Best Time To Visit

Overview of Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh metropolis, which is usually referred to as Saigon, is the most populous and dynamic in Vietnam. Through its cultural and economic significance, it serves as a magnet that draws in millions of tourists each year. Ho Chi Minh City is a city that offers something for everyone, whether you are interested in its illustrious past, its varied cuisine, its contemporary skyscrapers, or its vibrant nightlife. Within the scope of this travel guide, we will discuss some of the most significant characteristics of Ho Chi Minh City, including its history, climate, and attractions.

The heart of Ho Chi Minh City may be found on the banks of the Saigon River, 60 km away from the South China Sea and 1670 km and 60 km south of Hanoi. In the north, it shares a border with the provinces of Tay Ninh and Binh Duong; in the east, it shares a border with the provinces of Dong Nai and Ba Ria–Vung Tau; in the west, it shares a border with Long An Province; and in the south, it contains a coastline that is 15km long.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh

The city of Ho Chi Minh, which is situated in the tropical monsoon climate and is within close proximity to the equator, is distinguished by high tropical temperatures throughout the entire year and two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The dry season begins in December and continues through April, whereas the rainy season begins in late May and continues through November. While April and May are typically quite warm, December and January are when the weather becomes more bearable.

What to see and do in Ho Chi Minh?

Cu Chi Tunnels

One of the most enjoyable things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to go on a day excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels. One might acquire additional knowledge on the Vietnam military by visiting the tunnels that are a part of a military museum. If you want to get a feel for how the Viet Cong lived during the war, you should crawl through the tunnels that are so restricted. Additionally, you will be able to observe a wide variety of traps that she employed, as well as the way in which they lived below and inspect abandoned military vehicles. On the shooting range, shooters have the option of using a variety of firearms to practice their shooting skills.

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is the most impressive and best museum in Vietnam; it is something you must not miss out on. This war museum will provide additional information regarding the dreadful Vietnam War. Several abandoned military vehicles, including a tank, jet, helicopter, and rocket launchers, may be found outside the museum. Additional battle artifacts and disturbing photographs depicting the brutality of the conflict can be found within.

Reunification Palace

Until his passing in 1963, this mansion served as the Vietnamese general’s residence. In 1975, when a tank belonging to the North Vietnamese army passed through the front gate, therefore bringing an end to the Vietnam War, it became famous all over the world. It is now possible to visit this palace, which has been converted into a museum. Despite the passage of forty years, everything appears to be precisely the same as it was when it was first constructed. This includes a communication room and an air raid shelter, both used to direct troops.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Visit Nguyen Hue Walking Street if you are looking for a place that is considered to be among the best in the city for social and dating life. Every night, thousands of people congregate here to socialize and share a pleasant evening in the center of the town. It is surrounded by spectacular architecture of colonial buildings like as the Opera House and the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, and it is also where you will find the beautiful Cafe Apartments complex. Each apartment in this structure is a different cafe with its own distinctive design. When viewed from the street, it has a very appealing appearance. These older structures are surrounded by the most recent skyscrapers, which is another interesting fact.

Bitexco Financial Tower

Before the construction of Landmark 81 in 2018, the highest building in Southeast Asia, Bitexco was the tallest structure in the city. Landmark 81 is currently the tallest skyscraper in Southeast Asia. Despite this, Bitexco remains the most stunning skyscraper in the city, located in the heart of the town. The platform for the helicopter is located on the side of the structure, shaped like a lotus flower.

Your visit to the sky deck, located at a height of 262 meters, will provide you with a breathtaking panorama of the city and the river.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

A stunning cathedral in Saigon can be found directly across the street from the post office. The building was built between 1863 and 1880, and it is proudly situated in the middle of the main road, oblivious to the heavy traffic that passes by.

In addition to the fact that the foundation was meant to support ten times the weight of the basilica, it is interesting to note that all materials used to construct the cathedral were shipped from France.

After the tour, make your way to a peaceful promenade shaded by trees and parallel to the cathedral. This promenade is on the right side of the street as you walk away from the post office, just beyond McDonald’s. This serene location is perfect for a little stroll, a cup of coffee, or some light reading. You may discover that lounging around here is one of those relaxing things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that you did not initially consider.

Local Food in Ho Chi Minh

Beef noodle soup ( Bún Bò)

In order to prepare bun bo, thin rice noodles, meat, herbs, and a number of other spices are used. In most cases, beef stock and fish sauce are used to make the broth, which imparts the dish with the umami flavor and aroma that is characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine. Because of the many ways in which the noodles are prepared, the texture of the noodles might vary; some of them may be mushy, while others may be more al dente. Sawtooth coriander, lemongrass, and perilla leaf are some of the aromatic herbs that you can use to give this traditional meal an even deeper level of flavor development.

Broken rice (Com tam)

One of the most well-known dishes in Ho Chi Minh City is called broken rice, or com tam. Breaking rice, grilled pork, fried eggs, pickled vegetables, and a fish sauce with a tangy flavor are the components that make up this traditional Vietnamese cuisine.

The concept of broken rice may be traced back to the 1930s, when it was initially developed as a method of preparing meals that was more economical for those who were in the working class. It was possible to cook broken rice in a shorter amount of time and it was more affordable than unbroken rice.

Bánh Mì

Due to its unique combination of flavors, the banh mi is a well-known street snack in Ho Chi Minh City that is fondly enjoyed by both locals and visitors alike. This famous sandwich is made up of a French baguette that has been fried to a crisp and stuffed with various meats, vegetables, and sauces.

Originally derived from the standard French baguette, the banh mi may be traced back to the 19th century, when it underwent certain modifications. This Saigon sandwich typically includes pork or chicken, paté, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber slices, cilantro, mayonnaise, and chili sauce. It may also include a few other ingredients. This assortment of components is encased in a sandwich made of two pieces of freshly cooked bread that has a golden brown color.

Pho Sai Gon

Anyone who is interested in experiencing the classic flavors of Vietnam should make it a point to try Pho Saigon, which is a well-known and well-respected traditional dish in Ho Chi Minh City.

The flavors in this Vietnamese noodle soup have been developed over the course of centuries, resulting in a delicate balance of flavors. The dish is made up of a savory broth that is created with either beef or chicken, thin rice noodles, fresh herbs, and toppings such as bean sprouts, basil leaves, cilantro, lime, and chili pepper.

Hu Tieu ( Clear rice noodle soup)

This reassuring bowl of noodle soup is a delicacy that is highly well-liked in the street markets of Ho Chi Minh City. Customers who want to adjust the flavor of their hu tieu to suit their preferences are frequently provided with a selection of toppings, which may include fresh herbs and chopped spring onions, among other options. In the months of the year when temperatures are lower, this dish is also an excellent option for a warm lunch.

How to get around Ho Chi Minh?

At first appearance, it could appear to be a challenging endeavor to navigate one’s way around Ho Chi Minh City. The simple act of crossing the street might be difficult in this city because there are around 7.6 million motorcycles for every 9 million people living there.

It often takes some time for foreigners who are living in Ho Chi Minh City to become accustomed to the chaotic traffic conditions that the city is famous for.

Within the framework of Ho Chi Minh City’s public transportation system, the city’s massive bus network serves as the central hub. The majority of expats choose to use motorbike taxis or private taxis, despite the fact that buses are inexpensive. In terms of getting around Ho Chi Minh City, these show to be the most effective mode of transportation.