Vietnam is a country of miracles, overwhelming nature and cities that can take everybody’s heart. From its active towns, Ho Chi Minh City, also sometimes called Saigon, is the economic capital of the country that offers historical, ethical, and creative dynamism. No matter if you are interested in history, innovative technologies, or good food, this comprehensive guide to Ho Chi Minh City will take you through the best of the city.
Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Here is a list of a few must visit places in Ho Chi Minh City.
1. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market, which is one of the most well-known sights in the city, is a place to visit if any tourist wants to discover the uniqueness of Vietnamese traditions. It is a popular wholesale and retail market to buy everything that is characteristic of Vietnam, such as local artifacts, arts and crafts, unusual souvenirs, clothes, and Asian food. The market is popular due to its vitality and is one of the most remarkable destinations when it comes to bargaining.
Guide to Ben Thanh Market:
- Open daily from early morning until late evening.
- Suggested to be reserved for the late afternoon in order to avoid large crowds. Prepare to negotiate for purchases in order to gain better prices.
- Address: Lê Lợi Street, Bến Thành Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
2. War Remnants Museum
War Remnants Museum is also a useful site for history lovers to learn about the history of Vietnam, especially the Vietnam War. Presentations include military-related items, pictures, and memoirs of experiences to show the effect of war on a nation. It is a must-visit place for anyone wanting to learn about the impact of history on Vietnam.
Guide to War Remnants Museum:
- Open everyday from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Allocate at least 2-3 hours to thoroughly explore the museum.
- The outdoor exhibit includes military vehicles like tanks, aircraft, and helicopters.
- Address: 28 Võ Văn Tần Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
3. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
It's one of the most famous buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, inspired by the architecture of the marvelous Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, is the remains of the French colonial past. Built in the late 1800s, the building remains one of the finest representations of neo-Romanesque design in the country. It is actually used as a church today and is located in the most scenic area of District 1, which is an important piece of history for the city.
Guide to Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica:
- Open daily to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for fewer crowds.
- It's located next to the Central Post Office, making it easy to explore both landmarks.
- Address: Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
4. Cu Chi Tunnels
Neighboring Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels give one a truly unique insight into the lives of the Viet Cong soldiers during the Vietnam War. These were used not only as shelters and sites for food storage during the war but also as homes. Some of the tunnels may be climbed over, and the visitors can learn how the tunnels were used for purposes of defense and survival.
Guide to Cu Chi Tunnels:
- To better understand the situation, special guided tours are recommended for visitors. There are two parts to select from, typically the Ben Duoc and the Ben Dinh. Actually, Ben Duoc tunnels are not visited by many, but they are more realistic.
- It is ideal to be visited early in the morning because of the scorching heat and the crowds that troop in.
- Address: Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
5. Bitexco Financial Tower & Sky Deck
For something more conventional, check out the Bitexco Financial Tower- one of the most iconic and tallest buildings here. It includes a sky deck that offers a sweeping view of Ho Chi Minh City. With a height of about 262 meters, the construction of the tower incorporates the image of Vietnam’s national flower – the lotus. The Sky Deck is especially for photographers as well as for the people who like to have a view of the great city below them.
Guide to Bitexco Financial Tower:
- The Sky Deck is open to visitors and tourists daily from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM.
- The entrance fee includes access to the Sky Deck and its interactive displays.
- Visit at sunset for the best view of the cityscape transitioning from day to night.
- Address: 2 Hải Triều Street, Bến Nghé, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Here are a few things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for an unforgettable adventure.
1. Take a River Cruise
The river that flows through Saigon is known as the Saigon River, and a riverside trip is probably one of the most enjoyable ways to take a sightseeing tour of the city. The different tour operators conduct day or night cruises, and some of them provide meals or entertainment on board.
Travel Tip: To get the best of the city, make sure you take the cruise when it is in the evening to see it during the night.
2. Explore Local Cafes
For its people, the coffee culture in Ho Chi Minh City is extremely important. The middle has at least hundreds of beautiful cafes, from antique Vietnamese coffee shops to contemporary, aesthetically pleasing ones. It is recommended not to part without having a taste of Vietnam Iced coffee, also known as Cà Phê Sữa Đá or Egg Coffee – a product that was originally from northern Vietnam but now is common in Saigon.
Local Recommendations:
The Workshop Café
The Workshop Café reflects the main idea of industrial space and offers good quality coffee for both residents and tourists. With the coffee shop occupying a large, spacious and loft-style environment, people who visit are casual coffee drinkers. The ceiling is very high and a good amount of light gets into the premises.
- Address: 27 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Must Try: Pour-over Coffee – expertly brewed to bring out the intricate flavors of each bean
L’usine Café
L’usine is not only a café but a complex of coffee houses, clothes and interior accessories, and an art gallery. Nestled on the busy Dong Khoi Street, L’usine provides readers with an opportunity to grab a cup of coffee at a stylish location that is both a café and a fashion house displaying artworks as well. It’s ideal for people who like to combine their coffee drinking with shopping or the examination of selected assortments and accessories. This café relaunched the concept of basic Vietnamese coffee, and the Cà Phê Sữa Đá offers a delicious and creamy blend presented in a very aesthetically pleasing cup.
