From 16 March, you’ll finally be able to enjoy quarantine-free travel to Vietnam. If you’re planning a visit to Saigon, here’s the ultimate guide to help you decide what to do in the Pearl of the Orient.
If it’s your first time travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, expect nothing less than a knockout experience that will engulf your senses. As cliche as it might sound, the former French colony is a city that never sleeps. Its progress can be seen through the sprouting skyscrapers, regionally renowned craft beer scene, and gorgeous restaurants scattered across the city. Yet, its roots remain evident in the architecture, bustling marketplaces, veiny alleyways with hidden makeshift stores, and Netflix-worthy street food. Scroll down for a list of must-dos when you’re in Saigon!
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Take A Historical Tour Through The City
1. The Independence Palace
The Reunification Palace, or Independence Palace, symbolises a gruelling victory of North Vietnam against South Vietnam. Inside this former presidential palace, you will be mesmerised by a distinctive Western modernist architecture that’s inspired by Communist symbols and Indochinese styles.
Entrance Fee: 30,000 ₫ (~S$1.80)
Opening Hours: 7.30 am – 11 am, 1 pm – 4 pm daily.
Address: 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1
How to Go: 10-minute walk from Ben Thanh Market
2. The War Remnants Museum
Image Credits: Wikipedia
You don’t need to be a history buff to enjoy the educational experience at the War Remnants Museum. It’s simply a must-visit for every tourist who wishes to understand the complexities of decades of conflict that the Vietnamese people had to painfully endure. Expect relics and visuals from the Vietnam War, including Agent Orange — an atrocity that plagues generations even after the war has ended.
Entrance Fee: 15,000 ₫ (~S$0.90)
Opening Hours: 7.30 am – 6 pm daily
Address: 28 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3
How to Go: 10-minute walk from Independence Palace
3. Attend Mass at Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
Built entirely with imported materials from France in 1880, the famous Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Cathedral of Notre Dame) is a sight to behold. Heaps of tourists flock to the cathedral not only because of its iconic red bricks but also to admire the intricate Roman-style interior. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica remains a popular wedding location in Ho Chi Minh City for locals and tourists alike.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily, except Sunday 8 am – 6 pm
Address: 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
How to Go: 10-minute walk from Independence Palace
4. The Saigon Central Post Office
Built during the late 19th century during French Indochina, the still-functioning Saigon Central Post Office remains busy even today. The iconic architecture is extremely popular among tourists, including the interior that displays a portrait of the Vietnamese Communist revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. This would be the perfect time to write and send postcards to your loved ones, or do some souvenir shopping of trinkets and stamps!
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 7 am – 7 pm daily, except Sunday 8 am – 6 pm
Address: Số 125 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
How to Go: Right across Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
5. Watch a Performance at Saigon Opera House
Constructed in 1897, the Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre) remains beautifully preserved in its French colonial style. It hosts one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most critically-acclaimed performances known as the A O Show, a captivating performance that encompasses bamboo cirque, contemporary dance, acrobatics and folk instrumental live music.
Performance Tickets: from 700,000 ₫ (~S$41.90)
Opening Hours: Check the official website for showtimes
Address: 07 Công Trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1
How to Go: Located on Dong Khoi street
6. Shop at Ben Thanh Market
Come nightfall, the buzzing Ben Thanh Market will be packed with tourists and locals alike. Regarded as a central landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, you can find almost everything Made in Vietnam in these tiny stuffed lanes. Don’t miss the popular Vietnamese coffee beans and powder!
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 6 am – 6 pm daily indoor market, 6 pm – 12 mn daily night market
Address: Chợ, Lê Lợi, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1
How to Go: The heart of Ho Chi Minh City!
Day Trips From Ho Chi Minh City
7. Crawl through Cu Chi Tunnels
This incredible network of tunnels was dug by the Viet Cong to combat the American and South Vietnamese forces. The extensive network was used to house troops, transport supplies, mount surprise attacks, and escape carpet bombings. You can get a peek of the underground life by crawling through cemented and widened parts of the tunnels.
Entrance Fee: from 135,000 ₫ (~S$8.10)
Opening Hours: 7 am – 5 pm daily
Address: TL15, Phú Hiệp, Hồ Chí Minh
8. Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park
Image Credits: Vietnam Online
Editor’s note: I’m adding this one in because it was one of the most bizarre yet fascinating places I’ve ever been to in Ho Chi Minh City. I first discovered Suoi Tien Cultural Theme Park on Atlas Obscura and going there, it felt like I was being transported into someone’s fever dream. It is essentially the world’s first Buddhist waterslide park (which in my opinion, doesn’t really do the park any justice). Sure, there are obvious Buddhist themes — but there’s also a crocodile lake (with more than a thousand live crocodiles), several Blair Witch Project-themed haunted houses, carnival spaces, and even a 6D ride (I still have no idea what the last two dimensions are). As strange as the grounds were, it was packed with locals having a good time — and honestly, that’s good enough a reason to come visit.
Entrance Fee: from US$4.50 (~S$6.10)
Opening Hours: 7.30 am – 5 pm daily
Address: 120 Xa lộ Hà Nội, Thành Phố, Thủ Đức, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
How To Go: 20 minute taxi ride from downtown Saigon
9. Mekong Delta, Thoi Son Island Tour
Editor’s note: On my first trip to Ho Chi Minh City, a Vietnamese friend of mine took me on the Thoi Son Island Tour. Steeped in history and significance, the Mekong Delta is also home to unique ecosystems found no where else in the world. We were rolled through tall riverside plantations on a tiny longtail boat that weaved its way through the river, helmed only by a weathered yet friendly local. The waters were murky, yet there was a sense of adventure in the air. Yes, it was incredibly touristy at times. However, it still proved to be quite the experience — and a great break away from the city.
Tours Start From: from 200,000 ₫ (~S$12)
How To Go: 85 km from Ho Chi Minh City (a bus ride then ferry ride)
Revisit The Pearl Of The Orient With VTL Vietnam
Walking around Ho Chi Minh City is truly fascinating, especially when classic French architecture remains part of its strong identity, alongside perfectly maintained war relics that feels like the past coming to life. Visit Ho Chi Minh City with an open mind and you’ll be rewarded culturally! Speaking of rewards, don’t forget to bring your YouTrip card along to enjoy Wholesale Exchange Rates with zero bank fees overseas. No queueing at money changers, just pay anywhere in 150+ currencies with no fees.
We’re staying cautiously optimistic about the VTL reopening as VTL flights resume. However, let’s do our part to help curb the spread of the virus by masking up and adhering to safety practices while we await the resumption of travel.
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Stay safe, and happy travels!
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*All currency conversion rates are accurate to nearest 10 cents on 8 March 2022 SGT 4 PM. Bank card prices are calculated based on 3.25% foreign currency transaction fee.
