Ho Chi Minh City was once called as the Diamond of the Indochina. With its dynamic economic environment, Ho Chi Minh is now an icon for a bustling nightlife of Vietnam. Otherwise, if you prefer something more reserved, you can always find a peaceful corner for Vietnamese black coffee or a tea-room with live jazz.
DAY 1
Start your day off with a quick glance at Ben Thanh market, the symbol of the city. Then move forward to Reunification Palace where Saigon once standing as a shining spot. The palace reminds plenty of past tourists from Versailles in Paris, with similar royal interior design. Not far from the Reunification Palace is War Remnants Museum, where displays house war trophies and photographs documenting the War’s atrocities.
Return to Ben Thanh market for lunch time where paradise of local cuisines is located. Try Com Tam Bi Suon, a famous local fare. This rice dish can fill you up until dinner unless you get caught up in a mid-afternoon snack, which is plentiful in District 1 area. If you are into more history, get on a motor-taxi or call a cab to the Thi Nghe Channel, where the History Museum and Military Museum is located. You can also take a walk around the nearby Botanic Gardens if you want to avoid the smog from the traffic.
Another direction for more historical knowledge is Nha Rong Pier, where Ho Chi Minh left the country to find the way to liberate the country. For dinner choices, you have the world of food stall to you in Ho Chi Minh City. District 1 is the best place for dining that it has almost everything from Japanese sushi to ravioli. After enjoying yourself a hearty dinner, you can take a walk to the shopping area of the City Post Office and the Notre Dame– where shopping malls line up one after another.
DAY 2
Cu Chi Tunnel Complex is indispensible site if you spend more than 2 days in Ho Chi Minh City. There are day tours available from Pham Ngu Lao street- the backpacker area. Remember to prepare plenty of water and camera battery during your fantastic trip. At Cu Chi Tunnel, visitors are having a chance to explore the victory of Vietnamese soldiers, who survived underground with just salt and cassava, against the American conquerers. In the late afternoon, you can take a quick look at Cho Lon area- which resembles much of a China town found in most capital cities in the world.
For leaning in your dinner, try banh xeo at “An la ghien” restaurant which is located at 74 Suong Nguyet Anh street. If you yearn to enjoy lots of local cuisines with great service, go for the well- known restaurant Quan An Ngon. Chances are that you will need to book your table in advance as for the latter is constantly packed with people. The Reunification Palace is moreover highly recommended!
DAY 3
If you are with your family with kids, head to Suoi Tien or Dam Sen theme park. These entertainment centers are among the most modern ones in Vietnam. They are all worthy for your whole day visitting and relaxing ore entertaining by coming around the park. In case you’s rather something more cultural and spiritual, visit one of the many pagodas in town, such as Giac Vien, Xa Loi and Jade of Emperor.
Near or inside these restaurants, you can enjoy yourself with an attractive vegan lunch done in Vietnamese delicacy. Otherwise, it is supposed for you to roll into more shopping in district 1 neighborhood or hop on a cab for more shopping malls. Ho Chi Minh City is undoubtedly the best place for shopping in Vietnam.