Saigon is the capital of any country. Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

It is called “the pearl of the Far East”. Saigon (Vietnam) is the old name of Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in the country, named after the leader of the Communist Party, who led the struggle of the Vietnamese people against the United States and France. This settlement is an industrial, commercial, transport and communication center, as well as a tourist center of Vietnam, its dynamically developing economic capital. Saigon is a city in Vietnam, which is the personification of the heart and soul of the country.

Geography

Saigon, Vietnam (photos of the most interesting places of the city are presented in the article), located in the southeast of the country, on the banks of the river. Saigon (Mekong Delta). Its total area is 2 thousand sq. Km. The city stretches from the Cambodian border to the South China Sea.

It is located in a tropical climate zone, in which two contrasting seasons are clearly distinguished - the dry season (December-April) and the rainy season (May-November). The temperature in the region never drops below +24 ° C and does not exceed +32 ° C, so tourists visit these places with pleasure throughout the year. Favorable geographical position, topography and favorable climate contributed to the fact that Saigon (Vietnam) began to develop rapidly and today is one of the first largest South Asian ports.

Spiritual capital of Vietnam

This is the right name for this city, which preserves the thousand-year traditions of this country, its originality and originality. Only by making an excursion to Saigon (Vietnam), you can get a real idea of ​​the culture and mentality of its people.

Historical data

Saigon is a city in Vietnam with a history of more than three hundred years. In the beginning, the fortresses of Saigon and Zha Dinh were founded here. Later, a huge city grew on this place. In 1859, the invading French colonialists destroyed the Zha Dinh citadel and occupied the south of the country.

During the period of French rule, Saigon (Vietnam) was actively developing, new buildings were erected here, many of which still delight the eyes of tourists. At the beginning of the 20th century, Tjolon Chinatown was annexed to the city, with which they formed the largest urban area in Indochina. Later, these lands became the real cradle of the movement that ended the colonial era. It was in Saigon (Vietnam) on April 30, 1975 that the Ho Chi Minh campaign was completed, as a result of which the state gained its full independence. On July 2, 1976, the city was renamed Ho Chi Minh City.

Anthill city

According to reviews, many tourists get their first impression of Saigon (Vietnam) just like that. Indeed, a lot of people live here (population - 5,710,000 people), in addition, a huge number of visitors constantly stay in the city. People are always in a hurry somewhere, in a hurry about their business, while very much resembling ants. Of all the vehicles, the townspeople prefer small scooters (motor scooters) that move along the roads day and night, which further enhances the association with an anthill. Rare cars get lost in the traffic of pedestrians and scooters. The faces of road users are often covered with handkerchiefs or special filter masks to protect against exhaust gases.

Modern metropolis

This is exactly what the central part of the city looks like: the buildings of the world's leading banks, sparkling with metal and glass, five-star hotels with their thoughtful design - a typical urban landscape. The highlight of the city center design is the presence of a unique park design. Artfully trimmed trees and beautiful flower beds soften the harshness of the city's business-like urban look.

Tourists, in their reviews of excursions to Saigon (Vietnam), note that this city, despite its antiquity, is very young, dynamic, vibrant and lively, with great potential for its further development. The city is justly proud of its luxurious hotels, restaurants, the best in the country, and a vibrant nightlife.

Mixing traditions

In addition to the Vietnamese, a large number of ethnic Chinese live in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), and recently many foreigners have appeared here - teachers, bank employees, representatives of international companies. In Cholon, the huge Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City, each building has a shop, restaurant or some kind of workshop. Most of the trading operations in the country take place here. The mixture of various national customs and traditions, elements of Chinese, Vietnamese and Western European cultures is clearly visible in the details of the architectural appearance of the city, represented by elegant buildings of French development, magnificent oriental pagodas and mosques, making a visit to the city of Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) one of the most memorable.

Sightseeing Saigon (Vietnam)

Despite the rapid construction, which in the 20th century made the appearance of the city in many respects similar to Singapore and Bangkok, Saigon has not lost its identity. It has preserved many ancient architectural monuments, famous historical sites and picturesque corners of nature.

Unique colonial developments

Colonial buildings have been preserved in the center of modern Ho Chi Minh City, giving the tropical city a special flavor. Many villas, the post office building, the opera house, the Reunification Palace and the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Saigon still remind of the times when the French stayed here.

Reunification Hall

It was once the Presidential Palace. Everything in the building is preserved as it was that early morning on the last day of April 1975, when the tanks of North Vietnam broke through the iron gates of the palace. Since then, a communist regime has been established in Saigon, which still exists there.

After exploring several floors, tourists can visit the helipad, conference rooms, lounges for the royal family, as well as the basement, which houses control rooms, bunkers and scary torture offices. According to reviews, a visit to the Palace is very interesting and exciting.

Cathedral Notre Dame de Saigon

Another iconic building made in the colonial style. The cathedral is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, on Paris Square. The building, built of red brick, attracts the attention of tourists. It is amazing to see a smaller copy of the famous Notre Dame de Paris in one of the Asian capitals. As the authors of the reviews testify, inside the building, thanks to its high vaults, it is easy to breathe, anyone can come here. It is known that the construction of the building was carried out rapidly: the first brick was laid by a French priest in October 1877, the last - in April 1880.

Central Post Office

At first glance, tourists share, the structure resembles a small station. The building of the Central Post Office, built in 1886, is located across the street from the Saigon Cathedral. Like many other monuments, it is made in the French colonial style. Among tourists, this post office is popular because right here, under the high arches, surrounded by ancient maps, you can write letters to friends, from here you can send your loved ones a postcard with some beautiful stamp.

Opera theatre

The opera house was built in Saigon in 1897. Today it is considered one of the best buildings in the French colonial style, it will be perfectly preserved to this day.

Chinatown

Cholon, the huge and colorful Chinatown of the city, invariably feverishly lively, is not for nothing called the shopping center of Saigon: in all buildings of this quarter there is certainly a shop, restaurant or workshop. Tourists will be interested in visiting Binh Tay, the largest market in the city, as well as several Chinese pagodas.

Vinh Ngiem Pagoda

This pagoda, built in 1964-1971, is considered the largest in Saigon. It got its name in honor of the great teacher and Buddhist preacher Chak Lam (XII century). tower for urns with ashes. All concrete buildings are stylized to resemble traditional architecture. Saigon Buddhists flock here every day for prayer.

Jacques Vien pagoda

This simple thatched-roof hut was originally intended for the worship of the Bodhisattva goddess. In 1850, it was converted into the Jacques Vienne Pagoda. This working pagoda, which is a unique museum, is visited with pleasure by tourists, whose interest is attracted by the more than 150 engravings and statues stored within the walls of the pagoda. Most of them date from the late 19th - early 20th centuries.

Historical Museum

According to tourists, an excursion to the historical museum, built in 1929, is one of the most interesting. It is known that the establishment has been renamed several times. Its current name - the Historical Museum of Ho Chi Minh City - it received in 1975, after reconstruction and expansion.

According to the stories of tourists, the museum's exhibits are grouped according to themes corresponding to the specific time periods of the state's development presented by them - from primitive times to the middle of the 20th century, when the reign of Nguyen, the last royal dynasty, ended.

House of the Dragon (pier)

Another piece of the city's history. This marina is located on the Saigon River with the Ben Nge Canal. It is known that from this place in 1911, the 21-year-old "Uncle Ho" set sail for the first time on a French ship. In the present, this place is the Ho Chi Minh Museum, the name of which was born from the two symbolic sculptures with the outline of a dragon that adorn the building. Groups of tourists, both domestic and foreign, come here regularly. Various important events, festivals, etc. take place here. The museum displays an exhibition of objects and photographs that tell about the life of the former president.

