Ho Chi Minh City

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Ho Chi Minh City

Introduction

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a must-visit destination for any traveller. With its rich history, vibrant culture, and modern amenities, this bustling metropolis has something to offer for every kind of traveller. From historic landmarks to delicious street food, from bustling markets to relaxing parks, Ho Chi Minh City is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered.

Places to Go

Historical Landmarks

  • War Remnants Museum: A sombre reminder of the Vietnam War, this museum showcases the devastating effects of war on the Vietnamese people.
  • Reunification Palace: The former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, this historic building played a significant role in the country’s reunification.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral: A beautiful French-built cathedral that stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Markets and Shopping

  • Ben Thanh Market: One of the oldest and most iconic markets in Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh offers a wide range of local goods, from souvenirs to clothing.
  • An Dong Market: A lesser-known but equally fascinating market that offers a more authentic shopping experience.
  • Diamond Plaza: For those looking for a more modern shopping experience, Diamond Plaza is a luxurious mall with international brands and restaurants.

Parks and Nature

  • Tao Dan Park: A peaceful oasis in the heart of the city, Tao Dan Park is perfect for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Zoo: Home to over 1,000 animals from around the world, the zoo is a great place for families and animal lovers.
  • Can Gio Forest: Just outside the city, Can Gio Forest offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle and connect with nature.

Cultural Attractions

  • Museum of Vietnamese History: A comprehensive museum that showcases the country’s rich history and cultural heritage.
  • Ho Chi Minh City Museum: A museum that explores the city’s development and growth over the years.
  • Binh Tay Market: A bustling market in the heart of Chinatown, Binh Tay offers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant Chinese community.

Nightlife

  • Rooftop Bars: Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its rooftop bars, offering stunning views of the city skyline. Some popular options include:
    • Chill Sky Bar
    • The Observatory
    • The View Rooftop Bar
  • Bui Vien Street: A lively street filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants that cater to tourists and locals alike.

Activities

Day Trips

  • Cu Chi Tunnels: Explore the famous tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
  • Mekong Delta: Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta, where you can explore floating markets, try local cuisine, and experience rural Vietnamese life.

Cooking Classes

  • Cooking Class with Vietnam Cookery: Learn how to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh xeo.
  • Street Food Tour with Saigon Food Tours: Explore the city’s street food scene and learn how to make popular dishes like banh mi and goi cuon.

Adventure Activities

  • Motorbike Tour with Vietnam Motorbike Tours: Explore the surrounding countryside on a motorbike, taking in the scenic views and rural landscapes.
  • Kayaking in Can Gio Forest: Paddle through the mangrove forests of Can Gio and spot local wildlife like monkeys and birds.

Where to Eat

Street Food

  • Banh Mi 37 Nguyen Trai: Try some of the city’s best banh mi at this popular street food stall.
  • Pho Hoa Pasteur: Slurp down a delicious bowl of pho at this iconic restaurant.
  • Goi Cuon Ba Be: Sample some crispy spring rolls at this popular street food vendor.

Mid-Range Restaurants

  • Cuc Gach Quan: Enjoy traditional Vietnamese cuisine in a beautifully restored colonial villa.
  • The Deck Saigon: Feast on international dishes with a focus on local ingredients and stunning views of the city.
  • Anan Saigon: Savor modern Vietnamese cuisine in a trendy, industrial-chic setting.

Fine Dining

  • Nha Trang: Treat yourself to exquisite seafood dishes at this luxurious restaurant.
  • The Reverie: Enjoy contemporary French-Vietnamese cuisine in an opulent setting.
  • Vietnam House: Dine on refined Vietnamese dishes in a beautifully restored heritage building.

Where to Stay

Budget-Friendly Options

  • Madam Cuc 2 Hotel: A popular budget hotel with clean rooms and a convenient location.
  • Ho Chi Minh Hostel: A social hostel with dorms and private rooms, perfect for backpackers.
  • Lily’s Hostel: A cozy hostel with a homely atmosphere and helpful staff.

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Silverland Sakyo Hotel & Spa: A comfortable hotel with modern amenities and a relaxing spa.
  • Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint Hotel: A stylish hotel with spacious rooms and a rooftop pool.
  • Hotel des Arts Saigon: A boutique hotel with artistic flair and a convenient location.

Luxury Hotels

  • Park Hyatt Saigon: A luxurious hotel with opulent rooms, a rooftop pool, and exceptional service.
  • The Reverie Saigon: A stylish hotel with lavish rooms, a spa, and fine dining options.
  • Hotel Nikko Saigon: A modern hotel with spacious rooms, a rooftop pool, and stunning city views.

Things to Know

Weather

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with high temperatures and humidity year-round. Be prepared for heat exhaustion and sunburn.

Language

Vietnamese is the official language, but many locals speak some English, especially in tourist areas. Consider learning some basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).

Culture

  • Dress modestly: Avoid revealing clothing when visiting temples or rural areas.
  • Remove your shoes: When entering homes or temples, it’s customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect.
  • Use both hands: When giving or receiving something, use both hands as a sign of respect.

Safety

  • Be aware of pickpocketing: Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash: Use ATMs and credit cards instead to minimize the risk of theft.
  • Negotiate taxi fares: Always agree on a fare before getting into a taxi to avoid overcharging.

Transportation

Airports

Ho Chi Minh City is served by Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN), which is located about 7km from the city centre.

Taxis

  • Vinasun Taxi: A reliable and affordable taxi company with English-speaking drivers.
  • Mai Linh Taxi: Another popular taxi company with a wide range of vehicles.

Motorbike Rentals

  • Motorbike Rental Saigon: Rent a motorbike for a day or longer to explore the city and surrounding countryside.
  • Saigon Motorbike Tours: Take a guided motorbike tour to explore the city’s hidden gems.

Walking and Cycling

Ho Chi Minh City is a walker’s and cyclist’s paradise, with many scenic routes and pedestrianized areas. Consider taking a walking or cycling tour to explore the city at your own pace.

Tips

Haggling

When shopping at markets, be prepared to haggle over prices. It’s all part of the fun!

Try new foods

Be adventurous and try new Vietnamese dishes like balut (fertilized duck egg) or com tam (broken rice).

Learn some Vietnamese phrases

Show respect for the local culture by learning basic Vietnamese phrases like “Xin chào” (hello) and “Cảm ơn” (thank you).

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated in Ho Chi Minh City’s hot and humid climate.

Be patient

Traffic in Ho Chi Minh City can be chaotic, so be prepared for long journeys and crowded streets. Keep calm and enjoy the ride!

Other Things of Interest

Day of the Week Markets

Each day of the week has a designated market, where you can find specific goods like flowers (Monday), fruits (Tuesday), or antiques (Sunday).

Street Performers

Ho Chi Minh City is home to many talented street performers, including musicians, dancers, and acrobats.

Temples and Pagodas

The city is dotted with beautiful temples and pagodas, each with its own unique architecture and history. Some popular options include: + Giac Lam Pagoda + Xa Loi Pagoda + An Quang Pagoda

Festivals and Celebrations

Ho Chi Minh City celebrates many festivals and holidays throughout the year, including Tet (Lunar New Year), Mid-Autumn Festival, and Wandering Souls Day.

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, bustling metropolis that offers something for every kind of traveller. From historic landmarks to delicious street food, from bustling markets to relaxing parks, this city has it all. With its rich culture, friendly locals, and modern amenities, Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit destination in Southeast Asia. So pack your bags, grab your camera, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime!