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Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC; Vietnamese: Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh), commonly referred to by its former name Saigon (Vietnamese: Sài Gòn), is the most populous city in Vietnam, with a population of around 10 million in 2023. The city's geography is defined by rivers and canals, of which the eponymously-named Saigon River is the largest.
- War Remnants Museum
- Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Eat Street Food in District 4
- Giac Lam Pagoda
- Check Out The Craft Beer Scene
- Architecture
- Explore Dong Khoi Area
- Notre Dame Cathedral
- History Museum
- Botanical Gardens
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Best museum in Ho Chi Minh City To understand the context of the war with the USA, and its devastating impact on Vietnamese civilians, this remarkable, deeply moving museumis an essential visit. Many atrocities documented here were well publicised, but rarely do Americans and Europeans hear the victims of military action tell their own stories. Whi...
Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), this is one of the most atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of incense (huong) fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings. Its roof is encrusted with ...
Best for foodies Just south of the glitzy Dong Khoi area, it's a short walk over the Ben Nghe Channel to working-class District 4. Here the ambience is far more Saigonese, with little or no concession to tourism, and narrow lanes, street markets and shabby concrete apartment blocks. Order a coffee here and expect a drip-fed Vietnamese coffee that r...
Believed to be the oldest temple in HCMC (1744), Giac Lamis a fantastically atmospheric place set in peaceful, garden-like grounds. The Chinese characters that constitute the temple's name (覚林寺) mean 'Feel the Woods Temple' and the looming Bodhi tree (a native fig tree, sacred to Buddhists) in the front garden was the gift of a Sri Lankan monk in 1...
Best bars in Ho Chi Minh City Happening HCMC is concentrated around the Dong Khoi area, with everything from dives to designer bars open until 1am. Pham Ngu Lao stays open later, and PNL's Ð Bui Vien is a pedestrian-only street from 7pm to 2am on Saturdays and Sundays. Dance clubs usually kick off after 10pm. Amongst all the late night action is a ...
Ho Chi Minh City is littered with faded, century-old buildings from when it was still under French colonial rule. Scores of heritage buildings are scattered throughout the city, mainly in Districts 1 and 3. Here's some of the most historically intriguing.
This well-heeled area, immediately west of the Saigon River, packages the heart of old Saigon into a swish enclave of designer shops and skyscrapers. Slicing from the river to august Notre Dame Cathedral via the Opera House (Municipal Theatre), ritzy Ð Dong Khoi is the main shopping strip and lends its name to the encircling civic centre and centra...
Built between 1877 and 1883, Notre Dame Cathedralenlivens the heart of Ho Chi Minh City's government quarter, facing Ð Dong Khoi. A red-brick, neo-Romanesque church, it has twin bell towers that are both topped with spires and crosses that reach 60m. This Catholic cathedral, named after the Virgin Mary, includes some lovely stained-glass windows an...
Built in 1929, this notable Sino-French museumhouses a rewarding collection of artefacts illustrating the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam, from the Bronze Age Dong Son civilisation (which emerged in 2000 BCE) and the Funan civilisation (1st to 6th centuries CE) to the Cham, Khmer and Vietnamese. Highlights include valuable relics taken from Ca...
One of the first projects undertaken by the French after establishing Cochin-China as a colony was founding these fantastic, lush gardens. Once one of the finest such gardens in Asia, they’re very agreeable for strolling beneath giant tropical trees. Skip the miserable zoo though.
Discover the former French colonial city of Saigon, now Ho Chi Minh City, with its museums, temples, street food and craft beer. Learn about its history, culture and attractions from Lonely Planet's travel stories and tips.
Jun 26, 2024 · As the capital of Cochinchina, Saigon was transformed into a major port city and a metropolitan centre of beautiful villas, imposing public buildings, and well-paved, tree-lined boulevards.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
- Admire the French colonial architecture. At some point in its history, Saigon was colonized by the French, who left a clear mark in the look of the city.
- Visit the Reunification Palace. Once called Norodom Palace and now also referred to as Independence Palace, the Reunification Palace is a splendid example of 1960s architecture and decor.
- See Saigon from above. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Saigon is pretty much flat. But it can be admired from above at the Bitexco Financial Tower.
- Haggle in Saigon’s best markets. With 8 million people living there, Saigon is a great place for shopping and it is packed with interesting markets. Saigon markets are perfect to buy all the latest electronic gadgets and to gorge on street food.
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Learn about Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, the economic and cultural hub of southern Vietnam. Find out what to see, do, eat and shop in this vibrant and dynamic metropolis.
Explore Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), the vibrant and chaotic metropolis of Vietnam, with Lonely Planet's tips and recommendations. Discover its history, culture, attractions, food, nightlife and more.
Jun 13, 2024 · Discover the best places to visit in Saigon, the vibrant city of Vietnam, from historic sites and cultural attractions to modern skyscrapers and markets. Learn about the city's history, culture, and cuisine through interactive screens, performances, and exhibitions.
