Known as “Pearl of the Orient”, Ho Chi Minh city draws every tourist’s attention by its young and dynamic lifestyle. With a history of more than 300 years, the city has become the largest commercial center in Vietnam. In 2017, Ho Chi Minh city was listed in top 50 most beautiful cities in the world by CNTraveler. Wonder where to go in Ho Chi Minh city? Here are some suggestions of Things to do in Ho Chi Minh city that you can not miss:
Water Puppet Show
Water puppetry which was created by Vietnamese farmers, is an unique art form in Vietnam. It is thought to have developed in 11th century and known as people’s elegance in festive occasions.
The show is performed on the stage of water, with the musical theme of Vietnamese folk tales and legends. The 9-14 kg puppets are made of wood and are controlled by the puppeteers who stand behind the stage.
Understand more this unique art in detail, do not hesitate to go straight these following addresses:
Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre: 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai, District 1, next to Tao Dan park.
Show time: 6.30 pm – 8.30 pm. Each show last approximately 50 minutes.
The Ngon Restaurant at Villa Song Saigon:
Show time: 7.30 pm – 8 pm.
Reunification Palace
Anyone visits Ho Chi Minh city center can not miss Reunification Palace (also known as Independence Palace) – a work that associated with many important historical events of Vietnam. This is an outstanding example of 1960s architecture , which was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu, with an airy and open atmosphere. This is the harmonious combination between modern Western and classical Orientalism architecture.
The Reunification Palace, which is located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, is open weekly from 7.30 am to 11.30 am and 1.00 pm to 5.00 pm. Entrance ticket bought at the main gate with the price of VND 20,000 (approximately $1). Security check will be conducted for safety reason.
War Remnants Museum
The museum (Number 28, Vo Van Tan street, District 3) attracts a large number of visitors with more than 20.000 documents, artifacts and photos that represent the horrors of Vietnam’s war. With more than 35 years of operation, the museum has welcomed more than 15 million visitors in inner and outer Vietnam.
The opening hours in War Remnants Museum are from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. The last entrance to the museum is at 4:30 p.m.
Entrance ticket costs VND 15,000 (about 70 cents).
Saigon’s Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral, which is located in Cong Xa Paris square, District 1, is considered as a small model of Notre Dame de Paris.
This is a combination of Romansque and Gothic style. The cathedral is 93m long and 35.5m wide. All building materials and decorations of the cathedral were transported from France. This place is not only for the followers but also for the tourists and local people who are looking for old beauty and calmness.
The opening hours are from 8 am to 5 pm daily.
War Market
Have you ever heard any market like this before? Well, it is a real market which could be found at the intersection of Yersin and Cong Tru street. It used to be the place where a lot of relics and artifacts from the French and American were sold. This market at present is known as Dan Sinh market, selling almost… everything. If you still have time, spend a day or just half of a day to discover this market and to understand the citizen’s lifestyle.
Bitexco tower
It is easy to see the highest tower at the corner of Hai Trieu and Ho Tung Mau street in the center of Ho Chi Minh city. Bitexco tower has 68 floors, including a commercial center, a wide range of restaurants, shopping malls, entertainment space,…
The most attractive spot is the public observation deck – Saigon Skydeck – located at 49th floor. Tourists have to pay the fee of 200.000-250.000 VND per person to get into the Skydeck. Although the price might be expensive, enjoying a breathtaking 360 degree view across the city will be worthy. There are also local art exhibitions held on the Sky Deck, where you can also buy souvenirs, including textiles and locally produced tea.
The Skydeck opens daily, between 9.30 am and 9.30 pm. At weekends, the Skydeck will close at 10 pm.
Dinner Cruise on Saigon River
After a tiring day walking around the city, why not having a tasty dinner on Saigon River? It will be a new experience during your stay in this bustling city. Enjoy your evening with live music and dance performances, well-set up for dinner and spectacular view of Ho Chi Minh city.
