Vietnam, Saigon: photos and description of the city, what to see, interesting facts and reviews of tourists. Attractions Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam and entertainment. — — Saigon Central Post Office

Ho Chi Minh is the most big city Vietnam, the economic capital of the country. Vietnamese is written Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh (Ho Chi Minh City) or TPHCM for short. Until 1975 it was called Saigon.
Russian tourists are frequent guests in Ho Chi Minh City. Basically, they follow in transit to the seaside resorts of the south of Vietnam, but they also linger in the city itself for 1-3 days to inspect it. There are Russian-speaking guides in the city, which is still very rare for Vietnam.

Corner of Ho Chi Minh City near the Pullman Hotel near Pham Ngu Lao

The city is located on the right bank of the Saigon River. Not far from it is the delta of one of largest rivers Asia - Mekong. The terrain is almost flat. Height above sea level 2-20 m. Geographical coordinates: 10°10′ - 10°38′ N latitude, 106°22′-106°54′ east longitude. Area 2095 sq. km. It extends 102 km from north to south and 47 km from west to east.

Second District of Ho Chi Minh City and the Saigon River

Ho Chi Minh City is divided into 11 administrative regions. Here are some of them.
The first district is located in the central part of the city. It has most of the places associated with history.
The second district is located to the east of the city center. It is being built up with upscale hotels.
To the west of the center is the 5th District, populated by ethnic Chinese. This zone is called Cholon (Cho Lon) and it does not exactly coincide with the boundaries of the administrative region.
In the 7th district is the Phu My Hung microdistrict, representing the modern face of the city. The buildings in it are overwhelmingly new, and there are more green spaces per person than in other areas. Many people with high incomes live here.

The population of Ho Chi Minh City is more than 7 million people and it is growing rapidly due to the arrival of residents from villages and poor cities. Most of the inhabitants by nationality are Viet. Except them, large diasporas are ethnic Chinese and Khmer. Many permanent residents here are citizens from other countries, for example, Filipinos.

Ho Chi Minh City produces 17% of the national GDP, from here comes 40% of the country's total exports. The industries are as follows: shipbuilding, production of clothing, footwear, furniture, other consumer goods, processing of agricultural products, fish and other seafood. The construction industry is well developed. There are chemical and petrochemical industries.
Around the city, especially in the provinces of Long An and Dong Nai, there are many industrial zones that produce a wide range of industrial products.

The wet season here lasts from May to November, the dry season - from December to April. Average annual temperature is 28 °C. The maximum reaches 39 °C in April, the minimum is 16 °C in December. But these extreme values ​​are rare and do not last long, and in general, the air temperature deviates from the average value of 28 ° C by several degrees in one direction or another. During the wet season, it rains or showers for approximately two hours a day.

Story

By historical standards, Ho Chi Minh City is quite young. Saigon was officially founded on March 15, 1874 by decree of the President of France, since Vietnam was a French colony at that time. But people lived in this area even earlier, first the Khmers (Cambodians), then the Vietnamese.
During the colonial period, the city developed quite rapidly. It was a major industrial and commercial center South-East Asia.

The most famous period in the history of Saigon in the world was the 60s and 70s of the 20th century during Vietnam War. The Viet Cong underground operated here, a last point in the war by taking the palace, which housed the puppet South Vietnamese government.

After the war, Ho Chi Minh City also economically actively developed and rebuilt, especially after 1990.

Attractions and entertainment

Sights of the central part of the city: Independence Palace, Museum of War Relics (formerly the Museum of American War Crimes) with specimens of weapons used during the Vietnam War, a zoo, a botanical garden, Ben Thanh clothing market, Catholic cathedrals built in the 19th century Notre Dame de Saigon and the lesser known Tang Dinh.

On the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City and its environs, there are no less, if not more, attractions than in the central part of the city.
In 2018, the tallest building in Southeast Asia at the moment, Landmark 81 skyscraper (Vincom Landmark 81), was built. It is located 3 kilometers northeast of the city center.

On northeast direction Kuchi guerrilla tunnels from the Vietnam War have survived from the city. Phuhoadong village in Kuchi county produces dry rolled pancakes, some of which are exported to several countries due to their taste. They are made from cassava and rice flour.

