Latest Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Blogs & Articles

Ho Chi Minh City Overview

Ho Chi Minh City Overview

Ho Chi Minh City (the old name of the city is Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam, the locomotive of the Vietnamese economy, and the most important cultural and educational center of the country. Ho Chi Minh City is the largest metropolitan city in the South of Vietnam, in a picturesque place, in the Mekong Delta.The southern capital of Vietnam is more than a curious tourist destination. Whatever the traveler wants - rich excursions or a bustling nightlife, exotic Vietnamese cuisine or the usual European dishes, chic hotels or budget guesthouses are not difficult to find in Ho Chi Minh City.Where To Go And What To Do In Ho Chi Minh City?The Mekong Delta, in which Ho Chi Minh City is located, is a unique place of its own. Plains are replaced by elevations that reach several hundred meters. And although there is no jungle, landscapes delight the eye with endless gardens, rice fields, and mangroves.In the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh, there are many species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals. In general, the Mekong basin on biological diversity is second only to the Amazon River basin. Here there are three national parks and four reserves.History lovers should definitely visit the Cu Chi tunnels, which are located about 30 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. Tunnels were built during the time of the guerrilla war. Among the museums of Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Historical Museum and the Museum of Military History are of special interest. Unique plants and natural landscapes can be seen in the botanical garden of Ho Chi Minh City. Besides, Ho Chi Minh City has many architectural attractions, such as Saigon Opera House, The Bitexco Financial Tower, Saigon Skydeck and so on.As a young and dynamic city, there are a lot of interesting activities for you to do in Ho Chi Minh City. You can explore China Town – the cinematic stage of the famous movie “The Lover” as well as taste amazing Chinese food.On the weekend, you can enjoy walking around Nguyen Hue Street and join in street activities of the young in Saigon. At late night, let’s stop at Bui Vien Street (Street of Foreigners) where you can have fresh beer and chit chat with tourists from all over the world as well as locals.What To Eat And Drink In Ho Chi Minh City?You are spoiled for choice in Saigon, which offers the country's largest variety of Vietnamese and international food. Due to the variety of culture, cuisine in Saigon is quite diverse. This is a place where you do not need to go far to enjoy dishes.If you want to enjoy rice cake with forest leaves in Tay Ninh, you can go to Hoang Ty rice cake store on Cao Thang Street, Phan Dang Luu Street, etc. If you want to enjoy the central dishes, you can visit a chain of Hue dish restaurants. For Mekong Delta dishes, you should taste sizzling cake MuoiXiem, etc.There are two categories of beer places in Saigon. You have the regular local bottled beers and Bia Hoi which you can find easily. One unique phenomenon with Vietnam is all the local microbreweries that serve Czech or German-style beers.Furthermore, Vietnam is the world’s second-largest exporter of coffee behind Brazil, and coffee is very popular among the Vietnamese. Ho Chi Minh City’s a paradise for coffee-loving visitors. Don’t ever miss tasting Bao Long Coffee – many travelers have fallen in love with it.When To Visit Ho Chi Minh City?In Ho Chi Minh, the subequatorial climate prevails, so it is possible to come here on holiday all year round. The average annual temperature does not drop below 28 Celsius degree, even at 22 Celsius degree in winter. The hottest months are April and May when in the afternoon the column of the mercury column reaches more than 35 Celsius degree.Choosing the time to travel to Ho Chi Minh City, remember that the rainy season here lasts from May to November. In the rest of the time, there is practically no rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City. This period is considered optimal for visiting the city. Best Tours from Ho Chi Minh CityIf you want to visit South Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a must to fly into. From Ho Chi Minh City you can travel to Cu Chi Tunnels for a half day and visit the popular destinations in Ho Chi Minh City. One day or two days to visit Mekong Delta can be a good option for you when you stay in Ho Chi Minh.If you have time you may fly or get a bus to Dalat for visiting the beautiful city of Dalat. That is a city of flowers. Phu Quoc or Mui Ne are also good options for you if you want to have time for relaxation on the best beaches in Vietnam.Having more time, travelers can travel to Central Vietnam and up to Hanoi for join in a North Vietnam Tours for visiting Hanoi, Halong Bay, Sapa and other destinations.

Read more
Best 20 Tourist Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City (Updated 2024)

Best 20 Tourist Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City (Updated 2024)

Ho Chi Minh City , also known as Sai Gon, is the most populated city in Vietnam with a population of approximately 100 million people. It is also one of the most commonly visited destinations in Vietnam which welcomes about 30 million tourists in the year 2022. So what makes this city an interesting destination? Let’s find out the 20 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City in this article. Best 20 Tourist Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City 1. Ben Thanh Market The first tourist place to visit in Ho Chi Minh City is Ben Thanh Market, which is a symbol and one of the largest markets of Ho Chi Minh City. Ben Thanh market is located in the city center, all 4 lanes are bordered by big roads. Founded in the 17th century, this place was created by vendors near the Saigon River. The market is a place to trade, exchange, buy and sell goods and a tourist destination that attracts many tourists, especially foreign ones. Ben Thanh Market In particular, the Ben Thanh market is a long-standing attraction of Ho Chi Minh City, so all services are quite regular, and there is no phenomenon of attracting visitors. Address: Le Loi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Opening hours: 6:00 to 24:00 every day. 2. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, also known as Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, is one of the few remaining Catholic strongholds in Vietnam and is also considered the most important tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral This cathedral is distinguished by its European architecture that combines both Gothic and Roman styles with red brick walls and vibrant stained-glass panes. Two bell towers, each 60.5m high, and 6 bronze bells were added in 1895. The appearance of these bell towers increases the unique architectural value of the church. The church is not only the living sanctuary of the diocese of Saigon but also the pride of the city's people. In addition, around the church campus is a culinary paradise with delicious fruit cakes, fried foods, salads,... for you to enjoy. Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00  every day. 3. War Remnants Museum War Remnants Museum, one of the most famous museums in Vietnam, holds memories related to the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War in Vietnam. War Remnants Museum This museum has more than 20,000 documents, artifacts, and films, of which more than 1,500 documents, artifacts, and films have been introduced to the public. In this museum, visitors have the opportunity to see a lot of military equipment of the US and Vietnamese troops in many rooms from the legendary AK 47, UH-1 helicopter to the M48 tank, T- tank 54. In particular, visitors can see the "tiger cage", where political prisoners of the South Vietnamese army are kept. In addition, they can view many photos of the Vietnam war, including black and white ones. Visiting this museum is a must-do in Ho Chi Minh City. Address: 28 Vo Van Tan street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 07:30 – 18:00  every day. 4. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts The next place you should add to your itinerary is the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, a famous art museum in the city. This place belonged to Hui Bon Hoa, a famous rich merchant in Saigon at that time; and was designed and built by French architect Rivera in 1929.  Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts The museum is about 3,514m2 wide with more than 20,000 works of art from many parts of Vietnam. The first floor has an art gallery displaying national and international art. The second floor features both paintings and sculptures by Vietnamese and foreign artists while the third floor displays a collection of art from the 7th to early 20th centuries. Today, this place has become one of the ideal destinations for tourists when visiting Saigon. You should visit here to see this museum's many valuable and fascinating works of art and paintings. Address: 97A - Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours:  9:00 - 18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Monday). 5. Cu Chi tunnel This 75-mile tunnel is a real “witness” of the massive war in Vietnam. It tells tourists about the strong will of Vietnamese people and soldiers when competing with the giant US for nearly 20 years. Cu Chi tunnel In Cu Chi,  there are two different tunnel display sites, namely Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. To experience a unique thing, visitors can crawl around in the tunnels in safe conditions. Besides, Cu Chi also has a shooting range for tourists to enjoy the strange feelings. The price for a bullet ranges from $1.1 (CARBIN) to $1.8 (AK 47 and M60).  Address: 45 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours:  07:00 - 17:00 every day.Click on the links to see our best tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels: Exotic and Historical Southern Vietnam , The Tropics and History of Ho Chi Minh City , Best Journey To Discover Vietnam , Best Vietnam Explore Itinerary 6. Nha Rong Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum Nha Rong Wharf is a place imprinted with the image of Ho Chi Minh-the old father of the nation who went to find a way to save the country, a witness to the two great wars of resistance against the French and the Americans, also a destination not to be missed when traveling Saigon. Nha Rong Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum Here are currently displaying thousands of artifacts and documents both inside and outside related to the history and career of Uncle Ho's revolutionary activities. Through learning about the museum, visitors will somewhat understand more about the history of the nation, and the process of defending the country for the people of Uncle Ho, thereby feeling more love and remembrance of his merits. Address: 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4. Opening hours: 7:30 am - 11:30 am; 13h30 - 17h00 (Tuesday to Sunday). 7. The Independence Palace The Independence Palace or the Reunification Convention Hall is a witness to the historical transfer between the two regimes and is associated with the history of the Vietnamese nation. This used to be the working place of the government apparatus of the Republic of Vietnam and is also one of the special national monuments. The Independence Palace This is a place associated with the nation's history. The building is designed in the style of Asian architecture mixed with classical and modern elements. Coming here, you will be able to see firsthand the ancient items and monuments marking the time of independence. Especially on the occasion of April 30 and September 2 every year, the Independence Palace attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world to visit. Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1. Opening hours: 7:30 am - 11:00 am and from 13:00 pm - 4:00 pm. 8. Saigon Opera House Certified as a national relic in 2012, the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon Municipal Opera House, stays on top of the must-visit Ho Chi Minh City attractions.  Saigon Opera House Saigon Opera House was built in 1898 by the French architect – Eugene Ferret in the Belle Epoque style. Inside the building, it has a main seating floor with two levels of seating above which can accommodate up to 1,800 people. Today, the building has so many modern devices like electric appliances, lighting, sound systems, and safety equipment. The Opera House is surrounded by new plazas which allow you to combine a trip to the Opera House with a shopping tour. Address: 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours:  9:00 - 18:00 (Tuesday-Sunday, closed on Monday). 9. Saigon Central Post Office The Ho Chi Minh City Post Office or Saigon Central Post Office is the main post office and one of the most attractive tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. The building was built around 1886 - 1891 by the French architect Alfred Foulhoux. Inside the post office, its structure is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, and French styles. Step inside, the building is big with lots of space. The ceiling is designed in an arc shape with two rows of steel columns. All the pillars in the front hall of the building are exquisitely decorated. This makes the building look more stable and larger. Saigon Central Post Office Post offices have all kinds of traditional postal services such as mailing, selling postcards or stamps. Foreign currency exchange is also available. Inside the post office, you can buy souvenirs or write letters on wooden tables. Through many historical events, this post office still stands and plays an important role in the city's history. If you want to know more about the unique structure of the French colonies and the history of Saigon, then this place should not be missed! Address:  2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 07:00 – 19:00 every day. Click on the links to see our best tour to Ho Chi Minh City: Luxury Tour Discover Beauty Of Vietnam , Hanoi To Ho Chi Minh Discovery , Authentic Vietnam Itinerary 2 Weeks , Authentic Vietnam Exploration , Highlights Of Vietnam Holiday Package 10. Nguyen Hue Walking Street Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a tourist destination in Saigon at night that is especially popular with young people. This street was built in April 2005, 670 m long and 64 m wide, paved with granite stone and two large fountains. Surrounded by a system of trees, electric lights, sounds, etc., making it really sparkling. Just come to the people and tourists come here to take a walk and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Moreover, on weekends, there are also interesting music exchange programs for young people. Nguyen Hue Walking Street Address: Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 24/24. 11. Bui Vien Street If Hanoi has Ta Hien beer street, Saigon has Bui Vien street, so if you have the opportunity to wander this city, you must definitely visit here. Bui Vien Street is an extremely attractive destination with many entertainment activities and unique street food. The lively performances of live music, pubs, bars,... are easy to attract others. Perhaps this is one of the great places for you to feel the soul of a land that many people still call the city that never sleeps. However, Bui Vien street is only open to serve residents and visitors on weekends only! Bui Vien Street Address: Bui Vien - Pham Ngu Lao - De Tham, District 1. 12. Ho Chi Minh Starlight Bridge The Starlight Bridge is probably a famous tourist attraction in Saigon, dubbed the most beautiful bridge of the city. The bridge is located between Crescent Lake and the canal in Phu My Hung urban area, designed with a 7-color LED system, and a sprinkler system on both sides, giving anyone coming here the feeling of walking on the Galaxy. Standing on the bridge to enjoy the view or relax is also great. In addition, at the two ends of the bridge, there is a large, green square with ready-made stone chairs, which is also an ideal entertainment space. Ho Chi Minh Starlight Bridge Address: Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, District 7. Opening hours: All day. 13. Dam Sen Park If you are looking for a weekend destination, Dam Sen Park is a perfect choice for you.  The park was built on an area of more than 50 hectares, divided into Dam Sen water park and Dam Sen cultural park. This place is like an entertainment paradise, where you will experience countless interesting activities that very few places in Saigon have. Dam Sen Park has both wet and dry Dam Sen areas with many interesting games.  Dam Sen Park Coming to the water park, you will immediately feel a green "oasis" with 36 modern water game devices, a cool wave pool of 3,000 m2, promising to give you and your family the most refreshing and relaxing moments. The cultural park (also known as Dam Sen Dry) gathers many terrestrial games from thrills to light, including duck pedaling, etc., suitable for both adults and children. Address: No. 3 Hoa Binh, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh. Dam Sen Kho ticket price: 100/adult, 60k/child, package 240k/adult, 150k/child. Dam Sen Nuoc ticket price: 180k/adult, 100k/child, under 1m free. 14. Suoi Tien Theme Park This is an entertainment complex, built with a combination of national cultural elements. Since its establishment, this destination has always attracted a large number of tourists, especially on holidays and weekends. This is a famous entertainment destination that attracts many tourists. Suoi Tien Theme Park With only one entrance ticket, you will be able to visit historical works for free, watch parade shows, convergent quartet shows, general music, etc., and experience interesting games such as Star Wars boat, super speed car racing, watching 4D, 9D movies, laser shooting, ... or explore Phung Hoang Tien, snow castle, magic castle, unicorn bow and lots of other strong senses games. The park also has activities suitable for children's ages. Address: 120 Hanoi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, District 9. Ticket price: 120k/adult, 60k/child from 1 to 1m4, under 1m free. 15. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden Located in the city center, right at the end of Le Duan street, the Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the tourist attractions in Saigon for children that you cannot visit if you are traveling with your family. With 1,000 animals around the world and more than 2,000 plants and flowers along with the game area, which gathers dozens of games such as trams, planes, birds, fishing, spinning horses, trains, … ideal for children to learn while playing. Moreover, the large green space also helps you dispel the heat of the South. That is the reason that each year the Zoo and Botanical Garden welcomes over 2 million visitors. Saigon Zoo And Botanical Garden style=" font-style: italic;"Address: No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 16. Can Gio Ecotourism Area Can Gio is a coastal district of Ho Chi Minh City and is the only place in this city that has a sea. It also has mangrove forests and island communes and countless other interesting things. Coming to Can Gio on weekends or holidays, you will get away from the hustle and bustle of crowded urban places, immerse yourself in the cool seawater, enjoy a wonderful resort space keeping nature in the fresh air, peaceful, and enjoy fresh seafood. This destination is about 50 km from Saigon, so you can go back in a day, but if you have time, you should spend 2 days exploring this coastal district with places such as Monkey island, Vam Sat tourist area, Thanh An island commune, … Can Gio Ecotourism Area Address: Rung Sac, Long Hoa, Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City. 17. Buu Long Pagoda Another beautiful tourist destination in Saigon that many people, especially pilgrims can hardly ignore, can admire the Buu Long pagoda with its extremely splendid but equally sacred architecture. The pagoda is located about 25 km from the city center, was established in 1942, invested and restored in 2007 in the style of a combination of Thai, Indian culture, and Nguyen Dynasty architecture. The temple has the same structure as a Thai temple. Buu Long Pagoda The overall temple is like a palace with the main white color, the blue color scheme at the top resembles the temple architecture in the land of golden pagodas. Other details are also displayed and the design is very sophisticated and unique. That is why many people call this temple Thailand. With a location in the middle of a green hill, visitors come not only for pilgrimage and meditation but also to admire the scenery and take pictures of "virtual life". Address: 81 Nguyen Xien, Long Binh, District 9 18. Jade Emperor Pagoda The Jade Emperor Temple is a Taoist and Buddhist temple. This is one of the most beautiful and airy pagodas in Saigon. The structure of the temple can be divided into two distinct parts: the courtyard and the interior of the temple. In the first half of the courtyard, there is a small tower with a statue of the Dharma Protector, a Buddhist philosopher. After this first part is a small pond with many turtles and benches. The final part of the courtyard, known as the incinerator, is a chimney-shaped structure where worshipers can burn paper whose smoke is said to reach their ancestors in heaven. Jade Emperor Pagoda The inside of the pagoda displays many works of art with a set of about 300 ancient statues, including 100 statues made of wood and cardboard, representing the meeting of the gods with the Jade Emperor in the temple. The temple's worship area consists of three compartments, the main hall and two outer compartments. The main shrine worships the Jade Emperor, Buddha, and gods. The largest statue in the temple is the Jade Emperor meeting the gods. Travelers who have trouble in real life can come here to pray and see beautiful sights that can help them feel more balanced and relaxed. Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Opening hours: 08:00 – 17:00 every day. 19. Landmark 81 Saigon Opened in 2018, Landmark 81 is still a hot-hit tourist destination in Saigon. Landmark 81 is a skyscraper in the entertainment and shopping complex Vinhomes Central Park, it was once known as the tallest building in Vietnam. At the same time, this is one of the beautiful check-in places where young people race to take pictures.  Lanmark 81 Saigon As soon as it was "launched", this address quickly attracted young people. There are a lot of fancy corners here. The most prominent of which is the highest facade with glossy glass doors. Besides, the pedestrian bridge at Landmark 81 to the park and the parking garage, the giant archway near Starbucks is also a very cool virtual living corner. Address: Vinhomes Central Park, 208 Nguyen Huu Canh, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District 20. Nguyen Van Binh Book Street Another check-in point not to be missed when traveling to Saigon is Nguyen Van Binh book street. Not only attracts young people to buy books, but this street is also a familiar place for weekend meetings and "virtual life" photography. The book road has become a virtual living place for many young people. Nguyen Van Binh Book Street Located right next to Notre Dame Cathedral, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street was built with an open space, giving visitors the freedom to visit and enjoy the reading culture of the Vietnamese people. Although only 100m long, the bookstores are close together with a very beautiful style, with the shade of green trees creating an extremely poetic virtual living background. So if you want to have thousands of likes, don't miss this address! Address: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe, District 1 Although some of the above places are still not all, they are one of the clear highlights not only about entertainment and entertainment but also culture and history of one of the busiest cities in Vietnam. Hopefully with the above sharing, you will have interesting places before coming to explore Ho Chi Minh City.

Read more
Best activities in Sai Gon at night

Best activities in Sai Gon at night

Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Sai Gon) is the biggest, fastest-growing, as well as the most densely populated city in Vietnam. This city attracts a lot of travelers all over the world thanks to a variety of activities that it offers to tourists both in the daytime and night time. In this article, Incredible Asia Journey will introduce to you the best activities in Sai Gon at night that you can consider when traveling to this city.Best activities in Sai Gon at nightHave fun at Bui Vien walking streetBui Vien is considered as the international junction in Saigon as you can see a lot of foreign tourists converge into this hectic street because it can meet all of your demands from food, drinks, tourist information, accommodations, entertainment, etc. Therefore, it not only a famous hang-out point for the Vietnamese youngster, but also for any tourists coming to Sai Gon.Bui Vien street is fun every day, but you will have much more fun at the weekend. Every Saturday and Sunday, this street will restrict all means of transportation to get through from 19:00 until 2:00 AM. From that moment, it changes its outfit to become an amazing night-life street. Besides, you can also enjoy some street performances which makes the atmosphere much bustling. In addition, if you are into traditional games, then you will have a chance to play those games right here.Something you cannot miss at Bui Vien street is food and beer. You can find a variety of restaurants from luxury to inexpensive picks. And beers are everywhere, that’s why this is also called beer street in Sai Gon. Take the romantic river cruiseA cruise alongside the Sai Gon river is a perfect idea for a romantic night, especially for couples. This experience allows you to enjoy the view of the city at night and, at the same time, to relax with on-board traditional performances and quintessential cuisine. Bonsai Cruise is one of the top recommendations for tourists which provides such a good service and luxury experience. You can book the tickets directly on their website or book through several online travel agents.Bon Sai River CruisePier and Docking: Nha Rong Port (Sai Gon Port), 5 Nguyen Tat Thanh street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh CityGet high at a nightclubIf you are a party lover, the nightclub is something you cannot resist to come when traveling to Sai Gon – the city never sleeps. There are hundreds of clubs in this bustling city that you can choose from and spend a great night dancing and chilling out with your friends. Among them, you can consider Blanchy’ Lounge, Republic Club, Lush Nightclub, those are all recommended by travelers.Enjoy the city view at Rooftop barIf you want to chill out in a fancy place with a spectacular view over Ho Chi Minh City to observe its rapid growth, then nowhere is better than a rooftop bar. This busy fast-growing metropolitan has a slew of rooftop bars with different interior designs that bring different ambiances. The very first rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh city is Chill Sky Bar. Until now, it still receives a myriad number of rave reviews from the locals and tourists thanks to its perfect view, modern style, and tasty drinks.Chill Sky BarAddress: 26th floor, AB Tower, 76A Le Lai street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh CityOpening hours: 17:30 – 2:00 AMWalk along the Starlight BridgeStarlight Bridge is located in District 7 which is a pedestrian bridge passing over the Thay Tieu Channel. Known as the most beautiful bridge in Sai Gon, this bridge is an undeniable place to visit in the evening when all the lights are turned on. The reason behind its name is that the bridge is equipped with a high-tech lighting system that makes itself glowing in the evening like a universe. Thus, if you want to enjoy a peaceful evening with your lover, this is definitely a great place to pay a visit.However, you can only see this light show on Thursday and Sunday night from 18:30 to 22:00 and on several special holidays such as New Year Eve, etc. Thus, before coming to Ho Chi Minh City, plan your visit on those days.Address: Rach Bang Bridge 2, Tan Phu, District 7, Ho Chi Minh CityStay safe in Sai Gon at nightBe careful of petty theftsLike many other hectic tourist attractions, Ho Chi Minh is also a convergence of many pickpockets. Not only in the evening, but also in the daytime, you have to always pay attention to your belongings and keep it in a safe position. As long as you keep an eye on your stuff, everything will be fine. In addition, it’s not very safe to walk outside at night, especially alone, therefore, when you travel alone, take a taxi or a motorbike ride back to your hotel when it’s after midnight. Furthermore, always find some companions with you when you want to chill out until late.Avoid scam taxisScam taxis are pretty common in Southeast Asia countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, etc. Therefore, it’s every travelers’ fear to take taxis when traveling to this region. However, thanks to an excellent application called Grab, nowadays, you can take a taxi with ease at an accurate rate when traveling to those countries. However, make sure you have a local sim card in order to register to the system. If you are not a high-tech person, then ask the price carefully or deal the price with the drivers before you jump into any taxi.Read more articles about Ho Chi Minh travel guide:Top 6 things to do in HCMCWhat to eat in Sai Gon?You might be interested in some of our tour departing from Ho Chi Minh City:Mekong Boat Trip from Ho Chi Minh CityLong Tan – Nui Dat Day TourCu Chi Tunnels – City Tour 1 Day

