HO CHI MINH CITY ATTRACTIONS
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a young urban area because of its history of formation and development of just over 300 years. Well known as Saigon, this vibrant city is likened to the “Pearl of the Far East” because of its charming heritage structures, dynamic, vibrant, bustling atmosphere and friendly people. These are the characteristics that make Ho Chi Minh City an attractive destination for domestic and international tourists.
The variety of colors, scents and sounds are typical features of Ho Chi Minh City, these characteristics help the City always be ranked as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia.
Cuisine in the City has never disappointed visitors. CNN has called Ho Chi Minh City the "Taste of Vietnam", a city that always surprises visitors with its diverse cuisine - from street food havens to delicious and inspiring bakeries, authentic Vietnamese cuisine and even modern Asian-style eateries.
With many famous shopping centers attractions, world-class hotels and modern infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City has become a favorite destination for self-sufficient tourists, couples and families.
About History
This land was originally called Prey Nokor "The city inside the jungle- According to Khmer meaning", a city later formed thanks to the exploration of the South by the Nguyen Dynasty. In 1698, Nguyen Huu Canh established the Gia Dinh government, marking the birth of the city. When the French entered Indochina, to serve colonial exploitation, the city of Saigon was established and quickly developed, becoming one of the two most important cities in Vietnam, known as the Pearl of the Far East or of the Paris Orient. Saigon was the capital of the Indochina Federation from 1887 to 1901.
In 1954, Saigon became the capital of the Republic of Vietnam and this magnificent city became one of the important cities of Southeast Asia. The Republic of Vietnam collapsed in 1975, and Vietnam's territory was completely unified. On July 2, 1976, the National Assembly of Vietnam unanimously decided to change the name of Saigon to Ho Chi Minh City after the first President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
The Climate
Ho Chi Minh has a tropical monsoon climate including rainy and dry seasons. The dry season runs from December to April. The most suitable time to visit is from December to February, at which time the temperature and humidity will be lowered March and April have hot temperatures reaching 40 °C (104 °F). The rainy season is quite long, usually starting in May and ending in October with high temperatures and humidity. Cloudy weather occurs quite often, so there is often rain and sun during the rainy season.
Activities in the city
Food tour by motorbike
Enjoy the rich and unusual flavors of Saigon. Walk through local markets, famous streets and local restaurants to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Make sure you come on an empty stomach as you will sample many dishes and drinks in this flavorful adventure, you can choose the trip in the morning, afternoon or evening, whichever one best suits your itinerary.
Tour to visit the Cu Chi tunnel by motorbike or group tour by bus
You can book online, directly at the tour office, or at the hotel. The tour usually departs at 8:30 and picks you up at your hotel. You can choose the half-day tour to the tunnel only or the full-day tour to the tunnel and the Mekong Delta then return on the same day.
Tour by Cyclo
A trip on a cyclo through Ho Chi Minh city is a great way to observe the city the way locals do. A cyclo is like a tricycle towards the back, with passengers sitting in the front and peddlers driving in the back. Attractions, sounds and scents are the bulk of the city's excitement and are best experienced at the comfortable pace of a cyclo.
A few tips to keep in mind
Be careful when carrying your camera, wallet, phone and watch while on a cyclo ride because these expensive items can easily be stolen by motorbike thieves.
Some drivers frequently use 'cutting down' the list price to pickpocket passengers. To avoid these problems, you must remember to clarify the price to ensure a fun and complete trip.
Visiting the inner areas can be reached by bus or on foot
City People's Committee Headquarters: Sai Gon City Hall officially known as the People’s Committee Building. It is a French colonial city hall built in the early 1900s. Its French builders drew inspiration from town halls in Europe. The building was known as the City Hall of Saigon before 1975 and is now the headquarters of the People’s Committee. It is beautiful French Colonial architecture and sunny cream-and-yellow hue, make it a tourist favorite and a symbol of Saigon, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
Nha Rong Wharf: where President Ho Chi Minh left to find a way to save the country, Nha Rong Wharf is also known as the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Ho Chi Minh City, where there are Uncle Ho's memorabilia.
Sai Gon Opera House: The Opera House was built in 1898 and covers 3,200 square meters in total area. The architecture boasts stone-carved ornaments and statues at the entrance, crystal chandeliers, and a shiny granite floor in the lobby area – all built with materials imported from France. The graceful oval auditorium offers 468 seats, designed to magnify performances in both audio and visual, echo-free, and also soundproof from the outside city buzz. The theatre is now a venue for many high-profile events and cultural entertainment activities in the city. Certified as a national relic in 2012, this magnificent building remains at the top of the must-visit list in Ho Chi Minh City.
Sai Gon Central Post Office: Saigon Central Post Office is notable for its perfect combination of neo-classical European architecture and Asian decorations. This magnificent post office attracts a large number of domestic and foreign visitors, making it a must-see when you are in Ho Chi Minh City
Independence Palace: The building is designed according to feng shui and Eastern architecture but is very modern. Visiting the Independence Palace, visitors can admire with their own eyes many items from the old regime as well as evidence marking the moment the Independence Palace Gate on Nguyen Du Street, the parking lot at Tao Dan Park on Huyen Tran Princess Street.
Notre Dame Cathedral: This is the central area of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The church area clearly shows the character of Saigon City. Near the ancient church is the opposite image of modern-day reinforced concrete buildings. From Notre Dame Cathedral, you can visit the Independence Palace, shop at Diamond Plaza, walk around Dong Khoi Street, cross Turtle Lake, and drink coffee on Han Thuyen Street. Located right on the main street in the city center, Notre Dame Cathedral is now gradually becoming a symbol of Saigon City. This place stands out with European architecture combining beautiful Roman and Gothic styles, and the largest pair of bells in Vietnam. Notre Dame Cathedral is the most beautiful and important cathedral of the Saigon diocese, the pride of the city's people. The area around Notre Dame Cathedral has the most beautiful scenery in Saigon.
Thao Cam Vien (The Zoo): It is one of the oldest zoos in the world and a lush green haven in the heart of bustling Ho Chi Minh City. From the diverse array of animals to the vibrant botanical displays, this zoo and garden offer a perfect blend of nature and wildlife for a fun and educational day out.
War Museum: Visitors here will have the most authentic feeling about a period of fierce war, to appreciate more what is present. Artifacts such as planes, cannons, tanks, guillotines and two "tiger cage" compartments were built to the correct size at Con Dao prison. There is also a gallery about the Southwest Border War, the war to protect the Northern border, and the issue of the Truong Sa archipelago at the Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum.
Ben Thanh Market: Ben Thanh Market is a bustling and iconic market located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is one of the oldest and most famous markets in the city, attracting both locals and tourists. The market is housed within a large, historic building that dates back to the French colonial period. Exploring the market provides an opportunity to engage with the local community, experience the vibrant sights and sounds, and immerse oneself in the authentic Vietnamese market culture. The market is particularly famous for its bargaining culture, and visitors are encouraged to negotiate prices with the vendors to secure the best deals. It is a lively and dynamic environment, filled with enthusiastic sellers and eager shoppers.