Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City, formerly still known as Saigon, the largest city of Vietnam, with over 9 million people, can be an overwhelming sight, especially with over 7.5 million motorbikes weaving in and out of traffic. You may be surprised to see several passengers on one motorbike – children eating snacks, some sitting sideways, some barely hanging on, but quite at ease. After becoming a pro at crossing the street, you start to feel this vibrant city and appreciate its beautiful architecture.
What to see in Ho Chi Minh City?
Some not-to-miss sights include the Reunification Palace, an important Vietnamese landmark where you can step back in time to see banquet halls and government offices from decades ago and the skyscraper Bitexco Financial Tower, with its 360-degree panoramic views of the vibrant city below.
Some other beautiful architectural landmarks include Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Post Office, Jade Emperor Pagoda, Fine Arts Museum, the Saigon Opera House, especially Cho Lon, Chinese Town, Ben Thanh Market where you can experience Vietnamese Southern daily life, but also don’t forget to explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, an incredible underground tunnel network of approximately 200 kilometers constructed by Vietnamese fighters during the long struggle for independence. The War Remnants Museum is also a must-see Vietnam War Memorial which shows the Vietnamese viewpoint regarding the war in their country, very educational, yet often emotional and very worthwhile.
What are Ho Chi Minh City’s food specialities?
Ho Chi Minh City is known to have the best street food in Vietnam and the street markets there could easily fulfill your food fantasy. Delicious smells will possibly lead you to the Ho Thi Ky street food market with over 50 vendors, or possibly to Banh Mi Hong Hoa, where they make their own baguettes to create sandwiches of Banh Mi (pork with spices, shredded carrots and cucumbers, chili peppers, fish sauce and jalapenos).
You can spot banh mi sellers on almost every corner, as it is eaten all day long. Especially, known as the daily dishes of the locals in Ho Chi Minh City such as bánh xèo (southern-style savoury pancakes) and com tam (broken rice). Pho (noodle) is the dish that most tourists want, but also don’t forget to try some Bun Thit Nuong, (noodles, crushed peanuts, crunchy spring roll and grilled pork), reason to stay in Ho Chi Minh City an extra day!
Is it easy to travel to/from Ho Chi Minh City?
Yes, it is also easy to reach many other scenic destinations from Ho Chi Minh City by car or bus such as:
. Cu Chi Tunnels: 1hr 15min drive
. My Tho & Ben Tre of Mekong River Delta: 2hrs drive
. Mui Ne beach: 4hrs by car/ 5hrs by bus
. Ba Den Mountain: 2hrs drive
. Vung Tau beach: 2hrs drive
Tan Son Nhat International Airport is Ho Chi Minh City’s and Vietnam’s largest international airport; it is also simple to take a short flight from this large city to the most popular destinations both within and outside the region, such as:
. Phu Quoc island/ Con Dao island: 45min flight
. Nha Trang (the city of beach): 1hr flight
. Danang/ Hue (the central of Vietnam): 1hr flight
. Hanoi (the north of Vietnam): 2hrs flight
. Bangkok, Thailand: 1hr 15min flight
. Singapore: 2hrs flight
. Siem Reap, Cambodia: 1hr flight
What’s the weather in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City is belonged to Southern Vietnam, Southern Vietnam’s hot and dry season starts in November and finishes at the end of April, often reaching around 85°F. Rain falls between May and October, but the weather still remains warm, usually between 77°F and 90°F.
Generally, Saigon is warm all year, with an average humidity level of 75%, and an average temperature of 28 C or 82 F. In this city, a year is divided into two distinct seasons: rainy and dry season.
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Top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
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Thien Hau Pagoda Thien Hau Pagoda or it is also still called Ba Pagoda of Chinese is...
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Chinese town Chinese Town in Ho Chi Minh City is located at 05 District, a part...
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Saigon Post Office Saigon Post Office is one of the symbol of Ho Chi Minh City or...
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The Jade Emperor Pagoda The Jade Emperor Pagoda is locate at No. 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, 01...
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War Remnants Museum War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is considered as one of the...
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Ben Thanh Market Ben Thanh market is located right nearby Quach Thi Trang square and the park...
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Independence Palace Independence Palace is one of the famous historical relics not only in Ho Chi...
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Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral has been passed over 100 years and 3 centuries, but...
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Cu Chi Tunnels Cu Chi Tunnels is located in Cu Chi District, it is far from Ho...