Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City – or Sai Gon – is the centre of commerce and the country’s biggest city, though not its administrative capital. As a result of the sweeping economic changes wrought by doi moi in 1986, this effervescent city, has changed its image from that of a war-torn city to one of a thriving metropolis, challenging Singapore, Bangkok and the other traditional Southeast Asian powerhouses. Ho Chi Minh City’s architecture and lifestyle is the reconciliation between American and Chinese influence, with well-preserved colonial structures and war relics from the devastating Vietnam War as well as sleek skyscrapers, elegant sports clubs, and expansive shopping malls against a metropolis backdrop. Local culture develops so immensely that no district is the same as another in Ho Chi Minh City.

If Hanoi is a capital city of romance and mellow charms, Ho Chi Minh City is its antithesis, a fury of sights and sounds, and the crucible in which Vietnam’s rallying fortunes are boiling. Some corners of the city afford respite from the cacophony of construction work casting up new office blocks and hotels with logic-defying speed. An increasing number of cars and minibuses, motorbikes and even vendors jostle with an organic mass of state-of-the-art Honda SUVs, choking the tree-lined streets and boulevards. Amid this melee, you can see the local people easily go about their daily life: students in uniforms wander past streetside baguette-sellers; women ride motorbikes clad in gangster-style bandanas to protect their skin from the sun and dust; while teenagers in designer jeans chirrup into mobile phones. Much of the fun of being in Ho Chi Minh City derives from the simple pleasure of absorbing its flurry of activity – something best done from the seat of a cyclo or a roadside café.

BEST THINGS TO SEE:

1.War Remnants Museum:
The 30-year-war between America-Vietnam is an unforgettable time of both two peoples. War Remnants Museum is a reminder of long brutal Vietnam war, exhibiting many graphic photographs and US military equipment used in the war including helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, a single-seater attack aircraft and a 6,800kg conventional bomb.
A visit to this war museum is a disturbing experience for most people and may not be suitable for children (though they are allowed to enter).
Opening hours:  07:30 am- 12:00 pm and 13:30 pm – 17:00 pm daily
Location: 28 Vo Van Tan, in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

2. Reunification Palace:
Reunification Palace (formerly known as Independence Palace) has stayed in the mind of many generations of not only the Vietnamese but also foreigners.
It is known as the famous historical witness which passed through the two fierce wars against the French and American colonists.
Today in most Vietnam, the palace is vividly the marker of war end, just like the fall of Berlin Wall, as the North Vietnamese tank crashed its gates on April 30th, 1975.
For tourists, the blend of traditional ritual and modern architecture of the complex is not as appealing to tourists as all the historical events related to this building. Wandering around its rooms, visitors may be reminded of various important moments in the past of Vietnam, especially the war command room with its huge maps and old communication equipment, as well as the basement labyrinth. The building now functions as a museum, where visitors can view the F5E fighter plane which bombed the palace on 8thApril 1975 and tank 843 which led the final assault through the palace gate at 11:30 am on 30th April 1975.
Opening hours: 7:30 am – 11:30 am and 13:00 pm – 17:00 pm daily
Entrance ticket: 20,000 VND (about $1).
Guided tours in English: available.
Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

3. Centre Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral
Perhaps the Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh is the grandest post office in all of Southeast Asia. It is beautifully preserved remnant of French colonial times built in between 1886 and 1891. Entering inside, the looping arches, intricately designed marble floors and antiquated telephone boxes all remind the importance the post office played in previous days. The architecture is distinctly French but the large portrait of President Ho Chi Minh hanging high above at the far end of the building reminds that we are definitely in Vietnam.
With the design following conquest of the city, the peaceful picturesque Notre Dame Cathedral is definitely a symbol of the bustling city in present day. Located next to Central Post Office, the two cultural sites can be visited together and offers visitors a chance to imagine life in Vietnam during the time of the Indochinese Empire.
Centre Post Office:
Opening Hours: 7:00 am – 20:00 pm
Location: No 2 Cong xa Paris, District 1
Notre Dame Cathedral:
Opening hours: 8:30 am – 10.00 am, 14:30 pm – 15:30 pm
Location: No 1 Cong xa Paris, District 1

