Ho Chi Minh City – Heart & Soul Of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City – Heart & Soul Of Vietnam
This city has driven the whole nation forward with its limitless energy, timeless traditions and the beauty of ancient culture. It might continue to be viewed through the lens of war but the fascinating architecture and scenic sights, a kaleidoscope of street markets, shops and pavement cafes is a wondrous haven for visitors to lose themselves in. It’s like a life-form that breathes life and excitement into all who settle down here, and visitors cannot help but be towed along for the ride. A city that’s always on the move – it’s none other than Ho Chi Minh.
The juxtaposition of past and present is more visible here than anywhere else in Vietnam. Those who arrive at Ho Chi Minh City will take notice of luminous skyscrapers that stand tall above the extravagant French colonial villa’s, they’ll find the old cyclo pedicab moving along amongst the lean mean automobiles of the modern day, ladies in traditional ao dai tunics chatting on mobile phones. And, everywhere you look, there’s sure to be colours and movements.
Ho Chi Minh City is always in a hurry. The heat, noise and crowds can be overwhelming but nevertheless, the city rewards patient tourists a fascinating glimpse of Vietnam with all its enthusiasm and charm but the real beauty of Ho Chi Minh City’s urban collage is that two worlds blend so seamlessly into one. Fondly referred to as Saigon by the locals till today, Ho Chi Minh still retains a charm reminiscent of its French European heritage. Full of American soldiers, Saigon became synonymous with risk, rock and roll, and raucous nightlife and it still hasn’t lost much of its commercial zeal.
It doesn’t matter whether you want the finest hotels or the cheapest guesthouses, some chic restaurant or just a street stall, designer boutiques, a marketplace or a fun night out– at Ho Chi Minh City, if you want it, you’ve got it! Ho Chi Minh City is full of places to see and be seen.
Out & About In Ho Chi Minh City
Thien Hau Temple
Chùa Bà Thiên Hậu or The Pagoda of the Lady Thien Hau is one of the most prominent pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City that serves for prayers to Thiên Hậu, the Lady of the Sea (“Tian Hou” as transcribed from the Chinese), who is also known as “Mazu”. The temple is located on Nguyen Trai Street in the Cho Lon (Chinatown) district of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a historical site in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Built during the French colonial era, the museum is located at the corner of Lý Tự Trọng street and Nam Kỳ khởi nghĩa street, near Reunification Palace, originally known as Independence Palace. It was originally the residence of high-ranking French colonial officers and was called Gia Long Palace before the Fall of Saigon.
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
The Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica is a cathedral that stands tall at the downtown of Saigon. Established by French colonists (hence the name), the cathedral was built between 1863 and 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet). All building materials were imported from France. The outside wall of the cathedral was built with bricks from Marseille. These bricks have retained their bright red color until today, even though the contractor did not use coated concrete.
Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office is a post office in the downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. The building which was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the early 20th century has a Gothic architectural style. It was designed and constructed by the famous architect Gustave Eiffel in accordance with the surrounding area. At present, the building is a major tourist attraction.
Reunification Hall
One of the most historical landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, the Reunification Palace or formerly known as Independence Palace was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. At that time, it was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War and the site of the official handover of power during the Fall of Saigon. In November 1975, after the negotiation convention between the communist North Vietnam and communist South Vietnam was successful, in memory of that event, the Provisional Government of the Republic of South Vietnam renamed the hall Reunification Hall.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Although Ho Chi Minh City is better known for its impressive historical and war museums and pagodas, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is something that should top the list of things to see when you’re in town. As one of the oldest zoos in the world, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden’s construction began in 1864 under the supervision of celebrated tropical botanist J.B. Louis Pierre and was completed in 1865. It houses a fascinating collection of rare orchids and ornamental plants, and more than a hundred species of mammal reptiles and birds.
Tunnels of Củ Chi
This is the underground tunnel built and used by the Viet Cong during both French-Indo China War and the Vietnam War. Measuring 75-miles (121 km)-long, the tunnels of Củ Chi has been preserved by the government of Vietnam, and turned into a war memorial park. The tunnels are a popular tourist attraction, and visitors are invited to crawl around in the safer parts of the tunnel system. Underground conference rooms where campaigns such as the Tết Offensive were planned in 1968 have been restored, and visitors may enjoy a simple meal of food that Viet Cong fighters would have eaten. The tunnel stands today as a symbol of struggle of the Vietnamese people in one of the most famous battle ground of Vietnam War. Just a word of caution, if you’re claustrophobic, you might want to skip this one.
Binh Chau Hot Springs
Located 70 km west of Vung Tau, the Binh Chau Hot Springs is an attractive site for those who love nature and who want to relax in an enchanting environment. Covering an area of 1 sq.km, Binh Chau consists of many lakes and ponds joined by an underground pool of mineral water that has been created from a network of 70 main sources. The hot water, which has a temperature of 80oC (163.4oF, is directed into pools where it is used for its medicinal values, such as treating skin disease and rheumatism.
With that temperature, you can even boil an egg in 10 to 15 minutes. Vietnamese visitors like to boil eggs in the bamboo baskets set aside for this purpose; you’ll find a couple of giant chicken statues decorating the springs where you, too, can boil up a snack for yourself, with raw eggs on sale. However if you prefer, there are restaurants at the resort. Hotels have also been built to accommodate visitors who go there for health as well as recreational purposes.
Cholon Market
The ancient Chinese quarter of Cholon or Chinatown is the best place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam to observe the hustle and bustle of trading.
