When fascinated by issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, many ideas flip to the Vietnam Battle. Saigon or Ho Chi Minh Metropolis as it’s now recognized featured closely throughout this battle and you can find many historic locations in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis that may give perception into these tragic occasions.
Though the Vietnam Battle performed an element in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s previous, at the moment you can find a vibrant and fashionable metropolis. Right here French colonial buildings stand facet by facet smooth futuristic skyscrapers, a metropolis that appears firmly to the longer term.
We loved our time exploring Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and have been impressed with the nightlife, buying, points of interest and daily lifetime of this thrilling metropolis. Listed below are the very best issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Vietnam.
This put up might include affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests we might obtain a fee, at no additional price to you, in case you make a purchase order by way of a hyperlink. Please see our full disclosure for additional info.
The place is Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis sits on the banks of the busy Saigon River in Southern Vietnam. Town was named in honour of the late President Ho Chi Minh in 1976 and is the biggest metropolis and industrial hub of Vietnam. Whereas visiting Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s locations of curiosity you’ll uncover that many locals nonetheless consult with town as Saigon and that each are accepted as town’s identify.
First Impressions
The very first thing you’ll discover if you arrive is that it is stuffed with vitality. Motorbikes weave their method out and in of site visitors, generally carrying the entire household to locations unknown.
As you drive from the airport you will notice time worn buildings blended with fashionable facades. Locals go about their day, pulling up a stool at one of many busy avenue meals carts or enjoyable in stylish eating places and occasional outlets. Alongside the best way you might even see a vibrant temple or catch a glimpse of historical past as you move the Battle Remnants Museum and Independence Palace in your approach to your lodge in District 1.
It’s straightforward to get swept up by the energetic thrill of town. Whether or not you select to go to independently or by taking a tour you’ll shortly perceive why Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is likely one of the prime locations to go to in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Excursions
With such a brief go to, deciding the place to go could appear daunting. For these not sure of what to see in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis the selection couldn’t be simpler as there are a powerful vary of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis sightseeing excursions on provide.
To get essentially the most out of your time on this thrilling metropolis, you possibly can select to discover the vary of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis factors of curiosity highlighted on this fabulous collection of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis day excursions. Listed below are just some of the very best excursions in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, together with strolling excursions and motorcycle excursions.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Meals Excursions
Probably the greatest methods to immerse your self in a tradition is to pattern their delicacies. The historical past of Vietnam might be present in its meals, and you can find French, Chinese language, Khmer and Cham influences.
Vietnamese dishes are well-known for being scrumptious and nutritious with the liberal use of herbs imparting contemporary clear flavours. Some of the fascinating and informative methods to study Vietnamese delicacies is to take both a meals tour, dinner cruise or study the secrets and techniques of Vietnamese cooking with a cooking class tour.
Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels Excursions
For these wanting to flee town to discover additional afield, you can find a fantastic vary of excursions to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels excursions from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Take a ship experience alongside the mighty Mekong Delta, go to the well-known Cai Rang floating market or see the Pleased Buddha at Vinh Trang Pagoda. Take a sampan experience by way of shady canals and go to a typical village to see the day by day actions of the native individuals.
Be taught extra concerning the Vietnam Battle (the American Battle) on the Cu Chi Tunnels. Be astounded by the ingenuity of the 200kms of underground tunnels that have been dug by Viet Cong fighters throughout the Vietnam Battle.
Locations to go to in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis – District 1
Those that wish to discover independently will discover an assortment of fascinating locations to go to in District 1, the center of town. Listed below are 10 of the very best issues to see in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Vietnam.
- Battle Remnants Museum
- Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Corridor
- The Rex Resort
- Independence Palace
- Bitexco Monetary Tower
- Saigon Skydeck
- Saigon Opera Home
- Ben Thanh Market
- Go to Bui Vien Avenue
- Take a Saigon Waterbus
Whenever you go to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis you’ll marvel on the beautiful French Colonial structure of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Corridor and Saigon Opera Home, buildings that pay tribute to the previous. Close by you can find ultramodern skyscrapers such because the Bitexco Monetary Tower, which stretch excessive into the sky to embrace Vietnam’s future.
For consumers, the distinction continues as you may have the selection of in search of trinkets in conventional lined markets or shopping for bargains in smooth fashionable malls that promote the highest designer manufacturers.
Foodies can get pleasure from an enormous array of worldwide cuisines or pattern native Vietnamese favourites. There’s something for each funds, from small household run eating places, avenue meals cart to positive eating eating places, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis will make your mouth water with delight. Listed below are just some of our favorite issues to see.
Battle Remnants Museum
When strolling the streets, it’s straightforward to overlook that town was as soon as a battleground. The autumn of Saigon was a victory for the Vietnamese individuals and the Vietnam Battle (American Battle) could be very a lot a part of town’s historical past.
For these interested by studying extra concerning the Vietnam Battle one of many prime issues to see in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is the Battle Remnants Museum. Advised from a Vietnamese perspective, the Battle Remnants Museum is a legacy to all these whose lives have been affected by this battle.
The museum has an array of plane, helicopters and tanks on show in addition to images that inform the story of the horrors of conflict. A go to to this museum is an emotional and thought-provoking journey and one which shouldn’t be missed when visiting.
Journey Tip – Taxi Rip-off at Battle Remnants Museum
Watch out for taxi scammers outdoors the Battle Remnants Museum, particularly the faux silver ‘taxi’ with Vinasun emblem and light-weight. Trusted taxi corporations are Vinasun and Mai Linh, each have taxi meters that must be turned on as quickly as you begin your journey. Vinasun taxis are white with inexperienced and crimson emblem, Mai Linh taxis have a inexperienced with white emblem.
Independence Palace
A brief stroll from the Battle Remnants Museum is the Independence Palace or Reunification Palace as it’s generally recognized. The Reunification Palace was constructed within the 1960’s and was the residence of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu till the autumn of Saigon on the thirtieth of April 1975.
The Reunification Palace is a novel time capsule to this era and a tribute to 1960’s structure and 1970’s model. The basement bunker is ready up as a conflict room full with radio transmitters and provides perception into wartime intelligence and communications throughout the Vietnamese Battle. The Reunification Palace must be on everybody’s checklist of locations to go to in Ho Chi Minh District 1.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Corridor (Saigon Metropolis Corridor)
Taking satisfaction and place on the prime of Nguyen Hue strolling avenue is Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Corridor. This beautiful instance of French Colonial structure options classical columns, statues, lace work and clock tower. Often known as the Individuals’s Committee Constructing, this elaborate confection overlooks a statue honouring President Ho Chi Minh, the Rex Resort and the gardens of the pedestrian avenue which stretches all the way down to the Saigon River.
The Rex Resort Saigon
The Rex Resort is a landmark that has its roots steeped in historical past. Beginning out as a French storage and dealership, the Rex Resort has undergone a string of transformations because it was first constructed in 1927.
In the course of the Vietnam Battle, the lodge was house to the American Army Command and a well-liked watering gap for conflict correspondents. The Rex Inns Rooftop Bar grew to become well-known or notorious for the conflict briefings or 5 O’clock Follies because the journalists of the time cynically dubbed them.
At present the Rooftop Backyard Bar continues to be a a lot beloved assembly place and shouldn’t be missed when visiting. Throughout glad hour you possibly can have fun your personal 5 O’clock Follies with a cocktail or beer whereas admiring views of Metropolis Corridor, Saigon Opera Home and the pedestrian avenue.
Click on right here to E book a keep on the Rex Resort
Saigon Opera Home
The Saigon Municipal Opera Home or the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis as it is usually recognized is a brief stroll from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Corridor and the Rex Resort. This lovely French colonial constructing welcomed in a brand new century when it opened on the first of January 1900.
The Opera Home will get its inspiration from the Opéra Garnier in Paris and is an ornate creation of Artwork Nouveau plasterwork, ornamental columns and angels. The Saigon Opera Home is throughout the street from Resort Continental Saigon and strolling distance to Parkson Saigon Vacationer Plaza and Vincom Middle department shops.
Bitexco Monetary Tower
Though now surpassed in peak by Landmark 81, the Bitexco Monetary Tower will nonetheless impress you. This beautiful architectural masterpiece gently curves making a pedestal for the uniquely designed helipad including an ultra-modern air to town skyline.
The Bitexco Monetary Tower is likely one of the greatest locations to see 360 diploma views of town, Saigon River and the needle like spire of Landmark 81. The Saigon Skydeck is positioned on the forty ninth flooring of the tower.
E book Now for Saigon Skydeck tickets
Saigon Waterbus
The Saigon River flows by way of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and among the finest methods to see it’s by catching a Saigon Waterbus. The Saigon Waterbus route begins at Bach Dang Wharf which is positioned alongside the waterfront between Nguyen Hue pedestrian avenue and the hanging Tran Hung Dao Statue.
Whenever you take the waterbus, you possibly can discover the river and see such sights as small boats and huge barges, neighbourhoods and Landmark 81, the tallest constructing in Vietnam. Tickets for the Saigon Waterbus can be found on the Bach Dang station.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Procuring
Procuring in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is a dream, small boutiques and curios outlets might be discovered throughout District 1, hidden gems simply ready to be explored. Additionally, you will discover fashionable buying malls and markets promoting a variety of merchandise to swimsuit each funds. Listed below are among the locations we found whereas visiting Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Division Shops
We had the pleasure of visiting three buying malls and department shops in District 1, all of which have been a brief stroll from Nguyen Hue pedestrian avenue. The Vincom Middle is an enormous mall which is simply steps away from Metropolis Corridor. The Vincom Middle options a big collection of designer model clothes, boutiques, espresso outlets and eating places.
Throughout the street from the Vincom Middle is Parkson Plaza, a division retailer that sells a wide variety of perfumes, cosmetics, clothes and jewelry. If you’re hungry make sure that to cease off on the meals courtroom on the higher ranges.
The Saigon Centre is an upmarket division retailer with a beautiful assortment of outlets and a big meals courtroom with an enormous vary of eating places serving a alternative of Vietnamese and worldwide cuisines.
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is an enormous market and a a lot beloved Ho Chi Minh Metropolis vacationer attraction. The market sells a variety of things together with ‘vintage’ porcelain, ‘designer luggage,’ clothes, luxurious textiles, baggage, souvenirs and rather more. There may be additionally a avenue meals part, the place to attempt low cost however scrumptious native Vietnamese delicacies. Ben Thanh Market is energetic and a enjoyable place to absorb somewhat native color. A go to to Ben Thanh Market is likely one of the prime issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Eating places and Bars
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is a world eating capital and a delight for any meals lover. Vietnamese delicacies is world well-known and among the finest issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is to get out and uncover the tastes of Vietnam.
Whenever you go to you can be spoilt for alternative as there are a number of eating choices that may take you from avenue cart, small household run eating places to a positive eating expertise that may have you ever sampling dishes from all around the world. Listed below are a few of our favorite eating choices in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Dinner Cruise in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
If you’re planning a visit to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, make sure that to contemplate a dinner cruise tour. Throughout our go to, we determined to take a Viator dinner cruise, and we discovered it to be a enjoyable approach to uncover town, its tradition and delicacies. Here’s a glimpse our dinner cruise expertise.
Boarding our cruise, we set sail on our journey alongside the Saigon River. On deck we admired the colourfully lit buildings and watched boats make their method down river. Within the distance Landmark 81, the tallest constructing in Vietnam, shone shiny white in opposition to the night sky.
Quickly it was time for the leisure to start. Performers wearing Vietnamese costume sang and danced to the rhythmic twang of conventional Vietnamese music, setting the temper for the night. Whereas watching the present we ate a scrumptious vary of dishes which have been served at intervals all through the present. Between programs we watched the brilliant lights of town recede and shortly we have been dwarfed by giant cargo ships. The meals have been beneficiant, standout dishes have been the Steamed Dieu Hon Fish which was completely cooked and expertly deboned by our server.
Our Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Dinner Cruise Menu
- Spring Rolls with Seafood
- Fried Pasted Fish with Bread
- Seafood Soup with Enoki and Quail Egg
- Fried Shrimp with Black Pepper
- Steamed Dieu Hong Fish Teochew Model
- Roasted Hen Legs and Fried Sticky Rice
- Sautéed Noodle with Blended Vegetable & Mushroom
- Crepe with Lemon Sugar
After dinner, the actual enjoyable started as we danced the evening away to a wonderful collection of rock classics, the proper finish to an unforgettable evening.
Chanh Bistro Rooftop LLT
The Chanh Bistro Rooftop LLT is positioned on the highest flooring at 215 Ly Tu Tong in District 1. The bistro has a relaxed ambiance with views overlooking a surprising French colonial constructing and the busy avenue under.
Chanh Bistro Rooftop LLT has a fantastic collection of worldwide and vegetarian choices. Alan tried the salmon which was superbly cooked, and I attempted beef stroganoff which was creamy with a wealthy beef flavour. The meal and ambiance have been so good we made positive to return earlier than leaving.
Avenue Meals Carts and Markets
For the funds aware there are avenue meals carts and markets promoting scrumptious Vietnamese favourites reminiscent of Pho, a noodle soup with a collection of meats, Banh Mi, a baguette with fillings which can be a fusion of Vietnamese and French components and Banh Xeo a crispy Vietnamese crepe stuffed together with your alternative of components.
Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s District 1 is known for its nightlife and the selection of bars and nightclubs are countless. Right here is likely one of the bars we sampled throughout our keep.
Go to Malt in District 1
Malt sits within the coronary heart of District one and has a relaxed pleasant ambiance. Whenever you go to you’ll uncover a implausible vary of native craft beers and ciders which showcase the style of Saigon. If you’re feeling peckish there’s a good collection of bar bites that may fulfill even the biggest urge for food. Malt is a enjoyable place to calm down with a drink and study the finer factors of shuffleboard.
Bui Vien Strolling Avenue
For the evening owl no journey to Saigon could be full with no go to to Bui Vien Strolling Avenue. Within the night, the eateries and bars of Bui Vien Avenue come alive to the brilliant lights and the thump of music, making it the proper place to launch your internal social gathering animal.
Day Journeys from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
There are an excellent vary of fascinating day excursions from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis that give perception into Vietnamese rural life and historical past. Widespread sightseeing excursions from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis embody the Cu Chi Tunnels tour and the Mekong Delta tour. We selected to take a Mekong Delta Tour and totally loved it.
Mekong Delta Tour
We took the one and a half hour journey from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis to the Mekong Delta the place we boarded a motorboat to the villages of My Tho and Ben Tre. As soon as on the village we had a busy day studying about bees and sampling honey at a honey farm. We tried coconut sweet and a wide range of Vietnamese fruits whereas being entertained with conventional Vietnamese music.
One of many highlights of the day was a sampan experience by way of palm shaded canals. Our boats have been rowed by girls sporting conventional Vietnamese clothes and conical bamboo hats referred to as Non La. As we quietly drifted upstream, we caught glimpses of daily life throughout the small villages that lined the riverbank.
Quickly we returned to the motorboat to proceed our experience up the Mekong River the place we visited a floating fish farm. After the fish farm we stopped off for a five-course lunch which highlighted an assortment of native delicacies.
On our method again we visited the tranquil gardens of the Vinh Trang Pagoda. This huge Buddhist temple complicated homes many lovely effigies of Buddha, our favorite being the seated Pleased Buddha.
We actually loved our day on the Mekong Delta. You will see that just a few completely different variations to the excursions that go to this space. Some embody a go to to the markets and cooking demonstrations, simply decide the one which fits you.
When you have extra time within the area you might need to contemplate taking one of many longer Mekong River cruises between Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and Siem Reap in Cambodia. A few of these Mekong River cruises provide facet journeys to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Website.
Click on right here to e book your tour of Mekong Delta
Inns in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
If you’re in search of excellent accommodations in District 1, we are able to extremely advocate a number of accommodations that provide a alternative of various types and budgets. We’ve got stayed in any respect these accommodations and located them to be in good places throughout District 1.
Grand Resort Saigon Overview
Constructed within the 1930’s the Grand Resort Saigon is split into luxurious and historical wings. We selected to remain within the historical wing and have been charmed by the previous world model. We chosen an government room which gave us entry to government lounge privileges which included free Pleased Hour drinks and finger meals within the accommodations Sky Lounge. The Grand Resort Saigon is in a fantastic place and is inside straightforward strolling distance to many Ho Chi Minh Metropolis points of interest District 1.
Learn our evaluation of the Grand Resort Saigon click on right here.
Click on right here to e book Grand Resort Saigon
The Rex Resort Saigon is an icon that’s stuffed with historical past. Inside you can find an assortment of room types and selection of onsite eating places. The Rex Resort Saigon can also be house to the Rooftop Backyard Bar which was well-known for internet hosting the ‘5 O’clock Follies’ throughout the Vietnam Battle. The Rooftop Backyard Bar is a wonderful place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.
