Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city, located in its southern region and often referred to by its old name Saigon. It got its current name post the unification of North and South Vietnam in the 1970s, in honour of Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revolutionary leader and politician.
The city is located on the banks of the Saigon River and is defined by its chaotic roads, historical and cultural landmarks, modern skyscrapers, French-era architecture, Buddhist and Taoist temples, amazing nightlife and dining options. The bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh are great for walking tours and experiencing local life. Also, don’t forget to get on a riverboat cruise on the Saigon river, dine on top-notch food from the waterfront restaurants and enjoy a drink from a rooftop bar with splendid views of the city.
The Reunification Palace, previously known as the Independence Palace, holds an important place in Vietnamese history. The two decade long Vietnam War came to an end when tanks from North Vietnam drove into the then Independence Palace. After this, North and South Vietnam were unified once again as Vietnam. In fact, the tank that crashed the gates here in 1975 is still parked on the grounds! Apart from this, you will see stretches of lush gardens and lawns, command rooms, antique war equipment and an underground tunnel network.
The 68 storeyed Bitexco Financial Tower is an easily recognised landmark in the city’s skyline. The 262 metre high tower features a skydeck on the 49th floor, which offers amazing views of the city and the Saigon river. Apart from offices, some of the floors are also dedicated to shops and restaurants and the rooftop bar is quite popular.
The Saigon Opera House displays French architecture and was built in the late 19th-century resembling the Petit Palais in France. While it initially served as an opera house for French residents, it turned into the seat of the Lower House of the Assembly in the 1950s and again resumed its role as a theatre in 1975. You can visit the inside of the building only if you purchase a ticket for a show.
The market is located in the heart of the city and is a great place to shop for a wide range of authentic Vietnamese products. You can also experience the country’s famous street food as the market is also packed with food stalls and vendors.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a huge network of underground tunnels which were used by Vietnamese soldiers for military campaigns as communication, supply and emergency routes and hideouts during the Vietnam War. The extensive network that is open to tourists spreads over 120 km, but the original network is believed to extend over 250 km. Multiple sections of the tunnels are accessible to visitors and they can crawl through them to see the trapdoors, command rooms, sleeping quarters and kitchens. The tunnels allow people to gain a first-hand experience of the soldiers and the harsh conditions they lived in. The site also has a shooting range where visitors can pay to fire rifles like the M16.
Note that the tunnels are not ideal for those with breathing difficulties or claustrophobia.
The 18th-century Giac Lam Pagoda is one of the oldest Buddhist pagodas in the city and its name translates as ‘Feel the Woods Temple’. The shrine houses deities of Buddhism and Taoism and aspects of Confucianism. The pagoda complex also has beautiful gardens and a holy Bodhi tree which was gifted by a Sri Lankan monk in the 1950s.
Phoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda is one of the most visually pleasing pagodas in the city with shades of red, gold and yellow with a grey background. The interior of the pagoda features elaborate and intricate works of woodcarvings, ceramics, deities, lanterns, altars and columns, along with a thick cloud of incense smoke.
The Jade Emperor Pagoda is dedicated to one of the supreme deities of Taoism, the Jade Emperor, who is considered the King of Heaven. The pagoda was constructed in the early 20th-century by Chinese immigrants and houses deities, paintings and intricate wooden carvings of Buddhism and Taoism. The pagoda is marked by a strong fragrance of incense wafting through the air, elaborate architecture featuring red and gold shades and a tortoise pond.
The iconic Cathedral featuring Neo-romanesque architecture is one of the few reminders of Catholicism in Vietnam. It was constructed by the French in the late 19th-century and its building materials were imported from France. The main features of the cathedral include the twin bell towers that reach up to 60 metres, stunning stained glass windows and the red bricks from Marseille that make up the structure.
This is the city’s only Hindu temple and was built by traders from South India in the late 19th-century. It features typical South Indian temple architecture and is dedicated to Goddess Mariamman. The temple also houses deities of Shiva, Ganesha, Muruga, Lakshmi and others.
The War Remnants Museum, as the name states, narrates the long war history of the nation. It features tanks, weapons, fighter planes and tiger cages that were used to house prisoners and displays photographs that capture atrocities of the war.
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum is housed in a grand building featuring neoclassical architecture and mainly focuses on the cultural history of the nation. You will see ceramics, traditional costumes, archaeological artefacts, ancient maps and some military items on display.
The Museum of Vietnamese History displays artefacts ranging from the Bronze Age till the 20th-century and is housed in a building that displays a fusion of Vietnamese and French styles. The museum is surrounded by beautiful gardens and also has a theatre where you can witness the traditional water puppet show.
Apart from its commercial and historical significance, Ho Chi Minh City also presents Vietnam as a modern country that strongly holds on to its cultural roots. The dynamic city offers a wide range of exciting experiences for its visitors and is a true delight to explore.
Follow our blog for your daily dose of travel inspiration, information and tips. We try to publish atleast one article each day. Check this space for all the latest posts.
