Ho Chi Minh Vietnam Travel Tip.

In 1976, after the reunification, the National Assembly unanimously decided to rename Saigon-Cholon-Gia Dinh as Ho Chi Minh City. Since unification, HCM City has contributed a great deal to socialist and national construction and defense. It is endowed with favorable conditions that cannot be found elsewhere. It has great potential for developing industry, exports, tourism and services.

TOP 10 THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY
 
The War Remnants Museum. The museum’s best exhibit is the collection of bombs, tanks, planes and war machinery. It’s as much propaganda as it is history.
Notre Dame Cathedral and General Post Office. They are the beautiful examples of architecture from the French colonial period.

The Reunification Palace. Formerly known as the Presidential Palace. The place symbolizes the end of Vietnam War when a North Vietnamese army tank went through its gates.
Jade Emperor Pagoda. This pagoda was built in late 20 century to honor the supreme Taoist god, Emperor Jade. It’s one of the most impressive pagodas in Vietnam. The building is filled with intricate woodcarvings and statues of divinities and heroes, including Emperor Jade himself.

The roof is also covered in detailed tile work showing characters from Buddhist and Taoist legends.
Chinatown. It is a hive of activity and a maze of temples, restaurants, jade ornaments, and medicine shops. Aside from the sprawling Binh Tay Market, you’ll find some fascinating temples in the area including the Chinese Thien Hau Temple and Cha Tam, a Catholic cathedral.

Thien Hau temple. Located in Chinatown, the Ba Thien Hau Temple was built in early 18 century for the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. It’s believed she flies around on a cloud or a mat, rescuing people at sea.

Ben Thanh Market. Though this market in District 1 is crowded, it is the ideal place to pick up some handicrafts or bargain souvenirs, or to try some traditional (and inexpensive) Vietnamese food. It’s the largest market in Vietnam, so get lost in the chaos and enjoy it all.

Cu Chi tunnels. Crawl through the extensive network of tunnels used by the Vietnamese guerrilla to fight American soldiers.
Saigon Skydeck Tower. For a 360-degree panorama of the city, you can head to the saigon skydeck tower. The observation deck is on the 49th floor.

Museum Of Ho Chi Minh City. The city museum has been a governor's palace, committee building, and revolutionary museum. You will find a collection of weaponry and memorabilia from the country's revolutionary struggle as well as captured American fighter planes and tanks.

OTHER THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY
 
Catch a show at the Opera House. The Opera House in Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best-preserved examples of French colonial architecture in the country. It was built in 1897 for the opera but now also hosts lots of different performances, including ballet and Vietnamese traditional dances and plays.
Catch a Water Puppets show at the golden Dragon Theater.

Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Shows remain one of the cultural draws for most travellers to Ho Chi Minh City. Originating in the sodden rice paddies of the Red River Delta in North Vietnam.

Take a street food tour. Seating on a motorbike going around the city and eating some street food that would be nice experience.
HOW CAN WE GET AROUND HO CHI MINH CITY
 
Rent a private car with English speaking driver will be more comfortable and relaxing. And make sure you would not miss the important destination in city.
Taxis. Taxis start at average at 12,000 VND for the first kilometer and 17,000 VND per kilometer thereafter. Do not take unmetered taxis!

Motorcycle Taxi – You can also catch rides from motorcycle taxis for about 10,000 VND per kilometer or about 40,000 VND per short ride. Remember to set the price beforehand and wear the helmet. These motorcycle taxis will get you places the quickest, as they’re able to weave in and out of heavy traffic.

Public bus. Ho Chi Minh City has over 100 different bus routes, and you can reach all major tourist destinations this way. They’re safe and affordable, costing between 5.000 VND – 10.000 VND depending on the distance. You’ll pay the driver in cash as you get on the bus. However, if you're going a short distance, this isn’t the most practical way to travel, Because of traffic chaos with take you in long time.

Cyclos. Cyclos are slow moving and often a nuisance in traffic, many roads in Ho Chi Minh City are entirely closed off to them. If you choose to go this route, your driver may have to navigate around prohibited roads and may not be able to drop you off right at your address.

Grab Car. Grab is Asia’s answer to Uber. It works the same way: you hire a local to take you somewhere via the Grab app, and you can pay via the app or in cash. It’s often more affordable than a regular taxi.

WHEN TO GO TO HO CHI MINH CITY

The driest months in Ho Chi Minh City are from December to April, making it one of the most popular times to visit. The temperatures are warm during this time, ranging between (23-35°C). If you can, come during the Tet Festival (Vietnamese New Year) at the end of January/beginning of February to enjoy the colorful celebrations. Prices are jacked up during this time. 

The rainy season lasts from May to october, but as in other parts of Southeast Asia, the downpour doesn’t tend to last long.
HOW TO STAY SAFE IN HO CHI MINH CITY

Ho Chi Minh City is a very busy city, but it’s a safe place to backpack and travel – even if you’re traveling solo or even as a solo female traveler. Violent crime against travelers is very rare, but petty crime and theft is not. In crowded places, you’ll want to keep your purse/wallet close and be mindful of the activity around you. Don’t keep your cell phone or money in your hand as you’re walking around.

Traffic can be hard to navigate in Ho Chi Minh City. Motorbikes are everywhere, and as a pedestrian, crossing the street can be scary. Wait for a break in the traffic before crossing the road and then slowly go to the other side.

Be on alert for scams. Just keep an eye out. Most people are very honest!

WHERE TO STAY IN HO CHI MINH CITY

District 1 is the central urban district of Ho Chi Minh City. it have a lots of hotel and restaurants, bars, coffee shop, shopping mall and tourists destination attraction.

MONEY SAVING TIPS IN HO CHI MINH CITY
 
You don’t need to do much to save money in Ho Chi Minh City as it’s super inexpensive to visit already. But, if you must, here are some ways you can cut down your costs in Ho Chi Minh:
Ask your hotel staff – Before you leave the hotel, ask them to estimate how much what you want to do should cost. How much should a ride to the museum cost? How much should I pay to have a t-shirt like this made? How much for noodles soup…

They will be able to give you bargaining guidelines.
Eat street food – Street food in Ho Chi Minh City is inexpensive and delicious. Be sure to try a banh mi, a Vietnamese sandwich popular in the south. You can find many different kinds of noodle soup (specialy is vietnamese beef noodle soup) at small street stalls.

Enjoy happy hour – The bars in the Bui Vien street area have plenty of drink specials, from half-price drinks to dollar cocktails.
Save money on rideshares – Grab is the Uber equivalent in Asia and is way cheaper than taxis. It’s the best way to get around a city if you don’t want to wait for a bus or pay for a taxi.