Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City what to choose. Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh. Various types of entertainment

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

Like many places with a rich history, Ho Chi Minh City has several informal names. For its role in the economic and cultural life of the country, the city is also called the Southern Capital, and for its 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 an interesting 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.

There are three national parks and four nature reserves in the Mekong Delta.

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 the real romance of the dungeon: 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 of 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.

Fans of French cuisine are advised to visit 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 the area with a suitcase, you will literally be grabbed by the hand and offered affordable 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. Trips involve not only admiring natural beauties, but also visiting an unusual floating market, local ethnic villages, factories and workshops that produce authentic souvenirs, 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 a performance beloved by the Vietnamese - a puppet theater on the water. Fans of outdoor activities have the opportunity to participate in exciting safaris, mountain hikes, and 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. It is also interesting to visit the Saigon night market, which unfolds here after dark. 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 is an indoor market with mid-range shops. 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: international driving licenses are not valid in Vietnam.

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

Ensuring the complete safety of tourists in such a metropolis as 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, do not succumb to the provocations of 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 unaffordable due to the 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 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.

The next stop on our tour of Vietnam was the "southern capital" - Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon. It had the name Saigon before the civil war, after the victory of the northern communist forces it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City or Ho Chi Minh City, but the central part of the city and the railway station are still called Saigon. During the war, Saigon was the center of the capitalist southern forces, and this difference between north and south is felt even now.

In another house, we were shown a much larger room with a balcony. We really liked it, but the price was biting - $ 15 (with air conditioning). We tried to bargain and eventually agreed on $10 with a fan. Of course, without air conditioning in Ho Chi Minh it's a bit hot, but we needed to save money.

We liked the hostess and the house so much that almost all subsequent visits to Ho Chi Minh City (five or six times) we stayed in this house. Later it turned out that this room is one of the best in the house.

In we will talk about the sights of Ho Chi Minh City that we managed to see.

This material is dedicated to Ho Chi Minh City - a city that you should definitely visit if you have a couple of days left.
Photos from the editorial archive, as well as Alexander Nefedov, Evgeny Rubanov and Anton Balashov

Ho Chi Minh is the largest city in Vietnam, according to various sources, about 13 million people now live there. Many mistakenly call it the capital of Vietnam, but this is not so - the capital is Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh and Saigon are also often confused, not knowing what the difference is. In fact, this is the same city, just Ho Chi Minh City - the new name of Saigon. In 1975, it was renamed in honor of the communist leader of Vietnam, and as an edification to the rebellious south of the country, which supported the American occupying forces. But until now, not only many residents of the city still call it Saigon - the word Saigon and the abbreviation SGN are used everywhere, in the designation of the airport and train station, in bus schedules and hotel names, in souvenirs. So be on the lookout, Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon are one and the same.

Those who have not been to other Asian megacities will be amazed by the heat, the abundance of motorcyclists for whom no rules seem to be written, and the striking contrast between modern skyscrapers and shops - and street life right at their entrances. It is very interesting to wander around Ho Chi Minh just like that, even without a specific goal - a huge number of shops, street food, coffee houses will not let you get bored. Be sure to buy something from cart vendors, check out the markets, pagodas if you meet them on the way.

Ideal for walking is the central 1st district (indicated on maps as District 1). Almost all the main attractions and museums are located there, as well as the lion's share of hotels, shops, spas, restaurants and cafes that tourists need. Moreover, you can find accommodation for every taste - from a bed in a hostel for $ 5 a day to a five-star hotel room for $ 200. If you want to live in the center, and at the same time have the opportunity to pay for European comfort, choose hotels near Dong Khoi Street and the embankment of the Saigon River. Although half an hour walk from this area, you can spend the night worthy at a price of 20-30 dollars per night. We would like to advise you a special "tourist" quarter, which will remind seasoned travelers of Khaosan Street in Bangkok. In Ho Chi Minh City, for budget tourists, there is Pham Ngu Lao Street (Famgulao). And right behind it there is an understudy street Bui Vien. And do not think that this area is only for the most economical. There are also more expensive hotels there, but the main thing is that these few quarters are intended for tourists. Right there are the departure points for intercity buses-slippers (sleepers) to Mui Ne, Vung Tao, Nha Trang (and further all the way to Hanoi itself), as well as to Cambodia. It is very convenient - I flew to Ho Chi Minh City in the morning, settled in Famgulao, had a bite to eat in one of the many restaurants, wandered around the city center, and tomorrow morning I left by bus further along my route.

Transport

Getting to Famgulao from the airport is very simple - a taxi will cost between 130-150 thousand dongs, and bus number 152 (goes straight to the airport, and you need to get off at the Ben Thanh Market stop and then 10 minutes on foot) - generally only 6 thousand, and the same for luggage.

