southern people contribute to creating unforgettable experiences for visitors.

Notably, with the administrative expansion into Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, Ho Chi Minh City now encompasses prominent coastal destinations such as Ho Tram and the Vung Tau Peninsula – renowned for their pristine beaches, upscale resorts, and refreshing sea breeze. These areas offer ideal settings for MICE activities combined with leisure, including outdoor team building and seaside gala events. This expansion not only enhances the city’s tourism appeal but also brings a rare level of diversity to an international-standard MICE hub like Ho Chi Minh City

World-Class Tourism Infrastructure – A Solid Foundation for MICE Development

Ho Chi Minh City affirms its position as Vietnam’s leading MICE destination thanks to its modern and well-integrated infrastructure system. Tan Son Nhat International Airport – the country’s largest aviation hub – offers direct connections to major cities around the world, ensuring maximum convenience for international travelers. The upcoming Long Thanh International Airport, located approximately 45 kilometers from the city center and set to commence operations in 2026, will further enhance global connectivity for the region. In addition, the port system – including Saigon, Cai Mep – Thi Vai, and Phu My – plays a strategic role in the international cruise network, serving as a stopover for many luxury cruise liners. With upgraded facilities and proximity to the city center, these ports fully meet the needs of MICE programs combined with sea travel experiences.

The city also boasts an extensive network of five-star hotels and upscale resorts with modern convention centers, catering to a wide range of event types. Renowned brands such as Park Hyatt Saigon, InterContinental Saigon, The Reverie Saigon, and JW Marriott Hotel & Suites Saigon provide elegant meeting venues and world-class services. In addition, Ho Chi Minh City preserves several historically significant hotels like Hotel Majestic Saigon, The Grand Hotel Saigon, and Continental Saigon – French colonial landmarks that serve both as accommodations and cultural attractions popular with international visitors. Other iconic properties such as Caravelle Saigon, Hilton Saigon, Hotel Nikko Saigon, and Sofitel Saigon Plaza also offer modern amenities and versatile event spaces suitable for anything from small business meetings to large-scale conferences. The administrative expansion has also brought prominent coastal destinations like Ho Tram into Ho Chi Minh City’s MICE landscape. Known for its pristine beaches and fresh ocean breeze, Ho Tram features a wide array of luxury resorts, casinos, spas, and state-of-the-art conference venues – perfect for high-end retreats, outdoor team-building programs, or seaside gala events.

Beyond its urban settings, Ho Chi Minh City offers nature-based event options as well. The Can Gio Biosphere Reserve, just 60 kilometers from the city center, is an ideal destination for eco-MICE experiences, offering activities such as kayaking, mangrove forest trekking, and environmental discovery. The Binh Chau – Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve introduces a contrasting landscape with its lush primitive forests and rich biodiversity, making it perfect for green team-building and eco-tourism. Nearby, Binh Chau Hot Springs provides a tranquil wellness retreat with hot mineral baths, mud treatments, and therapeutic services amid a peaceful natural setting. The unique blend of sea, forest, and mineral springs creates a rich tourism ecosystem that adds significant value to the expanded MICE offerings of Ho Chi Minh City – meeting the increasingly diverse demands of both domestic and international travelers.

Additionally, prestigious golf courses such as Vietnam Golf & Country Club, Long Thanh Golf Club, and The Bluffs Grand Ho Tram offer ideal venues for corporate networking or team engagement activities in scenic, open-air environments.

Incentive Tours: Memorable Experiences for Teams

Ho Chi Minh City offers an impressive array of incentive travel options, designed to reward, motivate, and inspire teams while showcasing the city’s distinctive charm. From cultural immersion to adventurous escapades, these experiences foster team bonding and create lasting memories:

