Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in Vietnam, often known as Saigon, is a metropolis that by no means sleeps. It’s a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam that provides a singular mix of historical past, tradition, and modernity.
It’s a spot the place you will get misplaced within the maze of slim alleyways, discover the colonial structure, and eat your approach by the markets. There are numerous issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
On this information, I spotlight among the high sights and actions that you just shouldn’t miss throughout your go to to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. You need to have the ability to take pleasure in all these actions when you have 3 full days in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Take a look at our itinerary for 14 days in Vietnam!
Right here is an outline:
Discover the historical past of Vietnam’s largest metropolis
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has a wealthy historical past, that’s mirrored in its many museums and landmarks. It has been the capital of French Indochina, South Vietnam, and the scene of the Fall of Saigon that ended the Vietnam Battle. It additionally has a colourful tradition.
Listed below are among the finest locations to go to to be taught concerning the historical past and tradition of this fascinating metropolis.
Go to the Independence Palace
Independence Palace was the previous residence of South Vietnam’s president in the course of the conflict. It’s a image of the nation’s turbulent previous and serves as a reminder of the Vietnam Battle, which lasted from 1954 to 1975. In the course of the Vietnam Battle, the Independence Palace was the official residence of the South Vietnamese president.
The palace was initially inbuilt 1868 by the French colonial authorities, however was later destroyed throughout World Battle II and rebuilt within the Nineteen Sixties.
As we speak, the Independence Palace is a well-liked vacationer attraction. You’ll be able to have a glimpse into the lavish way of life of Vietnam’s former leaders there. The palace is fantastically embellished with vintage furnishings, ornate chandeliers, and art work that dates again to the seventeenth century.
If you’re probably not into this sort of museums—you may simply benefit from the Palace’s lavish backyard, as I did. It gives a beautiful cooling aid on this all the time sizzling and humid metropolis.
Associated tour: Battle Remnants Museum & Independence Palace Strolling Tour
Museum of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Museum of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is understood for its lovely structure and gardens.
The palace was inbuilt 1929 by French architect and was initially used as a customs home after which as a residence for the Governor of Cochinchina.
The palace has witnessed many historic occasions. It noticed the Japanese occupation, the Viet Minh rebellion, the assassination of President Ngo Dinh Diem, and the autumn of Saigon.
Museum of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis shows varied artefacts associated to the historical past and tradition of Vietnam. You’ll be able to see statues, ceramics, maps, vehicles, bikes, and private belongings of Ho Chi Minh there.
The palace was used because the short-term official residence of the Prime Minister (Ngô Đình Diệm). To organize for the potential of a coup, Diệm oversaw the development of three intensive tunnels stretching from the palace to numerous elements of the town.
The tunnels have been constructed for Diệm and different officers to flee if crucial. Throughout a 1963 coup, Diệm used one of many tunnels to flee the palace siege, however was later caught and executed. The palace was later rebuilt in 1966.
You will note some tanks and helicopters in entrance of the Museum of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. They’re a part of the Battle Remnants Museum, which I describe beneath.
You’ll be able to see there:
- UH-1 “Huey” helicopter
- F-5A fighter
- a M48 Patton tank
- an A-1 Skyraider assault bomber
The museum itself is just not giant, and there’s not that a lot to see. However the worth is just not excessive both—40,000 Okay per individual (lower than $2).
Tackle: 65 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Go to the Battle Remnants Museum to be taught concerning the Vietnam Battle
The Battle Remnants Museum is an informative museum for anybody occupied with studying extra about historical past. It is usually a sobering reminder of the Vietnam Battle and its impression on the nation and its individuals.
The Battle Remnants Museum shows images, weapons, and private accounts that doc the conflict. These displays showcase the conflict from the Vietnamese individuals’s perspective.
Right here is the museum’s web site – Battle Remnants Museum
This go to might be onerous and sobering. I do know it was for me, a US citizen. It was additionally unusual to see some army helicopters (previous), which I’m used to cheering for on airshows, however they have been thought of being ‘the enemy’s’ tools.
However I discovered the show of army tools deserted by the US forces fascinating. They ooze historical past!
However it additionally made me very appreciative of the flexibility of Vietnamese individuals to place the previous previously. They’re all smiles and friendliness towards the foreigners and use any probability to apply their English with you. And so they actually respect their French buildings!
Right here is hyperlink to the see the museum’s location and photos.
Nonetheless, if you happen to determine to go to the museum, perhaps go to one thing vivid and cheerful afterwards? You’ll be able to go to Central Submit Workplace—the long-lasting French constructing of Saigon.
Admire the French Structure of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
In the event you’re occupied with colonial structure and historical past, take a stroll by District 1.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was the capital of French Indochina from 1887 to 1954. The French colonists constructed some spectacular buildings throughout that point. These buildings mirrored their type and affect. Two iconic landmarks, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Submit Workplace, have been each constructed throughout French colonization within the late nineteenth century.
Central Submit Workplace
Top-of-the-line locations to admire the French structure of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is the Central Submit Workplace. It was constructed between 1886 and 1891, and it was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the well-known engineer who additionally designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
Inside, you may see an unlimited portrait of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of contemporary Vietnam, in addition to previous maps and telephones. The Central Submit Workplace remains to be functioning as a publish workplace as we speak, and you may ship letters and postcards from right here to wherever on the earth.
The constructing is gorgeous each inside and outdoors, and it’s enjoyable to go to.
Go to the Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon – one other iconic landmark in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was constructed between 1863 and 1880 by the French colonists. The cathedral was named after Our Girl of the Immaculate Conception, and a statue of her stands in entrance of the primary entrance. It’s a place of worship for Catholics, in addition to a vacationer attraction for guests who wish to admire its magnificence and historical past.
The cathedral is presently underneath renovation and isn’t open to the general public, however you may nonetheless see its exterior and take pictures from the surface.
Metropolis tour Ho Chi Minh
Taking a metropolis tour in Ho Chi Minh is enjoyable as a result of you may see many historic cities and buildings and map the best way on your self-guided stroll later.
Among the locations you may go to on a metropolis tour are:
- Ben Thanh Market, a bustling market the place you will discover every thing from souvenirs to spices to native delicacies. Examine this market later on this publish.
- Bitexco Monetary Tower and Saigon Skydeck, a contemporary skyscraper that provides panoramic views of the town from its remark deck.
- Saigon River, a scenic waterway that runs by the town and presents boat cruises and water actions.
- Nguyen Hue Strolling Road, a pedestrian-only avenue that’s lined with outlets, cafes, eating places.
- HCMC Opera Home, a phenomenal colonial-style constructing that hosts cultural performances and occasions.
- Rex Resort, a historic lodge that was a well-known assembly place for journalists and diplomats in the course of the Vietnam Battle.
- Ho Chi Minh Statue and Metropolis Corridor, a monument to the revered chief of Vietnam and an impressive French-style constructing that serves because the seat of the town authorities.
These are simply among the highlights of a metropolis tour in Ho Chi Minh. You’ll be able to e book your journey on-line or by native operators. The Ho Chi Minh Hop On Hop Off tour can be a good way to get round to all the massive sights.
Pattern native delicacies
Meals is a significant a part of any journey to Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis isn’t any exception. With avenue meals on each nook and numerous eating places serving up conventional dishes, you’ll by no means go hungry right here.
Be sure to strive among the native specialties comparable to pho (a noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and spring rolls. In the event you’re feeling adventurous, head to native markets, the place you may strive every thing from snails to grilled goat meat.
For these searching for a extra upscale eating expertise, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has loads of choices as nicely. Take a look at The Deck Saigon for gorgeous river views and gourmand Vietnamese delicacies or Cuc Gach Quan for a comfortable ambiance and farm-to-table dishes. Right here’s one other farm-to-table expertise – a cooking class!
Take a look at these wholesome dishes in Vietnam.
