All who are fond of day trips in Ho Chi Minh city (the former name is Saigon) will insist that you have not visited this city if you have not experienced one yet. One interesting thing is that regardless of whether it is a night or daylight trip, activities from the metropolis still overwhelm you a lot. In case that there has not been any idea about Ho Chi Minh city exploration in your mind, TNK Travel are very pleased to introduce you to mighty attractions, the best time to visit Saigon, and what to eat for Saigon day trips. Just book one and uncover the quintessential and modern magnificence of the city while getting a sense of the traditional culture hidden deeply into the soul of each Saigonese.
Day trips in Ho Chi Minh city 2016: the most wonderful attractions worth seeing
Notre Dame Cathedral
Being one of the enthralling French architectural styles in Ho Chi Minh City, Notre Dame Cathedral constructed between 1877 and 1883 illuminates the center of Ho Chi Minh’s government quarter which is in front of Dong Khoi Street. As for the church’s history, it was designed to include iron spires perched on 40m-high towers, and its name was after the Virgin Mary. Penetrating inside, we will see walls are prominent in religious tablets, and there is some stained glass surviving, offering us a sacred scene besides the ancient structure. Often, Mass is at 9:30AM on Sunday. In case that front gates are locked, the door facing Independence Palace can work.
Ben Thanh Market
Another landmark of Ho Chi Minh City for a day trip in Ho Chi Minh city is Ben Thanh Market. Taken into account as one of the city’s most pulsating area, the market will be ideal for international tourists to explore the market culture of Vietnamese people. There are an abundant number of items sold here, such as souvenirs, specialties, clothes, crafts, and food. Not only is the trip to Ben Thanh for buying something, but also allows us to learn interesting things; for example, bargaining over the clothes’ price will get us shocked as it is actually higher than we still think. Don’t neglect food stalls as Vietnamese street food is actually stunning and unfogettable.
Reunification Palace
Located on the side of Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street is Reunification Palace – a special architecture structure of the government building, which is hemmed in royal palm trees. This isolated image along with the eerie feeling stemming from a short stroll in its quiet halls makes the palace a mysterious spectacle, arousing the visitors’ curiosity. While the building is closely associated with the nation’s independence achieved from invaders in 1975, many tourists suppose that motifs and kitsch detailing inside it will steal the show.
Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office is within easy walking distance of Notre Dame Cathedral. This is a mighty French architecture structure as well as a period classic formed from the hands of the French architect Gustave Eiffel. Constructed between 1886 and 1891, the landmark has been more and more outstanding and popular due to its excellent design. Stepping inside and giving a glimpse of the interior, we will realize walls of its concourse are painted with eye-catching historical maps of Cholon, South Vietnam, and Saigon. Meanwhile, a mosaic of Ho Chi Minh is placed at the end of its vaulted hall whereby everyone can easily see it.
War Remnant Museum
The beginning name of this landmark is the Museum of American and Chinese War Crimes; then, because of the normalization of relations between the countries after the war, it has been changed into War Remnant Museum. It is possible to state that the museum is totally ideal for Western tourists to understand more the history of terrible wars in Vietnam. While just a few museums are dedicated to war civilian victims and aim to convey the war’s brutality, a large number of atrocities are recorded and on display at War Remnant Museum, some of which come from US sources, even having the infamous My Lai Massacre.
Cu Chi Tunnels
You will be absolutely absorbed by the glorious history of Cu Chi Tunnels on media, much less an authentic trip to this “area of steel”. Cu Chi Tunnels are now known as one of the most overwhelming networks in the world as it was not only a hiding place from enemies, but also an underground village meeting the former Vietnamese people’s basic living, all of which makes it an incredible achievement. Then, there is no reason for missing the exploration of this site in day trips in Ho Chi Minh city. Surely, the more deeply you penetrate into the tunnel system, the more understanding you get about it.
The best time to visit Saigon
Don’t get worried anything about the best time of a Saigon day trip because there is no disaster in Vietnam. To be honest, you are advised to visit Saigon all year around. Nevertheless, before deciding when to make a trip to this city, you should consider two following seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. If setting foot here in the dry season, you will feel free to go everywhere without being afraid of dirt puddles on streets while the rainy season offers you stunning specialties and other fascinating activities in Saigon.
There are lots of must-enjoyed dishes when you have a chance to travel in Saigon, such as Banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), Pho (beef noodle soup), Bo lat lot (beef wrapped in leaf), Vietnamese shellfish, Com tam (broken rice), Goi cuon (spring rolls), Ca kho to (fish caramelized in clay pot), Vietnamese crispy pancakes, Hu tieu (rice noodle), Banh cuon (roll cakes), etc. With day trips in Ho Chi Minh city, you will be taken through various food and drink areas in the city and explore the unique characteristics of the cuisine here. Besides, the guide will give you fascinating information about how Saigonese enjoy their breakfast, lunch, and dinner, where they gather to talk together and experience entertaining activities. It is amazing to explore the Saigon cuisine as well as street food.
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is an amazing up and coming city
