A Guide to Ho Chi Minh City – Exploring Its Many Wonders

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon is the largest city in the southern half of Vietnam. It is a vibrant and bustling city that is full of culture, history, and events. From the local markets and traditional temples to the high rise skyscrapers and air conditioned malls, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Ho Chi Minh City.If you’re planning a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, you’re likely wondering what there is to do. In this guide, we will explore the different sights, activities, and events, that can be experienced in this incredible city. So let’s dive in and discover all the amazing things that Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.

The City Skyline

One of the beautiful aspects of Ho Chi Minh City, is its skyline. It is a breathtaking sight with an array of tall buildings and modern architecture that makes it truly unique among other cities in Vietnam. During the night time, the colors from the illuminated skyscrapers light up the skyline and offer a beautiful sight for both locals and tourists alike.The tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City is Landmark 81, which stands at over 450 meters high. Other notable buildings are the Saigon Centre, Bitexco Financial Tower, and Diamond Plaza. All are amazing buildings that offer different experiences within their walls. We recommend spending some time to explore the skyline during your visit and getting some great photos of these architectural masterpieces.

Shopping and Markets

There is no shortage of shopping and markets to explore in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you’re looking for traditional souvenirs, fresh local produce, traditional handicrafts or high end clothing, you’ll find it all in Ho Chi Minh City. We suggest starting in Ben Thanh Market which has clothes, trinkets, souvenirs and handicrafts. The prices can be quite high here so bargain like a true local and you are sure to get a good deal! For more high end clothes shopping, head to one of the many luxury malls such as Takashimaya Department Store or the Vincom Center. Here you will find all the latest fashion trends that make Ho Chi Minh City so unique. The malls also have excellent restaurants if you want to enjoy a luxurious meal while shopping around the city. If it is fresh local produce that you’re after then visiting a traditional wet market is an absolute must! The popular markets include Cho Thong Binh Tay Market and Cho Cu Market where you can find anything from fish, seafood, fruits and vegetables to imported goods from all around Asia. Whether it’s for cooking a meal or just for browsing around these markets are an excellent way to get a true insight into life in Ho Chi Minh City.

Touristic Attractions

In addition to its fascinating markets and luxurious malls, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. If you’re looking for history then visiting some of the traditional temples such as Giac Lam Pagoda or Quan Am Pagoda are worth exploring. There are also plenty of temples scattered around the city which make for interesting day trips. Another great attraction is the Reunification Palace which was used by various Vietnamese leaders as far back as 1868. Inside this historical landmark, visitors can explore its furnishings, artworks and wax figures which are a great insight into how life was during the war. No trip to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without experiencing some local cuisine. There are plenty of local restaurants which serve up some delicious food but if you want something a little more luxurious there are some excellent fine dining establishments which offer excellent food and great atmosphere. For a truly memorable culinary experience, we recommend having dinner aboard La Maree Boat Cruise – here you can enjoy a five course dinner with amazing views over Saigon River and the city skyline.

Entertainment & Nightlife

The nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City is vibrant and full of energy. Whether it’s one of the luxurious clubs or some traditional street stalls we recommend taking some time to explore this exciting part of Ho Chi Minh City. For those looking for a luxurious experience you should consider visiting one of Vietnam’s many rooftop bars like Jaspas, Vespa or Gem Bar. Here you can sip on freshly made cocktails while taking in panoramic views over the city lights below. If it’s an authentic Vietnamese experience you crave then hit up one of the local street vendors who serve up delicious snacks like Pho or Bun Bo Hue. For something with a bit more spice head over to Cít Của Cai Dao where you can find delicious and spicy street-food dishes like spicy vermicelli or sweet and sour pork served with freshly made dipping sauces. Overall, Ho Chi Minh City is an incredible city that has something for everyone to enjoy. From its incredible landscape to its lively street culture there are plenty of things that make this city special. If you’re looking for a break away from home then Ho Chi Minh City is an excellent destination that we are sure you won’t regret visiting.
For more information on travelling in Vietnam, check out Happy Travellers Vietnam – they have all the tips and stories you need for your trip!