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Region: Saigon And Surrounds> Province: Ho Chi Minh City>Location: Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City sights and attractions
Jade Emperor Pagoda - Saigon's most atmospheric pagoda
73 Mai Thi Lu St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
Set to the north of the botanical gardens on Nguyen Binh Khiem, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is easily Saigon's most atmospheric. If you've got time for just one pagoda, this should be the one. Constructed by the city's Cantonese community at the turn of the century,the Jade Emperor guards the entrance to heaven -- deciding who gets in and who has to shuffle off to that less pleasant, far warmer place. His two companions, one with a lamp and the other with a gruesome axe, are there to help guide you in the right direction. These aren't the only deities here: you'll also find a fertility goddess, the Lord of Hell and even the Buddha of the future. The entire collection is somewhat of a fusion of Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian mythologies.
To the left of the main sanctuary is the highlight: the Hall of the 10 Hells. Lined with wooden panels that depict the 10 layers of hell, these carvings lay out exactly what is waiting for all you sinners. Each panel is topped with a representation of a King of Hell perusing a book that details the very evil acts perpetuated by the dead -- they seemed to stare at us in a rather knowing fashion.
Statuary aside, the pagoda is overflowing with incense and is often quite crowded, both with tourists and worshippers. The latter are amazingly tolerant of the former -- perhaps they're trying to accumulate some credit for sins past.
Xa Loi Pagoda - Contains Thich Quang Duc's heart
89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
Set a few blocks north of the Cultural Park at Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, this multi-level, pastel-coloured pagoda is known for its tower, which is supposed to contain a relic of the Buddha. During the Diem regime, this pagoda was attacked by ARVN soldiers and more than 400 monks were imprisoned, some of whom were killed. This action helped to strengthen the opposition to the Diem regime and was crucial in the US decision to back the coup against him. Given the pagoda's proximity to other points of interest, this is worth a visit.
Opening Hours: 7:00-11:00 and 14:00-17:00 Daily
Mariamman Hindu Temple - Worth a quick peak
45 Truong Dinh St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
This small Hindu temple is frequented by both Saigon's tiny Hindu population along with resident Vietnamese. If it were not for the beggars hassling you throughout your visit, it would be quite an enjoyable place -- it's believed the temple has the power to heal the ill. After 1975 the Vietnamese government converted it into a factory for making joss sticks, but it's now used solely for worship. The temple is only a short walk from the Ben Thanh Central Market on Truong Dinh Street so is certainly worth a look in.
Opening Hours: 07:00-19:00 Daily
Notre Dame Cathedral - A fave with weddings
Nguyen Du St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
Notre Dame Cathedral, near Saigon's GPO on the northern stretch of District One, was constructed from 1877 until 1883, though it wasn't consecrated until 1959. Le Place Pigneau de Behaine, the square in front of the cathedral, holds a beautiful statue of the Virgin Mary. If you pop inside, take a look at the funereal stones on the left upon entering. The exterior of the cathedral is a hit with Vietnamese weddings and that in itself makes it worth visiting.
Museum of Ho Chi Minh City - A beautiful building
65 Ly Tu Trong St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
http://www.hcmc-museum.edu.vn
Description
Previously known as the Revolutionary Museum, this large grey circa 1885 building circa 1885 is on Ly Tu Trong St, a short walk from the centre of District One and the Reunification Palace. The colonial building has played a number of roles: firstly it was a commercial museum, then the Cochinchina Governor's palace, then briefly in 1945 it was the provisional administrative HQ before morphing into the French High Commissioner's Office. Later incarnations included the Gia Long Palace and the Supreme Court. In the late 1970's it was relaunched as the Revolutionary Museum and subsequently renamed the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City. The museum contains a photographic record of the Revolution within Vietnam, beginning with the French and ending with the Americans. There's also an expansive display of more ethno-societal and archeological relics, though it feels a bit thrown together. Beneath the museum lay an elaborate network of tunnels and bunkers that reach as far as Reunification Palace. It was through these tunnels that President Diem scampered before eventually fleeing to Cha Tam Church (and his death). As the tunnels are off-limits, the main attraction, for us anyway, is the actual building. As with many museums across Vietnam, the grounds contain some war booty. Only some of the displays are labelled in English.
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00-17:00
Reunification Palace - Oddly reminiscent of The Thunderbirds
106 Nguyen Du St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
This building was originally known as the Presidential Palace or Independence Hall, and is a classic example of 1960's architecture. The original building was bombed in 1962 in an attempt by the South Vietnamese Air Force to assassinate President Diem. The assassination attempt failed, but the bombing damaged the building enough for Diem to order it torn down and built anew -- not that he ever got to see the finished product as he was murdered before its completion. The Palace was completed in 1966 and merges classic 60's architecture with the principles of feng shui and Chinese calligraphy. The design of the building is said to represent the Chinese character Hung which means the nation to be prosperous forever and while that left us scratching our head a couple of architects we met explained it and it made sense -- sort of.
It was here that Australian photojournalist Neil Davis took the photo of the NVA tank bursting through the gates of the palace as Saigon fell to the North Vietnamese -- and barely a thing has been changed since. Walking the empty hallways and the maze-like bunker system in the basement has a true surrealistic quality to it and we found it oddly reminiscent of The Thunderbirds. Reunification Hall is also linked to the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City by a series of underground tunnels and bunkers, though these are not open to the public. It was in these tunnels that Diem spent the last hours of his life before fleeing to Cha Tam Church in Cholon and his death.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:30-11:00 & 13:00-16:00
Hotel DeVille - No visitors thanks!
Le Thanh Ton St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
Built in the beginning of the 20th century, this grand old building was once the Hotel DeVille, but it is now home to the stoic Ho Chi Minh People's Committee. The hotel stands out in the Ho Chi Minh City landscape and the area in front of the Hotel De Ville is a popular place for Vietnamese to sit around and relax.
War Remnants Museum - A must see
28 Vo Van Tan St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
This museum, dedicated to documenting the various alleged war crimes undertaken by the US, is a must-see. If the only side of the Vietnam War you have seen has been through films such as Platoon, Full Metal Jacket and Apocalypse Now, then a visit here should help bring a bit of balance.
Although the name of the museum has been changed from that of the Museum of American War Crimes, the Americans were the main perpetrators of the horrors you will see inside this museum. The museum has a large number of photos detailing atrocities along with a selection of war booty and detritus.
To the immediate right upon passing the ticket booth is an outstanding exhibition entitled Requiem, honouring the journalists who died during Vietnam's many conflicts. All the photos were taken by those who lost their lives -- it is a particularly moving display, and the museum is worth visiting solely to see this.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:30-12:00 & 13:30-17:00
History Museum - For archeology buffs
Nguyen Binh Khiem St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
This museum has been known by a number of names since its construction in 1928. It traces Vietnamese history from prehistoric times till the period of French occupation and carries an impressive range of artefacts, including Funan pieces found at Oc-Eo and a small selection of Cham sculpture (the majority of the Cham art can be found at the Cham Museum in Danang).
Opening Hours: Daily 08:00-11:00 & 13:30-17:00
Cong Vien Van Hoa Park (Cultural Park) - Enjoy life as it goes by
Nguyen Binh Khiem St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
This park is a great place to escape from Saigon's traffic. Set in the middle of the city, it is a bicycle-free zone with neatly landscaped lawns and benches to enjoy life as it goes by. Go early morning to see the park full of tai chi practitioners and badminton enthusiasts, or early evening for the biggest open-air no-fee aerobics class you'll ever witness.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens - A pleasant stroll with the odd elephant thrown in
2 Nguyen Binh Khiem St, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
Perhaps a visit to the zoo isn't wise if the sole intention is viewing animals -- although there is a good range of creatures, they've seen better days and the whole facility is in need of a good clean up. As a destination for a lazy afternoon walk in the shade under leafy tropical plants and trees, however, it's one of the best in the city. The gardens mix into one with the zoo as the same attraction. Consider it a pleasant stroll with the odd elephant and giraffe thrown in.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00-20:00
Fine Arts Museum - Worth a browse -- for the building and the art
97A Pho Duc Chinh
Description
This museum is comprised of three floors, all housed in an old colonial structure -- the courtyard contains an ancient looking tennis court, upon which the image of French aristocrats dressed in white playing a leisurely game is hard to dismiss. The marble floors throughout and the spacious, airy rooms add to the colonial feel. Most of the artwork is on the second and third floors -- floor two reveals war-related artwork, while on the third floor two separate displays entitled 'Contemporary' and 'Antique' cover the numerous rooms. Some interesting wood and marble sculpturescan be seen here. English labelling on some pieces is well-written and informative.