By the way, about the airport. It is called Tan Son Nhat (Tan Son Nhat) and consists of two terminals located 200 meters apart. The international terminal is referred to in flight documents as Terminal 2.
Domestic, respectively - Terminal 1. Domestic flights are not very expensive, three companies operate on the market - the state-owned Vietnam Airlines, as well as low-cost airlines VietJetAir and JetStar. Prices need to be monitored - for example, tickets to Nha Trang and back from Vietnam Airlines cost $150, VietJetAir almost $200, but JetStar pleased with a promotional fare for $60. Those who have to transfer to a domestic flight just need to exit the building (there is only one exit), turn right and walk two hundred meters (you can keep walking, with luggage on the trolley). Even at the airport, a surprisingly favorable exchange rate is always higher than on the streets of the city, so you can safely change money, the first exchanger is located even before the baggage claim area. You will need Vietnamese dongs in a taxi or bus (by the way, you can pay in a taxi with a card), and in grocery stores. If you wish, in all other places (hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, souvenir shops) you can pay in dollars. But this is not very convenient, not very profitable, and yet not always possible, so it is better to change the currency for expenses in Ho Chi Minh City. If after Ho Chi Minh City you go to Mui Ne or Nha Trang, you can change the main amount already there, as needed - in street exchangers, unlike Ho Chi Minh City, the rate is good.

Speaking about trips around the country, we must also say about the railway station. It's called Ga Saigon. Attention! Now, to buy a railway ticket, you need to provide passport data - name, surname, document number. Usually it is enough to write out these data in advance, the passport itself can not be presented. The train is very convenient if you are going to Nha Trang - on the bus such a journey (12 hours on the way) will be just torture, and the plane is convenient only when you do not plan to see Ho Chi Minh City or take tickets in advance when they are available at a convenient time for you, and sold at the lowest prices. By the way, a plane ticket to Nha Trang can cost around $50, the most expensive train ticket is about $27. at 23-00) to be in Nha Trang at 5-30 in the morning. Paying for the most expensive ticket, you find yourself in a solid Soviet-style compartment. The air conditioner does not turn off, so the blanket you are entitled to will come in handy. The conductors wake up clearly, you will not pass your station.

In fairness, it is worth mentioning the train to Phan Thiet (a city 15 km from Mui Ne). But, although the train is more convenient than the bus, and it goes faster and more comfortably, in reality everything is more complicated - on Famgulao you first take a taxi to the station, then you wait for the train, you ride in it, but since it stops not in Phan Thiet itself, but outside the city , a taxi from the station to Mui Ne will cost you even more than a train ticket! And you make all these movements with luggage. Compare that to being delivered straight from Famgulao to your hotel in Mui Ne by the slippers! The fact is that all Mui Ne, in fact, is one street along the sea, and some bus companies do not drop off passengers at one point in the center of Mui Ne, but simply stop at the right hotels.

In Ho Chi Minh itself, it is better to travel by taxi. There are always a lot of them, they all work according to the counter. There are few twisted counters, mostly such taxi drivers are waiting for customers at the sights. If the numbers on the counter are rushing like crazy, stop the taxi and get out, twenty dongs will be enough for the scoundrel. However, we personally have never come across such cars in Ho Chi Minh City (it was only once in Hanoi). You should be aware that the smaller the taxi car (compact, sedan, minivan), the lower the fare, so save when you can. Make it a rule to show taxi drivers the address or name of the place you want to get to in printed form - from the phone screen or on a piece of paper, and not by ear - our pronunciation is too different, you may not be understood correctly. Be sure to have a few hotel business cards with you when you leave. If you are traveling alone, you can use the services of motorcycle taxis - these are Vietnamese sitting / lying on their motorbikes on the sidewalks, especially at intersections. Prices for hauling with a breeze are about half as much as in a taxi. And, importantly, they move faster. Don't be afraid, all motorcycle taxi drivers are excellent drivers. But do not use the services of cycle rickshaws - these are the first scammers in Ho Chi Minh City!

Security measures

But here's what you need to be wary of, and seriously - street thieves. They are almost always on motorcycles (or have a partner waiting nearby with a motorcycle running), and act very boldly and quickly. Just in the area of ​​​​Famgulao street, rich in tourists. Their prey is phones and bags, which they snatch from their hands. So remember a few things. Do not carry your passport and large sums of money with you, let all this be stored in the hotel. Women - try to carry bags over your shoulder, and not on your shoulder and not in your hand, and not necessarily from the side of the road. It is dangerous to walk, typing or reading something on the phone, snatching it out is a couple of trifles. In addition to these unpleasant moments, Ho Chi Minh City is a fairly safe city, there are no robberies or violence against tourists here, walk to your health. Turn down offers from motobikers about girls and marijuana, and ignore rickshaws (well, they always try to sell money, it seems like you agreed on 200, not 20), and nothing will happen to you.