- Address: 151 Đồng Khởi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Must Try: Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Vietnamese Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk) – a classic with a modern twist
Café de la Poste
Café de la Poste is at walking distance from one of the city’s famous outlooks — the Saigon Central Post Office. The café offers a view of historic French colonial buildings, and it is conveniently located near other landmark establishments such as Notre-Dame Basilica. The outdoor dining area is perfect for enjoying the Surroundings of old Saigon. The strong and sweet coffee with condensed milk served ice is a novelty and ideal for anyone visiting this area of the historic center of the city.
- Address: 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Must Try: Traditional Vietnamese Cà Phê Sữa Đá (Iced Coffee with Condensed Milk)
Mockingbird Café
Located in a subtle part of Saigon’s District 1, Mockingbird Café is tucked and hardly noticeable, but what lies behind its unassuming, inconspicuous door is a cozy, artsy place that makes this restaurant unique. It is an indoor café with a small rustic interior and non-violent colors but with large visitable windows to the beautiful skyline. It is perfect for people who would love somewhere artistic to relax, read, or work.
- Address: 4th Floor, 14 Tôn Thất Đạm, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Must Try: Egg Coffee – a creamy, sweet delight that’s becoming a favorite in Saigon
The Coffee House – Signature
The Coffee House – Signature in District 3 is one of the local chain cafés with its signature for mixing both the modern and traditional cultural coffee houses of Vietnam. The design complements the building’s exterior and is the epitome of sleek. The inside is open and serene, perfect for productivity and leisure. It also offers a selection of pastries and other easy eating choices, which make it perfect for informal business discussions or just for a tasty break in the afternoon.
- Address: 19B Phạm Ngọc Thạch, Phường 6, Quận 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Must Try: Nitro Cold Brew – smooth, refreshing, and perfect for a modern coffee twist
3. Take a Cyclo Ride
Cyclo rides offer a feel of the hustle and bustle of the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City in a three-wheeled bicycle taxi. Cyclo riders are common in the city, and their use to travel is cheaper in addition to giving one a couple of traditional sightseeing trips in the streets.
Travel Tip: Most drivers offer their fare through the GPS system, so it is always good to agree on the fare before getting into the cab.
4. Visit Bui Vien Street (Saigon's Walking Street)
If Bangkok had its famous Khao San Road, then Saigon wants to present Bui Vien Street in District 1 to you. Bar and club districts, as well as many pubs, restaurants, and nightclubs, can be found here and everywhere. This is the beauty of Bui Vien when it comes to the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City. Shopping at Saigon Square Saigon Square will be ideal because it offers clothes, accessories, and so on. As a result of providing cheap clothes and other accessories, it is a popular hub for people within that region as well as tourists.
Travel Tip: Look out for your possessions, and be ready to bargain for the lowest price possible.
Best Time to Visit
Ho Chi Minh City offers a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: wet and dry. The best time to visit this beautiful destination is during the dry season, which lasts from December until April. Besides, this is a good time to tour the area since the hot and dry weather is ideal for most outdoor activities. Even better, the rainy season that lasts from May through to November might also be ideal, depending on the individual's interest if they are not bothered by the rain showers.
How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City’s main airport is Tan Son Nhat International Airport. They have good flights to most major cities around the world. After arriving at the airport, it is possible to get to the city center by taxi, bus, or private transfer.
Travel Tip: To move around within the city, use Apps such as Grab to get more reliable and cheap means of transport.
What Travel Experts Say
Ho Chi Minh is also the face of the old and the new, where marvels built by French colonizers coexist with the latest architectural innovations, such as tall buildings and shallow malls. There is an immensely rich culture that includes a sense of entertainment. Whether you’re visiting Vietnam for a historical landmark, food, or merely for the energetic atmosphere of this city, Ho Chi Minh City provides a thrilling experience. This is an opportunity to tap into all that any exciting city can offer- this is the best bet.
Don’t wait. Plan your tour today, and explore more of southern Vietnam’s pearls.
FAQs
How many days are enough for Ho Chi Minh City?
To fully experience Ho Chi Minh City, 3 to 4 days are ideal to explore major attractions like the War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, and Ben Thanh Market, as well as enjoy the vibrant nightlife and delicious street food.
What to know before going to Ho Chi Minh?
Before traveling to Ho Chi Minh City, it’s helpful to learn basic Vietnamese phrases, as English is not widely spoken. Be prepared for heavy traffic and take safety precautions with personal belongings. Carry cash, as many places don’t accept credit cards, and try local Vietnamese food.
Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?
Ho Chi Minh City is worth visiting as it offers a rich mix of culture, and modernity. Tourists can explore historical sites like the War Remnants Museum, vibrant markets like Ben Thanh, and enjoy a fantastic food scene, making it a must-see destination in Vietnam.
Which district is best for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 is the best area for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s home to most of the city’s marvelous attractions, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, and bustling nightlife. It’s the heart of the city, offering convenience and a vibrant atmosphere.
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