Included in the city biosphere reserve Can Zio with its mangroves, located in the coastal zone.
Almost next to the city, to the northeast of it, in the province of Binh Duong, there is a "bamboo village" which is big museum under the sky and indoors, dedicated to bamboo and its role in the life of the Vietnamese.

There are few festivals in Ho Chi Minh City. One of the notable ones is the Fruit Festival, which takes place in May-August for three and a half months. Annually for sea ​​coast, where the southern administrative part of the city goes, the festival of the sacred Whale is celebrated.
The largest scale of celebrations takes place during the Vietnamese New Year, which is called Tet.
IN last years due to the large influx foreign tourists began to carry out on a larger scale recreational activities on Catholic Christmas and European New Year. This makes it different from other Vietnamese cities.

Hotels

The number of 5 and 4 star hotels in the city is approaching one hundred. Some of them belong to large international hotel chains, others belong to Vietnamese firms and departments.

There are many good people in the city cheap hotels and guesthouses. Basically, they are concentrated in the area of ​​Pham Ngu Lao (Pham Ngu Lao). Prices at the beginning of 2011 were from $12. This area is also close to transport points: landing places for Open Bus, river pier, Ben Thanh city bus station.

shopping

Most famous place shopping is the Ben Thanh clothing market in the city center.
The same goods are twice cheaper at the Moc Bai clothing market in the neighboring province of Tai Ninh (in fact, this market is located not far from northern border Ho Chi Minh City) near border crossing Moc Bai from Vietnam to Cambodia.

Large well-known shopping centers and branded stores: Labella Boutique, Zen Plaza, Mango, Cao Minh Tailor's, Saigon Tax Trade Center, City Plaza Nguyen Tea (Citi Plaza Nguyen Trai), XQ Saigon Hand Silk Embroidery-Manufacturing & Displaying Center and others.

Local cuisine and restaurants

The following dishes are considered typical for Ho Chi Minh City (the list has just begun to be formed and will be supplemented in the future).

• Sandwiches Banh Mi (Bánh Mì) in many varieties.
• Pho soup with rice noodles, beef or chicken, seasoned with herbs and green onions.
• Ban Reu (Bún riêu). This is a crab and tomato broth. Noodles, tofu, pork and more are added to it.
• Ban mam (Bún mắm). This is a purely South Vietnamese dish on the broth with the addition of fish sauce.
• Ban thit nuong (Bún thịt nướng).
• Crushed (broken) rice in Saigon style, included in the Asian Book of Records. Made with crushed rice, fried pork ribs, pork skin, egg roll and fried eggs and vegetables.

Except restaurants vietnamese cuisine, there are restaurants of Chinese, Korean, Japanese, French, Indian, Italian, German, Mexican cuisines and others. There are many cafes with live music in which Vietnamese and foreign ensembles play, most of the latter are Filipino.
You can order from local travel agencies gastronomic tour organized according to any principle.

Consulate General of Russia

The Russian Consulate General operates in Ho Chi Minh City. Russian citizens who are in this city can apply to it on issues that significantly affect their interests in Vietnam and are within the competence of the consulate. For example, illegal detention by the police, etc.

Contact details.
Address: 40, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan street
Tel. (8-10-84-83) 930-39-36
Tel. For emergency communications in case of emergency: +84-903-741-255, +84-8-3930-39-36
Fax (8-10-84-83) 930-39-37
Email: [email protected]

The Russian-speaking colony in Ho Chi Minh City ranges from two hundred to three hundred people. It tends to grow slowly. These are employees of the Consulate General, employees of representative offices of large state and commercial enterprises of the CIS countries, as well as people employed in commerce and in travel services.

Transport

Ho Chi Minh City has a modern international airport Tan Son Nhat (Than Son Nhat). It is located within the city, 7 km northwest of the city center. Flights are made to many countries of the world by dozens of airlines from different countries. Aircraft of several Russian and foreign airlines fly to Russia.

Trains run north to Hanoi, stopping in towns and cities, depending on the train class.

The bus service is well developed. Including there are regular bus routes from several companies in neighboring Cambodia. The longest bus route is Open Bus to Hanoi. Its cost is approximately $30 with a route length of more than 1,500 km.

Bus station Ben Thanh (Bến xe Ben Thanh) is located near the market of the same name in the city center.
Myen Dong Bus Station (Bến xe Miền Đông) is located 6 km northeast of the city at 292 Dinh Bo Linh street. Buses depart from it to Vung Tau, Hanoi, Mui Ne, Dalat, Nha Trang, Hoi An, Hue.

