10 reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam is a treasure trove of cultural experiences, heritage towns, beautiful beaches and lip-smacking delicious food. While every city in Vietnam has something to offer, here are the reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh city.

During my visit to Cambodia, I decide to hop on to its neighbouring country and check out some of the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh city.

Thanks to travel to Vietnam guide I read quite a lot about Ho Chi Minh City and finalized a 2.5-day visit to Ho Chi Minh City but only after I spent time there, I understood my mistake.

What mistake you ask?

Being the amazing place that it is, there are many things to do in Ho Chi Minh city and one needs to stay there for atleast 4 days to cover the highlights.

Here’s are 10 reasons why you should visit Ho Chi Minh city!

WHY VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY?

Vietnamese coffee

If you know me, coffee being on top of this list would be no surprise. I hereby admit that Vietnamese coffee has spoilt me for all other brands in the world – no exaggeration. Whether you are in Ho Chi Minh City or any other place, you are likely to find coffee carts, shops, roadside vendors every 100 meters! The cafes are also so well decorated that you can actually go coffee hopping. I wonder why there are no such tours yet for that. And boy, I did!

Vietnam’s answer to Indonesia’s famous Coffee Luwak – The weasel coffee. Yes it is exactly what you think it is and so yum (and rustic :P)

History of Vietnam

As the name suggests, the War Remnants Museum documents the brutality of the Vietnam War through photographs. With the in-depth text of brutality, the museum depicts the effects of chemical warfare it has caused over generations. It also exhibits the history of how and why it started and how various nations came together to oppose it. The museum, one of the most popular in the country attracts over 0.6 million visitors every year and hence it is must visit.

Spectacular Architecture

Ho Chi Minh City boasts of some of the most impressive architecture like Notre-Dame Basilica, Opera House and the Saigon Central Post Office. Other than these, there are many French colonial landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Phuong Nam Mansion, etc.

Affordability of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City is well-known amongst backpackers and budget travelers for its super affordable accommodation, food and local travel – what everyone wants. On an average, a filling meal will cost you around $4-5 and accommodation for a night around $20-25 per person. City travelling can be cheap if you choose to ride the city bus or walk. With the upcoming metro, local conveyance would get a major face lift.

Shopping in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City has a number of small and big markets for all shopping needs. Tourist favorite Bến Thành Market famous for souvenir shopping as well as high-end shopping with all big brands in Diamond Plaza are all in here to make a choice. Bargaining happens a lot in all small and local markets. And if you are not in the mood to bargain just go to fixed price store right outside the market periphery. You will get the same stuff in half price for sure. Thank me later.

Wondering what to buy from Ho Chi Minh city? Here’s a handy guide: Souvenirs from Vietnam

Vietnamese Food

For all the daring gastronomic, there is much to rejoice and devour some of the most bizarre yet inventive food. I say bizarre as I am from India and in our dictionary, this food is probably not palatable. From deep-fried frogs, barbecued rats, fertilized duck eggs and fermented scorpion wine, you will find any and everything in Ho Chi Minh city. Being a vegetarian there was no way I was going to try any of that but I got plenty of vegetarian options (Indian curry – lots of Indian restaurants and pizza). However, the husband tried some scorpion wine and it tasted good (according to him).

Fantastic Nightlife

There are many exciting & fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night. If you still have energy left after all the day walking, head over to the many amazing pubs in District 1. The vibes are amazing to enjoy a few local beers and dinner. I stayed in District 1 area on a Saturday night and could hear blaring music from a night club till the wee hours of the morning. It is certainly a good option to spend a weekend in Ho Chi Minh City and dance those worries away.

Yummy Beverages

Bia Hoi is the local freshly brewed beer found in Ho Chi Minh City. If you are not in the mood for alcohol try something else like coconut water, strawberry tea, soda, etc. in one of the many street food markets.

Tunnels and more

Cu Chi Tunnels are the most intricate tunnel systems consisting of nearly 200 miles of tunnels connected to each other. Situated about 50 km from Ho Chi Minh it is one of the must-visit places. Know the amazing tactics that the Vietcong guerrillas adopted during the war to defeat the American forces.

Try going in one of these tunnels and crawl out of another side to understand how the military forces spent their days and nights living in them. Our guide informed that these tunnels have been widened twice in order to accommodate tourists of all sizes! Tip: Do not go in if you are claustrophobic.

Walking streets

Nguyen Hue Street is a 60m wide pedestrian strip that extends from Saigon river to People’s Committee Building which has Ho Chi Minh statue. With wide space to walk, this walking street is a breather from the otherwise fast-moving traffic. The entire street is lined by high-end fashion stores and good cafes.

All in all, Ho Chi Minh is an absolutely amazing city to spend a few days. I loved it so much that I tried convincing my IT professional brother to look for a job here so I can visit often. I hope he takes me seriously.

Are you convinced to check out Ho Chi Minh city? Here are some things to know before going to Vietnam.

BEST TIME TO VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh city is winters and spring (December to March). This is the best time to visit the town since its weather becomes pleasant with moderate temperature, low humidity and less rain.

SUSTAINABLE TIPS TO VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY

1. Try their local food – it is cheap and helps the local economy, rather than opting for a restaurant chain.
2. Please, please please use dustbins. Of all the places i visited in Ho Chi Minh, district 1 which boasts of maximum tourists was the dirtiest with litter on roads.
3. Use public transportation or take the group tour option. Trust me, it’s economical and who knows you may make some friends on the bus.

Read More from Vietnam:

Hanoi and Halong Bay

Temples of Vietnam

Snake Whiskey of Vietnam

Hoi An Guide

Pin this post!