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 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 means via the markets. There are lots of issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

On this information, I spotlight a few of the prime sights and actions that you just shouldn’t miss throughout your go to to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. It is best to be capable of 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 Struggle. It additionally has a colourful tradition.

Listed here are a few of the finest locations to go to to study 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 in the course of the struggle. 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. Throughout the Vietnam Struggle, 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 Struggle II and rebuilt within the Nineteen Sixties.

Right now, the Independence Palace is a well-liked vacationer attraction. You may have a glimpse into the lavish life-style of Vietnam’s former leaders there. The palace is fantastically adorned with vintage furnishings, ornate chandeliers, and paintings that dates again to the seventeenth century.

In case you are probably not into this type of museums—you possibly can simply benefit from the Palace’s lavish backyard, as I did. It offers an exquisite cooling reduction on this all the time 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 thought 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 may see statues, ceramics, maps, vehicles, bikes, and private belongings of Ho Chi Minh there.

The palace was used because the non permanent official residence of the Prime Minister (Ngô Đình Diệm). To arrange for the potential of a coup, Diệm oversaw the development of three in depth tunnels stretching from the palace to varied elements of the town.

The tunnels have been constructed for Diệm and different officers to flee if mandatory. 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 under.

You may see there:

• UH-1 “Huey” helicopter
• F-5A fighter
• a M48 Patton tank
• an A-1 Skyraider assault bomber

The museum itself shouldn’t be massive, and there’s not that a lot to see. However the value shouldn’t be excessive both—40,000 Okay 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 study in regards to the Vietnam Struggle

The Struggle Remnants Museum is an informative museum for anybody focused on studying extra about historical past. It’s also a sobering reminder of the Vietnam Struggle and its affect on the nation and its folks.

The Struggle Remnants Museum shows pictures, weapons, and private accounts that doc the struggle. These reveals showcase the struggle from the Vietnamese folks’s standpoint.

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

This go to may be onerous and sobering. I do know it was for me, a US citizen. It was additionally unusual to see some navy 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 navy tools deserted by the US forces fascinating. They ooze historical past!

Nevertheless it additionally made me very appreciative of the power of Vietnamese folks to place the previous prior to now. They’re all smiles and friendliness towards the foreigners and use any probability to follow their English with you. And so they actually admire their French buildings!

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

Nonetheless, when you determine to go to the museum, perhaps go to one thing vibrant and cheerful afterwards? You may go to Central Publish Workplace—the enduring French constructing of Saigon.

Admire the French Structure of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

When you’re focused on colonial structure and historical past, take a stroll via 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 model and affect. Two iconic landmarks, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Publish Workplace, have been each constructed throughout French colonization within the late nineteenth century.

Central Publish Workplace

Top-of-the-line locations to admire the French structure of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is the Central Publish 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 possibly can see an unlimited portrait of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of recent Vietnam, in addition to previous maps and telephones. The Central Publish Workplace continues to be functioning as a put up workplace at this time, and you may ship letters and postcards from right here to wherever on the planet.

The constructing is gorgeous each inside and out of doors, 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 Woman 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 need to admire its magnificence and historical past.

The cathedral is at the moment beneath renovation and isn’t open to the general public, however you possibly can 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 possibly can see many historic cities and buildings and map the best way on your self-guided stroll later.

A few of the locations you possibly can go to on a metropolis tour are:

• Ben Thanh Market, a bustling market the place you could find every part from souvenirs to spices to native delicacies. Examine this market later on this put up.
• 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 via the town and provides boat cruises and water actions.
• Nguyen Hue Strolling Road, a pedestrian-only road that’s lined with retailers, cafes, eating places.
• HCMC Opera Home, a fantastic colonial-style constructing that hosts cultural performances and occasions.
• Rex Lodge, a historic lodge that was a well-known assembly place for journalists and diplomats in the course of 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 a few of the highlights of a metropolis tour in Ho Chi Minh. You may ebook your journey on-line or via native operators. The Ho Chi Minh Hop On Hop Off tour can also be an effective way to get round to all the large sights.

Pattern native delicacies

Meals is a serious a part of any journey to Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis isn’t any exception. With road meals on each nook and numerous eating places serving up conventional dishes, you’ll by no means go hungry right here.

Be sure to attempt a few of the native specialties comparable to pho (a noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and spring rolls. When you’re feeling adventurous, head to native markets, the place you possibly can attempt every part 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 effectively. Take a look at The Deck Saigon for gorgeous river views and connoisseur Vietnamese delicacies or Cuc Gach Quan for a comfy 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 all my favourite issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is simply wander via its many markets. Not solely do these bustling hubs supply a few of the finest road meals round, however they’re additionally an excellent place to buy souvenirs, in case you are 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, but it surely seems to be and feels good, and for $4 I wasn’t too choosy!:)

Individuals watching can also be enjoyable.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market in Chinatown is probably the most well-liked market within the metropolis and provides every part you possibly can consider, and even didn’t know existed! Yow will discover a colourful collection of objects on this bustling hub, from contemporary produce to clothes and souvenirs.

Ben Thanh Market is without doubt one of the oldest and most well-known markets within the metropolis. After you discover the market” countless stalls, it’s also possible to take pleasure in a wide range of road meals and drinks. Yow will discover pho, banh mi, spring rolls, espresso, and coconut juice and far more right here.

Ben Thanh Market is open each day from 6 am to 7 pm. And after darkish it transforms right into a vigorous night time market crammed with further meals stalls and distributors lining the streets.

In case you are 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 possibly can expertise the tradition and delicacies of the Chinese language neighborhood. Yow will discover a wide range of items, comparable to materials, electronics, home goods, and Chinese language herbs and medicines.

Did you just like the meals on the markets? Possibly it’s best to discover ways to cook dinner this meals?

Take a Vietnamese cooking class

This cooking class in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis features a trip 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 a wide range of typical Vietnamese dishes. You can be guided by an expert 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; nevertheless, the Vietnamese folks faith has absorbed sure features of it. You may see Taoist temples right here and there in Vietnam.

Go to the Jade Emperor Pagoda when you’re focused on Taoist tradition and faith. The pagoda is a crucial 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 non secular place that offers you a glimpse into Vietnam’s wealthy spiritual traditions.

Benefit from the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is a metropolis that by no means sleeps, with a vigorous nightlife. Whenever you stroll on a busy road at night time, it is extremely thrilling to see so many individuals outdoors, having fun with the cooler temperatures! I feel I loved this time of the day essentially the most.

You don’t must stroll removed from any most important road to eat in case you are hungry. There are such a lot of locations to eat in every single place, opened late!

And in case you are within the temper to membership, right here is the checklist of prime nightclubs in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

Finest 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 varied tastes and budgets.

Just a few of the very best golf equipment in District 1 embody:

• Chill Sky bar:
  That is one in every of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s most famous rooftop bars. It provides breathtaking views of the skyline with an elegant ambiance. The music usually options EDM and hip hop, whereas the drinks may be expensive however price it. On the identical ground, it’s also possible to bask in advantageous 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 twenty years, drawing locals and foreigners alike. Apocalypse Now Bar has two flooring with a spacious dance ground, pool desk, and a stage for dwell 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 reasonably priced.
  Handle: 2F Nguyễn, Thi Sách, Bến Nghé, TP, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000
• Lush Membership:
  A stylish membership that pulls 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 moderately 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 provides some glorious choices for clubbing. A few of the prime golf equipment in District 3 are:

• Carmen Bar:
  An intimate and comfortable bar that focuses on dwell 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 gifted native and international musicians, and the drinks are moderately 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 techniques. Envy Membership provides 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 dwell 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 traditional 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 popularity for being tough and harmful, but it surely additionally provides some hidden gems for clubbing. A few of the prime 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 may request your most popular music from the DJ. The gang 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 a wide range 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.
  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 under. The bar has a laid-back and informal vibe with picket furnishings, fairy lights, and crops. The music primarily options indie rock and different pop, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
  Handle: 41 District, 41 Đ. Nguyễn Huệ, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Be sure to style this beer in Vietnam!

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

Listed here are a few of the finest locations to take pleasure in procuring in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

• Ben Thanh Market:
  Extra particulars about this marker are above.
• Vincom Middle:
  This is without doubt one of the largest malls in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, with over 250 retailers, eating places, cinemas, and leisure services. Yow will discover worldwide manufacturers comparable to Zara, Mango, Adidas, and Nike, in addition to native services.
• Vogue boutiques:
  When you’re in search of a pleasant outfit by native designers, you possibly can try a few of the trend boutiques in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. A few of the well-liked ones are L’Usine, Nosbyn, Cashew, and Ren. Yow will discover stylish and distinctive clothes, equipment, and footwear at cheap costs.

Store for bargains and souvenirs at Saigon Sq.

Saigon Sq. is a wholesale trend mall in District 1, the place you could find a variety of low cost clothes, footwear, baggage, and equipment. The standard might range, however you possibly can haggle for a lower cost. The mall is well-liked amongst locals and foreigners alike.

Suoi Tien Theme Park

In case you are 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 contains 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 without doubt 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 seaside 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 trip that goes via a dragon’s mouth and a large 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 lots of eating places and retailers.

Suoi Tien Theme Park park might be served by Suoi Tien Park Station on the primary line of the Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, that’s at the moment beneath building. It’s open from 8:00 AM to five:00 PM daily.

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

You may go to their official web site for extra info.

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 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 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, canines, and troopers known as tunnel rats who searched inside. However the tunnels have been robust and helped the VC resist the stronger enemy.

The Cu Chi Tunnels at the moment are a part of a struggle memorial park in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, the place guests can study in regards to the historical past and expertise of the tunnels. The tunnels have been widened and lit to accommodate vacationers, who can crawl via them and see varied reveals and shows.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a well-liked attraction for locals and foreigners who need to study in regards to the Vietnam Struggle or like any such attraction. There are lots of 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 other ways to ebook a metropolis tour in Ho Chi Minh, relying in your preferences, finances and time.

One of many choices is on-line reserving. You may evaluate costs, critiques, itineraries and availability of various excursions and select the one which fits you finest. A few of the web sites that supply 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 take pleasure in this splendidly vibrant metropolis and all the highest sights it provides!