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Ho Chi Minh City ( HCMC; Vietnamese: Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh ), commonly known as Saigon (Vietnamese: Sài Gòn ), is the most populous city in Vietnam, with a population of around 9.3 million in 2023. [7] . The city's geography is defined by rivers and canals, of which the eponymously-named Saigon River is the largest.
- 19 m (63 ft)
- Vietnam
- 1698
- Ho Chi Minh
- 17 Great Things to Do in Saigon
- Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips
- Further Readings
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Admire the French colonial architecture
At some point in its history, Saigon was colonized by the French, who left a clear mark in the look of the city. One of the nicest things to do in Ho Chi Minh is searching for examples of the French colonial architecture. All it takes to admire it is walking around. Examples of such architecture are scattered around the city. The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the best kept buildings, not to mention one of the most important attractions; but make sure not to skip the Central Post Office (a la...
Visit the Reunification Palace
Once called Norodom Palace and now also referred to as Independence Palace, the Reunification Palace is a splendid example of 1960s architecture and decor. you may recognize the building as it is the one depicted on the 200,000 Vietnamese Dong (VND) notes. The highlights of the building include the meeting rooms located on the lower floor, the bar on the second floor and a bomb shelter that General Ngo Dinh Diem had built after the Vietnamese air force bombed the palace in 1962 in an attempt...
See Saigon from above
Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Saigon is pretty much flat. But it can be admired from above at the Bitexco Financial Tower. All it takes is a budget friendly elevator ride to get to the Saigon Skydeck. On clear days, the view is spectacular. There also is a small museum inside, with a nice exhibit on the Ao Dai, the traditional dress worn by Vietnamese women. It is a nice way to learn a bit more about the culture and way of life of the country. You can get fast track tickets to Bit...
How to get to Ho Chi Minh City and how to move around
The easiest way to get to Saigon from other cities in Vietnam or even from other countries is to fly there. From the airport, you can take a taxi to your accommodation. Make sure to insist to pay by the meter – more often than not, the flat rates suggested are higher than what you should be paying. Once you are in town, you can easily move around by mototaxi or by taxi. Use Grab – the South East Asia version of Uber – to order a taxi. It’s super easy!
Safety in Saigon
We found Saigon to be a safe city – but just like with any other major big city, you need to be smart to avoid scams and other issues. The worst areas are those crowded with tourists. It’s not uncommon for tourists to get their phones or cameras snatched – take out your phone on a side street, and by all means do not flash it. Keep your wallet in a safe pocket inside your purse and keep some small change in your pockets.
Where to stay in Saigon
The choice of places to stay in Saigon is very wide. We stayed at the Yellow House Saigon, a lovely small design hotel in a narrow alley where there’s no traffic whatsoever – and considering the level of noise in Asian cities, this was a nice change. For even more things to do in Ho Chi Minh, check out these insider tips.
Make sure to read my other posts about Vietnam: 1. The Best Things To Do In Vietnam 2. 17 Fun And Unmissable Things To Do In Hanoi 3. 13 Great Day Trips From Hanoi 4. What You Need To Know Before Visiting Vietnam 5. The Best Things To Do In Hoi An 6. The Best Things To Do In Sapa
Discover the best attractions and activities in Saigon, the vibrant and dynamic city in Vietnam. Learn about its history, culture, food and architecture through museums, markets, palaces and more.
- War Remnants Museum. Best museum in Ho Chi Minh City. To understand the context of the war with the USA, and its devastating impact on Vietnamese civilians, this remarkable, deeply moving museum is an essential visit.
- Jade Emperor Pagoda. Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), this is one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes.
- Eat street food in District 4. Best for foodies. Just south of the glitzy Dong Khoi area, it's a short walk over the Ben Nghe Channel to working-class District 4.
- Giac Lam Pagoda. Believed to be the oldest temple in HCMC (1744), Giac Lam is a fantastically atmospheric place set in peaceful, garden-like grounds. The Chinese characters that constitute the temple's name (覚林寺) mean 'Feel the Woods Temple' and the looming Bodhi tree (a native fig tree, sacred to Buddhists) in the front garden was the gift of a Sri Lankan monk in 1953.
Learn about Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, the economic and cultural hub of southern Vietnam. Find out what to see, do, eat and shop in this vibrant and dynamic metropolis.
Discover Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's vibrant and dynamic metropolis, with Lonely Planet's expert tips and recommendations. Explore its attractions, culture, cuisine, history and more in this comprehensive guide.
Jan 10, 2024 · Discover the best attractions, food, and culture in Saigon, the former name of Ho Chi Minh City. Learn about the war history, enjoy the coffee culture, and explore the nightlife in this vibrant Vietnamese metropolis.
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What is Ho Chi Minh city known for?
May 3, 2024 · Ho Chi Minh City, largest city in Vietnam. It was the capital of the French protectorate of Cochinchina (1862–1954) and of South Vietnam (1954–75). The city lies along the Saigon River (Song Sai Gon) to the north of the Mekong River delta, about 50 miles (80 km) from the South China Sea.
