Ho Chi Minh City

To feel the pulse of modern Vietnam, you must come to Ho Chi Minh City. While Hanoi is the country’s historic and political soul, this sprawling, energetic metropolis is its undeniable economic engine and its forward-looking, cosmopolitan face. Still affectionately called by its old name, Saigon, by locals and travelers alike, this is a city in constant, dizzying motion. It is a place of soaring skyscrapers and sleek rooftop bars standing alongside ancient pagodas and bustling, traditional markets. The city’s energy is infectious, a relentless hum of commerce, culture, and life that sweeps you up in its current from the moment you arrive.

The story of Saigon is a story of transformation. It rose to prominence as a major administrative and trading hub under the French, who sought to create a “Paris of the Orient.” They gifted the city a legacy of magnificent colonial architecture, from the grand Central Post Office to the stunning Opera House, giving its historic core a distinctly European grace. In the 20th century, it became the capital of South Vietnam and the epicenter of American involvement during the Vietnam War. This period left a deep and complex mark on the city’s identity, a history that is powerfully and poignantly explored in its museums.

Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a place that looks firmly to the future without forgetting its past. The relentless river of motorbikes that flows through its streets is a symbol of its incredible energy and its drive for progress. It is a city that has fully embraced global culture while fiercely holding on to its own traditions. This is most evident in its incredible food scene. While you can find world-class international restaurants, the true heart of Saigonese cuisine is on the street. Pull up a tiny plastic stool at any corner, and you can feast on some of the most delicious and varied street food in the world, from the iconic Banh Mi sandwich to a hearty plate of Com Tam (broken rice with grilled pork).

A journey to Ho Chi Minh City is an immersion into the dynamic spirit of a nation on the move. It is a chance to explore harrowing war history by day and sip cocktails at a glamorous rooftop bar by night. It is a city of sharp contrasts, boundless energy, and incredible resilience, a “Pearl of the Far East” that has been polished by history and now shines brighter than ever.

Key Attractions:

• War Remnants Museum: A powerful, harrowing, and essential visit for understanding the profound impact of the Vietnam War (or the “American War,” as it is known here). The museum presents a stark and often graphic depiction of the atrocities of the war, primarily from the Vietnamese perspective. The collection of US military hardware in the courtyard and the powerful photographic exhibits inside make for a sobering but incredibly important educational experience.

• Cu Chi Tunnels: An incredible testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Viet Cong soldiers. A day trip from the city takes you to this vast, underground network of tunnels that were used during the war. You can learn about how the soldiers lived, fought, and survived in these incredibly narrow spaces and even have the chance to crawl through a short, widened section of the tunnels yourself. It is a fascinating and eye-opening experience.

• Ben Thanh Market: The bustling, iconic central market of Saigon. This is the city’s most famous landmark and a hub of commercial activity. Inside, you can find a dizzying array of goods, from coffee and spices to textiles, souvenirs, and electronics. The market is also home to a fantastic food court where you can sample a huge variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes.

• Independence Palace (Reunification Palace): A fascinating time capsule of 1960s architecture and a site of immense historical importance. This was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the war. The palace has been left largely untouched since a North Vietnamese tank famously crashed through its gates in 1975, marking the end of the war. You can explore the grand reception rooms, the presidential living quarters, and the eerie basement war command center with its old maps and communication equipment.

• Saigon Central Post Office: A stunningly beautiful and fully functional post office designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame). Its grand, arched interior, old-fashioned telephone booths, and large, painted maps of historic Saigon make it a magnificent architectural gem from the French colonial era.

• Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon: Located right next to the Post Office, this beautiful cathedral is another prominent landmark from the colonial period. With its twin bell towers and red brick facade (all the materials for which were imported from France), it stands as a peaceful and beautiful symbol of the city’s diverse history.

• Jade Emperor Pagoda: An atmospheric and beautiful Taoist pagoda that is one of the most important in the city. The air inside is thick with the smoke of incense, and the temple is filled with intricate and sometimes fearsome-looking statues of deities and heroes from Taoist lore. It is a stunning example of Chinese temple architecture and a vibrant center of local worship.

• Rooftop Bars: To appreciate the modern, glamorous side of Saigon, a visit to one of its many rooftop bars is a must. Sipping a cocktail while gazing at the sprawling, glittering cityscape from above is the perfect way to end a day of exploring and to appreciate the incredible energy of this dynamic city.