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Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh

'The snorkeling here is good and is still a quite fun. You can see the seahorses and the Nudibranch on the Phu Quoc as well as the canyon sponges. One can also snorkel from shore on a Con Dao. You also cannot compare Fiji and New Zealand with Vietnam as they are of different temperature and different geographical area also with different water temperatures, etc.

One can surely, but gives it a try if they wish as it would be a perfect fun too for snorkeling over here I the Ho Chi Minh City. However, that is you would find some of the best snorkeling beaches. For Vietnam, your choices are limited for snorkeling, but the Nha Trang or the Phu Quoc is more recommended.

Also in the Da Nang area, you have the Cham Island that can be said as an OK during some time of the year.

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'There is the Abandoned Valley in a remote area of the world heritage Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, which is traversed by a part of the famous Ho Chi Minh trail. This tour takes into the 12km of the Ho Chi Minh trail, exploring the Vietnamese tropical forest and also an experiencing the history of Vietnam that is the American war as you trek all along the narrow track.

One can explore the other exit of the now famous a Dark cave, swim in a crystal clear natural spring and explore an unpeel Hang E, one of the most beautiful river caves in the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.

One can trek here under the guidance of an internationally qualified local tour guide, with the support of a team of the local porters, the trekking tour here represents a great opportunity to get into the jungle and experience an authentic Vietnam whilst also supporting employment for local people through their help as the trekking guides here. The activities here in the Ho Chi Minh City for trekking are the 12 km of a jungle to trek.

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'The Kayaking activity in the Ho Chi Minh City is a great fun thing and a great activity to do by the travellers. Kayaking here may be changed to afternoon, depending on the tide. Ho Chi Minh City is proud to be the Kayak Organizer in Saigon and Mekong Delta. Kayaking here ranges from one to two hours (depending on your request).

The best place for the Kayaking in the Ho Chi Minh City is the famous Saigon River here. The weather here is extremely calm and quiet. As for any sort of Kayaking inquiry, if the traveler got any such in their minds, it is to say to them that the Kayaking is such an activity which needs no any previous sort of an experience of it.

All one needs is just the paddling which everyone can do easily. Kayaking in Mekong Delta in The Ho Chi Minh City is specially designed for those who want to spend more times to explore this wet region.

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Saigon River Rafting Tour is being provided as the best river rafting tour one could ever have. The speedboats here are very comfortable and one can have the fresh snacks at the whole time. Every few minute’s the fresh fruits, bottles of the water, some moist towels, and insider information would be given to you.

One can also travel by boat to Cu Chi tunnels which are very amazing. River Rafting is very highly recommended if you have a 1/2 day to spare here for it and have it true fun on the Saigon River. It is a great way to get to the tunnels as the river breeze here is lovely and the guides and the helpers are great to enjoy the River Rafting in the Ho Chi Minh City.

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One can find in the Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam River a Tubing activity which is a great fun in itself here in this city. Fear in the Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam River Tubing Tours is excited to get you floating and having fun.

The River Tubing will captivate & amaze you and to your whole family too. In the Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam River Tubing is an excellent example of the great things to discover. The Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam offers a whole bunch of things to discover the exciting activities and cool entertainment which is thrilling for everyone like the tubing activity.

One can take the Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam River Tubing tour that they would remember for the rest of their life. It's an exciting tour with the breathtaking views and an excellent photo opportunity. So reward yourself and get an incredible new perspective.

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One can find in the Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam the Atv rentals for an Atv rides. The Ho Chi Minh City with its Vietnam Atv rental tours is excited to get you riding and having a great fun on an Atv ride.

The Ho Chi Minh City offers through the Vietnam Atv rentals such an exciting Atv ride which will captivate & amaze you and the whole family of yours too. The Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam Atv rentals are an excellent example of the great things to discover in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam for an Atv ride.

