HO CHIN MIN CITY(SAIGON ) TRAVEL
GENERAL INFORMATION-Ho Chi Minh City (SAIGON) –Thanh Pho Ho Chi Minh, is Vietnam’s centre of commerce and the country’s biggest city. Ho Chi Minh City is a popular travel destination, famous for its colonial charm and buzzing city life. The city is located on the banks of the Saigon River and still known as Saigon. Ho Chi Minh City owes much of its form and character to the French colonists. Every landmark tells a history, and every background story adds to sightseeing experience.
AIRPORT- Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) Vietnam- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (IATA: SGN), is the largest airport in Vietnam. It is located 6 km north of the centre (District 1) of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Tan Son Nhat International Airport operates from two terminal buildings - Domestic Terminal 1 and International Terminal 2.
AREA-2095Km2
POPULATION-80,00,000
TIME ZONE-UTC+7
CO-ORDINATES- 10°46′36.8″N 106°42′02.9″E
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av H 32 33 34 35 34 33 32 32 31 31 31 31
Av L 21 22 24 26 25 25 24 24 24 24 23 21
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS-
AIRPORT- Ho Chi Minh City Airport (SGN) Vietnam- Tan Son Nhat International Airport (IATA: SGN), is the largest airport in Vietnam. It is located 6 km north of the centre (District 1) of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). Tan Son Nhat International Airport operates from two terminal buildings - Domestic Terminal 1 and International Terminal 2.
AREA-2095Km2
POPULATION-80,00,000
TIME ZONE-UTC+7
CO-ORDINATES- 10°46′36.8″N 106°42′02.9″E
CLIMATE-
MONTH JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
Av H 32 33 34 35 34 33 32 32 31 31 31 31
Av L 21 22 24 26 25 25 24 24 24 24 23 21
SIGHTS AND ATTRACTIONS-
001-CU CHI TUNNELS- During the American War, the villages around the district of Cu Chi supported a substantial Viet Cong (VC) presence. Faced with American attempts to neutralize them, they quite literally dug themselves out of harm’s way, and the legendary Cu Chi tunnels were the result. There are two sites where the tunnels can be seen – Ben Dinh and 15km beyond, Ben Duoc, though most foreigners are taken to Ben Dinh.
002- VINH NGHIEM PAGODA- The largest Mahayana pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, a centre for Buddhist beliefs and practices, and one of the city's most beautiful tourist attractions. “Chùa Vĩnh Nghiêm” (literally “Ever Solemn”) was built over a span of seven years, from 1964 to 1971. The complex, an area of around 6,000 square meters, comprises of the pagoda itself, as well as a 25 meter tall four-story tower that stands behind the pagoda, which was finished in 1982. The pagoda has two floors - a sanctuary on the top floor and a ground floor usually open to visitors.
003-JADE EMPEROR PAGODA0- Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), this is one of the most spectacularly atmospheric temples in Saigon, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes. The pungent smoke of incense (huong) fills the air, obscuring the exquisite woodcarvings. Its roof encrusted with elaborate tile work, the temple's statues, depicting characters from both Buddhist and Taoist lore, are made from reinforced papier mâché. Inside the main building are two especially fierce and menacing Taoist figures. On the right (as you face the altar) is a 4m-high statue of the general who defeated the Green Dragon (depicted underfoot). On the left is the general who defeated the White Tiger, which is also being stepped on.
004-GIAC VIEN PAGODA- Located at number 161/85/20, Lac Long Quan Street, District 11, Giac Vien is one of the oldest temples in Ho Chi Minh City. At first, it only used to be a warehouse while another pagoda (named Giac Lam) was being rebuilt. Finally, it became a pagoda in 1850, by the monk Hai Tinh Giac Vien. People said that Emperor Gia Long of Nguyen Dynasty used to worship at Giac Vien – known as the centre of Buddhism. Originally constructed in 1789, this pagoda underwent major restorations in 1899 and 1910. Today, it still preserves many Buddhist printing inscriptions of considerable value.
005- HO CHI MINH MUSEUM – Museum hosts an eclectic collection of the former leader's possessions. On display are Uncle Ho's sandals and radio, among other items. Nicknamed as Dragon House Warf- Dragon Wharf is at first a large trading harbour of Saigon (the old name of Ho Chi Minh City). In 1862, the French colonist built this harbour to meet the demand of transportation between the colonized Vietnam and the world. In September 1979, the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City reformed it into a Ho Chi Minh Museum branch in a city of the same name. Located on the junction of Saigon River, today tourists can find it at the beginning of Nguyen Tat Thanh Street (District 4).
