Bui Vien Street is well-known in Ho Chi Minh City due to its status as a hub for backpackers and party-going tourists. Perhaps no other street in Vietnam is met with such polarization as this one. Some see Bui Vien Street as an exhilarating concoction of hedonistic stimuli whilst others look down upon it with disgust and disdain. No matter which side of the fence you find …
9 Best Beaches by Ho Chi Minh City
Even though there is plenty to do in the city, the nearest beaches by Ho Chi Minh City are close enough for a nice reprieve from the metro life. These beautiful sandy spots are unique and relaxing, compelling visitors to Southern Vietnam to explore the coast. Many locals turn to these destinations as a way to decompress from the hecticness of Saigon, but travelers are …
9 Best Golf Courses near HCMC
Southern Vietnam is not only famous for the Mekong Delta region but also a fantastic golf destination for players of all skill levels. Many golf courses near Ho Chi Minh City are well-cared for, and travelers come from around the world to tee off on these stunning greens. A handful of the properties are built along the shore, making these courses ideal for visitors who enjoy …
Tan Son Nhat Golf Course – HCMC
Located about 4 km (2.5 mi) from Ho Chi Minh City's center, the Tan Son Nhat Golf Course is a golf haven away from the metro area. Situated near Tan Son Nhat Airport and built on 156 hectares/385 acres, there are 36 holes and over 7,300 yards/21,900 feet of playable terrain. Designed by Nelson & Haworth, this par-72 course features pristine greens, large bunkers, and plenty …
Saigon River – HCMC
The flowing Saigon River has seen much change during its life. The city surrounding its banks has gone through massive change and huge development over the centuries and continues to grow and reinvent itself around it. Originating near Phum Daung, the Saigon River meanders through Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, before emptying near Soai Rap, after a 225 km journey. The …
Reunification Express Train from Hanoi to Saigon
Vietnam's landscapes are beautiful, sprawling, and diverse, featuring everything from high mountains to white-sand beaches. The country’s vast size and small width mean that one of the easiest ways to travel is by train. There is only one main railway line crossing the whole country, and that is the Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City line. While it is not a modern bullet train with …
Tao Dan Park – HCMC
If you’re looking for a place to relax in Ho Chi Minh City then Tao Dan Park is for you. These idyllic gardens can be found behind the Reunification Palace and offer a serene, picturesque environment for you to enjoy a little downtime. History of Tao Dan Park Like most Ho Chi Minh City landmarks, Tao Dan Park has a long and storied history. During the 19th century, the French …
Cu Chi Tunnels – HCMC
One of the nation’s most popular tourist attractions is the Cu Chi Tunnels. Known as the site where Vietnamese soldiers hid from the relentless onslaught of enemy bullets, today, the Cu Chi Tunnels are open for public exploration and are highly popular tourist spots. There are two main sites - Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Whilst the former is closer to Ho Chi Minh City, it is also …
Me Linh Square – HCMC
Me Linh Square lies near the Saigon River and offers a relaxing alternative to the congested life of Ho Chi Minh City. An ideal place for a quick pit-stop, the area is well-shaded, lined with gardens, and is subject to a refreshing river breeze. The centerpiece of Me Linh Square is a statue of the 13th-century military general Tran Hung Dao (1228-1300), who is still regarded …
Binh Tay Market – HCMC
Located in historic Cholon, Binh Tay Market has been a constant presence in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown Since its inception in the 1880s, it has developed a strong reputation with Cholon’s locals and is one of the largest markets in the whole city. Sitting in the heart of Cholon, this food market serves as the locals’ one-stop-shop for fresh ingredients and authentic …
Vinasun Taxi – HCMC/Hanoi
There are around 30,000 taxis in Ho Chi Minh City so, if you’re looking for a ride, a cab is never far away. One of the most well-known brands is Vinasun taxi. You can easily spot their white or white, Vinasun-branded cars darting through the city streets or lined up outside the airport when you arrive. Vinasun also operates out of other cities in Vietnam, such as Da Nang …
Mai Linh Taxi – HCMC/Hanoi
If you’re looking for a taxi in Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi, but you aren’t sure which company to choose, Mai Linh Taxi is one of the biggest names in the business. Established in 1993, Mai Linh has built up a strong track record, and their cars a regular sight on the streets of Saigon. If you have seen bright green cars with branding stickers among the city’s hectic traffic, …
Cholon (Chinatown) – Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown, Cholon, is the largest and most historic in the entire country as well as the largest in the world by area. Located 11km west of the city center in District 5, Cholon’s origins can be traced as far back as 1778. Constructed with wealth, the neighborhood is now a popular tourist destination in HCMC. At the center of Cholon is the Bình Tây Market, …
Little Japan – Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnamese cities have always had a pinch of Japanese influence, but there is one area in Ho Chi Minh City that may cause you to think you've been transported overseas known as Little Japan. Also referred to as JapantownSaigon or Little Tokyo, its narrow construction, dazzling street art, and a plethora of food and entertainment outlets, make it a highly visited area both day …
Artinus 3D Art Gallery – HCMC
You don’t have to be an art expert to become entranced by Ho Chi Minh City’s Artinus 3D Art Museum. Featuring mind-bending optical illusions, 3D imagery, and over 100 paintings, this quirky exhibit transforms still paintings into immersive, cinematic backdrops. Located in District 7, this unorthodox art gallery was first opened in 2015. The 4,000 square-meter space is …
Renting a Motorbike in Ho Chi Minh
Motorbike rentals in Vietnam have come a long way in recent years and when venturing out onto Saigon's open roads, you're going to want a trustworthy machine to get you around. While there are still plenty of second-hand shops where you can snag a motorcycle for a few days, there are a few highly professional and reliable rental companies, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. To …
Starlight Crescent Bridge & Crescent Lake Park – HCMC
The Starlight Bridge, in Ho Chi Minh City, might be one of the most romantic destinations in the entire country. Situated on top of the serene and tranquil Crescent Lake, in Crescent Lake Park, this stunning bridge offers sweeping views as well as a quiet, peaceful atmosphere. Located only a short distance away from the Crescent Mall in District 7, Crescent Lake Park, known …
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens have been open for well over a century and curated a reputation as one of the world’s most diverse and historic sanctuaries. Established by ambitious French botanist JB Louis Pierre in 1865, the zoo has developed into a thriving ecosystem that is home to several animal and plant species. There are almost 600 animals housed here, along …
Reunification (Independence) Palace – HCMC
As Vietnam continues to evolve and modernize, Ho Chi Minh’s Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace or Reunification Hall, remains a fascinating time capsule of 1970s life. The base of former South Vietnam's President, Ngo Dinh Diem, the Reunification Palace has played a pivotal role in shaping Vietnam and is comprised of new-age Vietnamese architecture and …
Ho Chi Minh City Museum ( Dinh Gia Long)
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a historic exhibit in its own right. Once known as Gia Long Palace, this impressive 19th-century neo-classical building is adorned with a mix of Oriental design features. There is an abundance of sculptures both inside and out as well as elaborate ceramic tile flooring in the corridors and galleries. The Museum The Ho Chi Minh City Museum …