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PHONE: 1 877 260 3950
When planning your Vietnam tours, one destination that should undoubtedly be on your list is Ho Chi Minh City. This vibrant metropolis, also known as Saigon, offers a rich tapestry of experiences, making it a prime choice for travelers seeking diverse attractions. In this guide, we'll delve into the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighting iconic attractions such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, awe-inspiring temples, pagodas, and the stunning Saigon skyscrapers.
Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or someone eager to immerse yourself in the local culture, exploring the city's top attractions is an essential part of any trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Let's embark on a journey to discover the allure of this dynamic city and make the most of your visit to HCMC.
Ho Chi Minh City holds a rich history, having been the capital of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It is also known for its French colonial influence and its transformation from Saigon to its current name. From the French occupation to the Vietnam War, Ho Chi Minh City has seen its fair share of turmoil. Its significance lies in its resilience and ability to persevere despite difficult times. It is a symbol of hope and strength, a reminder that no matter how dark the days may seem, brighter ones will come. The city has also become an important cultural center, with its vibrant street life and bustling markets. It is a testament to the power of human spirit and determination, showing that even in the face of adversity, progress can be made.
The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. This museum documents the history of the Vietnam War and its effects on the country. It features a variety of artifacts, photographs, and exhibits about the war, including weapons used by both sides, tanks used by American forces, and even a replica of an American helicopter that was shot down during the war. The museum also includes an outdoor display area where visitors can view military equipment from both sides of the conflict.
Ben Thanh Market is another must-see attraction when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. This large market has been around since 1912 and offers a variety of goods from food to clothes to souvenirs. Visitors can find everything they need here at great prices. The market also has many restaurants where you can try some delicious local cuisine such as pho or banh mi sandwiches.
Notre Dame Cathedral is another popular attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. This beautiful cathedral was built between 1877 and 1880 by French colonists who were living in Vietnam at the time. The cathedral features two bell towers which are visible from all over town and it’s a great place to take photos or just admire its beauty from afar.
The Reunification Palace is another important landmark in Ho Chi Minh City that you should visit while you’re there. This palace was built in 1966 as the home for South Vietnam’s president during the Vietnam War and it still stands today as a symbol of reunification between North and South Vietnam after 1975. Visitors can tour the palace’s grounds which include gardens, courtyards, meeting rooms, offices, reception halls, etc., all with their original furnishings intact from when they were used during wartime operations by South Vietnamese forces.
Finally, no trip to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without visiting Bitexco Financial Tower which is one of the tallest buildings in Southeast Asia at 262 meters tall (860 feet). The tower offers panoramic views over Ho Chi Minh City from its observation deck on level 49 which can be accessed via an express elevator ride up to level 50 where visitors can dine at one of several restaurants before heading back down again for more sightseeing opportunities around town below them!
Chinatown in Saigon is a great place to start exploring the city’s culture. This area is filled with traditional Chinese architecture, temples, and markets. Visitors can explore the area on foot or take a guided tour to get a better understanding of the local culture. There are plenty of shops selling traditional Chinese goods like teas, incense, and souvenirs. It’s also a great place to try some authentic Chinese cuisine.
The Jade Emperor Pagoda is another must-see cultural site in Saigon. This temple was built in 1909 and dedicated to the Taoist god of Heaven. The pagoda is filled with intricate sculptures and carvings that tell stories about Vietnamese culture and mythology. Visitors can also explore the many shrines dedicated to various gods within the temple complex.
The Fine Arts Museum is another great place to explore Saigon’s culture. This museum showcases traditional Vietnamese crafts such as lacquerware, pottery, embroidery, woodcarving, and more. Visitors can learn about the history of these crafts as well as purchase unique souvenirs from local artisans.
For those looking for an immersive experience in Saigon’s culture, street food tours are a great option. These tours provide visitors with an opportunity to sample some of the city’s most popular dishes while learning about its culinary history from knowledgeable guides. From pho and banh mi sandwiches to spring rolls and seafood dishes – there’s something for everyone!
Attending a water puppet show is an excellent way to experience traditional Vietnamese entertainment while learning about its history and culture at the same time. These shows feature colorful puppets made out of wood that are manipulated by puppeteers standing in waist-deep water behind a curtain on stage. The puppets tell stories about Vietnamese folklore through music and dance that are sure to captivate audiences of all ages!
The first stop on your list should be a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Located just outside of Ho Chi Minh City, these tunnels were used by Viet Cong during the Vietnam War as a way to hide and move around undetected by their enemies. Today, visitors can explore these tunnels and learn about their history. You'll also have an opportunity to try out some of the weapons used during this time period. It's an interesting look into Vietnam's past and makes for a great day trip from Ho Chi Minh City.
Next on your list should be exploring the Mekong Delta. This region is known for its lush landscapes and vibrant culture. You can take a boat tour through this area and explore some of its many villages and markets along with its stunning scenery. From here you can also visit some of its famous floating markets where you can buy local produce directly from farmers who bring their goods in boats each day. It's an amazing experience that will give you an insight into Vietnamese life outside of Ho Chi Minh City.
If you're looking for something more spiritual then consider taking a day trip to Cao Dai Temple near Tay Ninh province which is located about two hours away from Ho Chi Minh City by car or bus. This temple is home to one of Vietnam’s most unique religions which combines elements from Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity, Islam and Hinduism into one faith called Cao Daiism or Caodaism for short. Visiting this temple will give you an insight into this fascinating religion as well as provide some stunning views over Tay Ninh province which is known for its beautiful landscapes dotted with rice fields and lush green hillsides.
If you want to explore more of what Vietnam has to offer then consider taking a day trip to explore one of its many floating markets in the Mekong Delta region such as Cai Rang or Cai Be Floating Markets which are both located just outside Ho Chi Minh City near Can Tho city in southern Vietnam. Here you'll find locals selling everything from fruits and vegetables to fish and other local produce all while navigating their boats through narrow waterways filled with other boats selling similar goods making it quite an interesting experience!
No trip to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without visiting the Thien Hau Temple in Cholon. This beautiful Chinese temple was built by Cantonese immigrants over 200 years ago and has since become one of Saigon's most important religious sites. Inside you'll find statues dedicated to various gods as well as colorful murals depicting scenes from Chinese mythology. Visiting this temple gives visitors an opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture while also getting a glimpse into how different cultures have blended together over time in Vietnam's largest city.
One of the best places to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife is Bui Vien Street. This street is packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants that stay open late into the night. There are also plenty of street vendors selling snacks and drinks throughout the evening. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere, Bui Vien Street is definitely worth checking out.
Another great way to experience the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City is by visiting one of its many rooftop bars. These bars offer stunning views of the city skyline as well as delicious cocktails and snacks. Many rooftop bars also have live music or DJs playing throughout the evening so you can enjoy some great tunes while enjoying your drinks.
If you’re looking for something a bit different than traditional nightlife spots, then be sure to check out Ho Chi Minh City’s craft beer scene. There are several craft breweries in the city that offer unique beers made from local ingredients. You can find everything from light lagers to dark stouts and everything in between at these breweries. Plus, many of these breweries also have taprooms where you can sample their beers before buying them to take home with you.
The Saigon Opera House is another great place to experience entertainment in Ho Chi Minh City. This historic building hosts performances from local musicians as well as international acts throughout the year. Whether you’re looking for classical music or modern pop songs, there’s sure to be something playing at the Saigon Opera House that will appeal to your tastes.
Finally, if you want to experience some true Vietnamese culture then be sure to check out the nightlife along the Saigon River. This area is filled with lively bars and restaurants where locals gather for drinks and conversation late into the evening hours. Additionally, there are often live bands playing traditional Vietnamese music which adds an extra layer of atmosphere to this already vibrant area of town.
One of the best ways to get around Ho Chi Minh City is by motorbike. It’s a great way to explore the city at your own pace and see all the sights. Motorbikes are cheap and easy to rent, so it’s a great way to get around without breaking the bank. Just be sure to wear a helmet for safety!
Exploring street markets and souvenir shopping is another great way to experience Ho Chi Minh City. There are plenty of markets throughout the city where you can find everything from clothing and jewelry to traditional Vietnamese crafts. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture while picking up some unique souvenirs for friends and family back home.
Taking a cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City is another great way to experience local culture and cuisine. Not only will you learn how to prepare some delicious traditional dishes, but you’ll also get an inside look at how locals live their everyday lives. Plus, you can take home some new recipes with you!
Exploring District 5 is another great way to get a different perspective on life in Ho Chi Minh City. This area is known for its vibrant street art scene and its unique blend of cultures from all over Asia. It’s also home to plenty of traditional Vietnamese restaurants that serve up delicious dishes at affordable prices, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you have time!
Street food vendors can be found throughout Ho Chi Minh City serving up everything from pho noodles and banh mi sandwiches to fresh fruit smoothies and bubble tea drinks. It’s an affordable way to sample some delicious local cuisine while taking in all that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer!
The climate in Ho Chi Minh City is hot and humid most of the year. The best time to visit is from December to February when temperatures are cooler and there’s less rain. This time of year also offers some of the most beautiful sunsets over the city skyline.
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum costs about $3 USD for adults and $1 USD for children under 12 years old. The museum offers a great way to learn about the history of Ho Chi Minh City, as well as its current culture and art scene.
Ho Chi Minh City is generally a safe place to visit if you take precautions like avoiding large crowds or areas known for crime. It’s important to be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep your valuables close by.
Ho Chi Minh City is a fairly walkable city with wide sidewalks, but it can be quite congested with motorbikes at times. If you want to explore further out from the city center, it’s best to take a taxi or grab a ride share service like Grab or Go-Viet.
When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, it’s important to dress appropriately out of respect for local customs and culture. Generally speaking, shorts are acceptable but should not be too short or revealing; women should avoid wearing tank tops or other revealing clothing; men should wear long trousers; and everyone should wear comfortable shoes that are easy to walk in.
The Central Post Office is located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, making it easily accessible for both locals and tourists.
Some of the top activities in Ho Chi Minh City include exploring the French colonial architecture in Dong Khoi, trying Vietnamese coffee at local cafes, and visiting the famous districts like District 1 and District 4.
To explore the city attractions conveniently, it's advisable to make your way through the districts using local transportation, visit the iconic landmarks, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and traditions of the city.
This 2-week Vietnam and Cambodia tour visits the regional highlights which have drawn tourists for many years, including Hanoi, Halong Bay, colonial Hoi An, the Mekong Delta and Angkor Wat. We also include 2 overnight home-stays.
Type
Days
Price
Small Group
16
From
$3200
This two week family adventure takes you from Hanoi in the North to Saigon in the south, visiting Hoi An en route. Paced to suit families with children this tour is packed with adventure to keep the children occupied throughout.
Type
Days
Price
Family
13
From
On Request
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