Attractions

There is a standard list of attractions given in all guidebooks - the Palace of Independence, the Museum of War Crimes, the Historical Museum, the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the Ben Thanh market, Notre Dame de Saigon, the city post office. In our opinion, some of them can be excluded, especially if you have a lack of time. And some - on the contrary, add.

Palace of Independence (Reunification Palace)- the former residence of the President of South Vietnam, the capture of which put an end to the war with the Americans and the unification of the country in 1975. The palace in general has a rich history, its first name is Norodom Palace (in honor of the Cambodian king who ruled in the 1870s). The fact is that both Cambodia and Vietnam at that time were French colonies, and were ruled from Saigon (which, by the way, was the Cambodian city of Prei Nokor many years ago). Since then, it has been used, one by one, by the rulers of South Vietnam. That is why for the Viet Cong army (the communist North of the country) the capture of this building was deeply symbolic, as for the Soviet army - the Reichstag. The tank that broke through the gates of the palace and the bomber that bombed it in April 1975 are on display in the open-air park. True, these are not historical combat vehicles, but simply equipment of the same models. In the Palace of Independence itself, you will see conference halls and meeting rooms, a communications and command and control center, and the offices of its former inhabitants. The building, both in terms of architecture and interiors, is a typical example of the construction and life of the 60s, and, frankly, it does not evoke strong emotions. If you have only one day with Ho Chi Minh City, it makes sense not to waste time exploring the palace, but simply to take a picture of it through the gate, on the way from Ben Thanh market to the Catholic Cathedral.
Address of Independence Palace: Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, 135. Opening hours: daily from 7:30 to 11:00, from 13:00 to 16:00. The ticket costs 30,000 dong. By the way, pay attention: the Palace of Independence is depicted on a bill of 200 thousand dong!

Museum of War Crimes (Museum of War Victims) dedicated to what: the horrors of the war with the Americans. Initially, it was called directly - "The Museum of US War Crimes and Their Puppets", then, in the course of normalizing relations with America, the name gradually became more politically correct, up to the current version. But it doesn't change the essence. The main part of the exhibits is housed in the building where the US Information Agency was located during the war. Wartime weapons, gruesome photographs of the aftermath of napalm and dioxin, US military atrocities including the world famous and infamous Mye Seong My Massacre. Alcoholic fruits mutated by toxic substances. In a word, the exposition leaves a very heavy impression. There is also a prison where military and political prisoners were kept, with its own guillotine, which worked until 1960. Captured equipment is exhibited on the street - two aircraft, a helicopter and a tank. The War Crimes Museum is located near the Independence Palace, but again - if you don’t have much time and don’t feel like thinking about death, you can mentally honor the memory of the victims of this war and explore Ho Chi Minh City further.
Address of the War Crimes Museum: Vo Van Tan street, 28. Opening hours: daily from 07:30 to 12:00, and from 13:30 to 17:00. The ticket costs 15,000 dong.

Historical Museum (Museum of Vietnamese History)- in fact, is a local history museum. A large number of exhibits, artifacts of all eras - literally from the Stone Age to the twentieth century. Ancient works of art, collections of Cham sculptures, clothing, household items and weapons from all ages are, of course, interesting to see. But then again - depending on how much free time you have in Ho Chi Minh City. The museum is located practically on the territory of the zoo, so it makes sense to combine a visit there with a trip to the zoo if you are with a child. Periodically, the museum hosts water puppet theater performances (additional VND 50,000), and although they cannot be compared with a full-fledged production organized by Ho Chi Minh or Hanoi puppet theaters, you can get a general idea.
The address of the Historical Museum: Nguyen Binh Khiem street, 2. The ticket costs 15,000 dong. There is not a word in Russian in the museum, of course. And the most famous exhibit is the ugly mummy, the photo of which we did not give here. Unless you just get to the performance of the puppet theater on the water - otherwise it’s not a fact that you will be satisfied with the visit.

Building Ho Chi Minh Museum, unlike most similar museums in other cities of Vietnam, is almost not connected with who it is dedicated to - Ho Chi Minh himself never lived or worked here. But from about here, in 1911, he went into exile for 30 years. The museum is located on the banks of the Saigon River (by the way, it was she who gave the name to the city), and information about it is given more so that when you are nearby, you know what kind of building it is - in the short time that you will have in Ho Chi Minh, everything sights to bypass all the same it will not be possible.
Address of the Ho Chi Minh Museum: Nguyen Tat Thanh street, 1d. The ticket costs 10,000 dong. To be honest, no one comes to this museum - just know how it looks - this building is quite visible from the Saigon River embankment.

