Discover Saigon // The Complete 2023 Guide

Beyond the Surface of Saigon || Unforgettable Adventures, Cultural Treasures and Local Delights

Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is the most visited city in Vietnam – and with good reason!

This metropolis is renowned for its liveliness and energy, the beauty of its landscapes and the kindness of its people.

Discovering South Vietnam means soaking up the atmosphere of the gentle way of life and being welcomed as if you were at home.

In this article we will be your virtual tour guide, taking you on an exciting adventure through the bustling streets of Saigon and giving you some survival tips along the way!

Discover Saigon || Short History of Saigon

Discover Saigon || Things To Do in Saigon

Discover Saigon || Best Places To Visit in Saigon

Discover Saigon || Where to Eat?

Discover Saigon || How to Get Around the City?

Discover Saigon || FAQ’s

BONUS // Check out our article on the most useful phrases to know before travelling to Vietnam.

Basic Vietnamese Phrases for Travellers // Get Ready for Your Trip to Vietnam

Today we take a dive into some of the most basic Vietnamese phrases which are ideal for tourists coming to Vietnam or complete beginners of the language.

Short History of Saigon

Saigon, also known as Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest city in Vietnam and its economic capital.

Ho Chi Minh City, which has the status of a Vietnamese province, is divided into nineteen districts and has a population of 8,224,400.

During the French colonisation, it was first the capital of the colony of Cochinchina, then of French Indochina from 1887 to 1901.

In 1954, Saigon became the capital of the Republic of Vietnam.

During the Vietnam War, Saigon was the headquarters of the American command, its economic activity was stimulated by the presence of hundreds of thousands of American soldiers and its port was congested by the arrival of huge imports of equipment.

Since 1975, the city has been called Ho Chi Minh City.

Nevertheless, many Vietnamese continue to refer to the whole city as “Saigon”, even though this name officially refers only to the city center.

Discover Saigon || What to do?

There are many things to do in Saigon, here are some ideas for when you are there.

Discover Saigon’s Many Markets

The markets of Ho Chi Minh City are a typical part of Vietnamese culture that you should definitely experience on your next trip there.

They are a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture.

The city is full of markets, and each district has its own. Among all the markets, we suggest you to discover the two most important markets in Saigon.

Firstly, the Ben Thanh market located in district 1 where the tourist activity is concentrated. It is the largest historical covered market in the city.

Visiting it is an experience that will allow you to soak up the excitement of this charming city.

It is a pleasure to wander between its bustling stalls to find and bargain for everything from souvenirs and curiosities to food and clothing.

The second market is Binh Tay, located in the Cholon district. Lively, electric, full of smells and colours, this market has a way of awakening and stimulating the senses.

Shopping at a Vietnamese Market // Things You Need To Know

Local markets is a great way to engage yourself in a culture. It’s no different when visiting a Vietnamese Market. Food, souvenirs, clothes and more.

Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels

If you are interested in the history of the Vietnam War, we recommend a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. This site is ranked as one of the world’s top underground attractions.

Originally created by the Viet Minh under French Indochina, the Cu Chi tunnels were home to thousands of Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War against the Americans.

There are over 200 kilometres of narrow tunnels, some of which are only 75 centimetres wide and 85 centimetres high.

The entrances to the tunnels are so small and so well camouflaged that the Americans often passed over them without knowing they existed.

You can also find entrance hatches in pigsties or in the villagers’ house.

On a tour of the Cu Chi tunnels, you can see the dormitories, kitchens, meeting rooms and clinics where Vietcong fighters and their families lived.

Take a Bike Ride Through Saigon

A bicycle tour is a great way to explore the city, especially if you are a fan of this quiet and environmentally friendly means of transport.

Pedaling through the city, you can discover Vietnam’s beautiful landscapes, but also its hidden beauties: from small shops along the streets to delicious street food stalls…

Top 3 Best Places You Have To Visit

War Remnants Museum

The Vietnam War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is an essential step in understanding Vietnam and its contemporary history.

This museum, very different from others, is a must for understanding the history of Vietnam. It allows to realize the harshness of a conflict and to better understand the values of peace.

It must be said that there is very rarely a museum in the world that expresses so forcefully the brutality and consequences of war.

Upon entering the museum, what strikes you is the collection of American armoured vehicles, artillery, bombs, infantry weapons, not to mention the French guillotine against the Viet Minh fighters.

There is also a tiger cage reconstructed in the image of the famous cages used in the prison on Con Dao or Con Son Island, reputed to be “hell on earth”.

French Colonial Heritage

In the past, the French built buildings in Vietnam and today, these structures have become famous tourist destinations.

The first building we will introduce you to is the Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon, which was built by the French in the 19th century and is one of the most famous places in Saigon.

It is modelled on the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and, since its presence for almost a century and a half, it has been a constant reminder of the “little Paris of the Far East”.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is considered a masterpiece of Saigon’s urban architecture.

Then there is the Saigon Central Post Office located right next to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

The steel structure was designed by Gustave Eiffel and gives the ceiling a rounded shape. Inside is a map of Saigon and a telephone network map from the early 30s.

The walls, decorated with French colonial maps, frame a portrait of Ho Chi Minh, while elaborate floor tiles complete the room’s refined look.

Reunification Palace

One of the most fascinating places in Saigon, the Reunification Palace is a traveller’s favourite stop, a special attraction not to be missed to understand a little of the history of the country and its people.

Located in the heart of Saigon, many remember the tank breaking the door of the Reunification Palace on April 30, 1975, marking the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War.

This palace is a formidable witness to the moments marking national reunification after 30 years of war.

This imposing building is also renowned for its unique architecture, a symbol of the ambition of a head of state.

It was here that the Vietnamese people experienced some of the most memorable moments in their history, which paved the way for the era of independence.

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Where to Eat?

Although not as famous as Hanoi or central Vietnam, the cuisine of Saigon and South Vietnam has something to delight the most discerning palate.

For some time now, good restaurants have been popping up all over the city, from the chic to the trendy, from the traditional to the street food.

Here are some popular restaurants to try in Ho Chi Minh City:

Quan An Ngon is often crowded every night with foreigners and well-dressed locals. It is located in one of the best places in Saigon, right next to the Reunification Palace.

It is the perfect place to enjoy legendary Vietnamese dishes such as fresh spring rolls, Hue noodles and black pepper crabs…

Located in one of the best locations in the city with a certain charm of decoration, Lemongrass is a gourmet restaurant serving delicious Vietnamese dishes presented in a French style by a meticulous service.

This three-storey restaurant is certainly one of the best restaurants in Saigon. You will be spoilt for choice: meat, fish and vegetarian dishes a la carte.

Discover Saigon || How to Get Around the City?

It is very easy to find a way to get around Saigon, whether by motorbike, bicycle, taxi or public transport.

Bus Lines

The bus is one of the cheapest means of public transport in Saigon. The bus network is quite dense. But it is less convenient and less comfortable.

However, public buses are not the preferred means of transport because they are relatively old and it is probably one of the longest means of transport.

But if you have time to spare, it can be a good experience.

Taxi, Uber & Grab

Taxis are the most popular means of transport for travellers, as they are comfortable, convenient and safe.

One kilometre by taxi in HCMC costs about VND13,000. There are many companies and many scams. Choose green taxis from Mai Linh and white taxis from Vinasun.

This concludes our article about Saigon. We hope you found it useful!

Have you ever visited HCMC? If you did, let us know in comments section your favourite place!

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