One can take an Atv ride in the Ho Chi Minh City through Vietnam Atv rental tour that they will remember for the rest of their life. It's an exciting Atv ride in the Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam.

Visit Pham Ngu Lao Street: Pham Ngu Lao Street in Ho Chi Minh City is on the western edge of District 1 and is renowned as the place where most backpacking travelers stay during their holiday. A 25-minute taxi ride from Tan Sot Nhat International Airport, it comprises numerous lanes and back alleys through the main thoroughfares include Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, Bui Vien, and Do Quang Dao streets. Set along these alleyways are western-style restaurants, coffee shops, and international bars, countless tour companies and kiosks, affordable motels, hostels and guesthouses (as well as many of the so-called ‘mini-hotel’ buildings usually with six to seven floors, rarely offering an elevator), internet cafes, pharmacies, and souvenir-and-craft shops. The Pham Ngu Lao Street is not limited to only low-budget travelers. Its own unique vibe draws people from everywhere due to its close proximity to prominent landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. As there is always something going on in Pham Ngu Lao Street, many visitors prefer to enjoy local street food or people-watching while enjoying the incredibly cheap Bia Hoi draught beer on the roadside.

Visit Museum of Fine Arts: This excellent Fine Arts Museum is housed in two buildings that were once the French Ministry of Information. Treasures abound, including ancient Champa stone carvings and some astonishing effigies of Guan Yin, the thousand-eyed, thousand-armed goddess of compassion. Look out for the lacquered statues of Buddhist monks from the Tay Son dynasty and the substantial collection of contemporary art and folk-naive paintings. The Vietnam National Museum of Fine Arts is located in Hanoi, Vietnam. It is a museum showcasing Vietnam's fine arts from a range of historical periods. The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is a cultural information and educational institution, directly affiliated with the Ministry of Culture and Information, with the function of conserving and exhibiting historic and contemporary artworks, archaeological and historical materials, and objects important to the history and nation of Vietnam. The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum is a national museum having legal status, its own stamp, and account in the State Treasury and bank. Visitors to the Museum can appreciate and understand the entire history of the Vietnamese fine arts through the collections and exhibitions on display.

Visit Giac Lam Pagoda: Believed to be the oldest temple in HCMC (1744), Giac Lam is a fantastically atmospheric place set in peaceful, garden-like grounds. The Chinese characters that constitute the temple’s name mean 'Feel the Woods Temple' and the looming Bodhi tree (a native fig tree, sacred to Buddhists) in the front garden was the gift of a Sri Lankan monk in 1953. Prayers are held daily from 4am to 5am, 11am to noon, 4pm to 5pm and 7pm to 9pm.Next to the tree stands a gleaming white statue of compassionate Quan the Am Bo Tat on a lotus blossom, a symbol of purity. Like many Vietnamese Buddhist temples, aspects of both Taoism and Confucianism can be found. For the sick and elderly, the pagoda is a minor pilgrimage site, as it contains a bronze bell that, when rung, is believed to answer the prayers posted by petitioners. The main sanctuary lies in the next room, filled with countless gilded figures. On the dais in the center of the back, row sits the A DI DA Buddha, easily spotted by his colorful halo. The fat laughing fellow, seated with five children climbing all over him, is Ameda, the Buddha of Enlightenment, Compassion, and Wisdom. About 3km from Cholon, Giac Lam Pagoda is best reached.

 

Visit Cholon District: Ho Chi Minh City’s Cholon is Vietnam’s largest Chinatown with roots dating back to 1778; it’s also a place of great historical and cultural importance. Chinese minorities hid here from the Tay Son and subsequently had to rebuild the area twice following an attack with as many as 70% estimated to have died trying to escape on boats. Those who survived settled and began selling a variety of Chinese products. During the Vietnam, War Cholon was a thriving black market for US soldiers trading in American Army issue supplies. The area today is a popular site for those on the tourist trail and also attracts many Taiwanese and Chinese visitors. Colon is an interesting place to see classical Chinese architecture reminiscent of years gone by with plenty of Chinese restaurants. The Binh Tay market at the center is busy, crowded and messy with small aisles selling all manner of goods. This market sometimes disappoints tourists when compared to other markets in Ho Chi Minh as the products are not that varied, but the main draw to Cholon is not to shop, but to enjoy the authentic Chinese atmosphere that has existed here for hundreds of years. It’s a wonderful place to experience at night.