Mien Tai Bus Station (Bến xe Miền Tây) for routes to the Mekong Delta is located at 395 Kinh Dương Vương. Buses leave from here for My Tho, Vien Long, Long Xuyen, Can Tho, Rach Gia, Ha Tien, Chau Doc.

The bus station in the Cholon area (Bến xe Chợ Lớn) is located 10 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City at 86 Trang Tử.

Saigon City Bus Station is located at Me Linh Square.

Sea passenger ships, boats and ferries go to some islands from Ho Chi Minh City. From the river terminal on Ton Duc Thang Avenue to the center of the Mekong Delta, the city of Can Tho, a large boat for 50 passengers departs daily at 8.00. Travel time - 3.5 hours.

The city itself has a well-developed bus service. There are no metros, trams or trolleybuses.
Most of the residents travel on motorbikes. At the beginning of 2016, there were 7.4 million, that is, almost one motorbike per capita.

Safety

Ho Chi Minh City has a high crime rate for Vietnam. It is the only one where the police has a department to combat banditry.

Foreign tourists are quite often robbed in the form of breaking chains, handbags, purses and mobile phones criminals on motorbikes. Therefore, close to the sidewalks and when crossing the street, one must be vigilant. Robbers act most often at dusk. Among them are often drug addicts.

Crossing the street with heavy motorbike traffic for a foreigner is a problem, including a psychological one.

If Vietnam interests you, not only how beautiful beaches, clean sea and a comfortable stay, then you should definitely visit Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the capital of Vietnam - Hanoi. But if Hanoi is more like Vietnam of the past, then Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam of the future. The city is relatively young, only 4 centuries old (compared to the thousand-year-old Hanoi, nothing at all), and it strongly reflected the colonial interests of France of the century before last, which are strongly influenced by the Asian economic, which began a decade and a half ago. Historical Buildings and alleys in the city center, built by the French by analogy with Paris, side by side with chic skyscrapers, restaurants, nightclubs and brothels on the street. Dong Hoi, inherited from the city since the Vietnam War. And all this against the backdrop of poor, but distinctive outskirts, where the main population lives. It would not be an exaggeration to say that at the moment, Ho Chi Minh City is actively striving to surpass in terms of infrastructure and economic power such giants of Southeast Asia as Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok.

Alas, this also affects the comfort in the city. The traffic is so insane that I have not seen anything like it anywhere in the world, millions of scooters moving around the city in a chaotic manner, not following the rules, markings and doing something unimaginable on the road. At the same time, we must pay tribute to their ability to manage vehicles, major accidents are not visible at all.

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Transfer and taxi services in Ho Chi Minh City:

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Monthly weather in Ho Chi Minh City:

Ho Chi Minh is largest metropolis Vietnam, the commercial and industrial center of the country. The city is located in the south of Vietnam picturesque place in the Mekong Delta.

Like many places with a rich history, Ho Chi Minh City has several informal names. For the role in the economic and cultural life of the country, the city is also called Southern capital, and for colonial heritage and French charm - Paris of the East. Local residents, by the way, are much more willing to use the former name of the city - Saigon(even despite the love for the legendary leader of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh).

The architectural appearance of the city is based on the traditions of different parts of the world: from classical Chinese to Western European. By the way, in the west of Ho Chi Minh City there is a large Chinatown of Cholon, which was annexed to Saigon at the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, this area is famous for its lively trade.

The southern capital of Vietnam is more than curious tourist destination. Whatever travelers want - rich excursions or bustling nightlife, exotic Vietnamese cuisine or familiar European dishes, luxury hotels or budget guesthouses - it will not be difficult to find all this in Ho Chi Minh City.

Climate and weather

Ho Chi Minh City has a subequatorial climate, so you can come here for vacation all year round. The average annual temperature does not fall below +28 °C, while even in winter it is +22 °C at night. The hottest months are April and May, when the mercury column reaches +35 °С during the day.

When choosing a time to travel to Ho Chi Minh City, remember that the rainy season here lasts from May to November. The rest of the time, there is practically no rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City - this period is considered optimal for visiting the city. But if high humidity and intermittent rains do not cause you discomfort, you can come to Ho Chi Minh City whenever you like.

