Ho Chi Minh also known as Saigon may not be a city of grand monuments, museums or even
beautiful Structures and architectures but there are plenty of things to see and to keep you busy.
Ride A Motorbike
Tour Saigon on the back of a motorbike - it’s a great way to see the city and feel like a local.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
The cathedral itself is a beautiful building with many French influences. Go inside and see the stained glass and classical architecture. I thought the real excitement was outside. It was amazing to see all the young couples dressed in formal clothes and bridal attire getting professional photographs taken. All in all, it was a nice introduction to Saigon.
Central Post Office
The most beautiful post office I have visited. Be sure to go inside and check out the hand painted maps of Saigon and surrounds.
The building is really impressive and looks more like a train station. Inside you can send free post cards and there are old fashioned telephone booths that are fun for photos.
Cu Chi Tunnels
If you've never been to Vietnam before or want to learn more about the Vietnam War, it's definitely
worth taking a trip to Cu Chi Tunnels.
I expected it to be more exciting. The tunnels you can go inside are only for tourist purposes. The real tunnels are much too narrow. For the distance away from the city, the pictures would have been
suffice. Wasn't as adventurous as I had pictured but then It was great experience. However, was
informative and historically interesting.The Vietnamese were certainly fierce warriors. Very harsh
living conditions.
Emperor Jade Pagoda (Chua Ngoc Hoang or Phuoc Hai Tu)
It is a fairly small temple but with long historic culture and value. You can buy joss stick within the temple ground and do your offerings. Do remember to check out level 2 of the temple which is also
accessible to public.
Come here after you have visited other places but don't expect too much. It's a small place but worth to visit
War Remnants Museum
The museum is well organised, you should start on the top floor and work your way down. The galleries are numbered and arrowed so it makes it easy to navigate through chronologically.
Some photos are very graphic, however they're an important documentation of how the Vietnam/American war played out.
Outside there's a range of tanks and planes you can explore, but I didn't take picture to it. not really our thing.
Cao Dai Temple
A beautiful and unique temple. The exterior design is said to be influenced by multiple religion. The interior design, is said to represent the 3 beliefs of the religion (Buddhism, Taoism & Confucianism), is very vibrant and colourful.
We arrived just before the noon prayers began. The preparation leading up to it was done in a very orderly manner. The music and chants were peaceful and calm.
It's a bit far from other attractions, but worth the visit.
Saigon Opera House
Extraordinary architecture both inside and outside. Unfortunately, it's not opened for public visit. You must watch the show to go inside the theater.
Reunification Palace
I greatly enjoyed the Independence Palace, it gives you a great sense of Vietnam's past and provided an understanding that Ho Chi Minh did unite the North and the South and this was the best future for Vietnams past and present.
The rooms are beautifully furnished and although decorated many years ago are still stylish and timeless in style. It would be a great shame for visitors to Vietnam not to visit this beautiful tourist site.
Ben Thanh Market
Get ready to bargain and once you start don't back down. Go with an idea of what you want .
the market has what felt like hundreds of stalls selling products ranging from clothing to food.
Beware of prices and check around because identical items will vary in prices dependent upon seller. It was often very overwhelming because of noise and crowds.
Do you agree with my selection or have I missed your favourite?
Comment your Suggestions and favorite tourist attraction below.
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