Visit Ben Thanh Market: Being a bustling market in the daytime and a social center after sunset, Ben Thanh Market is absolutely a must-see attraction of the most dynamic city in Vietnam. Believe it or not, even though you have spent years shopping at several malls and commercial centers that shopping has become a boring and ordinary task to you, exploring an Asian market is always an exhilarating experience. Visit Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and you will understand. Being a bustling market in the daytime and a social center after sunset, Ben Thanh Market is absolutely a must-see attraction of the most dynamic city in Vietnam. The market possesses one of the most crucial locations in District 1 (the intersection of Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao Avenues and Le Lai Street), transportation is extremely convenient and trade is bustling. In the morning, you can find almost everything from dry food to clothes for a reasonable price. The market atmosphere can sometimes be a real hustle and bustle, but it is an exciting experience after all. However, always remember that bargain is a must in any Vietnamese market.

Visit War Remnants Museum: The War Remnants Museum is a unit under the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the museum system in Vietnam, the museum for world peace and a member of the World Council of Museums (ICOM), the War Remnants Museum, the Museum of thematic research, collection, storage, preservation and display of the material, photographs, artifacts on the evidence of the crime and the consequences of the war that the invasion force has caused to Vietnam. Thereby, the Museum of educating the public, especially the younger generation, a mental struggle for independence and freedom of the country, the anti-war sense of invasion, to protect peace and solidarity friendship between the peoples of the world. Museum store more than 20,000 documents, exhibits, and films, in which more than 1,500 documents, artifacts, films have been applied to introduce in eight thematic exhibitions frequently. In 35 years, the Museum has welcomed over 15 million visitors, at home and abroad. Currently with about 500,000 visitors each year, the War Remnants Museum is one of the only cultural tourism to attract high public credibility at home and abroad.

Visit Cao Dai Temple: Just outside Tay Ninh and 60 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City is the Great Temple or Holy See, the center of the intriguing Cao Dai sect. Cao Dai is a syncretistic Vietnamese religious movement that incorporates aspects of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and even Catholicism. The Cao Dai Temple (as it is more commonly known) was begun in 1933 in a unique architectural style that reflects its blended traditions. Most people visit on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Cao Dai) is a syncretistic Vietnamese religious movement with a strongly nationalist political character. Cao Dai draws upon ethical precepts from Confucianism, occult practices of Taoism, theories of karma and rebirth from Buddhism, and a hierarchical organization (including a pope) from Roman Catholicism. The Great Temple was built between 1933 and 1955. A Cao Dai army was established in 1943 during the Japanese occupation of Indochina. After the war the Cao Dai was an effective force in national politics; it first supported, then opposed, Premier Ngo Dinh Diem. In 1955–56 Diem disbanded the Cao Dai army and forced the sect's pope, Pham Cong Tac, into exile. Cao Dai followers strive for inner peace and harmony in the world.

 

Visit Dong Khoi: Home to many French colonial buildings, Dong Khoi Street has witnessed many changes in Ho Chi Minh City. During the French occupation, it was the center of glamour and was called Rue Catinat. It became Tu Do or Freedom Street during the Vietnam War. When the Communists took over Saigon in the late 1970s, the name changed again to Dong Khoi, which means Total Revolution. Now Dong Khoi Street is at the heart of the city’s commercial life. It is still the best place to admire the grand old colonial buildings, although they too are being overshadowed by the nearby high-rise office towers. International brands, boutiques, stylish cafes and high-end restaurants now line this bustling street. Walk along Dong Khoi Street to admire what is left of the colonial architecture. Starting from the southern end of the bank of the Saigon River, have a look at the way at the Continental Hotel, the Opera House, the Caravelle Hotel, the stunning Gustav Eiffel-designed Central Post Office, and the Hotel de Ville, which is now the People’s Committee Building, ending at the Notre Dame Cathedral on Paris Square.

