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Ho Chi Minh

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About Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city of Vietnam located at an elevation of nineteen kilometers above the sea level. It is situated along the Saigon River near the border of Cambodia and is a bustling metropolis that has flourished to become the crowning jewel of SouthEast Asia.

Ho Chi Minh City is a visual paradise known for its stunning vistas, lush landscapes, and breathtaking views. It retains the look of a European city with well preserved colonial buildings and relics from the Vietnam War. Bestowed with incredible cultural riches, and historical artifacts, this city offers the perfect mix of mystic and modern.

It is a high octane city that is dotted with innumerable museums, art galleries, and sleek skyscrapers that offer a stunning view of the entire city during your Vietnam tour. You can also find here elegant sports clubs, expansive shopping malls, and upscale restaurants that serve lip-smacking cuisines from all around the world. The ornate Buddhist temples and pagodas are an absolute bliss for the spiritual seekers.

There is no dearth of activities on offer at Ho Chi Minh City, and you’re sure to come back looking for more once you’re over here. From lazing at the beaches and enjoying water sports activities such as surfing and diving to being a part of the walking tours, you’ll never get bored here. You can also enjoy the concert or ballet dance at the opera houses and theatres. You can go for a pampering massage and Ayurvedic treatments at the spas and bathhouses located here.

Ho Chi Minh City experiences a tropical climate, and it has three distinct seasons- hot and humid summers, chilly cold winters and monsoon. The humidity level is around 75% all through the year, and it increases further in the monsoon.

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Ho Chi Minh FAQ's

How to reach Ho-chi-minh?

- Flight: Tan Son Nhat is the nearest airport from Ho-chi-Minh, and it receives both domestic as well as international flights. You also take a direct flight to Vietnam and then reach Ho-chi-Minh by train or bus.

- Train: 
The train is another option to reach Ho-chi-Minh, but it can be a bit time consuming as you’ll have to change your train thrice. First, you’ll board a train from Beijing or Nanning in China; then, you’ll have to change your train at the border of Pingxiang/Dong Dang. Once you reach Hanoi, you’ll take the Reunification Express to reach Saigon Railway station.

Is Ho Chi Minh a safe city?

Yes, Ho Chi Minh is a safe city, and you won’t find criminal activities prevalent here. But take care of your belongings when you move out of your hotel to eradicate the chances of burglary. Also, avoid walking at uncrowded places at night, all alone.

Which are the famous places in Ho Chi Minh city?

1. Notre Dame Cathedral: It is one of the most renowned Gothic cathedrals of the middle age that was built by French colonists and is known for its antiquity, and size. It exhibits Romanesque architecture and has twin bell towers and a statue of Virgin Mary standing in front of the church.

2. Ho Chi Minh City Museum: 
This is one of the oldest museums in the city that is the storehouse of war materials, ceramics, photographs, and artifacts. It features neoclassical architecture and has a lovely flower garden.

3. Tao Dan Park: 
This is a beautiful garden that spans around ten acres and houses a huge collection of birds and Ayurvedic plants. It also has a sporting club, a walkway, and a small café where you can enjoy delicious food.

4. Reunification Palace: 
Your trip to the city is not complete if you don’t visit this Palace that marks the fall of the Saigon dynasty due to a tank that crashed through its gate. It features some telecommunication devices and furniture that were used by Saigon.

How many days are enough for the Ho Chi Minh tour?

Three days are enough for the Ho Chi Minh tour.

- On the first day, you can visit popular attractions like Saigon Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Thien Hau Temple.
- Dedicate your second day to visit popular beaches like Vang Tau and Long Hair that are the hub of water sports activities like diving and sailing.
- On the third day, you can enjoy shopping at Ben Thanh Market, and you can even try lip-smacking food at the local restaurants and cafes.

What is the highest and lowest temperature of Ho Chi Minh city?

The highest temperature is around 40°C, and the lowest temperature is around -10.1 degrees Celsius in Ho Chi Minh city.

How is the nightlife in Ho Chi Minh city?

The nightlife is extremely vibrant and lively in Ho Chi Minh city.

1. Enjoy cocktails at rooftop bars: 
Enjoy the immersive views while having the best collection of cocktails at the rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh. Chill Sky Bar & OMG Rooftop Bar seem to be bustling with a young and energetic crowd and are a must-visit for the night owls.

2. Try your luck at the casino: 
If you’re looking for the best activity to try at night, then hit the roulette table at the famous casinos in Ho Chi Minh. The best casinos here are located in Sheraton Saigon Hotel and Caravelle Hotel.

3. Shake your legs at the nightclubs: 
Dance, drink, and enjoy lip-smacking delicacies at the best nightclubs in Ho Chi Minh that are known for organizing mainstream parties and live concerts.

4. Take a leisurely cruise: 
Take the joy of the night to the next level as you enjoy the Bonsai Dinner Cruise down the Saigon River. The slow river journey, accompanied by traditional Vietnamese food, will definitely offer you tons of enjoyment and thrill.

What is Ho Chi Minh famous for?

