Just 20 minutes east of District 1, traffic gives way to waterside cafes, bars and restaurants. One of the best is the Binh Quoi Village run by Saigon Tourist. Situated at the end of the road just before the ferry jetty, the 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.
In 1975, a North Vietnamese Army tank struck through the wrought-iron gates of what was then the symbol of the South Vietnamese government, signifying the end of the Vietnam War. Much like that tank, now enshrined by the site's entrance, the Independence Palace is practically frozen in time. Once the workplace and abode of French Governor Cochin-China, this onetime presidential home is where history lingers everywhere, from across the basement and the former command center to the rooftop terrace and its accompanying helipad. Set against a well-preserved backdrop, this palatial edifice is like a canopy of immortal history which is illustrated with the help of opulent rooms laden with vintage furniture, telecommunications equipment and a certain sense of '60s kitsch along the way. Featuring a tapestry of tunnels and other war memorabilia including two original tanks used in the war, the palace is ornamented with lush, vibrant gardens which enliven its otherwise aged persona. Insightful strands from the video presentation of Vietnamese history pervade the palace's crevices which are steeped in profound, long-standing antiquity.
Delve into the history and traditions of Vietnam at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum. Built in 1885, the neoclassical building has served as the residence of a number of notable political figures, including President Diem who used the bunkers and tunnels hidden beneath the museum as a refuge before escaping to Cha Tam Church. The museum itself is an architectural gem, and worth a visit for this reason alone. Archaeological remains, art and artifacts illustrate the story of Vietnam across two floors, with much emphasis on the country's struggle for independence, while the historic artifacts spread across the garden are sure to be of special interest to those with a penchant for military history. A traditional museum in every way, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a fine place to contemplate the country's storied past.
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens are worth a visit especially if you are touring Ho Chi Minh with your little ones. This verdant space is home to varied plant and animal life. It is a great spot to educate children about nature and wildlife. Over 120 species of animals call the Botanical Gardens & Zoo their home. These include elephants, bears, orangutans, tigers, lions, giraffes, porcupines and many more. The botanical garden conserves over 30 cacti species in addition to the bonsai. Flowering plants and towering trees add to your visual treat throughout the excursion.
A well-known tour operator based in Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Eyes specializes in boat and cruise trips, taking you around various scenic spots on the city's beautiful coastline. Glide through the scenic waters of the Song Sai Gon river and explore the city's natural, cultural and architectural beauty like you've never had. Their fleet is impressive, featuring mainly traditionally-designed vessels that are manned by their crew who ensure that your journey is enjoyable and memorable.
Tao Dan is one of the most attractive outdoor spaces for kids and families, who wish to spend some quality time, together. The scenic park spans around 10 hectares (24.7105 acres), featuring avenues of tress like flame trees and So khi trees. There are benches lined out for the elderly and a vast ground for kids. For budding ornithologists, the park serves to be a great spotting place for migratory birds. With so much to offer, Tao Dan calls for a must, to those who visit the city.
A well-known tour operator based in Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Eyes specializes in boat and cruise trips, taking you around various scenic spots on the city's beautiful coastline. Glide through the scenic waters of the Song Sai Gon river and explore the city's natural, cultural and architectural beauty like you've never had. Their fleet is impressive, featuring mainly traditionally-designed vessels that are manned by their crew who ensure that your journey is enjoyable and memorable.
Tao Dan is one of the most attractive outdoor spaces for kids and families, who wish to spend some quality time, together. The scenic park spans around 10 hectares (24.7105 acres), featuring avenues of tress like flame trees and So khi trees. There are benches lined out for the elderly and a vast ground for kids. For budding ornithologists, the park serves to be a great spotting place for migratory birds. With so much to offer, Tao Dan calls for a must, to those who visit the city.
Home to over a 100 larger than life, three-dimensional paintings, Artinus is a museum that is quite unlike any other. The museum showcases the artwork of over 15 contemporary artists who use shadows, color and perspective to create 3D paintings that will leave you speechless with wonder and awe. Painted directly onto the walls, ceiling and floor, these paintings are excellent examples of optical illusion art that use the principles of perspective to create a false sense of depth and distance. Unlike most museums that discourage visitors from getting too close to the art, Artinus invites visitors to get really close and literally become a part of the artwork. Do not forget to bring your camera along, for this place is a treasure trove for shutterbugs and social media mavericks. Ask the friendly docents and they will help you set up the perfect shot to capture these optical illusions on film with you at heart of each scene.
Nestled in the heart of the city's business district, this soaring cosmopolitan tower embodies the increasingly-urbane fervor of the city. At around 178 meters (584 feet), the Bitexco Financial Tower's glass-enclosed observation deck offers one of Ho Chi Minh City's most dramatic panoramas. A labor of love of the illustrious architect Carlos Zapata, this towering edifice has been a proud recipient of the 'Excellence in Structural Engineering’ award conferred by NCSEA (National Council of Structural Engineers Associations) in 2011. Having found its due place on the list of the world's most iconic skyscrapers, this lotus-shaped work of art houses the Sky Deck, which proffers breathtaking views of some of the city's most-coveted landmarks, along with a stretch of the Saigon River. A considerable amount of floors of this tower have been occupied by restaurants and shopping outlets, whereas the famed Sky Deck also plays host to art exhibitions on some days.
Set overlooking the Set Sai Gon River, this immensely popular event venue on the outskirts of District 2, offers pretty much everything one needs to have a good time; scenic locations, great selection of drinks, catchy music, and good food. Established in 2012, this one of the city's cultural mainstays, hosting high-profile musical concerts and theater performances throughout the year. Truly a multifunctional event center, Saigon Outcast also provides facilities for organizing adventure sports competitions for rock climbing, BMX, and Skateboarding.
Opened in 2014, this museum in district 9 is a tribute to Vietnam's national attire, the Ao Dai which symbolizes prosperity, elegance, and beauty. The Ao Dai was primarily worn by women who came from noble families and was an indication of their status in society. This privately-owned museum has an impressive collection of Ao Dai that is arranged according to their date of manufacture, manifesting the evolution of Vietnamese fashion. A must visit for tourists, this is where you should head to if you really wish to experience a major component of Vietnamese culture.