Getting misplaced in native markets
Considered one of my favourite issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is simply wander by its many markets. Not solely do these bustling hubs provide among the finest avenue meals round, however they’re additionally an excellent place to buy souvenirs, if you’re on trip.
They’re additionally nice sensible locations for a nomadic traveler to replenish its journey gear, and get, let’s say, a Nike backpack for $4!:). I don’t know the way a lot of an precise ‘Nike” is in my backpack, however it appears and feels good, and for $4 I wasn’t too choosy!:)
Folks watching can be enjoyable.
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market in Chinatown is probably the most well-liked market within the metropolis and presents every thing you may consider, and even didn’t know existed! Yow will discover a colourful collection of gadgets on this bustling hub, from contemporary produce to clothes and souvenirs.
Ben Thanh Market is likely one of the oldest and most well-known markets within the metropolis. After you discover the market” infinite stalls, you can even take pleasure in quite a lot of avenue meals and drinks. Yow will discover pho, banh mi, spring rolls, espresso, and coconut juice and rather more right here.
Ben Thanh Market is open every day from 6 am to 7 pm. And after darkish it transforms right into a full of life night time market full of further meals stalls and distributors lining the streets.
If you’re searching for an genuine cultural expertise, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit vacation spot!
Bin Tay Market (Cholon Chinatown Market)
Bin Tay Market market is a vibrant market in Chinatown, the place you may expertise the tradition and delicacies of the Chinese language neighborhood. Yow will discover quite a lot of items, comparable to materials, electronics, home goods, and Chinese language herbs and medicines.
Did you just like the meals on the markets? Possibly you must discover ways to prepare dinner this meals?
Take a Vietnamese cooking class
This cooking class in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis features a experience on a conventional Vietnamese cyclo to Ben Thanh Market. You’ll store for contemporary herbs and produce there after which discover ways to put together quite a lot of typical Vietnamese dishes. You may be guided by knowledgeable chef.
So now you’ve already tasted Vietnamese meals, and realized the historical past of Vietnam. You additionally explored French structure, so perhaps you want to see the historic Vietnamese structure?
Cultural Vietnamese structure
Go to the Jade Emperor Pagoda
Jade Emperor Pagoda is a Taoist Temple.
Vietnam seldom practices Taoism in its pure kind; nonetheless, the Vietnamese people faith has absorbed sure elements of it. You’ll be able to see Taoist temples right here and there in Vietnam.
Go to the Jade Emperor Pagoda if you happen to’re occupied with Taoist tradition and faith. The pagoda is a vital shrine in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and was inbuilt 1909 by a Chinese language service provider named Liu Daoyuan.
It’s devoted to the Jade Emperor, who’s the supreme god of Taoism. You’ll discover statues, work, and woodcarvings inside, in addition to a pond with sacred turtles.
Admission is free, and you may be part of the locals in burning incense and making choices to the gods. It’s a peaceable and religious place that gives you a glimpse into Vietnam’s wealthy non secular traditions.
Benefit from the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is a metropolis that by no means sleeps, with a full of life nightlife. Once you stroll on a busy avenue at night time, it is rather thrilling to see so many individuals outdoors, having fun with the cooler temperatures! I believe I loved this time of the day essentially the most.
You don’t must stroll removed from any most important avenue to eat if you’re hungry. There are such a lot of locations to eat all over the place, opened late!
And if you’re within the temper to membership, right here is the record of high nightclubs in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Greatest golf equipment round Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Bars in District 1
That is the center of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s nightlife and among the many hottest areas for clubbing. That is the place most vacationers keep. Yow will discover many bars and golf equipment right here catering to numerous tastes and budgets.
A couple of of one of the best golf equipment in District 1 embody:
- Chill Sky bar:
That is certainly one of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s most famed rooftop bars. It presents breathtaking views of the skyline with a classy ambiance. The music usually options EDM and hip hop, whereas the drinks might be dear however price it. On the identical flooring, you can even bask in tremendous eating on the Chill Eating restaurant.
