What to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon): A Guide to Vietnam's Most Vibrant City

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as it is still commonly called, is Vietnam's largest and most dynamic city. It is a place where the old and the new, the traditional and the modern, the east and the west coexist and collide. Whether you are interested in history, culture, cuisine, nightlife, or shopping, you will find something to suit your taste in this bustling metropolis. Here are some of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

• Learn about the Vietnam War at the War Remnants Museum. This museum displays the brutal effects of the war on the Vietnamese people, through photographs, artifacts, and testimonies. Some of the exhibits are graphic and disturbing, but they are also eye-opening and educational. The museum is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the entrance fee is 40,000 VND (about 1.7 USD)
• Admire the French colonial architecture at the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office. These two landmarks are located opposite each other on a busy square in the heart of the city. The cathedral was built in the late 19th century with materials imported from France and features two 40-meter-high towers and a statue of the Virgin Mary. The post office was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the architect of the Eiffel Tower, and features a grand hall with a vaulted ceiling and a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh. Both buildings are free to enter and are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Shop till you drop at Ben Thanh Market and Dong Khoi Street. Ben Thanh Market is one of the oldest and most famous markets in the city, where you can find everything from souvenirs, clothes, and handicrafts to fresh fruits, vegetables, and street food. Dong Khoi Street is the main shopping street in the city, where you can find upscale boutiques, art galleries, and cafes. Both places are great for browsing, bargaining, and soaking up the local atmosphere.
• Enjoy the coffee culture at one of the many cafes in the city. Vietnam is one of the world's largest coffee producers, and Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for coffee lovers. You can find cafes of all styles and sizes, from trendy and modern to cozy and traditional, serving a variety of coffee drinks, such as the famous Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed milk (ca phe sua da), the egg coffee (ca phe trung), or the coconut coffee (ca phe cot dua). Some of the best cafes to try are The Workshop, L'Usine, Shin Coffee, and Cafe Apartment.
• See the city from above at the Saigon Skydeck or a rooftop bar. Ho Chi Minh City has a stunning skyline, especially at night, when the buildings are lit up with colorful lights. One of the best ways to enjoy the view is to visit the Saigon Skydeck, located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, the tallest building in the city. The Skydeck offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and the Saigon River, and also features an interactive touch-screen display that provides information about the landmarks. The Skydeck is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and the entrance fee is 200,000 VND (about 8.6 USD). Another option is to visit one of the many rooftop bars in the city, such as Chill Skybar, EON Heli Bar, or Saigon Saigon Bar, where you can sip a cocktail and enjoy the view while listening to live music.

If you have visited Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), we would love to hear your stories and impressions. What fascinated you most about this area? What interesting places have you visited? What activities have you tried? What were your best meals and drinks? How did you feel among the locals?

Share your experiences of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) in the comments below. We'd love it if you show us your photos and videos from your trip too. This way you can help other travelers who are planning to visit this amazing area, and also support local development and environmental protection.

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