Issues to Do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis: A Information for Vacationers

Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in Vietnam, also called Saigon, is a metropolis that by no means sleeps. It’s a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam that gives a novel mix of historical past, tradition, and modernity.

It’s a spot the place you may get misplaced within the maze of slender alleyways, discover the colonial structure, and eat your manner by way of the markets. There are various issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

On this information, I spotlight among the high points of interest and actions that you simply shouldn’t miss throughout your go to to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. You must be capable of get pleasure from all these actions in case 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 summary:

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 Struggle. It additionally has a colourful tradition.

Listed here are among the finest locations to go to to be taught in regards to the historical past and tradition of this fascinating metropolis.

Go to the Independence Palace

Independence Palace was the previous dwelling of South Vietnam’s president through the warfare. It’s a image of the nation’s turbulent previous and serves as a reminder of the Vietnam Struggle, which lasted from 1954 to 1975. In the course of the Vietnam Struggle, the Independence Palace was the official residence of the South Vietnamese president.

The palace was initially in-built 1868 by the French colonial authorities, however was later destroyed throughout World Struggle II and rebuilt within the Sixties.

As we speak, the Independence Palace is a well-liked vacationer attraction. You possibly can have a glimpse into the lavish way of life of Vietnam’s former leaders there. The palace is superbly adorned with vintage furnishings, ornate chandeliers, and art work that dates again to the seventeenth century.

If you’re probably not into this type of museums—you’ll be able to simply benefit from the Palace’s lavish backyard, as I did. It gives a beautiful cooling aid on this at all times sizzling and humid metropolis.

Associated tour: Struggle 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 in-built 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 numerous artefacts associated to the historical past and tradition of Vietnam. You possibly can see statues, ceramics, maps, automobiles, 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 varied components of the town.

The tunnels have been constructed for Diệm and different officers to flee if needed. 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 Struggle Remnants Museum, which I describe beneath.

You possibly can 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 massive, and there’s not that a lot to see. However the worth is just not excessive both—40,000 Ok per particular person (lower than $2).

Handle: 65 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Go to the Struggle Remnants Museum to be taught in regards to the Vietnam Struggle

The Struggle Remnants Museum is an informative museum for anybody concerned with studying extra about historical past. Additionally it is a sobering reminder of the Vietnam Struggle and its influence on the nation and its individuals.

The Struggle Remnants Museum shows images, weapons, and private accounts that doc the warfare. These reveals showcase the warfare from the Vietnamese individuals’s viewpoint.

Right here is the museum’s web site – Struggle Remnants Museum

This go to could be laborious and sobering. I do know it was for me, a US citizen. It was additionally unusual to see some navy helicopters (outdated), which I’m used to cheering for on airshows, however they have been thought-about being ‘the enemy’s’ tools.

However I discovered the show of navy tools deserted by the US forces fascinating. They ooze historical past!

Nevertheless it additionally made me very appreciative of the power of Vietnamese individuals to place the previous previously. They’re all smiles and friendliness towards the foreigners and use any probability to follow their English with you. They usually actually recognize their French buildings!

Right here is hyperlink to the see the museum’s location and photos.

Nonetheless, in the event you resolve to go to the museum, perhaps go to one thing vibrant and cheerful afterwards? You possibly can go to Central Submit Workplace—the long-lasting French constructing of Saigon.

Admire the French Structure of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

When you’re concerned with colonial structure and historical past, take a stroll by way of 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 fashion 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’ll be able to see an unlimited portrait of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of contemporary Vietnam, in addition to outdated maps and telephones. The Central Submit Workplace remains to be functioning as a submit workplace as we speak, and you’ll ship letters and postcards from right here to anyplace on this planet.

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 at present beneath renovation and isn’t open to the general public, however you’ll be able to 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’ll be able to see many historic cities and buildings and map the way in which in your self-guided stroll later.

