Mesmerize Yourself with the Top Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

• Introduction to Ho Chi Minh City

The name Ho Chi Minh City is rooted in the first president’s name of Vietnam, who dedicated his whole life to the country’s independence from France’s occupation from 1958 to 1975. Throughout a long and chequered history, Ho Chi Minh City has become an industrial and tourism center with the development of technology, culture, and science. Therefore, the city transformed into the main hub of the Southern region blankets a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere while welcoming tourists to explore historical and cultural highlights with a characteristic combination of three areas, including Vietnam, China, and Europe. In addition, the city also offers a variety of entertainment centers to meet the demands of the young. Don’t hesitate to take a trip to Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam Private Tours!

• The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s climate is typically hot and humid with two distinctive seasons, namely the rainy season between May and November, and the dry season from December to April. The characteristics of them are essential to plan a suitable itinerary:

The main weather in the monsoon season is much rainfall, which is quick after a long dry period and high humidity (around 83%), leading to the suspension of outdoor activities. Even worse, intense storms and flooding could happen in the wet season so tourists have to be wary of the weather.

The dry season is characterized by a small rainfall level and dry features, which facilitate Ho Chi Minh Tour Packages and optimize customers’ experiences. Therefore, it is the ideal time to take Ho Chi Minh Tours from December with cool temperatures to April, which recorded the highest heat.

The city experiences an amazing transformation from December to February, with four different weather phases visible during the day. The effect of the Northern winter season is felt in the little coolness that comes with night and dawn. Mornings and evenings present a beautiful combination of spring and fall-like weather, while midday presents a toasty, summertime atmosphere. The weather is generally hot and mostly clear from March to April. Even if traveling is easier, guests should avoid being outside around midday to prevent heatstroke.

In addition, traveling to Ho Chi Minh City in January or February provides a special chance to immerse oneself in the joyous atmosphere of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. This time of year lends an additional charm to your visit, making it the perfect time to explore and take in the festive vibe of this energetic city with Vietnam Private Tours.

• Things to do and see in Ho Chi Minh

The Reunification Palace located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh, District 1, is called the Independence Palace which appears as a palatial estate for the President of South Vietnam’s living and working in the past. These days, guests can stroll the red-carpeted conference rooms and hallways. Don’t forget to visit the basement, the former command center, and the war rooms.

Notre Dame Cathedral, constructed from 1877 to 1880 by French colonists in the center of District 1, remained a testament to Sai Gon’s past. The architect embellished the building with red brick walls, two bell towers 58 meters in height, and big glass windows. The appearance, a unique blend of European architecture and Vietnamese design, captivates tourists with a peaceful ambiance and intricate details inside during Ho Chi Minh Tours.

Nguyen Hue Street and City Hall: The street was created for pedestrians who want to enjoy the harmony of history, culture, and modernity of this area, decorated with cafes, stalls, and restaurants. Heading to the end of the Nguyen Hue stress, the City Hall, known as the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building, was a masterpiece with ornate facades and a giant clock tower. When the light and the moon illuminate this building at night, the area transforms into an energetic hub, which correlates with the city’s dynamic spirit.

Ben Thanh Market is regarded as a commercial attraction and a cultural heritage, which provides a variety of goods such as fresh items, traditional food, souvenirs, and clothing. The inside area was colorful with the aroma of local cuisine in the air, combined with a special clock tower outside. Therefore, Ben Thanh Market should be noted in your itinerary for Ho Chi Minh Tour Packages.

Saigon Central Post Office plays a vital part in Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial history, which draws tourists with its aesthetic and historical merits. It is Vietnam’s largest post office and oldest colonial structure, existed for almost a century, but its timeless beauty has not diminished. It is a unique blend of creative Asian influences and refined French architecture.

War Remnants Museum, in the Vietnam Historical Tours, is a place to conduct thematic research, collect, store, preserve, and exhibit materials, photographs, and artifacts related to war crime and the effects of the invasion force’s war on Vietnam. Over 20,000 papers, exhibits, and videos are kept in the museum; of these, over 1,500 documents, artifacts, and films are regularly used to present eight themed exhibitions. The Museum has seen approximately 15 million domestic and international visitors in the past 35 years. Presently, the War Remnants Museum welcomes over 500,000 people annually, making it one of the few cultural tourist destinations with strong popular recognition both domestically and internationally.

