TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. HOW TO PAY FOR TRUSTVISA’S VISA SERVICES?
There are too many things for you to do in this lovely Ho Chi Minh city for us to list it all. But below are some activities that in our humble opinions, activities that you should not miss and should try at least once.
1.1. Visit Bến Thành Market
Bến Thành market is a cultural and historical symbol of Ho Chi Minh city. This is an attraction destination that most tourists must go through at least once when they are in Ho Chi Minh city.
Located right in the middle of Ho Chi Minh city, Bến Thành market is always crowded and active. Here, tourists can find everything from traditional crafts, clothes, shoes, flip flops… to delicious and addicting street foods. Bến Thành market is more than a shopping place, it is also a place for foreigners to explore and learn, communicate with the local and immerse themselves with the local lifestyles.
1.2. View The City From The Top Of Saigon Skydeck
Saigon Skydeck is located on top of the Bitexco Financial Tower, this place will bring you some of the most memorable experiences you will see in your visit to this lovely city. Located 262 meters above the ground, tourists can see the entirety of Ho Chi Minh city, from the winding Sai Gon river, tall skyscrapers with their shining lights to all the other significant structures in this city. Saigon Skydeck is also a place that provides many useful services like travel agencies, souvenir shops, coffee shops…
1.3. Watch Water Puppet Show And Have Dinner On The Đông Dương Cruise Ship
Enjoying an evening with cultural experiences in combination with delicious meals aboard the Đông Dương cruise ship is one of the most unique activities in Ho Chi Minh city. The night will start with a colorful water puppet show telling stories about the folk tales and the daily lives of the people of Vietnam of all regions. Afterward, tourists will enjoy a nice tasty dinner filled with traditional dishes of Southern Vietnam, while observing the romantic lights of the city from SaiGon river.
1.4. Go Down The Củ Chi Tunnel System
Củ Chi tunnel system – an important historical heritage of Vietnam, a place where tourists can go and learn about the history of the war for Vietnam independence, the brave, bold and the incredible endurance of the people of Southern Vietnam. This complex tunnel system used to be the hiding spot, the residence place and fighting spot of the liberation army throughout the war.
Coming to Củ Chi tunnel system, tourists will have the opportunity to go down there, explore the different rooms and bases underground, experience in full the way of life within these tunnels.
1.5. Experience The Drinking Culture Of Vietnam In Bùi Viện Pedestrian Zone
Bùi Viện pedestrian zone is one of the most active sectors in Ho Chi Minh city. There are many bars, restaurants and other nightime entertainment establishments all concentrated in this zone to serve the huge amount of people flock here every night. Bùi Viện pedestrian zone is an ideal place for foreigners to experience the drinking, party culture of the people of Ho Chi Minh city and an ideal place to meet with friends and enjoy some delicious, tasty and diverse street foods.
1.6. Visit Many Famous Temples, Shrines
Ho Chi Minh city built many beautiful and well-known temples and shrines like Ngọc Hoàng temple, Vĩnh Nghiêm temple, Giác Lâm temple… When visiting these places, tourists will be able to admire the wonderful architecture and they are able to experience the calm, quiet atmosphere, unique in the middle of a busy, active city like Ho Chi Minh. Each temple and shrine have its own histories and cultural significance, all contributing to making Ho Chi Minh city a better and more beautiful place.
1.7. Visit The Famous Independence Palace
The Independence Palace is a historically significant structure and a symbol of Ho Chi Minh city. Here is where one of the most important events happened that marked the end of the war for independence of Vietnam. Tourists visiting this place can visit the big meeting room, party room and working room of delegates from different countries. Besides that tourists can visit and explore the huge garden and the display of many historical artifacts.
1.8. War Remnant Museum
The War Remnant Museum is the place to store and display many historical artifacts, images about the Vietnam War. This is an unmissable destination for anyone interested in History of Vietnam and wants to look further into it as well as the place for people to witness the horror of war and the damages it brings. The Museum is separated into different sections with different topics, which include pictures, documents about the wars, the battles and the preparations, different kinds of weapons used, military vehicles and finally war memorials, relics demonstrating the bravery and resilience of the Vietnamese during war time.
1.9. Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral with its distinct Gothic architectural style is the christian religious symbol and a famous architecture in Ho Chi Minh city. The cathedral is famous and stands out for its tall twin bell towers and the unique red brick facade. The interior of the cathedral is filled with detailed architectural decorations and a solemn quiet atmosphere. The Notre Dame Cathedral is more than just a religious destination, it is also an attractive cultural attraction.
1.10. Explore The Old Saigon At The Central Post Office In The Middle Of Saigon
One of the best things to do in Saigon is to visit Saigon Central Post Office – an impressive and stand out building built from the French colonial era is a historical attraction because it is a symbol of the old Saigon. This building has an unique architecture style with a combination of Gothic, Renaissance and Local Vietnam architecture style. Going inside the building, tourists can admire the tall ceiling with detailed decorations and many souvenir shops.
1.11. Enjoy Yourself With All The Fun Attraction At Suối Tiên Cultural Park
Suối Tiên Cultural park is a big party zone on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh city. Here, tourists can participate in many games and other entertaining activities. The park is designed with many different themes, from fairy tales, mythological to Vietnamese cultural traditions. Different entertainment sections like man made beach, water park, fairy tale garden and all kinds of adrenaline rush games and activities will bring you many funny and memorable experiences.
1.12. Watching Ho Chi Minh City Inside A Double Decker Bus
One of Best things to do in Saigon is Travelling around Ho Chi Minh city in a double decker bus. It is an interesting and unique experience, especially for tourists looking for a slower and more manageable tour. You can see the entirety of Ho Chi Minh city from a different angle, above the normal traffic. The bus usually takes a tour around most of Ho Chi Minh’s most famous tourist attractions like the Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace, Bến Thành market etc… This trip would give you the chance to take plenty of beautiful and memorable pictures.
2. OTHER INCREDIBLE TOURIST ATTRACTIONS NEAR HO CHI MINH CITY
If you have extra time, you can take a tour to visit nearby tourist destinations that are quite close to Ho Chi Minh city.
2.1. Đà Lạt
Đà Lạt also known as “the city of thousands of flowers” is an ideal destination for people wanting to escape the noisy and active atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh city. With a cool temperature year round, Đà Lạt is known for its vast and beautiful flower fields, extensive pine forest and gorgeous lakes with clear blue water. Tourists can also visit and explore many stand out destinations like Xuân Hương lake, Love valley. Datanla Waterfall and Saint Nicholas Cathedral. Besides that, Đà Lạt is also an attractive destination for people who are in love with ancient mansions, vibrant night market and many delicious local dishes.
2.2. The Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta of Southern Vietnam is a fertile land with extensive streams and river systems, in combination with vast fields of rice. Tourists can experience the simple life of the countryside, enjoy many agricultural activities, and visit floating markets…
Notable destinations in this area include: Cần Thơ with its Cái Răng floating market, Bến Tre with numerous coconut plantations and An Giang with Trà Sư Melaleuca forests.
2.3. Vũng Tàu
Vũng Tàu – a beautiful coastal city is around 2 hours away from Ho Chi Minh city by road. It is a perfect destination for people who want to enjoy their vacation by the beach. It is famous for many beautiful beaches like Bãi Sau, Bãi Trước and Bãi Dứa. In this city you can enjoy fresh air, blue sky, enjoy underwater activities like swimming, surfing… and taste delicious and fresh seafood caught nearby in coastal restaurants.
Other than the above, Vũng Tàu also has many tourist attractions like Vũng Tàu Lighthouse, the Christ statue of Vũng Tàu and Hồ Mây tourism attraction zone.
3. WHAT SHOULD YOU EAT AND DRINK IN HO CHI MINH CITY?
Your trip to explore and experience Ho Chi Minh city will not be full if you don’t spend time and enjoy some delicious local delicacies. Below are some of the most famous foods and drinks that you must try at least once:
3.1. Phở
With tasty, delicious beef broth, phở is a famous dish. Usually eaten with soft phở noodles, beef or chicken, with different kind of herbs, spices and sauce, fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, green onions… Phở in Ho Chi Minh city has a sweet taste and is usually eaten with lemon, chilli and chilli sauce to increase the flavor.
