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På Engelbrektsgatan, mittemot kyrkan finns Coop. Ho Chi Minh City formerly known as Saigon, though all the locals still call it that is the largest and most chaotic city in Vietnam. Motorbikes, bicycles, cars, and rickshaws go wherever they please, and lots of street stands and markets spill into the traffic lanes. The city has a lot to offer: wonderful shops, fantastic nightlife, delicious food, and plenty of historic sites.
This travel guide to Ho Chi Minh can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this hectic metropolis! The Notre Dame Cathedral is an imposing red brick building built between and by the French.
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At nearly 58 meters feet , the two towers in the front of the cathedral rise above visitors and the neon-lit statue of the Virgin Mary. The cathedral still functions as a religious site and a major tourist destination, especially after gaining international recognition for a supposed sighting of a teardrop falling from the Virgin Mary statue in Note : The Notre Dame Cathedral is temporarily closed for renovations until It combines the teachings of several religions, including Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism.
Entrance is free but there are a few rules to follow when visiting. You will need to enter through the side door instead of the main door and be sure to keep your shoes outside. Men will need to use the door on the right side and women on the left. Most people combine a trip to the temple with the Cu Chi Tunnels excursion. Here you can crawl through the extensive network of narrow tunnels used by the Viet Cong in the s to fight American soldiers during the Vietnam War.
Tours involve a walk-through of the tunnels over meters of tunnels are open to visitors which give you a sense of how the Vietnamese were able to defend their country for so long against a stronger force. Tours cost around , VND. For a degree panorama of the city, head to the Saigon Skydeck, one of the tallest buildings in the country. The observation deck is on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower and offers amazing views.
Admission costs , VND and includes a bottle of water. Just check the weather forecast ahead of time. You can also go at night to see the city lit up. Open daily from ampm. With Street Food Adventure Tours you can safely try lots of street food, including everything from rice vermicelli with BBQ pork to coconut juice and Vietnamese coffee and more! There are vegan and vegetarian food tours as well. Most of the tours are done via motorbike although there are a few walking tours listed on their website.
Tours are typically around , VND. Just be sure to bring an appetite! Chinatown is a hive of activity and a maze of temples, restaurants, jade ornaments, and medicine shops. Located in the former Gia Long Palace, there are some permanent exhibitions along with special exhibitions that rotate on a regular basis check the website for details; it has an English version. This temple was built in to honor the supreme Taoist god, Emperor Jade.
10 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
The building is filled with intricate woodcarvings and statues of divinities and heroes, including Emperor Jade himself. The roof is also covered in detailed tile work showing characters from Buddhist and Taoist legends. Though this market in District 1 is crowded and rife with pickpockets, it is the ideal place to pick up some handicrafts, bargain souvenirs, and try some traditional and inexpensive Vietnamese food.
Just keep your wallet secure and out of reach as you wander. Also known as Monkey Island, Can Gio Island is popular with tourists and locals looking to escape the chaos of the city. Prices range from ,,, VND for full-day tours. Formerly the location of the Saigon Railway Station, this park was built in its place after the station was demolished. In the early morning and just after the work day is done, this park is packed with people exercising and playing games.
Watch a Tai Chi class, play a game of badminton, or chat with one of the many students who hang out in the area. There is a large underground entertainment complex just below the park and plenty to do nearby. Bring a book and a snack and enjoy the local pace of life.
The entrance fee is 40, VND. For the best souvenir, take a cooking class.