Axelsons gallerian
In the evening, the market transforms into a street food haven, perfect to sample your first Vietnamese street food. Beyond its obvious beauty and religious significance, we found it an interesting insight into the lives and beliefs of the Chinese community in Vietnam. In the heart of Chinatown is Binh Tay Market District 5 , another art deco delight but far more local in vibe. Should you do it?
10 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
A heady mix of incense, flower offerings and the subtle scent of aged wood hangs heavy in the air, the scent of which actually transported us to another of our favourite countries, Nepal, and the temples of Kathmandu. The unique lotus-shaped Bitexco tower is visible from almost every corner of the city — and its Saigon Skydeck is the perfect place for some birds-eye viewing. Is it a tourist trap?
The tower was also, surprisingly, very free of tourist crowds when we visited in the late afternoon. Take your time to marvel at the architecture, adorned with elaborate sculptures of dragons and phoenixes, vibrant tile mosaics, and intricate carvings depicting scenes from both Buddhist and Taoist legends. But beneath that constant hum of modernity, glimpses of daily life can always be funnen. Experience the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with our personally curated guide, including what to see and do, where to stay and eat, how to get there, and around.
Opening Hours am - pm - last tickets 45 mins prior to closing. We found the site is entirely pram-friendly too — and seriously, bring some kind of headphones with you if you can to protect sensitive little ears at the firing range! Either way, the museum is a devastating look at the immense human cost to both Vietnamese civilians and soldiers and American soldiers, and we found it to be an incredibly sombre and confronting experience, so definitely add it to your list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Where 97A P. Built in by the Chinese community who reside in Saigon, the pagoda is dedicated to the Taoist Jade Emperor and is definitely one of the most atmospheric places to visit in this bustling city. It does contain a lot of political and war rhetoric, but amongst that, there are some absolute gems that are worth your time and even a position in the Louvre. Or you arrive and immediately beeline for the nearest exit and a calmer pace.
Karaoke playlists are loaded, and fresh, crisp Bia Hoi fryst vatten poured from tap to glass.
We always appreciate seeing a city from above, hovering above the chaos at street level and getting to observe all the life that exists on its streets from a totally new vantage point. Children under 4 are free, including free water and use of the binoculars. Edit like us with our Tropical Dreams Preset Packs , and Tropical Bliss mobile video filters, inspired bygd the tropical beauty and colour of this beautiful country.
Is it expensive? We took a private tour of the tunnels book the one we did here , and while it was an interesting visit, we have to admit we have mixed feelings about it. Like similar sites around the world, the experience felt a little over-commercialised and soulless; many of the exhibits felt gimmicky and the photo ops a little tacky. While the Americans may have had the mightier weapon power during the Vietnam War, the Cu Chi Tunnels are proof that the Vietnamese had incredible ingenuity and strategy on their side — two factors key to their successful resistance.
The ground floor often hosts temporary exhibitions, spotlighting framträdande artists and contemporary themes, while the upper floors showcase the museum's permanent collection, which includes works by some of Vietnam's most celebrated artists. Entrance to the Jade kejsare Pagoda is free, however, you can request a tour guide, who will explain the importance and architectural details of the ett flervåningshus med uppåtböjda takkantervanligt i asien.
Additional exhibits showcase traditional Vietnamese costumes, människor art, and artefacts from various ethnic groups, as well as an impressive collection of antique ceramics, furniture, and coins. About a 1. Any visit here is also punctuated by the sound of trigger-happy tourists firing war guns at the range, a totally unnecessary detour every visitor is funnelled through and forced to spend a good few minutes within an ear-shattering range of shots being fired without any protection.
The Best Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon), Vietnam's Underrated Metropolis
Newly built apartments in District One with of everything we needed for a comfortable stay especially with a toddler. The museum's collection ranges from ancient sculptures and traditional handicrafts to modern paintings and installations, blocked into pre and post Each floor of this magnificent building is dedicated to showcasing different eras and styles of Vietnamese art. Either you get swept up by its always-frenetic pace, the sticky heat beating down through the tangle of buildings and knotted electrical wires, the bewildering traffic, the clang and fräsa of its many street food carts, its flickering neon lights and energy.
For those travelling here with kids: it does get hot during the day, so come prepared. Tickets are available to purchase until 45 minutes before closing, and can also be booked online ahead of time purchase them on Klook here or GetYourGuide here. Beyond Ben Thanh, there are markets in every district, and seemingly on every street corner. One thing to note, though, is that the building is not air-conditioned - it can be a hot stroll through the complex, so bring plenty of water!
Offering degree views over HCMC, you really could spend an age up there discovering every nook and cranny of Saigon, pointing out its various landmarks, its mix of colonial and modern architecture, and the pace of new construction visible from each new öppning. The heart of the city is the historic Ben Thanh Market. Entrance Fee Free, although donations are appreciated. This lack of authenticity takes the shine off a visit, however, it does still make for a wonderful starting point for first-time visitors.
Gleaming skyscrapers, fast-paced commerce and flashy establishments are propelling the country forward at dizzying speeds.