Joanna James
Vietnam's largest city and trade hub, Ho Chi Minh, is a fascinating tourist destination. There's an abundance of things to do here, and tourists are rewarded with the best.
The city of excitement, chaos and delicious Vietnamese food, Ho Chi Minh is a must-visit for every traveller. The intersections are packed with motorbikes that try to get ahead of each other, and every street corner is occupied by a food vendor selling Vietnam's favourite noodle soup. The smell of spices and exhaust fumes permeate the air. Saigon River is the lifeline of the city, and most tourists choose an apartment hotel Ho Chi Minh City near the river for ease of travel. With its colonial-style structures, the city exudes a European feel. Accommodation options are bountiful, and the likes of Somerset Chancellor Court Ho Chi Minh City are an easy find.
The best time to visit this Vietnamese city is from December to March, the drier months of the year. January and March hold significance due to Vietnamese New Year; this is when the city comes alive with a festive and joyous spirit.
Located 60 kilometres away from Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of tunnels that served as living quarters, a camp base and a hospital during the Vietnam War. The site is a half-day trip for most visitors to the city. A visit will allow you to crawl through these extremely narrow tunnels, an experience that would lend you an appreciation for the soldiers who suffered here.
Another place of interest that speaks of the brutal Vietnam War, the War Remnants Museum is a cache of uncomfortable reminders. The primary focus of the museum is the Vietnam War, but some exhibits are related to the Indochina War with French colonialists. Some of the images are too graphic, rending the place unsuitable for small children.
The islands and waterways of Mekong Delta make for an excellent day trip, and it seems so apart from the chaotic Ho Chi Minh City. A visit to Mekong Delta will give you an insight into the local way of life and how the waterway is an essential part of their survival. The delta occupies around 40,000 square kilometres, and it produces nearly half of the country's total amount of grains. Mekong Delta is popular for floating markets which usually take shape during the first half of the day.
If you love French architecture, you will most definitely love Saigon Opera House. Also called the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Opera House was built in the 18th century for French colonists. In the late 1950s, the building was converted into the residence of the Lower House assembly of Vietnam, but in 1975, it again became a theatre. The place hosts Opera and the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra.
This is a must-visit for every tourist visiting Ho Chi Minh City. The market is brimful with stalls selling everything, including flowers, fish, local delicacies, shoes, clothes, souvenirs and candy. The market is also known for petty thievery, so be mindful of your valuables. After shopping at Ben Thanh Market, head to Saigon Square, an air-conditioned shopping mall. The mall offers excellent discounts on clothes, shoes and jewellery. Bargaining is customary at both Saigon Square and Ben Thanh Market.
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