Visit Reunification Palace: Reunification Palace (formerly known as Independence Palace) has stayed in the mind of many generations of not only Vietnamese but also foreigners. It is known as the famous historical witness that passed through the two fierce wars against the French and American colonists. The palace was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City and designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu. As Vietnam was split into North Vietnam and South Vietnam, the building served as presidential home and workplace. Reunification Palace’s architecture is a blend of traditional ritual and modern architecture, typical of the 60s’. However, the design of the complex is not as appealing to tourists as all the historical events related to this building. Wandering around its rooms, visitors may be reminded of various important moments in the past of Vietnam, especially the war command room with its huge maps and old communication equipment, as well as the basement labyrinth. The building now functions as a museum, where visitors can view the F5E fighter plane, which bombed the palace on 8thApril 1975 and tank 843 which led the final assault through the palace gate at 11.30AM on 30th April 1975.

Situated in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, bustling Ben Thanh Market in District 1 is a great place to buy local handicrafts, branded goods, Vietnamese art and other souvenirs. Here, you’ll find eating stalls in the market where you can get a taste of hawker-style Vietnamese cuisine or simply cool off with a cold drink when the bargaining becomes too much.

The market is big, difficult to navigate at times and certainly best avoided during the hottest part of the day, but all the same its well worth a look. When the night falls, restaurants around the perimeter of the market opens their doors creating a vibrant street-side scene filling the air with the scents of wok-fried noodles, barbecued fish, and meats.

One of Saigon’s oldest landmarks, Ben Thanh offers a great atmosphere that is absolutely authentic Vietnamese. For shopping heaven head of the market, preferably early morning to pick up some bargains including lacquer ware, bamboo goods, and arts and crafts. Also on sale are clothes, textiles, luggage, watches and an assortment of electronic goods. Spices, nuts, and local fruits heavily scent the air, which is also filled with the chatter of tourists and the locals haggling for bargains.

Visit Bitexco Financial Tower: The 68-storey, 262m-high, Carlos Zapata–designed skyscraper dwarfs all around it. It's reportedly shaped like a lotus bulb, but also resembles a CD rack with a tambourine shoved into it. That tambourine is the 48th-floor Saigon Sky deck, with a helipad on its roof. Choose a clear day and aim for sunset (or down a drink in the Eon Heli Bar instead). Bitexco Financial Tower is a true example of innovation and design. To help redefine the commercial space of Vietnam, Bitexco Group has assembled the very best international development team with a proven international track record and the experience in constructing some of the world’s tallest buildings Inspired by Vietnam’s national flower – the lotus, Bitexco Financial Tower is designed to represent the energy and aspiration of its people. Located in the Central Business District in one of the world’s fastest growing economies, Bitexco Financial Tower stands at the heart of Ho Chi Minh’s Financial Centre. Situated at Nguyen Hue, it is strategically positioned to attract leading companies, both local and global. With its central location and accessibility from the rest of the city, it is well connected to the Saigon Bridge, Thu Thiem Tunnel, Tan Thuan Bridge, and in a close proximity to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Visit Mariamman Hindu Temple: Situated close to the Ben Thanh market, the Mariamman Hindu temple serves the small community of 100 or so Chinese and Vietnamese Tamil Hindus living in Ho Chi Minh City. It is the only Hindu temple that is still open in the city and is considered sacred by Hindu and non-Hindu Vietnamese. The temple is rumored to have miraculous powers, giving luck and wealth to those who worship within its walls. Built at the end of the 19th century in honor of Mariamman the Hindu Goddess of strength, the temple’s first purpose was as a place of worship for the Chettiar community. Classically Hindu in style, the colorful temple features vibrant deity sculptures reminiscent of those usually found in Southern India, decorating external walls, rooftops, towers and the shrine inside. The temple was also once used as a factory in which Joss sticks were produced. Sacred images dance on the external walls which feature a royal tower at the entrance that stands 12 meters high. Gods and Goddesses, including Shiva, Kali, Brahma and Vishnu are prominently represented with Simha Vahanam sitting to the left of the entrance.