• Team-Building Activities for Stronger Team Connections: Ho Chi Minh City also offers a range of specially designed team-building programs aimed at strengthening collaboration and trust within teams. You will find many expansive play areas with neatly manicured natural grass under the shade of trees at parks such as Tan Cang, Binh Quoi, and Van Thanh, providing an ideal setting for outdoor activities and team-building. Exotic Vietnam is a leading company in organizing effective team challenges. These programs help enhance problem-solving skills, while creative workshops are designed to promote teamwork, improve communication, and develop leadership skills, contributing to the strengthening of team spirit and the building of deeper connections within the team.
• Cultural Exploration Tours: Participants can immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant heritage through guided tours or Amazing Race-style team-building activities at iconic landmarks. A visit to the War Remnants Museum offers profound insights into Vietnam’s history, while a journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels highlights the resilience and ingenuity of the Vietnamese people during wartime. Additionally, tours of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the Central Post Office, the Independence Palace, and the bustling streets of Cho Lon (Chinatown) provide a glimpse into the city’s colonial past and its multicultural identity.
• Food and Culinary Experiences: Known as a culinary paradise, Ho Chi Minh City delights food enthusiasts with a myriad of gastronomic options. Incentive groups can take part in Vietnamese cooking classes, learning to prepare signature dishes such as pho, spring rolls, and banh xeo (crispy Vietnamese pancakes). Street food tours through bustling markets and hidden alleys offer an authentic taste of local delicacies like banh mi and ca phe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee). For a more refined experience, teams can dine at top-tier restaurants or enjoy private rooftop dining with panoramic city views.
• Riverside Retreats and Day Trips: A cruise along the Saigon River provides a relaxing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. Delegates can enjoy dinner on a luxury riverboat while taking in the glittering skyline. Alternatively, a day trip to the Mekong Delta offers a serene retreat where participants can explore lush waterways, visit traditional villages, and experience the timeless charm of Vietnam’s rural life. These tranquil getaways create the perfect setting for team bonding.
• Adventure Activities: For teams seeking thrills, the city and its surroundings offer plenty of exciting activities. Motorbike tours or Vespa city rides provide a unique way to explore Saigon’s lively streets, while nearby ecotourism destinations, such as the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, feature kayaking, trekking, and interactive team-building challenges. Teams can also take part in customized scavenger hunts or urban adventure games that promote collaboration and problem-solving in a fun, high-energy environment.
• Team Building at Binh Chau – Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve: As one of Vietnam’s last remaining coastal forests, Binh Chau – Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve spans over 10,500 hectares and boasts a rich, diverse ecosystem. Home to hundreds of plant species – including many rare varieties – it is especially known for its ancient Melaleuca trees with uniquely gnarled, twisted trunks. Exotic Vietnam’s team building program features forest trekking, cycling, and survival challenges designed to strengthen problem-solving skills and foster team spirit in a refreshing natural setting. This experience is an ideal choice for organizations committed to sustainability, offering participants a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s biodiversity
• Art and Craft Experiences: Creative activities are becoming increasingly popular among visitors to Ho Chi Minh City, offering incentive tour participants a chance to discover their artistic talents. Activities such as lacquer painting, traditional Vietnamese mask making, or tailoring an áo dài provide opportunities for participants to craft meaningful souvenirs by hand. These experiences also foster engagement with local artisans and offer deeper insights into Vietnamese art and culture.
• Wellness and Relaxation Sessions: To help teams recharge, the city features numerous luxury spas and wellness centers offering traditional Vietnamese massages, aromatherapy treatments, and yoga sessions. Alternatively, groups can enjoy a wellness retreat in nearby destinations, such as Minera Hot Springs Binh Chau, where hot mineral springs and therapeutic baths provide the perfect backdrop for relaxation and rejuvenation.
• Golf and Sporting Events: For groups that enjoy outdoor sports, Ho Chi Minh City is surrounded by world-class golf courses such as Vietnam Golf & Country Club, Long Thanh Golf Club, Twin Doves Golf Club, and Tan Son Nhat Golf Course – all located within an hour’s drive from the city center. These courses not only offer stunning landscapes and thoughtfully designed fairways by renowned architects, but also feature top-tier amenities including elegant clubhouses, restaurants, meeting rooms, and outdoor banquet areas.

By combining these diverse experiences, Ho Chi Minh City ensures incentive tours that not only reward and rejuvenate teams but also leave participants with a deep appreciation for the city’s culture, cuisine, and dynamic energy.

Exotic Vietnam: A Trusted DMC Partner

For organizations planning MICE events in Ho Chi Minh City, choosing the right partner is crucial to ensure a successful experience. Exotic Vietnam, a leading Destination Management Company (DMC), stands out as a trusted name in the industry. With years of expertise in organizing corporate events, incentive tours, and team-building activities, Exotic Vietnam is known for its professionalism, creativity, and commitment to excellence.

Exotic Vietnam’s team specializes in crafting customized MICE programs that align with clients’ objectives and preferences. Whether it’s a large-scale conference, an intimate corporate retreat, or a themed gala dinner, the company’s meticulous planning and attention to detail guarantee a flawless execution. Moreover, Exotic Vietnam is dedicated to sustainable tourism, incorporating eco-friendly practices and promoting local culture in all its programs.