Ho Chi Minh City

Formerly called Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City has a number of places that visitors will want to spend time at. More than one hundred years old, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens houses many rare animals and plants. A newer venue for tourists is Suoi Tien Amusement Park. Watch the dolphins and sea lions put on performances at Suoi Tien Amusement Park’s Dolphin Palace, float along the river at the Fairy Phoenix Palace area of the park, ride the roller coaster and have fun in the Laser Zone. Tourists will also want to see the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City, as well as the many museums, parks, temples and to shop at one of the many street stalls.

Top 10 things to do in Ho Chi Minh

1. Crawl through the Cu Chi tunnels, a system of subterranean tunnels used during the Vietnam War (or, as the Vietnamese call it, “The American War”). Situated in the jungle outside the city, this is an educational way to get your hands dirty and experience a bit of history.

2. Eat at the Ngon Restaurant and watch the traditional water puppet show on its outdoor riverside terrace. The food is good, but the real point is access to the traditional cultural experience that is the puppet show.

3. The Reunification Palace is much as it was in the 60s, complete with a replica of the tank that ended the war by crashing through the palace gates. A particularly interesting feature is a propaganda film telling the story of the South Vietnamese and Americans folding under Ho Chi Minh’s superior military, ending in the forgiveness of South Vietnam and a “happily ever after” ending.

4. Beat the heat at Dam Sen Water Park or one of the other three water parks in Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is hot, and this makes for a nice change of pace.

5. Dance at any of Ho Chi Minh’s numerous night clubs for a chance to experience the culture clash between East and West. Particularly infamous is the “Heart of Darkness”, a war-themed club that’s patterned like a scene out of Full Metal Jacket.

6. Visit the Dai Nam Tourist Park for a variety of tourist attractions, which plays host to an excellent temple and features several entertainment venues, including an open-air zoo.

7. Chat with the locals at Twenty-Three September Park, where people gather to play impromptu games (they’ll invite you to join) and practice their English. Exercise good judgment when interacting with strangers, but most people just want to have a good time.

8. Drink coffee. You’d be surprised. Vietnam is one of the world’s largest coffee exporters, and local shops often serve a strong brew, sweetened with condensed sweet milk, offering a different taste than what you’re probably used to. Nice coffee shops are all over Ho Chi Minh City.

9. Thien Hau Pagoda, dedicated to the sea goddess, offers some fantastic sculptures and is a good option for visiting at least one pagoda – which you should do.

10. The War Remnants Museum is another great way to see a piece of war history. It is very lopsided in its historical view (obviously favoring the actions of the North Vietnamese), and is rather gory at times. Excellent for adults with an interest in history; not so great if you’re bringing the kids.

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