At the Museum of Military History

This landmark is one of the most instructive reminders of the bloody events of the war era that the country went through. This museum, founded in September 1975, presents many historical facts, paintings and photographs that document the criminal acts of the US Army in Vietnam during the war. According to reviews, the documents presented in the museum can leave few people indifferent. Terrifying exhibits illustrate the torture of prisoners, the massacre of civilians, the spraying of toxic substances, and the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The exposition also includes helicopters, airplanes, tanks and bombs of those years.

Today, the palace is a historical and cultural relic that attracts tourists, both domestic and foreign. Over the past 20 years, the museum has received over 6 million visitors.

Where else should you go?

Arriving in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), tourists should definitely also visit:

• Dong Hoi Municipal Theater (downtown Ho Chi Minh City). Here you can see performances of the famous Cai Luong Theater, visit the festival of traditional South Vietnamese folk songs, etc.
• Cu Chi Tunnels is a small suburban area in the north of the city, famous for its 200 km underground labyrinths dug by the Vietnamese during the war with the United States.
• The Mekong Delta - the southernmost point of Vietnam, where the great Mekong flows into the ocean, a beautiful and fertile land with countless straits and canals.
• Saigon Water Park, built in 1996 in conjunction with Hong Kong
• Botanical Garden and Zoo, created in the period 1864-1865. Here you can see rare precious species of plants and trees from Thailand, Laos, India and Cambodia, as well as rare species of animals.
• Dam Sheen Park, one of the largest cultural and entertainment centers in Ho Chi Minh City, where visitors are offered recreation for every taste: the infrastructure of the park, divided into 30 sections, presents dozens of types of restaurants, entertainment venues, etc. guests to visit a replica (smaller) of Jacques Vienne Pagoda, a local lake, a show, a water park, a bird garden, a sports center and Nam Tu, a royal garden.

In addition, guests of the city should visit the Ki Hoa Tourism Recreation Area, Ho Chi Minh Tang Son Nyat Airport, Ben Than Market, Bitexco Financial Tower, etc.

Finally

In principle, one day will be enough to get to know the city, but it is better to spend two, experienced travelers assure. After all, among other things, you need to have time to make a morning exercise in the central park and taste the famous Saigon iced coffee. It is worth taking a walk along the city streets, trying to adjust to their incredible rhythm, plunge into the bustling colorful atmosphere of Ben Than market, buy cheap T-shirts and sneakers here, ride a motorbike through the evening Saigon shining with neon lights, and also try local street food. And there is still a lot to do. A meeting with Saigon - an ancient city and at the same time young, unusually energetic, cheerful and colorful - is always an event that will be remembered for a long time.

Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Vietnam- the largest city in Vietnam, with a population of about 7.5 million people, which is located in the south of the country in the Megong Delta. Town Ho Chi Minh City today is a large center of correction and industry Vietnam... There are about 300 thousand enterprises per 7.5 million inhabitants.

South Vietnam is a hell of a frying pan when it comes to climate. Or a trip to my pioneer childhood, if you recall the number of red flags, plaster pioneers and pioneers in parks and some subtle, but clearly traced spirit of the Soviet Union. And also a web of wires woven by a giant lover of macrame, smoking incense in ancient temples, cacaphony of horns and screams, pedicabs scurrying about without any rules, bikes, pedestrians are great and crossing the streets along the most incredible trajectories, bright and lush greenery, huge fragrant flowers and reigning over all this chaos, the merciless sun on a white-washed sky ... Forty in the shade and without the slightest wind, a wet camera strap on a tired and hot neck, hot sidewalks, the burning breath of passing cars ... And green tea with a lotus scent, which quickly brought back to life and sent to search for new experiences. This is my Saigon, now on the maps, like Ho Chi Minh ...

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, the former capital of South Vietnam, is located in the south of Vietnam, about 1,750 km south of Hanoi, today's capital. The city center is located on the banks of the Saigon River.
In Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, we will see wide avenues, rare buildings of French architecture, street cafes. This is a small trend in French culture. But that's enough to give the city of Ho Chi Minh Vietnam something very different from any other Asian city. Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam is still the economic center of Vietnam. The streets of the city are full of people, not to mention the endless stream of motorcycles. The atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam is created by vendors, markets, shops, cafes, crowds of busy streets and sidewalks.

Unlike Nha Trang, Ho Chi Minh City is large and spacious. The sidewalks are walkable and are not cluttered with bikes. The movement of the bikes is more orderly and predictable. The central square looks very nice. There is a lot of old architecture in the center. And in general, it is clear that the French were still planning the development of the city, and from them there were wide avenues and green areas. True, rats run along the streets, as in Nha Trang, but there is much less garbage on the streets.

Here you can visit an old colonial church, a Buddhist temple and a lot of interesting things. You can read more in article 22 Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

There is an opinion that tourists Vietnam can be divided into Ho Chi Minh City lovers and amateurs Hanoi... Of course, you can decide for yourself which city is closer to your liking, you can only visit both of them.

Weather in Ho Chi Minh City now

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon?

Second title Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon, which is readily used by the locals, even despite the respect and love for the legendary figure Ho Chi Minh.

Since 1976 the city has been called Ho Chi Minh City, and the locals still call it the old-fashioned way. The name itself Ho Chi Minh City mostly only used in signage and official documents.

Vietnamese culture

Vietnam: People and Culture

In Vietnam, people make up a mixture of cultures, languages, and historical backgrounds. The common denominator between them is that, like most countries in Southeast Asia, they love to smile and are interested in foreign visitors.

Vietnamese n arod

The origin of the Vietnamese people is a combination of the Mongolian race of North and East Asia, as well as the Chinese and Indian. Vietnam population second only to Indonesia, and is one of the most densely populated Southeast Asian country... However, the peculiarity of the Vietnamese region is ethnic homogeneity. country in which Vietnamese make up about 90% of the population. 85% of Vietnamese ethnic minorities of the population belong to indigenous groups, the largest of which are Thai and Hmong, these were peoples who settled in the mountainous regions of the country for many centuries. About 3% of the population is ethnic Chinese living in the urban centers of the South.

Vietnamese language

The Vietnamese language reflects a unique blend of racial and cultural origins, with its monotony, tonality and grammar. As a Chinese province for over a millennium (111 BC-939 AD), most governmental, literary and technical vocabulary comes from the Chinese language.

Although the script is called Chunom, it uses partially modified Chinese characters that were developed as early as the 8th century. In the middle of the 17th century, a French missionary developed a spelling system using the Latin alphabet, in which additional features and several accents for denoting tones are highlighted. Using this script spread and was recognized as an official script by the French in 1910.

Vietnam religion

Ten million lives in Vietnam followers and also located 20,000 Buddhist pagodas. Buddhism is undoubtedly the largest religion, however Vietnam has a rich and wide variety of religions based on foreign beliefs and beliefs, with several indigenous groups population including animism, theism and ancestor worship. Catholicism, represented by European missionaries, is the second largest religion, with about six million followers and over 6,000 churches. Vietnamese indigenous religions, including the Cao Dai and Hoa Hao sects, have their holy lands in Tai Ninh City and Chau Dok and An Jiang provinces in the Mekong Delta. They coexist peacefully with each other and contribute to the fight against foreign aggression.

Visitors entering Buddhist pagodas take off their shoes and it is considered impolite to step on images of people or Buddha. Donations for the maintenance of churches are not required, but are accepted with gratitude. Before photograph people in places worship follows asking permission.

General rules of social communication in Vietnam

The most appropriate way to greet is with a handshake and a smile.

The best way to deal with misunderstandings with patience and good mood. Local people who offer help value small gifts such as lighters, pens, foreign cigarettes, alcohol, perfumes, and even shampoos.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

Tourists arriving in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam end up at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, the largest airport in Vietnam. The airport serves a large number of flights, including flights to Hanoi, and there are also many airlines serving cities in Vietnam and other countries. Major destinations include Moscow, Paris, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Taipei, Beijing, Hong Kong, Bangkok, Tokyo, Singapore, Shanghai, Frankfurt, Melbourne, Siem Reap, Manila, Jakarta and Sydney. A taxi from the airport to the central area costs about VND 150,000-200,000.

