5 Things you must do when in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is a highly dense city with a population of 7.9 million. From American-styled cafes to incense-infused temples, this city is a perfect blend of tradition and modernity. The swarm of motorcycles at every corner of the street makes the city dizzying and chaotic, yet it holds a beautiful charm of its own.

Day tour of the city

Take a day tour and visit the historically-enriched museums and pagodas. Vietnam’s war-torn history can’t and shouldn’t be ignored. Ho Chi Minh City Museum explains the country’s bloody history through photographs, artefacts and memorabilia. The War Remnants Museum is a more ghastly option but it is an important reminder of the atrocities that were inflicted on the locals.

During the day tour, do visit the historic Reunification Palace. Here you will find the tank that crashed through the palace gates on 30 April 1975. Most of the palace remains unchanged since the 1970s.

If you only have time to see only one pagoda, make it the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Built in the 1900s by Taoists and Buddhists, this pagoda is highly spiritual yet breathtaking in scale and ambition. Head to the second floor to see the intricately carved roof terrace and a statue of Quan Am (the goddess of mercy).

Ben Thanh market

Centrally located, Ben Thanh market is the most popular markets in HCMC. One can practically find anything here; souvenir gifts, clothes, jewelry and even fresh food. Bargaining works in Ben Thanh market, so jump right in and negotiate for a price that you think is fair.

At night, you will find vendors setting up stalls for locals and tourists to shop and eat. The market is a lot of fun, regardless of whether you’re souvenir shopping or window shopping.

Visit coffee joints and try street food

Coffee joints are a huge part of the city’s culture. It’s hard to miss spotting a coffee shop or bistro in HCMC. The prices range from 33 cents from a street vendor, to SGD3. Deep-roasted Trung Nguyen is the most popular local brand of coffees and one that should definitely have a sip of.

Vietnam is also known for its tasty street snacks. In small eateries, prices range from SGD3 for a meal comprising of meat, rice and vegetables to SGD20 in a restaurant.

Bitexco Financial tower

The towering Bitexco Financial Tower is the tallest building in HCMC, standing at 262 meters, and second tallest tower in Vietnam. This stunning skyscraper is known as the Lotus building by locals, since it is inspired by a lotus flower, a national symbol for Vietnam. Some say that the tower has slight resemblance with Dubai’s Burj al Arab.

Visit the heliport located on the 50^th floor and observation deck on the 49^th floor (known as Saigon Skydeck) – it offers up a panoramic view of HCMC that should not be missed.

Mekong river

Explore the Mekong River by boat on a full-day tour. The boat will cruise through the green vegetation of the Mekong canals and stop at the local villages. At the villages, you will get a chance to visit a coconut candy factory and bee farm.

The guide will also take you to an island to taste exotic tropical fruits and then be treated to a delicious lunch of Mekong cuisine. You will learn about the traditional lifestyles, customs and practices of those who call the Delta their home. There are many travel agencies that organise a full-day tour from Vinh Long town to Mekong Delta.

Roshni Kapur

Photos: Roshni Kapur