Ho Chi Minh City Things to Do Tips by keeweechic

War Remnants Museum War Remnants Museum Review

Evident by a warplane and tank which sits out front, this compound belongs to the War Remnants Museum. You will find articles of war as well as photographs (very graphic in some cases). A lot of these photos as well as the message they portray spell out the effects of Agent Orange.. there are some very disturbing photos of bottled human fetuses and deformities caused by the chemical.

Address: Vo Van Tan Street

Presidential Palace Reunification Palace Review

This building is now called the Reunification Hall. The centre was built as a modern administration centre and is where the war and the American involvement in Vietnam ended at 11.30am on April 30 1975, with tanks of the Liberation Army invading the compound forcing the Saigon President to surrender.

Following the emancipation of Saigon, the Palace became the headquarters of the Municipal Military Administrative Committee. In 1975 the building was renamed Truong Thong Nhat to commemorate the national reunification.

The building is open from 7:30 to 11:00 in the morning, and from 1:00 to 4:00 in the afternoon.

Address: Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Avenue

Market Goods Ben Thanh Market Review

Only a few weeks earlier, an American woman had been stabbed in the market but I believe it was an isolated case. She was ok. The market is busy but just take care of your bag when it is crowded.

Address: Ben Thanh Market , Le Loi Circle

Central Market or Ben Thanh Market Ben Thanh Market Review

Then Central Market or Ben Thanh Market is the biggest of the markets found in the city The building was formerly the main railway terminal. The market sells a large variety of goods from imported electronics and imported perfumes to local souvenirs, clothing and produce.

Address: Le Loi St., Dist.1 Ho Chi Minh City

Water Puppetry Water Puppet Review

You can see water puppets at the War Crimes Museum. Check the schedule for performing times.

This performing art has been around since the 11th century in Vietnam. The puppeteers hide behind a curtain , standing in waist high water (but usually in rubber wetsuits now) .

Address: War Remnants Museum, Vo Van Tan Street

Graphic Photos War Remnants Museum Review

There is a great number of photographs and a some additional exhibits illustrating 'Man's Inhumanity ' - the Son My (My Lai) massacre on 16 March 1968, and the effects of napalm and phosphorous. Of course you won't see any displays showing atrocities committed by the Viet Cong or North Vietnamese, they mainly show what Americans did.

Address: War Remnants Museum, Vo Van Tan Street

Inside the Museum War Remnants Museum Review

Inside the Museum there are displays of weaponry as well as instruments of torture which were used in particularly during the Vietnam War.

The museum also has a mobile guillotine which was used by the French colonists before World War II to bring about justice throughout the country.

Address: War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3

Notre Dame Cathedral Notre Dame Cathedral Review

Notre Dame Cathedral or Grand Cathedral is a magnificent building in the heart of the city near the Tu Do (Dong Khoi) Street which was a former red-light district. The cathedral was built 1877-1880 using stained glass windows from Chartres and bricks from Marseilles.

Address: 1 Commune of Paris, Dist. 1

Directions: Right Next to the Post Office.

The Saigon River Saigon River Review

The lower end of the Saigon (Song Sai Gon) River flows through Ho Chi Minh City. The river, which is the largest in Vietnam, flows south and southeast from Cambodia for about 140 miles. 18 miles Northeast of Ho Chi Minh City it joins the Dong Nai River. The Port of Saigon, established in 1862 is one of the most important in Southeast Asia.

Address: Ho Chi Minh City

Historical Rex Hotel Rex Hotel Review

The Rex Hotel was a popular haunt amongst journalists during the Vietnam War. It was once home to the daily U.S. military attaché’s press briefing which was dubbed the “Five O’Clock Follies” . The Rex, while not as modern and as upmarket as the newer hotels, still has a charm relating back to that period.

Address: 141 Nguyen Hue Blvd. - Dist. 1