1. Coffee: Your trip to Ho Chi Minh will not be complete unless you try their traditional Saigon coffee that has the best assortment of coffee beans and other concoctions.

2. Bowl of Pho: 
If you’re a food lover then you should definitely relish a bowl of Pho at Ho Chi Minh that has a unique combination of rice noodles, broth and sometimes beef or chicken.

3. Bonsai River Cruise: 
Enjoy a unique dinner cruise on the Saigon River with interactive buffets and fusion shows for an immersive experience.

4. Giac Lam Pagoda: 
This is an important historical site in Ho Chi Minh city that is set amidst a lush green garden and the main shrine of the temple has gold inscriptions.

5. Ao Dai outfit: 
This is the traditional Vietnamese garment that people love to buy when they’re at Ho Chi Minh city.

Which is the famous local cuisine in Ho Chi Minh? Which are the best places to try them?

H? ti?u is the most famous local cuisine in Ho Chi Minh that is made from rice noodles and pork stock. These are the best places to try them.

1. Nhu Lan Saigon: 
Open 24 hours this restaurant offers both takeaways as well as a comfortable dining experience. Its pre-packaged banh mi sandwiches, H? ti?u, and Vietnamese desserts are the absolute hit amongst the locals.

2. Banh Xeo 46A: 
Banh Xeo 46A specializes in offering a wide range of traditional Vietnamese dishes such as rice flour crepe, H? ti?u and chicken wings. The elegant décor, the dim lighting, and the extensive menu offered here make it the best place to treat your tastebuds.

3. Pho Hoa Pasteur: 
If you’re a food lover, then you can’t miss having a bowl of pho and H? ti?u at this elegant restaurant. You can also try here soft drinks, Vietnamese desserts, and a warm cup of coffee.

What are the must-have romantic experiences for honeymoon couples in Ho Chi Minh?

1. Enjoy a riverside candlelight dinner on Saigon’s Secret Island: Take your romance to the next level by enjoying a candlelit dinner in the famous cafes of Saigon’s Secret Island. You can also enjoy boating here while admiring beautiful views and breathtaking sceneries.

2. Propose your better half at Starlight Bridge: 
If you wish to spice up your love life, then you should not miss the chance to propose to your partner in front of thousands of people at Starlight Bridge. A beautiful display of colored light falls from the bridge to the river below, making it an ideal site to express your love for your partner.

3. Attend water puppet shows: 
If you and your partner are looking for endless entertainment, then you must attend the puppet show at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre. You can also enjoy acrobatics and musical performances here.

4. Cruise in a speedboat along the Mekong Delta: 
If you’re looking for the most romantic thing to do in Ho Chi Minh city, then you should definitely go cruising along the Mekong Delta. During your journey, you will come across various colonial structures and flower markets.

What are the different activities one can do in Ho Chi Minh city?

1. Watch your favorite show at Saigon’s Opera House: Enjoy mind-blowing dance performances, plays, and musical concerts at Saigon’s Opera House that was built by the French colonists in 1897. Visitors who come here also enjoy photography as it one of the greatest specimens of European architecture.

2. Saigon Food Tour: 
Your trip to Ho Chi Minh city is not complete unless you opt for the Saigon Food Tour, where you’ll get a chance to sample the delicious street food. From authentic Vietnamese cuisines to world-class delicacies, the shops here have a wonderful assortment of flavors and taste.

3. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels: 
If you’re looking for an out of the world experience in Ho Chi Minh city, then you can visit Cu Chi Tunnels that are made up of underground chambers and were used by Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War. You can even crawl through the small spaces inside the tunnel to feel the pathetic situation of the soldiers during the war.

4. Enjoy shopping at Ben Thanh Market: 
If you’re a shopaholic, then you should definitely explore the vibrant lanes of Ben Thanh Market, which is dotted with small shops that sell everything ranging from marriage costumes to ceramics and ancient maps.

What is the best time to visit Ho-chi-minh?

December to April is the best time to visit Ho-chi-minh. The weather is dry and cool during December to January and gets warm as March and April roll around. Humidity isn’t as high as in other parts of Vietnam and you can escape the stickiness.

Which are the best places to visit in Ho-chi-minh?

Ho-chi-minh has many interesting places to visit. Its rich culture and history are evident almost everywhere you go, turning even would-be nondescript places into exciting must-visit locales. Here are some of the top destinations to head to –

  • Cu Chi tunnels
  • Ben Dinh tunnels
  • Cao Dai Temple
  • Notre Dame Cathedral and square
  • The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument
  • Bình Qu?i Tourist Village
  • Chua Van Phat - Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas
  • Saigon River
  • VietNam Quoc Tu Pagoda
  • Jade Emperor Pagoda
  • Mariamman Hindu Temple
  • War Remnants Museum
  • Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
  • Museum of Vietnamese History
  • Artinus 3D Art Museum
  • Ao Dai Museum
  • Ba Thien Hau Pagoda
  • Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
  • Tao Dan Park
  • September 23 Park

What things can I do in Ho-chi-minh?

