If you are planning a holiday to Vietnam and Saigon is on your list. Make sure you must read this post as this is practical tips to visit the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and how to experience the crazy traffic and enjoy authentic local street food like a local.
No doubt Saigon is perfect for those looking to explore the epitome of an urban jungle, all here is our list of the top activities to do in Saigon.
#1 The War Remnants Museum – a lesson of history about the American version of the Vietnam War
A visit to War Museum, as the result of the conflict you can see inside and outside of the museum these consequences of this tragic war which affected the daily life of Vietnamese people and is good way to educate ourself on the events.
Opening Times: 07.30am – 12.00pm and 13.30 – 17.00 daily
#2 Reunification Palace
The palace is one of the most important building in Vietnam where designed with the help of Soviet architects. On 30 April 1975, most people will remember the image of a North Vietnamese tank crashing through the gate. The tank still graces the front lawn and then they hung a flag on the balcony symbolizing the end of the war. Rooms open to the public remain exactly as they were in 1975 with most fascinating are a series of underground tunnels housing a telecommunications centre as well as a video about the history of the palace.
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#3 The Cu Chi Tunnels
Another must-see remnant of Vietnam’s war with the Americans with these tunnels were built by hand by the VietCong which used to hide in and fight from. These tunnels included medical rooms, sleeping room and dining areas with over 250 km length.
#4 French architecture and historical buildings in Saigon
When Vietnam was a French colony. Ho Chi Minh has formerly known as Sai Gon. the French also left in Ho Chi Minh some beautiful architecture. Most the historical buildings are very close to each other which early for your visit.
French-architecture
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#5 Central Post Office, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House
#6 Shopping at the Ben Thanh Market
Located on a walking street in downtown at the end of a park. A busy, bustling, huge market that is mostly wholesale. They mostly sell clothes, jewelry,shoes, T-shirts, souvenirs and also selling foods. Be careful with the price they offer.
#7 Enjoy Authentic street Food with A Street Food Tour by night on Motorcycles
Make sure you will book a street food tour to get the chance to experience real local life and make new friends. Hop on the back of a driver who take you to the most popular street stalls and hidden alleyways in the city. They can show you where is best place to eat. This tour is not only a gastronomic tour, but also a great way to explore a part of major attractions in the city.
#8 Hang Out on the Backpacker’s Area – Pham Ngu Lao street
Comparable to Khao San road in Bangkok, Pham Ngu Lao street is more compact, crowded and a little crazier. This is considered the Backpacker’s area and gets especially busy in the evenings with many thing to explore.