In the core of the Mekong Delta, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is second the most important in Vietnam after Hanoi. It is not only a commercial center but also a scientific, technological, industrial and tourist center. The city is bathed by many rivers, arroyos and canals, the biggest river being the Saigon River.
Many centuries ago, Saigon was already a busy commercial center. Merchants from China, Japan and many European countries would sail upstream the Saigon River to reach the islet of Pho, a trading center. In the year of 1874, Cho Lon merged with Saigon, forming the largest city in the Indochina. It had been many times celebrated as the Pearl of the Far East.
Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has various attractions as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, system of museums, theatres, cultural houses...
TransporatationHo Chi Minh City is the main junction for trains, roads, water, and air transportation systems for domestic trips and for foreign destination.
- Roads: Ho Chi Minh City is 1,730km from Hanoi, 99km from Tay Ninh, 30km from Bien Hoa (Dong Nai), 70km from My Tho, 125km from Vung Tau, 168km from Can Tho, 308km from Dalat, and 375km from Buon Ma Thuot. The City has National Highway 13 which connects Vietnam with the rest of Indochina.
- Train: Thong Nhat express train connects Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, vie many provinces in Vietnam.
- Air: Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 7km from center of city, is the biggest airport with many domestic and international routes. There are flights from Hanoi and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City
Places to see * Reunification Palace, Enter at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, ☎ 9693272. Open daily 7:30AM-11:00AM, 1PM-4PM. Also known as Independence Palace (this is the old name). This is a restored five-floor time warp to the Sixties left largely untouched from the day before Saigon fell to the North (construction started in 1962 and finished in 1966). Formerly South Vietnam's Presidential Palace, the war ended on April 30, 1975 when tank #843 — a replica of which is now parked on the lawn outside — crashed through the gate. Be sure to check out the impressively kitschy recreation room, featuring a circular sofa, and the eerie basement, full of vintage 1960s phones, radios, and office equipment, supposedly left exactly as it was found when the North took over. There is also a photo gallery and a propaganda film recounting how the South Vietnamese supporters and American imperialists succumbed to Ho Chi Minh's indomitable revolutionary forces, upon which point the South Vietnamese supporters were forgiven and everyone lived happily ever after. Tours are available and are free, but not necessary. There is a nice outdoor café on the grounds outside the palace. Entry 15,000 dong. edit
* War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan Street, ☎ 9302112, 9306325, 9305587 (
warrmhcm@gmail.com). Open daily 7:30AM-12PM, 1:30PM-5PM, last admission 4:30PM. Formerly known as the of Exhibition House of American War Crimes, the museum was opened in a hurry, less than five months after the fall of the South. It's currently housed in a rather confused assemblage of seven warehouses, with new purpose-built premises partially open for temporary and permanent exhibits. This disturbing display of man's cruelty during the Vietnam (American) War includes halls full of gruesome photographs, a simulated "tiger cage" prison and jars of deformed fetuses blamed on Agent Orange. There is very obvious bias as there are no "records" of any unpleasant deeds having been committed by the North Vietnamese Army. Outside, there are helicopters, jets, tanks, and other bits of armament. However watch out for the amputees who will try and sell you their wares. It's only a block from the Reunification Palace — see the museum pamphlet for a map. Entry 15,000 dong. edit
* On Le Quy Don, just south of the museum, is a soft ice cream vendor, a happy treat for about 2000 dong in a hot and hectic city.
* City Hall, end of Nguyen Hue Street. Originally called the Hôtel de Ville and now formally re-branded the People's Committee Hall, it's a striking cream and yellow French colonial building beautifully floodlit at night. No entry, but the statue of Uncle Ho in front is a very popular place for photos.
* Museum of Vietnamese History, at the intersection of Le Duan Street and Nguyen Binh Khiem (just inside the zoo gates). The museum has a fine collection of Vietnamese antiquities. Read up on Vietnamese history first or you'll have no idea what you're looking at. Outside, the Botanical Gardens are very nice and a good place for a cheap lunch away from the crowds. If you care about animal welfare, avoid the zoo. edit
* Ho-Chi-Minh Museum, Duong Nguyen Tat Thanh, Dist. 4, for your propaganda dose. Open daily 7:30AM-12:00PM, 1:30PM-5PM, last admission 4:30PM, 10,000 dong entry. The museum (in a French colonial era building) near the dock of Saigon shows the life story of the modern day father of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh (the guy on the money). There's also a Ho Chi Minh book shop as well.
(from Wikitravel)
Budget Hotels/HostelsA Quang Chau
US $4 onwards
Directions:
We are very centrally located and all amenities are near by. The taxi station is a few blocks away and is available 24/24. We are just 5 minutes drive from the Tan Son Nhat Airport and 15 minutes drive from the city centre.
Lacrapro Hotel
US $5 onwards
About Lacrapro Hotel
Lacapro is a typical aiport transit hotel: it is located in a quiet area near the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 15 minutes from the city center by vehicule with supermarket, ATM, shops, bookstores, taxi station, bus stops, ... around the corner.nice rooms, air-conditioner, IDD, satellite TV, refrigerator, etc.
Support of our service center nearby, fully included in our price, with: English-speaking staff, breakfast, Wifi internet ADSL, calls in the city, laundry, and directions…
My My Arthouse
US $7 onwards
Opened in October 2005, My My Arthouse is a modern, friendly, family-run guesthouse located in a quiet alley just 30 seconds walk from Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham streets right in the heart of the city.
We have a choice of rooms available to the budget traveller all with air conditioning and fans, double beds, cable TV, mini-bar and en suite bathrooms with hot water. Our 4 large rooms are bright and spacious with outdoor facing windows, while the 10 small rooms offer similar levels of comfort at a lower cost. We also have a twin private room with en suite (2 adjoining rooms - both with double beds) ideal for 2 friends travelling together.
All our rooms are cleaned and provided with fresh towels daily
Our room prices include a simple breakfast of fresh baked bread with butter and homemade jam with coffee, tea and orange juice.
We offer a full range of services for you such as fast internet access, laundry, money exchange, luggage storage and visa service. We are happy to offer honest advice on any local tours as well as onward travel and can book these for you if you wish.
Vy Khanh Guesthouse
US $8 onwards
Welcome to Vy Khanh guesthouse. It's located (safe place)at pack backer's area (district 1) walking distance to all activities,( walking 7 minutes to Ben Thanh markets), near bank, park,museums, zoo, coffee shops yet it's quiet enough since it situated in an alley. All rooms are equiped with air conditioners, portable fan, private bath with heated water, mini fridge, cable TV, wifi internet (free). Friendly staff, relaxing atmostsphere, and home stay at a reasonable price. You will be comfortable and safe staying at our place.
Address:241/11/6 Pham Ngu Lao, district 1, Ho Chi Minh city, Viet Nam.