Read more
Top 6 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Top 6 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City , also known as Sai Gon, is the most populated city in Vietnam with a population of approximately 100 million people. It is also one of the most commonly visited destinations in Vietnam which welcomes about 30 million tourists in the year 2022. So what makes this city an interesting destination? Let’s find out the top 6 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City in this article. What to see in Ho Chi Minh City? 1. Have a lot of fun at Pham Ngu Lao Street If asking young tourists where is the funniest place in Ho Chi Minh city, surely they will answer “Pham Ngu Lao street”. Sitting in District 1 of Sai Gon, this street is a perfect place for travelers to stay, to find delicious local delicacies, and to join the local nightlife. Of all activities that this street offers, having a cup of local beer on the sidewalk is the weirdest, yet interesting experience to try. Here, you can find local Sai Gon beer in every corner with only about 10.000vnd. Furthermore, you can also watch street performances such as dancing, singing, or even fire-spitting while enjoying your beer.  However, this hectic street is only opened on the weekend (Friday to Sunday) from 18:00 to midnight. So, keep that in mind when arranging your schedule. Pham Ngu Lao street 2. Take waterbus ride The waterbus was put into operation since 2017 to meet the transportation demand of local people. However, it has been drawing a lot of attention of tourists and is considered as one of the most interesting experiences when traveling to Ho Chi Minh because it not only gives tourists chances to enjoy the scenery of the city from the water, but also is a cheap, yet fun thing to do in Ho Chi Minh city. Here is some general information about this water bus: Capacity: 66 seatsBus stops: Bach Dang, Binh An, Thanh Da, Hiep Binh Chanh, and Linh DongPrice: 15.000vnd/wayOperating hours: 6:00 – 19:30Total time from Bach Dang – Linh Dong: about 50minsWhere to buy a ticket: at the stopsThere is one thing you should keep in mind that it is advisable to avoid weekends because the demand is very high at this time which will take you long hours waiting. Water bus ride in Ho Chi Minh City 3. Explore the Notre Dame Cathedral Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous places of interest in Ho Chi Minh city located in District 1. Originally, this cathedral was made of wood and was hugely damaged by termites. Not until 1877, refurbishment was made and finished in 1880 which converted the old wooden cathedral into the current version. As it was built by the French, all the red bricks used to erect the construction were bought in Marseille, France. The design of it was also an imitation of the famous Notre Dame de Paris with Romance and French Gothic architectural style. Besides its beauty, the event in October 2005 also made up its reputation among tourists. That is the moment the Virgin Mary statue in front of the cathedral shed into tears which drew tons of attention from the public and mentioned in a number of international news. Thus, this is a must thing to do when you visit Ho Chi Minh City. Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The Notre Dame Cathedral 4. Discover the Cu Chi tunnel Cu Chi tunnel is the most famous historical site in the South of Vietnam as it played such an important role in the victory of Vietnam in defeating the American. The tunnel was built in 1948 and took 25 years to complete, the whole complex had the original length of 250 kilometers, until today, only 120 kilometers remained and conserved by the Vietnam government. In wartime, it functioned as the operation base of Viet Cong for the event of Tet Offensive in 1968. It has a total of 3 levels which can accommodate everything needed in the war such as food, hospitals, supply routes, weapons, etc. and also was an accommodation for the soldiers. Nowadays, to ensure safety for tourists, it is allowed to visit and crawl the 1st floor and only some safe parts of the lower levels. Consider our tour: Ho Chi Minh & Cu Chi tunnels tour to have a full explanation of the historical depth of the tunnels. Address: TL15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City. Gun shooting in Cu Chi Tunnel 5. Wander along Starlight Bridge Starlight Bridge is located in district 7 which crosses Thay Tieu Canal. It is considered as one of the most beautiful and modern bridges in Vietnam. What makes this bridge special is that, as it is called, the bridge has a system of light stretching along its floor which brings visitors a feeling of walking in the galaxy with many stars. In addition, it’s also designed with the water spray system combined with rainbow lights which makes the bridge so gorgeous from a far distance.  However, the scenery is not available every day. You can only see it on Thursday and Sunday night from 18:30 to 22:00 and in some national holidays such as New Year Eve, etc.  Address: Rach Bang Bridge 2, Tan Phu, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City Starlight Bridge 6. Explore Ben Thanh Market Ben Thanh market is situated in the prime location of District 1. The market dates back to more than 100 years ago during the French colonial period, thus, its architecture was strongly influenced by the French. It is one of the most well-known places of interest for tourists when traveling to Ho Chi Minh City which welcomes more than 10,000 people visiting every day.  One special thing is that it transforms every day from a shopping paradise to a night market. In the morning, you can come here for shopping. It offers tourists almost everything from souvenirs, handicraft items, branded goods, etc. with approximately 1,500 booths of more than 6,000 business owners. In the evening, it converts into a night market with a wide arrange of delicious street food such as seafood, crispy pancakes, etc. even options for vegetarians. Address: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 Ben Thanh Market Best tours to take when you staying in Ho Chi Minh City When you are staying in Ho Chi Minh City, you may wonder what are the best tours to take. See some tours suggested by our experts as below: Mekong Boat Trip from Ho Chi Minh City After several days exploring the hustle and bustle city of Sai Gon, it’s time to relax a bit by a trip to a further place. Mekong Delta day trip is one of the best choices for you. In this tour, you will be taking a river cruise along a part of the Mekong Delta River, having local tea while watching the Vietnam folk singing performance and enjoying a local lunch at the Unicorn Islet. For more detail, please click here . Long Tan – Nui Dat Day Tour Long Tan and Nui Dat were battlefields that watched a fierce battle between the ANZAC’s – an Australian and New Zealand Corps – and the Vietnamese army forces. Coming here, you will have a chance to understand more about Vietnam’s history. In this day trip, you will also be visiting Long Tan Cross Memorial, Horseshoe FSB and Long Phuoc Tunnels For more detail, please click here .

Read more
How to get to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City

How to get to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City

The capital of southern Vietnam during the American War feared for the wellbeing of its furthest ally, Hue, but both eventually befell the same fate. In the prosperous, reunited Vietnam, about 1000km of road connects the two cities of Ho Chi Minh City and Hue, creating a substantial overland trip with many of the best places to visit in Vietnam speckled along the way.The question of how to get to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City has many answers, depending on time allowances and budget. Driving between the two cities will take a couple of weeks and might break the bank, whereas a flight will take just one hour and can be bought for the same price as 25 bowls of phở. Of course, both routes provide a completely different experience, so here’s a quick guide to outline the options available to you.Ho Chi Minh City to Hue by MotorbikeSubstantial patience and nerve is required if making the overland trip from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue by motorbike. There are a few routes along which this can be done, but the most scenic one is its longest, taking about 26 hours along 1,050km. If you decide to take the long way round, then you will be treated to most of the delights that feature on South Vietnam tours. A 5-hour drive to the relaxing beach town of Mui Ne will give you the opportunity to try windsurfing and escape the chaotic streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Next, you can head inland to Dalat, a cool hill region abounding with waterfalls and misty mountains, before driving along gorgeous mountain roads to Nha Trang, a beach resort town that lies about 3 hours away. After spending time in a mud bath here, push on another 4.5 hours to Qui Nhon, where some of Vietnam’s most idyllic coastal scenes can be found. Break up the driving with a stop inland at the Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve, about 5 hours from Qui Nhon and the same amount of time from Hoi An, one of the indisputable top places to visit in Vietnam. After spending a good amount of time in Hoi An to soak up the historical beauty, head through Da Nang and the Hai Van Pass to finish your South to Central Vietnam tour in perfect style in Hue.Ho Chi Minh City to Hue by BusTourist bus companies ply the tourist route between Ho Chi Minh City and Hue daily on their way up to Hanoi. Again, the ones to go for are Camel Travel, Hung Thanh and Queen Café VIP and tickets can cost anywhere between 650,000 VND and 1,000,000 VND ($28 - $43 USD). It is certainly not the most convenient way to travel between both cities, as you will have to take many breaks at the attractions along the route to break up the journey, but it does give you a great chance to see some Vietnamese attractions popular on Vietnam package holidays.Ho Chi Minh City to Hue by TrainThe five daily services of the Reunification Express offer one straight journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Hue; an 18 - 24 hour undertaking that requires the sturdiest of wills. Add to this the fact that the train costs 1,600,000 – 1,750,000 VND ($70 – $75 USD) for a sleeper cabin, and it becomes incredibly hard to justify picking the train over the bus. Ho Chi Minh City to Hue by FlightBeing the international hub of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City boasts the largest and biggest airport throughout the country. This means more companies operate flights from here and prices are lower through constant competition. A cheap flight to Hue from Ho Chi Minh City can cost as little as 630,000 VND ($27 USD), while an average price would be about 700,000 VND to 800,000 VND ($30 - $35 USD). Flights take about 1.5 hours.Another potential option is to take an equally cheap flight from Ho Chi Minh City to Da Nang, where you can rent a motorbike and drive the magnificent Hai Van Pass, lending a beautiful final flourish to your travels.

Read more
Top Historical Things to do in Saigon

Top Historical Things to do in Saigon

Given the vast instability that Vietnam went through during most of the 20th century, it will come as no surprise that Saigon is a veritable mecca of history, both modern and ancient, now that it has emerged as prosperous in the 21st century. Through warring hill tribes, the shifting of dynasties as well as foreign occupation from China, France, Japan, America and others, Saigon has become synonymous with war. Such a dire association does not affect the life of its residents today, however, as smiles greet foreign visitors and the modern history of their country is openly discussed. Subsequently, there are a huge amount of historical things to do in Saigon that span from its most ancient beginnings to its more modern turbulence. At Incredible Asia Journeys, we’ve picked the top 8.Reunification PalaceThe dramatic finale of the American War took place on the roof of the Reunification Palace, then called the Independence Palace for Vietnam’s success against the French colonialists, newly named in 1975 for the North Vietnamese success against the Americans and the South. TV channels around the world televised the Fall of Saigon first hand, as a tank crashed through the gates of the palace and a lone soldier claimed the South for Ho Chi Minh, after whom Saigon became named.The Reunification Palace is one of the top attractions in Saigon for history buffs, as it has been the site of such sparring and changeover throughout its past. The rather drab architecture is compensated for inside through many displays and exhibitions, as well as the impressive underground bunker and tunnel system that hid the president of South Vietnam. Information around the palace provides useful knowledge on the contested location and its French, Japanese, American and eventual Vietnamese ownership.War Remnants MuseumIf the Reunification Palace heralded the end of the war, the War Remnants Museum heralded the start of Vietnam’s prosperous post-war age - and they took no time in building it to admonish the Americans. Just about four months after the Fall of Saigon, the ‘Exhibition House for U.S and Puppet Crimes’ was established, gradually easing off on the Americans in 1990 by renaming it the ‘Exhibition House for Crimes of War and Aggression’ and dropping the passive aggressiveness entirely in 1995 with the ‘War Remnants Museum’.However, inside remains a strong current of anti-American mentality, as American and South Vietnamese war crimes are brutally highlighted, while the North Vietnamese Army and Viet Cong get off pretty lightly. While definitely one of the best historical things to do in Saigon, information on the various crimes committed, should be taken with a pinch of salt. There are many personal accounts of the war as well as of the appalling effects of Agent Orange in Vietnam’s jungle villages, for which America is still paying compensation.Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post OfficeStepping further back in time to the French Colonial period, two of Saigon’s historical things to see lie side-by-side in the downtown area of the city. The Notre Dame Cathedral is the most impressive of the two, standing as a testament to the push of Christianity in a largely Buddhist or non-religious country. It was completed in 1880 and took 17 years to finish due to all of the materials requiring delivery from France. It is a great place to see the history and influence of the French in Saigon, which was the capital of their Indochina Empire.Across the square in front of the cathedral lies the Saigon Central Post Office, another French creation exhibiting some fantastic European architecture. This grand building was finished in 1891 and features both huge, colonial archways and the bright yellow of the Vietnamese colour scheme outside. Maps and other such documents provide a good grounding for history buffs, but tours generally don’t take more than ten minutes, as non-post-related options are slim inside.Museum of Vietnamese HistoryIf the garish yellow of the Saigon Central post office appeals to your design sensibilities then you should head directly to the Museum of Vietnamese History, which sports the same vivid colour and colonial architecture that had become a staple of French construction by the time this building was finished in 1929. The museum showcases history from a time that very few people know about, from before the televised fighting put Vietnam on the map. There was still fighting, however, as many ethnic groups including the Khmer of Cambodia and the more central Vietnamese Cham fought between each other and others for control over the south of the country, leaving behind over 30,000 artefacts that tell the fascinating story of Vietnam long before its two most famous wars.CholonA lively, bustling Chinatown in its day, and not too different now. Cholon lies in the city’s inner-west, representing the ancient Chinese culture through its many immigrants who moved here during the late 17th century. At that time, Cholon was a separate entity to Saigon, and a huge hub for trading (Cholon is the Anglicised version of chợ lớn – meaning ‘big market’ in Vietnamese), which combined with its neighbour in a city called Saigon-Cholon, before it was dropped completely and became another district of the sprawling metropolis.A walk around Cholon today is a great thing to do in Saigon for those interesting in oriental history. Many pagodas, assembly halls and markets still stand from hundreds of years ago, each bearing distinctive Chinese architecture. Take time to explore Thien Hau Pagoda, a colourful and ornamental dedication to the Chinese Sea Goddess, Mazu. Ong Bon Pagoda and On Lang Assembly Hall are historically interesting places to visit, but it’s the markets that gave Cholon its name, so Binh Tay and Soai Kinh Lam markets are most certainly worth a visit for the historical enthusiast in Saigon.Check our best tour to Explore Saigon: Discover Southern Vietnam, Best Ho Chi Minh Tour with Local Floating Market, and Foody Tour in Ho Chi Minh and Mekong Delta.Long Tan BattlefieldThough it is the Vietnamese soldiers who are known throughout the world for the fierce and effective defence of their homeland, there is a special admiration held in the Antipodes for the ANZAC (Australia and New Zealand Army Corps) forces who stood firm against an onslaught of Vietnamese while they were outnumbered around 20 to 1. Long Tan lies about 100km southeast of Saigon in Ba Ria –Vung Tau Province and is the sight of the most heroic, yet most costly battle of the ANZAC.Several of the important sites still remain, including Nui Dat Base, Horshoe Hill and the Discourtesy Rubber Plantation, where the Long Tan Cross Memorial stands as only one of two foreign commemorations allowed throughout the entire country (the other built by the French at Dien Bien Phu). Incredible Asia Journeys provides a daytrip from Ho Chi Minh City to Long Tan Battlefield including a knowledgeable guide and all transportation and food.Click on the link to see Long Tan - Nui Dat Day Tour from Ho Chi Minh City.Cu Chi TunnelsOne of the most famous historical attractions of Saigon, the Cu Chi Tunnels lie about 50km to the northeast of the city and are a reminder of how close the Viet Cong were to the capital of the South while conducting their secret operations underground. Aside from its location, the system itself is an unbelievable labyrinth of tunnels dug below the tracks of tanks that rolled ahead, where the Viet Cong could live, store weapons, treat the wounded and scheme for the eventual demise of their enemies.The Cu Chi Tunnels are the epitome of guerilla warfare at its finest. The conditions that the Vietnamese withstood underneath the earth for days at a time can be partially felt by climbing into the tunnels and experiencing it first-hand. Bear in mind, however, that the tunnels have been expanded by 30% and that venomous animals have been thoroughly removed for the comfort of foreign visitors, so conditions would have been even more horrendous than can be experienced today. Incredible Asia Journeys has several day trips from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels, all of which you can find on our website.Check our best tours to Cu Chi Tunnels: Ho Chi Minh and Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, Cu Chi Tunnels and Cooking Class Full Day Tour, Cu Chi Tunnels by Speedboat Tour, and Cu Chi Tunnels by Bicycle and Boat Full Day Tour.Dan Sinh MarketThe army surplus left behind after the American War was staggering in amount, owing to the fact that the war ran for a huge 19 and a half years and contained many different allies and enemies from around the world. Over 40 years after the end of the war, places like Dan Sinh Market in Saigon are still struggling to shift the mountains of war memorabilia left over, and these sorts of places can be a treasure trove of rare and interesting finds.For collectors, anyway, Dan Sinh Market is one of the top historical places to visit in Saigon for a look at the personal and collective accounts of the millions of soldiers involved in the war. A huge range of items can be found here, including flags, military apparel, medals, books, shell casings and helmets amongst many, many others. Of course, fakes are a constant problem at Dan Sinh, as they are in many Vietnamese markets, so be vigilant or hire a guide to help you sort what’s worth having from what isn’t.

Read more
What to Eat in Saigon

What to Eat in Saigon

It’s a mixture of the location and history of Saigon that gives it its fantastic food culture. What to Eat in Saigon is a question with more than 100 answers, but there are few places more equipped to answer it than Vietnam’s second city. The big city has historically been a draw for the Vietnamese living in its outlying provinces, who came to Saigon in droves after the war in search of employment. Along with their families, they brought their individual attitudes to food; some from the seafood, rice and fruit-rich Mekong Delta, some from pancake-heavy Vung Tau and even a few from as far away as the mecca for Vietnamese food, Hue. Food in Saigon is under constant evolution as the city quickly expands upwards and outwards into the shape of an international megacity. Right now, Saigon’s food has a humble but internationally renowned culture, ripe for exploration by even the fussiest of foreigners. Here’s our guide on what to eat in Saigon.What to eat in Saigon?Phở (“fer”)We have to start with the obvious here. At this point, pho doesn’t need an introduction, its amalgamation into popular culture has seen its fame spread to every corner of the globe. It’s the number one answer to what to eat in Saigon, as well as throughout Vietnam in general for the tourists fresh off the plane, eager to try a local bowl for about a tenth of the price that they could get it for back home. Flat pho noodles sit in a long-broiled broth along with scallions, onions and either beef or chicken. Differences between north and south pho are manifold; the one in Saigon is usually sweeter and uses bean sprouts, herbs and a wider variety of meat in its construction.Where to get pho in Saigon?Pho Tau Bay (433-435 Ly Thai To Street) is one of the oldest pho restaurants still surviving today. It was originally named after the owner, Mr. Nhan, but patrons changed it by popular demand to Tau Bay, meaning aeroplane after Mr. Nhan inexplicably started wearing a pilot’s hat to work every day.Bột Chiên (“bot chee-en”)The literal translation of ‘fried flour’ doesn’t do much to get the appetite whirring, but one look at this impressive dish proves that there’s a lot more to it than merely suggested by the name. Served with fried egg, carrots, shredded papaya and scallions, and fried into one single omelet of intense colour and flavour, Bot Chien is one of the best pre-dinner snacks to eat in Saigon. Its appearance is not unlike the popular pre-dinner tapas dish from Spain, patatas bravas, but the tangy flavour of Bot Chien, in accordance with the accompanying dipping sauce, is what sets it apart.Where to find Bot Chien in Saigon?Bot Chien is a proud, and relatively simple to make, Saigonese staple food, so you can find it being served from many of the carts lining the streets around the city. One popular local restaurant that sells a plate for about 26,000 VND ($1.10) is Bot Chien Dat Thanh (277 Vo Van Tan), where fans carry the gorgeous smell of the dish along the street, attracting people in their droves.Cơm Tấm (“cerm- tuhm”)Along with Com Binh Dan in the north of Vietnam, Com Tam is known as the workers’ meal. Its simplicity means that costs are usually low, but it contains the nutrients that hard-working Vietnamese have been fuelling themselves for generations. Unlike Com Binh Dan, com tam uses non-sticky rice (literally ‘broken rice’ by translation) and it’s not uncommon to see foreigners try to scoop up individual grains with chopsticks, while the locals opt for a much more effective spoon. Its ordering is as simple as its make-up; simply walk into a shop, point to the food that you would like to have with your rice and sit down with the heaped plate. The option of accompanying food is very extensive, but popular choices include pork, sausage, fried egg, peanut salt and a staggering choice of vegetables.Where to find com tam in Saigon?As fuel for the workers, this is usually the answer to their question of what to eat in Saigon. Thus, it can be found in many places, usually in roadside stalls with all extra options sitting behind a glass cabinet, and next to the steaming vat of rice. Com Ta Ba Ghien (84 Dang Van Ngu) is open from 6 am to 10 pm, which is one of the reasons, along with its fantastic taste, that locals and tourists keep coming back for more.Check our best tours to Saigon to enjoy these delicious dishes: Ho Chi Minh Visiting and Beaches Relaxation 7 Days, Ho Chi Minh and Cu Chi Tunnels, Essence of Vietnam 14 Day Tour, and Foody Tour in Ho Chi Minh and Mekong Delta.Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang (“hoo tee-oo nam vang”)This beautifully organised dish might be the most attractive thing to eat in Saigon, but its roots are far-reaching and its ingredients are highly variable. The dish is unashamedly ‘borrowed’ from Cambodia, so much so that they even put it in the name (Nam Vang is the Vietnamese name for Phnom Penh), stemming from the thousands of ethnic Khmer people who live in the south of Vietnam. Hu Tieu comes in many different varieties around Vietnam, but the classic nam vang dish contains lots of pork, shrimp, quail eggs and crab sticks atop a bed of Hu Tieu, which are thick tapioca noodles.Where to find Hu Tieu Nam Vang in Saigon?It’s hard to refute the popularity of Quan Hu Tieu Nam Vang Nhan Quan (27Q Au Co Street), which offers many different variations on the classic, all immaculately presented.Canh Chua Cá (“cayn choo-uh cah”)Saigon finds itself in a very advantageous position next to the Mekong Delta, provider of huge amounts of seafood and home to the biggest rice and fruit producing regions in the country. Seafood often comes in the form of Canh Chua Ca, another Instagram-favourite food with colours spilling out of the bowl. There are bright red tomatoes, green okra, yellow pineapples and white beansprouts sitting in a yellow-brown broth, topped by a large fillet of some kind of fish, usually snakehead or catfish.Where to find Canh Chua Ca in Saigon?Canh Chua Ca is the perfect food for hot weather, which is perfect for Saigon as there is never anything but scorching heat. On the hottest of these days, you can find locals sharing tables at Nam Son (135 Nguyen Thien Thuat Street), enjoying the cooling broth with delicious snakehead fish.Ốc (“oh-k”)Continuing Saigon’s strong seafood tradition is one of the most sociable foods to eat in Saigon, snails. Once you do away with the notion that snails are generally slimy and unappealing, a world of flavour will open up to you, and there’s no better place to do that than in Saigon. Chefs here have been experimenting with snails for decades and have developed an extensive list that it would be impossible to name in full. Snails with lemongrass, ginger, garlic, coconut and chili are some of the more popular foods to enjoy in Saigon on a weekend, when you will see vast swathes of people crowding plastic tables, swigging beer and joking merrily over piled-up plates of snails.Where to find Ốc in Saigon?Saigon is awash with snail eateries, but for the most convivial atmosphere, head straight to ‘snail street’ – Vinh Khanh in District 4. You will be spoiled for choice here and will quickly get swept up in the amazing atmosphere that is to be found in abundance.Bánh Tét Chuối (“ban tet choo-ee”)This rolled banana, black bean and sticky rice dessert have a similar appearance to sushi, but the taste of the two foods couldn’t be further apart. Just three ingredients and some banana leaves are needed to create Banh Tet Chuoi, making it a favourite of food tours in Saigon; essentially, it is a banana wrapped in rice and black beans, which is in turn wrapped in a banana leaf. These sweet, glutinous treats are a staple food of Tet, the Vietnamese new year, where many families in the south of Vietnam share them after a filling meal.Where to find Banh Tet Chuoi in Saigon?Because Banh Tet Chuoi is so easy to make, most people just buy the ingredients and make them themselves. You will find some in some shops, as Saigon is a big city, but information about them is lacking online. Get yourself invited to a local Tet celebration and you’ll be swimming in Banh Tet Chuoi!