Visit Ho Chi Minh City Zoo: Saigon zoo is the largest zoo and botanical garden of Vietnam. Ranked as the 8th oldest zoo in the world, the zoo is a humble abode of over 100 species of mammals, reptiles and birds. A must visit of Ho Chi Minh city, the botanical garden within the Saigon zoo is also home to rare orchards and ornamental plants arranged in pretty beds that are a delight to look at. Within the Zoo are many attractions like the Museum of Vietnamese History which displays 25,000 documents and memorabilia of Vietnamese history, culture and ethnography. There is also a monument dedicated to Vietnamese people fallen in the WW II. The animal and plant conservation area within the park is a great place to be! Visit the orchid gardens and click pictures with multi-hues backgrounds! Kids can have fun at the amusement park located within the Saigon Zoo. The zoo is home to big cats, slithering reptiles and everything in between. Creatures from nearly every continent are represented. Stop by the monkey enclosure and the bird aviary, which are two of the zoo’s most popular exhibits.

Visit 2 Lam Son Bar: Park Hyatt Saigon a stylish, contemporary bar that adds to the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City. The martini bar, 2 Lam Son is modern in design with a Vietnamese influence. Drawing a mix of international jet-setters and fashionable Ho Chi Minh locals, the bar serves a variety of premium beverages from vintage wines to refreshing signature cocktails. Located above the illuminated glass bar is a mezzanine floor that offers a cozy lounge seating area for more privacy. A contemporary bar stylishly designed with an energetic atmosphere to complement the impressive view of the Ho Chi Minh City, 2 Lam Son offers a wide selection of international wines, premium spirits, local and imported beers and an innovative assortment of signature cocktails. Guests enjoy a smoke-free environment with an urban selection of designer music and live DJ performances, customized to enhance the vibrant setting of the bar. Experience the Saigon nightlife from the periphery in a semi-private bath on the ground level, or enjoy a bird’s-eye view from the intimate loft. Every Wednesday to Saturday, the bar features DJ performances to "wow' its guests until the wee hours.

Cafe Runam: Càfê RuNam (the name loosely comes from a traditional Vietnamese lullaby song for young children) has been working on making this culinary marriage happen, that is applying Italian technology to Vietnamese coffee. Coffee beans were introduced for the first time by the French, but locals quickly adopted it as their own by using a drip filter, a method that we are now so familiar with, placed on top of a cup, to prepare the coffee and also by adding condensed milk (to stand in for the harder to come by, fresh variety). The French influence, however, is still evident in the way the beans are roasted and pressed, which makes the beverage quite bitter and strong. The objective of RuNam is to create a high-quality product that proudly consists of local coffee beans, but, by using Italian toasting machines and grinders, the flavor of the coffee is smoother, less bitter and creamier. RuNam’s team has recruited and works with various experts, highly specialized in their own fields, which not only shows an honest desire in delivering a high-standard product but also respect for an old culinary tradition.Cafe Runam: Càfê RuNam (the name loosely comes from a traditional Vietnamese lullaby song for young children) has been working on making this culinary marriage happen, that is applying Italian technology to Vietnamese coffee. Coffee beans were introduced for the first time by the French, but locals quickly adopted it as their own by using a drip filter, a method that we are now so familiar with, placed on top of a cup, to prepare the coffee and also by adding condensed milk (to stand in for the harder to come by, fresh variety). The French influence, however, is still evident in the way the beans are roasted and pressed, which makes the beverage quite bitter and strong. The objective of RuNam is to create a high-quality product that proudly consists of local coffee beans, but, by using Italian toasting machines and grinders, the flavor of the coffee is smoother, less bitter and creamier. RuNam’s team has recruited and works with various experts, highly specialized in their own fields, which not only shows an honest desire in delivering a high-standard product but also respect for an old culinary tradition.