Nature

Delta Mekong, on the territory of which Ho Chi Minh City is located, is a unique place of its kind. Flat places are replaced by hills that reach several hundred meters. And although there is no jungle here, the landscapes delight the eye with endless gardens, rice fields and mangroves.

In the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City, there are many species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Of the river inhabitants, representatives of the “giants” are so surprised: a giant pangasius from the catfish family, a giant carp and a giant freshwater stingray, whose weight reaches 600 kilograms. In general, the Mekong basin in terms of biological diversity is second only to the river basin. Amazon.

The Mekong Delta has three national parks and four reserves.

Attractions

There is a lot to see in Ho Chi Minh City. The local architecture has absorbed the history of the city from its foundation to the present day.

A masterpiece of the colonial era appears Cathedral of Notre Dame de Saigon. He, of course, is on Paris Square in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. The temple was built for 6 years - from 1877 to 1883 - and is still a functioning cathedral. You can freely enter here even during the service.

Such an attraction is connected with the not very old past of Ho Chi Minh City Reunification Palace. Although it was built at the end of the 19th century, it is famous for the fact that it was here that the act of unification of Vietnam was signed. The palace is open to visitors. You can wander through the halls, see interesting expositions and even see a film about the history of the palace.

History buffs should definitely visit tunnels of Cu Chi(Cu Chi), which are located about 30 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels were built during the guerrilla war. This is a huge system of underground passages with several levels deep. Here you will find true romance dungeons: secret passages, warehouses, weapons workshops, rooms where partisans lived.

Among the museums of Ho Chi Minh City, of particular interest are Historical Museum and Museum military history . unique plants and natural landscapes can be seen in Ho Chi Minh Botanical Garden.

Nutrition

Many experienced travelers admit that food is tastier than in Ho Chi Minh City only in Madrid and Tokyo. True, with regard to prices in restaurants, Ho Chi Minh City is confidently leading in terms of the availability of gastronomic delights.

In restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, you can taste dishes from all over the world, and the most popular here are South Vietnamese, French, Japanese, Chinese Korean and Italian cuisines.

If you want to appreciate Vietnamese cuisine, don't miss Temple Club restaurant. The building where the institution is located is not too remarkable against the background of others, but inside you will find the atmosphere of Vietnam in the 30s. There used to be a Chinese temple in the building, and the owners have completely preserved the interior of that era. By the way, the main highlight of the restaurant is that it is also an antique shop: here you can not only eat delicious food, but also buy any interior item or cutlery you like. We recommend ordering fried angelfish or long-wa fish with garlic sauce here. The cost of a typical dinner for one person is from $10 to $20.

Another Vietnamese restaurant worthy of attention is Quan An Ngon. Although this place does not boast an outstanding interior, the food here is beyond praise. At first, the number of items on the menu can even confuse you - the variety of local dishes is so great. You can start your acquaintance with rice pancakes with different types of fillings or punch-cha (grilled meat with noodles). The average bill will be $5-10 per person.

lovers french cuisine we recommend visiting restaurants Augustine and La Camargue. In terms of atmosphere, they are very different: in the first, carefree fun reigns, and in the second, peaceful calmness. But the food is excellent in both. Foie gras, Chateaubriand beef and an extensive wine list are guaranteed. At prices, Augustin is a little more democratic, but in La Camargue dinner can "pull" $ 100.

Accommodation

There is no shortage of hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily find here guesthouses for $5 per person, and chic 5-star hotels at surprisingly affordable prices. At the same time, it is not necessary to book a room in advance: upon arrival, you can always find a hotel here. Booking in advance will help save money if you are going to stay in a more expensive place.

It is believed that it is best to stay in Ho Chi Minh City near the Ben Thanh market (District 1). A large number of hotels of various price ranges are concentrated here, and many attractions, shopping centers and parks are located within walking distance. Finding accommodation here is extremely simple: as soon as you appear in this area with a suitcase, you will literally be grabbed by the hands and offered available options. Even for $15 for two, you can count on a clean room with all amenities.

Entertainment and recreation

In Ho Chi Minh City, travelers will not be bored. This modern metropolis offers many opportunities for unforgettable entertainment.

One of the traditionally popular leisure activities in Ho Chi Minh City is river cruises along the Mekong Delta. Traveling is not just about admiring natural beauties, but also visiting an unusual floating market, local ethnic villages, factories and workshops where authentic souvenirs are produced, and much more.

