Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh
Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh…
With a population of over 9 million people, Ho Chi Minh, also known as Saigon, is the most popular city in all of Vietnam. Located in southeastern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh surrounds the Saigon River, which empties into the East Sea just north of the Mekong Delta.
As one of the biggest cities in the country, there is enough to keep you busy for DAYS! Here are some of the most popular attractions in all of Ho Chi Minh and ones that I highly recommend visiting.
TOP ATTRACTIONS
Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta is located in southern Vietnam consists of numerous rivers, swamps, islands, floating markets, pagodas, and villages which are all surrounded by rice paddies. As one of the biggest attractions in all of Ho Chi Minh, I highly recommend taking a boat tour through the delta. There are so many to pick from but this is one of the most popular.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Used during the Vietnam War, Communist guerrilla troops, also known as Viet Cong, dug tens of thousands of miles of tunnels, underneath the Cu Chi district northwest of Saigon. Soldiers used these tunnels to house troops, transport communications and supplies, lay booby traps and mount surprise attacks, after which they could disappear underground to safety. If you are wanting to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, I recommend joining a tour group for the day since they are located about 2 hours outside of Ho Chi Minh. During these tours you will be able walk the compound, walk through some of the tunnels and gain so much knowledge. I personally went with this tour company from Ho Chi Minh that took us to the tunnels and back but there are also other tours that have a combo ticket with a tour of the Mekong Delta as well (like this one).
War Remnants Museum
Just like the Cu Chi Tunnels, the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh is a must if you are looking to learn more about the Vietnam War. There are multiple exhibits relating to the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War which can take a couple of hours to get through. There is an enterence fee of 15,000 VND (about $.65).
Ben Thanh Market
The first word that comes to mind when I think about the Ben Thanh Market is WOW! This place is like no other. Full of thousands of little market booths, you are sure to find that Rolex watch or Gucci belt that you have always wanted at a bargain price (a dupe of course)!! If you are going to visit the market, be sure to bring cash, keep a close eye on your personal items, and BARGAIN… never buy anything at the price they ask for, they love to over charge (I got a Fjallraven backpack down from $40 to $10). This is also the place to buy the infamous elephant pants so be on the lookout (expect to pay anywhere from $2-$5 a pair). There is also some amazing food here, be prepared to spend a couple hours just walking around.
The Independence Palace
Designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ, the Independence Palace was used as the home and workplace of the South Vietnam President during the Vietnam War. If you are wanting to explore the palace a little more, there is a audio tour that you can purchase for a small fee.
Central Post Office
Constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century, this beautiful building is located in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, the city’s cathedral (also recommended). You do not need much time here but it’s fun to send a post card back home!
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
Built between 1863 and 1880, the Church of Saigon was established by the French colonist who initially named the building the Church of Saigon. Now known as the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, this beautiful church is located in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh and is a Must see for everyone!
Tan Dinh Church
If you’ve never seen a pink church, this is the place to see one! Tân Định church is a Roman Catholic church located in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Its formal name is the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Food Tour by Scooter
A food tour by scooter is a MUST!!! My friends and I booked a tour during one of our last night in the city and we had the most amazing time ever. We used this company and I could not recommend them enough. All 9 of us had our own driver and we stopped at 8 different food joints that we would have never known about if it wasn’t for them. We had some of the best food on the entire trip and you cannot beat the price!!
WHERE TO STAY
For the most part, hotels in Ho Chi Minh are fairly inexpensive. If you are going with a big group of people, Airbnb may also be a good place to find a nice size apartment in the city that all of you can stay in. For solo/small groups and families, these are the best hotels, in my opinion, to stay at in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam.
Located in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City, near a variety of conveniences for traveler and businessman alike, within walking distance of most major attractions, festivals and events, this is the perfect hotel if you are looking for more of a family hotel.
Walking distance to Saigon River, Ho Chi Minh Status square, Opera House, Ben Thanh market, Ho Chi Minh City town hall, Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace, Palace Hotel Saigon is the perfect place to stay if you are looking for a convenient location.
Located right on the river, this is the perfect hotel if location is what you are looking for. The Hotel Grand Saigon is great for travelers of all types (families, friends, individuals) and is surrounded by local shops and restaurants. You can’t beat the price!
Hostels
If you are a solo traveler, or just looking for a more budget friendly option, hostels are the way to go. Long Hostel, Coco Hostel Bar, and Vietnam Guide Home are some of the best and on average cost about $6 a night!
HO CHI MINH’S BEST EATS
This was the first place that I ever ate in Vietnam and it was one of my favorite meals of the entire trip. There are a few different combos to pick from and they all range between $3-$5. I definitely recommend giving this place a try!
If you are looking for more food options, the Ben Thanh Street Food Market is the place for you! With about 100 different vendors, there is bound to be something for everyone. My friends and I ended up eating here on two different occasions and we loved it.
BÁNH XÈO (Vietnamese crepes)
Papaya Salad
Coconut Milk Rice
VIETNAM TRAVEL GUIDES