4. Ben Thanh Market:
Situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City at the intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tan Hung and Le Lai streets, bustling Ben Thanh Market in District 1 is an ideal place to buy local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art and other souvenirs.
Here, you’ll find eating stalls inside the market where you can get a taste of hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine or simply stop for a drink when the bargaining becomes too much. For shopping heaven, head to the market preferably early morning to pick up some bargains including lacquer ware, bamboo goods, arts and crafts. Clothes, textiles, luggage, watches and an assortment of electronic goods are also on sale.
Opening hours: 6:00 AM –00:00 daily
Location: Le Loi, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

5. Sai Gon River:
Taking a boat tour on Saigon River offers the chance to see the varied lifestyles surrounding this busy metropolis. Saigon River flows from Cambodia through South Vietnam before merging into the East Sea close to the Mekong Delta. Along the riverbanks are villages, underground passages dating back to the Vietnam War, city skyscrapers and ancient houses.
The Saigon River is the only way in which you’ll be able to experience sites such as the Cu Chi tunnels, hidden canals and the Mekong Delta. A number of tour operators are now offering cruises which can be booked as private charters or as part of a tour group, some offer Saigon River dinner cruise and fire dancing on board or daytrips to see some of the historical and cultural hotspots only accessible by boat on the Saigon River.

SOME EXCURSIONS FROM HO CHI MINH CITY

1. Cu Chi Tunnels:
About 40km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels, dug in the 1940s and further expanded in the 1960s to provide essential shelter as well as supply lines and were vital to the victory of the Vietnam troops, has become the major tourist attraction. A half-day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels brings you a unique experience as well as a special feel of the war.
Opening hours: 9:00 am- 17:00 pm daily
Location: Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

2. Mekong Delta Discovery
Taking a day trip to the main home of rice, durian and fruits of Vietnam on a long tail boat floating on a complexly connected waterway shaded by coconut tree will be a very exciting experience. Fishing, canoeing, going to durian orchard or visiting the floating market are among the activities this trip offers to tourists. After discovering bustling Ho Chi Minh City, that excursion totally bring you a fresh peaceful of a green Vietnam.

3. Can Gio Ecologic day trip:
Can Gio island, also known as monkey island, is a biosphere reserve where you can see monkeys, crocodiles, wild cats, wild deer, fox and so many other species. Tourists can feed the monkeys and crocodiles. Be ware, the monkeys here are sometimes very mischievous! They steal things from everyone they can and enjoy riling the crocodiles. Please do not forget to bring plenty of insect repellent and sunscreen as well for the best experience.

4. Vespa tour:
Tourists are offered an adventure on Vespa through 4 cities: Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An,  Siem Reap, Phnom Penh or even more places. This is not only a tour, but a discovery of things that you do not usually see as you are on the most common means of transportation in Vietnam. Come and drive your Vespa to meet different sight of Vietnam.
About the provider:
Website: vespaadventures.com
Location:  169a De Tham, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

RECOMMENDED RESTAURANTS IN HO CHI MINH CITY:
1. Noir
Amazing food served by so helpful and friendly staffs will absolutely satisfy you for the great experience dining in Vietnam.
Features: Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Wine and Beer, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Reservations
Opening hours: 11:30 am – 14:30 am, 17:30 pm  – 23:00 pm daily.
Location: Lane 178 Hai Ba Trung Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Portofino Italian Restaurant
This little Italian place with very helpful and lovely staff is a great choice if you are looking for Italian, Pizza, Mediterranean or Seafood. The food here is so wonderful thanks to authenticity and freshness of the ingredients used.
Features: Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi
Location: 15 Dong Du, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

3. Bun Cha 145 Bui Vien
If you want to try something local, this is the right place you should come. Food are served very quickly with true Vietnam tasting.
Features: Cash Only, Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Free Wifi
Opening hours: 11:00 am  – 14:30 pm – 17:30 pm – 22:00 pm
Location: 145 Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam