Ho Chi Minh City Things to Do Tips by zuyao

The Reunification Palace is the former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam. Today it is opened to the public and gives a glimpse of life of the last President of South Vietnam. This was the scene of a famous picture showing the communist army ramming through its gates during the last day of the Saigon regime. In fact the tanks that did the honor are on display in the palace gardens. Within the palace, you will get to see the banquet hall, reception hall and private halls of the President, his wife and Vice-President probably pretty much in the same condition when they fled.

Also of interest is the underground bomb shelter which also acts as the command center during the Vietnam war.

Opens daily 7.30 am - 11 am & 1 pm - 4pm
Admission fee - VND15,000 (Security check is required before entering)

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The Notre Dame Cathedral is a modest replica of Paris'. It is no where as beautiful as the one in Paris but is still worth the visit. It is an attractive colonial-style building which is also a symbol of the strong presence of Christianity here. A statue of Virgin Mary also stands in front of the cathedral.

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Address: Dong Khoi, District 1
Directions: Northeast of Reunification Palace, on Dong Khoi Street

This is a magnificent-looking building - a heritage of the French colonial era. The architecture is not unlike those you can find in Paris. Unfortunately, it is not open to visitors and therefore you could not see what is inside. But the exterior is beautiful and makes a nice place to snap some photos. The building is illuminated at night and is beautiful.

In front of the building is a plaza with a statue of Ho Chi Minh.

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Cho Binh Tay is the main market of Cho Lon (Chinatown). This huge complex sells a mixture of goods and fresh products. You can get vegetables, poultry, bags, fruits etc. The market is chaotic and noisy. Beware of pick pockets.

The Cho Lon area itself is the Chinatown of Saigon and home to Vietnamese Chinese. The area is busy with its markets, restaurants and is abuzz with all kinds of activities. As it is normal for most Chinatowns worldwide, the area is dirty and chaotic. But it makes an interesting walk.

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Address: Cho Lon, District 5

A trip to Ho Chi Minh City would not be complete without a visit to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels. This extensive network of tunnels run 3 levels deep underground and is the place where the Viet Cong guerillas stay and launch their surprise attacks on the Americans during the war. The entire tunnel length is almost 250km and is recognized as an engineering marvel!!! I took a tour from Tuan Travel for USD6. It leaves HCMC at 8.30am. It takes 2 hours to reach Cu Chi. On the way, it stops at a handicraft factory which manufactures really beautiful lacquerware. The factory employs Agent Orange victims.

The entrance fee at Cu Chi is VND70,000. Before entering the Cu Chi tunnel, you would be briefed on the the tunnel system as well as given a video presentation on the Cu Chi guerillas. You will then enter the Cu Chi tunnel area where you can see the tunnel complex itself and understand the various intricacy and ingenuity of the tunnel system. You may also crawl in the tunnel (albeit already enlarged to fit non-Vietnamese). There is a shooting range where you can try a hand at shooting an AK47. Bullets are sold at VND20,000 per bullet and you must buy a minimum of 10 bullets.

It was a very interesting tour and is a must for all visitors to HCMC!

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Address: Cu Chi
Directions: Book a tour with one of the many tour companies or through your hotel. It is not possible to reach there on your own.

The War Remnants Museum displays exhibits on war crimes and aftermaths of the various wars fought on Vietnamese soil with the French and Americans. The black and white pictures on display are heart-wrenching and shows the deep suffering endured by the Vietnamese during the war. Although it is a one-sided story of how the governments sees the war, it is proof that nothing good comes out of violence. The main exhibits are grouped into 8 themes:
1) Historical truths - causes, origins and processes of agressive wars.
2) "Requiem" - collection of photos taken by 134 war reporteds killed during the Vietnam War.
3) Vestiges of war crimes & aftermaths
4) Imprisonment system - shows the torture methods used in detention camps
5) Photo collections of Japanese reporters Ishikawa Bunyo & Nakamura Goro
6) International support for the Vietnamese people
7) Children painting colection
8) US weaponry used in the war

Opens daily 7.30 - 12.00 & 13.30 - 17.00
Entrance - VND15,000

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Address: 28, Vo Van Tan