Other Attractions
Ho Chi Minh City has several excellent museums, botanical gardens, waterways, temples, pagodas and much more. The Dam Sen Park, within its landscaped gardens are lakes and pagodas, an ice-block wonderland and a roller coaster. The Fine Arts Museum showcases a decaying grandeur of a French colonial building and houses an eclectic display of art. Spread over three floors, the collection features work from the classical periods alongside abstract and modern Vietnamese pieces. The History Museum is a stunning Sino-French-style building is worth a visit. The museum has a fine collection of artifacts illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam dating back to the Bronze Age. The War Remnants Museum is an essential visit; a stark reminder that wars are never glorious. On display are retired artillery pieces, models of cages used to house Viet Cong prisoners, and a heartbreaking array of photographs of the ones who have been made victims by the devastating war.
When The Sun Goes Down
Do you think that everything gets to a standstill as day turns into night at Ho Chi Minh City? Definitely not! Central Ho Chi Minh City is the place to be on Sunday and holiday nights because that’s the spot that boasts a range of nightlife that’s expanding in direct proportion to the number of foreigners hitting town. Take your pick – from pubs, pool halls, live-music shows, evening river-boat cruises, and trendy discos, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Eating Out In Ho Chi Minh City
Food is a highlight here. The city is packed with eateries, ranging from simple sidewalk stalls to five-star hotel dining rooms. The city is the culinary capital where you can sample a variety of foods ranging from Vietnamese regional specialties to international cuisine. But, if you ever do come to Vietnam, it’s a must that you savour some authentic Vietnamese food. Here are some dishes that you must give a try.
Phở - A noodle soup with a rich, clear broth made from a long boiling of meat and spices. There are many varieties of phở made with different meats (most commonly beef or chicken) along with beef meatballs. Phở is typically served in bowls with spring onion, (in phở tai) slices of semi-cooked beef (to be cooked by the boiling hot broth), and broth. In the South, vegetables and various herbs are also added.
Mi xao don - A dish of crispy deep-fried egg noodles, topped with a wide array of seafood, vegetables and shrimp in a gravy sauce.
Bánh chưng - Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves and stuffed with mung bean paste, lean pork and black pepper, traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year (Tet). Bánh chưng is popular in the North, while its cousin version bánh tét is more popular in the South. Bánh tét has the same content, except cylindrical in shape and lean pork is substituted with fatty pork.
Xôi - Sticky rice with coconut milk, cooked the same way as one cooks rice, or steamed for a firmer texture and more flavorful taste. It comes in a great number of varieties.
Banh bao - A Steamed bun dumpling that can be stuffed with onion, mushrooms, or vegetables. Bánh bao is an adaptation from the Chinese baozi to fit Vietnamese taste. Vegetarian banh bao are also available. Vegetarian bánh bao are popular food in Buddhist temples. Typical stuffing’s for bánh bao include slices of marinated xá xíu (BBQ pork from Chinese cooking) meat, tiny boiled quail eggs, and pork.
Vietnamese style popiah - Stir fried jicama and carrots, Chinese sausage, shredded scrambled eggs, all wrapped with vermicelli noodle in a rice paper roll is usually eaten by dipping it into a spicy peanut sauce (with freshly roasted and ground peanuts). It is of Chinese (Hokkien/Chaozhou) origin, having been brought over by the immigrants. In Saigon (particularly in Cholon), it is common to see an old Teochew man or woman selling bò bía at their roadside stand. The name bò bía phonetically resembles its original name popiah in the Teochew language.
Bánh tráng nướng - These are large round flat rice crackers, which, when heated, enlarge into round, easily shattered pieces. They can be eaten separately, although they are most commonly added into the vermicelli noodle dishes like cao lầu and mì quảng. Many types of 'banh trang' exist, including the clear sesame seed ones, prawn-like cracker with dried spring onions, sweet milk, and so on.
Pate Chaud - A French inspired meat-filled pastry. Characterized by flaky crust and either pork or chicken as the filling.
Shopaholics Unite!
- Chợ Bến Thành (or Ben Thanh Market) is the biggest of the markets found in Ho Chi Minh City. The building was formerly the main railway terminal. The market sells a large variety of goods from imported electronics and imported perfumes to local souvenirs, clothing and produce.
- Dong Khoi Street has been the premier shopping destination in Ho Chi Minh City. There are various shops selling jewellery, ceramics, antiques, furniture and silk. Prices can be a little hefty, but the quality of silk here excellent. After a tailored suit, jacket or dress? You’re bound to find more than a handful of tailors right here!
Tips & Tricks
- The streets of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City are astonishingly crowded with bicycles, scooters, motorcycles, cyclos, huge, grumbling trucks, and thousands of pedestrians, each of whom operates under different and mutually aggressive rules of the road. With that in mind, mind you, Vietnam is not a place to ride a motorcycle even if you already know how to ride one. This is guaranteed to lead to disaster. And yes, the traffic here needs to be seen to be believed so, please learn how to cross the streets!
- You may have some difficulty communicating in English, as the locals do not speak or understand the language. However when bargaining, the language of numbers, tapped out on calculators, speak the universal code of the shopper and the seller.
- The Internet, guidebooks and your travel agent will throw up a variety of holiday options in Vietnam. While you’re there, don’t miss out on the incredibly cheap and amazing massages; inexpensive tailoring services; bargains on branded garments and the great cuisine, especially on the river cruise at night, which starts from the pier opposite Hotel Majestic.
- The best time to visit weather-wise is the dry season between December and April, when the humidity is more manageable. The crowds start getting heavy around November and stay through March.
Believe your senses, as you discover one of the most enriching, enlivening and exotic countries on earth. Vietnam as well as Ho Chi Minh City has it all. As for starters, head there expecting the unexpected – you’re bound to be on a thrilling adventure as well as a relaxing holiday. Memorable conversations, tantalizing tastes and moments of frustration – it’s everything that makes the trip very much enjoyable.
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