Ben Tanh Market (Cho Benh Thanh) - the largest and most colorful market in the city center - may well be considered its attraction. The market building has long been the hallmark of the first central quarter (District 1) and helps tourists navigate, as there is a large bus station and the tourist quarter of Famgulao next to it. It is very difficult to get rid of annoying traders on the market itself, as well as to understand what the real price of a product is. Trade, trade and trade again. I must say that the Vietnamese themselves do not really like to buy something here - prices are higher than in other places (for example, in the Chinese market Cho Binh Tay in another part of the city). In addition to souvenirs and clothes, there are fruits and vegetables, spices, and many household items. Around 6-7 pm, the market closes, and the space around it is filled with portable cafes - where you can try seafood and national Vietnamese dishes, and quite inexpensively.

Biteksko tower(Bitexco - by the name of the owner, financial corporation) - the hallmark of Ho Chi Minh City, the tallest building in the city (262 meters), which lost its status as the tallest in Vietnam only in 2011, when an even higher skyscraper was built in Hanoi. The architect of the tower is said to have been inspired by the lotus flower (one of the symbols of Vietnam), but it is very difficult to understand where the skyscraper looks like a lotus. The horizontal ledge on the skyscraper is a helipad, and on the 49th floor there is a Saigon Skydeck with a full 360-degree panorama. Entrance ticket costs $10 (200 VND), and it is ideal to come at sunset to see Ho Chi Minh City both in the light of the sun and in the evening lights. From the Ben Tan market to the tower, walk at a very calm pace for about twenty to twenty-five minutes.

Cathedral of Notre Dame de Saigon was built in the 1880s by the French so that its beauty and grandeur would help convert the Vietnamese to the Catholic faith. No money was spared on him - many materials were brought directly from France. For example, the unique red brick has not faded in over 130 years that the cathedral has stood. In front of the building is a statue of the Virgin Mary, who is said to have wept in 2005, drawing a large number of tourists to the city. The cathedral is functioning, you can not only admire the beautiful mosaics (national color has been added to the classical religious scenes, for example, barefoot Vietnamese children are depicted next to the Mother of God), but also see how the services are held. A very popular and romantic place to make a date, because from here you can go for a walk in many directions, and there are many cafes nearby.
Address: Focus on the intersection of Dong Khoi and Nguyen Du streets. The visit is free.

Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office is located to the right of Notre Dame de Saigon, when viewed from the side of the Virgin Mary. This building was built a few years later than the cathedral, and (attention!) by the Eiffel himself (yes, the creator of the tower of the same name). In terms of architecture, by the way, the post office resembles the city hall, but Eiffel's conscience is clear - they started building it a few years later. This post office is the real one, although it looks more like an old European railway station. Here you can send a letter or parcel to any part of the world, but colorful postcards are very popular among tourists. The huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh, which decorates the end of the hall, is not just a tribute to the love of the Vietnamese for the leader - he really worked here, albeit for a very short time.

City Hall (city Hall) - a very beautiful building in the very center of the first district (next to the Opera), which is illuminated in the evenings. Once there was a hotel here, then a municipality, and now - the People's Committee of the city of Ho Chi Minh City (analogous to the Soviet Central Committee of the Communist Party). The building is closed to the public. The square in front of the town hall, along with the statue of Ho Chi Minh, is a favorite place for photographs and romantic walks, and is a very recognizable symbol of the city.
Address: junction of Nguyen Hue and Le Loi streets

Opera House(Opera theatre) is also located in the very center of the city, and is used for its intended purpose - from time to time there are concerts of symphony orchestras from all over the world or other musical performances. From a tourist point of view, the opera house is interesting primarily for the new, interesting and very high-quality show AO Show Saigon, staged especially for foreign guests. Before that, from a cultural point of view, Ho Chi Minh City could only offer travelers a water puppet theater performance (Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, 55 b) - and, frankly, it is quite archaic, for an amateur. It took a fresh look from a foreign director to show the Vietnamese culture, the features of everyday life and life in a dynamic, interesting, and humorous way. We strongly recommend that you visit this show, even despite the rather expensive tickets (for more details, visit www.aoshowsaigon.com). The performance takes place 3-4 times a week, at 6 and 8 pm, tickets can be bought not only in the opera house itself, but in almost all travel agencies and hotels in the city. Keep in mind that when you show your boarding pass for an international flight that you flew to Ho Chi Minh City, there is often a hefty discount of 30%.
Address: Cong Truong Lam Son street, 07

Factory of lacquer products undeservedly not mentioned by most guidebooks, while in fact this is one of those places that you will definitely remember visiting. By the way, many sightseeing tours of Ho Chi Minh City include a visit to the factory in their mandatory program. Lacquer painting, the oldest Vietnamese art, has been technologically held back for many centuries, as lacquer is a very difficult material to use. In the air, it hardens, darkens, it is very difficult for it to give the desired color, and working with it requires maximum concentration, accuracy and skill. It is interesting that initially only five colors were used (according to the number of available natural dyes of that time), and they came up with the idea to replace the white color with crushed eggshells or mother-of-pearl. Even in ancient times, dishes, household items, horse harness were covered with varnish for durability in conditions of tropical humidity, but all these items had more decorative than artistic value. But it wasn't until the 20th century, especially after World War II, that Vietnamese artists, in search of a national identity, turned their attention to lacquer painting as a hallmark of their country. Now, along with very inexpensive caskets and saucers worth a few dollars, craftsmen create real paintings and panels of great artistic value. At the factory, you can see the entire process of making lacquer products, and experience genuine respect for the people who do this.
Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, 94-102

Embankment of the Saigon River and the neighborhoods adjacent to it are a great place for walking, this is an area of ​​expensive colonial-style hotels, interesting restaurants of different cuisines of the world, and a respectable public. From a tourist point of view, a walk along the river on one of the many ships is interesting. It usually starts at 8 pm, includes dinner, entertainment, and one of the most interesting activities is watching other ornate ships. Such a trip costs from 20-25 dollars to 60-70, depending on the ship.

And now the good news for those who are already confused in all these sights and longingly think that in half a day allotted for exploring the city, they won’t have time to really see anything. In fact, walk around Ho Chi Minh City can be organized in such a way that you will be able to see a lot. The simplest thing is to take a sightseeing tour of the city, which includes a visit to the main attractions (the cost of such a trip is from $ 7 per person). True, such an excursion is far from suitable for everyone - the groups are large, and the guide speaks only English. A Russian-speaking guide, although not a problem in Ho Chi Minh City, will cost you $ 50, which is quite acceptable for a family or a small company. But you can walk around the city on your own - especially since almost all the sights are located in the central first district.

For example, you live in the Famgulao area. Move towards the Ben Tan market, and then rise higher and to the right - to the Palace of Independence. Whether or not you visit it and the War Crimes Museum is up to you. Literally ten minutes from the Palace of Independence is Notre Dame de Saigon, just behind it is the post office. If the day is hot and stuffy, you can take a break in one of the coffee houses or take a cool taxi to get to the lacquer factory in comfort.
If you continue walking from the cathedral or post office, just walk down Dong Khoi Street (the Virgin Mary is looking at it). In ten or fifteen minutes you will find yourself in the area of ​​City Hall and the Opera House. You can walk even further, to the Bitexco tower, and climb to the observation deck. And if the time is approaching 8 pm, then take a boat ride on the Saigon River. You do not want? Return to Famgulao along the chic Le Loi street, where several shopping centers are located. If you find yourself on this street around 9 pm, be sure to check out the well-known institution in narrow circles - the Jazz Club at Le Loi, 28. This small jazz cafe will take you to another era, and it will be very difficult to imagine what is behind the door - bustle of the Vietnamese streets.

Finally, I would like to recommend a couple of places for families with children. If you are traveling in Asia and spend a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, or make a stop here for just a day or two, but with a child - please him with new experiences! First of all, you can go with him to zoo- He's pretty good in Ho Chi Minh City. Do not forget that the Museum of Vietnamese History is located almost on the territory of the zoo - take a look here if you want. The zoo also includes a botanical garden.
Address: Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, 2B. Working hours - from 8-30 to 16-00. Instead of an address, you can simply write to the Saigon Zoo taxi driver, but on foot, and even with a child, do not try to get to the zoo - it is located quite far.

Amusement park and water parkDam Sen will not leave indifferent neither an adult nor a child. It is huge in area and includes not only all kinds of attractions (there are roller coasters), but also a water park, the entrance to which is located quite far from the main entrance. So, when driving up, tell the taxi driver at which entrance to stop. The water park here resembles Vinpearl in Nha Trang, so if you have other resorts (Mui Ne, Vung Tau) in your travel program after Ho Chi Minh City, it makes sense to spend half a day and bring your child here.
Address: 3 Hòa Bình, phường 3. Entrance 150 thousand dong for an adult, 120 thousand for children.

Vietopia- a new and very interesting option for children's recreation. A whole city for children was built on the territory of a large pavilion. The game element is that the child can try himself in different professions - here he is a fireman and puts out a burning house, here he is taught to mess with a baby, here he is a dentist or a magician, and here he makes very tasty strawberry ice cream. At the entrance, you are given a certain number of coupons with which you pay for "education", but in some cases the game is arranged in such a way that, on the contrary, the child is even paid for his "work". Children take everything seriously and you can’t drag them out of the magical city by the ears. A place definitely worth a visit! Different professions have different age thresholds, so at the entrance, when asked the age of the child, feel free to add a year so that more entertainment is available.
Address: Số 2-4 đường số 9, khu đô thị mới Him Lam, phường Tân Hưng.
Ticket price: for a child 190 (weekdays) or 280 (weekends) thousand VND, for an accompanying adult - 140 thousand. Adults are not allowed to participate in the games. Of course, there is a language barrier in the game, but a lot is explained by gestures, so don't worry. After visiting Vietopia, we advise you to look into the nearest Lotte Mart (it's a couple of blocks away, just write the name of the store to the taxi driver), and buy inexpensive and high-quality clothes for your child (and yourself).

