Vietnam, Saigon: photos and description of the city, what to see, interesting facts and reviews of tourists

Ho Chi Minh (formerly Saigon) is the largest city in Vietnam. Previously known as Prei Nokor, it was later renamed Saigon. In 1976, Saigon was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City (in honor of the former, although the name Saigon is still widely used among the local population.

The largest city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) in Vietnam is an industrial, commercial, transport and tourist center. It has not lost its historical identity and has preserved many architectural monuments, famous historical sites and picturesque corners of nature.

Sights of Saigon (Vietnam)

The city is adorned with elegant boulevards and historic French colonial buildings. Most of the tourist spots are located in District 1. The most famous buildings in the city center are the Palace of the Rebellion, City Hall, City Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral. The Majestic Hotel is located in a building built during the French colonial era. And the Rex and Caravel hotels in the past were places where American officers and war correspondents gathered.

There are many different museums in the city: Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Vietnam History Museum, Museum of Fine Arts. Saint-Saint Park, Suyi-Tin Amusement Park and the beach resort are also popular among tourists.

In addition to the City Theatre, there are other places of entertainment in the city. There are dozens of cinemas in Ho Chi Minh City. Most of Vietnam's private film companies are located here. There are many restaurants in the city serving typical Vietnamese dishes, but most often tourists visit the West Quarter restaurant. According to international statistics, over 6 million tourists visited Ho Chi Minh City in 2017.

Tunnels of Cu Chi - a monument to the war

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a huge underground network of tunnels. During the Vietnam War, they were the site of several military operations and were used by soldiers as shelters during the battle, served as communication channels and the supply of food and medicine, were the place of temporary residence for numerous Vietnamese fighters.

Life in the tunnels was difficult: little air, scarce food, an abundance of poisonous insects. During the bombing, people remained underground for several days. At present, a tourist attraction is organized in some parts of the tunnels. Visiting the tunnels is one of the main tourist excursions in Saigon (Vietnam).

Museums

The War Crimes Museum is one of the most shocking places in Saigon. The bulk of the exhibits are documents and photographs that testify to crimes and atrocities during the war. Around the museum, in an open area, samples of military equipment are exhibited, and in a separate room - models of instruments of torture. This place evokes far from positive emotions, but you should definitely visit it in order to better know the history of the Vietnamese people.

Ho Chi Minh Museum. Its expositions are connected with the life and years of the reign of the Vietnamese leader. One of the highlights is the architecture of the museum building, which is a mixture of Vietnamese and French styles.

Museum of Vietnamese History. A large collection of historical items from different eras is exhibited here. Among them there are very ancient works of art. Of particular interest to tourists are the performances of the puppet theater on the water.

Theaters and temples

Ho Chi Minh City Theater (Saigon Opera) was built by French architect Eugene Ferret in 1897. At first, the building was the House of the Lower Chamber, and since 1975 it has become a theater. Vietnamese musicians and actors perform on its stage, presenting famous performances, operas and ballets.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is located in the city center and is its hallmark. Thousands of tourists come here every year to take a photo session of the most majestic cathedral in Asia. In the courtyard of the cathedral there is a statue of the Virgin Mary, which looks very exotic among the Asian surroundings. Many believe that the statue was streaming myrrh in 2005.

The Cao Dai Temple is famous for being the center of the religious movement of Cao Daiism, which is common in southern Vietnam. There are daily ceremonies in the temple that you can watch. You just need to follow certain rules: you can’t talk loudly and move around the hall, you need to take off your shoes, and clothes should cover your knees.

Turtle pagoda. This is an old building built in 1909. There are two pools in front of the pagoda, one of which is inhabited by turtles. Here you can buy little turtles and release them into the pool.

Biteksko tower. This is the tallest building in the city. On the 49th floor there is a panoramic observation deck, which offers stunning views of the city.

Parks and Markets

One of the best places for a pleasant pastime is the zoo. Its territory is very large, many animals live right under the open sky. And in the botanical garden, species of exotic plants are presented.

Amusement park Suoi Tien Park. On its territory there is a water park, a dolphinarium, an amusement park and a zoo. There are also several restaurants and cafes, souvenir tents. Entrance to the park is paid, rides on rides are paid extra.

Ben Tan Market. This is a favorite place for tourists. In the market you can find anything: souvenirs, clothes, herbal teas and traditional medicine potions. The prices here are very low, you just need to be able to bargain.

Chinatown. and an interesting area, where there are many Chinese shops, there are several temples and markets.

Fans of such a drink as beer, coming to Saigon, fall into their element. Cheap beer can be bought at any store or shop. In Vietnam, Saigon beer is considered the most popular low-alcohol drink. It is produced in three types - budget option (Lager), medium (Export) and elite (Premium). The cost varies from 7,000 to 33,000 VND (from 19 to 90 rubles) for a 450 ml bottle.

Excursions in Saigon (Vietnam)

Saigon offers a huge number of excursions: you can see not only the southern part of Vietnam, but also visit Cambodia or Laos, which are located in the neighborhood. You can buy a tour at any travel agency in the city. The only drawback is that all tours will be in English.

Excursion to the tunnels

Above, we have already described what the Ku Chi tunnels are. They are outside the city. During trips here, tourists are offered not only to look at the exhibits, but also to go underground themselves. The program also includes a viewing of a documentary, a visit to a shooting range and a tasting of local drinks. The duration of the excursion is the whole day, and the cost starts from 4 dollars (245 rubles).

Journey along the Mekong River

This is a famous and popular trip. During the tour, tourists visit fish farms, rice noodle and canning factories, floating markets, as well as many historical and cultural attractions. The price for this tour depends on its duration.

city tour

City tour includes visits to famous markets and other city attractions. It costs about 6 dollars (approximately 370 rubles), not including the cost of entrance tickets to museums. Beach excursions in Mui Ne and Nha Trang include visiting beaches and some attractions.

Other countries

A trip to Cambodia is a rather expensive tour, but very interesting. It gives you the opportunity to see the famous Ankor and Phnom Penh. To visit Cambodia, you must additionally apply for a visa, the cost of which is not included in the tour.

No less popular excursions in Ho Chi Minh City are:

A trip to the mango bushes.
Evening river cruise.
Visit to a puppet show.
Golf tours.

The best hotels in Saigon

The Majestic Saigon 5* Hotel is located in District 1 and is ideal for exploring the city. The hotel offers a wide range of services and the most comfortable accommodation. There is free internet, 24-hour room service, daily housekeeping. Relax after a hectic day at the spa, by the pool or in the hot tub.

"Continental Hotel Saigon 4 *" - a hotel with helpful staff. Each room is provided with a flat-screen TV, tea station. For a complete relaxation, the hotel offers a spa, massage and sauna.

Street safety

In their reviews of Saigon (Vietnam), tourists share safety tips:

It is not recommended to use your phone or camera on busy streets.
It is better to keep small money in your pockets so as not to get your wallet once again.
It is better to carry the bag in front.
In Saigon (Vietnam) it is strictly forbidden to take photos of government buildings.

Travelers need to be vigilant in the tourist areas where most petty street theft occurs.

In general, according to tourists, Saigon gives the impression of a city of contrasts. On the positive side, low prices, an abundance of delicious food, interesting sights and excellent shopping can be noted.

As disadvantages, Russian tourists note: