Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city of Vietnam located at an elevation of nineteen kilometers above the sea level. It is situated along the Saigon River near the border of Cambodia and is a bustling metropolis that has flourished to become the crowning jewel of SouthEast Asia.
Ho Chi Minh City is a visual paradise known for its stunning vistas, lush landscapes, and breathtaking views. It retains the look of a European city with well preserved colonial buildings and relics from the Vietnam War. Bestowed with incredible cultural riches, and historical artifacts, this city offers the perfect mix of mystic and modern.
It is a high octane city that is dotted with innumerable museums, art galleries, and sleek skyscrapers that offer a stunning view of the entire city during your Vietnam tour. You can also find here elegant sports clubs, expansive shopping malls, and upscale restaurants that serve lip-smacking cuisines from all around the world. The ornate Buddhist temples and pagodas are an absolute bliss for the spiritual seekers.
There is no dearth of activities on offer at Ho Chi Minh City, and you’re sure to come back looking for more once you’re over here. From lazing at the beaches and enjoying water sports activities such as surfing and diving to being a part of the walking tours, you’ll never get bored here. You can also enjoy the concert or ballet dance at the opera houses and theatres. You can go for a pampering massage and Ayurvedic treatments at the spas and bathhouses located here.
Ho Chi Minh City experiences a tropical climate, and it has three distinct seasons- hot and humid summers, chilly cold winters and monsoon. The humidity level is around 75% all through the year, and it increases further in the monsoon.
Ho-chi-minh has many interesting places to visit. Its rich culture and history are evident almost everywhere you go, turning even would-be nondescript places into exciting must-visit locales. Here are some of the top destinations to head to –
Ho-chi-minh is filled with iconic attractions like temples, monuments and parks. Going on a sightseeing tour is the best thing to do as you can visit as many places as possible. If you have time to spare, you can do a tour of the Cai Be Floating Market in Mekong, which is about 2 hours from Ho-chi-minh. You can also visit the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve that’s about 40 kms from the city.
- Flight: Tan Son Nhat is the nearest airport from Ho-chi-Minh, and it receives both domestic as well as international flights. You also take a direct flight to Vietnam and then reach Ho-chi-Minh by train or bus.
- Train: The train is another option to reach Ho-chi-Minh, but it can be a bit time consuming as you’ll have to change your train thrice. First, you’ll board a train from Beijing or Nanning in China; then, you’ll have to change your train at the border of Pingxiang/Dong Dang. Once you reach Hanoi, you’ll take the Reunification Express to reach Saigon Railway station.
December to April is the best time to visit Ho-chi-minh. The weather is dry and cool during December to January and gets warm as March and April roll around. Humidity isn’t as high as in other parts of Vietnam and you can escape the stickiness.
Ho-chi-minh’s status as an increasingly sought-after holiday destination has given way to a number of resorts catering to various budgets. Here are the top picks –
Taxis are the transportation of choice for most travelers as they’re comfortable, affordable and fast. Buses are a second option and are cheaper. However, they may not ply to places that are out of the way.
Ho-chi-minh’s markets and shopping centers offer a mix of experiences from upscale fashion items and electronics to one-of-a-kind products that make the perfect souvenirs. Take a look at the best shopping destinations –
Here is the list of best Vietnam tour packages that you can book with Thrillophilia: