Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was the fourth cease throughout our whistle-stop two weeks in Vietnam and I’d allowed simply over full two days right here. I used to be already regretting not discovering extra time to tour this unbelievable nation. We may have spent loads longer in our final cease, Hoi An. So was three nights sufficient in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis?
We beloved loads of issues about our time right here. However I’ll be sincere and say HCMC didn’t seize me like Hanoi did. It’s a contemporary metropolis with loads of western influences. Historical past has an enormous half to play in that and we had the chance to discover a few of this throughout our keep.
On this put up I’m sharing our Ho Chi Minh Metropolis itinerary and why we predict that three nights was excellent.
*This put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks*
About Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Is it Ho Chi Minh Metropolis or Saigon? After we had been flying from Da Nang our tickets mentioned Ho Chi Minh Metropolis however the airport employees advised us we had been flying to Saigon.
The names are used interchangeably in every single place. However why?
Throughout our keep we had been advised the Southern Vietnamese desire the pre-unification identify and solely use HCMC on official paperwork.
Saigon was the capital of French Indonesia within the nineteenth and twentieth Centuries and the hub for western forces throughout what’s identified right here because the American Struggle. The town’s modernisation got here after Vietnam’s reunification however the colonel influences remained.
Instantly noticeable as you stroll round are the pavements. These are few and much between in Hanoi the place everybody shares the identical thoroughfares. Excessive rise workplace blocks and industrial boulevards dominate the town centre. When you take pleasure in purchasing there are shops and loads of designer manufacturers.
This makes HCMC really feel very acquainted to western guests. When you’re in search of genuine Vietnam, it’s just a little harder to seek out.
What Ho Chi Minh is nice for is being a launch pad for seeing the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mykong Delta when you’re brief on time.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in three days
Right here’s what we bought as much as throughout our three days and nights in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis:
Day one in Saigon
After two days in Hoi An we caught a flight from Da Nang and landed at Tan Son Nhat Worldwide Airport early within the afternoon.
We had deliberate to go to the Struggle Remnants Museum, which was only a brief stroll from our resort, however a storm got here in and compelled us to delay going out till the night.
By this time the museum was closed so we determined to delay our training concerning the conflict till one other day.
As an alternative, we booked a Seize taxi to discover the pedestrianised streets round District 1 and located ourselves outdoors the Bitexco Monetary Tower, which has an remark deck. After going up the Lotus Tower in Sri Lanka the summer season earlier than we thought it will be enjoyable to see Saigon from above.
Bitexco Monetary Tower Sky Deck
The tower was in-built 2010 and ranks quantity 5 in CNN’s 25 most iconic towers on this planet.
It’s straightforward to identify on Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s skyline because it has a round platform suspended three quarters of the best way up. This isn’t the Sky Deck, as I’d mistakenly thought, however a helicopter pad for the worldwide finance firms primarily based right here.
The Sky Deck is on the forty ninth flooring, 178 meters up, and has 360 diploma views of the town.
There’s additionally a restaurant, interactive shows, photograph props and free telescopes. This made the expertise far more attention-grabbing for the children as they had been capable of spot landmarks and discover out extra about them.
Tickets to the Sky Deck price 240,000 VND (about £7.50) per grownup and 160,000 VND (about £4.90) per youngster below 12. Below 4s are free. This was a 3rd of the worth it price us to go up the Lotus Tower in Columbo and was far more attention-grabbing.
Day two in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
In Hanoi, Practice Avenue had been high of the woman’s Vietnam want record. Whereas we had been in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis the Cu Chi Tunnels was a non-negotiable for Mr Tin Field.
I wasn’t positive how family-friendly the conflict tunnels could be so determined so as to add a sweetener for the children, and ebook a tour that included the Mekong Delta the place there could be boat rides, biking and a yummy lunch included.
We booked our day journey by TNK Journey which tour firm overlaying loads of South East Asia. We had a greta expertise with them and would ebook once more subsequent time we’re within the area.
We selected a small group tour of as much as 10 individuals and bought fortunate that there have been solely seven of us. This made it really feel extra private.
Comparable excursions for giant and small teams can be found by Get Your Information*.
It was a protracted time out and regardless of preliminary protests on the 6.30am decide up time, the tour was a success with our ladies.
They notably beloved the Horrible Histories-style info our information Khôi supplied on the conflict tunnels; man traps and all.
The Cu Chi Tunnels
Vietnam’s well-known conflict tunnel advanced stretches 250km from the Cambodian border to HCMC. Some cafes within the metropolis have hidden entrances put there by the house owners’ grandparents in the course of the conflict.
It took us two hours to drive from the town to the Ben Dinh tunnels customer centre, which actually introduced residence the dimensions of the underground community.
