Joanna James
As the most dynamic and vibrant city in all of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City truly packs in a punch in terms of the sheer variety of activities on offer. From touring museums to digging into local delicacies, here are some of the best things to do during a trip to the Vietnamese capital.
Constructed as far back as 1909, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most iconic spiritual attractions. Dedicated to the worship of Ngoc Hoang, the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, this resplendent place of worship is perhaps best known for its breathtaking architectural features complete with wood carvings and stunning tile work. The mammoth statues lining the halls of the temple belong to both the Taoist and Buddhist traditions. Alive with the smell of incense, the temple's main highlight is, of course, the sculpture of the Jade Emperor who is flanked by Four Big Diamonds (his divine guardians).
Called the finest museum in all of Ho Chi Minh City, War Remnants Museum is a must-tour highlight for those based at Oakwood Residence Saigon and other similar hotels and apartments in Saigon. Having graced the world's news headlines for decades, Saigon's war with America and its impact on the local culture is deeply explored in this museum. Delving into the human and emotional cost of the conflict, some of the most captivating exhibits on show include the weapons and armoured vehicles used in the war.
Ho Chi Minh City is a foodie's dream destination, and no trip to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without savouring the local treats and delicacies available down District 4 or the Dong Khoi region. Just a stone's throw away from the Ben Nghe Channel, this working-class area not only offers shoppers an array of street markets but also cafes and roadside food vendors that sell everything from grilled seafood to snails.
Occupying pride of place in what was once the city's government quarter, Notre Dame Cathedral is no less impressive than its French counterpart even if it is not as grand in scale. With red bricks and other raw materials imported from France, this towering Catholic Church is a neo-Romanesque structure with its sky-piercing spires and two bell towers. This cathedral is devoted to the worship of the Virgin Mary as its name indicates, and the stained-glass windows and the devotional tablets that are inlaid into the venue's walls are some of the church's most noteworthy attributes.
Ho Chi Minh City is not only home to some of the best rooftop bars and drinking holes in Asia but the city is equally well-regarded for its craft beers. It is not uncommon for designer bars in the metropolis to stay open till 1 am or later. Some of the best places to sample craft beer in the capital include Pham Ngu Lao and Ð Bui Vien.
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