Saigon ⭐
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam and a bustling hub of commerce and culture. The city is a fascinating blend of the old and new, with historic landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the War Remnants Museum sharing space with modern skyscrapers and shopping malls. Visitors can explore the city's vibrant street food scene, which offers everything from traditional Vietnamese pho to international cuisine. Ho Chi Minh City also serves as a gateway to the Mekong Delta and other nearby destinations, making it a popular starting point for travelers exploring southern Vietnam.
Despite rats, cockroaches, heat, humidity, and smog, crowded, and loud, I really like Saigon. I am the type of guy who likes and enjoys chaos. Saigon is chaotic and as a result its fun. Its a fairly safe city, with awesome people who are quick to engage Westerners. I say Westerners because I know Asians from other countries who would say otherwise. Saigon is a huge spider web and I don't mean that in a bad way, but what I mean is its huge, a maze with so many streets, narrow streets, and alley ways that it confuses me and I am pretty good with navigation. I lived in Saigon for 3 years and never was able to tell my general direction. Saigon and Vietnam is not for everyone. Rarely do I meet people who think of Vietnam and just say, "oh, its ok!" You either love it or hate it. I'm one of those people who love it.
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a powerful and emotional museum that provides visitors with a glimpse into the Vietnam War from the perspective of the Vietnamese people. The museum features exhibits and displays showcasing the brutality of the war, including photographs, artifacts, and weapons used during the conflict. Visitors can also learn about the impact of Agent Orange and other chemical weapons used by the U.S. military during the war. While the exhibits can be intense and emotional, the museum offers an important opportunity to learn about the history and consequences of the war and to reflect on the importance of peace and reconciliation.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an intricate network of underground tunnels located outside of Ho Chi Minh City. Originally constructed by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, the tunnels served as a strategic military base and living quarters for soldiers. Today, the tunnels have been preserved as a historic site and are open to visitors. Visitors can crawl through sections of the narrow tunnels to experience what life was like for the soldiers who lived there. The site also features displays of booby traps and other weapons used during the war, as well as exhibits on the history and construction of the tunnels. A visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels is a fascinating and sobering experience that provides insight into the hardships and resilience of those who fought in the Vietnam War.
Saigon Central Post Office
The Saigon Central Post Office is a beautiful historic building located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Designed by Alfred Foulhoux, the post office is a popular tourist attraction that is still in use today. Visitors can admire the beautiful architecture and design of the building, which features a grand hall with high ceilings, arched windows, and intricate mosaic tiles. Inside, the post office is bustling with activity as locals and tourists alike come to send mail, buy stamps, or take photos. A visit to the Saigon Central Post Office offers a glimpse into the city's colonial past and is a must-see destination for anyone interested in architecture or history.
Ben Thanh market
Ben Thanh Market is a vibrant and bustling marketplace located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The market is one of the oldest and most famous markets in Vietnam and is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can explore the market's many stalls, which offer a wide range of goods, including clothing, textiles, jewelry, souvenirs, and fresh produce. Bargaining is a common practice at Ben Thanh Market, so visitors should be prepared to negotiate prices with vendors. The market is also home to a food court that offers a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes, as well as street food vendors selling snacks and drinks. A visit to Ben Thanh Market is a great way to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in Ho Chi Minh City and to shop for unique souvenirs and gifts.
Mekong Delta ❤️🏠📸🚗⭐
The Mekong Delta is a vast and fertile region located in southern Vietnam, known for its network of rivers, canals, and rice paddies. The region is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna, as well as many traditional villages and floating markets. Visitors can take boat tours along the waterways to explore the region's natural beauty and cultural heritage. The Mekong Delta is also famous for its agriculture, particularly for its production of rice, fruits, and seafood. Visitors can sample fresh and delicious local specialties, including coconut candies, honey tea, and fresh seafood. A visit to the Mekong Delta offers a unique and memorable experience that highlights the natural beauty, cultural richness, and agricultural bounty of southern Vietnam.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street ❤️🏠
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a popular pedestrian street located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The street spans from City Hall to the Saigon River and is a vibrant hub of activity for both locals and tourists. The street is lined with shops, restaurants, and cafes, making it a great place to grab a bite to eat or do some shopping. At night, the street comes alive with colorful light displays and live music performances, adding to the festive and lively atmosphere. A visit to Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a great way to experience the energy and excitement of Ho Chi Minh City and to enjoy the city's beautiful architecture and public spaces.
Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Street is a popular destination for nightlife and entertainment located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. The street is lined with bars, clubs, restaurants, and street vendors, making it a lively and vibrant hub of activity for locals and tourists alike. Visitors can enjoy a night out on the town, sampling local Vietnamese beers and cocktails, listening to live music, or trying local street food. The atmosphere on Bui Vien Street is lively and festive, particularly on weekends and holidays, when the street is filled with revelers and performers. A visit to Bui Vien Street is a great way to experience the vibrant and energetic nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City and to soak up the city's youthful and lively spirit.
Personally, I don't like Bui Vien Street, but I share an unbiased view as well as my own biases. Bui Vien to me is just a cesspool of STD's. It's scammers and hustlers with lame bars and clubs and lame music. I know I will be looked at as a hater for this, because no one cares about perspective, but as a former professional street dancer, I have traveled the world dancing and clubbing. Bui Vien is not a street I'd consider popp'n. 95% of the time if my friends are going there, I pass. It's just lame to me.