A number of the locations you’ll be able to go to on a metropolis tour are:

• Ben Thanh Market, a bustling market the place yow will discover every thing from souvenirs to spices to native delicacies. Examine this market later on this submit.
• Bitexco Monetary Tower and Saigon Skydeck, a contemporary skyscraper that gives panoramic views of the town from its statement deck.
• Saigon River, a scenic waterway that runs by way of the town and affords 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 gorgeous colonial-style constructing that hosts cultural performances and occasions.
• Rex Resort, a historic resort that was a well-known assembly place for journalists and diplomats through the Vietnam Struggle.
• Ho Chi Minh Statue and Metropolis Corridor, a monument to the revered chief of Vietnam and an imposing 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 possibly can e-book your journey on-line or by way of native operators. The Ho Chi Minh Hop On Hop Off tour can also be a good way to get round to all the massive sights.

Pattern native delicacies

Meals is a serious a part of any journey to Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is not 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 that to attempt among the native specialties equivalent to pho (a noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and spring rolls. When you’re feeling adventurous, head to native markets, the place you’ll be able to attempt every thing from snails to grilled goat meat.

For these in search of a extra upscale eating expertise, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has loads of choices as properly. Take a look at The Deck Saigon for gorgeous river views and connoisseur 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

One in every of my favourite issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is simply wander by way of its many markets. Not solely do these bustling hubs supply among the finest avenue meals round, however they’re additionally an important 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 understand how a lot of an precise ‘Nike” is in my backpack, but it surely seems to be and feels good, and for $4 I wasn’t too choosy!:)

Folks watching can also be enjoyable.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market in Chinatown is maybe the most well-liked market within the metropolis and affords every thing you’ll be able to consider, and even didn’t know existed! You’ll find a colourful choice of gadgets on this bustling hub, from recent 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” limitless stalls, you may as well get pleasure from quite a lot of avenue meals and drinks. You’ll find pho, banh mi, spring rolls, espresso, and coconut juice and far more right here.

Ben Thanh Market is open day by day from 6 am to 7 pm. And after darkish it transforms right into a energetic night time market full of extra meals stalls and distributors lining the streets.

If you’re in search of 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’ll be able to expertise the tradition and delicacies of the Chinese language group. You’ll find quite a lot of items, equivalent to materials, electronics, home goods, and Chinese language herbs and medicines.

Did you just like the meals on the markets? Perhaps 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 recent herbs and produce there after which discover ways to put together quite a lot of typical Vietnamese dishes. You can 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 type; nonetheless, the Vietnamese people faith has absorbed sure elements of it. You possibly can see Taoist temples right here and there in Vietnam.

Go to the Jade Emperor Pagoda in the event you’re concerned with Taoist tradition and faith. The pagoda is a vital shrine in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and was in-built 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’ll be a part of the locals in burning incense and making choices to the gods. It’s a peaceable and non secular place that provides you with 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 energetic nightlife. If you stroll on a busy avenue at night time, it is vitally thrilling to see so many individuals exterior, having fun with the cooler temperatures! I feel I loved this time of the day probably the most.

You don’t must stroll removed from any fundamental 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. You’ll find many bars and golf equipment right here catering to varied tastes and budgets.

A couple of of the perfect golf equipment in District 1 embody:

• Chill Sky bar:
  That is considered one of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s most famed rooftop bars. It affords breathtaking views of the skyline with a classy ambiance. The music sometimes options EDM and hip hop, whereas the drinks could be dear however price it. On the identical ground, you may as well bask in positive eating on the Chill Eating restaurant.
  Handle: 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 20 years, drawing locals and foreigners alike. Apocalypse Now Bar has two flooring with a spacious dance ground, pool desk, and a stage for reside music on the bottom ground. The higher ground has a lounge space with sofas and a balcony. The DJ performs a mix of rock, pop, and dance, and the drinks are inexpensive.
  Handle: 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 ground, VIP space, and a bar on the bottom ground, Lush Membership additionally has a rooftop terrace with a pool and a bar on the higher ground. The music primarily options EDM and home, and the drinks are fairly priced.
  Handle: 156/2 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Bars in District 3