Ho Chi Minh City Saigon for tourists

For tourists, mainly, the city of Saigon, Vietnam is just a transfer point, few people stay in the city, which may seem rather boring and creepy. clear. Many tourists come to Ho Chi Minh City-Saigon only to travel further to Phan Thiet and Mui Ne. Of course, there are tourists who come to Ho Chi Minh City - Saigon precisely to plunge into its atmosphere, walk around shops, parks and squares, visit Ben Tan market, bargain and experience the life of an average Vietnamese. If you are also planning to travel further from Ho Chi Minh City to Vietnam, then I advise you to read the article How to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Phan Thiet, Mui Ne, Nha Trang, etc.

I will say right away Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) I didn’t like it, it’s a big city in which it’s unsafe for tourists, there is a lot of poverty, drug addicts, theft is widespread among tourists.

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam attitudes towards tourists

If you have not been deceived in Vietnam- then you just did not notice. Tourists are treated differently here. For the sake of momentary benefits, the country scares away wealthy tourists. For 15 days spent in southern Vietnam, they managed to rob us, they deceived us at every step. Upon arrival at the airport at the currency exchange office, they tried to deceive us by exchanging a smaller amount of money, then taxi drivers who break the cost (from 230 to 450 thousand dongs, the real cost from the airport to the city center is 90-100 thousand dongs), we also faced with cheating when exchanging money at a hotel; when buying souvenirs, they gave the wrong change. In the supermarket Co.op Mart punched the products 2 times, after contacting the quality control service of the supermarket, where, by the way, there was a rather large line of the same deceived customers, they tried to return a smaller amount. After that, in the same Co.op Mart we handed over things to the storage room, and then they tried to return us one package less.

About stealing in the streets Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) you can talk for a very long time, bags are ripped off in a brazen and pulled out of hands with force. Movement in Ho Chi Minh City chaotic and does not comply with any rules, the Vietnamese ride in masks on half face, so you will never find your thief, and the local police are protecting local thieves. But this is a separate topic - we were robbed in Vietnam. What to do without a passport and money in Vietnam.

I beg your pardon, but the personal attitude and the spoiled impression of the country add their own nuances to the story of our trip. Vietnam Is the only country that I would not recommend for a trip. But first things first.

Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam my itinerary

Our route started at Ho Chi Minh City, here we stayed at the Hon En Hotel 2 *, then we went by bus to Phan Thiet, where we stayed at a hotel on the coast 5 km from Phan Thiet Sandhills Beach Resort & Spa 4 *, then spent one night in Phan Thiet itself, at the Saigon hotel PT Hotel 2 *. From there we went by bus to Vung Tau, Romeliess Hotel 3 *. From Vung Tau on a boat, we again went to Ho Chi Minh City, and from there flew back to Moscow.

The address of the CO.OP MART THẮNG LỢI store in Ho Chi Minh City is 2 Trường Chinh, D. Tân Phú. (co op)

Districts of Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

The main area that tourists visit in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam is the old city, which was built by the French. Most of the sights and old buildings are located in this area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam. The main streets where everything happens in the city are Pham Ngu Lao and the parallel Bui Vien street.

sights Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam and entertainment

Perhaps, in this city, tourists will find something unusual and interesting, who do not like to spend their rest on the beach.

Here you can find excursions to the surrounding area and attractions, as well as visit neighboring Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

The main attractions of Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam:

• Palace of Independence
• Binh Tai Market
• Thien Hau Temple
• Ho Chi Minh Museum
• Saigon Cathedral Notre Dame

If you are interested in this topic, I advise you to read the article Ho Chi Minh City: 22 Attractions in Saigon, which details the attractions of Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.

Read the latest articles from my blog.

This article is dedicated to Ho Chi Minh City - a city that you should definitely visit if you have a couple of days left.
Photos from the archive of the editorial office, as well as Alexander Nefedov, Evgeny Rubanov and Anton Balashov

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam, according to various sources, about 13 million people now live there. Many people mistakenly call it the capital of Vietnam, but it is not - the capital is Hanoi. Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon are also often confused, not knowing what the difference is. In fact, it is one and the same city, just Ho Chi Minh City is the new name of Saigon. In 1975, it was renamed in honor of the communist leader of Vietnam, and to edify the rebellious south of the country, which supported the American occupation forces. But until now, not only many residents of the city still call it Saigon - the word Saigon and the abbreviation SGN are used everywhere, in the designation of the airport and station, in bus schedules and hotel names, in souvenirs. So be on the lookout, Ho Chi Minh City and Saigon are one and the same.

Those who have not been to other Asian metropolises will be amazed by the heat, the abundance of motorcyclists for whom no rules seem to be written, and the striking contrast between modern skyscrapers and shops - and the street life right at their entrances. It is very interesting to wander around Ho Chi Minh City just like that, even without a specific goal - a huge number of shops, street food shops, coffee houses will not let you get bored. Be sure to buy something from the merchants from the cart, look at the markets, in the pagodas, if they meet you on your way.

The central 1st district (denoted in maps as District 1) is ideal for walking. Almost all the main attractions and museums are located there, as well as the lion's share of hotels, shops, spas, restaurants and cafes that tourists need. Moreover, you can find accommodation for every taste - from a bed in a hostel for $ 5 a day to a five-star hotel room for $ 200. If you want to live in the center and still have the opportunity to pay for European comfort, choose hotels near Dong Khoi Street and the embankment of the Saigon River. Although a half hour walk from this area, you can decently spend the night at the price of $ 20-30 per night. We would like to advise you on a special "tourist" quarter, which will remind experienced travelers of Khaosan Street in Bangkok. In Ho Chi Minh City, there is a Pham Ngu Lao street (Famgulao) for budget tourists. And right behind it there is an understudy street Bui Vien. And do not think that this area is only for the most economical. There are also more expensive hotels there, but the main thing is that these few quarters are intended for tourists. Directly there are the departure points for intercity buses-slippers (sleeping places) to Mui Ne, Vungtao, Nha Trang (and further all the way to Hanoi), as well as to Cambodia. It is very convenient - I flew to Ho Chi Minh City in the morning, settled in Famgulao, had a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants, wandered around the city center, and tomorrow morning I left by bus further along my route.

Transport

It is very easy to get to Famgulao from the airport - the taxi will cost within 130-150 thousand dongs, and the bus number 152 (comes straight to the airport, and you need to get off at the Ben Thanh Market stop and then walk 10 minutes) - in general, only 6 thousand, and the same amount for luggage.

By the way, about the airport. It is called Tan Son Nhat and consists of two terminals located 200 meters apart. The international terminal is referred to in flight documents as Terminal 2.
Domestic, respectively - Terminal 1. Domestic flights are not very expensive, there are three companies operating on the market - state-owned Vietnam Airlines, as well as low-cost airlines VietJetAir and JetStar. Prices need to be monitored - so, tickets to Nha Trang and back cost $ 150 from Vietnam Airlines, almost $ 200 from VietJetAir, but JetStar pleased us with a promotional fare for $ 60. For those who have to transfer to a domestic flight, you just need to leave the building (there is only one exit), turn right and walk two hundred meters (you can keep going, with your luggage on the trolley). Even at the airport, a surprisingly favorable currency exchange rate is always higher than on the streets of the city, so you can safely change money, the first exchanger is located even before the baggage claim area. You will need Vietnamese dongs in a taxi or bus (by the way, you can pay in a taxi with a card), and in grocery stores. If you wish, in all other places (hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, souvenir shops) you can pay in dollars. But it is not very convenient, not very profitable, and yet it is not always possible, so for expenses in Ho Chi Minh it is better to change the currency. If after Ho Chi Minh you go to Mui Ne or Nha Trang, you can change the principal amount there, as needed - in street exchangers, unlike Ho Chi Minh, the rate is good.

Speaking about trips around the country, I must also say about the railway station. It's called Ga Saigon. Attention! Now, to buy a railway ticket, you need to provide passport data - name, surname, document number. Usually, it is enough to write out these data in advance, the passport itself does not have to be presented. The train is very convenient if you are going to Nha Trang - on the bus such a trip (12 hours on the way) will be just torture, and the plane is convenient only when you do not plan to see Ho Chi Minh City or take tickets in advance when they are available at a convenient time for you, and are sold at minimal rates. By the way, a plane ticket to Nha Trang can cost around $ 50, the most expensive train ticket is about $ 27. The train (fast SE2, SE4, SE22) takes about 6 hours, and the most convenient option is to take an 11-hour train at 23-00) to be in Nha Trang at 5-30 in the morning. Paying for the most expensive ticket, you find yourself in a solid Soviet-style compartment. The air conditioner does not turn off, so the blanket that comes with you will come in handy. Conductors wake up clearly, you will not pass your station.

In fairness, it is worth mentioning the train to Phan Thiet (a city 15 km from Mui Ne). But, although the train is more convenient than the bus, and goes faster and more comfortable, in reality everything is more complicated - on Famgulao you first take a taxi to the station, then wait for the train, ride in it, but since it stops not in Phan Thiet itself, but outside the city , a taxi from the train station to Mui Ne will cost you even more than a train ticket! And all these movements you make with your luggage. Compare that to getting direct from Famgulao to your hotel in Mui Ne, which is what the slipper buses do! The fact is that all of Mui Ne is, in fact, one street along the sea, and some bus companies do not drop off passengers at one point in the center of Mui Ne, but simply stop at the right hotels.

In Ho Chi Minh City itself, it is better to get around by taxi. There are always a lot of them, they all work according to the counter. There are few twisted meters, mostly such taxi drivers are waiting for customers at attractions. If the numbers on the counter rush like crazy, stop the taxi and get out, twenty dong is enough for the villain. Nevertheless, personally, we have never come across such cars in Ho Chi Minh City (it was once only in Hanoi). You should be aware that the smaller the taxi car (small car, sedan, minivan), the lower the fare, so save when you can. Make it a rule to show taxi drivers the address or name of the place you want to get to in printed form - from the phone screen or on a piece of paper, and not by ear - we have too different pronunciation, you may not be understood correctly. Be sure to have a few business cards with you when you leave. If you are traveling alone, you can use motorcycle taxis - these are Vietnamese sitting / lying on their motorbikes on the sidewalks, especially at intersections. The prices for a ride with a breeze are about half that of a taxi. And, importantly, they drive faster. Fear not, all motorcycle taxi drivers are great drivers. But do not use the services of pedicabs - these are the first scammers in Ho Chi Minh City!

Security measures

But here's what you need to fear, and seriously - street thieves. They are almost always on motorcycles (or have a partner next to them, waiting with the motorcycle running), and act very boldly and quickly. Just in the area of ​​Famgulao street, rich in tourists. Their prey is phones and bags, which they snatch from their hands. So remember a few things. Do not carry your passport and large sums of money with you, let it all be kept in the hotel. Women - try to carry bags over your shoulder, not on your shoulder or in your hand, and not necessarily from the side of the road. It is dangerous to walk, typing or reading something on the phone, snatching it is a piece of cake. In addition to these unpleasant moments, Ho Chi Minh City is a fairly safe city, there is no robbery or violence against tourists here, walk on your health. Reject offers from motorbikers about girls and marijuana, and ignore cycle rickshaws (well, they always try to cheat on money, like you agreed on 200, not 20), and nothing will happen to you.

sights

There is a standard list of attractions listed in all guidebooks - Independence Palace, War Crimes Museum, Historical Museum, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame de Saigon, City Post Office. In our opinion, some of them can be excluded, especially if you have a lack of time. And some - on the contrary, add.

Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)- The former residence of the President of South Vietnam, the capture of which put an end to the war with the Americans and the unification of the country in 1975. The palace has a rich history in general, its first name was Norodom Palace (in honor of the Cambodian king who ruled in the 1870s). The fact is that both Cambodia and Vietnam at that time were French colonies, and were ruled from Saigon (which, by the way, was the Cambodian city of Prei Nokor many years ago). Since then, it has been used, one by one, by the rulers of South Vietnam. That is why the capture of this building was deeply symbolic for the Viet Cong army (the communist North of the country), as for the Soviet army - the Reichstag. The tank that broke through the gates of the palace and the bomber that bombed it in April 1975 are on display in the open air in the park. True, these are not historical combat vehicles, but simply equipment of the same models. In the Palace of Independence itself, you will see conference halls and meeting rooms, a communications and command and control center, and the offices of its former inhabitants. The building, both in terms of architecture and interiors, is a typical example of construction and everyday life of the 60s, and to be honest, it does not evoke strong emotions. If you have only one day with Ho Chi Minh City, it makes sense not to waste time visiting the palace, but simply to photograph it through the gate, on the way from Ben Tan Market to the Catholic Cathedral.
The address of the Palace of Independence is 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street. Opening hours: daily from 7:30 to 11:00, from 13:00 to 16:00. The ticket costs 30 thousand dong. By the way, pay attention: the Palace of Independence is depicted on the 200 thousand dong bill!

War Crimes Museum (War Victims Museum) is dedicated to what is clear: the horrors of the war with the Americans. Initially, it was called directly - "Museum of war crimes of the United States and their puppets", then, in the course of normalization of relations with America, the name gradually became politically correct, up to the current version. But this does not change the essence. Most of the exhibits are housed in the building that hosted the US News Agency during the war. Weapons from the war, scary photographs of the aftermath of napalm and dioxin, atrocities by the US military, including the world-famous and infamous Song My massacre. Fruits in alcohol that have mutated under the influence of toxic substances. In a word, the exposition leaves a very heavy impression. There is also a prison where military and political prisoners were kept, with its own guillotine, which worked until 1960. Trophy equipment is displayed on the street - two planes, a helicopter and a tank. The War Crimes Museum is located not far from the Palace of Independence, but again - if you do not have much time and do not want to think about death, you can mentally honor the memory of the victims of this war and explore Ho Chi Minh City further.
The address of the War Crimes Museum is Vo Van Tan street, 28. Opening hours: daily from 07:30 to 12:00, and from 13:30 to 17:00. The ticket costs 15 thousand dongs.

History Museum (Museum of Vietnamese History)- in fact, it is a museum of local lore. A large number of exhibits, artifacts of all eras - literally from the Stone Age to the twentieth century. Ancient works of art, collections of Cham sculptures, clothes, household items and weapons of all ages are certainly interesting to see. But again, it depends on how much free time you have in Ho Chi Minh City. The museum is located almost on the territory of the zoo, so it makes sense to combine a visit there with a trip to the zoo if you are with a child. From time to time, the museum hosts performances of puppet theater on the water (additional 50 thousand dongs), and although they cannot be compared with a full-fledged production organized by the puppet theaters of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, you can make a general idea.
The address of the Historical Museum: Nguyen Binh Khiem street, 2. The ticket costs 15 thousand dongs. There is not a word in Russian in the museum, of course. And the most famous exhibit is an ugly mummy, a photo of which we did not bring here. Unless you just get to the performance of a puppet theater on the water - otherwise it is not a fact that you will be satisfied with the visit.

Building Ho Chi Minh Museum, unlike most similar museums in other cities of Vietnam, has almost no connection with the one to whom it is dedicated - Ho Chi Minh himself has never lived or worked here. But from about here, in 1911, he went into 30-year exile. The museum is located on the banks of the Saigon River (by the way, it was she who gave the name to the city), and information about it is given rather so that, being nearby, you know what kind of building it is - in a short time that you will have in Ho Chi Minh City, everything all the same it will not be possible to bypass the sights.
Ho Chi Minh Museum address: Nguyen Tat Thanh street, 1d. The ticket costs 10 thousand dong. To be honest, no one comes to this museum - just know what it looks like - this building is clearly visible from the Saigon River embankment.

Ben Thanh Market (Cho Benh Thanh) - the largest and most colorful market in the city center - may well be considered its attraction. The market building has long become the hallmark of the first central quarter (District 1) and helps tourists navigate, as there is a large bus station and the tourist quarter of Famgulao next to it. In the market itself, it is very difficult to get rid of annoying traders, as well as to understand what the real price of the goods is, is very difficult. Bargain, bargain and bargain again. I must say that the Vietnamese themselves are not very fond of buying something here - prices are higher than in other places (for example, in the Chinese Cho Binh Tay market in another area of ​​the city). In addition to souvenirs and clothes, there are also fruits and vegetables, and spices, and many household items. Around 6-7 pm, the market closes, and the space around it is filled with portable cafes - there you can try seafood and national Vietnamese dishes, and it is quite inexpensive.

Biteksko tower(Bitexco - by the name of the owner, a financial corporation) is a visiting card of the whole of Ho Chi Minh City, the tallest building in the city (262 meters), which lost its status as the highest in Vietnam only in 2011, when a skyscraper was built even higher in Hanoi. The architect of the tower is said to have been inspired by the lotus flower (one of the symbols of Vietnam), but it is very difficult to understand where the skyscraper looks like a lotus. The horizontal ledge on the skyscraper is a helipad, and on the 49th floor there is the Saigon Skydeck with a full 360-degree view. The entrance ticket costs 10 dollars (200 dongs), and it is ideal to come at sunset to have time to see Ho Chi Minh City both in the light of the sun and in the evening lights. It takes twenty to twenty five minutes to walk from Ben Tan market to the tower at a very calm pace.

Cathedral of Notre Dame de Saigon was built in the 1880s by the French with a view to its beauty and grandeur to help convert Vietnamese to the Catholic faith. They did not spare money for it - many materials were brought directly from France. For example, the unique red brick has not tarnished in the more than 130 years that the cathedral stands. In front of the building is a statue of the Virgin Mary who allegedly cried in 2005, attracting a large number of tourists to the city. The cathedral is active, in it you can not only admire the beautiful mosaic (national flavor has been added to classical religious subjects, for example, barefoot Vietnamese children are depicted next to the Mother of God), but also see how the services are held. A very popular and romantic place to make a date, because from here you can go for a walk in a variety of directions, and there are many cafes nearby.
Address: be guided by the intersection of Dong Khoi and Nguyen Du streets. The visit is free.

Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office located to the right of Notre Dame de Saigon, as viewed from the side of the Virgin Mary. This building was built several years later than the cathedral, and (attention!) By Eiffel himself (yes, the creator of the tower of the same name). In terms of architecture, by the way, the post office resembles the city hall, but the conscience of the Eiffel is clear - they began to build it a few years later. This post office is the most real, although it looks more like an old European train station. Here you can send a letter or a parcel to any part of the world, but colorful postcards are very popular among tourists. The huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh, which adorns the end of the hall, is not just a tribute to the Vietnamese's love for the leader - he actually worked here, albeit for a very short time.

City Hall (City Hall) - a very beautiful building in the very center of the first district (next to the Opera), which is illuminated in the evenings. Once there was a hotel, then a municipality, and now it is the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City (analogous to the Soviet Central Committee of the Communist Party). The building is closed to the public. The square in front of the town hall, along with the statue of Ho Chi Minh, is a favorite spot for photographs and romantic walks, and is a very recognizable symbol of the city.
Address: intersection of Nguyen Hue and Le Loi streets

Opera House(Opera theatre) also located in the very center of the city, and is used for its intended purpose - from time to time, concerts of symphony orchestras from all over the world or other musical performances take place here. From a tourist point of view, the opera house is interesting first of all for the new, interesting and very high quality show AO Show Saigon, staged especially for foreign guests. Prior to that, from a cultural point of view, Ho Chi Minh City could only offer travelers a performance of a puppet theater on the water (Nguyen Thi Minh Khai street, 55 b) - and, frankly speaking, it is rather archaic, for an amateur. It took a fresh look from a foreign director to show Vietnamese culture, everyday life and life in a dynamic, interesting, and humorous way. We strongly recommend that you visit this show, even despite the rather expensive tickets (for more details, visit www.aoshowsaigon.com). The performance takes place 3-4 times a week, at 6 and 8 pm, tickets can be bought not only in the opera house itself, but in almost all travel agencies and hotels in the city. Please be aware that there is often an impressive 30% discount when presenting your boarding pass for an international flight that takes you to Ho Chi Minh City.
Address: Cong Truong Lam Son street, 07

Factory of lacquer products It is undeservedly not mentioned by most guidebooks, while in fact this is one of those places that you will definitely remember visiting. By the way, many sightseeing tours in Ho Chi Minh City include a visit to the factory as a must. Lacquer painting, the oldest Vietnamese art, has been technologically constrained for many centuries, since lacquer is a very difficult material to use. In the air, it hardens, darkens, it is very difficult for it to give the desired color, and working with it requires maximum concentration, accuracy and skill. Interestingly, initially only five colors were used (according to the number of natural dyes available at that time), and it was thought up to replace the white color with crushed eggshell or mother-of-pearl. Even in ancient times, dishes, household items, horse harness were varnished for durability in conditions of tropical humidity, but all these items were more decorative than artistic value. But only in the 20th century, especially after the Second World War, Vietnamese artists, in search of national identity, turned their attention to lacquer painting as a visiting card of their country. Now, along with very inexpensive caskets and saucers worth several dollars, the masters create real paintings and panels of great artistic value. At the factory, you can see the entire process of making lacquer products, and experience genuine respect for the people who do it.
Address: Nguyen Dinh Chieu street, 94-102

Saigon river embankment and the surrounding quarters are a great place to walk, this is the area of ​​expensive colonial-style hotels, interesting restaurants of different cuisines of the world, and a respectable audience. From a tourist point of view, it is interesting to walk along the river on one of the many ships. It usually starts at 8pm and includes dinner, entertainment, and one of the most exciting activities is watching other ornately decorated ships. Such a walk costs from $ 20-25 to $ 60-70, depending on the ship.

And now, good news for those who are already confused in all these sights and longingly think that in half a day allotted for exploring the city, they will not have time to really see anything. Actually, walk around Ho Chi Minh City can be organized in such a way that you can see enough. The simplest thing is to take a sightseeing tour of the city, which includes visiting the main attractions (the cost of such a trip is from $ 7 per person). True, such an excursion is not suitable for everyone - the groups are large, and the guide speaks only English. A Russian-speaking guide, although not a problem in Ho Chi Minh City, will cost you $ 50, which is quite acceptable for a family or a small group. But you can walk around the city on your own - especially since almost all the sights are located in the central first district.

For example, you live in the Famgulao area. Move towards Ben Tan market, and then climb higher and to the right - to the Palace of Independence. Whether to visit it and the War Crimes Museum or not is up to you. Notre Dame de Saigon is located literally ten minutes from the Palace of Independence, immediately behind it is the post office. If the day is hot and sultry, you can take a break in one of the coffee shops or take a cool taxi to comfortably reach the lacquer factory.
If you are continuing your walk from the cathedral or post office, simply walk down Dong Khoi Street (the Virgin Mary is looking at her). In about ten to fifteen minutes you will find yourself in the City Hall and the Opera House area. You can walk even further, to the Bitexco tower, and go up to the observation deck. And if the time is close to 8 pm, then take a boat ride on the Saigon River. You do not want? Head back to the Famgulao area along the chic Le Loi Street, home to several shopping malls. If you find yourself on this street around 9 pm, be sure to look into the well-known in narrow circles institution - Jazz Club at Le Loi, 28. This small jazz cafe will take you to another era, and it will be very difficult to imagine what is behind the door - the bustle of Vietnamese streets.

Finally, I would like to recommend a couple of places to families with children. If you are traveling in Asia, and spend a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, or make a stop here for just a day or two, but with a child - please him with new impressions! First of all, you can go with him to zoo- He's pretty good in Ho Chi Minh City. Do not forget that the Museum of Vietnamese History is located practically on the territory of the zoo - take a look here if you want. The zoo also includes a botanical garden.
Address: Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, 2B. Opening hours - from 8-30 to 16-00. Instead of the address, you can simply write to the taxi driver Saigon Zoo, but on foot, and even with a child, do not try to get to the zoo - it is located quite far away.

Amusement park and water parkDam Sen will not leave indifferent either an adult or a child. It is huge in area and includes not only all kinds of attractions (there is a roller coaster), but also a water park, the entrance to which is located quite far from the main entrance. So, when approaching, tell the taxi driver which entrance he should stop at. The water park here resembles Vinpearl in Nha Trang, so if you have other resorts (Mui Ne, Vung Tau) on your travel program after Ho Chi Minh, it makes sense to spend half a day and bring your child here.
Address: 3 Hòa Bình, phường 3. Entrance 150 thousand dong for an adult, 120 thousand for children.

Vietopia- a new and very interesting option for children's recreation. A whole city for children was built on the territory of the large pavilion. The game element is that a child can try himself in different professions - here he is a firefighter and extinguishes a burning house, here he is taught to tinker with a baby, here he is a dentist or a magician, and here he makes very tasty strawberry ice cream. At the entrance, you are given a certain number of coupons with which you pay for "education", but in some cases the game is arranged in such a way that the child, on the contrary, is even paid for his "work". Children take everything seriously and you can't drag them out of the magic city by the ears. A place definitely worth a visit! Different professions have different age thresholds, so at the entrance, when they ask the age of the child, feel free to add a year so that more entertainment is available.
Address: Số 2-4 đường số 9, khu đô thị mới Him Lam, phường Tân Hưng.
Ticket prices: for a child 190 (weekdays) or 280 (weekend) thousand dongs, for a concurrent adult - 140 thousand. Adults are not allowed to participate in the games. The language barrier in the game, of course, exists, but a lot is explained by gestures, so do not worry. After visiting Vietopia, we advise you to look into the nearest Lotte Mart (it is a couple of blocks away, just write the name of the store to the taxi driver), and buy cheap and high-quality clothes for your child (and for yourself).

And now we will tell you about excursions, which makes sense to take while in Ho Chi Minh City. Most often, it is easier, cheaper, and even more interesting to buy an excursion, and not to get to your destination yourself.
First of all, it must be said about Mekong Delta... The great Asian river spills here with hundreds of channels and feeds a huge number of people - the population density in this area is one of the highest in the world. There are excursions for one or two days (with an overnight stay and early arrival at the colorful floating market) - but most travelers choose a one-day excursion. During it you will see the life of Vietnamese peasants, unchanged, probably, for more than one hundred years. Here it is, real Vietnam, without skyscrapers, iPhones in the hands of young people and fashionable coffee houses. Coconut and other fruit sweets, rice paper, pagoda incense sticks - everything is made here. An interesting trip, and not a tiring one.

Those who are interested in the war with the Americans should definitely go to heap tunnels- a whole underground labyrinth of partisans who gave the invaders a huge number of problems. No one will be left indifferent by the patience, courage, life and cunning tricks of the Vietnamese who lived and fought in the tunnels. Is it possible to conquer such a nation at all? Those interested can shoot at a special shooting range from pistols, machine guns or even a machine gun, for an additional fee. Sometimes an excursion to the Kuchi tunnels is combined with a visit to the temple of the Cao Dai religion, which is interesting primarily because it was born in 1928 in Vietnam and, unlike all other teachings, is original.

Dong Tam Snake Farm first of all, it will be of interest to those who want to see the famous ritual with a cobra, and taste its heart, blood and meat. There are about 20 species of snakes in the nursery, there is a "snake" restaurant, so you can taste a variety of dishes, as well as wash them down with healing rice vodka infused with cobra. Or buy such a drink at home or as a gift, without the risk that you will be slipped a decorative bottle with technical alcohol.

And finally, one cannot fail to mention trip to Cambodia, and more specifically - to Angkor Wat. If you have decided to spend a few days in Ho Chi Minh City, the prospect of seeing the world famous wonder of the world (and the live set for the film "Lara Croft") will hardly leave you indifferent. Cambodia is near! The city of Siem Reap, 5 kilometers from which Angkor Wat is located, is not so close to Ho Chi Minh City as, for example, from Bangkok, but still not far. And, by the way, excursions are not needed here - everything is elementary to do on your own. The most comfortable way to get to Siem Reap is by plane, round-trip tickets cost around $ 300. For budget travelers, buses run from the already mentioned tourist street Famgulao in Ho Chi Minh City to Siem Reap every hour from 7 am to 3-4 pm (round trip ticket is about $ 25). But there is one catch - the bus is slow, in the capital of Cambodia - Phnom Penh - you change it to another, and in total the trip takes a long 12 hours. We recommend two other options. If you are several people, it is much more correct to find a taxi. Most likely, the car will be replaced at the border, check it out. The trip to Siem Reap will cost a total of $ 80-100 for everyone. And the same amount - back. And if you are alone (together), and in economy mode, make a stop in Phnom Penh for the night - and the path will not be so difficult, and take a look at the Royal Palace in the capital, this is ideal if you have time. The next morning, continue to Siem Reap, all tickets can be purchased in advance in Ho Chi Minh City. A good guesthouse in Phnom Penh and Siem Riep costs about $ 25 per night. Visa - 20 dollars, but you will be offered it for 25, with help in registration, agree. A ticket to Angkor Wat costs 20 dollars, a rickshaw cab (petrol taxis are prohibited on the territory of the temple complex) another 15. Siem Reap at night is like Pattaya, fun!

Ho Chi Minh City from A to Z: map, hotels, attractions, restaurants, entertainment. Shopping, shops. Photos, videos and reviews about Ho Chi Minh City.

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Fasten your seat belts, we are approaching Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) - a metropolis that is always on the move. And not only due to the endless streams of scooters-stools, motorcycles, cars and bicycles streaming through the city in all directions. Saigon (as many still call it, despite the new name) is the quintessence of the Vietnamese bustle. It is the center of the commercial and cultural life of the whole country, a living organism, whose breath reaches the most remote corners of Vietnam, and its heartbeat echoes with powerful impulses even in the carefree Fukuoka.

Whether the traveler chooses luxury hotels or ultra-budget guesthouses, classic restaurants or flaming wok street stalls, designer boutiques or bustling mess, Saigon has it all.

My City Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Cuisine and Restaurants

Vietnamese, French and Chinese cuisine is not a complete list of Ho Chi Minh City's gastronomic temptations for food lovers. Expensive restaurants offer author's European and Asian cuisine. You can taste it in the EON51 restaurant on the 51st floor of the Biteksko tower. A dinner with wine and views of Ho Chi Minh City will cost VND 2,000,000 per person - not cheap even by European standards.

5% service charge and 10% tax will be added to the invoice to the total cost of ordered food and drinks.

The local cuisine is less spicy than in the rest of Vietnam. This is easy to see in the colorful restaurants and cafes on the tourist streets of Pham Ngu Lao, Nguyen Thai Hoc and Than Hung Dao. Another popular spot is Ben Tan Market, where many small cafes open after sunset. For starters, the hearty pho bo beef soup with noodles, ginger and herbs is good, as well as the lau soup, which is prepared right in front of the visitors. For the second one should order "ga kho" - a dish with juicy chicken meat and sweet and salty taste. Exotic lovers can try snake, crocodile or turtle meat dishes, or even crunch crickets fried in oil. There is no need to worry about your wallet - lunch in a cafe costs no more than 250,000 VND.

