Attractions Ho Chi Minh City: what to see, photo. Tao Dan Park. — — Le Van Tam Park

What are the must-see attractions in Ho Chi Minh City?

The former capital of French Indochina, the southern capital of Vietnam, the huge city of Ho Chi Minh City and today is the center of attraction in South-East Asia. People come here in search of work, adventure, educational rest and just behind the Asian flavor that is in abundance in this city full of contrasts. What is Ho Chi Minh City, or as it is commonly called - Saigon? Let's walk along its streets and plunge into the history, religion and simply the beauty of this wonderful city.

Today's Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) has more than 9 million inhabitants. This number includes the population of the city itself and the surrounding rural communes that are administratively part of Saigon. Its area is 2095 sq. km, the population density is very high - about 3700 people / sq. km. km.

Saigon produces 17% of the national GDP and 40% of export products. Here are the headquarters of many multinational corporations, the largest banks in Vietnam and regional offices foreign.

The city is in a state of constant construction. New office and industrial complexes, luxury hotels are being built, parks are being laid out and new areas are being improved.

Tourists do not ignore the legendary Asian metropolis. Everyone will find here entertainment to their liking - from cultural and educational tourism to nightlife.

Museums

In the city more than a dozen museums, each in its own way interesting. Which one to watch is up to you.

Palace of Independence

One of the first places where tourists are taken from organized tour This is the Palace of Independence. Although the second name suits him more - the Reunification Palace. It was here that the act on the reunification of the Northern and South Vietnam. The history of this building is tightly woven into historical events mid-twentieth century. Built by the French in colonial style, it became the residence of the President of South Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem. Several assassination attempts were made on him. One of them is an air raid organized by two officers of the Republic Air Force in 1962. As a result, the building of the Palace of Independence was destroyed.

Its new appearance is very reminiscent of the building of the USSR era, so outwardly it does not look like a palace at all. In 1975, he again falls into the category iconic places Saigon. This is the year of the final withdrawal of American troops and the capture of Saigon by North Vietnamese troops. A tank that broke through the gates of the Palace of Independence, thanks to an Australian photojournalist, becomes a symbol of the fall of Saigon. It is still in the same place and is a historical landmark along with the Palace itself.

The exposition of the museum is the atmosphere of the late 60s, office, old telephones and other means of communication, military equipment on the territory of the Palace and a whole network underground tunnels linking the Independence Palace and the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City.

This museum is worth a visit for everyone, but especially for those who are interested in the culture and traditions of Vietnam. Its building has long history, starting from the fact that it was once the residence of the French governor of the province of Cochin China, then the office of the High Commissioner of France in Saigon was located here, then Supreme Court and revolutionary museum. It was later renamed the Museum of the City.

South Vietnam Women's Museum

Museum of Vietnamese History

Vietnamese history is inextricably linked with the evolution of cultures throughout Southeast Asia. The oldest valuable relics and artifacts belong to the Dongshon culture of the second millennium BC. e. The following is the development early states Bapnom and Champa, Khmer and Vietnamese minorities. There are exhibits from the Cambodian Angkor Wat, Buddha statues, the mummy of a Vietnamese woman who died in 1869. Many exhibits are connected with China. Here you can watch performances of the traditional water puppet theater and buy souvenirs.

In terms of saturation of the exposition, it is hardly inferior to the National Museum fine arts in Hanoi. The museum building itself is remarkable. This is a colonial mansion, riddled with many arches, with balconies overlooking cozy courtyards. There are 16 exhibition halls on 4 floors. Works of art include painting, ceramics, lacquer painting, sculpture, ancient Buddhist works, woodcuts.

The first floor is given over to the exhibition and sale of works by Vietnamese and foreign artists. The second is dedicated to contemporary art, which largely reflects the events of the time of the struggle against the French colonialists and the American war. The third floor contains works dating from the 1st to the 20th century.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Uncle Ho is the most legendary historical figure of the 20th century. And the most respected. It was under his leadership that the reunification of the two irreconcilable republics on the territory of Vietnam took place. It is to him that the country owes the socialist system. His portraits are on all banknotes of Vietnam.

The museum is divided into two parts. The first floor is a collection of personal belongings of the leader. The second is a gallery where his photographs of different periods of his life are exhibited.

This is the memory of the war crimes committed against the Vietnamese people. The exhibits full of tragedy do not leave anyone indifferent. It used to be called the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes. The naturalism of the exposition clearly demonstrates the cruelty with which they were committed. Here are the instruments of murder and torture to which the Vietnamese communists were subjected, documents, including photo and video materials.

Tim Page is a legendary war photographer. He compiled a large selection of photographs of the victims of the US-Vietnam War on both sides. Here, adults and children, mutilated by napalm and phosphorus bombs, the consequences of the use of poisons and toxic substances with a description of their action.

religious objects

Vietnam - country of three religions and many beliefs. The metropolis of Ho Chi Minh has absorbed them all and provides an opportunity for each of its residents to send their faith in temples and pagodas, cathedrals and prayer houses.

Notre Dame de Saigon or Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

The hallmark of old Saigon is Cathedral Notre Dame de Saigon. It was erected by the French according to the design of their architect J. Bour. An exact copy of Notre Dame Cathedral was built in just 6 years - from 1877 to 1983. Every last stone and nail was delivered from Europe. Architectural style- Neo-Romanesque with Gothic elements. The temple is decorated with traditional stained glass windows. The internal space is organized as in an ordinary Catholic cathedral. Stained-glass windows and a marble altar with figures of angels give it extraordinary beauty. The bell tower has six bells, which ring at the same time only on the feast of the Nativity of Christ.

It was built at the end of the 19th century on the ruins of ancient temple discovered during excavations. Its foundation is attributed to the beginning of our era - the era of Funan, a state that was then on the territory, later inhabited by the Vietnamese. The temple is active, services are held here three times a day. Many temples in Vietnam are associated with animal legends. This one is dedicated white elephant.

The legend says that one day it was decided to move the temple to another place. And all the relics and treasures, including the bell, were loaded onto the back of a white elephant. After walking a few steps, the elephant stumbled, and the whole load fell apart at the gate of the temple and into the lake. Superstitious monks took this as a sign that the temple should remain in the old place. They picked up all the relics, they could not extract only the bell from the bottom of the lake. And now locals they say that every full moon a bell ringing is heard from there.

Mariamman Temple

This is a Hindu temple, the only one operating in the city. Mariamman Temple is a place of pilgrimage for Hindu followers in Vietnam, where they travel on major religious holidays from all over the country. The legend says that this place is endowed with magical powers - anyone who crosses its threshold is healed of illnesses.

The initiator of the construction of the temple dedicated to Mariamman - the goddess, the mother of all living things, was the Tamil community living in the suburbs of Saigon. The temple was built on their donations at the end of the 19th century. Tamils ​​and now are his numerous flock. The temple is small, but very cozy and beautiful. Built in the traditional Indian style, it attracts not only tourists, but also local residents.

This pagoda is a symbol of "Buddhist renaissance". It was built in the 70s of the last century, when the persecution of the Buddhist faith ended. The temple was built jointly by the Japanese and Vietnamese, so its architecture contains the simplicity and harmony of traditional Japanese architecture. religious architecture. A multi-tiered 40-meter tower is a chapel. There is a bell with a diameter of 2 meters.

The neighboring squat building is the main building, at the back of which is an altar with a statue of Buddha surrounded by disciples. The smaller tower is a kind of columbarium, where the urns with ashes are located. In the pagoda, you can buy souvenirs and admire the exhibition of works by Vietnamese artists.

Ho Chi Minh enough Big city, so it is rich in attractions both in the city and in its environs. For those who are in Ho Chi Minh City for a couple of days, we recommend visiting the main attractions:

Ho Chi Minh Zoo takes enough large area, in addition to enclosures with animals, you can also find a small botanical garden with Bonsai trees. We had a positive experience after visiting this zoo, mostly due to the variety of exotic animals. At the very beginning of the zoo, after ticket control, there is a small map of the location of the enclosures, it helps to orient a little on the ground.

In some places of the zoo, a passage is provided above the enclosures, so there are even more impressions from such proximity of animals. For the convenience of visitors, small recreation areas are provided on the territory, for example, near small lake you can find a couple of shops with amazing views. When we stopped like this to sit and rest, a rather large bird came out of the bushes and walked past with a businesslike air.

Price: 50.000 VND adult.

Working hours: from 8:30 to 17:30 (daily)

How to get there: It is quite possible to get to the Zoo from the tourist area on foot, but it will take a lot of time to enjoy the architecture of the city. You can also get to the Zoo by bus 19, 52, or by taxi.

