Saigon Travel Guide
Travel to Saigon - Heart of the Nation
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Formerly known as Saigon and still called by that by most, Ho Chi Minh City is the beating heart of commercial Vietnam. It’s the nation’s largest city and provides for many their first taste of Vietnam. Mixing old and new it has its fair share of attractions as a wander around Cholon or visit to the moving War Remnants Museum attest, but as with many cities it’s the daily life that appeals. Chaotic it might be, forgettable it isn’t.
Located in the heart of southern Vietnam the Saigon River winds around the city and connects it with the South China Sea. Once praised as the “Pearl of the Orient” Saigon has been an important trade centre for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants for centuries but it was under the French that it arguably achieved most fame with another nom de plume being the “Paris of Asia” for its wide boulevards lined with the stately trees and magnificent French villas.
Captured by the French in 1859 and then the capital of the Republic of Vietnam until 1975 when it was captured by the North Vietnamese communists the city has been both peaceful and the centre of struggle. Today she mixes modern buildings with French colonial and Chinese temples and is called Ho Chi Minh City. For millions around the world though she’ll always be Saigon.
Attractions in Saigon
Saigon is a rush-hour city that never stops. Cholon is the Chinese quarter located in the southwest of the city and provides a look at an authentic Chinese area with temples, pagodas and markets. In the city proper head to the War Remnants Museum for a sobering look at the war, and the Reunification Palace – one-time Presidential Palace. There are a variety of other museums if you want to know more about the history of the city and country, such as the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City and the History Museum.
How about a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a Chinese temple, Notre Damn Cathedral with its 40m high towers. The Sri Mariamann Hindu Temple and Central Mosque cater to the city’s South Asian residents and ex-pats.
Outside the city are more attractions; the famous Cu Chu Tunnels lie northwest of the city and then there’s Cat Tien National Park where you can explore on foot or bike. Beyond Cu Chi is Tay Ninh where the great Cao Dai Temple can be seen whilst those with more time will head to the Mekong Delta.
Activities in Saigon
Allow 2 days to explore the city before moving on. There are several walking tours one can undertake, or hire a cyclo.
Relaxing
Shopping for clothing, handicrafts or artwork, taking in a few galleries or enjoying a cooling course are all great ways to relax. A sun-downer on the roof of the Rex Hotel is still a favourite.
Getting Around
The city is extensive and you’ll need transport. Join locals by hiring a bike or take a cyclo for short journeys; take organised tours if you are going outside the city.
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