Joanna James
Vietnam's largest city, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a fascinating destination with a blend of rich history and modern development. A perfect place to explore, the city has many top sites to visit which are worth adding to your itinerary.
Dating back to 1744, the Giac Lam Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in the city and is set amidst an idyllic garden. Those staying at centrally located hotels or serviced apartments Ho Chi Minh City has to offer can easily access this site home to a sacred Bodhi tree as well. One can enjoy a stroll around the serene grounds of the pagoda, take in the distinctive architecture and observe devotees. You will also find statues of the Buddha as well as one of the Goddess of Mercy (Quan The Am Bo Tat).
In the government quarter of the city is the Notre Dame Cathedral with its eye-catching neo-Romanesque style architecture and design. One of the most striking attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, this red-brick cathedral was constructed in the latter part of the 19th century and is named after the Virgin Mary. Amongst the highlights of this site are its impressive twin bell towers with spires that in total reach heights of around 60 meters. Those heading inside can view the devotional tablets as well as the lovely stained glass windows which add to the cathedral's charm.
Offering a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, the War Remnants Museum is a must-visit site. Within easy reach of properties such as Somerset Vista Ho Chi Minh City, the museum provides moving insights into the Vietnam War including the atrocities committed; it features photographs, personal memorabilia, weapons, military vehicles and more. The site also offers information and exhibits on conflicts with China and the French-colonial period along with insights into some infamous prisons.
A great place to begin your day when sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City, the lively Binh Tay Market is in the Chinatown district referred to as Cholon. The building which houses the market dates back to the 1880s and was built by the French; one of the striking features here is the clock tower. Within the market, one will find all manner of fresh produce, seafood and meats for sale along with wholesale textiles and handicrafts. It is a popular breakfast spot for locals too and a great place to sample Vietnamese-Chinese dishes be it com tam, pho noodles or banh bao.
Equally captivating as the historical attractions is the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City which can be experienced at hotspots such as Pham Ngu Lao in District Three. Popular amongst locals, backpackers and expats alike, it's an ideal place for bar or pub hopping adventures, with plenty of establishments offering relatively cheap drinks. When hunger strikes there are several restaurants where you can satisfy those cravings without having to spend too much. For those who want to dance the night away, Pham Ngu Lao is home to some lively nightclubs too such as the Crazy Buffalo.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