Observation deck in Biteksko tower

(Saigon Skydeck)

Walking in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the Bitexco financial tower will often flash before your eyes. The building has an observation deck. Saigon skydeck it offers an excellent panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City, all 360 degrees of the city at a glance. It is better to come before sunset, at 17:30, you can see the city in the light of the sun and in the light of the night lights of the city.

Working hours: from 09:30 to 21:30 (entrance ends at 20:45)

Price: 200.000 VND - adult; 130.000 VND - for children.

How to get there: Close to tourist center and Ben Thanh Market (Ben Thanh), within walking distance.

EON Heli Bar in Biteksko

(an alternative to the Saigon Skydeck)

EON Heli Bar is a couple of floors higher than the Saigon Skydeck and is a good alternative. Here is the same view as on observation deck but the advantage of this place lies in the atmosphere. After sunset, candles are placed on each table, not turning on the central light, so you can enjoy the city in full grandeur of night lights.

Please note that the prices in the bar menu do not include tax.

(Notre Dame Cathedral)

The cathedral itself has a modest territory, but this makes it no less attractive, opposite the main entrance to the cathedral there is a statue of the Virgin Mary. Inside the cathedral, the zones are clearly divided: a zone for tourists and a zone for prayers. It won’t take much time to visit this attraction, but it’s worth it to at least have a glimpse of Catholicism in Vietnam.

Price: for free

How to get there: Close to the center and close to the tourist area - within walking distance.

The first time we saw this place, it reminded us of a train station with its architecture. Currently, this place is popular with tourists: here you can buy inexpensive souvenirs, and there is a large selection, as well as souvenir postcards, envelopes, you can even send a letter. There are ATMs in the old booths, so if there is an urgent need for cash, go in and boldly withdraw money.

Price: for free

Working hours: daily from 8:30 to 17:30

How to get there: Close to the center and close to the tourist area, in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral, within walking distance.

The museum was originally called the "War Crimes Museum of US Imperialism and the Puppet Government of South Vietnam", later it became the "American War Crimes Museum", and after the resolutions of relations between Vietnam and the United States, the museum was renamed the "War Crimes Museum". The museum is fully consistent with the original name, all the exhibits are tied to a common theme. It is better not to go to the museum for people with a weak psyche, as some of the photographs are very cruel: victims of chemical weapons, prisoners, etc. Along the perimeter near the building are tanks, aircraft of Vietnam and the United States that participated in the Vietnam War.

Price: 30.000 VND adult.

Working hours: from 07:30 to 12:00; from 13:30 to 17:30

How to get there: is within walking distance from the Ben-Tan market (Ben Thanh), Notre Dame Cathedral, the central post office (about 20 minutes). From Ben-Tan Market (Ben Thanh) to the museum you can take bus 28.6.

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Nguyen Hue Street

The Ho Chi Minh City Hall has amazing architecture. Nguyen Hue Street stretches from the building, which can be easily written down as a tourist attraction. During the day, the street offers a view of the skyscrapers, and in the evening, fountains burst out of the cobbled street, along which you can stroll. Just an amazing sight, especially when the fountains are illuminated.

How to get there: within walking distance from the tourist area, next to the Bitesxo financial tower.

Ben Thanh Market (Ben Thanh)

One of the main markets of Ho Chi Minh City, this place most often serves as a reference point for tourists, as it is located in the central part of the city and close to all major attractions. Here you can find a huge number

Most of Ho Chi Minh's attractions, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum, are remnants of Vietnam's turbulent past, but there are also plenty of breathtaking sights worth visiting for people of all ages.

Tel.:+84 28 3794 8830

Opening hours: all year round

Location: 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City

33. Dong Hoi Street

Dong Khoi Street

Dong Hoi Street is at the heart of the city's commercial life. It's still the best place to admire the grand old colonial buildings, though they too are overshadowed by the nearby high-rise office towers. This lively street is lined with international brands, boutiques, stylish cafes and high-end restaurants. Walk along Dong Khoi Street to admire what remains of the colonial architecture of French rule.

Location: st. Dong Hoi District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

34. Nguyen Hue Street

Nguyen Hue Street

Nguyen Hue Street is a wide walking street in the center of District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. This pedestrian area is surrounded by beautiful French colonial architectural marvels such as the People's Committee, the Rex Hotel and a luxury shopping mall. In front of the People's Committee, you will see the statue of Ho Chi Minh City and evening show with a fountain. At the other end of the boardwalk, you will find the Saigon River from where you can enjoy a wonderful view.

