Ho Chi Minh City Things to Do Tips by richiecdisc

Me Linh Square offers a study in contrasts. First, it is the most Western part of the city, with skyscrapers and big national banks far outnumbering anything distinctly Vietnamese or even Communist. It is a well-manicured city park in a decidedly upscale part of town. The focal point of what would otherwise appear an ode to capitalism is a foreboding statue of Tran Hung Dao. The famed guerilla military leader is shown in regal apparel much befitting his legendary status second only to Ho Chi Minh himself. He is known for thwarting Kublai Khan’s considerable forces when the Mongol Empire, already in control of China, set its sights on Vietnam in the 13th century. Despite heavy initial setbacks, General Dao managed to defeat the Mongolian contingent of 300,000 soldiers. According to legend, Vietnam’s king asked the fearless Dao if it might not be better to evacuate the city under siege. The General answered that his head would have to be severed before this ever happened.

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Address: D Ton Duc Thang
Directions: This is the centerpiece of the Dong Khoi area of town so easy to find and right on the Saigon River.

The Reunification Palace befittingly takes its name from the reunion of the Northern and Southern fractions of the country after a hard fought war that ravaged not only Vietnam but also neighboring Laos. The Americans didn’t fare so well either. With regard to the war, the Northern Communists eventually won out and the Palace, once the symbol of the South Vietnamese government, now does much the same for the conquerors. It also remains one of Ho Chi Minh’s most interesting sights. For starters, you cannot help but notice the famed Communist tank that was shown in the media around the world crashing through the fence that some would say symbolized the free world.

The 1960’s architecture and well-appointed rooms befit a high ranking government official as was the case when the South’s leaders occupied the premises. Today, it emits a spooky silence that is broken only by the numerous tour groups passing through. An odd highlight is a film on Vietnamese history, laced with the usual propaganda that concludes with the playing of the national anthem. Americans may feel uneasy but it is visited by more by Vietnamese tourists and for them, the victory over America was what brought their country back together.

open: 7:30-11:00, 13:00-16:00 daily
admission: 15000 dong (a buck)

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Address: 106 D Nguyen Du
Directions: This is a nice stroll from the budget area of Pham Ngu Lao and is the center of the governmental section of town.

Even if just barely interested in Vietnamese history, this grand neo-classical building is worth a look and if you have the time, once there, it would be silly not to pay the dollar to get in. I know, that’s two meals on the street but hey, you came all this way, so give it a try. What you’ll get is a true study in contrast. Photos of anti-colonial activists being executed jar your reality as you stroll carelessly through the ornate 19th century ballrooms that more than hint at the decadent lifestyle of the French colonists. America doesn’t fare much better, with the requisite Soviet tank on display in the otherwise tranquil garden in the rear of the museum. It is also an evidently very popular place to take your wedding photos as we saw numerous wedding parties very smartly attired having it done.

open: 9:00-16:00 daily
admission: 1$

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Address: 65 D Ly Tu Trong
Directions: A nice stroll from Pham Ngu Lao and in the Dong Khoi section of town.

There are numerous architectural nods to the French Colonial period in Saigon but what can be more French than a Notre Dame Cathedral? This 19th century neo-Romanesque structure has two 40-meter towers that can be seen from all over the city and is the centerpiece of the city’s government quarter skyline. Its stain glass windows were destroyed during WWII and were never replaced. Sunday mass is performed partly in English for those so inclined.

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Address: Dong Khoi, District 1
Directions: Easy to find, follow the towers to this upscale part of town.

Cong Vien Van Hao Park offers a respite from not only the hectic atmosphere of the city but also from its hot muggy climate. Set amongst countless imposing tropical trees, this lush and shady oasis is a popular place for locals and tourists to get some exercise in. There are tennis courts, a weight room and even a swimming pool that were once the propriety of the French Colonists. Now, even backpackers can use them, for a fee of course. If money is an object, you can enjoy the quiet solitude on a shady bench for free.

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Address: 115 Nguyen Du
Directions: Adjacent to the Reunification Palace but you can stroll through the park to get there and it is much more pleasant.

Another fine example of 19th century French Colonial architecture, the once Saigon Opera House, has now been blandly renamed the Municipal Theater. Much befitting this name change, the venue now showcases popular music acts as well as Vietnamese theatrical productions. There is generally some kind of show at 8 PM or if staying in the snooty area, ask your concierge.

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Address: D Dong Khoi
Directions: Centrally located in the Dong Khoi area.

Well, it sounds like some Christian missionaries went to Vietnam (and lots of other places too, right) to save them from their utter ignorance. Some people liked it, others did not. Some of those in the latter category persecuted and even executed not only the missionaries but also the newfound converts and others in the religious hierarchy. This didn’t sit too well with the countries that the missionaries came from so they sent over reinforcements. In Vietnam’s case, this was in the mid-1800s and thus began the French Colonial period in this country’s illustrious history. To cut to the chase, they were eventually run out of town so to speak but left a lot of very pretty examples of their architecture behind. Westerner tastes were benefited too as now Vietnam is one of the few places in Asia that they can get good bread and a strong cup of coffee. Anyway, when in Saigon, make sure to check out the lovely Colonial architecture.

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Directions: It's everywhere but this one was on D Nam Ky Khoi Nghia.