Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Contents
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has all the traits of a bustling metropolis—it is clamorous, somewhat disorderly, and has the largest population among all cities in Vietnam. Although these are traits that are a hallmark to most growing Asian cities in general, any first-time visitor may not help himself but feel overwhelmed by how abuzz the city is like.
The place—as much as the rest of Vietnam—however, is understandably vibrant. Primarily, because of its population’s daily affairs with wheels, commonly motorcycles. With an estimated population of around 13 million, specifically within the metropolitan area, a good portion of these people scramble across the city not with their foot, but with their two wheels.
Ho Chi Minh is only partly defined by its motorcycle-loving, or otherwise, locals. This thriving city also holds a fair share of curious tourists and discerning visitors from elsewhere and abroad, too—counting to millions of them annually and who are directly contributive of Vietnam’s developing tourism.
But that should not come as a surprise considering that the city, more than just a hub of modernity, is also a host to a slew of tourist hotspots such as the Municipal Theatre, the Independence Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, the Ben Thanh Market, and the Ho Chi Minh City Hall. Each of these places offers unique attraction, which makes travel to the place a worthwhile endeavor for most people.
Then, there also goes the nightlife, which is essentially the city as defined by its youth. If you are a party animal—or maybe just enthusiastic about parties in general—who like to experience the night event in literally every place possible, you should consider adding the city’s offerings as part of your bucket list.
Do not mistake Saigon as the capital city of Vietnam. This title still rightfully belongs to Hanoi. But if there is one thing which the city has over Hanoi as a valuable city, it is that it’s the center of finance of the country; with it is home to the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange and a multitude of companies, national and international banks, all of which play essential role in money-flow across Vietnam.
However, looking into the history that shaped Vietnam, it is understandable why this city has become significant about money. Consequently, for the money-centered individuals, the city is an ideal place for trade and business. For a nation with a total population that is close to a hundred million, Vietnam is unsurprisingly a big market to deal business with.
The city, in many ways, is quite akin to Manila, which is something reminiscent to Filipinos who have been in both worlds. With a difference being that the two culture spoke two different languages, everything else feels eerily the same—and, then again, also changed.
From Manila City, several airlines have direct flights to Ho Chi Minh City. You can click the on the websites of these airlines to check on the rates and flight schedules:
This lively city is the center of trade and commerce. To fully experience what the place has to offer, it would be great spending some time at a roadside café with a cup of Vietnamese iced coffee and plan how you will explore this beautiful city.
Meanwhile, here are some things which you can do on your first visit to the city:
Ho Chi Minh City Hall
The Saigon City Hall or the People’s Committee Head Office was built from 1902-1908. This French colonial-style structure is a famous landmark in the City because of its imposing structure.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall Address: Số 86 Lê Thánh Tôn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
Bui Vien Walking Street
Bui Vien is a famous street in Vietnam just across the City Hall which is a favorite destination to both locals and tourists during nighttime. The place usually hosts events and many entertainment activities. Bars, cafes, and restaurants are also found along the street.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
It is considered as a significant art museum of the city. The place is just a few meters away from Ben Thanh Market.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts Address: 97A Phó Đức Chính, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Cruise at Mekong Delta
The Mekong Delta, also known as the Western Region, is a place in southwestern Vietnam where the Mekong River approaches sea through a network of distributaries.
The Mekong Delta is called a “biological treasure trove” because there are over 1,000 animal species that have been found in the area such as new species of plants, lizards, fish, and mammals.
The local guides during the cruise talk about the history of the region as you explore island lush tropical gardens of the place.
The river cruise provides the opportunity to stop at local villages to sample local cuisines and delicacies and experience more of the culture, as well as customs and traditions. You will also have the opportunity to buy some locally handcrafted souvenirs. Covering of knees and shoulders is recommended when visiting rural areas.
Experience Cu Chi Tunnels
Enhance your knowledge about the history of Vietnam as the Cu Chi Tunnels gives you a glimpse of the Vietnam War. The Cu Chi tunnels were built by fighters as a base from which the Viet Cong could operate. The 124-mile (200-kilometer) underground network will show you how the tunnels served as underground cities during the Vietnam War.
Cu Chi Tunnels Address: Tổ 6 -ấp QL22, Phước Thạnh, Củ Chi
Jojoy, the Traveling Mask is the official icon of The Happy Trip Blog, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Tour Around the City through a Cycle
Discover the city by riding a Cyclo, a traditional three-wheeled bicycle. Visit places and landmarks of the City like Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, the city’s flower market, and much more.
Sample Ho Chi Minh City Street Food
Food is always part of any travel. As you visit the city, it would be great to have some culinary experience. While in the city, it would be great to immerse yourself in some local markets and rustic restaurants to try local specialties like spring rolls, ‘Bahn mi’ baguettes, salads, and popular rice dishes. Don’t miss to try the aromatic Saigonese coffee.
Buy Some Souvenirs at Bến Thành Market
Would you like to buy some handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs, as well as sample local cuisine? Then you must visit the Bến Thành Market. This place is a large marketplace in central Hồ Chí Minh City, Vietnam in District 1 and one of the earliest surviving structures in Saigon.
Bến Thành Market Address: Chợ, Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
Located at 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is a Taoist pagoda which was built by the Chinese community in 1909.
Marvel at the great architectural design of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is located in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The church building was constructed between 1863 and 1880 by French colonists who initially named it Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon. The cathedral has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet).
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon: 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Quận 1
Bitexco Financial Tower
Ho Chi Minh City’s skyscraper and was completed in 2010. On its 49th Floor is Saigon Skydeck offering a 360 view of the City. The place is open to the public daily.
Bitexco Financial Tower/Saigon Skydeck Address: Bitexco Financial Tower, 7, 2 Hải Triều, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
Vincom Landmark 81
Vincom Landmark 81 is another skyscraper in the city. Within the vicinity is a beautiful park which is perfect for strolling and sightseeing.
Vincom Landmark 81 Address: 772 Điện Biên Phủ, Vinhomes Tân Cảng, Bình Thạnh
Saigon Central Post Office
Just across the Notre-Dame Basilica and a few meters walk from the Reunification Palace, you will see an old, yet beautifully preserved building, the Saigon Post Office or the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office. The structure which is still functioning for its original purpose was erected in the late 19th century when the country was part of French Indochina.
Saigon Central Post Office: Số 125 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh 710009, Vietnam
Reunification Palace | Independence Palace
Just a few blocks north of the Market, you will find the reunification palace. This historical building called Independence Palace marks the site of the former Royal Palace Norodom and one of the most important places to visit in the City. The placemarks an important part of the American War and how it ended with the fall of Saigon when the Palace’s gates were breached by Viet Cong tanks. The palace is open from Monday through Friday from 7:30 am, until 4:30. They closed for lunch however from 11 am until 1 pm.
Independence Palace Address: 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1
Municipal Theatre Ho Chi Minh City
Known as Saigon Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The structure was established in 1897 and an example of French Colonial architecture.
At the Buddhist Vinh Trang Pagoda. This place is part of Mekong Delta Tour
Make sure to buy a tourist SIM Card the Moment you arrive at the airport. There many counters selling Sim Cards for the tourists.
TIME IN HO CHI MINH CITY
The Philippines is one hour ahead of the city.
Click this link to check the REAL TIME IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Many people considered visiting Saigon between December to March because this is when the City is drier.
During the late part of January to early February, Vietnam is celebrating it’s New Year (Tet Festival/ Vietnam Chinese New Year), so this is also a good time to visit. However, since this is a festival time, there’s a big chance that prices for hotels and airfares are quite high.
Between the months of May to September, rain showers do happen, but they normally come in a short burst, so you can still get around. Just keep umbrellas or raincoats handy.
It is usually between July to November where typhoons do happen.
Click here to CHECK HO CHI MINH CITY WEATHER
Click here to CHECK HO CHI MINH CITY WEATHER MONTHLY FORECAST
This is just the recommended itinerary for Saigon trip.
ARRIVAL
The moment you arrive at the airport, make sure to buy or pick your tourist SIM Card. You can also buy online in advance to be delivered to your hotel in the city.
BOOK 3G/4G SIM CARD (HOTEL DELIVERY IN VIETNAM) HERE
DAY 1 IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Ben Thanh Market – You can start your visit to Ho Chi Minh City with a visit to Ben Thanh Market, the symbol of the city.
This historic Central Market building of District 1 in the city, also known as Cho Ben Thanh or Ben Thanh Market is more than 100 years old and played an essential part in the economy of the city.
