Ho Chi Minh City is the pulsating center of South Vietnam. The bustling city of millions offers the holidaymaker the opportunity to discover fascinating culture, interesting sights and delicious food. Read Travel Tips here!
South Vietnam’s largest city, Ho Chi Minh City is for most locals and tourists still Saigon. With a population of about eight million, Ho Chi Minh City is not only the business center of Vietnam , but also the resort of many fascinating attractions.
Traditional and modern encounter
According to the beloved Communist leader Ho Chi Minh, the renamed city is still widely known as Saigon – the city is also commonly referred to as HCMC. Military history, culture and contemporary hobbies bring tourists to the southern metropolis. Indeed, Ho Chi Minh City, in the southern part of elongated Vietnam, has undergone a major overhaul and left behind the bumps of history.
Colonial-style architecture, Chinese Pagodas and modern commercial buildings appear side by side on the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. In the hot humid climate of a hectic city, the tourist can tour the most diverse sights or just throw themselves into the atmosphere. Tourists also thrive in the commercial center of Vietnam.
Attractions and activities
The busy streets of Ho Chi Minh City have plenty to see. Most tourists are interested in the War Museum, but there are also several other interesting museums in the city dedicated to, for example, Ho Chi Minh City or Vietnamese Medicine. In addition to palaces and cathedrals, Chinese temples, or Pagodas, belong to the Vietnamese cityscape.
Vietnamese cuisine is world famous and definitely worth a visit. Local delicacies can be tested in the streets of the street kitchen as well as in the hotel’s top restaurants. In addition to pho noodle soup, traditional Vietnamese delicacies include rice paper rolls and pancakes. In Ho Chi Minh City, you can also take a cooking course and a guided restaurant tour to visit places of interest.
Of course, in a city like Ho Chi Minh City, shopping is unavoidable. There is everything for every budget – in addition to the local market, you can also shop in stylish fashion stores and large shopping malls. Ben Thanh Market is the most popular in the city.
Ho Chi Minh City is an important economic and administrative center.
Good to know about Ho Chi Minh City
The best of Ho Chi Minh City are the interesting culture, military history and urban atmosphere of Vietnam. Therefore, it is best suited for adult city travelers. Backpackers from all over the world also enjoy the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City is not really a family destination for children, as it is not easy to get around with children due to the busy traffic. However, if you happen to be on a family vacation in Ho Chi Minh City, you can look for activities of interest to children even at the local water parks.
Unlike in North Vietnam, southern Ho Chi Minh City is roasted even in the middle of winter under the hot sun. The humid climate with its high temperatures combined with the hustle and bustle of the big city can feel awkward.
Ho Chi Minh City is a safe destination, however, normal caution should be exercised with regard to pickpockets. Tourists should also find out about the general price level to avoid scams.
Finns do not need a visa to Vietnam for holidays of less than 15 days.
Excursions to nearby areas
One of the most popular excursions outside the city of Ho Chi Minh City is the Cu Chi Tunnels. The wartime tunnel network can be explored on advantageous organized excursions. Day trips can also be made to the Mekong Estuary, which features authentic Vietnamese countryside.
If you want to combine a beach holiday with a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, you can travel from the city by train or bus to about three hours away to the beach resorts of Phan Thiet or Mui Ne. The nearest beaches can be found in Vung Tausta. A short flight away is Vietnam’s beach paradise, Phu Quoc Island in the Gulf of Siam.
THE BEST OF HO CHI MINH CITY
In the restaurants and street streets of Ho Chi Minh City, the food is affordable and delicious.
Experience this in Ho Chi Minh City
- See important buildings from cathedrals to palaces.
- Learn about the history of war in the War Museum – not for the most sensitive.
- Enjoy the urban atmosphere and Vietnamese delicacies.
- Experience Chinese temples or Pagodas in the Cholon area.
- Take a trip to the Cu Chi tunnel area.