3.2. Bánh Mỳ
Bánh mì Saigon is a famous street food and can be easily found in all corners of this lovely city. Crispy shells, soft inside, bánh mì are usually eaten in combination with many different fillings like pork, paste, char siu, omelette and fresh vegetables such as cucumber, tomato… The unique taste of bánh mì is from the perfect blend of different herbs, spices and special sauce. It will give you a brand new culinary experience and unforgettable memories if you ever try it.
3.3. Hủ Tiếu
Hủ tiếu is a special dish of Southern Vietnam, especially in Ho Chi Minh city. It is eaten with a clear broth made from pig bones, in combination with chewy soft noodles and different types of toppings: pork, shrimp, squid or eggs. Hủ tiếu has many different variations such as hủ tiếu Nam Vang, hủ tiếu with shacha sauce, hủ tiếu with beef balls… Each variation brings with it its own attractive flavors. This dish is usually consumed with fresh vegetables, bean sprouts and lemon, chilly.
3.4. Bún Thịt Nướng
Bún thịt nướng is a dish consisting of fresh rice vermicelli, grilled pork and all kinds of fresh vegetables with sweet and sour sauce, creating a perfect mixture of taste and smell. The combination of sweet, sour, salty, spicy and the aroma of the grilled pork make this dish a perfect choice for either lunch or dinner.
3.5. Cơm Tấm
Cơm tấm is Ho Chi Minh city specialty rice, usually eaten as breakfast or lunch. Cơm tấm is made from broken rice grain – the grain is broken into small pieces but still holds the chewy feeling and the nice and fresh aroma. It is eaten in combination with grilled pork ribs, pig skin, omelette and different kinds of fermented vegetables. The combination of many ingredients makes this dish tasty and filling and will provide you with all your nutritional needs.
3.6. Gỏi Cuốn
Gỏi cuốn is a cool, light dish, well liked in Ho Chi Minh city. This dish consists of shrimp, pork, rice vermicelli, fresh vegetables all rolled up with a thin rice paper wrapper. It is usually eaten with special made dipping sauce, usually fish sauce with extra spices or peanut sauce, creating a filling and tasty dish. Gỏi cuốn is a healthy dish and it will provide you with all your nutritional needs.
3.7. Iced Milk Coffee
Iced milk coffee is the most popular coffee in Ho Chi Minh city. This is made from filtered black coffee mixed with condensed milk, and then ice is added for extra flavor. You can easily find this type of coffee everywhere in Ho Chi Minh city, from roadside small coffee shops to luxury coffee places.
3.8. Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane juice is a great refresher during a hot summer day in Ho Chi Minh city. It is made from squeezing fresh sugarcane plants, it has a natural sweet taste. The juice after being squeezed is usually added a bit of kumquat juice for extra flavors. You can easily find a shop selling this juice everywhere in Ho Chi Minh city.
3.9. Smoothie
A fruit smoothie is a perfect choice if you want a delicious and nutritional drink. In Ho Chi Minh city, you can find many types of smoothies like mango, pineapple, and butter…
3.10. Ginseng Water
Ginseng water is a traditional drink of the Chinese, made from different herbs like ginseng root. plantain, sugarcane and chrysanthemum. Ginseng water has a cool and refreshing taste, a perfect drink to refresh yourself. The drink is usually served cold, helping you reducing the heat and clean yourself after a hot summer day.
3.11. Beer
There are so many famous beer brands in Ho Chi Minh city: Sài Gòn, Tiger, Heineken,… Each has its own unique features and taste. If you have the chance, you should go with your friends and enjoy a cold beer at night in some roadside bars or go to Tây Bùi Viện pedestrian zone to enjoy the nightlife atmosphere of Saigon.
Ho Chi Minh city is a perfect combination of traditional and modern values and features. This place will always bring new and exciting experiences to its tourists. Some of the best things to do in Saigon: From exploring different tourist attractions, enjoying some tasty local dishes to immersing yourself into the daily life of the people of this beautiful city, each will bring you unforgettable memories. The longer you spend your time here, the more you will fall in love with this city.