Saigon is also known as Ho Chi Minh City as it was renamed in honor of the communist leader Hồ Chí Minh after winning the Vietnam War in 1976. It is the biggest city in Vietnam with a population of over 9 million people. The city plays an important role in Vietnam as an economic and financial hub. What are the things to do in Saigon Vietnam?
Saigon has a French influence that can be seen dotted around the city since the French colonial times and there is the history of the Vietnam War. You can visit the Reunification Palace, visit the museums around the city, shop at the Ben Thanh Market, as well as the French architecture around the city and there are the local restaurants.
In this post, we will go through things to do in Saigon Vietnam. Let’s get started!
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Is Saigon Worth Visiting?
Saigon is definitely worth visiting for a few days especially if you are interested in learning about the Vietnam War where you can explore the Cu Chi tunnel and museums. As well as enjoy the crazy nightlife on Bui Vien Street and the food.
Is Saigon Safe For Tourists?
Saigon is generally safe but you do need to use common sense. There are common petty crimes that do happen to tourists such as pickpocketing, and bag, and phone snatching. Violent crime against foreigners is rare.
Things To Do In Saigon Vietnam
Hoi An is located in southeastern Vietnam the city has an architectural French influence dotted around the city and played an important part in the Vietnam War. As well as there is a good range of restaurants and there is crazy nightlife on Bui Vien Street.
Here are some of the best things to do in Saigon Vietnam.
Explore The Underground Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels is an underground tunnel in Ho Chi Minh City, located in Cu Chi District. It takes 1 hour by Bus to head to Cu Chi Tunnels.
Cu Chi Tunnels is about 121 km in length, formerly used as a hideout for the Viet Kong soldiers during the war. But, now Cu Chi Tunnels has been used as a war memorial park as well as a tourist hotspot.
Visit The Reunification Palace
The Reunification Palace or Independence Palace is a building that was once used as a residence for the presidency of southern Vietnam at the time before it was united.
The hallmark of the presidential palace, in general, is a vast expanse of green grass in front of the Reunification Palace and it also is arranged very neatly and cleanly.
Visit The War Remnant Museum
War Remnant Museum has various relics of the Indo-Chinese war in which at that time Vietnam faced French colonial. The items on display at the War Remnant Museum include American war equipment (jets, helicopters, and tanks), and documentation of cruelty and torture during a war that looks a bit dreadful but makes you curious.
War Remnant Museum is open daily from 07.30-17.00 and it is located at 28 Vo Van Tanh Street, District 3.
Enjoy The View Of Ho Chi Minh City Hall
It is located at the end of Nguyen Hue Street. The building originally called Hotel de Ville Saigon was built in 1902-1908 during the French colonization. We recommend visiting City Hall at night because the lights on the outside of the building are turned on.
The effects of the illumination of light are very interesting at night. Unfortunately, you cannot enter the City Hall because this place is not open to the public, so you just enjoy the outside of City Hall only.
Shop At The Ben Thanh Market
It is also known as Cho Ben Thanh as the biggest and oldest market in Saigon. It was first built in the 17th century. Is located in District 1 and has a clock tower characteristic over the entrance.
Visitors to this market can buy local handicrafts, souvenirs, clothes, and local cuisine. Before you leave Ben Thanh Market, you must visit this market and do not forget to bargain to get cheaper prices anyway.
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon was completed in 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet). This is a beautiful building with the statue of the Virgin Mary outside the cathedral.
You can walk inside which is nice and free of charge. It is also a great place for photos.
Party On Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Street is also known as backpacker street. Bui Vien Street is a street concentrated with clubs, restaurants, and bars. You will find cheap beer, food, and good music, and things can go crazy here at night.
Here you can party the night away and enjoy all sorts of drinks on offer while also enjoying the street food on offer. You need to be careful of your belongings as a few pickpockets are always looking for opportunities.
Take A River Cruise
The Saigon River cutting through Saigon offers a great opportunity to see the city from the river. You can go on a short dinner cruise at night or a longer trip down to the Mekong Delta. It is definitely a great way to see the city.
USEFUL TRAVEL RESOURCES
Book Accommodation
Booking.com has a large range of properties from hotels, hostels, guesthouses, and resorts where you will find the best deals. Airbnb and Hostelworld also have a good range of places to stay at good prices.
Booking Flight
Skyscanner is a flight search comparison website that searches millions of flights all at once. Ultimately it is the best flight comparison website online at the moment.
Booking Transportation & Things To Do
Rome2rio and 12Go are useful to plan how to get anywhere by searching train, bus, car, and ferry routes. Especially useful in countries like Vietnam or Thailand. While Klook is great for exploring things to do in each place.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is cheap and more than likely you will never need to use it but you will have peace of mind if something does happen, you are covered in case of an emergency. World Nomads have great customer service and competitive prices.
Check out our resource page for the best companies to use when you travel.
Wrapping Up
Finally, Saigon is a beautiful and vibrant city we recommend that you take the time to visit Saigon. As well as the French architecture dotted around the city you can enjoy the amazing local food, local markets, the history, and the good nightlife. All you have to do is choose the stuff you prefer and start enjoying what Saigon has to offer.
And that’s it for now! I’d love to know if this guide on things to do in Saigon Vietnam has helped you. Let me know if you have any questions and let me know if there is more to add.