Location: st. Nguyen Hue District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

35. Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street

Pham Ngu Lao Street in Ho Chi Minh City is located on western edge District 1 and is known as the place where most tourists stay during their holidays. It accommodates numerous lanes and nooks and crannies, although major thoroughfares include Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, Bui Vien and U Quang Dao streets. These lanes are European restaurants, cafes and international bars, countless travel companies and kiosks, affordable motels, hostels and guest houses, Internet cafes, pharmacies and souvenir and craft shops.

Location: st. Pham Ngu Lao District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

36. Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien street is the main street the so-called "backpacker zone" of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you will find many inexpensive restaurants, bars, gift shops and hotels/hostels. While staying in one of the places, you can soak up the local lifestyle and culture. You can shop, dine and walk along Vuy Vien Street.

Location: st. Bui Vien District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

37. Biteksko financial tower

Bitexco Financial Tower

The 262-meter high Biteksko Financial Tower stands in the center of Ho Chi Minh's business district and offers visitors an unrivaled view of the city from its top. Designed by renowned American architect Carlos Zapata, this 68-story tower features offices, shops, restaurants and a helipad. CNNGo recently ranked fifth on its list of the 20 most iconic skyscrapers.

Opening hours: daily 09:30 - 21:30.

Location: st. Ho Tun Mau District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

38. Khao Dai Temple

Cao Dai Temple was completed in 1955 when Cao Dai's army was formed after the Japanese occupation of Indochina. Caodaists believe that all religions are ultimately the same and strive to develop tolerance throughout the world. Lord Buddha, Jesus Christ, Mohammed and Confucius, apart from Joan of Arc and Julius Caesar, are all revered in this temple.

Location: The temple is best visited by booking a tour due to its location next to the Cambodian border, 100 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City in Long Than village next to Tai Ninh. Worship takes place every six hours and starts at midnight, repeating at 06:00 and 18:00 daily.

39. Ba Tien Hau Temple

Ba Thien Hau Temple

Ba Tien Hau Temple in Saigon is a Buddhist temple dedicated to Chinese sea ​​goddess Matsu. It is believed that she protects and saves ships and people at sea by flying on a rug or cloud. Matsuism is associated with traditions and beliefs from both Taoism and Buddhism. Matsuism, therefore, includes various aspects and traditions that have come together to form a new belief.

Opening hours: 08:00 — 16:30

Location: 710 Nguyen Trey Street, Ward 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City

40. Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City

Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City

The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a beautifully preserved remnant of French colonial times and perhaps the greatest Postal office throughout Southeast Asia. Near Notre Dame Cathedral are two cultural objects, they can be visited together and offer visitors the opportunity to imagine their life in Vietnam during the Indochinese Empire. The building was designed by Gustave Eiffel, a famous engineer who also designed the Statue of Liberty and the Eiffel Tower.

Tel.: +84 838 221 677

Opening hours: daily 07:00 – 19:00

Location: 2 Kong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

41. Saigon Central Mosque

Saigon Central Moscow

The Central Mosque of Saigon has existed since 1935 and was originally built for the Indian Muslim community living in Ho Chi Minh City. You will find this clean and well maintained mosque, with four minarets and a colorful appearance, close to the famous Dong Hoi shopping street. The Central Mosque is also referred to as Masjid Muzelman Mosque or Dong Du Mosque.

Tel.: +84 838 242 903

Opening hours: 08:00 — 20:00

Location: st. Dong Du 66, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

42. Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church is a Romanian-style church in Ho Chi Minh City where you can see the intricate Gothic and Renaissance elements that managed to survive the tumultuous periods of Vietnam. Built in 1876 and spanning 60 meters in height, it is considered the second largest church in Ho Chi Minh City, after Notre Dame Cathedral. Next to the gate are two huge bell towers, and the bright pink church features three beautifully decorated Italian marble altars.

Opening hours: daily 05:00 – 17:30

Location: 289 Hai Ba Trung District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

43. Cholon - Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City

Cholon - Ho Chi Minh's Chinatown

Cholon Ho Chi Minh is the largest Chinatown, founded in 1778, it is also a place with great historical and cultural significance. The Chinese minorities hid here from Tei Son and subsequently rebuilt the area twice after being attacked, and 70% of the residents died trying to escape by boat. Those who survived settled and began selling various Chinese products. During the Vietnam War, Cholon was a thriving black market for American soldiers trading in American army supplies.

Location: Cholon is located on west bank Ho Chi Minh River, mostly over the fifth quarter.

44. Ecological and tourist center Vam Set

Vam Sat Ecological tourist center

Located in the Can Gio area, Wam Set lies between the two rivers Wam Set and Long Tau. This area used to belong to Dong Nai Province before it was merged with Ho Chi Minh City in 1978. During the war against the American invaders, Wam Set was destroyed by bombs and defoliants, but now the center has the most magnificent world biosphere reserve mangrove forests through a reforestation program launched in 1996. Tourist centre You Seth a good choice for travelers who want to see wildlife but cannot afford to travel far from Ho Chi Minh City.

Opening hours: 8:00 — 18:00

Ho Chi Minh Notre Dame

...............................................................................................................................................................

Ho Chi Minh Airport

Ho Chi Minh Airport is the largest and important airport in Vietnam, located 6 kilometers north of the center of Ho Chi Minh City.

The airport was built in the 1930s by the French colonial government. It was originally small airport with the unpaved runways. In 1956, the United States bought it and built terminals and a new runway about two kilometers long, making this airport the South Vietnam International Airport.

Ho Chi Minh Airport provides more than half of the country's total passenger air traffic. It is located within the city, and not near the city. Literally leaving the arrivals terminal, you will find yourself on the city streets.

The airport accommodates 15-17 million passengers a year. Planes depart from two runways, each over 3 kilometers long.

What sights of Ho Chi Minh did you like? There are icons next to the photo, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Ho Chi Minh trail

The Ho Chi Minh Trail was the name given to the complex system of forest and mountain trails that connected North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam War. Being at first a small path, it gradually grew into a whole network with a length of more than 20 thousand kilometers.

The functioning of the trail as a military artery began in 1959, with the beginning of the revolutionary struggle for the reunification of the South with the North. It took more than a month to get south from Hanoi. But in 1974, the trail turned into an improved infrastructure with underground hospitals, fuel tanks, weapons and uniforms depots, many sections were asphalted or paved. The military forces of the Viet Cong, which were constantly replenished along the Trail, captured Saigon in 1976, thereby ending a long-term bloody war.

In modern guidebooks, the Ho Chi Minh Trail is most often called highway No. 1 Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City, the only paved road in Vietnam, the journey on which lasts about two weeks. You can start either in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, and you can make stops at points of interest: Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An, Nha Trang, Da Lat and the Central Plateau (if you go from north to south).

The Mekong Delta is a bright, colorful and rich world. Here you can see all the variety of Vietnamese rural life: rice terraces who plow on huge buffaloes, thatched huts, orchards, floating houses. Under houseboats fish are grown in cages. This is convenient - the fish lives in the usual natural environment, and the inhabitants of the house feed her with various food waste.

In the Mekong Delta, you can delve into numerous narrow channels surrounded by impenetrable jungle, which part in places and landscapes with fields, gardens and stilt houses open up to your gaze. Life in the delta boils and rages constantly at all times of the year.

Saigon river

On this river is the port city of Ho Chi Minh City, which until 1975 bore the exact same name - Saigon. The streets and houses here gravitate towards colonial style, since Saigon was the property of France since the 19th century. The climate here is tropical, without sudden temperature changes depending on the season. In winter, it is never colder than 23 degrees, and in summer it is not hotter than 33, which makes it possible for tourists to visit these parts all year round, admiring not only the local nature, but also the sights of Ho Chi Minh City, which include the Saigon Cathedral Mother of God with two impressive towers of forty meters each, Giac Vien Pagoda, now a museum with a rich collection of ancient statues and engravings, and the seven-tier Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, built in honor of friendship between Vietnam and Japan. Riding a boat along the Saigon River through the whole city, you can see a wide variety of landscapes - from small coconut groves to beautiful modern streets with huge skyscrapers, and, of course, the largest port of Saigon in all of Vietnam.

Temple of the Three Religions

Like for 800 years there is a village where three religions live together.

floating market

What distinguishes the markets of Vietnam from the markets of most not only European, but even Asian countries so this is their location. It will not be a secret to anyone that floating markets are especially popular in the country. They are most often depicted on souvenirs, they are of great interest to photographers from all over the world, they offer the highest quality fresh products and become the main attraction for many travelers.

