Saigon is now known as Ho Chi Minh City, and was named after Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s beloved leader who managed to unify Vietnam successfully after the Vietnam war. To honor his contribution to unifying Vietnam, Saigon city was officially renamed to Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City is one of the fascinating spots in Vietnam, modern yet rich in history. Visitors from all corners of the world tour this city and its streets to explore the buildings, museums, and the scenes during the Vietnam war. If are dropping by, check out a Ho Chi Minh hotel here today.
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the liveliest destinations in Vietnam. This is evident by the outstanding buildings and thrilling nightlife in this city. Foods are plenty in Ho Chi Minh City, and you can have a taste of local food for the time you’ll spend in this city.
Here are the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City:
- Tour the Giac Lam Pagoda
Giac Lam Pagoda was established in 1744, and it is the most ancient temple in Ho Chi Minh City. The Pagoda is built in a lovely garden. Before you get into the temple, you will come across a beautiful Bodhi tree, which is considered holy among Buddhism. This tree has been there since 1953.
- Visit the War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is a superb sight in Ho Chi Minh City and is devoted to enlightening tourists regarding the horrors of the Vietnam War.
This is one of the most loved museums in entire Vietnam, and over five hundred visitors tour this museum annually.
By visiting this museum, you’ll come across antique military vehicles, Huey helicopters, bombers, and more.
- Visit Reunification Palace
During the Vietnam War, Reunification Palace served as home for the South Vietnam president.
Reunification Palace has its unique history as it was invaded in 1975 by the Vietnamese from the northern part, and Ho Chi Minh City had no option other than to surrender.
The building is still attractive, and you can have a tour guide across the palace to have an insight into the social and historical importance of this building to the Vietnam war.
- Visit the History Museum
The History Museum is situated in a gorgeous agricultural garden, and it was established as early as 1929. The museum was intended to be a French colonial pillar, but it become a museum. You will come across artifacts that date back to 3,000 years.
Most of the artifacts are as old as the Bronze Age, and some of them were obtained from Khmer and Cham kingdoms.
- Tour the Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta comprises 39,000 km2 of waterways, and this is one of the areas of Vietnam with the highest population.
Mekong Delta is a four-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, and most visitors prefer to tour the area as a team.
Upon reaching, you’ll come across floating markets, schools, as well as homes, and this is one of the most distinctive spots in entire Vietnam.
- Visit Cao Dai Temple
Cao Dai Temple is the hub of the Cao Dai faith; a religion made up of Confucianism, Taoism, Christianity, Buddhism, and Islam. Visitors can tour the temple and get an insight into this faith which has a small number of devoted followers. Just a random fact: It is a requirement for Cao Dai followers to wear a white robe before making entry to the temple with an extra sash to denote their previous religion.
- Tour Notre Dame Cathedral
It took six years to build Notre Dame Cathedral, from 1877-1883, and it is situated in the center of the city. The cathedral is created with a neo-Romanesque style, boasts a height of 40 meters, and it is garnished with appealing iron spires. The cathedral is named after Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus Christ, and inside is enclosed in devotional tables and pristine glass windows. There are staff always present to enlighten visitors about the cathedral’s history, so you will not be lost.
As said above, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most famous destinations in Vietnam with cultural diversity and history about Vietnam. A visit to Ho Chi Minh City is fascinating since there are endless things you can do while on your trip to Vietnam.
