Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam, located in the south of the country. This is an incredibly colorful place with huge markets, museums, architectural monuments and much more. What exactly is worth seeing in the city?
The main attractions of Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon became the epicenter of the Vietnam War: in 1975, the city was captured by Vietnamese communist troops, which led to the fall of South Vietnam and the unification of the country under the control of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
The most famous place in the city is the Kuchi Tunnels: these are huge labyrinths underground that were used during the Vietnam War. The tunnels were the main shelter, the wounded were transported through them, food and weapons were also stored there. The Cu Chi tunnels have become a symbol of the resistance and perseverance of the Vietnamese people in the fight against American troops and the South Vietnamese army. Today you can go on an excursion here, where tourists will be told about how soldiers lived during the Vietnam War. Dress lightly, because it is very hot in the tunnels, and it will not be very comfortable to be high here, because the ceiling is very low.
Another historical place of the city is September 23 Park, or Tao Dan. It was built in honor of the independence of Vietnam, which it received in 1945. This is a popular place among locals.
In every district of Vietnam, there are historical buildings next to modern architecture. The most colorful in this regard is Chaifu in the northwest of the city: it is one of the many areas that make up the picturesque landscape of the city, known for its dynamics and cultural heritage.
What will surprise everyone who comes to Ho Chi Minh City is car traffic. There are many locals who travel by motorcycles, mopeds and cars (although the latter is less common). No one really follows the rules of the road, so it will be insanely difficult for a beginner to go on the road. Just have time to look around!
To get away from the "road shock", go to any street food stall and order banh mi: this is a delicious bun with meat and vegetables. In general, there are a lot of eateries on the streets of Vietnam where local cuisine is prepared.
Here are a few more places to see in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Bitexco Financial Tower. One of the tallest skyscrapers in the city, offering panoramic views of the city;
- Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. A monument from the colonial period, where musical and theatrical performances are regularly held.
- Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office. Another historic building with beautiful architecture, dating back to the colonial rule of France in Vietnam;
- Religious buildings. There are many temples and Buddhist shrines in the city – Ngoc Mai, Gia Lam Temple, Thien Ha Temple, which are important cultural and religious sites.
Ho Chi Minh City is a colorful city that is worth visiting: it combines ancient architecture and newfangled buildings, street food stalls and restaurants, and much more.
