September 28, 2011

Ho Chi Minh City - Things to do

Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon is a wonderful city to explore. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

Cu Chi Tunnels


Be amazed at the complex of underground tunnels used during the Vietnam War. Over 200 kms long, up to three levels deep built by the Viet Cong VC in their fight for independence. Definitely not for the claustrophobic as you crawl through these dark tiny tunnels entering supply rooms, living quarters and kitchens. The true horror of the Cu Chi area cannot be relived today. The area has refoliated and villages have sprung up deceiving the visitor of what actually happened in this area. Examples of the traps used to catch unsuspecting enemy are chilling. There is a rifle range where you can fire guns such as AK47s and M16s. To constant rifle fire gives the whole village a surreal and disturbing ambience.

Address: www.cuchitunnel.org.vn

Try the Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Experience with Urban Adventures

War Remnants Museum

Definitely controversial. This museum specialises in the collection and preservation of evidence about Vietnam war crimes and the consequences. Not for the feint hearted. Images, videos, voice recordings and displays are quite confronting depicting the horror of Vietnam’s conflicts. A visit to this museum will change your life. Be warned.

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Reunification Palace


Reunification Palace is one the most important buildings in Ho Chi Minh City not only because of its striking modern architecture but it was the site where Vietnam war ended. Then known as the Independence Palace or Presidential Palace is where the first communist tanks to arrive in Saigon crashed through the wrought iron gates. The rest is history!

Address: 133 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ho Chi Minh City

Notre Dame Cathedral


This French-built cathedral occupies scenic Paris Square in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City with its two bell towers dominating the city skyline. This cathedral is impressive on the outside but lacks the guilt and gold Westerners have come to expect in a European Cathedral. Sadly its somewhat dark and grey on the inside but it’s amazing that this fine structure has survived. Daily services are held.

Central Post Office


Designed by Gustave Eiffel (of the Eiffel tower), Ho Chi Minh City’s Central Post Office is a classic example of the French colonial style, featuring an elegant interior with a vaulted glass canopy ceiling, complete with a gigantic portrait of Ho Chi Minh.

Ben Thanh Market


Located right in the center of Ho Chi Minh City this vibrant market sells all manner of goods. It’s open till late and you can buy practically anything you want. Bargaining is a must and even if shopping is not your thing it’s quite fun to sightsee the people, aromatic smells and general bustle of activity

Address: District 1. 700m southwest of Rex Hotel

Eating


Both Vietnamese and Western food is widely available in Ho Chi Minh City. “Pho” - A staple of Vietnamese cuisine, is a Vietnamese noodle soup served with herbs, rice noodles and your choice of either beef or Chicken. Try a “Banh Mi” sandwich. A legacy of French rule, combines both French and Vietnamese ingredients to make a very tasty sandwich. Seafood is also abundant and delicious in Vietnam.

Try the Saigon Street Food by Night Experience with Urban Adventures

Don’t get run over

Crossing the road in Ho Chi Minh City is always a calculated risk. There are over four million registered motorbikes in the city and it seems they are all out just when you want to get to the other side of the road. It takes a bit of practice and courage and don’t be deterred by the horns honking as there’s no such thing as giveway. It’s push, shove and who dares wins. The key is to pick a break in traffic, grab that moment, step off the kerb, keep walking and DON”T STOP. The traffic will flow around you (and this is at a zebra crossing!) good luck.
 
Mekong Delta Tour – Day tour


Escape the hustle of the city and take a scenic drive through the Mekong Delta and journey down the narrow tree lined canals on board a sampan. Visitors can opt for a one day or a multi-day tour of the vast Mekong Delta where residents still live in stilt houses or on boats and shop in floating markets.

Try the Ho Chi Minh Mekong Discovery Tour with Urban Adventures


Contact Vietnam Tourism
www.vietnamtourism.com


GETTING THERE

Fly to Vietnam with Vietjet

The new-age carrier Vietjet has not only revolutionized the aviation industry in Vietnam but also been a pioneering airline across the region and around the world. With a focus on cost management ability, effective operations, and performance, applying the latest technology to all activities and leading the trend, Vietjet offers flying opportunities with cost-saving and flexible fares as well as diversified services to meet customers’ demands.

Vietjet is a fully-fledged member of International Air Transport Association (IATA) with the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. As Vietnam’s largest private carrier, the airline has been awarded the highest ranking for safety with 7 stars by the world’s only safety and product rating website airlineratings.com and listed as one of the world's 50 best airlines for healthy financing and operations by Airfinance Journal in many consecutive years. The airline has also been named as Best Low-Cost Carrier by renowned organizations such as Skytrax, CAPA, Airline Ratings, and many others.

No comments:

Support Traveloscopy - Support Responsible Travel.

Traveloscopy is a freelance journalism enterprise supporting the tourism and travel industries. We aim to encourage people to travel thoughtfully and responsibly and also support sustainable initiatives within the travel sector. You can help us cover our operating costs, even if in just a small way.

Last 30 Days' Most Popular Posts