Visit Ho Chi Minh City – a melting pot of culture and spirituality
While Asian cities in general are known for their exuberant traffic and swarming crowds, Ho Chi Minh City ranks high on spirituality, culture and history. The dynamic ethos of the city does not allow the tourist to sit back and relax, but compels the visitor to make the most of the Vietnamese holiday. So be ready to soak up culture, food, spirituality and traffic madness, all in one big breath!
Saigon to Ho Chi Minh – a historical journey
From a tiny fishing village to a major commercial hub, the city of Saigon witnessed some of the most historical transformations in the past few centuries. After the liberation of Vietnam in 1975, Saigon city was renamed in honour of the revered leader “Ho Chi Minh” in 1976. Today, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most vibrant cities in S-E Asia with powerful displays of its historical journey through the country’s struggles and victory.
The former port known as Saigon Port has been relocated 60 km to the southeast of the present Ho Chi Minh City. It is a major port-of-call for world cruise ships and boats from neighbouring countries. Visitors must be prepared to be confused, with the Ho Chi Minh City, still largely referred to as Saigon, and the Saigon Port as the “Port”.
When to go
When it comes to selecting a good time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, there is not much of a choice. The dry season of November to April is recommended, when humidity is moderate and you can avoid the hurricane season. However, the weather is extremely hot, ranging from 28 to 39 degree centigrade. With plenty of sites to visit, tourists must plan to visit the attractions during cooler hours and make the best of Vietnamese cuisine and spas during the sunny hours.
What to see
Ho Chi Minh City has diverse attractions and visitors will need to plan and prioritise. Are you a history-buff, and like to soak-in culture? Then, Ho Chi Minh City with its scores of museums, colonial architecture and sites of spiritualism, cannot disappoint you. The adventurous can take a tour of the port area and the legendary tunnel complex.
The following are some of the must-dos on your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary:
The Cu Chi Tunnels - A vast network of underground tunnels from the Vietnamese War, this is an absolute must-visit for both, a tunnel adventure and a peep into a carefully preserved slice of Vietnamese history.
The Independent Palace - Also known as the Reunification Palace, it is an important historical building where you can expect to learn about Vietnamese war and strategies. It is a must-see site highly recommended for every tourist.
Saigon Notre Dame Basilica - A grand contribution of 19th century French occupation, this cathedral is a popular tourist attraction.
You cannot visit Vietnam without seeing its majestic Buddhist temples, or pagodas. The Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda is an impressive seven-storey pagoda open to the public twice a month. Although the Jade Emperor Pagoda is the most popular among tourists, the Giac Lam Pagoda is the oldest and most beautiful, with 118 shrines and a bodhi tree with gardens. The Ba Thien Hau Pagoda is a beautiful temple dedicated to the Chinese goddess Thien Hau.
Ho Chi Minh City is also a city of museums, most of which host visual reminders of Vietnam’s challenging war history. The Ho Chi Minh City Museum showcases the city’s evolution and the War Remnants Museum documents the shocking and ghastly legacies of Vietnam’s wars. The three-storied Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts and the Museum of Vietnamese History are for visitors with an appreciation of art and crafts, while the Ao Dai Museum is a contemporary site tracing the history of Vietnamese costume.
What to do
Overcome the language barrier and discover the warmth and friendliness of Ho Chi Minh City. The friendly, easy-going nature of the urbanities sets the tone for the rest of your holiday plan. Listed below are some great activities to while your evenings away.
Shopping
Ho Chi Minh has plenty of markets that are largely for the locals. However, you can still shopfor souvenirs from antique and crafts shops, or perhaps get yourself a bespoke suit!
Spa treatment
Pamper yourself at a spa. Take-in a massage or a pedicure, at any of the spa centres.
Evening shows
Indulge in evening activities like the traditional theatre and puppetry shows in the city’s theatre halls.
Two-wheeler ride
Zip around on a two wheeler for a guided city tour and a motorbike experience.
River cruise
Take a river cruiseon a traditional dragon boat on the Saigon River that flows alongside the city.
Nightlife and food
Indulge in Ho Chi Minh City’s famous nightlife. Down beer at a rooftop bar, and sample the best of Saigon cuisine at its roadside stalls and popular seafood restaurants.
