Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon is a bustling and frantic epicentre of Vietnamese culture and history. Somewhat overwhelming but nevertheless charming, the popular Vietnamese destination allows you to dive completely into local life. Roads packed with scooters and streets filled with restaurants and cafes, you’ll find delicious Vietnamese cuisine on every corner. The city offers up beautiful French colonial architecture, vast green parks and busy markets. With so much to do in one place, it’s difficult to know where to start, here are ten things to do whilst visiting the city.
1. Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnel
An opportunity not to be missed, the chance to experience how life would have been like for Vietnamese soldiers in 1948. The array of underground tunnels is over 120km and visitors are able to fit through the tiny tunnels. Located around an hour from Ho Chi Minh city, this activity is very popular with history buffs.
2. Bitexco Financial Tower and Sky Deck
Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh city
If you’re looking to get a panoramic view of the city, Bitexcto’s Financial Tower is a 68-storey skyscraper filled with offices, restaurants, shops and even a helipad. The Sky Deck is open daily and offers up spectacular views, binoculars are also available to use.
3. Reunification Palace
Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh city
The former base of Vietnamese General Dinh Diem, the palace has been frozen in time making it feel like you’ve walked into 1975. A popular tourist spot for visitors, two of the original tanks are also present in the grounds. Free guided tour guides are available in a number of languages.
4. Ho Chi Minh Square
Ho Chi Minh Square
Located in the city centre, the Ho Chi Minh square is a friendly, green and busy area perfect for relaxing and catching up with friends. In the square, you’ll find the statue of Uncle Ho and the City Hall. Especially beautiful at night time be sure to visit as the sun sets to see the square lit up. With restaurants and cafes up and down the square, it’s packed with both tourists and locals.
5. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh city
Found in District 1, the large marketplace is full of souvenirs, food, crafts and art. Overwhelming at times and easy to get lost in, it’s best to visit the market in the cooler time of the day. One of Ho Chi Minh’s most popular tourist posts, the market is very well known and gives you an insight into local Vietnamese life.
6. Jade Emperor Pagoda
Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam
Built at the beginning of the twentieth century by the Cantonese community, the beautiful temple is a calm sanctuary away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Escape the chaotic streets with a visit to one of the most popular shrines in Ho Chi Minh. Visitors are welcome to make a donation.
7. Central Post Office
Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh city
The functioning post office is the epitome of Ho Chi Minh’s spectacular french-colonial architecture. Opening in 1891, the building is a sight to behold from all angles, as well as admiring the design you can also buy stamps and send letters. Definitely a spot for history lovers.
8. Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Just across the square from Ho Chi Minh’s Central Post Office is Notre Dame Cathedral. Tick off two must-see spots in one afternoon in downtown Saigon. Built by French colonists in the late nineteenth century, the cathedral is currently undergoing some renovation work but masses are still held weekly for visitors.
9. War Remnants Museum
Visit Ho Chi Minh War Museum
A very informative and eye-opening experience, the museum shows a detailed and shocking account of the Vietnam War including graphic photographs and military equipment. Definitely not for the faint-hearted, the displays on show exhibit the brutality of the war.
10. Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre
A scene from the famous Vietnamese water puppetry show
A very popular option for tourists, the traditional water puppet shows are usually accompanied by a live orchestras playing old-fashioned music. The shows are both entertaining and offer a glimpse into Vietnamese culture. Be sure to book in advance as the shows are very popular and get booked up quickly.
Before heading off on your Vietnam adventure, be sure to check your visa requirements and apply for your visa ahead of travelling. eVisa-Vietnam.com offers a new approach to visa applications, for both tourists and business professionals. Their hassle-free and easy-to-use process mean you can focus on the important bits of planning your trip. eVisa-Vietnam.com does all the legwork for you with clearly labelled fees and a 100% guarantee refund policy.
With so much to do in Ho Chi Minh, you can spend days just exploring the city and soaking up the culture. Alongside these popular tourists areas, there are a number of fantastic cafes and restaurants with delicious food to keep you busy. Whether you’re travelling on a budget or are on a luxury getaway, Ho Chi Minh can cater for all.
Vietnam landing visa at Tan Son Nhat Airport, Ho Chi Minh city
