About Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City is the largest and most dynamic city in . It has changed names several times in history. While sources dispute between Vietnamese, Cambodian who controlled the land originally, the name later on was changed to Saigon (Sài Gòn in Vietnamese) in the 1700s by the local Vietnamese, then to Saigon by the French. The most recent change to Ho Chi Minh City came in 1976 after the collapsed of Saigon regime and the country became Reunification. Today, Ho Chi Minh City has an official population of eight to nine million, but in fact the population could be closer to twelve. The city center area (such as district 1, 3), still referred to as Saigon, the whole Ho Chi Minh City is growing at a rate that will equal Tokyo by 2020.

Ho Chi Minh City is closed to the equator and has a tropical climate with an average humidity of 75%. Different with with four distinctive seasons, in Ho Chi Minh City there are two seasons: wet and dry (sometimes say hot and hotter). If you visit Ho Chi Minh, be prepared for downpours during the wet season and expect daily showers from June to November. The rain does not last long but it could be pouring rain. Ho Chi Minh City life reflects much as the weather: a blend of harmony & chaos. Traffic of the city is heavy and dense, but we can always see locals lounging at street side coffee vendors, content to admire the passing free-for-all.

If Hanoi a charming and is the political capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the commercial city, the most dynamic place. Ho Chi Minh City is really an attraction for foreign investment, new business ventures and ambitious development projects pop up every year. Moreover, tourists can also get Vietnam visa on arrival at Tan Son Nhat airport easily. Progress aside, Ho Chi Minh City is gradually steeped in tradition, a living monument to the past that wears its culture proudly on its sleeve. Whether we are zooming by on a motorbike or sipping designer cocktails at a rooftop bar, there is much to savor and explore in this bustling city.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Attractions Ho Chi Minh City’s City Hall Situated at the end of Nguyen Hue in District 1, sits the magnificent office of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. This place we just can visit outside. The beautiful building completed in 1908, the former Hotel de Ville’s design is based on the original in Paris. It remains one of the most stunning colonial monuments in Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City. On the median Strip here, we can also visit the bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh. This place is the end of Nguyen Hue Boulevard. Note: The best view of the building and the junk of Nguyen Hue and Le Loi Boulevard is from the Rex Hotel roof terrace, especially at night.

Ho Chi Minh’s Opera House Location on Dong Khoi Street (rue Catinat), just in front of the infamous Continental Saigon Hotel and Caravel Hotel, the Opera House, one of Ho Chi Minh city’s most prominent landmarks was built in 1897 by French architect Eugene Ferret. In 1955, the place was transformed into ’s Assembly House and has since undergone several refurbishments. It is only open to the public for performances. The address is at: 7 Lam Son Square, Ho Chi Minh city Note: Following the end of their occupation in 1954, French refugees from the North were housed here before their evacuation.

Ben Thanh Market The well-known Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City sells everything in a packed grid. The market has four gates and stuffed full of merchandise. Clothes, silks, and fabrics in front gates give way to kitchenware, clocks, souvenirs… and so on, backing on to food, fruits and produce. You need to be great bargainers here! The sellers here are particularly ferocious. It is also a great spot for watching the Ho Chi Minh City’s busy traffic. Intersection of Le Loi St., Ham Nghi St., and Le Lai St., 5.30am to 5.30pm. And in front of the market is the statue of Tran Nguyen Han, one of the famous Vietnamese General in 15th Century. Note: The Ben Thanh night market just outside in the early evening, a great place to have local food.

Pham Ngu Lao & De Tham Street in Ho Chi Minh city This is Ho Chi Minh City’s version of Bangkok backpacker haunt Khao San Road, the area is a convenient place to find cheap accommodation in Ho Chi Minh City, food, drinks, tours and nightlife. With a plenty of bars and restaurants, the area is popular with backpackers and locals alike looking for a cheap night out. Pham Ngu Lao Street, De Tham Street and Bui Vien Street. Note: there are local “bia hoi – draught beer” places on Cong Quynh street and Nguyen Thai Hoc street that make for great people watching.

Dong Khoi Street in Ho Chi Minh City The street has changed several names: firstly, known as Rue Catinat by the French and Tu Do in the 1960s, then Dong KHoi, means Uprising after the war. This street was reborn during Doi Moi as the center of Ho Chi Minh City’s commercial and shopping District 1. Local boutiques, handicrafts… compete with international brandings, and restaurants litter the street set in beautifully restored buildings. Dong Khoi Street links from Saigon River bank to the Notre Dame Cathedral. Note: During French colonial times, Dong Khoi was the center of fashion in the country.

Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City Built in 1877, the place is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s architectural treasures, built with materials imported from Marseille, France. Location between two busy streams of traffic, the streets outside are always bustling with tourists, locals and street vendors. Inside, the decor is austere, but the church is lively during services. The Cathedral Location at: Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City / 5. 30am to 5pm Sunday Mass is held in Vietnamese and English at 9. 30 am. Note: In 2005, the Cathedral Virgin Mary’s statue was reported to have shed a tear (As a rumor).

Saigon Central Post Office – General Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City Location next to the Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post office is one of the most popular highlights in Ho Chi Minh City, the post office is the largest in Vietnam. It was built between 1886 – 1891 by well-known French architect: Gustave Eiffel, who built of Eiffel Tower fame, the vaulted roof and arched windows lend a classic look reminiscent of early European railway stations. An enormous picture of Ho Chi Minh overlooks the thoroughfare. Address: 8 Cong Xa Paris / 7am to 7pm, weekend: 7am to 6pm. really nice place to visit in Ho Chi Minh City Note: Meet 83-year-old Duong Van Ngo, the in-house letter writer and translator for 65 years

Ho Chi Minh City’s 30-4 Park Location just in front of the Reunification Palace, this small, shady park takes its name from the day Saigon regime collapse in 30 April 1975. Linking the Reunification Palace with the Notre Dame Cathedral, the place is a hub of activity and a popular meeting place. The park is perfect for people watching. Motorbikes gather here on weekends. It Location in Le Duan Street, District one, Ho Chi Minh City. (in front of the Reunification Palace], Note: There are many of street food vendors that gather in this park.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Botanical & Zoological Gardens The Botanical Gardens feature a large range of animals including rare snakes, birds, some of the living conditions are cramped. If you want to avoid the most severely confined creatures, stroll through the gardens or catch a theatre performance. Location: 2B Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. / open 7am to 6pm. Insight: Inside the main gate Location the Temple of King Hung Vuong & the National History Museum.

National History Museum in Ho Chi Minh City National History Museum was established in the 1920’s as French name: the Musee Louis Finot, it typifies Indochina architecture. The place describes the history of the Vietnamese people with displays of cultural significance covering an area of more than 2, 000 square meters. Location: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city Opening hours: / 8 am to 11. 30 am & 1.30 pm to 5 pm, Tuesday to Sunday /Admission VND 15.000. Note: Outside the rear entrance, the bronze panels detail Vietnam’s history.

Reunification Palace – Dinh Doc Lap in Ho Chi Minh city The Reunification Palace was (formerly known as Independent Palace or Presidential Palace) was designed by Vietnamese architect Ngo Viet Thu for South Vietnam’s former President , then later on used by President: Nguyen Van Thieu and lastly Duong Van Minh, during the Vietnam War. The official handover of power took place here on 30 April 1975 with the symbol of the communist tank crashed in to the Iron Gate and the palace became a monument to that historic date and rename as Reunification Palace. Do not miss the basement set up like a war time movie set. Location in 135 Nam KY Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 7: 30am to 11am & 1pm to 4pm. Note: Look for the Chinese symbols incorporated into the facade of the building.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum This charming yet understated building has served as many functions: from the French High Commissioner’s Office, Gia Long Palace (it was contemporary function as the Presidential Palace for the south of Vietnam when the Independent Palace built) then later on to the Supreme Court. Now the place exhibits photography of the revolutionary struggle against the French colonialists and Americans as well as a display of archaeological relics in Vietnam. Location: 65 Ly Tu Trong Street, Ho Chi Minh city. Opening hours: /8am to 5pm / Admission VND15. 000. Note: Under the museum is a network of tunnels that link to Reunification Palace.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Fine Arts Museum It is a good place to understand more about local fine art in Ho Chi Minh City. The first floor displays rotating exhibits of contemporary art by local and international artists who live in Ho Chi Minh City. The second floor features a permanent collection of sketches, paintings and statues, many of which focus on the resistance to colonial rule. On the third floor shows older artworks from Vietnam’s history. Location: 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, district 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Open: 9am to 5pm, Tuesday to Sunday Note: It worth to check out the wooden elevator, one of the first in Saigon, at the main staircase.

Jade Emperor Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City Built in 1909, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is atmospheric Cantonese pagoda houses, it is watching over an incense filled room while hidden chambers harbor woodcarvings and altars. One hall has the best deity for fertility and the upstairs represents heaven and features the goddess, Quan Ying. Location: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Ho Chi Minh city / 8am to 5pm. Note: Don’t miss the mass of turtles in the pond, said to bring good luck.

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