The Ben Dinh tunnels are certainly one of two complexes open for guests. Jenny and Jay from Travelynn Household visited the Ben Duoc tunnel advanced just a few weeks earlier than.
Khôi started by taking us on a stroll across the jungle above the tunnels, exhibiting us air holes that had been disguised as termite hills, secret hatches and the sources the Vietnamese fighters used, typically recycling bomb shells and discarded American gear.
Previous tyres had been used to make the ‘Ho Chi Minh sandal’ that tricked enemies into considering you had been strolling in the wrong way.
We then had an opportunity to stoop by one of many tunnels. In actuality these should not precisely like they might have been within the twentieth Century. Khôi defined which have been made at the least two occasions bigger than the originals as a result of guests stored getting caught. There’s additionally a ‘soldier’ guiding you thru to make sure security.
The tunnel at Ben Dinh for vacationers is 100m lengthy with shafts to the floor each 20m. Our 11-year-old made it 40m, I made it to 60m and Mr Tin Field and our nine-year-old adopted the soldier all the best way to the top.
After the tunnel we visited the sector kitchen the place we tried tapioca dipped in sugar and chilli. This carbohydrate-rich root was a food regimen staple for the troopers because it was straightforward to reap underground.
We had been glad we had been on a guided tour as there was loads to see hidden alongside the winding jungle paths. We spent two hours trying round and the place on the street once more at 10.45am simply as a lot of different excursions had been arriving.
From the tunnels we travelled one other two hours to the Mekong Delta for the following a part of our day journey from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Mykong Delta
A day is in no way the optimum period of time to discover the Mekong Delta however our tour gave us a style of life on the finish of the world’s twelfth longest river.
We took a ferry from My Tho throughout the muddy-looking Mekong River to Bentre Provence.
An enormous darkish cloud chased us over the water and let go of its load in a crash of thunder. At this level I used to be fearing the worst with the ladies because it was previous lunchtime and we had been getting moist, albeit with heat rain.
Fortunately our first cease was a coconut candy manufacturing unit the place we had been capable of pattern the confectionary. Mr Tin Field additionally braved a shot of snake wine.
Subsequent we hopped on a tuk tuk to a village the place we ate essentially the most monumental unfold of fish, rice, noodles and spring rolls.
This was adopted by an perception into the completely different companies within the space, from fishing to breeding crocodiles for export to China.
We needed to forego the standard cycle across the village due to the pouring rain however had been capable of feed the crocodiles and cat fish (dinner for the crocs) earlier than boarding a sampan boat for a trip across the palm-lined waterways.
Subsequent we hopped on one other sampan to Unicorn Island. The 4 islands on this a part of the Delta are named after vital creatures for the Vietnamese. In addition to Unicorn Island there’s Tortoise, Phoenix and Dragon Island.
Unicorn Island is the biggest. Right here we tasted tropical fruits whereas listening to people music and visited a honey farm had been the bees had been extremely placid.
The farm additionally breeds boa snakes, which the nine-year-old was eager to fulfill after dealing with one in Sri Lanka the earlier summer season.
I actually thought the tropical storm may need messed with the child’s’ mojo however they solely grumbled the tiniest bit on the finish of the day once they realised they had been soaked by.
Today journey is touristy with stops at locations the place it’s hoped you’ll purchase one thing. However we by no means felt pressured into doing so.
Day three in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Day two had been so full on that we determined to deal with ourselves to a slower begin and a few sightseeing within the metropolis.
Struggle Remnants Museum
This museum was only a brief stroll from our resort and, after being rained off on day certainly one of our keep in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, I used to be eager that we visited right here first.
We’d all learnt loads concerning the American Struggle the day earlier than, so it felt like an excellent place to proceed the historical past lesson.
Nevertheless, we’d been spoilt by Khôi who used humour and attention-grabbing info to elucidate what’s a really sobering topic.
In distinction the museum was dated and disjointed. It didn’t maintain the ladies’ curiosity for lengthy.
Having mentioned that, the images exhibition was heart-stopping and the recreated torture chambers outdoors had been brutally reasonable.
However this isn’t an interactive museum for youngsters, other than the children space on the highest flooring. Adults can take turns entertaining little ones right here whereas their associate takes within the displays elsewhere. There’s dressing up bins and toys.
We had been achieved after an hour together with an ice cream break on the cafe.
If you wish to discover out extra about this Saigon attraction I’d suggest studying Travelynn Household’s information to visiting the Struggle Remnants Museum.
Entry to the Struggle Remnants Museum received’t break the financial institution. It’s 40,000 VND (about £1.20) for adults and 20,000 VND (about 60p) for below 16s. When you’re travelling with teenagers they’ll get extra out of it.