For a snack on the go, Lotteria fast food chains are suitable. In addition to the usual hamburgers, they have happy-box sets for VND 40,000 with meat, rice, a small portion of soup, eggs and vegetables. French baguettes with various fillings for VND 10,000 will compete with them.

Guides in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City attractions and attractions

The attractions of Ho Chi Minh City are a whimsical blend of Asian exoticism, French charm and American cosmopolitanism. The colonial spirit of Indochina still hovers around Dong Khoi Street, lined with trendy bars and cafes, where the heroes of Graham Greene's novel "The Quiet American" met. The former City Hall, modeled after the Parisian one, is now occupied by the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. The opera house with its exquisite façade was once the epicenter of the high life of the French beau monde, as was the neighboring Hotel Continental, which has preserved the tradition of afternoon tea.

The French also began to build the Rex Hotel, but it became an attraction thanks to the Americans. During the Vietnam War, the highest ranks of the US Army were quartered here, the legendary The Rolling Stones raised the morale of soldiers with their performances, and in the famous rooftop bar, war correspondents met with American officers.

Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace - aka the Governor's Palace - went to Saigon at the end of the 19th century from the French colonialists. Despite the fact that in 1963 it was significantly damaged as a result of bombing, after three years it was completely restored. Then, until 1975, the palace was the residence of the presidents of the pro-American government and after the liberation of South Vietnam it became known as the Reunification Palace.

Cathedral of Notre Dame

Notre Dame Cathedral, located, as you can easily assume, on the Parisian square in the city center, was built in the colonial style in April 1880. It is still considered one of the most unique buildings in Vietnam.

Enchanting Saigon

Saigon parks

The Dam Sheen Park, the largest cultural and entertainment center in the city, deserves a special mention. There you can see a small copy of the Jacques Vien pagoda, a lake that resembles the West Lake in Hanoi, a puppet show, a bird garden, a water park, visit a sports center and the Nam Tu Royal Garden. It's also a good idea to spend time at the zoo and botanical garden, which was designed back in the late 19th century. The first inhabitants of the garden were the rarest species of trees and plants from India, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand. Today you can see thousands of plants, hundreds of species of animals and birds, unique and eerie reptiles.

Temple of the Jade Emperor

The whimsical temple (73 Mai Thi Luu St.) is a gift from the Chinese community to the Taoist deity Ngoc Huang, who determines the fate of a person after his death. The torments awaiting sinners are depicted on the walls of the "Hell's Room". In the Main Hall, there is a statue of Ngoc Huang himself, surrounded by the Four Heavenly Guardians and other deities.

Thien Hau Pagoda

The goddess of the sea, Thien Hau, reigns in a temple located in the Chinese shopping district of Tolon (Nguyen Trai St., 710). Believers have established a reliable postal service with the patroness of sailors and fishermen. They write their requests on prayer flags - red paper strips, which, rustling in the wind, convey them to the goddess. The decor of the temple with wood panels and exquisite ceramic friezes is one of the most beautiful in the city.

Tunnels Ku Chi

The rains from May to November are heavy, but short-lived. The clouds quickly disappear, leaving behind a pleasant freshness. The maximum amount of precipitation occurs in September. Short rains can occur several times a day. Thanks to them, day and night temperatures drop to quite comfortable values, and the city is filled to overflowing with tourists.

Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's largest metropolis and the country's commercial and industrial center. The city is located in the south of Vietnam, in a picturesque place - in the Mekong Delta.

Like many places with a rich history, Ho Chi Minh City has several unofficial names. For its role in the economic and cultural life of the country, the city is also called the Southern Capital, and for its colonial heritage and French charm - Paris of the East... Locals, by the way, are much more willing to use the old name of the city - Saigon(even despite the love for the legendary leader of Vietnam Ho Chi Minh).

The architectural appearance of the city is based on the traditions of different parts of the world: from classical Chinese to Western European. By the way, in the west of Ho Chi Minh City there is a large Chinatown, Sholon, which was annexed to Saigon at the beginning of the 20th century. Nowadays, the area is famous for its lively trade.

The southern capital of Vietnam is more than an interesting tourist destination. Whatever travelers want - rich excursions or vibrant nightlife, exotic Vietnamese cuisine or familiar European dishes, luxury hotels or budget guesthouses - it will not be difficult to find it all in Ho Chi Minh City.

Climate and weather

The subequatorial climate prevails in Ho Chi Minh City, so you can come here on vacation all year round. The average annual temperature does not drop below + 28 ° С, while even in winter at night it is + 22 ° С. The hottest months are April and May, when the mercury column reaches + 35 ° C during the day.

When choosing a time to travel to Ho Chi Minh City, remember that the rainy season here lasts from May to November. The rest of the time, there is practically no rainfall in Ho Chi Minh City - this period is considered optimal for visiting the city. But if high humidity and intermittent rains do not give you discomfort, you can come to Ho Chi Minh City whenever you want.

Nature

Delta Mekong, on the territory of which Ho Chi Minh City is located, is a unique place of its kind. Plains give way to hills, which reach several hundred meters. And although there is no jungle, the landscapes delight the eye with endless gardens, rice paddies and mangroves.

In the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh City there are many species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, mammals. Among the river inhabitants, representatives of the "giants" are surprising: a giant pangasius from the catfish family, a giant carp and a giant freshwater stingray, whose weight reaches 600 kilograms. In general, the Mekong basin in terms of biological diversity is second only to the river basin Amazon.

There are three national parks and four nature reserves in the Mekong Delta.

sights

There is a lot to see in Ho Chi Minh City. The local architecture has absorbed the history of the city from its foundation to the present day.

The masterpiece of the colonial era appears Cathedral of Notre Dame de Saigon... He, of course, is on the Parisian square in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. The temple was built for 6 years - from 1877 to 1883 - and is still a functioning cathedral. You can freely enter here even during the service.

Ho Chi Minh City's not too long past is associated with such an attraction as Reunification Palace... Although it was built at the end of the 19th century, it is famous for the fact that it was here that the act on the unification of Vietnam was signed. The palace is open to visitors. You can wander through the halls, see interesting exhibitions and even see a film about the history of the palace.

History lovers should definitely visit tunnels Ku Chi(Cu Chi), which are about 30 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City. The tunnels were built during the guerrilla war. This is a huge system of underground passages with several levels in depth. Here you will find the real romance of the dungeon: secret passages, warehouses, weapons workshops, rooms where partisans lived.

Among the museums of Ho Chi Minh City, of particular interest are Historical Museum and Museum of Military History... Unique plants and natural landscapes can be seen in Ho Chi Minh Botanical Garden.

Nutrition

Many experienced travelers admit that food is tastier than in Ho Chi Minh City only in Madrid and Tokyo. True, as for the prices in restaurants, Ho Chi Minh City is confidently leading in terms of the availability of gastronomic delights.

In Ho Chi Minh City restaurants you can taste dishes from all over the world, and the most popular here are South Vietnamese, French, Japanese, Chinese, Korean and Italian cuisines.

If you want to appreciate Vietnamese cuisine, don't miss Temple Club restaurant... The building where the institution is located is not very remarkable against the background of others, but inside you will find the atmosphere of Vietnam in the 30s. There used to be a Chinese temple in the building, and the owners have kept the entire interior of that era. By the way, the main highlight of the restaurant is that it is also an antique shop: here you can not only eat delicious food, but also buy any interior item or cutlery you like. We recommend ordering fried angelfish or long wa fish with garlic sauce here. The cost of a typical dinner for one person is from $ 10 to $ 20.

Another Vietnamese restaurant worthy of attention is Quan an ngon... Although this place does not boast an outstanding interior, the food here is beyond praise. At first, the number of items on the menu may even be confusing - the variety of dishes here is so great. You can start your acquaintance with rice pancakes with different types of fillings or pun cha (grilled meat with noodles). The average bill will be $ 5-10 per person.

Fans of French cuisine are advised to visit restaurants Augustin and La Camargue... In terms of atmosphere, they are very different: in the first, carefree fun reigns, and in the second - pacifying calmness. But the kitchen is excellent in both. Foie gras, chateaubriand beef, and an extensive wine list are guaranteed. At prices Augustin is a little more democratic, but in La Camargue dinner can "pull" $ 100.

Accommodation

There is no shortage of hotels in Ho Chi Minh City. You can easily find here both guesthouses for $ 5 per person, and luxurious 5-star hotels at surprisingly affordable prices. At the same time, it is not necessary to book a room in advance: upon arrival, you can always find a hotel here. Advance booking can save you money if you are going to stay in a more expensive place.

It is believed that the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City is the Ben Thanh Market (District 1). A large number of hotels of various price ranges are concentrated here, and many attractions, shopping centers and parks are located within walking distance. Finding accommodation here is extremely simple: as soon as you enter the area with a suitcase, you will literally be grabbed by the hands and offered affordable options. Even for $ 15 for two, you can count on a clean room with all the amenities.

Entertainment and recreation

In Ho Chi Minh City, travelers will not be bored. This modern metropolis offers many opportunities for unforgettable entertainment.

One of the traditionally popular leisure activities in Ho Chi Minh City is river cruises along the Mekong Delta. Trips involve not only admiring the natural beauty, but also visiting an unusual floating market, local ethnic villages, factories and workshops producing authentic souvenirs, and much more.

For children there is a huge amusement park "Dai Nam" and Ho Chi Minh Zoo.

And if you want to have an unforgettable experience for the whole family, go to park "Dam-Sheen"... This is the largest cultural and entertainment center in Ho Chi Minh City. There is a water park, a bird garden, a puppet show, Royal garden Nam-Tu and a sports center.

It is also interesting to visit the favorite performance of the Vietnamese - the puppet theater on the water. Fans of outdoor activities have the opportunity to participate in exciting safaris, mountain hikes, bike tours.

Life in the seething Ho Chi Minh City does not subside even at night. There are many nightclubs, bars and cafes in the city center. Especially many establishments that are open all night are concentrated in Dong Khoi area... By the way, it doesn't matter if you don't like noisy discos: in Saigon nightlife venues with live music and a relaxed atmosphere are easy to find.

Purchases

You can't come to Saigon and not go shopping. There are hundreds of shops in the city center where you can find absolutely everything - from cheap souvenirs and clothes to antiques and works of art. Outside Dong khoi the highest quality goods are offered, however, the prices are the highest here.

If you want to visit a picturesque place and not overpay for purchases, we advise you to take a walk along Ben Than Market... Here it is most profitable to buy lacquered miniatures, dishes, silk, textiles from Sapa and military-themed souvenirs. It is also interesting to visit the Saigon Night Market, which unfolds here at nightfall. Even if you don’t find anything useful, the atmosphere of this amazing place will be remembered for a long time.

For civilized shopping in Ho Chi Minh City there is Saigon Square... This is an indoor market with mid-range shops. Here you can buy household goods, clothes, equipment.

Perhaps the main advice that you can give a tourist going shopping is to actively bargain. In Vietnam, bargaining is not only a tribute to tradition, but also a real way to bring down the price two or three times.

Transport

In Ho Chi Minh City, unlike many cities in Vietnam, travelers can easily travel by bus - there are about 130 routes recommended for tourists here. Buses are comfortable, travel is inexpensive, free and clear route schemes are distributed at the Ben Thanh bus station.

Taxis are also popular, and this is understandable: inexpensive and comfortable. The landing and the first kilometer cost less than a dollar. However, so that the cost does not become an unpleasant surprise for you, use the services of only official metered taxis.

Brave men can rent a scooter. Inexperienced drivers are strongly discouraged from doing this, as the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City is very busy and hectic.

Pedestrians need to be extremely careful when crossing the road, because in Saigon, as elsewhere in the country, drivers do not give way to pedestrians, even if they go to the green light. Drivers masterfully bypass pedestrians on the roadway, so the latter should not rush or make sudden movements.

When renting a car, keep in mind that you will have to take it together with a Vietnamese driver: international driving licenses are not valid in Vietnam.

Connection

In Ho Chi Minh City, the traveler will not have problems with the Internet or telephone connections.

You can call abroad from hotels, but it is very expensive. Street payphones are still functioning, but they are already losing popularity. It is most reasonable to make international calls from special call points.

Mobile communication is well developed. If you want, you can use roaming (MTS, Megafon and Beeline operators have an agreement with Vietnamese companies). If desired, you can purchase a local SIM card. Its cost is approximately $ 5.

Internet access is available in all hotels and most guesthouses in Ho Chi Minh City. But just in case, this option needs to be clarified before check-in. There are many internet cafes in the city, and free Wi-Fi is available in a number of restaurants and cafes.

Security

Ensuring the complete safety of tourists in such a metropolis as Ho Chi Minh City is not an easy task. Moreover, the flow of tourists coming here is growing from year to year. In 2012, the police were even forced to take additional measures to maintain order on the streets and ensure the safety of foreigners. Police officers are constantly on duty at tourist sites and popular attractions. The main problem that a traveler may face is banal theft. Sadly, even the most vigilant police cannot protect against dexterous pickpockets.

Therefore, it is very important, while on the streets of the city, to keep an eye on personal belongings and not to demonstrate your values. It is better not to carry large sums of money with you, and keep all valuables and documents in the hotel safe.

Also, do not succumb to the provocations of local residents who will compulsively offer their help or try to sell any goods.

Business climate

Ho Chi Minh City is the business capital of Vietnam. All forms of business are dynamically developing in this bustling metropolis, leading banks and companies of the world have their representative offices here. Ho Chi Minh City is very attractive for foreign investors due to the assistance of international business projects from the authorities, cheap labor and stable political situation in the country. Potential investors from abroad are not frightened even by the not too high business rating of Vietnam, since concessions are provided for foreigners when opening a new company.

Investments in the construction of modern tourist facilities and commercial real estate are considered the most profitable in Ho Chi Minh City.

Real estate

Ho Chi Minh City is twice as populous as the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, while the city is under active development. Both modern multi-storey residential complexes and cozy condominiums are being built.

The demand for residential real estate in Ho Chi Minh City remains, first of all, among Vietnamese emigrants who live in other countries and wish to open their own business in their historical homeland. Housing in Ho Chi Minh City is inaccessible to most Vietnamese because of the high cost (Ho Chi Minh City is one of the ten most expensive cities in Asia): for an ordinary Vietnamese family, even budget one-room apartments for $ 15,000-20,000 are not affordable. In addition, despite active construction, demand here exceeds supply, which further warms up prices. The trend is unlikely to change in the near future, so investments in the construction of both residential and commercial real estate in Ho Chi Minh City promise high returns.

To date, the most expensive apartments in Vietnam are located on Diamond Island, which is a 10-minute drive from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. In total, there are more than 1000 apartments in the price range from $ 300,000 to $ 3,000,000.

Guests of Ho Chi Minh City will receive a friendly attitude from the local population. The idyll can only be broken by the violation of certain prohibitions by the foreigners themselves. Remember that walking around town in beachwear will be considered an insult to those around you. Particular attention should also be paid to the wardrobe when going to the temple: clothes should cover the shoulders and knees, and this applies to representatives of both sexes. You cannot enter Buddhist temples with shoes, and when leaving, do not turn your back to the temple.

Don't worry if you notice that the people of the city are trying to touch you. According to local beliefs, it brings good luck. There are especially many "fans" among overweight tourists. By the way, in return, you can ask permission to take pictures of the townspeople: usually the Vietnamese strive to make money on this, but for "luck" they can agree to a free photo session.

As for tips, in government institutions, they are usually included in the bill immediately (approximately 5% of the order amount). In private hotels and restaurants, you can reward employees as you see fit.

Gambling is allowed only to foreigners and only in specialized establishments. Do not try to tempt Vietnamese people to keep you company - you may end up with criminal prosecution.