Opening Hours: 09:00-17:00 Tue-Sun
Ton Duc Thang Museum - Some interesting photos
5 Ton Duc Thang St, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
This museum, set close the river on Ton Duc Thang, celebrates the life of communist hero, Ton Duc Thang. Imprisoned on Con Dao for his part in rebellion against French rule, TDT succeeded Uncle Ho as president of Vietnam, and remained in office until his death in 1980. Spread over four rooms on the first floor, the museum has numerous artefacts belonging to the patriot in question. Perhaps more interesting are the collection of photographs taken in and around Saigon of various party meetings and headquarters. One room focuses more on the general history of Vietnam during the French resistance.
Opening Hours: 07:30-11:00 & 13:30-17:00 Tue-Sun
Ho Chi Minh Museum - Vietnam's most celebrated figure
1 Nguyen Tat Thanh
Description
Set back all alone on the banks of the Saigon River, which sweeps out of District One down towards Saigon's port and eventually the Mekong Delta, sits the Museum of Ho Chi Minh. Not only a great location to see up and down the river and gaze back over District One, it's also the city's shrine to the country's most celebrated figure. HCM isn't affectionately referred to as 'Uncle Ho' for nothing -- he spent most of his life fighting for the independence and freedom of Vietnam, eventually declaring the country free in 1945 and creating the Socialist Republic of Vietnam which has remained in existence ever since.
The gardens leading up to the building contain interesting 'then and now' shots of Saigon showing its development over the last 50 years or so. The first two floors have a collection of HCM's personal belongings, which range from toothpick to jumper, drinking flask to pen. Not the most fascinating of exhibits, but this is the place to learn more about the man. The third floor has the most comprehensive gathering of HCM portraits anywhere -- HCM posing with children, HCM exercising, HCM writing a letter, HCM at work on the farm, HCM relaxing under a tree in the countryside... you get the idea. A small room here is dedicated to the patriotic artwork from elementary school students around the city, all of course depicting what must now be their 'Great Uncle Ho'.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:30-11:30 & 13:30-17:00
Giac Lam Pagoda - The oldest and most original pagoda in Ho Chi Minh
118 Lac Long Quan St, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
Founded in 1744 and untouched for more than 100 years, Giac Lam is the oldest and most original pagoda in HCMC. People often come here to pray for sick and recently deceased relatives, hence the countless array of pictures inside the main building. Three rooms make up the complex, including a dining room, the 'altars of patriarchs' and the main hall -- the latter housing an impressive shrine. A garden skirts the front of the site and contains a marble Buddha statue. Any taxi or 'Honda Om' will know the temple -- it's best to go this way as the pagoda is some way from the city centre.
Opening Hours: Daily: 05:00-12:00 & 14:00-21:00
Giac Vien Pagoda - Not too many tourists come here
Lac Long Quan St, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
Although just down the road from Giac Lam, Giac Vien is hard to find, tucked way back off the main drag down a pot-holed road. To find it, come out of Giac Lam and turn right onto Lac Long Quan St. Go straight on at the roundabout and the entrance is about 200m further down on the right. It seems that few tourists are visiting these days, as the pagoda gardens were only full of local children rather than digital cameras. The structure is quite similar to Giac Lam, with three main rooms including tombs, altars and Buddha statues.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00-19:00
Cholon - Pagodas of Cholon
Description
Cholon is the Chinatown of Ho Chi Minh City and means Big Market (Cho Lon). After the re-unification of Vietnam, many of the Chinese residents of Cholon fled the country due to persecution. Now as the Vietnamese economy booms, the Chinese Vietnamese are slowly returning, breathing life into what was once an electric section of Ho Chi Minh City. Not many travellers stay here but it is definitely worth a visit, if not to visit the lively markets then to see the pagodas, some of the best in town. Although not far from the hub of budget accomodation along Pham Ngu Lao Street, one of the best ways to visit the area is by cyclo.
Given the area is famed for its markets, there's no better place to start than the massive Binh Tay market -- be sure to sample some of the terrific eateries on the ground floor in between your shopping and browsing.
Some of the most interesting pagodas in Cholon include:
Tam Son Hoi Quan Pagoda
118 Trieu Quang Phuc St, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
This pagoda is very popular among childless womenas it is dedicated to the Goddess of fertility. Built in the 19th century by Fukien immigrants, little has been done to the pagoda since, allowing it to retain a traditional look and feel.