It is a quieter and extra residential area in comparison with District 1, but it surely nonetheless affords some glorious choices for clubbing. A number of the high golf equipment in District 3 are:

• Carmen Bar:
  An intimate and comfy bar that makes a speciality of reside music, particularly Latin and jazz. The bar boasts a country and stylish decor with picket furnishings, crimson curtains, and candles. The music is carried out by gifted native and international musicians, and the drinks are fairly priced.
  Handle: 8 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
• Envy Membership:
  An expensive and glamorous membership showcasing state-of-the-art sound and lighting programs. Envy Membership affords reveals with spectacular performances by dancers, singers, and DJs. The membership has a big dance ground surrounded by VIP cubicles and tables. The music primarily options EDM and hip hop, and the drinks are costly however high-quality.
  Handle: 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 reside 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 enjoying basic rock hits from the 70s to the 90s. The drinks are low-cost and powerful.
  Handle: 130A Đ. Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Bars in District 4

It is a working-class district with a fame for being tough and harmful, but it surely additionally affords some hidden gems for clubbing. A number of the high golf equipment in District 4 embody:

• TNR Saigon:
  A pleasant and relaxed bar that gives low-cost drinks and glorious music. The bar has a pool desk, and you’ll 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.
  Handle: 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 workers are educated and useful, and the costs are affordable.
  Handle: 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.
  Handle: 41 District, 41 Đ. Nguyễn Huệ, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Be sure that to style this beer in Vietnam!

HCMC has a buying scene that caters to all tastes and budgets.

Listed here are among the finest locations to get pleasure from buying 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. You’ll find worldwide manufacturers equivalent to Zara, Mango, Adidas, and Nike, in addition to native services and products.
• Style boutiques:
  When you’re in search of a pleasant outfit by native designers, you’ll be able to try among the vogue boutiques in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. A number of the well-liked ones are L’Usine, Nosbyn, Cashew, and Ren. You’ll find stylish and distinctive clothes, equipment, and sneakers at affordable costs.

Store for bargains and souvenirs at Saigon Sq.

Saigon Sq. is a wholesale vogue mall in District 1, the place yow will discover lots of low-cost clothes, sneakers, baggage, and equipment. The standard could differ, however you’ll be able to haggle for a lower cost. The mall is well-liked 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 Fact.

The park opened in 1995 and is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

Some points of interest 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 exhilarating experience that goes by way of 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 will probably be served by Suoi Tien Park Station on the primary line of the Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, that’s at present beneath building. It’s open from 8:00 AM to five:00 PM day by day.

The admission payment is 90,000 VND (about 3.9 USD) for adults and 45,000 VND (about 1.9 USD) for youngsters.

You possibly can 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 through the Vietnam Struggle. 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, usually utilizing easy instruments equivalent 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 People and South Vietnamese used bombs, chemical compounds, canines, and troopers known 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 warfare memorial park in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, the place guests can be taught in regards to the historical past and expertise of the tunnels. The tunnels have been widened and lit to accommodate vacationers, who can crawl by way of them and see numerous reveals and shows.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a preferred attraction for locals and foreigners who wish to be taught in regards to the Vietnam Struggle or like such a attraction. There are various 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-about being a must-see attraction.

Improve your go to to an opulent tour that features round-trip transport by a luxurious limousine and a leisurely cruise on the Mekong River. You should have a customized 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 other ways to e-book a metropolis tour in Ho Chi Minh, relying in your preferences, finances and time.

One of many choices is on-line reserving. You possibly can examine costs, opinions, itineraries and availability of various excursions and select the one which fits you finest. A number of the web sites that provide on-line reserving for metropolis excursions in Ho Chi Minh are Get Your Information and Viator.

When you plan to go to Vietnam, don’t miss Ho Chi Minh Metropolis!

You’ll get pleasure from this splendidly vibrant metropolis and all the highest points of interest it affords!