Ho Chi Minh City, formally known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis. It attracts travelers with its history, culture, lifestyle, and vibrant energy. It is the biggest city in Vietnam and also the business and financial center, so there is a lot to offer. If you visit Ho Chi Minh City, find this guide as it can be overwhelming at first sight.
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Take a ride back to the history
Saigon used to be the capital of the French protectorate of Cochinchina. At the time, it was transformed into a major port city. It became a metropolitan center of beautiful villas, imposing public buildings, and well-paved, tree-lined boulevards. It held significant political and commercial positions to the French, and later, the South Vietnam government.
1. Visit War Remnants Museum
The best place to visit in Ho Chi Minh City to find out all about the complex history is the War Remnants Museum. It showcases the incredible stories and impressive milestones during the Vietnam War. You can find various abandoned military vehicles, such as a tank, jet, helicopter, and rocket launchers outside the museum. Inside features a great number of war artifacts and graphic photos of the brutal war. Don’t skip this when you travel to Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Visit Reunification Palace
Another must-visit site for history lovers is Reunification Palace. This palace was the Vietnamese general’s base until 1963. When a North Vietnamese army tank passed through the main gate in 1975, it declared the reunification of North and South Vietnam. This event ended the Vietnam War. The palace became famous globally. It now opens like a museum, so if you visit Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to put this on the list.
3. Visit Cu Chi Tunnels
Making a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels is a perfect idea when you visit Ho Chi Minh City. It is one of the most exciting historical sites that tells you a story about the war. It is such an unusual experience to crawl through the narrow tunnels. This is how the Viet Cong used to move to get a sense of how their lives were during the war. You can also find traps that they made. You can see abandoned vehicles they used. You can even experience shooting at a shooting range.
Embrace the architecture
Ho Chi Minh City is a mixture of Indochina and French beauty. The architecture is much influenced by the French. Now developed into a metropolis, the harmony between the old and new is absolutely fascinating to watch.
4. French colonial buildings
Take a tour through the Central Post Office and the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon dated back in 1863. They are opposite to each other so you can easily admire the beauty of both. The Saigon Opera House is worth visiting too. Enhance your experience by attending a concert here, to get the overall sense of the building itself. Every building left by the French is still in use nowadays. They have become the most visited places in the city. Marvel at the architectural legacy left by the French colonial period, exemplifying a blend of European and Vietnamese influences.
5. Saigon Bitexco Tower
Towering skyscrapers are easily found when you visit Ho Chi Minh City. Bitexco Financial Tower was the tallest building in the city until Landmark 81 was built in 2018. However, this skyscraper is worth mentioning for its unique design. It has the shape of a lotus flower with a helicopter platform on the side. When you reach the sky deck at 262 meters high, you get such a breathtaking view. The whole city is there to admire.
Explore culinary delights
It would be incomplete if you visit Ho Chi Minh City, and not try the exquisite food here. There are millions of options for you, representing the whole Vietnamese cuisine, from noodles, rice, and hot pot to desserts. Let’s try to be a Saigoneer and see what they would eat in a day.
6. Breakfast
A quite common option is Banh mi. A simple and quick baguette is topped with savory meat, pate, and char siu. It includes pickled vegetables and the secret sauce. The secret sauce both satisfies your appetite and gives you high energy for a new day. Guess what, it only costs you a dollar.
If you want something more fulfilling, find a stall selling Hu Tieu Nam Vang. It is a type of rice noodle soup topped with shrimp, minced pork, and quail eggs. It is usually eaten with fresh herbs. You can stop eating and slurping until the last drop of the broth. Simply, the aroma and the perfect combination of flavors are irresistible.
7. Lunch
Rice is the way to go. If you visit Ho Chi Minh City, don’t forget to try Com Tam or broken rice. As rice is the staple food in Vietnam, we have different ways to be creative with it. Indulge in the delicious plate of rice, grilled pork, omelet, pork-and-egg meatloaf, fresh and pickled veggies. Enjoy the tangy-sweet sauce. You will not regret it.
8. Dinner
There are a wide range of food choices, from Eastern to Western in Ho Chi Minh City. Let us tell you what you should try: Snail. You can try to find places that sell seafood and include snails, as there are various kinds, as well as ways to cook them. This popular Vietnamese night out consists of sitting on tiny, wobbly plastic chairs. You gather around a low-slung metal table and gorge yourself on snails, oysters, clams, etc.
9. Markets
Markets are such an important part of Vietnamese culture. You will find more local markets than supermarkets, and that is where people actually go to. If you want a bigger-scale market, we recommend Ben Thanh Market. You can basically find everything here, from food and clothes to souvenirs. Bargain is the keyword if you visit Ho Chi Minh City’s markets.
10. Nightlife
The Saigon River flows through the city, offering picturesque vistas and a serene escape from the bustling streets. Take a leisurely stroll along the riverbanks. Alternatively, embark on a river cruise. Witness the city’s skyline illuminated at night. It creates a mesmerizing spectacle.
Take a walk through the most bustling street of Ho Chi Minh City called Bui Vien Street. You can find bars and clubs all over the place. This is perfect if you are a backpacker and want to blend in with the locals. If you prefer something classier, visit Ho Chi Minh City’s rooftop bars. Enjoy a nice cocktail. Admire the beautiful city at night.
Ho Chi Minh City captivates visitors with its intriguing blend of history, culture, and modernity. Its bustling streets, vibrant markets, culinary treasures, and historical landmarks create an unforgettable tapestry of experiences. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, this vibrant city offers something for you. If you’re a culinary adventurer, you’ll find delights too. For seekers of cultural immersion, it has much to offer. It promises a memorable sojourn in the heart of Vietnam.