7 Top Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
March 5, 2010 by Nik
Filed under Attractions, Culture, Exotic South East, Feature Highlights
The economic centre of Southeast Asia’s rising economic star, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the planet’s most exciting cities, where influences from France collide with the Orient, and where the Vietnam War is remembered like it was yesterday. And with skyscrapers, landmarks and fashion cenres galore, never has there been a better time to head to a place that, despite the global recession, is still very much alive and kicking.
Photo credits - Colin Purrington
Authentic Vietnamese
Vietnamese cuisine is taking off around the world, but there is still no better place to find it than in the country’s gourmet capital. Join the likes of Bill Clinton at Pho2000 near Ben Thanh Market, which proudly proclaimed “Pho for the President” along with various photos of the then President of the United States enjoying a bowl of pho at the iconic restaurant. The menu here is long and varied, and is packed with locals and tourists alike. Those looking for something a little more fusion should head to Xu Bar, which is not only one of the cornerstones of night life in the city, but is also the place where the celebrated Chef Nyuyen is attempting to revamp traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
Photo credits - Kirk Siang
Coffee & Cafe
The Ho Chi Minh City is brighten up by various lights at night, giving it a laid-back atmosphere that give rise to the prevalence of cafes dotted along the streets. Vietnam is one of the world’s most renowned producers of coffee, and caffeine lovers will find themselves in aromatic heaven trying out the varied local brews here. For a sure-fire way to refresh and relax, pick a random cafe at a bustling street corner and order a local brew. Sit back and enjoy as you laze yourself and watch the various pedestrians passing by.
Photo credits - alex.ch
Hitting the Town
Other than a pick of bustling cafes to relax and sip your time away, the Ho Chi Minh City also plays host to numerous trendy bars that is a favorite of both locals and expats. The Q Bar, Saigon Saigon Bar, Xu Bar, Lush and Velvet are but a few in the long list of popular hangout spots for the party crowd, each with their own distinct trendiness and appeal.
Photo credits - Wilson Loo
Iconic Landmarks
It’s pretty easy to navigate the sprawling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City on foot, particularly since most of the places of interest is located in District One. Start with the Notre Dame Cathedral, an outstanding red-brick building adorned with staiend glass, then move on to Saigon Central Post office, a French colonial building with a classic interior. This also operates all postal services from the city and is the best place to buy a phone card. The Opera House typifies the city, showing both western operas and traditional Vietnamese performances. The Reunification Palace was the home of the former Viet Cong leader who the city is named after and is a grand colonial building overlooking the city centre.
Photo credits - Lynt
Bikers Gang
After exploring the iconic landmarks of District One by foot, rent a motorbike and cruise along the streets for a way of transportation that has become ingrained into the fabric of society. Throngs of Vietnamese commuters travel by motorbike, and although it may not be one of the safest way to travel, it is certainly one of the most authentic.
Photo credits - nerdcoregirl
War Remnants
One of Vietnam’s biggest tourist attractions, the Chu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground caverns built during the Vietnam War. About 121 kms long in total, visitors can take a tour of the tunnels and see for themselves the conditions in which the Vietcong waged a bloody war against the machineries of US. The War Remnant Museum, also known as the Museum of American Atrocities, is another tourist attraction worth visiting. It’s extremely biased and one sided, but still an important insight nevertheless into the Vietcong’s reaction to the war.
Photo credits - martywindle
Shopping Seasons
Aside from eating most visitors to Vietnam’s number one city find themselves spending most of their time here shopping. Ben Thanh Market is a major market in Ho Chi Minh City and is the place to find souvenirs. There is a wide selection of t-shirts sporting the likes of “Good Morning Vietnam” and “Miss Saigon” to lacquerware and embroidery, and for those that love a good brew, some of the best coffee beans in the region. Ladies will want to try out the Ao Dai, the Vietnamese national dress, which is one of the most exquisite in the region, combining trousers and a dress.
