Ho Chi Minh City

Attractions

Ho Chi Minh City has many attractions such as Ho Chi Minh Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, Dam Sen Park. You can also find many ancient sights and architecture dating back to 300 years of its history combining Vietnamese, Chinese, and European influence.

One of the most historical and prominent as it relates to European influenced structures is the Reunification Palace. It was formerly know as Independence Palace and was built as the home and workplace for the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. When the Fall of Saigon occurred on April 30, 1975, it was the official place of a power handover.

A historic hotel of note is the Hotel Majestic which dates from the French colonial era. In 1925, this historic hotel was originally built of local Chinese businessman Hui Bon Hoa. Over the years the hotel changed many names so that it could remove any American or French influences that tainted Vietnam for it’s time. This was especially true during the infamous Fall of Saigon when it suddenly became a governmental guest house. Today it is a 5-star hotel that overlooks the Saigon River.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the many cities in Southeast Asia to have an active nightlife. In fact, it has recently become one of the hippest towns in the area. Besides its numerous cinemas and theaters, you can also find an array of bars and nightclubs to party the night away. In addition, there is the bia hoi stands or street-side beer stalls that are not only cheap and affordable but also offer a chance to rub elbows with the locals as well as sample local cuisine.

Transportation

Ho Chi Minh City is the main artery for basically all forms of transportation systems for both domestic and foreign travel.

You can take city buses around Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, it is also possible to take open-tour buses that sell tickets costing $5 - $10 around the city, depending on the bus company you use.

If you plan on traveling around by car or motorbike, you can arrange for a car rental at any tourist café, travel agent or hotel in which you will be driven around as if you were in a taxi. For motorbikes, you can rent them for at least $10 per day, especially if you plan to take one out of the city limits.

The Thong Nhat express train goes from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. Some trains also serve coastal cities north of Ho Chi Minh City.

As for boats, you can take one called a Hydrofoil which departs almost hourly from the area Bach Dang to Vung Tau.

The Tan Son Nhat International Airport is at least 7km from the center of the city and is one of the biggest airports for air travel. If you want to take some domestic flights, you can take Vietnam Airlines or the cheaper Jetstar Pacific or Vasco Airlines.

Climate

The weather in Ho Chi Minh City is usually hot and humid (tropical climate of 75% humidity) with a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. During the rainy season, the city can get an average rainfall of up to 71 inches annually. The average temperature for this city is at least 28 °C or 82 °F with the highest temperature reaching at least 39 °C or 102 °F.

 

 

Named after the legendary Ho Chi Minh City who was born in 1890, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the cosmopolitan cities of Vietnam . Also known as Thahn Po Ho Chi Minh City by the locals, Ho Chi Minh City formerly known, as Saigon is really Vietnam 's largest city in terms of size. Ho Chi Minh City is located in the Mekong Delta and is inhabited by more than 9 Million people.

You quite don't need a reason to visit Ho Chi Minh City , do you? Its date with history and active participation during the French invasion and; of course, the Vietnam War is more than enough to get you here. Below mentioned are places you should see when you visit Ho Chi Minh City City.

Reunification place, also known as Dinh Thong Nhat is one big attraction in Ho Chi Minh City . This was the place where the South Vietnamese used to plot the downfall of the North Vietnamese guerillas. Locals say that huge and powerful North Vietnamese tanks broke open the gates of this monument when Saigon fell in 1976.

Notre Dame Cathedral – This is one of the French masterpieces, constructed by the French in the 19 th century. This cathedral was granted the status of a basilica in 1962. Recently in 2005, a lot of people reported that Virgin Mary cried and tears were seen rolling down her eyes from the statue. Authorities though refuted these claims quickly.

Museums, Museums and more – One thing you would surely find in Ho Chi Minh City City are museums. The Ho Chi Minh City City Museum , the War Remnants Museum , and the Museum of Vietnamese History are some of the popular ones here in Ho Chi Minh City City.

The average humidity reported in Ho Chi Minh City City is about 75%. Known for its tropical climate, Ho Chi Minh City City averages a high of about 32 degree Celsius throughout the year. The equanimity in temperature is due to its proximity to the South China Sea . Winds blowing from the South China Sea moderate the temperature of Ho Chi Minh City city.

It rains quite a bit here. In fact, locals say it rains for about 150 days in a year with an average of 12 mm rain recorded daily. The reason for you to cheer is that it rains between May and November, so you could have a rain-free trip, should you plan one between December and April.

Acknowledged as one of the important cities of Vietnam from the economic standpoint, Ho Chi Minh City lives up to its reputation with an excellent Gross Domestic Product performance. As per statistics, the GDP contribution of Ho Chi Minh City wa $14.3 Billion, 20% of the country's GDP . Tourism statistics are pretty encouraging as well, with about 3 Million visitors visiting the city. Don't be surprised to know that 70% of the visitors, who came to Vietnam , visited Ho Chi Minh City City.

Travel about 4 miles north from the city center, and you would reach the Tan Son Nhat International Airport . This airport is well connected to all major cities of the world with daily flights.

The roads of Ho Chi Minh City City , especially the streets of this city are completely inhospitable. Full with potholes, be sure to get a definite backache when you ride through them. The main roads though are in a much better condition. Any rules and regulations followed while driving! No way, as you would find motorbikes zipping around from any direction you could imagine. By the way, Ho Chi Minh City City is also known as the City of Motorbikes !

You could ride on the city buses, a much safer option if you wish to get around Ho Chi Minh City City . The average fare of these buses would be approximately 3000 dongs, and would take you to your destination rather safely, unlike motorbikes.

Ho Chi Minh City City though is one place from where you could go to almost anywhere in Vietnam . Being the main stop of the North South rail link, it will get you connected with Hanoi if you wish.

Ho Chi Minh City City is definitely one place you would not wish to miss visiting when you are in Vietnam . This place offers you a classic combination of a date with history along with modern entertainment!

Ho Chi Minh City is located in the center of the Mekong Delta and is the largest city in Vietnam. It is a scientific, technological, industrial, and tourist center. It was also known as they city of Saigon and became the capital of the French colony and then later merged with the province of Gia Dinh. It is situated on the banks of the Saigon River with a population of at least 9 million people or more in the surrounding metropolitan areas as well as inside the city.