Read more
The Best Time to Visit Saigon – The Comprehensive Guide

The Best Time to Visit Saigon – The Comprehensive Guide

When is the best time to visit Saigon is a question for many tourists visiting Vietnam. You will find the answer as below.There are few cities in the world that set imaginations flaring as much as Saigon in the South of Vietnam. The diverse perceptions of smoky temples, cosy cafes, crazy traffic, sky-scraping buildings and an aptitude for business have all been shaped from its turbulent history. Saigon has undergone many transformations over its past, from war with the Khmer through the war with France, to war with North Vietnam and eventually reunification under a new flag and a new name. With such a rich blend of culture, history and modernity, it’s no wonder that so many international tourists have Saigon firmly in their sights when visiting Vietnam.Saigon City HallFor those tourists, it’s certainly worth a bit of research to find the best time to visit Saigon, as the city finds itself in the deep south of Vietnam and has a completely different weather system from the centre and the north. Being much nearer to the equator, Saigon has some of Vietnam’s most interesting weather, and its unpredictability can either be a source of great amusement or great frustration. Unlike the four seasons of Hanoi, Saigon features two and they are named for the two levels of rain that distinguish both halves of the year, the wet and dry seasons. In our guide to the best time to visit Saigon, we will talk you through both of these seasons and their various pros and their cons.Dry SeasonWhen? (Late November to Mid-April)Is it the best time to visit Saigon?                             AbsolutelySaigon’s weather patterns are split almost exactly down the middle, meaning you have six months to make use of the city’s dry season. Fairly indisputably, at least in terms of temperature and rainfall, the best time to visit Saigon for most is between the months of November and March. This is when the chaos of the wet season is forgotten and entire days can be spent outside without constantly checking new surroundings for potential places to run for cover. Unfortunately, this is one of the coldest times to visit Hanoi and one of the wettest times to visit Hoi An, meaning that two or three separate trips to Vietnam would be necessary to see all three major attractions at their best.Why?Long, sunny days with very little rain.Why Not?Higher prices during peak season, especially at Vietnamese New Year (Tết).Saigon at nightTemperatureBeing close to the equator, Saigon sees very little fluctuation in its temperatures, with numbers within 3 degrees of each other on average all year. As you might imagine, they’re always consistently high, averaging 30°C (86°F) in the wet season and 27°C (81°F) in the dry. While this might be good news for you and your easily packable suitcase, spare a thought for the locals of Saigon, many of who go through this unrelenting cycle of sweat for the whole of their lives. The occasions where Saigon turns it down happen mostly in the dry season; January and December can reach a comparatively freezing 22°C (72°F) in rare instances, but don’t be expecting this to happen a lot as this phenomenon is usually after one of the very rare humidity-reducing rainstorms. In general, visiting Saigon between November and April is the best time to enjoy life outdoors. You will still be craving the sprinkle of cooling water that falls from some café awnings, but this is the most comfortable it gets in Saigon, so it’s best to get exploring!RainfallOverall, rainfall shouldn’t be in your consideration if you’re travelling during the heart of the dry season. Any time between December and April is a very safe bet, with as little as 10mm of rain drizzling across each month of January, February and March. December has four times this amount with 40mm, but this is still nothing to be concerned about. The fringes of the dry season provide the most unsettled weather. April provides a few snapshots of what is to come later in the year with the occasional sporadic storm, but November is certainly the black sheep of the dry season, providing more rain than all five other months put together as it attempts to climb down from six months of torrential downpours.Those magical months of January, February and March only contain 6 days that feature rain between them; that’s an average of 2 days per month for readers struggling with maths. This is a staggeringly low amount that might even count as a drought in other countries. The Saigonese don’t worry though, as they know exactly what’s coming later in the year. Again, the only time you should be worrying yourself is during November, when 13 days out of the month promise to put a mild dampener on your trip. If travelling in November is unavoidable, save it for the end of the month when most of those days have expelled their rain already.Sunshine HoursSunrise in SaigonWith barely a threat from rain, the sun during the first three months of the year is a very brazen picture in the sky, shining for 5 or 6 hours a day with barely a raincloud to disturb it. While this is great news for travellers who want to work on their tans within the first 3 minutes of stepping off the plane, it is less ideal for locals, who subscribe more to the idea that skin looks better when pearly white rather than golden brown. To this end, the dry season is when you will see the most of Vietnam’s famed ‘street ninjas’, young-to-old women who don invariably flowery protective clothing to block out as much of the sun from their skin as possible, with just a small slit for their eyes remaining. In contrast, November and December have some of the lowest sunshine hours, with 4 per day being the average. Though this provides a bit more of a grey atmosphere, you will still have plenty of time to work on that tan, and with Westerners’ often flippant approaches to skin protection, it’s probably a good job that mother nature is doing it for us.What to Bring• For all those clear days when the sun is bouncing off the reflective glass of Saigon’s ever-growing central business district, you’ll want some sun cream, but also a camera to capture the city sparkling across the shimmering Saigon River.• Make sure to stack up on đồng, as money goes a lot quicker during the peak dry season than it does in the wet. Hotels and tours are usually more expensive because of greater interest, so take more rather than less, just to be sure. Vietnamese New Year comes around February time and lasts for about a week; most shops will be closed while proprietors spend time with their families, and the ones open will jack their prices up.• Light, airy clothes are really the only ones you’ll be needing while in Saigon during the dry season; coats, lots of pairs of jeans and heavy shoes will only weigh you down. Smaller, lighter clothes will leave a lot of space in your bag for souvenirs, and Saigon is certainly a city to go shopping.Things to doJoin a walking tour or head out for solo explorationThere really is no better time in the year to just walk. With (relatively) moderate temperatures and very little threat from the rain gods, you are free to explore Saigon’s main attractions by foot. There are many routes to follow to find places like the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre Dame Cathedral and the city’s wealth of pagodas, all the while taking in the sights and smells of a city with the constant buzz of activity running through its sprawling veins.Stroll around the Botanical GardensSaigon is not really known for its green spaces as a lot of these are French creations and were removed after independence to make way for the expanding skyline. However, a bastion of nature remains in the Botanical Gardens, which also features a zoo and several walking paths. Other parks like Tao Dan and Hoa Binh are available, but these are largely concrete entities dotted with small patches of grass - certainly less appealing on a hot day in the dry season.The Botanical Gardens in SaigonGet spiritual at Suoi Tien Amusement ParkHave you even made it to Asia if you don’t do at least one wacky activity? The Suoi Tien Amusement Park has you covered in this regard, as here, you will never be far from a gigantic statue of Buddha’s ever-watching face. This is a water amusement park located on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh that’s centered around Buddha; his face is in a permanent state of nirvana while staring at all the happy families playing in the water. Around the park, you can find dragons and whimsical-looking temples, all accessible at the very low price of 100,000 VND ($5).Suoi Tien Amusement ParkHead up to the Skydeck at the Bitexco Financial TowerIf you want the perfect skyline photo on one of those many days at the start of the year with nothing but clear skies, then getting the lift to the 49th floor of Saigon’s second tallest building, the Bitexco Financial Tower, is a good idea. From the Skydeck here you can pay 200,000 VND ($10) for a panoramic view of Vietnam’s sprawling second city, which can visibly stretch for miles across the flat plains if the pollution isn’t too bad.Check our best tours to discover Saigon: Foody Tour in Ho Chi Minh & Mekong Delta, Best Ho Chi Minh Tour with local floating market 4 days, or Ho Chi Minh visiting & beach relaxation 7 days.The Bitexco Financial Tower at nightWet SeasonWhen? (Late April to Mid-November)Is it the best time to visit Saigon?                          Definitely not, but it has its charmsWith all the merriment and joy to be found during the dry season in Saigon, it’s easy to assume that the city just shuts up shop for the wet season, happy with its work over the last 6 months and ready for a period of extended hibernation. There is still half of the year to go, however, and Saigon plugs away under deluges of rain, undisturbed by a ferocity that the city has grown accustomed to over its long history. Though it’s hard to claim that the wet season is a better time to visit Saigon than the dry, the period between April and November is actually still a perfectly fine time to visit if proper research is done and precautions are taken.Why?Lower prices and rains that only last an hour or two.Why Not?Highest temperatures year-round, highest rainfall year-round and cloudy days.TemperatureThe stability in the temperature brought about by Saigon’s proximity to the equator is a full-year phenomenon. You will feel only the slightest difference in the perennial onslaught of heat, which increases maybe 2 or 3 degrees during the wet season to an average of 29°C (84°F). The air feels a lot cooler during one of Saigon’s iconic wet season rainstorms because of the break in humidity, offering widespread relief from the sometimes-stifling temperatures. For all intents and purposes though, life goes on unperturbed in Ho Chi Minh City.RainfallThe real show in Saigon between April and November is in the sky. Rain falls in staggeringly large quantities and it is a fairly common spectacle, at least a handful of times, to see locals hauling their flooded bikes through streets that have become gushing rivers. It really is a sight to behold; the wet season rains are shamelessly entertaining in their brutality. Even the locals can’t help but crack a smile when they drive their motorbikes, legs up to handlebar-level, trying best to keep balance amid a fresh sea and the warped tangle of cheap plastic raincoats.Late April offers a precursor to the wet season before May kicks it up a level and provides the city with more rain than the entire dry season combined, with 140mm. This rises to 180mm in June and then to its apex in July, with 190mm of rain falling over 23 days out of 31. Rain levels then dance around this area for a couple of months before climbing down to 160mm in October and 120mm in November, just before the dry season provides some much needed relief. This dour outlook is enough to put off even hardy travellers, but it is important to note that rains are usually afternoon affairs, lasting between 1 and 3 hours as clouds release a torrent of water before relenting. As long as you can find some indoor entertainment for those hours, you will not leave Saigon disappointed.Sunshine HoursIt doesn’t take much beyond simple common sense to determine that all that rain means not much sun. While the rain can be tolerated, even enjoyed, and the temperature change between the dry season is minimal, the grey and cloudy days of the wet season are probably its biggest drawback. They’re not always firing on all cylinders, but clouds like to hang around during Saigon’s wet season just to keep the threat of rain alive, even if they don’t always deliver.From 6 hours per day in the dry season, the start of the wet season sees clouds congregate and sunshine hours drop down to 4 per day. This persists for the majority of the wet season, sometimes rising to around 5 hours per day, but usually steadfast at 4. While extended periods in the city can start to feel a bit gloomy during this time, short trips don’t make much of an impact on your mood and Saigon can still be enjoyed on a 2, 3 or 4-day visit. The Reunification PalaceWhat to Bring• An umbrella or a raincoat, for obvious reasons. Umbrellas double as protectors from the sun and you will see many of them held above Vietnamese heads for the entirety of the wet season, as well as much of the dry.• Again, you can’t go wrong with a camera. Some of the scenes in Saigon during the wet season are truly remarkable and you will certainly need photographic evidence if you want to relay the stories to your friends and family.• A waterproof bag is a good idea if you get caught out in the rain. Even 20 seconds outside during the climax of a storm can soak you to the bone as well as endanger all of your valuables. Leave what you can at your accommodation and take only the necessities.• With all the wading through water you’ll be doing, you might want to consider some good footwear, but maybe ones that you don’t mind getting ruined. Flip flops often snap under the pressure of water flow and locals tend to stride through the flooded streets barefoot as a result.Things to doNothingNot quite the miserable assessment that it sounds. Sitting in a café and watching the pandemonium of a city under constant attack from above is frankly, unmissable. Despite the strength of Saigonese rainstorms, there is a wonderful calm that descends on the city, a perfect accompaniment to Vietnamese coffee under the security of a waterproof awning. Entire days can be spent people-watching in Vietnam and there is no better time to see how the locals cope and thrive than the wet season.Cafe in SaigonGo Shopping at Ben Thanh MarketThe Vietnamese love of markets is well documented. A history of communal gathering between vendors selling the same product gave rise to entire streets and entire sections of markets known for selling one product. Ben Thanh Market has a huge variety of goods on sale, as does An Dong and the Russian Market; most importantly though, they are all indoors and graced with the presence of large fans – perfect for the many days during the wet season where stepping outside is simply not an option.Ben Thanh MarketStroll around the MuseumsIt’s almost certain that Saigon developed its impressive repertoire of museums to provide tourists with something to do during the 6 months of rain. Saigon’s history is a long and eventful one and its museums tell every aspect of the story of the city. The is probably its most famous and notorious because of its portrayal of the American War and its graphic pictures of the devastation caused by Agent Orange. There is no shortage of museums regarding the war, but many other aspects of Vietnamese culture can be explored through the Ao Dai Museum, Southern Vietnam Women Museum and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts.Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine ArtsRead more: What to eat in Saigon, The best time to visit Tam Coc, The best time to visit Halong Bay, The best time to visit Hoi An

Read more

Build Enquire WhatsApp