Ho Chi Minh Travel Guide from A to Z

Ho Chi Minh City The Pearl of The Far East

Considered as the Pearl of Far East, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), with more than 300 years of development, has many ancient architectural constructions and renowned sights. Its culture is the blending of traditional values with northern and western cultural features.

Introduction

The City is a trade, industrial, scientific, technical and cultural center and one of the largest tourist centers in Viet Nam.

Ho Chi Minh City attractions are a vibrant mix of tradition and modern, with well-preserved colonial structures and war relics from the devastating Vietnam War as well as sleek skyscrapers, elegant sports clubs, and expansive shopping malls against a metropolis backdrop. Great for immersing in the local culture, no two districts are the same in Ho Chi Minh City and there are plenty of ornate pagodas and Buddhist temples to visit and photograph as well.

Drawing legions of tourists each year, Ho Chi Minh City is also fitted with a wide array of accommodation options of varying price range and styles while unique modes of transportation such as motorcycle taxis and cyclos make it relatively easy to explore the city center and beyond. From the ornate Mariamman Hindu Temple to the War Remnants Museum, there seems to be an endless list of what to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Short facts

  • Riverside / Notre Dame Cathedral / Nguyen Hue Street / Ben Thanh Market / Chinese Area District 5 / Western Quarter / Independence Palace / Suoi Tien / Cu Chi Tunnels
  • Saigon broken rice / Fish noodle / Nam Vang rice noodle / Beef jerky / Dumpling / Mixed rice paper / Broken rice bread /
  • Tan Son Nhat International Airport Transfers

How to get to Ho Chi Minh city

  • Airplane: This is the fastest and most convenient way. Ho Chi Minh City has a super-wide airport, divided into two separate terminals: International Terminal and Domestic Terminal which is enough to accommodate all non-stop flights from domestic regions and from all over the world.You can find any flight to Ho Chi Minh City of any airline, including Bamboo Airways with many special promotions in a year to get ready for your trip to the City.
  • Train: you can choose the means with the route North – South. However, it takes you a lot of time and can be annoyed its noise.
  • Car: You can also go to Ho Chi Minh City by private car or bus. But it also takes you a lot of time on the way.

Weather

Ho Chi Minh City weather is equatorial with high temperature in a year. The average annual temperature is at 27.96oC, the highest level in April (30.5oC) and the lowest level in December (26 oC). In general, the city’s temperature is quite high, but the sunlight is not as harsh as the North, also not as hot as the Central. There are two distinct seasons here: rainy season and dry season. Normally, the rainy season occurs from May to November, the dry season lasts from December to April next year.

Dry season from December to April of next year: This is the perfect time for you to discover the culture, to experience the exciting and vibrant lifestyle in Ho Chi Minh City.

Rainy season from May to November: If you love moments of tranquility and romance, this is not a great time. But do not forget to bring an umbrella!

Getting around

You can go around the city with many options :

  • Taxi: is popular at any where in the city. The service is safer than other public transportations and very convenient to avoid hot weather or sudden rains. But it is quite costly!
  • Motorbike taxi service: is very popular and convenient vehicle for travelers to go to everywhere, even small corners, alleys in the city. Hence, You can explore other sides in local lifestyle.
  • Bus: is a cheap public transportation at VND 5,000 – 6,000 / route. It’s very crowded, even theft appearance on rush hours.
  • Pedicab: is a tourist-favourite vehicle to enjoy leisurely the streets on a classic vehicle with a memorable experience.

Must-visited sites

  • The City Post Office: This is one of the places that draws the attention of domestic and foreign tourists, is designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1891. The Saigon Central Post Office is a spectacular renaissance architecture in Vietnam. You can see the curved windows, a big clock and a national flag above the main entrance. The post office is opened all days of week.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral : is located near the post office, in the center of District 1, a popular destination for Saigon youth as well as domestic and international tourists. The Cathedral is not only a famous art architecture but also a historical symbol of Ho Chi Minh City since Vietnam war against the French with changes and development of the city throughout the years.
  • Ben Thanh market : is one of the most prominent symbols when referring to this city for the tourists with various fashion costumes, souvenirs or cuisines.
  • Museum of Vietnamese History: unveils the country’s cultural evolution from the Bronze Age to the early 20th century. The exhibits are organized chronologically and include artifacts from Vietnam’s former ethnic groups, including the Dong Son, Funan, Khmer, and Cham civilizations. After viewing all the museum exhibits for an hour or so, you can enjoy a relaxing stroll around the botanic gardens.
  • Landmark Tower 81 – the Vietnam’s tallest tower: was recently opened and is located in the middle of a “Miniature Singapore” – a manificient building complex gathering hundreds of international and domestic luxury brands.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

  • Cheap eats : 37 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Ward 3, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Market : District 1’s Ben Thanh Market.
  • Nightlife : Equivalent to Bangkok’s famed Khao San Road, Pham Ngu Lao Street is HCMC’s backpacker district where the revelry goes on long into the night.
  • Coffee : Thanks to the intense humidity, iced coffee, known locally as “ca phe sua da”. Head to the Tan Tao Park to enjoy an early-morning brew with the locals or order a cup from any street vendor.
  • Shopping : The major department stores are found at the central business district’s Diamond Plaza or Saigon Centre — though prices won’t differ much from home — while locals tend to favour Trai Street, straddling districts 1 and 5 for cheaper goods. Le Cong Kieu is famous for antiques, and the relatively new Vincom Centre opposite the Hotel Continental is a good bet for pricier, high-quality and boutique wares, while fashionistas will love Nguyen Hue Street.

Geographic Map

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