For children there is a huge amusement park "Give Us" And Ho Chi Minh Zoo.

And if you want to arrange unforgettable entertainment for the whole family, go to park "Dam-Sheen". This is the largest cultural and entertainment center of Ho Chi Minh City. It has a water park, bird garden, puppet show, royal garden Nam-tu and sports center.

It is also interesting to visit the show beloved by the Vietnamese - puppet show on the water. Fans active rest there is an opportunity to participate in exciting safaris, mountain hikes, bicycle tours.

Life in bustling Ho Chi Minh does not stop even at night. In the city center there are a lot of nightclubs, bars, cafes. Especially many establishments working all night are concentrated in Dong Khoi area. By the way, it doesn't matter if you don't like noisy discos: Saigon it's easy to find nightclubs with live music and a relaxed atmosphere.

Purchases

You can't come to Saigon and not go shopping. There are hundreds of shops in the city center where you can find absolutely everything - from cheap souvenirs and clothes to antiques and works of art. On the street Dong Khoi the highest quality goods are offered, however, the prices here are the highest.

If you want to visit a colorful place and not overpay for purchases, we advise you to take a walk along Ben Than market. Here it is most profitable to buy lacquered miniatures, dishes, silk, textiles from Sapa and military souvenirs. Also interesting to visit night market Saigon, which unfolds here at nightfall. Even if you don’t find anything useful, the atmosphere of this amazing place will be remembered for a long time.

For civilized shopping in Ho Chi Minh there are Saigon Square. This covered market with shops of the average price range. Here you can buy household goods, clothes, appliances.

Perhaps the main advice that can be given to a tourist who goes shopping is to actively bargain. In Vietnam, bargaining is not only a tribute to tradition, but also a real way to bring down the price by two or three times.

Transport

In Ho Chi Minh City, unlike many cities in Vietnam, travelers can easily travel by bus - the benefit of the routes recommended for tourists is about 130. Buses are comfortable, travel is inexpensive, free and understandable route schemes are distributed at Ben Thanh bus stations.

Taxis are also popular, and this is understandable: inexpensive and comfortable. Landing and the first kilometer cost less than a dollar. However, so that the cost does not become an unpleasant surprise for you, use the services of official taxis with meters only.

The brave ones can rent a scooter. Inexperienced drivers are strongly discouraged from doing this, as the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is very busy and chaotic.

Pedestrians need to be extremely careful when crossing the road, because in Saigon, as elsewhere in the country, drivers do not give way to pedestrians, even if they go on a green light. Drivers skillfully go around pedestrians on the roadway, so the latter should not rush about or make sudden movements.

When renting a car, keep in mind that you will have to take it with a Vietnamese driver: they do not work in Vietnam driving licenses international standard.

Connection

In Ho Chi Minh City, the traveler will not have problems with the Internet or telephone connection.

You can call abroad from hotels, but it is very expensive. Street payphones still function, but are already losing popularity. It is most reasonable to make international calls from special call centers.

Mobile communication is well developed. If you want, you can use roaming (MTS, Megafon and Beeline operators have an agreement with Vietnamese companies). If desired, you can purchase a local SIM card. Its cost is approximately $5.

Internet access is available in all hotels and most guesthouses in Ho Chi Minh City. But just in case, this option must be clarified before settling. There are many Internet cafes in the city, and free Wi-Fi is available in a number of restaurants and cafes.

Safety

Provide complete security tourists in a metropolis like Ho Chi Minh City is not an easy task. Moreover, the flow of tourists coming here is growing year by year. In 2012, the police even had to take additional measures to maintain order on the streets and ensure the safety of foreigners. Police officers are constantly on duty at tourist spots and popular attractions. The main problem that a traveler may encounter is banal theft. Sadly, even the most vigilant police cannot protect against clever pickpockets.

Therefore, it is very important, while on the streets of the city, to keep an eye on personal belongings and not demonstrate your values. It is better not to carry large sums of money with you, but to store all valuables and documents in the hotel safe.

Also, don't be provoked. local residents who will obsessively offer their help or try to sell any goods.

Business climate

Ho Chi Minh is the business capital of Vietnam. All forms of business are dynamically developing in this noisy metropolis, leading banks and companies of the world have their offices here. Ho Chi Minh City is very attractive to foreign investors due to the assistance of international business projects from the authorities, the cheapness of labor and the stable political situation in the country. Potential investors from abroad are not even afraid of Vietnam's not too high business rating, as foreigners are provided with concessions when opening a new company.