The picturesque Mekong is especially popular with tourists not only due to the views of indescribable beauty, the expanse of rice fields, but also the bright floating markets. Get on the boat and go shopping: vegetables, fruits, traditional drinks, amazing flowers will be waiting for you!

Are you curious to know how well you know the sights of Ho Chi Minh City? .

Zoo in Ho Chi Minh City

The zoo is located in the center Vietnamese capital, Ho Chi Minh city. More than 500 species of animals live here, and the plant collection is considered one of the best in the world.

20 hectares of land on the banks of the Saigon River became the place where French scientists began to collect the unique natural treasures of Indochina. For a hundred years, starting in 1857, botanists worked on the design of a huge greenhouse and botanical garden, in which the most interesting plants region.

Today, in the middle of the old botanical garden, there is a modern zoo with spacious enclosures. live here different kinds monkeys, snakes, elephants, rare African and Asian animals, as well as countless birds, many of which can only live in natural conditions South Asia. The conditions for keeping animals are considered to be among the best in the world.

A walk through the botanical garden perfectly helps to hide from the Vietnamese heat in the shade of numerous rare plants, and magical Vietnamese orchids will make the walk unforgettable.

The most popular attractions in Ho Chi Minh City with descriptions and photos for every taste. choose best places for visiting famous places Ho Chi Minh on our website.

More attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

What to see in Ho Chi Minh in a few days, how to get around the city, which hotel to choose, and where to buy souvenirs and clothes. Attractions, store addresses, a map with marks and a lot of photos in today's post.

Majority independent travelers Those who go to Vietnam usually begin their acquaintance with the country from Ho Chi Minh City. Here it is summer and warm all year round, unlike Hanoi. Moreover, in southern capital Lots of attractions and great shopping.

Time in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is 3 hours ahead of Moscow and 4-5 hours ahead of Kyiv. Below on the clock is the exact time in Ho Chi Minh City at this minute.

Ho Chi Minh Airport

The airport in Ho Chi Minh City is called Tan Son Nhat Airport. It is small and easy to understand its device.

Russians who plan to stay in Vietnam for up to 15 days do not need a visa and can immediately go through border control. Ukrainians, Belarusians, as well as those citizens of the Russian Federation who plan to stay in the country for 16 and more days, it is worth worrying about a visa to Vietnam in advance. Ordering online is easy and takes only 10 minutes. And already in Ho Chi Minh City upon arrival until border control you need to go to the immigration office. It is located directly in front of the border guards on the left side.

I advise you to fill out a visa application form in advance and do not forget to take photos with you. .

How to get from Ho Chi Minh Airport to the city center?

You don't have to spend much time to get from Tan Son Nhat Airport to the center of Ho Chi Minh City. The airport is located just 6 km from central streets right in the heart of the city. If you arrive at night, then the only option to get to the hotel is a taxi. The cost is 8-10 dollars, although arrogant Vietnamese taxi drivers may try to rip off all 20 from you, blatantly deceiving that there is a double rate at night. It is not true. Look for a taxi driver who will agree to a normal flat rate or who wants to ride on the meter.

If you arrived in Ho Chi Minh between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., you can take a bus to the center. Directly at the exit of the airport bus stop. You need bus number 152. It runs every half an hour and costs 4,000 VND ($0.20).

No matter how you get to the center, by bus or taxi, exchange some currency for Vietnamese dongs in advance.

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh?

We have stayed in Ho Chi Minh City 4 times. Once, when Arina was just a baby, they even rented a studio by the day with a real kitchen, a stove and a refrigerator, which cost us $25 a day.

Whatever type of accommodation you choose, it is better to settle in the city center in the area of ​​​​the Ben Thanh Market or on the backpacker street Pham Ngu Lao (Pham Ngu Lao). Another interesting place in which we liked it so much is Hoang Lien Hotel. Hotel next to Central Park. Double room with a window, air conditioning, bathroom and breakfast (decent Buffet) costs $20. Near a chic park, many budget cafes, as well as all the sights of the center. It is better to pay a couple of dollars more and book a room with a window.

Free WiFi is available in almost every Vietnamese budget hotel. But if you settle in a hotel "with stars", then most likely you will have to pay for the Internet separately.