006-REUNIFICATION PALACE- Five minutes’ stroll north up Nam Ky Khoi Nghia from the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, a red flag above the Reunification Palace. A whitewashed concrete edifice with all the charm of a municipal library, the palace occupies the site of the former Norodom Palace, a colonial mansion erected in 1871 to house the governor-general of Indochina. After the French departure in 1954, Ngo Dinh Diem commandeered this extravagant monument as his presidential palace, but after sustaining extensive damage in a February 1962 assassination attempt by two disaffected Southern pilots, the place was condemned and pulled down. The present building was named the Independence Palace upon completion in 1966, only to be retitled the Reunification Hall when the South fell in 1975.
007-SAIGON OPERA HOUSE- One of Ho Chi Minh City's most prominent landmarks, the Saigon Opera House was custom built in 1897 by the French architect Eugene Ferret, the building is a fine example of French colonial architecture. In 1955 it was transformed into South Vietnam's Assembly House and has undergone several refurbishments since. It is the only open to public during events. The best way to experience this legendary monument is by enjoying one of their shows. The Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera performs here. The 468 seats of the Saigon Opera House served the Lower House assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. 1975 the building served it's true purpose as a theatre again and was restored one more time in 1995. Built in parallel structure, the Opera House is located on the city’s center axis, connecting the metro station and roundabout in front of Ben Thanh market. From a distance, the Opera House looks like a beautiful gigantic city gate.
Address- Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Bến Nghé, Ho Chi Minh City, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Address- Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Bến Nghé, Ho Chi Minh City, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
008-WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM- The War Remnants Museum is located at 28 Vo Van Tan St, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Operated by the government, the museum was opened in September 1975 as "The House for Displaying War Crimes of American Imperialism and the Puppet Government”, focusing on exhibits relating to the American phase of the Vietnam War. Since then, it has undergone many changes and renovations due to the process of normalization of relation between Vietnam and the United States, such as the change to its current name in 1993. Nowadays, the museum functions as a place to display devastation of the war between 2 countries from 1961 to 1975. It comprises several buildings storing military equipment, as well as disturbing photographs. Not only does the museum illustrate a phase of painful history, but it also tells unknown stories about war to people, especially to Westerners. Many preceding travellers have failed to hold their tears in front of the pictures here. Some of the instruments of destruction are on display in the courtyard outside, including a 28-tonne howitzer and a ghoulish collection of bomb parts.
009- HO CHI MIN CITY MUSEUM/GIA LONG PALACE- The Gia Long Palace in Hồ Chí Minh was used as headquarters by the Japanese in World War II and as headquarters by the French in the First Indochina War. During the Vietnam War it was the "Supreme Court of the Republic of Vietnam". Now it houses the Ho Chi Minh City Museum.
The 2-floored palace building covers an area over 1700 m², using classical Baroque architecture with European and Oriental influences. The flooring, staircases and halls were European-styled, while the roof was Oriental-inspired. Surrounding the palace is a trapezoid-shaped flower garden, with 4 pathways.
The museum is situated at the corner of Lý Tự Trọng and Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa streets, located on 2 hectares of land, near the Independence Palace.
The 2-floored palace building covers an area over 1700 m², using classical Baroque architecture with European and Oriental influences. The flooring, staircases and halls were European-styled, while the roof was Oriental-inspired. Surrounding the palace is a trapezoid-shaped flower garden, with 4 pathways.
The museum is situated at the corner of Lý Tự Trọng and Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa streets, located on 2 hectares of land, near the Independence Palace.
010-NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL- The late nineteenth-century Notre Dame Cathedral straddles the northern reach of Dong Khoi. A statue of the Virgin Mary provides the centrepiece to the small park.
011- PEOPLE'S COMMITTEE BUILDING - HO CHI MINH CITY- The People’s Committee Building of Ho Chi Minh City is located at one end of Nguyen Hue Street, one of the most beautiful streets in this metropolis.
The building was built and put into use in 1909 as a hotel whose original name was Hôtel de Ville. This building is thus one of the oldest, biggest and most beautiful French style buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, functioning both as a city institution and as the city’s most prominent landmark today. At first glance, it’s seen as a simple and beautiful old monument with 3 main buildings. The middle is the highest among the three, creating a balanced structure. There are also 3 statues that were embossed on the building. In the middle, it’s a woman and children who were taming the furious animals. On the left and right side of the building, there were 2 women holding swords who are ready to fight. Adding to the majestic ancient beauty of the building were the delicate bass-relieves on the walls, popular feature of French colonial style.
In front of the building, lying a small yard with many trees, flowers and especially the statue named “Uncle Ho and children” made by artist Nguyen Minh Chau. The statue was made to show the love and respect of Vietnamese people to the greatest leader Ho Chi Minh as well as to remind us of his loving children personality. Especially at night, the whole construction is spectacularly illuminated and looks beautiful like a castle in the dark.
The building was built and put into use in 1909 as a hotel whose original name was Hôtel de Ville. This building is thus one of the oldest, biggest and most beautiful French style buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, functioning both as a city institution and as the city’s most prominent landmark today. At first glance, it’s seen as a simple and beautiful old monument with 3 main buildings. The middle is the highest among the three, creating a balanced structure. There are also 3 statues that were embossed on the building. In the middle, it’s a woman and children who were taming the furious animals. On the left and right side of the building, there were 2 women holding swords who are ready to fight. Adding to the majestic ancient beauty of the building were the delicate bass-relieves on the walls, popular feature of French colonial style.
In front of the building, lying a small yard with many trees, flowers and especially the statue named “Uncle Ho and children” made by artist Nguyen Minh Chau. The statue was made to show the love and respect of Vietnamese people to the greatest leader Ho Chi Minh as well as to remind us of his loving children personality. Especially at night, the whole construction is spectacularly illuminated and looks beautiful like a castle in the dark.
012-CENTRAL POST OFFICE- Located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City - at number 2, Paris Commune Street, District 1, The Central Post Office is one of the oldest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built around 1886 – 1891, based on the design of Gustave Eiffel – a famous French architect and has become a significant symbol of the city, its opposite neighbour Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral. It has long been the busiest post office of the country. Central Post Office is located near Diamond Plaza, a big shopping venue in Ho Chi Minh City and Notre Dame Cathedral. The 3 buildings together make it a popular area in District 1 for foreigners to visit.
013- BEN THANH MARKET- Built in 1870 by the French, the market was initially called Les Halles Centrales before being renamed Ben Thanh in 1912. From a wet market created by street vendors by the early 17th century, Ben Thanh has experienced many ups and downs throughout its history, and is now the oldest surviving market and one of symbols of Ho Chi Minh city. That makes it a must for any visitors travelling to this 300-year-old city. Ben Thanh Market is possibly the most well-known symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, showing up in a large number of publications, movies, online articles. Ben Thanh is firstly well-known as the place for real Vietnamese food.
014- BITEXCO FINANCIAL TOWER – HCMC- The Bitexco Financial Tower, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s business and entertainment district. Tower, drew inspiration for this skyscraper’s unique shape from Vietnam’s national flower, the Lotus. To the Vietnamese, the lotus is a symbol of purity, commitment and optimism.
The Bitexco Financial Tower is a 262-metre tower also has a six-storey retail podium. On level 52 an Executive VIP & Bar Lounge. A helipad, first in Vietnam, is located on Level 52 and an Observation Deck, Saigon Skydeck on Level 49 offers sweeping 360‐degree panoramic views of the entire city and the nearby Saigon River. High-tech double decker lifts can reach speeds of 7 meters per second, making them the third fastest in the world.
Sky Deck Ticket-200.000VND
Operating Hours:-Monday-Sunday-9:30 am-9:30 pm.
The Bitexco Financial Tower is a 262-metre tower also has a six-storey retail podium. On level 52 an Executive VIP & Bar Lounge. A helipad, first in Vietnam, is located on Level 52 and an Observation Deck, Saigon Skydeck on Level 49 offers sweeping 360‐degree panoramic views of the entire city and the nearby Saigon River. High-tech double decker lifts can reach speeds of 7 meters per second, making them the third fastest in the world.
Sky Deck Ticket-200.000VND
Operating Hours:-Monday-Sunday-9:30 am-9:30 pm.
DAY TOUR OF SAIGON-
1-Viet Fun Travel- VF02: Ho Chi Minh City 1 Day Tour-
The tour will include-
War Remnants Museum-Notre Dame Cathedral- Central Post Office- Ben Thanh Market- People's Committee Building – Ho Chi Minh City-Ho Chi Min City Museum/Gia Long Palace/City Hall-Reunification Palace
Price for Group-USD$25.00
https://vietfuntravel.com/tour/ho-chi-minh-city-1-day-tour
2- http://vietnamopentour.com.vn/hochiminh-city-tours/
i-Ho Chi Minh City Tour Full Day Price=USD$30.00(Best Tour)
ii- Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour By Bus Price=USD$19.00
Presented by-V P Gupta
1-Viet Fun Travel- VF02: Ho Chi Minh City 1 Day Tour-
The tour will include-
War Remnants Museum-Notre Dame Cathedral- Central Post Office- Ben Thanh Market- People's Committee Building – Ho Chi Minh City-Ho Chi Min City Museum/Gia Long Palace/City Hall-Reunification Palace
Price for Group-USD$25.00
https://vietfuntravel.com/tour/ho-chi-minh-city-1-day-tour
2- http://vietnamopentour.com.vn/hochiminh-city-tours/
i-Ho Chi Minh City Tour Full Day Price=USD$30.00(Best Tour)
ii- Cu Chi Tunnels Half Day Tour By Bus Price=USD$19.00
Presented by-V P Gupta