Ho Chi Minh City(Thành pho · Hồ Chí Minh, formerly Saigon) — 10 million inhabitants, the economic capital of Vietnam. Official name since 1976, but residents still saySài Gòn. Contrasts: French colonial architecture vs. skyscrapers vs. dense slum districts. 8 million scooters on the streets.
District 1 — the heart of the city
Nhà thờ Đức Bà (Catedra Notre-Dame)
Built 1863-1880 by French colonists. Bricks imported from Marseille, two 58-meter towers.NOTE: as of 2017 in the general renovation, planned to open 2027.
Bưu điện Trung tâm (Main Post)
Built 1886-1891 by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same!). Neoclassical, with huge rite maps on the walls of 1892 (formerly Indochina + telegram lines). Free entry, you can buy cards. Open 7-19.
Reunification Palace
Southern Vietnam Presidential Palace until 1975 30 April 1975.North Vietnamese T-54 tank entered the gate— The Vietnam War is over. Preserved ORIGINAL arrangement of 1975, including an underground bunker, military operating room. Introduction 65,000 VND.
War Remnants Museum
Museum of the Vietnam War from the perspective of NORTH. Collection of photographs of victims (Agent Orange, napalm), captured American weapons, documents.Emotionally Very Difficult. Introduction 40,000 VND.
Ben Thanh Market
The largest central market (1912, French style). Morning — fresh food and spices. In the evening — night market around (clothes, souveniry).OBLIGATIVE NEGOTIATIONS— 3x prices inflated for tourists. Objective: 30-40% of the initial price.
Bui Vien Street — a backpacker district
A mile of street with bars and restaurants. Friday/Saturday evenings — street closed for traffic, continuous party. Bia Saigon beer 15,000 VND, cocktails 60,000 VND. Loud, eccentric — like Khao San Road in Bangkok.
Cu Chi Tunnels — The Legendary Tunnel System
Địa đạo Củ Chi— 250 km of underground tunnels used by Wietkong in the American War. Hospital bases, kitchens, weapons warehouses, traps, workshops at 4 depth levels (3-10 m). Today: 2 tourist episodes (Ben Dinh for mass, Ben Duoc for less tourists).
- You candescend to an extended tunnel 100 m(extended for Europeans). Guaranteed Klaustrophobia
- You canshoot with wartime weapons(AK-47, M60) — 30,000-50 000 VND for cartridge
- Tour: half-day from Saigon (transport 90 min), 200,000-500 000 VND
- Introduction: 90 000 VND (Ben Dinh)
Delta Mekong
“The Rice granary of Vietnam” — 40,000 km2 deltas, 21 million inhabitants. Day trip from Saigon (170 km).
Cai Rang Floating Market (Cần Thơ)
The largest floating delta market. Hundreds of boats trade in fruit and bulk (5-8 mornings). It requires early motivation and overnight accommodation at Cần Thơ.
Bến Tre — ‘Cokos Island’
Short trip: cruise through canals, coconut village (production of candy, oil), plays on traditional instruments.
Saigon Kitchen — 5 dishes
1. Phò bò
Saigon-style: more sweet than Hanoi (a lot of sugar), more herbs (collenda, mint, basil), with additives (bean sprouts, chili, lime).Hòa Pasteur(260C Pasteur) — a cult restaurant since 1968.
2. Bánh mì
Vietnamese baguette with pate, meat, vegetables. Gift from the French colonists adapted.Bánh Mì Huēnh Hoa(26 Lê Thị Riêng) — legendary, 65,000 VND, worth standing in line.
3. I'm sorry.
A poor version of rice that has become a luxury. Broken rice grains with grilled pork, egg, cucumber, fish sauce. Breakfast at 20,000-50 000 VND. IT'S SAYgonISH.
4. Hủ tiếu
Chinese-Vietnamese soup with rice pasta (transparent), shrimp, pork, liver.H— Phnom Penh version.
5. Sinh tố (fruit cocktails)
Blended fruits with condensed milk: avocado, mango, papaya, dragon fruit. 25,000-40 000 VND. Street, everywhere.
Overnight — Districts
- District 1: for tourists, the most dense attractions. Hotels from 500,000 VND
- District 3: cheaper, more local, good restaurants
- Thao Dien (District 2): Expat, luxury, river park. Far From the Centre
- Pham Ngu Lao(backpacker district): cheapest hostels from 200,000 VND
Practical information
- Directions: Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN), 8 km from downtown. Grab: 200,000 VND. Bus 152: 5000 VND
- Traffic: CULTURAL SHOT. The skitters go whatever they want. Walking the road: Walk Slowly, predictably — scooters avoid you. Don't stop suddenly
- Currency and payments: VND cash everywhere. A card in better restaurants. Grab accepts cards
- Climate: tropical, 25-35°C all year round. Dry season: December-April. Rain: May-November