Situated on the south side of Van Hoa Park, this conservatory offers classical concerts every Monday and Friday evening between March and May and October to Dec. Concerts are performed by the students, aged between seven and 16 years of age, as well as by visiting groups from other cities. Many concerts are by invitation only but sometimes turning up at the ticket office with a smile can work just as well. Call or visit for details of performances.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a vast maze of underground tunnels that were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War. These tunnels were a part of a unique guerrilla military strategy used in several campaigns including the 1968 Tết Offensive. The tunnels made use of the local terrain and maximized the Vietnamese advantage in the war against American Forces. More than merely a hideout, these tunnels spanned several levels underground and housed supplies, communications hubs, living spaces, storage, and emergency care facilities. To fight the Viet Cong's military tactics, the US Forces trained soldiers to infiltrate and destroy the tunnel systems. The tunnels are today part of a larger heritage park and are celebrated as a testament to the Vietnamese persevering spirit.
Housed in a former USIA building, the War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular sights in the city. Complete with a troupe of exhibits and war memorabilia, the museum delineates details of the Vietnam War. In particular, the photographic offering at the museum is a moving property which lends stirring insights into the state the country was in, during the war. Touted to be one of the most popular museums in Vietnam, this stirring museum also harbors an extensive artillery, armor and aircraft collection, left behind in the wake of the war. The museum houses informative exhibitions through historic documents which are a soul-stirring escape into the iconic the Second Indochina War. Beckoning close to 5,00,000 visitors annually, this museum is easily one of the most-visited sites in the city.
Situated at the end of the road just before the ferry jetty, Binh Quoi Tourist Village is jacketed in coconut trees while the traditional thatched huts will transport visitors to a historical time. The village also has a small pool and tennis courts for hire. The floating restaurant, with set menus featuring crab and snails, makes a great setting to watch boats go by as the sun drops over the Saigon River.
An architectural jewel dating back to 1956, this varicolored, seven-tiered pagoda is one of the largest in Ho Chi Minh City. Established to enshrine an eternal relic of Buddha, the pagoda is essentially famed for being the historic center of opposition to the Diem regime. In August 1973, approximately 15,000 Buddhist demonstrators congregated at the pagoda in protest. This ancient pagoda is steeped in layers of history and is complete with a belltower, ornate sculptures, and a serene, ceremonial hall. Also home to an enormous gilded statue of Sakyamuni (historical Buddha) and elaborate painting of Bodhidharma, this towering pagoda is one of the most revered sites in the whole of the city. Today, the Xa Loi Pagoda is an important historical landmark, a place of worship and a Buddhist publishing center.
Cholon is a largely popular district in the city. The district is located on the west bank of the Saigon River. Originally called Saigon, this Chinese settlement is said to be the largest in the country. The Chinatown began to form as the Chinese settled here in the 1900s. It is regarded as one of the best tourist attractions in the country after a reformation phase. Today, it is home to some of the most vibrant and glamorous cultural celebrations and attractions like the Chua Quan Am Temple and Cha Tam. Apart from that, some of Cholon's distinguished residents include French sportsman Yvon Petra, former Foreign Affairs Minister Charles Tran Van Lam, French author Gontran de Poncins and former Chief of the Joint General Staff of the Vietnamese Army, Cao Văn Viên.
Cholon is a largely popular district in the city. The district is located on the west bank of the Saigon River. Originally called Saigon, this Chinese settlement is said to be the largest in the country. The Chinatown began to form as the Chinese settled here in the 1900s. It is regarded as one of the best tourist attractions in the country after a reformation phase. Today, it is home to some of the most vibrant and glamorous cultural celebrations and attractions like the Chua Quan Am Temple and Cha Tam. Apart from that, some of Cholon's distinguished residents include French sportsman Yvon Petra, former Foreign Affairs Minister Charles Tran Van Lam, French author Gontran de Poncins and former Chief of the Joint General Staff of the Vietnamese Army, Cao Văn Viên.
This incredible pagoda temple is dedicated to Thien Hau or Mazu, a traditional Chinese godesss who is said to protect those at sea. The temple attracts an eclectic mix of faithful worshipers and curious tourists every year, especially during the Thien Hau Festival. The walls depict scenes from 19th-century daily, military and religious life, as well as important allegorical themes and battles. Each of the porcelain reliefs are unique, and beautifully preserved. The main sanctuary is a marvel, the high ceiling strung with innumerable coiled incense and fluttering sheets of prayers. The altar is dominated by three bronze-faced idols of Thien Hau, with her attendants. This is a must-visit for all those interested in art, architecture and religion.
Past and present meet along Ho Chi Minh's energetic streets, where the city's architecture paints an evocative picture of its history. Vibrancy personified, Ho Chi Minh is a dynamo of economic growth as well as cultural vitality. The Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast underground network essential to the unique Viet Cong style of military warfare; the flamboyant French 19th-century Saigon Opera House; and the Bitexco Financial Tower, home of the Saigon Skydeck are a few landmarks that highlight the city's evolution through the years. With numerous bars and cafes, local markets, designer-name shopping boutiques and fine dining as well as street food, the city offers a wealth of experiences for every traveler. From the tranquil Jade Emperor Pagoda to the draw of Bin Tay Market, Ho Chi Minh is fascinating.
Thong Nhat Stadium is a multipurpose sports arena where the main sport played is soccer. With the capacity to fit 25,000 people, this arena is the place where most of the important soccer matches in the country are held. It is also the home ground for the Thanh pho Ho Chi Minh soccer team. Throughout the years, the stadium has been witness to many significant matches including an Olympic elimination match between South Vietnam and South Korea.
Saigon On Bikes is a tour service, committed to bringing to light the real essence of the city. With tours arranged on motorbikes, their well schooled guides take you an interesting journey through the streets, houses, local markets, landmarks and eateries, that truly depict the culture of the place. Seeing the local city, helps you get a better understanding of the city and its colorful people. When you are in the city, take this tour for a memorable ride of your life!