Travel Destination: Ho ChiMinh
About Ho ChiMinh
Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a bustling metropolis full of past vibe, contemporary attitude and competitive spirit. The city is in the south-eastern part of Vietnam and 1,094 miles south of Hanoi (the country’s capital). There are more than nine million residents in the city and this growing number increases the need for new infrastructure to accommodate its progress. It is one of the most visited cities in Vietnam.
Ho Chi Minh City is on the verge of just about anything. It is an economic centre in Vietnam and many businesses are still active in adding up capital to the economy. It is aiming to be the high-tech city not only in their country but in the South East Asian region as well.
French influence in HCMC is still apparent with its wide roads and historic colonial buildings. Museums, galleries, pagodas, parks and gardens, and heritage sights are some of the attractions in this city. Although the city is not as elegant and manicured as European cities, HCMC is a charming place to explore. It has a warm and gentle stance that would make visitors feel at home.
Architectural sights in Ho Chi Minh City are representations of its colourful past and influences. The Giac Lam Pagoda which is believed to be the oldest in the city has gilded statues, vibrant wall panels and attractive stupas that measure 32 metres in height. The Ha Chuong Hoi Quan Pagoda is impressive with its four carved stone pillars and ceramic relief scenes. The Hall of Ten Hells, Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda and Jade Emperor Pagoda are ornate and interesting enough to merit a visit.
Any city has a story to tell and HCMC is no exception. When you want to stroll through its history, do so visually. Shift your focus to An Quang Pagoda, Binh Soup Shop, Le Van Duyet Temple, Presidential Receiving Room and Tran Hung Dao Temple for each spot shows the kind of dedication and traditions Vietnamese have.
After the educational stroll, treat yourself to water puppetry. This is popular to foreign tourists so head to the History Museum or the grounds of War Remnants Museum and watch the entertaining water puppets. The show usually lasts for 20 minutes and starts as soon as there are at least five people assembled.
There are five museums to see in Ho Chi Minh City and it establishes the role of art in Vietnamese life. The Fine Arts Museum has classic, abstract and modern pieces. It also has a garden café where you chat with the locals or quietly sip some iced tea as you watch people go by. The History Museum, on the other hand, has collections from the Bronze Age to various relics from Angkor Wat in Cambodia. It is in a Sino-French style building that makes the trip there more special. The museum has a nice gift shop too so you can bring home some of the goodness from the experience. The Ho Chi Minh Museum, Military Museum and Museum of Ho Chi Minh City are all havens for art lovers, too.
To cool down after a tiring but memorable round-town tour, relax in the French-established Botanic Gardens or the Cong Vien Van Hoa Park which is also a serene spot to unwind after a city tour.
Ho Chi Minh City is not yet the typical, vibrant and cosmopolitan destination as some would hope but discovering its beauty is in itself already an adventure