Some Saigon tips for travellers
Saigon as the city is still frequently referred to is Vietnam’s largest city. It is a fast-paced city full of contrasts as street vendors selling fruit and vegetables can be seen next to glitzy western-style bars and boutiques. Saigon’s history is only 300 years old. In 1859 the city was captured by the French and became the capital of Cochin China. From 1956 until its dramatic demise in April 1975 it was the capital of the US-backed Republic of Vietnam. Today Ho Chi Minh City is very much the heart of Vietnamese business and entrepreneurs. And yet the city still retains its connections to the past, particularly in Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown. Here dozens of elegant temples and pagodas can be seen. The French also left their mark with some fine colonial-era buildings such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office.
SAIGON TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
The Reunification Palace
Here on April 30th 1975 the ‘American War’ officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates of what was, at the time the residence of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.
War Remnants Museum
Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war.
History Museum
Through the different exhibits that can be seen, the museum portrays Vietnam’s history from ancient times (approximately 300,000 years ago) up to the 1930s, when Vietnam’s Communist Party was found.
Notre Dame Cathedral and Old Post Office
Built between 1877 and 1883 this is one of the best examples of classical French colonial architecture.
Opera House
A grand colonial building with a sweeping staircase, the Opera House, also known as teh Municipal Theatre, is an example of French Colonial architecture in Vietnam. Built in 1897 by French architect Eugene Ferret as the Opera de Saigon.
Ben Thanh Market
The market and surrounding streets make up one of the city’s liveliest areas. Everything that’s commonly eaten, worn or used by the Saigonese.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Put this atmospheric Cantonese pagoda, built in 1909, at the top of your HCMC attractions visiting list. The Jade Emperor, heaven’s gatekeeper, watches over an incense-filled room while hidden chambers harbour woodcarvings and altars depicting scenes from Taoist and Buddhist myths. One hall houses the go-to deity if you’re seeking fertility and the upstairs section represents heaven and features the goddess, Kwan Ying.
Giac Lam Pagoda
This is Saigon’s oldest pagoda, dating back to 1744 and one of the finest in Vietnam. Inside 98 pillars and 113 statues and a myriad of mini-Buddha vie for your attention. Don’t miss the amazing Tree of Wandering Souls where people pray for their sick relatives by writing the names of their loved ones on slips of paper and then attaching them to the tree.
Cholon & Thien Hau Pagoda
Cholon actually means Big Market – a claim that is well justified as Vietnam’s largest market, the Binh Tay is situated here. The district is home to the city’s 400,000 Chinese and has many beautiful temples and pagodas.
DO ensure you have small denominations of Vietnamese Dong at all times. Many taxi drivers do not carry change, especially for big notes.
DO feel safe in taxis in Vietnam. They are great form of transport if you understand a few basic rules. However, do note your taxi driver’s name, code and taxi company name if possible – it may be useful if you leave anything behind.
DO leave your valuable things such as cash, airline tickets, passports,…with the hotels safety deposit facility.
DO cross the streets with a local. Vietnamese people are very friendly and most are more than happy to help you cross the road. But if you travel alone, commit yourself, though every instinct in your body is screaming for you to stop, turn around and head back, don’t. Turning back can be more dangerous than continuing on slowly.
DO ask people’s permission before taking a photograph of them. If they do not want you to do that, do not push the issue or offer money.
DO bargain before using the services in the streets or in the shops/restaurants without prices clearly indicated.
DO NOT wear shorts, dresses or skirts, or tops with low-neck lines and bare shoulders when visiting Pagodas and Temples. To do this is considered extremely rude and offensive.
DO NOT try and take photographs of military installations or anything to do with the military. This can be seen as a breach of national security.
Don’t forget
- Camera
- Video camera
- Credit cards
- Mobile
- Travel bag
- Snack
- Map
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