Toohai Bar: Thai Bar is a classy rooftop bar and lounge located in downtown Saigon. It features authentic Shisha straight from Egypt along with well-crafted cocktails and the best deep house tracks in town. Thai Bar is a place you can find beautiful and gorgeous ladies and gentleman. It’s a rooftop bar with a spectacular view of skyscrapers. If you want to impress someone, highly recommend this place. Food, drinks, atmosphere and services are way beyond expectations. The drinks there are very random like a Mango Smash is good, but the others like a tripod are beyond words. One can Chill outdoor seating thou with the view of Bitexco tower and Ben Thanh market. They have a Very good service and also a nice city view can be seen from there. It makes one feel really better after a working time. They also have many cocktails set for one to choose from. The Music there is great and the drinks are awesome too. The environment there definitely rocked.

Vinyl Bar: Vinyl opened its doors in August 2014 in the same week as the new big sports bar, Game On. It is the former Moon bar and has been completely revamped. One must say they have done a good job; the bar is cozy and feels homely because of the decor. Getting most things right, they have their own website, something sadly lacking by so many Saigon Bars. One can find this bar by word of mouth. As one can walk in and get a great welcome from the staff. One can meet the heaps of people from all over the world there. The bar staff is well trained and keep one entertained. They want the people to buy the drinks, but they are not pushy and are really happy just to have a chat and a good laugh with you. The bar is very comfortable and the toilets are clean. One can play darts, watch the TV or simply enjoy the company of others. The drinks there are large size and at a fair price and the spirits are safe too. The staff is friendly and will sit with customers and enjoy themselves without hassling too much for drinks. They seem to have the balance right. Music is all from the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Vinyl also specializes in some great imported drinks.

Kim's Tavern Bar: This bar is not much popular among the tourists and travelers coming over to the city of Ho Chi Minh. It is a favorite among the locals in the city and offers a good collection of beer and wine. You can also treat yourself with the typical Vietnamese food that they serve. The portions are moderate and the prices charged are well worth for what they offer. The ambiance is relaxing and perfect for a chat with friends and groups. The collection includes wines and beers brought from all corners of the world along with the local Vietnamese variety. Kimm's Tavern Bar is a great little bar with the friendliest staff and cute girls. Enjoy the most relaxing night at this bar to complete your trip in Ho Chi Minh. It is a favorite among the locals in the city and offers a good collection of beer and wine. You can also treat yourself with the typical Vietnamese food that they serve. The portions are moderate and the prices charged are well worth for what they offer. The ambiance is relaxing and perfect for a chat with friends and groups. The collection includes wines and beers brought from all corners of the world along with the local Vietnamese variety.

The Sax n Art jazz club is one of the most enticing bars of the city. The USP of this bar is that definitely does not only concentrate on its nightlife. But concentrates on making it better for the people. This bar is centrally located in Vietnam, which allows everyone to reach here without any extra hazard. This bar serves speciality of food which includes Italian as well as the Mexican cuisine. The cocktails served here are divided into signature and classic cocktail which has its unique taste that only people visiting there can relate too. This bar is well loved by the people. People can get the best of the ho chi Minh city nightlife with the help of this bar.

Highlights: Jazz music played by the live band.

Location: 28 Le Loi Street Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Timings: 7 PM to 12 AM.

Price: Starts from 67365 VND.

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