Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is often called the “Little Paris of the East” due to its many preserved French buildings. Stroll leisurely through the streets, savoring a variety of delicious foods; send a postcard to a distant friend from the Central Post Office, sharing a touch of exotic greetings; and when night falls, dive into the nightlife amid the shimmering neon lights… Experience the romance of this city within its rich French ambiance.
1. Weather
Ho Chi Minh City has a mild climate, divided into rainy and dry seasons. Even during the rainy season, it rarely rains all day, making it a suitable destination for travel all year round.
2. Popular Attractions
Central Post Office: The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a historic French-style building dating back to the 19th century. Its exterior resembles a train station, while the interior features unique decorations such as arching ceilings, grand chandeliers, and round stained glass windows. Don’t miss the vintage telephone booths—it’s a must-visit for fans of historic architecture!
Pham Ngu Lao Street: A must-visit at night in Ho Chi Minh City, Pham Ngu Lao Street comes alive with vibrant nightlife as the lights turn on. You’ll find an array of Vietnamese street food, barbecue stalls, diverse restaurants, and lively bars, offering a rich and colorful experience.
Bitexco Financial Tower: Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Bitexco Financial Tower stands 262 meters tall with 68 floors, featuring a unique design inspired by the national flower of Vietnam, lotus flower, and the traditional Vietnamese clothing, áo dài. On the 49th floor, the “Saigon Skydeck” offers a 360-degree view of the city, providing a stunning perspective, especially at night when the city lights up.
Landmark 81 Sky Observation Deck: Landmark 81 is a comprehensive building that combines a shopping center and a supermarket, featuring renowned international fashion brands and luxury retail spaces. Standing at 461 meters tall, the observation deck spans the 79th to 81st floors, allowing visitors to use telescopes and advanced touchscreen systems to view famous city landmarks and enjoy a unique experience.
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral: One of Ho Chi Minh City’s iconic landmarks, the Notre-Dame Cathedral is located in the bustling city center and is often referred to as the “Red Cathedral” due to its entirely red brick construction. The red bricks were imported from France and remain vibrant over a century later. The design mirrors that of the Paris Notre-Dame Cathedral, featuring symmetrical and majestic architecture. The two towers rise 40 meters into the sky, and in front of the church stands a four-ton statue of the Virgin Mary. The exterior is adorned with intricate sculptures, while the interior features small prayer rooms, each with unique altars, sculptures, and decorations.
Sacred Heart Cathedral: Often referred to as the “Pink Church” due to its pink exterior and interior, the Sacred Heart Cathedral was built in 1876 during the French colonial era and is the second-largest church in Ho Chi Minh City. On clear days, the pink facade looks picturesque, with colorful stained glass windows reflecting sunlight and adding a touch of romance to the entire church.
3. Shopping
Ben Thanh Market: No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without visiting a market, and Ben Thanh Market is the oldest in the city. With countless stalls offering a wide variety of goods, it’s an excellent place to buy souvenirs. In addition to shopping, you can also sample delicious local snacks available throughout the market.
4. Food
Ho Chi Minh City boasts a vibrant food scene, offering not only authentic Vietnamese dishes like pho, fried elephant ear fish, and spring rolls, but also delicious cuisines from France, Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries, ensuring a diverse culinary experience for visitors. For an authentic bowl of pho, head to the renowned Pho Hoa Pasteur, which is famous for its sweet beef broth and unique rice noodles. To try traditional Vietnamese civilian food, visit Cơm Tấm Ba Ghiền, which is known for its perfectly cooked broken rice with distinct grains. Another popular spot is Bột Chiên Đạt Thành, a beloved shop specializing in fried radish cakes. They cut the cakes into small pieces, fry them until crispy, and finish with chives and egg for a golden, crunchy delight.