Bui Vien Street: For a crazy night out along one of the most famous streets in Ho Chi Minh City, head to Bui Vien Street. Because of its popularity with tourists, it is sometimes referred to by locals as the “Western Street” or the “Backpacker District.” Numerous clubs, eateries, coffee shops, and street food vendors line this area, luring passersby with their flashing lights, upbeat music, and tantalizing smells of Vietnamese cuisine. Therefore, Bui Viet Street become one of the must places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

Chinatown, sometimes referred to as Cho Lon, is a bustling and culturally diverse area among places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Rich in culture and history, it is the location of several temples and other sites that demonstrate the impact of Chinese culture on the region. Chinatown is a sensory extravaganza of sights, sounds, and flavors, from the vibrant Binh Tay Market to the exquisite Thien Hau Pagoda. The neighborhood’s hidden beauties, such as Lantern Street and Hao Si Phuong Alley, invite you to explore its winding lanes and take in its distinct ambiance.

• Ho Chi Minh Food and Drink

Known as the city combining two distinctive cultures, Sai Gon is also a food hub of Vietnam, attracting national and international tourists for Vietnam Cultural Tours. If you find a list of must-try dishes, check out these delectable cuisines below:

Com Tam (Broken Rice): It often offers the foodies many choices, including ribs, sliced pork rind, fried egg, Asian-style sausage, and additional items, which are rich and intense. Therefore, the stalls would serve customers a bowl of sour soup or a drink.

Hu Tieu Nam Vang (Vietnamese Pork and Prawn Clear Noodle Soup): This soup, which comes from the Southern part of Vietnam, is a lovely combination of a thick, flavorful broth, soft pork pieces, juicy prawns, and delicate, translucent noodles. With the addition of a variety of fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges, customers may further personalize their meal with every bite.

Pha lau (Offal Stew): It is prepared by meticulously washing all of the animal’s parts such as the liver, intestines, and lungs, for example in salted water before boiling them with ginger to eliminate the strong offal odor. Then, the cook adds garlic, five spices, and other seasonings, including coconut milk and annatto powder, a red food coloring that gives the meal its distinctive red and orange hues. Although most clients purchase a variety of pieces, they have the option to choose specific offal portions based on their preferences.

Banh Mi (Saigon Sandwich): Across Vietnam, Banh Mi is always available because of its crispy taste from Banh Minh and the filling of salad, herbs, and meat, which makes people can’t help but try it. When you are ordering a portion, the rapid service may surprise you.

Fresh Spring Rolls: This dish is always served with dipping sauce, a flavorful concoction of fish sauce, lemon juice, sugar, pepper, chopped garlic, and chile combining salty, sweet, and sour notes. Fresh vermicelli can be added to the dish but it depends on the cook.

While savoring these dishes above in the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, you can try to sip a drink, here is the list of well-known beverages in Vietnam

• Coffee Sai Gon
• Tra Sua (Milk tea)
• Nuoc Sam (Vietnamese herbal tea )
• Tra Bi Dao (Winter melon tea)
• Nuoc Rau Ma Dau Xanh (Centella and green bean drink)

• Moving around Ho Chi Minh City

Strolling: The majority of the attractions are close to the center. Walking is a terrific way to see the city.

Car and scooter: To arrange a rental, check with nearly every hotel, tourist café, or travel agency. Because it is against the law for foreigners to drive in Vietnam without a Vietnamese driver’s license, keep in mind that the rent needs to include a driver while exploring places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

Taxi: Taxis that are equipped with meters travel the streets. Ask the price before using the service. Another way to avoid overcharging is to use apps such as Bee, Grab, and Gojeck to call transportation.

• Dos and Don’ts

While traveling among places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, please pay attention to these instructions:

Dos

• Store your credit cards, cash, tickets, and other valuables in a safe location. Request that they be stored in advance from the lodging’s receptionists.
• You could visit places of worship so dress appropriately.
• Be aware of pickpockets in busy locations.

Don’ts

• Bring a large amount of cash while visiting.
• Select lodging that is too remote from the center
• If you have a lot of jewelry on, pickpockets can target you.

Similar Experiences in Saigon

Our tours provide authentic local experiences. With our knowledgeable local guides, you’ll discover hidden gems and top attractions that reflect the true essence of the region. Feel free to ask our experts for recommendations on cultural excursions and activities.