Phan Thiet

Beaches and attractions in Binh Thuan province have reopened after social isolation, ready to welcome travelers. Visitors can experience with many activities such as swimming & take photos at The Fishing Village in Mui Ne, take  canoeing to Cu Lao Cau or Phu Quy island to dive in the coral reefs, walk on the red sand hill and walk along the white sandy road.

YOU MAY LIKE TO EXPLORE HO CHI MINH CITY AND CHECK IN MUI NE BEACH IN 4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS

Can Tho – Mekong Delta

District Phong Dien, the most concentrated place in the city, is always diverse with fruits such as mango, guava, rambutan, breast milk, jackfruit, durian … Here, not only visit the garden and reward awake fruit, visitors can try the Western lifestyle through outdoor activities such as wading ditches to catch fish, canoeing, hanging bridges, swing ropes through the ditch …

TOP 3 THINGS TO SEE IN CAN THO

In addition, have breakfast floating between Floating market, enjoying “noodle soup” is an unforgettable experience for those who first visit.

FIND MORE 5 FAMOUS VIETNAM FLOATING MARKETS

Da Lat

Holiday time is also the beginning of the cloud hunting season in the foggy city. A place to watch clouds has a beautiful view and is easy to move, located in Cau Dat tea hill, Trai Mat hill, Suoi Vang lake, Thien Phuc Duc hill, Hon Bo, Radar mountain … Want to see the sea of ​​clouds float, visitors must overcome the cold to be present at the viewing position since the sun has not yet appeared. 

4 DAYS 3 NIGHTS WATCHING THE BEAUTY OF DALAT FLOWERS CITY

Vung Tau

Only two hours from Ho Chi Minh City, Vung Tau is popular weekend getaway offering beachfront resorts, heaps of delicious seafood, and a slower pace of life. Coastal history in this part of Vietnam is combination of religious relics and French garrisons and mansions. Vung Tau’s beaches may not entice you to swim, however for a quick, low-stress escape to the coast, Vung Tau ticks all the boxes.

4 ideal destinations near Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon)
Nguyen Thanh Van

A visit to one of the country’s many war memorials or historical sites is essential for any traveller looking to understand Vietnam’s modern identity.

Here are some of the most important places in Vietnam to learn about the conflict.

Hoa Lo Prison

Hoa Lo Prison, commonly translated as “fiery furnace” or even “Hell’s hole”, was a prison used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. Located in the heart of Hanoi Capital and known as one of the most inhumane prison in Vietnam with the most modern equipment at the time for the harshest punishment. The prison was demolished in the 1990s, however the gatehouse has now been converted into a museum. Displays include recreations of interrogation rooms and sleeping quarters, photographs, and a guillotine.

War Remnants Museum

Located in Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum holds a fascinating, and gut-wrenching, collection of relics from the war. Graphic photographs and American military equipment are on display. Once known as the ‘Museum of American War Crimes’, it’s a shocking reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam War. There’s a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, a single-seater attack aircraft. You can also see a conventional bomb that weighs at 6,800kg. American troops had used these weapons against the Vietnamese between 1945 and 1975.

The War Remnants Museum is in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. It’s every day from 07:30 to 17:00. A visit to this war museum can be disturbing experience for most people.

MUST SEE ATTRACTIONS IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Cu Chi Tunnels

Found just outside Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are definitely not recommended for anyone with claustrophobia. The tunnels were used by Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots during combat, as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon caches and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. It is now a popular tourist destination, where visitors can crawl around parts of the system, and see how booby traps were cleverly planted in the jungle.

Ho Chi Minh Museum and Mausoleum

Ho Chi Minh‘s Mausoleum has long been considered as the first place to come for the first time travelers to Hanoi thanks to its tremendous historical value. Ho Chi Minh is the face of independence in modern-day Vietnam, leading the country out from under French rule and forming a democratic republic. When the war ended, the city of Saigon was renamed after him. The museum is a great place to learn more about his life, travels through France, England and America, writing – including poetry he wrote while imprisoned by the Chinese government – and Soviet-era art. Being there, visitors can not only discover more about Ho Chi Minh’s life and role in Vietnamese history but also enlarge their knowledge about Vietnam’s history reflected in the complex’s components.

Imperial City of Hue

The Hue Imperial City was one of the most important political centres of the country. It’s about more than just the history of Hue – this was essentially the Vietnam Imperial City! With its sprawling courtyards, deep moats and intricate temples, Hue’s Imperial City is an easy place to spend hours exploring.

Hue was founded as the Vietnam capital city by Gia Long, the first king of the Nguyen Dynasty in 1802. It held this position for nine Nguyen dynasties until 1945.

The massive complex features hundreds of monuments and ruins, such as the Forbidden Purple City, once the residence of the royal family and badly damaged during the Vietnam War, the Imperial City, royal tombs, flag tower, pagodas, temples, a library and museum.

BOOK 1 DAY VISIT HUE – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE 

The 5 most important sites in Vietnam to learn about the war
Nguyen Thanh Van

The daily life in Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City in 1996 appeared vividly through a series of photos by German photographer Wolfgang Kaehler.

Photo: Wolfgang Kaehler / Getty Image.

Notre Dame Cathedral, located opposite the Central Post Office.

The former US Embassy building on Le Duan Street, in 1996, was the headquarters of the General Department of Petroleum.

Inside Thiên Hậu pagoda at District 5 Ho Chi Minh city.

Rice store inside Bến Thành market.

Store outside Bến Thành market.

Young man drove Honda Cub 50.

Sai Gon in 1996 through photographer Wolfgang Kaehler
Nguyen Thanh Van

Typical for modern Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a temple attracting the most crowded tourists in Ho Chi Minh City.

Located at 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is the most famous temple in Ho Chi Minh City.

The founders of the temple were Thich Tam Giac and Thich Thanh Kiem from the Northern. The name of Vinh Nghiem pagoda in Saigon is same named with a wooden pagoda as Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Duc La Commune, Tri Yen District, Tang Giang District, Bac Giang Province. This is a temple established from the reign of King Ly Thai To, which was the center of Buddhism propagation of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism.

In 1971, Vinh Nghiem pagoda was basically completed, including the central building, Quan The Am Stupa, the buildings for social activities.

The pagoda is a quite monumental, traditional architecture with red tiled roofs with curved heads. In 2005, due to the implementation of the project to expand Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, the Tam Quan gate of the pagoda was relocated to the present location.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is one of the typical works for Vietnamese Buddhist architecture in the 20th century.

This is also a temple attracts the number of tourists visiting and admiring the leading of Ho Chi Minh City today.

Source: kienthuc.com.vn

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda – the most famous temple in Saigon
Nguyen Thanh Van

Cà phê vợt means “stocking coffee,” a direct reference to a cloth filter the family uses to strain coffee ground.

This method is popular among stalls operated by those of Chinese descent in old Saigon, before French-style filters – or phin in Vietnamese – started dominating the market.

Here are 3 Café Vợt that have existed for more than half a century to attract visitors, do not miss it!

1.Cheo Leo Cafe is located at 109/36 Nguyen Thien Thuat, Ward 2, District 3

Hidden in the heart of District 3’s “chessboard” neighborhood – a network of intersecting alleys that can easily bewilder first-timers in town – Cheo Leo Café is more than just a street coffee shop: it’s a Saigon landmark, a family heirloom and a cultural hangout all rolled into one simple shopfront.

Photo: nguyenmx13

Over the past eight decades, Cheo Leo has gained a reputation among Saigon’s coffee lovers for its sole focus on coffee flavor sans embellishment.

For the three sisters, running Cheo Leo is less about making a profit and more about keeping their father’s legacy going; the fame they’ve gotten over the years is just a nice bonus.

Photo: linhmel

Photo: thuongngo2211

2. Café vợt of Mr Thanh is located at Alley 313 Tan Phuoc, Ward 6, District 11 

Photo: hanhienj

Located behind Thiec Market in District 11 (HCMC), although Mr Thanh’s small cafe on Tan Phuoc Street has no signboard, it’s still well-known. Just like making tea, the hand-crafted coffee-making process is to put the coffee powder in a cloth filter in a clay cooking pot, and then pour some boiling water into it. A few minutes later the coffee is poured into the warm aluminum, placed on the stove before serving guests. Each hot black coffee costs VND 4,000 and hot milk coffee is VND 6,000.

Photo: Thi Hà

Photo: Thi Hà

Photo: huanlephotography

Photo: su.candyy

3. Café vợt in 330/2 Phan Dinh Phung Street, Phu Nhuan District.

The café, owned by Dan Trang Con (Mr. Ba) and his wife Tuyet, has been open for the past 60 years and shows no signs of stopping. We found Ms. Tuyet busily brewing up coffee for the dozen or so customers on their mopeds waiting for their morning takeaway, drowning herself in cup after cup a black coffee with sugar.

Photo: kellankhuu

Photo: vosan___

No hustle or bustle, visitors coming here just want to enjoy the taste of old coffee and in that space, it reminds of the image of an old, simple, rustic Saigon in the minds of each person.  Each glass is 15,000 VND and only cash is accepted.

3 Café Vợt over half century in Sai Gon
Nguyen Thanh Van

While modernity has swept Vietnam’s southern capital, it’s not hard to find pockets here and there that celebrate its complex history. The architectural imprints of colonial rule still stand, alongside relics of the city’s commercial and oriental roots. If you’re a fan of history, here are seven top Ho Chi Minh City attractions in easy walking distance from the centre.

FREE THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY

War Remnants Museum

Piqued curiosities at the War Remnants Museum in District 3

The War Remnants Museum is a three-story museum holding countless artefacts and graphic photographs, including photographer Nick Ut’s Pulitzer Prize-winning shot, “The Terror of War.” Out-of-commission planes, tanks, bombs and helicopters decorate the courtyard. It is a sombre experience but one that leaves a lasting impression.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3

Notre Dame Cathedral

The area around the Notre Dame Cathedral is a solid spot for people-watching

The twin-spired Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception sits at the head of Dong Khoi Street, a peaceful oasis in the busy downtown area. Built entirely from materials imported from France, the construction of the cathedral lasted nearly two decades, from 1863 to 1880.

FUN FACT: The alabaster statue of the Virgin Mary perched in the centre of the square is said to have wept tears on a single occasion in 2005, witnessed by crowds there at the time.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 1 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1

Saigon Central Post Office

Send a postcard from the city’s impressive old post office

Opposite the cathedral is Saigon’s charming general post office. Take a stroll inside, where you’ll find a massive foyer flanked by rows of Victorian era wooden phone booths, historic maps on the walls, and a huge portrait of Ho Chi Minh. The architect of the building is sometimes incorrectly credited as Gustave Eiffel, however the design of the complex was based off his blueprints.

Admission: Free
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 2 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1

The Reunification Palace

Peep the swanky helicopter landing pad on the rooftop.

On the site of the former Norodom Palace sits the Reunification Palace, also known as the Independence Palace. Designed by architect, Ngô Viết Thụ, the palatial estate was the residential and administrative quarters of the President of South Vietnam. These days, visitors can walk the halls and meeting rooms, upholstered in red carpet.

TIP: Don’t miss the former command centre and war rooms in the basement.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh, District 1

Nguyen Hue Street and City Hall

City Hall overlooking Nguyen Hue Street

Expansive Nguyen Hue St. has become the new stomping ground for pedestrian activity in Ho Chi Minh City. Skirting the perimeter are dozens of high rises, upscale restaurants, commercial arcades and luxury boutiques. Spanning from City Hall to the Bach Dang Wharf, this walking street is perfect for an afternoon stroll and is at its liveliest at sundown. At the northernmost end of Nguyen Hue sits City Hall, the administrative post of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee.

Admission: City Hall is not open to the public
Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe, District 1

Ben Thanh Market

The city’s most well-known commercial centre

Ben Thanh Market in the centre of the city is a timeless marketplace built atop a reclaimed plot of land which was formerly known as Bo Ret Pond. Today, the indoor market faces Quach Thi Trang Square. Inside, a matrix of aisles sells everything from fresh produce to conical hats, weasel coffee to lacquerware. Toward the end of the hall is a maze of food stalls selling sizzling bánh xèo and freshly assembled bánh mì.

Admission: Free
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: 32-30 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh, District 1

Cu Chi Tunnels

EXPLORE 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS HO CHI MINH CITY TOUR- CU CHI TUNNEL

A guide shows travellers the secret tunnel entrances in Cu Chi

Tunnel your way back in time during your visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Located on the northwestern fringes of greater Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi District is home to a network of over 250 kilometers used by the Viet Cong to evade American and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. Enter the tunnels at either one of two entrances, Ben Dinh, which is 35 kilometers away, and Ben Duoc, which is 70 kilometers away. Getting dirty is part of the package, so dress accordingly.

5 HISTORIAL TUNNEL YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE

Admission: 15,000 VND
Hours of Operation: 7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m., 1:30 – 5 p.m. every day including holidays
Address: Phu Hiep, Phu My Hung, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Source: vietnamtourismboard

7 must-see attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Thanh Van