The most profitable investments in Ho Chi Minh City are considered to be investments in the construction of modern tourist facilities and commercial real estate.

Real estate

Ho Chi Minh City is two times ahead of the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, in terms of population, while active development is underway in the city. Both modern high-rise residential complexes and cozy condominiums are being built.

Demand for residential real estate in Ho Chi Minh City remains, first of all, among Vietnamese emigrants who live in other countries and wish to start their own business in their historical homeland. For most Vietnamese, housing in Ho Chi Minh City is not available due to high cost(Ho Chi Minh City is one of the ten most expensive cities in Asia): for an ordinary Vietnamese family, even budget one-room apartments for $ 15,000-20,000 are too expensive. In addition, despite the active construction, demand here exceeds supply, which further fuels prices. The trend is unlikely to change in the near future, so investments in the construction of both residential and commercial real estate in Ho Chi Minh City promise high returns.

To date, the most expensive apartments in Vietnam are located on Diamond Island, which is a 10 minute drive from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. In total, there are more than 1,000 apartments in the price range from $300,000 to $3,000,000.

Guests of Ho Chi Minh City are waiting for a friendly attitude from the outside local population. The idyll can only be broken by the violation of certain prohibitions by foreigners themselves. Remember that walking in beachwear around the city will be regarded as an insult to others. Particular attention should also be paid to the wardrobe when going to the temple: clothes should cover the shoulders and knees, and this applies to both sexes. You can’t enter Buddhist temples with shoes on, and when leaving, in no case turn your back to the temple.

Do not worry if you notice that the inhabitants of the city are trying to touch you. According to local beliefs, it brings good luck. Especially a lot of "fans" from full tourists. By the way, in return, you can ask permission to take pictures of the townspeople: usually the Vietnamese try to make money on this, but for “luck” they can agree to a free photo shoot.

As for tips, in state institutions they are generally included in the bill immediately (about 5% of the order amount). In private hotels and restaurants, you can reward employees as you see fit.

Gambling is allowed only to foreigners and only in specialized establishments. Do not try to tempt the Vietnamese to join you - for you it may end up in criminal prosecution.

A city in the south of the country with a population of 8 million people. Tourists usually get here on their way to the sea coast.

Saigon (Vietnam): city walk

Traveling in Saigon most often begins with the tourist street Pham Ngu Lao. Buses leave from here to other cities in Vietnam - Dalat, Nha Trang, Phan Thiet and others (by the way, if you do not want to travel by public transport, you can order a transfer from Saigon to Mui Ne and Nha Trang). Pham Ngu Lao Street is full of cheap hotels and guest houses. In search of a room, you can not only walk along the street, but also go into the alleys, there are also small guest houses where you will be welcome.

Cafes and bars are also located here. In many of them you can sit both inside and outside. If you choose to sit outside, be aware that Pham Ngu Lao is haunted by incredible amount sellers of Vietnamese-language press, glasses and baubles, as well as "freelance massage therapists" who will come up to you about every two minutes to offer their services. If you don't like this intrusive service, it's best to stay indoors. Although it is outside, especially in the evenings, that there is a noisy and cheerful atmosphere.

As in any similar tourist destination in Asia, there are many spas, nail salons and shops with cheap t-shirts with the inscriptions “Good moning Vietnam” and “Pho King”. There is a park next to Pham Ngu Lao Street. If you wake up early, you will see Vietnamese people there who are busy with morning training. In general, in Saigon, a lot of people go in for sports in the morning.

The Saigon flavor lies in the fact that French colonial buildings and expensive shopping centers coexist here with a typical Asian atmosphere, street vendors, markets, bikes and bustle. Traffic in the city of Saigon (Vietnam) is generally a separate conversation. I wonder how Europeans manage to ride here, I'm scared even in the passenger seat of a motorcycle taxi. But back to French architecture. Its most striking monument is, of course, Notre Dame de Saigon. The area where the cathedral is located looks very European and is called Parisian. The cathedral was designed in the neo-Romanesque style, multi-colored glass for the windows of the building and red brick for the construction of the walls were brought from France. Another French-style building is located nearby. It is also one of the oldest in the city - this is the post office building.