Procuring in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
With two pre-teens we weren’t going to get away with bypassing Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s outlets.
If you wish to go to a market Ben Thanh in District 3 is essentially the most well-known within the metropolis. There’s garments, souvenirs and meals to be bagged however don’t count on to do a lot haggling such as you would possibly in Hanoi’s industrial streets. Most stalls have indicators saying ‘mounted worth’.
Simply across the nook is a contemporary shopping center – the Saigon Centre.
That is small by Center East requirements however with cheaper costs than in Oman the place we reside. So we didn’t thoughts spending a bit of cash on Zogg swimming goggles, pool toys and a brand new rash vest for the nine-year-old – all helpful to have forward of or subsequent vacation spot, Phu Quoc.
Avenue meals problem
To mark our final night in HCMC we visited Bến Nghé Avenue Meals Market, not removed from our resort.
There’s round 30 meals stalls right here promoting numerous road meals. It’s price saying the costs aren’t road meals costs. Major meals had been between 100,000 and 190,000 VND (£3 to £5.80).
After shopping for spring rolls as starters we sat down and challenged the ladies to purchase the remainder of our meal.
They beloved this and dashed off to seek out fulfil our principal course requests for a pork dish (we had been taking advantage of its availability outdoors the Center East) and a ‘bizarre’ dish. The ladies got here again with barbecued pork ribs and rice, and one thing they known as a ‘squidy factor’.
They had been notably enthusiastic about dessert as they’d been eyeing up a stall whereas discovering the opposite programs. I used to be offered with an enormous mango ice cream and the ladies shared an Oreo milkshake and mound of shaved ice.
It’s secure to say Bến Nghé Avenue Meals was an enormous hit regardless of being comparatively dear.
Wish to discover out about extra points of interest and locations to go to in Saigon? I can suggest studying this information to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis with youngsters by Travelynn Household.
The place we stayed
We spent our three nights in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis at Orchids Saigon Lodge* in District 3. It’s strolling distance from the Struggle Remnants Museum, Bến Nghé Avenue Meals and the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.
One of many causes I selected this resort was as a result of it had a swimming pool. Our ladies at all times ask if I’ve booked a resort with a pool, even when we’re staying in a metropolis. So discovering one appeared like a bonus. It was additionally helpful for downtime in-between sightseeing.
If this can be a should for you then take a look at Orchids Lodge*.
Nevertheless, if you wish to keep someplace with character then this place isn’t for you. It is usually used for enterprise conferences and conferences, so has a company vibe.
Orchids Lodge doesn’t have connecting or household rooms however we got rooms subsequent to one another as requested once we booked. The rooms had been comfy and had every part we would have liked.
Breakfast was a big buffet with loads of selection. There was an excursions deck in the principle reception however nobody was pushing excursions.
Test availability for Orchids Lodge Saigon*.
Summing up our three nights in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
There’s a part of me that wished we’re reversed our 14 day Vietnam itinerary and began within the south. I feel I might have loved Ho Chi Minh Metropolis extra this manner spherical.
For me it didn’t really feel completely different sufficient to different cities we’ve visited all over the world, so three nights in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was sufficient for us.
I don’t suppose our selection of resort helped both. There was nothing improper with it and we loved having the small pool space to loosen up in, however it was very company and impersonal. As soon as inside, we may have been wherever.
We loved the Sky Deck and our enjoyable dinner at Bến Nghé Avenue Meals Market. And our day journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mykong Delta was absolutely the spotlight.
We additionally learnt loads from Khôi, not least that the Vietnamese language is advanced. Get your inflection improper and there’s a wonderful line between saying ‘thanks’ and ‘shut up’!
On that word, I’ll shut up. The ultimate on our two week journey from north to South Vietnam was Phu Quoc.
Extra studying about Vietnam journey
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was the fourth cease throughout our 14 day Vietnam itinerary which began in Hanoi, together with an tour to the well-known Practice Avenue, after which moved on to Ha Lengthy Bay for a two evening cruise and on to Hoi An for 3 nights.
You’ll be able to meet up with the remainder of our journey by testing my Instagram account the place there are three Tales about our two weeks in Vietnam.
Normally I’d additionally suggest the Lonely Planet’s vacation spot information that will help you plan your journey, however I purchased the Vietnam 2023 version and was a bit disenchanted. A variety of the data was generic and I noticed a number of errors.
I’d counsel attempting the Tough Information* or Eyewitness journey information* as a substitute.
Disclosure: this put up accommodates affiliate hyperlinks marked with *. When you click on on certainly one of these and make a purchase order I could earn some fee. This doesn’t have an effect on the worth you pay.