What to see in Ho Chi Minh City: attractions

The main attractions of Ho Chi Minh City are located in the city center and can be explored in a few hours. Any hotel will give you free map cities, guided by which you will go to see the local interesting things.

Notre Dame Cathedral

The current church was built in the late 19th century. interesting building in French colonial style.

The entrance is free. The temple is open on weekdays from morning until sunset.

Reunification Palace

Former residence of the King of South Vietnam. You can go inside, see the decoration of the palace, take a walk around the neighborhood.

Entrance fee 15,000 VND ($0.75).

The palace is open to visitors daily from 07:30 to 11:30, from 13:00 to 16:00.

city ​​hall

Another attraction is the Palace of Culture. There is a beautiful square next to it, and in the surrounding neighborhoods there are several shopping centers, many small shops and cafes. They are not allowed inside the building, but tourists are photographed against its background. It is better to come here closer to sunset to take great photos. By the way, the building is beautifully illuminated even in the dark.

On the way, you will meet several more military museums where you can look at Vietnamese tanks and aircraft.

If you flew to Ho Chi Minh City with children, then this cultural program try to add two almost mandatory items:

Ho Chi Minh Zoo and Botanical Garden

An amazing place that we visit every time we come to the southern capital of Vietnam. You can wander around the zoo all day, feeding from the hands of different animals. Take some cabbage or carrots with you to feed the kids and lambs in a special pen for young animals. We also fed giraffes there. They eat the pods from the tree that grows near the cafe opposite.

The zoo will be interesting not only for children, but also for adults. Here you can hide from the midday heat, take a walk among exotic flowers and trees, sit on the shores of lakes.

From the city center, a taxi to the zoo usually costs no more than 60,000 dong ($3).

Entrance to the zoo costs a little more than $0.5. The zoo is open until 6pm.

Damsen Park

Large amusement park with a mini zoo and a large water park. We call it Vietnamese Disneyland because they hold parades of cartoon characters similar to Disney ones.

The park has huge lake with lotuses and many interesting sculptures. Be sure to take a ride on the Ferris wheel to see Damsen from above.

On the territory of Dam Sen Park there are many cafes with inexpensive food, there are also restaurants of a higher class.

Dam Sen Park is located a little away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City and you can get there either by taxi for 130-150 thousand dong ($ 7-8) or by bus number 11 from Ben Thanh market for 4 thousand dong ($ 0.2). Travel time is about 30-40 minutes, given the Saigon traffic jams.

Ben Thanh Market (ChoLon, Ben Thanh)

In the evening you can go to Ben Thanh market. There is a lot of exotic food and fruits, all kinds of souvenirs and clothes. You can take many interesting photos and try Vietnamese street delicacies.

I would not advise you to buy something there in the first days after arrival. You still do not know the prices at all and you will probably be deceived. So, on my first day in Vietnam, I bought a strange dimensionless dress at the Ben Thanh market for as much as 600,000 dong ($30), although in a nearby store it was sold for only 100,000 ($5). If you decide to buy something, bargain hard, do not hesitate to bring down the price several times.

If you stay in Ho Chi Minh for another day, you can go on a tour of the Mekong River. By boat you will go through the jungle to very colorful Vietnamese floating villages.

How to move around the city?

Even if you are a skilled scooter driver, I would not recommend getting behind the wheel of a motorbike in Saigon. Traffic in this southern capital of Vietnam is dense and chaotic, and it is very difficult to deal with local unspoken rules.

The Vietnamese are very careless and unpredictable drivers, so it is better to use buses or taxis in Saigon.

How to cross the road in Ho Chi Minh City during rush hour?

You can stand for half an hour near the crossing in the hope that the flow will someday stop in front of you. It is useless to hope for it. Begin to calmly move along the transition in small steps very slowly. Scooter drivers will drive around you. The main thing is not to make sudden movements and be predictable. It's scary the first time. If you think you can't cross the road on your own, ask an employee of the nearest hotel or a policeman to transfer you. Or wait for the Vietnamese and go next to them.

Why do people in Saigon wear face masks?

Maxi is worn mainly by motorbike riders to protect themselves from exhaust fumes. Also, women completely cover their face, arms and legs during the day, fearing to lose their white skin. In Vietnam, tanned skin is a sign that you have to work hard and hard in the fields and behind the sales counter. Real ladies have a creamy skin tone and never tan.