Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam. Previously, it was known as Prey Nokor, and then it was renamed Saigon. In 1976, Saigon was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City (in honor of the first president of Vietnam), although the name Saigon is still widely used among the local population.
The largest city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) of Vietnam is an industrial, commercial, transport and tourist center. He did not lose his historical identity and preserved many architectural monuments, famous historical places and picturesque corners of nature.
Sights of Saigon (Vietnam)
The city is decorated with elegant boulevards and historic French colonial buildings. Most of the tourist spots are located in District 1. The most famous buildings in the city center are the Uprising Palace, City Hall, City Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral. In a building built during the French colonial era, the Majestic Hotel is located. And the Rex and Caravel hotels in the past were places where American officers and war correspondents gathered.
There are many different museums in the city: Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Vietnam History Museum, Museum of Fine Arts. Popular among tourists are the Saint-Seine Park, the Suyi-Tin Amusement Park and the beach resort.
In addition to the City Theater, there are other places of entertainment in the city. There are dozens of movie theaters in Ho Chi Minh City. The majority of private film companies in Vietnam are located here. There are many restaurants in the city that serve typical Vietnamese dishes, but most often tourists visit the West Quarter restaurant. According to international statistics, in 2017, more than 6 million tourists visited Ho Chi Minh City.
Tunnels Ku Chi - war monument
Ku Chi tunnels are a huge underground network of tunnels. During the Vietnam War, they were the site of several military operations and were used by soldiers as shelters during the battle, served as communication channels and the provision of food and medicine, and were a temporary residence for numerous Vietnamese fighters.
Life in the tunnels was complicated: little air, scarce food, an abundance of poisonous insects. During the bombing, people remained underground for several days. Currently, a tourist attraction is organized in some parts of the tunnels. Visiting tunnels is one of the main tourist excursions in Saigon (Vietnam).
Museums
The War Crimes Museum is one of the most shocking places in Saigon. The main part of the exhibits is documents and photographs testifying to crimes and atrocities during the war. Around the museum in an open area exhibited samples of military equipment, and in a separate room - models of instruments of torture. This place is far from positive emotions, but it must be visited to get to know the history of the Vietnamese people.
Ho Chi Minh Museum His expositions are associated with the life and years of the reign of the Vietnamese leader. One of the noteworthy points is the architecture of the museum building, which is a mixture of Vietnamese and French styles.
Museum of Vietnamese History. A large collection of historical objects from different eras is exhibited here. Among them are very ancient works of art. Of particular interest to tourists are the performances of the puppet theater on the water.
Theaters and Temples
The Ho Chi Minh City Theater (Saigon Opera) was built by the French architect Eugene Ferret in 1897. At first, the building was the House of the Lower Chamber of South Vietnam, and since 1975 it has become a theater. Vietnamese musicians and actors perform on its stage, presenting famous performances, operas and ballet parties.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is located in the city center and is its hallmark. Thousands of tourists come here every year to make a photo shoot of the most magnificent cathedral in Asia. In the courtyard of the cathedral is a statue of the Virgin Mary, which looks very exotic among the Asian surroundings. Many believe that the statue was streamed in 2005.
The Cao Dai Temple is famous for being the center of the religious movement of Caodaism, which is common in southern Vietnam. Daily ceremonies are held in the temple that you can watch. It is only necessary to adhere to certain rules: you can’t talk loudly and move around the hall, shoes must be removed, and clothes should cover your knees.
Turtle Pagoda. This is an old building, erected in 1909. In front of the pagoda, two pools were built, in one of which turtles live. Here you can buy small turtles and release them into the pool.
Biteksko Tower. This is the tallest building in the city. On the 49th floor there is a panoramic observation deck with stunning views of the city.
Parks and Markets
One of the best places to have fun is the zoo. Its territory is very large, many animals live directly in the open. And in the botanical garden species of exotic plants are represented.
Amusement park Suoi Tien Park. On its territory there is a water park, a dolphinarium, an amusement park and a zoo. There are also several restaurants and cafes, souvenir tents. Entrance to the park is paid, riding on rides is paid extra.
Ben Tang Market. This is a favorite place for tourists. You can find anything on the market: souvenirs, clothes, herbal teas and traditional medicine potions. Prices are very low, you just have to be able to bargain.
Chinatown. This is a colorful and interesting area, where there are many Chinese shops, there are several temples and markets.
Fans of a drink such as beer, arriving in Saigon, fall into their element. Cheap beer can be bought at any store or shop. In Vietnam, Saigon beer is considered the most popular low-alcohol drink. It is available in three types - the budget option (Lager), medium (Export) and elite (Premium). The cost varies from 7,000 to 33,000 dong (from 19 to 90 rubles) per 450 ml bottle.
Excursions in Saigon (Vietnam)
A huge number of excursions are offered in Saigon: you can explore not only the southern part of Vietnam, but also visit Cambodia or Laos, which are located in the neighborhood. You can buy a tour at any travel agency of the city. The only drawback is that all excursions will be in English.
Tunnel excursion
We have already told you what the Ku Chi tunnels are. They are located outside the city. During trips here, tourists are offered not only to look at the exhibits, but also to go down underground themselves. The program also includes watching a documentary, visiting a shooting range and tasting local drinks. The duration of the tour is a whole day, and the cost starts from $ 4 (245 rubles).
Mekong River Travel
This is a famous and popular trip. During the tour, tourists visit fish farms, factories for the production of rice noodles and canned food, floating markets, as well as many historical and cultural attractions. The price of this tour depends on its duration.
City tour
City tour includes visits to famous markets and other city attractions. It costs about 6 dollars (about 370 rubles), not counting the cost of entrance tickets to museums. Beach excursions in Mui Ne and Nha Trang include visits to beaches and some attractions.
Other countries
A trip to Cambodia is a rather expensive tour, but very interesting. It provides an opportunity to see the famous Ankor and Phnom Penh. To visit Cambodia, you must additionally apply for a visa, the cost of which is not included in the tour.
No less popular excursions in Ho Chi Minh City are:
- A trip to the mango thickets.
- Evening river cruise.
- Visit to the puppet show.
- Golf Tours.
The best hotels of Saigon
Majestic Saigon 5 * Hotel is located in District 1 and is ideal for exploring the city. The hotel offers a wide range of services and the most comfortable accommodation. There is free internet, 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping. After a hectic day, guests can relax at the spa, by the pool or in the hot tub.
"Continental Hotel Saigon 4 *" - a hotel with helpful staff. Each room is equipped with a flat-screen TV, tea station. For complete relaxation, the hotel offers access to the spa, massage and sauna.
Street safety
In their reviews of Saigon (Vietnam), tourists share safety tips:
- It is not recommended to use a telephone or camera in busy streets.
- It’s better to keep small money in your pockets so that you don’t get your wallet again.
- The bag is best carried in front.
- In Saigon (Vietnam), photographing government buildings is strictly prohibited.
Travelers should be vigilant, being in the tourist areas, where the majority of minor street thefts happen.
In general, according to tourists, Saigon gives the impression of a city of contrasts. On the positive side, low prices, an abundance of delicious food, interesting sights and excellent shopping can be noted.
As disadvantages, Russian tourists note:
- Dirt in the streets.
- Too busy traffic, traffic rules are not respected by all drivers.
- The streets are very noisy, crowded.
- Hot climate.
Also, all tourists note a large number of bikes on the roads and poorly developed infrastructure of the city.