E book your keep on the Rex Resort at the moment
If you’re in search of a funds lodge in a fantastic location, you possibly can’t go previous the Oscar Saigon Resort. The lodge is in a wonderful place on Nguyen Hue pedestrian avenue, simply steps from City Corridor, The Rex Resort, Saigon Opera Home and the Bitexco Monetary Tower.
Click on right here to e book your keep at Oscar Saigon Resort
Cap City Resort Overview
For a clear, snug and fairly priced lodge in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s District 1 you possibly can’t go previous the Cap City Resort. Though an older lodge, the rooms are contemporary, clear and the workers are all the time useful and prepared with a smile. The lodge is in a implausible location, 350 metres from Ben Thanh Market and strolling distance to the Battle Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and City Corridor.
Click on right here to e book a keep on the Cap City Resort
Do you want a Visa for Vietnam?
Most guests to Vietnam would require a Visa. There are numerous choices accessible relying in your size of keep and nationality. Our most well-liked visa firm for is iVisa. They’re a properly revered firm and may simply prepare all of your visa necessities worldwide. Our article on Australians visa for Vietnam is an in-depth information together with display photographs of how to make sure you get the suitable visa in your go to.
Click on right here or fill within the kind under to seek out in case you want a visa for Vietnam and the fee.
Issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Airport
Taxis are available, there are cubicles contained in the airport promoting pay as you go taxi vouchers to the primary city space. Taxis are low cost and trusted taxi corporations embody Vinasun and Mai Linh Taxi each use the meter. The airport additionally has SIM card cubicles. Alternatively, we advocate buying an eSIM previous to arrival so you may have Web entry accessible as quickly as you arrive. You’ll be able to learn extra about the advantages of an eSIM in our article detailing the professionals and cons.
Do you want journey insurance coverage?
We all the time guarantee we’re adequately lined when travelling overseas. We wish to assume nothing will go mistaken, however you simply by no means know. We skilled disruptions to our journey plans after we have been delayed on account of a Hurricane which you’ll learn right here.
We’re so glad we select journey insurance coverage cowl as our declare was processed shortly and effectively and they’re our most well-liked journey insurance coverage firm.
Greatest time to go to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
When is the very best time to go to Vietnam? There are some things it is best to contemplate when planning a Vietnam journey. Like many Southeast Asian international locations, Vietnam’s climate is split into two seasons, the moist and dry season.
Though you possibly can go to at any time of 12 months, to get essentially the most out of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis sightseeing it’s advisable to return throughout the dry season. Within the dry season (December to April) the climate is mostly cooler and is the preferred time to go to. At the moment tourism is at its peak and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis points of interest and accommodations are packed so reserving is important.
Within the moist season (Could to November) tropical storms and excessive humidity make town much less snug. Visiting throughout the moist season is an possibility for the funds aware as Ho Chi Minh Metropolis accommodations and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis vacationer points of interest provide nice offers throughout this time. When you select to journey throughout the moist season, you will need to take a good high quality umbrella to maintain dry.
Final Phrases on issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
There may be a lot to see and do and it’s a disgrace that many individuals solely use Ho Chi Minh Metropolis as a steppingstone to Vietnam journey. Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is stuffed with vitality, a vibrant combine of latest and previous that may each attraction and excite guests to the area. Add a visit to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels and you’ll uncover why this metropolis is a prime vacationer vacation spot in Vietnam.
Important Vietnam journey merchandise
Defend your vacation with journey insurance coverage from Cowl-Extra – Click on right here for quote
Get your Vietnam visa on-line with our most well-liked associate – Click on right here for pricing and extra info
Keep up a correspondence and surf the Web with an eSIM in your cell units – Click on right here to pre-purchase earlier than your journey
Keep away from excessive forex conversion prices with a free Smart card to withdraw native forex at ATMs – Click on right here for extra info
You might also be interested by our different Vietnam guides
DaLat Vietnam points of interest – Metropolis of Everlasting Spring
The place to remain in Hoi An Vietnam
Hoi An Points of interest and issues to do
How greatest to spend 2 days in Hanoi
PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓
