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Jan

10

Ho Chi Minh City Travel & Sightseeing Guide

Filed Under Vietnam

A trip to Ho Chi Minh City
Having recovered from the war in the 1970s, the city formerly known as Saigon has transformed itself into a major regional economic centre and the largest city in Vietnam while still maintaining a wealth of heritage. With its large international airport, Ho Chi Minh City has become increasingly well connected to the world with flights now heading beyond Southeast Asia. Among the more interesting sights and attractions are the numerous relics from the Vietnam War which continue to fascinate western visitors in particular.

Flights to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City’s sole airport is Tan Son Nhat, the largest in Vietnam and the principal hub of national carrier Vietnam Airlines which flies to Beijing, Frankfurt and Sydney from here among around 25 destinations. International Terminal 2 receives a number of major regional airlines such as Air China, EVA Air and Thai Airways. The airport is also beginning to receive low-cost carriers such as Jetstar with flights to Sydney airport from Ho Chi Ming City. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Ho Chi Minh City try Expedia. Getting to the airport has become much easier thanks to a new shuttle bus service with regular buses making the 30-minute journey into the city. Taxis are also available.

Around the city most locals use motorbikes. Travellers however should stick to the traditional and fast-disappearing cyclos, or to taxis. New buses have also been introduced, if you can understand the network.

Ho Chi Minh City

Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City
Reunification Palace is one of the sightseeing highlights of Ho Chi Minh City, a converted building that is straight out of the 1960s. This used to be the Presidential Palace when Vietnam was divided. The propaganda here and at the War Remnants Museum gives the Vietnamese perspective, even if it is a little one-sided. For the obligatory photo of Ho Chi Minh and his statue, head to City Hall.

The city also boasts a wealth of attractive temples and colonial churches to visit such as the Notre Dame Cathedral from the French era and Thien Hau Pagoda with its detailed wall sculptures.

Fun by night – eating drinking and partying
Eating out in Vietnam’s second city is a delight. You will be pleasantly surprised by the tasty local food which is available for just a few dollars or less. The street stalls offer the best value and often most authentic dishes. Expect noodles galore, a variety of weird and wonderful cooked meats and a hint of French influence in the many baguettes you’ll come across. The top restaurants here offer French and Italian cuisine mainly and there are some impressive top-end Vietnamese places to try too.

Drinking at a cheap beer and food stall in the city means picking up some of the cheapest drinks you’ll find anywhere in the world and the beer is good too, served cold and on tap. Coffee shops remain popular and there is an ever-growing bar circuit which is centred on Pham Ngu Lao Street and Ly Thu Trung. In truth though, a drink can be found anywhere in the city.

Fun by day - shopping and activities
When in Ho Chi Minh City, avoid the shops and department stores and head straight for the markets which have a much better range of goods at more reasonable prices. Ben Thanh Market is the largest in the city and a good place to start bargain-hunting. War buffs will no doubt head to Cholon’s War Surplus Market, while Saigon Square attracts the younger crowd with clothes, DVDs and music on sale.

Daytrips
The Cu Chi Tunnels are the main sight within reach of Ho Chi Minh City. They are the infamous series of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. Although the tunnels extend for hundreds of miles, you will only be able to see small sections, but these do include the interesting parts. The tunnels are just 25 miles from the capital and can be done on a daytrip.

The Mekong Delta lies everywhere to the south of town and is an area of extensive waterways and cruising. Tours along the veins and canals of the delta are all the rage. You will get to see the stunning landscape of the region on a daytrip as well as many traditional villages.

Another of Ho Chi Minh’s major nearby sights is Vung Tau, a coastal town with loads of fine beaches and attractions. Chief among these are the Giant Jesus and the lighthouse and there are lots of entertainment options. Get here by hydrofoil from Ho Chi Minh in an hour.

Must-see attractions
Of Ho Chi Minh’s many must-see attractions, the Reunification Palace is one of the most visited. It tells the story of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective and comes complete with startling images and a series of tunnels under the palace. The tanks that crashed through the gates in 1975 remain on the forecourt.

Notre Dame Cathedral is a neo-Romanesque structure in a pretty area of town (Dong Khoi), a red-brick building which harks back to the days of the French colonialists and features two spires. Another must-see place of worship in town is the Xa Loi Pagoda, a Buddhist shrine with a seven-tiered pagoda that houses a Buddha relic.

The General Post Office is a wonderful example of French colonialism, designed as it was by one Gustav Eiffel. Another must-see in town is the City Zoo. Although the zoo is way below par by Western standards, it gives you a chance to see the indigenous animals of Vietnam.

Best time to go
South Vietnam has wet and dry seasons, with the wet from May to November and the dry season from December to April. June is the wettest month while February is the coolest. The best time to come to Ho Chi Minh weather wise is sometime towards the end of the dry season (in February or March) although you can also expect high tourist numbers.

Rainy day suggestions
Rainy day suggestions in Ho Chi Minh include the thought-provoking War Crimes Museum, highlighting war crimes committed (in the eyes of the Vietnamese) by US forces during the war. The Art Museum is a little more laid back than the former although tends to linger on the theme of the military. The top floor is the most interesting, with its wooden Buddhas and revealing artwork.

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