Statue of Tran Nguyen Han – right in the front entrance of the Ben Thanh Market, you will see the statute of Tran Nguyen Han mounted on a horse on a stone arch. Tran Nguyen Han is a general in the Later Lê Dynasty (1428-1527) and is remembered for helping Emperor Lê Lợi in defeating the Ming army.
War Remnants Museum – Another impressive sight which is just 10 minutes walk from the Market is the War Remnants Museum. This place exhibits remnants and important artifacts left of the American war. The exhibits in the museum include old types of equipment and photographs. The site is open every day from 7:30 am.
You will surely get tired visiting these places, so for lunch, you can return to Ben Thanh Market wherein a wide array of eating facilities can be found.
You can continue your first day in the place by visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Saigon Post Office.
If you want more historical, you can take a cab to the Thi Nghe Channel. In this area, you will find Historical and Military Museums.
Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Financial Tower – See the city from above at the Skydeck of Betixco Tower
BOO A TICKET FOR SKYDECK IN BITEXCO FINANCIAL TOWER HERE
Note: You can just walk or grab a bike or car to visit these places.
DAY 2 IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Cu Chi Tunnel Complex is another must-see destination when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. From Pham Ngu Lao street- the backpacker area, you will found several day trips to the complex. Cu Chi is approximately 40 km northwest of the city in Southern Vietnam. The Cu Chi Tunnels are amazingly an underground community composed of chambers and 250 km of tunnels below the City. A visit to this place will allow you to comprehend why Vietnam won the battle, and with just salt and cassava the survived the underground life.
BOO A CU CHI TUNNELS HALF DAY TOUR HERE
In the late afternoon, you visit other attractions in the City or catch the store hours at Saigon Square for your shopping.
In the evening, you can visit the Bui Vien Walking Street to enjoy the night scene in Ho Chi Minh. Many street foods are being sold at the area, so you might as well try them.
You can spend your third day in the city by experiencing a full day excursion to Mekong Delta. The place offers sceneries like rivers, rice paddies, bee farm, candy making and much more.
BOO A FULL DAY TOUR TO MEKONG DELTA
You can visit Vincom Landmark 81 late in the afternoon to enjoy your last day in Ho Chi Minh.
There are various accommodation facilities in the city that are really cheap. Pick one which suits your taste and budget. Also, I recommend that you choose hotels located in District 1 because it is located near most tourist attractions.
Click on any of the links below to book your hotel.
Town House 23 Saigon Hotel
23 Dang Thi Nhu street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
BOOK YOUR HO CHI MINH CITY HOTEL ROOM HERE
Town House 373 Saigon Hotel
373/45 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1 (easier access via alley 160 of Cong Quynh street), District 1
Tripwriter Hotel
185/28 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1
Chill Box
212A/A61 Nguyen Trai street, Nguyen Cu Trinh ward, District 1
Lafelix Hotel
287-289 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1
BOOK YOUR HO CHI MINH CITY HOTEL ROOM HERE
Ipeace Hotel
175/8 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1
DDA Hotel District 1
183 De Tham, District 1
LeBlanc Hotel Saigon
414 (Behind) Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, Ward 4, District 3
A in Hotel
28/10 Bui Vien St, District 1
BOOK YOUR HO CHI MINH CITY HOTEL ROOM HERE
Meraki Boutique Hotel
178 Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Birth Certificate for Passport Application | How To Correct How to Make Corrections on Your…
My Experience: Things to Do in Halong Bay for an Unforgettable Trip | Tourist Spots…
[gallery columns="2" size="full" ids="24284,24283"] Collecting Magnets and Keyholders Collecting Magnets and Keyholders/Keychains: A Personal…
Casablanca Restaurant | A Belated Birthday Bash for Atty. Ariel Maglalang A Belated Birthday Bash:…
Candi Bentar or split gate | L-R CG Hisona , Geff Sagala, the author and …
Green Label Café Dining at Green Label Café: A Vegetarian Haven Green Label Café is…
View Comments
Assign smaller groups and chaperones in advance. Be proactive in regards to challenging students. If possible, ask his or her parent to be a chaperone to limit any potential problems. When making groups, split any problem pairs into separate groups. This is a good policy for troublemakers, chatty girls or bickering frenemies. It’s probably best to keep the most challenging students in your own group.
If I was assigned to lead my class for an important activity/project (like a field trip to Ho Chi Minh) I will rely on my previous experience as a leader of the group.
As a leader, I will always try my best to keep everyone in line and cooperating. If there is one who does not follow my instruction, I will give them a chance to learn from their mistakes.
I will also explain why they are not following my instruction and ask them if they are willing to change their attitude. If they are still not following, I will make sure that they understand the importance of this activity/project and how it can benefit our school.
If i am given a chance to be a leader , The first thing is I’ll talk to all my classmate and encourage them to join the said activity , I will explain to them that this activity very fun and all the places are good and beautiful and also it gives us more knowledge and learning . i'll them that this is worth it because they will enjoy and experience this kind of activity . I will give them some award and special bonus if they cooperate to this activity. I’ll let them to suggest their ideas of what we do to our awesome tour.
If I was assigned to lead an important activity and some of my classmates are not participating, then I will talk to them privately. I believe a good communication is always a key in solving problems. I will emphasize to them that we are working on an important task which needs to fulfill and I need their help. I will give them task/role to do so they could feel that they are important in that activity. Being a leader doesn't mean you need to be mean in your members because sometimes proper approach will solve everything.
Ho Chi Minh City has the largest population among all cities in Vietnam. This city is known for having plenty of tourist attractions that can quench the thirst of hungry explorers who are up to some adventure. Bui Vien Walking Street is the place where night owls will enjoy because it is where you can find bars, cafes, and restaurants that are open until midnight, it is also located along the streets across the city hall. The next thing that you should not miss is going to the Sample Ho Chi Minh City which are known for their Street Food. It is a must to try different culinary experiences while having this trip because as we all know the food is the one that expresses the soul of the city. As a food trade student it can help us know more about the culture and tradition of that place by tasting their food. If I am given the chance to lead my class and while we are on this trip enjoying ourselves while others are not cooperating, what I would do is talk to them in a calm but serious manner. I will tell them that this trip is for us to enjoy and explore things that are new to us, we are here to learn and not become a burden to our fellow classmates. Also, I will remind them that I am given the authority to supervise them and they are required to follow the instructions that I am giving because it is not just for my own good but it is for the benefit of the whole class. I will frankly tell them that their cooperation is much needed in order to have an enjoyable and memorable trip.
As a leader in our trip First I cannot even Know If I can handle them because it is My First time to lead them, and My classmates Is Very Noisy But I believe in myself that I can do it so, while we where there they were fighting and not agreeing So as a leader I will not tolerate them first thing I did is to Listen Their problems and I talk to them, So They listen to me and they greeted each other so As lider it is not easy to lead Because You Need to maintain Your calmnes And Being a responsible leader
Ho chi Minh City is the most amazing city you will ever visit.
If I have given a chance to lead my classmates during field trip and my classmates don't cooperation I will Continually use positive body language Keep in mind how simple it is to get sucked into the conflict cycle, maintain an open, passive body posture, speak slowly and softly, avoid taking things personally and consider the needs of my classmates
Being a leader comes with responsibility. If I am given a chance to lead the class for this important activity/project, I'll lead in such a way that I take the first action to discipline and be organised to influence my classmates. I'll communicate with our instructor about the things we must do during activities and how to deal with my classmates . To lead the class, by having the consent of our instructor, I'll use my authority by giving sanctions/punishments to those who do not participate, such as giving low participation grades during the activity and they will not be allowed to join such activities again, they must know what consequences they might get. Taking care of my members or classmates is my responsibility, making sure they learn something from every activity we make. Authority without responsibility leads to irresponsible leadership and responsibility without authority leads to inefficient and ineffective management of my group.
If i will given a chance to lead my class for an important activity/project like field trip to Ho Chi Ming I will deal with my classmates who is not cooperating nor following your instructions by following the rules because they exist. You are the first person who needs to abide by these guidelines. If you don't, you'll stop respecting your rules and yourself. The key is to set an example for your students. Once you've given them a rule, you must follow it. I must put a reminder to them always. All students watch and expect the consequence. If you just sigh or neglect what happens, students will not see any rule to follow in this situation.
If I'm given a chance to lead my class for an important activity like Field Trip to Ho Chi Minh City,I will encourage them to join the field trip.Also, I will conduct some activities in order for them to have a focus during the field trip. As a leader I will give them a penalty if they do not listen and focus during the activities and if those who have to pay attention during the activities that I conducted there will be a reward at the end of the field trip.