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Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as the capital of Saigon in Vietnam, sits on the Saigon River on the southern end of Vietnam. The city is a bustling urban center which features many French Colonial buildings as well as many prominent Vietnamese buildings such as the Reunification Palace and the Municipal Theatre. The languages spoken are mainly Vietnamese, some different dialects of Chinese, and some English is known throughout. Traveling into the city is easily done through the airport, however, the preferred method of transportation is motorbike.

Ho Chi Minh City Pictures

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

There are many things to do and see in the city. The Reunification Palace is a building dedicated befittingly named for the reunion of North and South Vietnam. The War Remnants Museum allows travelers to see the war through the eyes of the other side of the war and where the history is written by the victors. The Municipal Theatre is a place where one can stop by to see an opera or even see some history of the country as the theater itself is over 300 years old. There is also a Notre Dame Cathedral which is worth seeing, whether you are Catholic or not.

Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City

There are many bars and pubs in Ho Chi Minh, but one of the most famous places seen is the Apocalypse Now bar. Karaoke is found throughout the city as well as operas and different plays at the theaters. The best known places for the city’s nightlife are, however, on the Bia Hoi (sidewalk stools) where drinks can be ordered there on the street. The Rex Hotel is another famous place where music and theatre can be viewed with regular performances.

Dining in Ho Chi Minh City

Although there are many restaurants throughout the city, the best dining can be found right on the sidewalks of the busy street. The food being sold by locals is known to be exceptionally good for a very reasonable price. Streetside dining is the most well known way to get food anywhere in Ho Chi Minh. If however you are looking for a more western taste in dining, restaurants all through the city are there to cater to your needs.

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is a shopper’s city. Mainly focusing around the tacky kind of tourist type of shopping, there are stores and stands. Coffee in Vietnam is known to be some of the best in the world, so when visiting, be sure to get as much as you can. If you are looking for electronics however, Ho Chi Minh is not the place to be. A buyer will be paying twice as much for electronic equipment in the city, so keep that in mind.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips

• Ho Chi Minh City is known as the motorbike capital of the world. When crossing the street, be sure not to make any sudden movements. Motorcyclists are skilled enough to be able to swerve around you.
• With that said, people should always be wary when crossing the street. Drivers and motorbike operators lack behavior on the roads as well as the city lacks traffic control.
• Don’t expect to sleep late as the city as a whole wakes up at 6 AM.