Vietnam in the past few years has emerged as one of the most fulfilling travel destinations, and with ease of visa on arrival for Indians, the popularity has shot up, with new itineraries coming up every day. It also helps that the country has it all, beautiful natural landscapes, vibrant culture, great food and especially coffee. If you aren’t however too adventurous, Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to start.
Bustling, and yet easygoing, Ho Chi Minh is an amazing introduction to Vietnam, and its pretty sights only enhance the experience. Whether you are a heritage buff looking to explore Ho Chi Minh attractions or looking for fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh, we are here to help.
Check out these places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City to add to your itinerary
1. Southern Women’s Museum
One of the most unique of things to do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam is visiting this museum. Dedicated to documenting the accomplishments of Vietnamese women, this museum has signage in English and French as well, making sure the glory reaches far. With a detailed section on their contribution in wartime, this is one of the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh you don’t want to miss.
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2. Chantaransey Pagoda
With a lot of Khmer refugees in the country, this Pagoda is more than just a beautiful temple on the list of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Hosting about 30 monks in the living quarters, and a Pali school, it has been a calm respite for the community for decades, and with its ornate walls and 14 Buddha statues, garners a lot of attention from the visitors too. One of the Ho Chi Minh attractions you do not want to miss.
3. War Remnants Museum
It is quite well known that the Vietnam War fought between the country and the USA was one of the bloodiest wars in recent history. Documenting the war crimes of this war and the Anti-French Resistance War, the museum is high on the list of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for those who strive to learn how the country was shaped. With a guillotine and many war relics on display, it can be a bit grim but quite an important lesson in Vietnamese history.
4. Jade Emperor Pagoda
One of the most important and beautiful Taoist temples in the country, visiting this Pagoda is a must-add to the list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. While there are many Pagodas on the list of Ho Chi Minh attractions, this one stands out with its ornate walls that tell Chinese religious tales, stunning structures of Taoist deities, and the Jade Emperor himself.
5. Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
Exquisite and adorned with the brightest of colours, this Pagoda is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Dedicated to the Chinese General Quan Cong, the shrine is lush green with his horse standing out in bright red. It is believed among locals to visit this shrine right before they embark on any journey.
6. HCMC Museum
This 2 storey museum made in the Baroque style of architecture mixed with local influences is home to all things HCMC, making it one of the most important places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. With artefacts, planning maps of Ho Chi Minh City, ceramics, and exhibits from the daily life of the city residents, this museum is one of the Ho Chi Minh attractions that’ll delight history buffs.
7. Cu Chi Tunnels
Making your way through these interconnected tunnels is one the must things to do in Vietnam and for a reason. The lifeline for military operations during the Vietnam War, these tunnels were quite a terror for the American troops, and post the reunification of the country, the Vietnamese government turned it into a memorial park, making sure the history is preserved.
8. Saigon Opera House
Also known as the Municipal Theatre, visiting the Saigon Opera House is one of the best things to do in Saigon. This heritage building was built in 1898 by the French architect Eugene Ferret and was constructed two storeys above the ground floor to make sure that no noise from the traffic on the streets gets in. This beautiful building that looks like an entrance to an old citadel can house close to 450 people and hosts a variety of shows, the most famous of which is the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus.
9. Mariamman Temple
South East Asia and the Indian subcontinent have long had a connection and apart from the trade, there has been an exchange of cultures and this temple is a beautiful proof of that. Dedicated to the Hindu goddess Mariamman, it was built by traders from Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu in the 19th century. While there is a small Tamil community in Ho Chi Minh City, the temple also attracts many Vietnamese and Sino-Vietnamese devotees, making a visit here one of the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City when visiting.