And now we will talk about excursions which makes sense to take while in Ho Chi Minh City. Most often, it is easier, cheaper, and even more interesting to buy a tour, and not get to your destination on your own.
First of all, it must be said about Mekong Delta. The Great Asian River overflows here with hundreds of channels and feeds a huge number of people - the density of living in this area is one of the highest in the world. Excursions are for one or two days (with an overnight stay and early arrival at the colorful floating market) - but most travelers choose a one-day excursion. During it, you will see the life of the Vietnamese peasants, unchanged, probably for more than one hundred years. Here it is, real Vietnam, without skyscrapers, iPhones in the hands of young people and trendy coffee shops. Sweets made from coconut and other fruits, rice paper, pagoda incense sticks - everything is made here. An interesting trip, and not exhausting.

Those who are interested in the war with the Americans should definitely go to Kuchi tunnels- a whole underground labyrinth of partisans who caused the invaders a huge number of problems. No one will be left indifferent by the patience, courage, way of life and cunning tricks of the Vietnamese who lived and fought in the tunnels. Is it even possible to conquer such a nation? Those who wish can shoot at a special range with pistols, machine guns or even a machine gun, for an additional fee. Sometimes an excursion to the Kuchi tunnels is combined with a visit to the temple of the Cao Dai religion, which is interesting primarily because it was born in 1928 in Vietnam and, unlike all other teachings, is original.

Dong Tam Snake Farm First of all, it will be of interest to those who want to see the famous cobra ritual and taste its heart, blood and meat. There are about 20 species of snakes in the nursery, there is a "snake" restaurant, so you can taste a variety of dishes, as well as wash them down with healing cobra-infused rice vodka. Or buy such a drink at home or as a gift, without the risk that you will be slipped a decorative bottle with industrial alcohol.

And finally, it is impossible not to mention trip to Cambodia, and more specifically - in Angkor Wat. If you decide to spend a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, the prospect of seeing the world-famous wonder of the world (and the live scenery for the Lara Croft movie) is unlikely to leave you indifferent. Cambodia is next! The city of Siem Reap, 5 kilometers from which Angkor Wat is located, is located not as close to Ho Chi Minh City as, for example, from Bangkok, but still not far away. And, by the way, excursions are not needed here - everything is elementary to do on your own. The most comfortable way to get to Siem Reap is by plane, round-trip tickets cost around $300. For budget travelers, buses run from the already mentioned tourist street Famgulao in Ho Chi Minh to Siem Reap every hour from 7 am to 3-4 pm (round trip ticket about $ 25). But there is one catch - the bus goes slowly, in the capital of Cambodia - Phnom Penh - you change it for another, and in total the trip takes a long 12 hours. We recommend two other options. If you are several people, it is much more correct to find a taxi. Most likely, the car will be replaced at the border, check it out. The way to Siem Reap in total will cost 80-100 dollars for everyone. And the same number back. And if you are alone (two of you), and in economy mode, make a stop for the night in Phnom Penh - and the path will not be so difficult, and look at the Royal Palace in the capital, this is ideal if you have time. And the next morning, continue to Siem Reap, all tickets can be bought in advance in Ho Chi Minh City. A good guesthouse in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap costs about $25 per night. Visa - $ 20, but you will be offered it for 25, with help in registration, agree. A ticket to Angkor Wat costs $ 20, a rickshaw cab (gasoline taxis are prohibited on the territory of the temple complex) another 15. Night Siem Reap is like Pattaya, fun!

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, can be safely called a city of many faces. The magic of the eastern atmosphere manages to coexist with the reality of socialism, namely cheap housing and food. Hanoi has the opportunity to offer its guests a cultural rest, enjoy nature, fun day and night. The historical center of this city is Hoan Kiem Lake ("returned sword"). This place acts as a legendary, cultural phenomenon of Hanoi, a unique natural corner of the capital. A story is associated with him, in which a magic sword and a divine turtle appear. The Vietnamese say: Hoan Kiem is the protective space of the city and the country. Not far from the lake is the Temple of the Jade Mountain. On an island in the middle of the water is the Turtle Tower. In the evenings, you can watch a performance of an unusual puppet theater here. The water surface becomes the venue for performances. An ancient building, the first university in the past was the Hanoi Temple of Literature. Locals chose this place to worship their ancestors and read prayers for good luck. This area hosts concert programs dedicated to Vietnamese music. As for cultural recreation, thanks to the presence of numerous museums in Hanoi, you can learn about the culture of the country and its history. The expositions are presented by masterpieces of fine arts, Vietnamese history and ethnology, as well as the armed forces of the state. Classical music lovers can listen to the Hanoi Opera. Fans of the architecture of the past will be able to enjoy the walks made by the Old Quarter of the city. On Badinh Square you can see the modern, ceremonial Hanoi. It is famous for the Ho Chi Minh Museum, its mausoleum, and home. Military marches are held on the square. In the markets of the city and in souvenir shops, you can bargain, while reducing the initial cost by half. Here there is a chance to buy inexpensive leather shoes, handmade ties, silk dresses, shirts, pearl jewelry and scarves - all this makes the capital's shopping exciting. Often store prices are lower than market prices. And the fatigue from shopping is easily removed in the water park located near the Western Lake. A number of relaxing treatments can be availed at the capital's spa centre. A distraction from the bustle of the city will be a trip to the territory where Halong Bay is located. Local travel agencies organize bicycle tours around the capital. Hanoi is considered a real paradise for everyone who loves fine oriental cuisine. Tourists are pleased with the abundance of fruits, seafood, and quality local drinks. Prices are low here. Thanks to street food, food in cafes, restaurants, you can fully explore all the nuances of the capital's cuisine. The basic principle of cooking is to use only fresh products. Cooked dishes are not spicy, while they are well absorbed. The peculiarity of the cuisine is the popularity of rice. Here it is also popular as bread in Russia. Dozens of varieties are grown on the territory of the country: both a product familiar to Europeans and multi-colored (red, black). It is served neat. But often vegetables, herbs, and meat are added. Noodles, both rice and egg noodles, are also popular. Soups and side dishes are prepared with it. Seafood cuisine has become famous for famous dishes: shrimp of all sizes, octopus, crabs, clams and lobsters. They eat meat without restrictions. Unusual foods - dishes from frogs, snakes or rats should not scare you. In Hanoi cafes, as a rule, pork, beef, chicken are served. Exotic meat dishes are delicacies. They are offered by expensive restaurants. Dog meat, for example, is somewhat more expensive than beef. What is worth trying for tourists who visited this Vietnamese city. The main delicacy of Vietnamese cuisine is Nuoc Mam, the world-famous fish sauce. It is added to many dishes. It combines an unpleasant smell and a divine taste. Hanoi cuisine is represented by such worthy dishes as Pho soup, for example, is a bestseller. In Hanoi, its preparation is the best. It takes at least eight hours to prepare a rich broth made from thinly sliced ​​meat (beef, chicken) or mushrooms, noodles, onions. And as a seasoning they take wheat germ, cilantro and sauce. Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh? This question puzzled numerous visitors in Vietnam. Hanoi is considered the capital, and Ho Chi Minh City is an attractive huge city in the south of Vietnam. I want to go to both of these cities, but often you need to make a difficult choice. Still, which is better: Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi? Ho Chi Minh deserves more for your time and money. First of all, the weather favors this, because this city is located near the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City boasts the best weather because it has two seasons: dry and rainy. The dry season starts in December and ends in April. The average temperature in Ho Chi Minh City is 29 degrees throughout the year. Ho Chi Minh City has the best transport system, which is replenished with new roads and many railway lines. Traffic jams here are less serious than in Hanoi and by public transport there is a chance to get to any part of South Vietnam. Influenced by the culture of France, Ho Chi Minh City has gained a lot of experience in terms of entertainment. The entertainment facilities of the city have modern equipment, which is a definite plus for tourists. Restaurants in the city offer a wide range of dishes. In Ho Chi Minh City you can visit Italian, German, English, Hungarian, Indian, Chinese restaurants, which are characterized by comfort and the best finishes.

