Ho Chi Minh City - The city is more than 300 years old

Ho Chi Minh city is known as "the city that never sleeps" with its vibrant pace of life and the colorful beauty of neon lights at night. The magnificent city attracts visitors to the architectural works imbued with Western influences from the 19th century, unique historical and cultural relics, and a rich and diverse culinary world.

I. Ho Chi Minh City introduction

The main transportation for tourists in Saigon are motorbikes, cars, bicycles, buses, and cyclos. The cheapest public transportation is the bus for only 20 cents/route. Currently, the traffic density in Ho Chi Minh City is quite crowded; therefore, many roads in the city have traffic jams during off-hours: from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The city center is located in District One, the most historic area with famous architectural works such as Independence Palace, Central Post Office, and Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. Typical French colonial-style buildings built in the 19th century are concentrated in this area. Besides, visitors can find countless hotels, from budget to high-class, depending on their needs. Moreover, guests can walk to other attractions such as Tao Dan Park or the Jade Emperor Pagoda from the hotel in the center.

District One of Ho Chi Minh city (Source: Vietnam Airlines)

II. Famous tourist destination

1. Notre Dame Cathedral - Symbol of the city

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the famous tourist attractions in Saigon that any visitor coming here must visit.

This building has an exceptional design. The interior includes a main lap, two side laps, and two more chapels. The capacity of the entire cathedral can be up to 1200 people. The architecture of the building is unique, with a beautiful combination of Roman and Gothic styles. For the people of the diocese of Saigon, this building is indeed a proud symbol. Around this tourist destination in Saigon is a large campus with many trees, helping tourists take photos freely.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Ho Chi Minh city (Source: Internet)

2. Independence Palace

If tourists are looking for tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh city associated with the culture and history of the nation, the Independence Palace will be a great suggestion. This is a famous work, lasting through the Vietnamese war against the US to save the country.

Independence Palace is also one of the tourist attractions in Saigon and is classified as a unique national monument. The feng shui architecture of the Independence Palace is slightly Oriental; however, every detail of the work also shows unique modernity.

Independence Palace (Source: Internet)

3. Ben Thanh Market

This market is located in the city center, all four sides are adjacent to major roads, so it is very convenient for moving. For shopaholics, this is a destination not to be missed.

Visitors can choose for themselves hundreds of items ranging from traditional to modern. This is also one of the tourist destinations in Saigon where people can comfortably enjoy traditional dishes at low prices. In addition, tourists can also buy many items as gifts after the trip.

Ben Thanh market (Source: VnExpress)

4. Ho Chi Minh City Post Office

Ho Chi Minh City Post Office is one of the famous tourist destinations in Saigon. The work has a unique architecture, attracting hundreds of thousands of domestic and foreign tourists every year.

This work was built for 5 years, from 1886 to 1891. The famous architect who designed this post office is Gustave Eiffel – French. The characteristic yellow paint helps everyone get beautiful check-in photos.

Ho Chi Minh City Post Office (Source: Internet)

5. Landmark 81 - The tallest building in Vietnam

Landmark 81 is one of the main projects of Vingroup in Ho Chi Minh City. This work has a height of up to 470m – currently, this is the tallest building in Vietnam. Landmark 81 is considered an ideal tourist destination in Saigon. Tourists can enjoy convenient services and diverse needs such as relaxation and entertainment. There is Vincom Center Landmark 81 commercial center in this building, which helps people comfortably shop with leading brands in the world.

Besides, many entertainment services bring great relaxing experiences such as CGV Cinema, Vincom Ice Rink ... At this tourist attraction in Saigon, tourists can also Visit many restaurants with thousands of delicious dishes from 5 continents.

Landmark 81 building is considered an excellent resort for business trips in Ho Chi Minh. Vinpearl Luxury Landmark 81 hotel, with a system of luxurious and comfortable rooms, and a panoramic view of the Saigon River, promises to bring tourists a high-class resort experience in this city.

Landmark 81 (Source: Internet)

6. Nha Rong Harbor

This work is a historical witness to the Vietnamese war against France and America. Currently, visitors can see a lot of artifacts and documents related to the life of the Ho Chi Minh President. This is also one of the ideal tourist destinations around Saigon to help people understand more about Vietnamese history.

Nha Rong Harbor (Source: Internet)

7. Suoi Tien Tourist Area

This is a tourist destination in Saigon that integrates many unique forms of entertainment to help tourists relax. The forms are recreated and built on myths and legends such as Son Tinh - Thuy Tinh, Lac Long Quan - Au Co, and Hung King. This tourist destination lets people discover more about the unique cultural stories.

In addition, visitors will be extremely interested in many unique games. Games are suitable for different visitors and will help everyone and their family has a moment of refreshment and relaxation.

Suoi Tien Tourist Area (Source: Internet)

8. Botanical Garden of Ho Chi Minh City

Botanical Garden is one of the famous zoos in Ho Chi Minh city. There are more than 1000 animals and more than 2000 species of unique flowers and plants for tourists to visit.

Botanical Garden of Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Internet)

9. Cu Chi Tunnels

This tourist place was formerly a defense system, a resistance base for the Vietnamese army and people. Now, this place still keeps a lot of historical victories, artifacts, and works associated with the heroic struggle of our army and people. Visitors can see with their own eyes the warehouse, kitchen, and office located in the basement - the workplace of officers and soldiers at that time.

Cu Chi Tunnels (Source: Internet)

III. Famous food in Ho Chi Minh city

1. Bun Bo Hue - Spicy beef noodle soup

Although this is a dish originating from Hue, it has become one of the favorite dishes in Saigon. The spicy and concentrated taste of the broth creates a very special flavor.

Bun Bo Hue (Source: Internet)

2. Hu Tieu

Hu Tieu is one of the dishes imported to Vietnam. However, when returning to Saigon, this dish was re-processed to suit the locals' taste. The pot of broth is elaborately cooked, clear, and with a characteristic sweet taste, attracting many tourists when traveling to Saigon.

Hu Tieu (Source: Internet)