Quan Am Pagoda
12 Lao Tu St, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Believed to be the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, this is undoubtably one of the most popular. The roof of the pagoda tells fantastic tales taken from traditional Chinese lore, while the walls are covered with lacquer paintings of various spirits and deities. This pagoda is best visited when there are a lot of worshippers present as the goings on and heavy creates a memorable experience.
Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda
678 Nguyen Trai St, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Easily recognisable by the intricately-carved wooden boat which hangs over the entrance, one of the attractions of this pagoda are the carvings within. This pagoda is dedicated to a famous Chinese general, Quan Cong who is highly revered for his morality and loyalty. As you enter, on your left there is a larger-than-life representation of the man's horse and its groom. The figures behind the main altar in the glass case are Quan Cong and his assistants. Open daily: 04:00-18:00
Phuoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda
184 Hung Vuong St, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Built by Ho Chi Minh City's Fujian community, this pagoda was constructed in 1902 and is one of the most beautifully decoratedin the city. The pagoda is especially well known for its vast collection of figurines, carvings and hanging lanterns. Dedicated to Quan Cong, many Vietnamese visit this pagoda before embarking on a journey as a visit here is believed to bring good luck.
Phung Son Pagoda
1408 3 Thang 2 Blvd, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
This pagoda is a bit of a walk from the centre of Cholon, but worth a visit nonetheless. It has been rebuilt a number of times, but was originally erected on what are thought to have been Funan ruins. At one time, plans were made to move the pagoda to another site. To facilitate this move, a large white elephant was loaded up with all the valuable items and was to be led to the new site. The elephant however stumbled more or less where it was loaded, dropping all the valuables into the pond still there. This was taken as a clear message from the gods that the pagoda was to stay exactly where it was. The pagoda is surrounded by a number of fascinating monks' tombs. Open daily: 05:00-19:00
Dam Sen Park - Not for everyone
Ong Ich Khiem, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
Dam Sen is about a 20-minute ride from the city centre, out in District 11. A combination of theme park and water park, it also houses a large boating lake in the middle. The theme park contains dodgy fairground rides including a big ferris wheel, and also a show featuring monkeys, bears and other animals that have been trained to perform -- definitely not for all tastes. The water park has a lazy river, a wave pool, some tall, fast rides and tube rides. The best fun has to be watching the kids showing off on the death slide!
Diamond Plaza - Bowling and movies
34 Le Duan, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
ibccorp@diamondplaza.com.vn
http://www.diamondplaza.com.vn
Description
On the fourth floor of HCMC's premier shopping centre, this entertainment complex boasts more than 20 bowling lanes, a room full of arcade machines and a snooker/pool area, as well as various food and drink venues. Travel up to the ninth floor to find the three-screen cinema.
Opening Hours: Daily 09:30-22:00
Phu Tho Racetrack - Have a punt
219 Ly Thuong Kiet, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
Description
Only open on Saturday and Sunday afternoons, the racetrack is hardly a 'family' day out,but rather a collection of gamblers trying to increase what little money they have. Still, an interesting occasion. Pplay dumb and the locals may give you some tips -- of course you'll have to learn some Vietnamese numbers first. Bets can be placed in multiples of 10,000 dong and races are usually 30 minutes apart.
Opening Hours: Sat-Sun 12:30-16:30
Swimming pools - Time to cool off
Description
HCMC is home to a number of Olympic-size public pools. Try the one in District Five called Lam Son, at Tran Binh Trong -- it's open 08:00-20:00 and costs just 5,000 dong an hour. A more centrally-located pool is in District One at the Workers Club, 55B Nugyen Thi Minh Khai St, District 3 Tel (08) 930 1819, 10,000 dong per hour.
Another option is to make use of the swimming pools at the hotels around town. The Rex Hotel has a nice rooftop pool -- although it's rather small, it's perfect for a lazy afternoon. Open daily 06:30-21:30, costs 50,000 dong. Other hotels worth trying include The Omni, Sofitel and The Metropole.
Shopping in Saigon - Shop till you drop
Description
Food, T-shirts, cloth and material, souvenirs, kitchenware, spices, fruit, flowers, watches, jewellry -- just some of the things on offer at Ben Thanh market where you'll findeverything you need under one roof. The quality of goods varies, and you must bargain -- expect the initial price to be inflated up to two or three times what it should be. Nearby is the International Trade Centre (ITC), with more shoes and jewellry, but also a good place to pick up DVD's and CD's -- checking the quality of those new releases on the DVD players available before purchase is advisable.