Here in the center there are large shopping centers of Saigon, so shopping lovers can go to Diamond Plaza, Vincom Center or Saigon Centre. Those who prefer cultural recreation can go to the city museum, it is within walking distance of the post office and Notre Dame Cathedral at Ly T? Tr?ng, 65. Old maps and photographs, ceramics, military uniforms and other relics will tell about the history of the city. And in the courtyard you can see military equipment. The building itself with its halls and light shutters reminded me of the White Villa in Vung Tau.

Saigon, like many other large cities, has its own skyscraper with an observation deck. It is called Bitexco Financial Tower. The height of the skyscraper is 262.5 meters. On the 49th floor of the tower is an observation deck, and above - a restaurant with a panoramic view of the city. It is best to climb the tower before dark to catch the sunset at the top and see how the lights of Saigon gradually light up. Entrance ticket for observation deck costs 200,000 dong (you can read about Vietnamese money). Near the Bitexco Financial Tower there is a promenade where you can take a walk.

Such a program is quite enough for one day, if you stay in Saigon for a longer period, you can recover to see the Cu Chi tunnels - a system of underground passages that was built by partisans during the Vietnam War.

In addition, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the author's two-day tour of Saigon, which will help you get to know the city from the inside and make the most vivid impression of this metropolis.

There are so many amazing places in the world, it would be time and opportunity to visit at least a dozen. For a person of European culture, exotic cities of the East are of particular interest. In addition to amazing cultural sites, resorts provide an opportunity to relax and unwind. It will not be boring in the city of Saigon during.

Atmospheric city in Vietnam - Saigon

The largest city of the republic is located in the south of the country, on the banks of the Saigon River in the Delta. great river Mekong. It was this advantageous position that helped the city become an important port in Southeast Asia.

history locality cannot be said to be ancient. It began about three hundred years ago, when the fishing village of Prei Nokor was founded on the coast of Saigon, first located on the territory. However, due to the war, a large number of refugees from all over Vietnam began to flock here. Later, the rapidly developing village was recognized as a city and renamed Saigon by the Vietnamese who conquered this territory. In 1975, Saigon was renamed Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam in honor of the first president, Ho Chi Minh. True, in everyday life the Vietnamese still call the city Saigon.

The atmosphere in the city is special. Multinationality and history, of course, left their mark on its architecture. Everywhere there are buildings of various styles, peacefully adjacent to each other: the classics next to the Chinese, the Western European and colonial school - with the Indochinese.

And, of course, not without skyscrapers rushing to the sky.

IN Lately Saigon is actively developing thanks to the flow of foreign investment.

Saigon, Vietnam - recreation

Of course, most of those who come to Saigon are on business trips. However, many guests visit the metropolis precisely for the sake of tourism. There are many interesting sights, historical and religious monuments. It is recommended to start a trip around the city from the Historical Museum, whose expositions introduce the history of the city and the country at all stages of development.

The educational walk can be continued at the Museum of the Revolution and the Museum of Military History.

Be sure to visit the oldest pagoda in Saigon - Giac Lam, where you can see 113 Buddha figurines.

Do not ignore the Jade Emperor Pagoda and the largest pagoda in the city - Vinh Nghiem.

The influence of French colonization can be seen in downtown Saigon, where Notre Dame, a Catholic cathedral built in 1880, is located.

Habitually, in a European way, a luxurious sample looks colonial style- Palace of Reunification.

In search of the unusual, rush to the tunnels of Kuti, located in the quarter of the same name. These underground tunnels were used by guerrillas during the Vietnam War to fight the American army. Now one of the most popular excursions in Saigon, Vietnam is being organized here.

In addition to educational tours in the city, you can just have a good time. Tourists of any age will enjoy bright moments in the water parks "Saigon" or "Vietnam", the amusement park "Saigon Wonderland". Enjoy the beauty of picturesque alleys and rare plants offered in one of the oldest attractions of Ho Chi Minh City - botanical garden, founded by the French colonialists in 1864.

Great memories will remain after visiting the huge tourist recreation area of ​​Ki Hoa, located at picturesque lake. Sailing trips, attractions, performances in open theaters, delicious food in cafes and restaurants are offered.

IN port city Trade simply cannot be developed. Many tourists are happy to spend money on the famous market of the city - Ben Thanh, where souvenirs, exotic fruits and clothes are sold.