Ho Chi Minh City - Economic Center of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh is a city in the south of Vietnam. The largest city in the country (population 6.1 million).
From 1887 to 1946 - the capital of French Indochina.
At first it was called Prey Nokor and was the largest port in Cambodia. After the conquest of this area by the Vietnamese and until 1975, it was called Saigon, after the name of the river on which it is located. Renamed in honor of the first president of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (according to the tradition of transliteration of Vietnamese geographical names that has developed in domestic science, the name of the city is written together). At the same time, in colloquial Vietnamese, the name "Saigon" is still common.
City `s history
Ho Chi Minh City is a new land. It wasn't until 300 years ago that the name Saigon was mentioned in history books. In early 1698, the ruler of Nguyen Gyu Canh founded the Zha Dinh district and Saigon district.
Much later, it will turn into a huge urban area in Vietnam. In 1859, the colonial era of this area began: the French colonialists invaded and occupied the South, destroying the Zha Dinh citadel. From the beginning of French rule, the city developed rapidly - many new buildings appeared, some of which are pleasing to the eye to this day. Due to its favorable geographical location, land and climatic conditions, the city soon became the center of merchants all over the world. Saigon seaport was founded in 1862. On March 15, 1874, the President of France signed a decree officially founding the city of Saigon. At the beginning of the 20th century, Tjolon (Chinatown) joined Saigon to form the largest urban area in Indochina.
Later, this historic land became the cradle of the anti-colonial movement. This is where the Vietnamese gained independence with the end of the Ho Chi Minh campaign on April 30, 1975. On July 2, 1976, Saigon City was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City.
After a difficult three hundred years of formation and development, the city of Ho Chi Minh has preserved many ancient architectural monuments, famous historical sites and picturesque corners of nature. A mixture of national traditions, elements of Chinese and Western European cultures creates that unique flavor that imbues the streets of the city. A whimsical combination of urban elements and the atmosphere of an oriental city make visiting Ho Chi Minh one of the most memorable travel experiences.
Sights of Ho Chi Minh City.
People's Committee - a beautiful building crowns the wide Nguyen Hue Avenue. this is one of the symbols of Ho Chi Minh City, against which tourists are always photographed.
Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral was built in 1877. The marble statue of the Virgin Mary in Cathedral Square is highly revered by Vietnamese Christians. Sometimes the statue of the Mother of God cries, this is the same inexplicable mystery as the myrrh-streaming of icons.
In the so-called craft villages, especially around Hanoi, it is common to make silk paintings, various dishes and souvenirs for tourists. At present, these "villages" are gradually turning into production centers for the production of souvenirs and goods based on national motives. But, you can still find many handicraftsmen who actually make dishes, embroidered paintings, and furniture by hand.
Southern half of Vietnam
The southern half of Vietnam is seaside resorts, Vietnam's largest city, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta. This is the choice of those who mainly love seaside holidays. It is also the choice of those who combine visits to Vietnam and Cambodia, and even Thailand. Cambodia is just a few hours drive from Ho Chi Minh City by highway or the Mekong River. There are express buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Cambodia. From Ho Chi Minh City to the capital of Thailand, Bangkok, is about a thousand kilometers, almost two times less than from Ho Chi Minh City to the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi.
Here, in the south of the country, are the famous seaside resorts of Nha Trang, Phan Thiet, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc and Kon Dao. True, they cannot be called year-round due to the wet season for several months of the year.
Northern half of Vietnam and Laos
Russian citizens enter Laos without visas for up to 15 days. Therefore, in northern Vietnam and Laos, you can travel without a visa for quite a long time.
Laos is closer to northern Vietnam. In Laos, visit the current capital, Vientiane, and the ancient capital, Luang Prabang, with many Buddhist pagodas, monasteries and monks. The optimal stay is 3-4 days. The capital of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City, is a very patriarchal country, a lost world. Currently, many expeditions are working in the jungles of Laos, trying to find traces of animals that were considered exterminated elsewhere on the planet. According to tourists, here the whole environment heals from stress. There is a saying in Indochina: "The Vietnamese sow rice, the Khmers watch them do it, and the Laotians listen to it grow."
Between Hanoi and Vientiane, there is a plane and a bus. The bus covers the distance between the two capitals in a day. Ticket price - from $20.
If you fly to Laos by plane, then after staying in it, it is advisable to move back from the city of Vientiane to Vietnam along the road to the South China Sea. For several hours she walks along the Mekong River in its middle course, then through the jungle. Almost immediately after crossing the border with Vietnam, there is the mountain resort of Son Kim with sources of healing hot mineral water. Then, an hour's drive, on the sea is the seaside resort of Kialo. the swimming season in which lasts from April to November. From Kia Lo transfer for 2 days to Halong Bay and then to Hanoi.
Southern half of Vietnam and Cambodia
Being in South Vietnam, as stated above, it is easy to visit Cambodia. Buses run between Ho Chi Minh City and Cambodia. Another way is by boat or ferry along the river, but this is less comfortable and takes longer.
Border crossings in Cambodia
Moc Bai in Tay Ninh province. Direct buses from Ho Chi Minh City to Go Dau on Highway 22A.
Sa Mat in Tay Ninh province. From the town of Go Dau, follow 22B.
Tinh Bien in the province of An Giang, about 50 kilometers from the Gulf of Thailand. From Long Xuyen City in An Giang Province, take Highway 91.
Vinh Xuong in An Giang Province. On the Tien River from the pier at the Victoria Chau Doc Hotel in Chau Doc to the Vinh Xuong border crossing by boat, after customs immigration procedures - to Phnom Penh.
High speed bus timetable from Vietnam to Cambodia from Cambodia to Vietnam