Saigon's premiere District One shopping centre is Diamond Plaza, home to three floors of shopping and an entertainment complex including pool, cinema, arcade games and bowling. Not only is this the newest shopping centre in the city, it's also the most expensive, but the place to buy brand names at brand prices. Parkson is also fairly high-end, selling top brand jewellry and the latest fashions over four floors.
Le Loi Street bisects the heart of Saigon's shopping district. Along one side are stalls and shops selling tourist souvenirs and nick-nacks such as books, T-shirts and handicrafts. On the south side, nearest the river, a range of posh coffee shops surround the Saigon Centre. A fun 'Kids World' resides on the first floor, while parents can browse the home furnishings on display higher up in the building. The Tax Plaza is just a little further down Le Loi, on the corner of Nguyen Hue. The first floor is dedicated to electronics and perfume. The upper floors have reasonable mens/womens clothing, shoes and sportswear -- there's also a western-style supermarket. Prices are reasonable, but buyer beware. Across town and nearer to Pham Ngu Lao is another threestorey centre, Zen Plaza, easily recognisable by it's chess board design.
Zen Plaza sits on trendy Nguyen Trai St, an excellent shopping strip with all of Vietnam's top high street brand shops sandwiched between smaller independent designer boutiques. Fashion labels and their outlets are taking off all over the city, and the best places to look for that locally designed cocktail dress or smart causal shirt are along here and just across the roundabout, the northern end of Ly Tu Trong. Dong Khoi and surrounds also houses some boutiques, but another enclave exists on Hai Ba Trung in District Three, starting just before the junction with Nguyen Thi Minh Khai and running to just before the big pink church and Tan Dinh market.
Dong Khoi St itself is a haven for art lovers, with too many art shops to mention. Also to be found in among expensive-looking coffee shops are plenty of local fare and lots of postcards. If something specific is on your mind, it's best to check the listings in AsiaLife HCMC, a monthly free magazine. For anything electronic head to the area behind Sun Wah Tower (Nguyen Hue St, Huynh Thuc Khang St and Ho Tung Mau St). For cameras and accessories try the Tax Plaza and the numerous shops on the opposite side of Nguyen Hue. For shoes, walk past the clock entrance of Ben Thanh market and turn left, cross the road and turn right into a small alley called Luu Van Lang -- shoes galore. All designs are only in one size, so the challenge is to find your size in a colour and design that suits -- luckily the selection is large enough to pull this off.
Ben Thanh Market - Roundabout of Le Loi & Tran Hung Dao, District One. Daily 06:00-18:00
International Trade Center - 101 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District One. T: (08) 829 8189. Daily 08:00-19:00
Diamond Plaza - 34 Le Duan, District One. T: (08) 825 7750. Daily 09:30-22:00
Parkson - 35-45 Le Thanh Ton, District One. T: (08) 913 5623 Daily 09:30-22:00
Saigon Center - 65 Le Loi, District One. T: (08) 823 2505. 09:00-21 :00 Mon-Fri & 09 :00-21 :30 Sat & Sun.
Tax Plaza - 39 Le Loi, District One.T: (08) 821 3849. 09:00-21 :00 Mon-Thu, 09:00-21:30 Fri-Sun.
Zen Plaza - 54-56 Nguyen Trai St, District One. T: (08) 925 0339. Daily 09:30-22:00
Cha Tam Church - A footnote to the war
Hoc Lac St, Cholon
Description
This slender church is worth combining with a trip to Cholon as it had a small but important role to play in Vietnam's wartime history. Following a coup on November 1, 1963, President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother fled the palace through a tunnel network and eventually sought safety in Cha Tam church. They spent the night within the church's grounds and the following morning were captured by coup loyalists. Enroute to military headquarters, both Diem and his brother were murdered in the back of the military vehicle they were being transported in. Diem was subsequently buried in an unmarked grave not far from the US Ambassador's residence.
Connections Vietnam - Looking for something different in Saigon
info@connectionsvietnam.com
http://www.connectionsvietnam.com
Description
We wouldn't normally recommend individual tour operators like this, but when we heard their ideas about cultural tourism, we thought, wow -- that sounds good! Connections aims to deliver the real flavours of Saigon to visitors through meetings, learning and social activities with local Saigon residents.
Disclaimer, one of the founders of Connections was a Travelfish for Southern Vietnam.