Tackle: AB Tower, 76A Đ. Lê Lai, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh - Apocalypse Now Bar:
A legendary membership that has been round for over twenty years, drawing locals and foreigners alike. Apocalypse Now Bar has two flooring with a spacious dance flooring, pool desk, and a stage for stay music on the bottom flooring. The higher flooring has a lounge space with sofas and a balcony. The DJ performs a mix of rock, pop, and dance, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
Tackle: 2F Nguyễn, Thi Sách, Bến Nghé, TP, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000 - Lush Membership:
A stylish membership that draws a younger and trendy crowd. The membership spans two flooring, with a large dance flooring, VIP space, and a bar on the bottom flooring, Lush Membership additionally has a rooftop terrace with a pool and a bar on the higher flooring. The music primarily options EDM and home, and the drinks are moderately priced.
Tackle: 156/2 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Bars in District 3
This can be a quieter and extra residential area in comparison with District 1, however it nonetheless presents some wonderful choices for clubbing. Among the high golf equipment in District 3 are:
- Carmen Bar:
An intimate and comfortable bar that makes a speciality of stay music, particularly Latin and jazz. The bar boasts a country and chic decor with picket furnishings, pink curtains, and candles. The music is carried out by proficient native and overseas musicians, and the drinks are moderately priced.
Tackle: 8 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh - Envy Membership:
An opulent and glamorous membership showcasing state-of-the-art sound and lighting programs. Envy Membership presents exhibits with spectacular performances by dancers, singers, and DJs. The membership has a big dance flooring surrounded by VIP cubicles and tables. The music primarily options EDM and hip hop, and the drinks are costly however high-quality.
Tackle: 74-76 Đ. Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 11111 - Seventeen Saloon Saigon:
A western-style bar offering stay rock music each night time. Seventeen Saloon Saigon has a cowboy theme with picket barrels, leather-based sofas, and cowboy hats. The music options energetic bands taking part in traditional rock hits from the 70s to the 90s. The drinks are low cost and robust.
Tackle: 130A Đ. Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Bars in District 4
This can be a working-class district with a popularity for being tough and harmful, however it additionally presents some hidden gems for clubbing. Among the high golf equipment in District 4 embody:
- TNR Saigon:
A pleasant and relaxed bar that provides low cost drinks and wonderful music. The bar has a pool desk, and you may request your most well-liked music from the DJ. The group is usually expats and backpackers who come right here to socialize and have enjoyable.
Tackle: 57 Đỗ Quang Đẩu, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000 - Ong Cao Craft Beer:
A craft beer bar providing quite a lot of native and imported beers on faucet or in bottles. The bar has a contemporary and minimalistic decor with picket tables and stools. The employees are educated and useful, and the costs are cheap.
Tackle: 240 Đ. Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh - Broma Not A Bar:
A rooftop bar offering splendid views of the streets beneath. The bar has a laid-back and informal vibe with picket furnishings, fairy lights, and crops. The music primarily options indie rock and various pop, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
Tackle: 41 District, 41 Đ. Nguyễn Huệ, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
Be sure to style this beer in Vietnam!
HCMC has a purchasing scene that caters to all tastes and budgets.
Listed below are among the finest locations to take pleasure in purchasing in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
- Ben Thanh Market:
Extra particulars about this marker are above. - Vincom Middle:
This is likely one of the largest malls in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, with over 250 outlets, eating places, cinemas, and leisure services. Yow will discover worldwide manufacturers comparable to Zara, Mango, Adidas, and Nike, in addition to native services and products. - Trend boutiques:
In the event you’re searching for a pleasant outfit by native designers, you may try among the trend boutiques in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Among the standard ones are L’Usine, Nosbyn, Cashew, and Ren. Yow will discover stylish and distinctive clothes, equipment, and sneakers at cheap costs.
Store for bargains and souvenirs at Saigon Sq.
Saigon Sq. is a wholesale trend mall in District 1, the place you will discover quite a lot of low cost clothes, sneakers, baggage, and equipment. The standard might fluctuate, however you may haggle for a cheaper price. The mall is standard amongst locals and foreigners alike.
