International
Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon and long considered as the Pearl of the Far East, is the most dizzying city of commerce and culture in Vietnam. A visit to Saigon is like an encounter with exotic delicious food, French colonial architecture and memories of Vietnam War. Below are top reasons that you should choose Ho Chi Minh as your first destination when traveling to Vietnam!
There are many fantastic markets in this city. A favourite with tourists, Ben Thanh Market is not only filled with 3,000-plus stalls, but it’s also one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. Saigon’s markets are one of the best places to see beautiful, local handicrafts, as well as vibrant Vietnamese culture.
The Mekong Delta is one of the most fasscinating places to travel in Vietnam. Without nothing but the river behind you and nothing but river in front of you, these tours are amazing. It is fairly easy to book a day tour of the Mekong Delta from Ho Chi Minh city. Usually, you can catch a bus to the region you choose and from there get on a boat or bile and get ready to explore. The Mekong Delta is the agricultural center of Vietnam. Taking a trip along the Mekong Delta is an unforgettable experience that will show you a panorama of the life of the Mekong people. A few hours outside of Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta can be found snaking through luscious countryside. A world away from the busy streets of Saigon or Hanoi, this sight will give you an entirely different perspective of Vietnam altogether. Surrounded by rice paddies, swampland and green foliage, the Mekong Delta should be at the top of your list of things to see in the country.
If you want to learn about the history of Vietnam's struggles, Ho Chi Minh will provide you with a lot of fascinating historical stories. This is the home to the War Remnants Museum, the Independence Palace, the intricate system of Cu Chi Tunnels and along with a number of other iconic landmarks, Saigon is perfect for both history buffs and those who need a beginner’s lesson on Vietnam’s rich past. The Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace, is today not only a museum, but there are still meetings and events held by the government. It’s also the place where the end of the Vietnam War was decided. The palace is one of the most visited sights in Ho Chi Minh City. On the inside you can take a look at many rooms with the original furniture like chairs or tables. The basement with some control rooms etc. is also worth seeing.
Ho Chi Minh City often comes alive in the evenings, with everywhere from cafés and bars to lakes and bridges filled with night owls. There are so many clubs and bars in Ho Chi Minh City that it would take you a lifetime to visit them all. Similar to Bangkok’s famed Khao San Road, Pham Ngu Lao Street is Saigon’s backpacker district, and it’s where the revelry goes on long into the night. If you’re looking for more urbane options, try a rooftop bar hop of three of the city’s most famous hotels, the Rex, Caravelle, Majestic or Renaissance, where you can find colorful history and impressive view from there.
Like with many countries, there’s an ongoing argument about which end of the country has better food. Although we can’t tell you which cuisine you’ll like more, we can say that Ho Chi Minh City offers an amazing choice of both traditional food and new, innovative concepts, whereas Hanoi favours conventional dishes. So, if you like both traditional phở and intriguing fusion cuisine, you’re sure to find it in the streets of Saigon.
The driest months in Ho Chi Minh City are from December to March, making it one of the most popular times to visit. The temperatures are warm during this time, ranging between 70-93°F (21-34°C). If you can, come during the Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year) at the end of January/beginning of February to enjoy the colorful celebrations. Prices are jacked up during this time, however.
Hope this list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh has helped you to get an idea of what to expect and will make it easier to plan you travels in Vietnam!