Ho Chi Minh City Saigon is the business and financial hub of Vietnam, with a prominent history going back hundreds of years. The Khmers originally settled the region, with the Vietnamese taking over in the 17th century.
The French conquered Saigon, as it was then known, in , and made it the capital of Cochin China in , which resulted in numerous elegant architecture and broad boulevards that are still present to this day. At the peak of the Vietnam War in , the city had 4. The city has recovered in the 30 years since then, with the current population at over 7 million. It was renamed Ho Chi Minh City, after the spiritual leader of Vietnamese Communism, but residents were so reluctant to adopt the new name that authorities kept the official name but the city centre is still called Saigon.
Today, Ho Chi Minh City is a popular tourist destination due to its fascinating culture, classic French architecture, and sleek skyscrapers as well as ornate temples and pagodas. The city is also filled with rooftop bars that overlook Saigon and beyond, while fantastic restaurants offer a combination of French, Chinese, and, of course, local Vietnamese cuisine.
If this is your first time in Ho Chi Minh City, knowing exactly what to do can be a challenge as this large city is Read More». Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh means very different things depending where you are in the city.
Downtown in District 1, Read More». Shopping in Ho Chi Minh is truly one of the highlights of this fascinating city.
New shopping malls are springing up all Read More». Choosing a hotel in the wrong area can ruin your holiday so it's worth spending a couple of minutes looking at the pros Read More». The best hotels in Ho Chi Minh City are found mostly in the city centre, surrounded by popular cultural landmarks and Read More». The best luxury hotels in Ho Chi Minh are not only fantastic places to stay, some of them are actually legendary thanks Read More». Check out our listings of hotels in District 1 Downtown and find the right accommodation for you: whether it is for Read More».
A bustling busy district of Ho Chi Minh Saigon around minutes from the downtown area. A favourite with Read More». Check out our listings of hotels in District 5 and find the right accommodation for you: whether it is for business, Read More». The Cu Chi Tunnels are basically a huge war museum offering visitors a sneak peak at the underground life of Viet Read More». Just watch out for motorbikes, free-roaming chickens, and friendly children keen to practice their English.
Drink beer on a building site. This home-grown chain of pop-up outdoor drinking halls, built out of pallets, barrels, and tarpaulin and often in the ruins of demolished buildings , offers an extensive menu of barbecued meat and seafood, salty snacks, a few token vegetable dishes, and lots of beer—all essential components of a Friday night in Vietnam.
Live entertainment is likely to show up in the form of a rolling karaoke singer or magician many of whom will also sell you cookies, tissues, and chewing gum , and competing sales reps from the local breweries will keep your glass topped up with their product.
Vietnamese is notoriously difficult to learn. Some names require sounds that most Westerners will struggle to make. So, get a speaking smartphone app such as Google Translate, and write all addresses down when riding in taxis. Watch your step. See the city at sunrise. To take advantage of the fresh morning air, the Saigonese rise early.
Even before first light, the public parks will already be alive with joggers, keep-fitters, tai chi classes, and games of badminton or da cau foot badminton played by lamplight. Markets, in particular, are best to visit as early as possible when the produce is freshest, and when the bikes and trucks are still pouring in from the countryside.
So, set your alarm, grab some caffeine, and get at least one early-morning wander in before you leave. Order an iced coffee on the sidewalk… First introduced by the French in the s, coffee is an integral part of the economy and culture. Vietnam is now the second-largest coffee producer in the world.
Coffee aficionados should drop into any of the craft coffee outlets that have sprung up in recent years. The Workshop is already an institution, and the laid-back [a] Cafe has some of the best brews in the city it also has one of the best banh mi street carts on its doorstep each morning. The Vietnamese sandwich is an essential staple. The pork-heavy combination we all now know and love first left the motherland and sailed to California in the post-war years of mass migration, but the story began in the late 19th century with the arrival of the French in Vietnam.
Skip the hotel breakfast, arrive early, and arrive hungry. Find a bargain. February is arguably the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City. The average high temperature in February is 91 degrees F, but humidity hovers around 70 percent—relatively low for Ho Chi Minh City. Events to check out: Depending on the Vietnamese lunisolar calendar, Tet is often observed in February. Although March certainly is hot average high temperatures are in the mid 90s F , only occasional afternoon showers pop up here and there.
By the time March is over, people are ready for some rain in April to freshen up the dusty, polluted air. Events to check out:. Temperatures dip slightly, but humidity raises significantly as wet streets sizzle in afternoon heat.
The consecutive holidays prompt many locals to travel domestically and enjoy time away from work. Prices for hotels and flights increase. The rain in June is intense, and some flooding is common. High temperatures stay stubbornly around 90 degrees F while humidity keeps building. With the heavy rain and standing water, the mosquito population booms.
Protect yourself, especially when going out in the evenings. Events to check out: The Southern Fruit Festival usually begins in June to celebrate, you guessed it, fruit! Check out Suoi Tien Park in District 9 for colorful displays and plenty of juicy samples. Rain remains heavy in July; around 23 days will have precipitation. Torrential downpours pop up quickly—even when the sun is shining! Be prepared with a way to waterproof your valuables if caught away from the hotel.
August averages 11 inches of rain spread over 22 days. Daily temperatures range from 76 — 89 degrees F. Temples and street shrines stay busy with patrons burning joss incense and fake money to appease the spirits.
Ho Chi Minh City is especially prone to flooding because of its location at the confluence of the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers. With an average of 23 rainy days, September is frequently the wettest month. Heavy rain causes the mighty rivers to escape their banks. Sign Up. Travel Guides. Videos Beyond Hollywood Hungerlust Pioneers of love. Isabelle Sudron. Give us feedback. Read Next View. The Alcove Library Hotel.
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