Ho-chi-minh is filled with iconic attractions like temples, monuments and parks. Going on a sightseeing tour is the best thing to do as you can visit as many places as possible. If you have time to spare, you can do a tour of the Cai Be Floating Market in Mekong, which is about 2 hours from Ho-chi-minh. You can also visit the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that’s about 40 kms from the city.

Which are some best resorts to stay in Ho-chi-minh?

Ho-chi-minh’s status as an increasingly sought-after holiday destination has given way to a number of resorts catering to various budgets. Here are the top picks –

  • Duc Vuong Hotel
  • Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
  • Villa Song Saigon
  • Hotel L' Odeon
  • Minh Chau Hotel - Dien Bien Phu
  • Nguyen Khang Hotel
  • Hotel Des Arts Saigon Mgallery Collection
  • Liberty Central Saigon Riverside Hotel
  • Lotte Legend Hotel Saigon
  • Renaissance Riverside Hotel Saigon
  • Bich Duyen Hotel
  • Minh Chau Hotel

Which are the best places to experience local cuisine in Ho-chi-minh?

Ho-chi-minh cuisine is wholesome, healthy and comforting. From banh mi to pho to goi cuon and can kho to, tuck into these sumptuous dishes at the best eateries. Here are a few top choices –

  • Bánh Xèo ?inh Công Tráng
  • Hum Vegetarian, Lounge & Restaurant
  • Quan bui
  • Ti?m Bánh Mì Hu?nh Hoa
  • Propaganda
  • Nha Hang Ngon

What are the best public transport modes to commute around Ho-chi-minh?

Taxis are the transportation of choice for most travelers as they’re comfortable, affordable and fast. Buses are a second option and are cheaper. However, they may not ply to places that are out of the way.

 

Which are the best places for shopping in Ho-chi-minh?

Ho-chi-minh’s markets and shopping centers offer a mix of experiences from upscale fashion items and electronics to one-of-a-kind products that make the perfect souvenirs. Take a look at the best shopping destinations –

  • Ben Thanh Market
  • An Dong Market
  • Boutiques in Dong Khoi Street
  • Diamond Plaza
  • Magonn
  • L’usine
  • Dogma
  • Parkson Plaza
  • Binh Tay Market
  • Russian Market
  • Dan Sinh Market

Which are famous places for cruising in and around Ho-chi-minh?

If you want to explore Ho-chi-minh without the crowds, a cruise/boating tour is the best way to do it. A tour of the famed Mekong Delta is the top choice for most travelers. A boat tour of the historic Cu Chi tunnels is next. The third option is to visit the Can Gio Reserve.

What is the most famous cycling destination in Ho-chi-minh?

Cycling is a popular way to get around Ho-chi-min. If you’re eager to explore the city on a cycle, the best place to head to is the Cai Be Floating Market. You can book a cycling tour where you’ll visit the local markets, stop at popular attractions and ride through the countryside.

Ho Chi Minh Reviews

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Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Reviewed: 16 Nov 2022
5.0/5
Excellent management and support from both the ground team and the booking team, absolutely well curated trip and the inclusions were delivered on time, the tour guides were very knowledgeable, very helpful and extremely friendly at the same time. we're extremely happy with all the support and the t... Read More
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
Krishnam Jhunjhunwala
(23+)View All
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Mohit Benadikar
Reviewed: 21 Feb 2023
5.0/5
At first, after reading lot of google reviews and YouTube videos  I was skeptical whether to book via thrillophilia. But trust me, this was the best decision I made. Everything was arranged fabulously. All the airport pick up and and drops were always on time. Had zero issues with hotel checkin and ... Read More
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
Mohit  Benadikar
(20+)View All
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Aditi Narayan
Reviewed: 23 Dec 2023
5.0/5
Would travel again with thrillophilia and would recommend to friends and family as well. Everything was smoothly organised and we'll coordinated.
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
Aditi Narayan
(10+)View All
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Renu Singh
Reviewed: 21 Nov 2023
5.0/5
Excellent trip. Hotels locations were very good. I did trekking too which was not included, but it is not a problem. Itinerary was excellent, fulfilled my need. Specific need like vegetarian and gluten free was looked after well. Local team was well planned, punctual and supportive.. I will love to ... Read More
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
Renu Singh
(10+)View All
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Shivani Agarwal
Reviewed: 06 Nov 2023
5.0/5
As a solo female traveller, I felt super safe in Vietnam knowing I have a contact there who I could reach out to anytime. The drivers were always at the airport or in the hotel lobby on time to pick me up, and everything was very well managed! Thank you so much! :)
shivani agarwal
shivani agarwal
shivani agarwal
shivani agarwal
shivani agarwal
shivani agarwal
(8+)View All
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Jayesh Bhave
Reviewed: 02 Jan 2024
4.0/5
I have sent detailed mail of feedback to my assigned Travel coordinator 
Jayesh Bhave
Jayesh Bhave
Jayesh Bhave
Jayesh Bhave
Jayesh Bhave
Jayesh Bhave
(4+)View All

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