Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam ~

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, has a long and complicated history that mostly has been overshadowed by the Vietnam War with the United States and other countries. It was a very tragic and complex war that badly affected both countries.

On my trip there, I visited their War Remnants Museum, which gives you all kinds of information on the war and showcases photos that are very jarring. I captured some below in my article, but please take caution. Some are very heartbreaking; however, how offensive some of the material may be, I still would recommend for anyone to go to the museum to learn the history.

Overall, Ho Chi Minh City was a great place to explore. The only thing I must warn about as I stated in my previous article on Siem Reap, Cambodia, there is a problem with theft, so again observe your belongings. I only spend two days there, which didn’t give my companions and I enough time to do much, but the activities we did still gave us a great experience. Nevertheless, I know the city has so much more to offer as well as the whole country. I certainly want to check out Hanoi and Ha Long Bay. I heard it is very scenic.

Here are some other things you can do while in Ho Chi Minh City:

Saigon Central Post Office

This post office is a popular tourist attraction. You can go here to see the French colonial style architecture from the past, send a postcard anywhere in the world, and buy different souvenirs inside.

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

This basilica is right next to the post office.

Independence Palace

Independence Palace is a historical landmark. When we tried to visit, this attraction was closed. It’s open from 7:30-11am and reopens at 1-4pm.

Cyclos

These cyclos were fun to ride around to see the city, but be careful with the price negotiation. We got hoodwinked. What we thought would be a cheap expense turned out to be an expensive one.

War Remnants Museum

Again, this museum is all about the Vietnam War. I was very shocked and saddened from all I saw. This War lasted for 20 years.

*Warning – Graphic images*

Bến Thành Market

A market for all you shopaholics out there to get all your souvenir needs! Haha!

Caravelle Saigon Hotel Pool

The hotel we stayed at while in Ho Chi Minh City.

The Municipal Theatre

Saigon Opera House.

Statue Of Ho Chi Minh (Communist Revolutionary Leader and President Of The Democratic Republic Of Vietnam During The War)

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

A beautiful building to see in person!

Phở Hùng And Phở Hà Restaurant

I love Pho!!! So tasty! I couldn’t leave Vietnam without trying the real deal!
Both restaurants I tired in Ho Chi Minh were very delectable. I had Pho with beef at both locations, but I feel Phở Hà gives you a real local experience.