Enjoyed the article? Would appreciate your help in promoting our content, be it through StumbleUpon, Facebook, Twitter, or other social media of choice. Additionally, you may also want to check out our latest offering, a download-able travel magazine!
Unearthing Asia now offers travel packages throughout the region of Asia. Check out our promotional offers of Luxury Private Villas in Bali, perfect for Honeymooners or those looking for a little romance. We also have great offers for hotels in Singapore, resorts in Phuket and many more.
About the Author. Trangh Nguyen. Come to Vietnam, enjoy a cup of bia hoi in the street restaurant, ride moto, cruise in the labirynth of Mekong Delta and Halong Bay. Come with us and share the delight of one of the most beautiful country in Asia. We welcome you with our heart, hospitality and excellent cuisine.
Exploring Ho Chi Minh City
April 1, 2009 by Nik
Filed under Culture, Exotic South East
A recent trip to Saigon gave our contributor, Michelle Lee, the chance to explore Vietnamese hospitality in four short days. After an eventful three days of touring, she shares her experiences exploring Ho Chi Minh in the final day!
The heavily French influenced Notre Dame Cathedral. Photo credit – yeowatzup.
French Connection
At last, it’s time to finally explore Ho Chi Minh City itself. Saigon’s history dons the cityscape with many of the older buildings exhibiting French influences – tall steeples towering into the skies, fancy arches with intricate carvings and lengthy windows of sheer grandeur.
Many of these architectures are found within walking distance in the city. Dominating the city’s skyline is the notable Notre Dame Cathedral built in 1883, a popular site amongst visitors and wedding couples for photo shoots. Just across the street is the Ho Chi Minh main post office known for its impressive interior. High ceiling and Baroque art decorate the walls, a sight seemingly more apt in France than Vietnam.
The Peoples Committee building. Photo credit – yiping-lim.
Take a walk further down to the heart of the commercial hub is the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building situated at the end of Nguyen Hue Street. The People’s Committee Building, dwarfed by taller buildings around it exudes a rich Renaissance flavour and unveils an even more stunning sight at night when the building is beautifully floodlit. At any time of the day, the premise is always filled with crowds snapping photos with the iconic “Uncle Ho” (a statue of Mr Ho Chi Minh himself) sitting at the front of the building.
Wholesale market near Chinatown. Photo credit – tuis.
Chinatown in Saigon
With a few hours left, I’ve decided to make the most out of Saigon. After some recommendation from the locals, I took their most commonly used public transport – the motorbike “taxi”, which cost only VND$1 for a ride, out of the city centre to Antong Plaza located at Chinatown.
You can find an array of local dried goods from shrimps to scallops, coffee beans to mushrooms, bird nests to abalones! A haven for homemakers looking for cheap and quality ingredients to whip a sumptuous meal. The stall holders are able to pack and seal the goods for you, solving the problem in regards to airport regulations when tourists want to bring local products back home. Fabuleux!
Chinatown Temple. Photo credit – weiss.
[/caption]
On the streets, motorbikes swamp the roads. “Ninjas” are a common sight as riders cover themselves from head-to-toe to protect themselves from the sun and the dusty air.
Traffic lights often fail to serve its purpose and tourists find it almost impossible to cross the roads. After a few days in Saigon, I begin to comprehend the art of beating the traffic – you’ve got to simply take a deep breath, and cross as calmly and nonchalantly, believing that the vehicles will give way. And they will! It sure takes guts to do so, but practice makes perfect.
Mobile food stalls spring up anywhere and everywhere selling handy snacks such as roasted sweet potatoes, fried cuttlefish, and pancakes. You can easily get them at less than VND$5 each, and they are tastier than they look, a perfect goodbye to a packed 4 four days of touring Saigon.
And that is the end of Michelle’s four days of adventure throughout Saigon. Hope you had fun along the ride!Part I: Pho for the President | Part II: War and Peace | Part III: Floating Market and Elephant Ears