Suoi Tien Theme Park
If you’re a touring with a household, go to Suoi Tien Theme Park, a Buddhist-Themed Amusement Park.
Suoi Tien Theme Park is an amusement park in District 9, Thu Duc Metropolis, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Vietnam. It’s the world’s first water park dedicated to Buddhism, particularly the SE Asian animistic type of Buddhism. The park consists of a number of leisure areas that illustrate Vietnam’s historical past and legends.
These areas are: Au Co and Lac Lengthy Quan, the Battle of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, and the 4 Noble Reality.
The park opened in 1995 and is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Some sights within the park
- Crocodile Kingdom:
A big pond with over 1,500 crocodiles that guests can feed with fishing rods. - Tien Dong Seashore:
A person-made seashore with a waterfall that has the face of an emperor sculpted into it. - Dinosaur Backyard:
A backyard with life-size fashions of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals. - Curler Coaster:
An exciting experience that goes by a dragon’s mouth and an enormous Buddha statue. - Unicorn Palace:
A palace with statues and work of unicorns, fairies, and angels.
The park additionally has a zoo, a cinema, a spa, a temple, and plenty of eating places and outlets.
Suoi Tien Theme Park park can be served by Suoi Tien Park Station on the primary line of the Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, that’s presently underneath development. It’s open from 8:00 AM to five:00 PM on daily basis.
The admission charge is 90,000 VND (about 3.9 USD) for adults and 45,000 VND (about 1.9 USD) for youngsters.
You’ll be able to go to their official web site for extra data.
Day journeys from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a community of underground tunnels that have been utilized by the Viet Cong (VC) guerrillas in the course of the Vietnam Battle. The tunnels have been situated within the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
They stretched for about 250 kilometers, connecting totally different VC bases and hiding spots. The tunnels have been dug by hand, typically utilizing easy instruments comparable to shovels and baskets.
The tunnels have been used for various functions, like:
- Hiding from American and South Vietnamese forces, who relied closely on aerial bombing and floor
patrols. - Transporting provides, weapons, and communications throughout the battlefield.
- Offering shelter, medical care, meals, and leisure for VC troopers and supporters.
The tunnels had traps to cease enemies, like explosives, spikes, scorpions, and snakes. To destroy them, the Individuals and South Vietnamese used bombs, chemical compounds, canine, and troopers referred to as tunnel rats who searched inside. However the tunnels have been sturdy and helped the VC resist the stronger enemy.
The Cu Chi Tunnels at the moment are a part of a conflict memorial park in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, the place guests can be taught concerning the historical past and expertise of the tunnels. The tunnels have been widened and lit to accommodate vacationers, who can crawl by them and see varied displays and shows.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a preferred attraction for locals and foreigners who wish to be taught concerning the Vietnam Battle or like any such attraction. There are numerous day journeys to the tunnels from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, together with this half-day tour and this full-day tour that additionally visits the Mekong Delta.
Mekong River tour
Expertise the integral a part of Vietnam’s historical past with a go to to the Cu Chi Tunnels, thought of being a must-see attraction.
Improve your go to to an expensive tour that features round-trip transport by a luxurious limousine and a leisurely cruise on the Mekong River. You should have a personalised expertise in a small group of seven with air-conditioned consolation whereas exploring the tunnels with a information.
Proceed the tour to Mekong River for an unforgettable expertise.
Discover the Mekong Delta on a rowboat and motorboat, and observe the agricultural lifetime of the locals.
There are alternative ways to e book a metropolis tour in Ho Chi Minh, relying in your preferences, funds and time.
One of many choices is on-line reserving. You’ll be able to examine costs, critiques, itineraries and availability of various excursions and select the one which fits you finest. Among the web sites that supply on-line reserving for metropolis excursions in Ho Chi Minh are Get Your Information and Viator.
In the event you plan to go to Vietnam, don’t miss Ho Chi Minh Metropolis!
You’ll take pleasure in this splendidly vibrant metropolis and all the highest sights it presents!
