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 unimaginable nation. We might have spent loads longer in our final cease, Hoi An. So was three nights sufficient in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis?
We liked a whole lot 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 a whole lot 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 publish I’m sharing our Ho Chi Minh Metropolis itinerary and why we expect that three nights was excellent.
*This publish 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 workers informed us we had been flying to Saigon.
The names are used interchangeably in all places. However why?
Throughout our keep we had been informed the Southern Vietnamese choose the pre-unification title 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 Battle. 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 business boulevards dominate the town centre. In case you get pleasure from buying there are shops and loads of designer manufacturers.
This makes HCMC really feel very acquainted to western guests. In case you’re in search of genuine Vietnam, it’s just a little tougher to seek out.
What Ho Chi Minh is nice for is being a launch pad for seeing the Cu Chi Tunnels and Mykong Delta for those who’re quick on time.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in three days
Right here’s what we acquired 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 Battle Remnants Museum, which was only a quick 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 schooling in regards to the struggle 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 commentary deck. After going up the Lotus Tower in Sri Lanka the summer time earlier than we thought it could 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 simple to identify on Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s skyline because it has a round platform suspended three quarters of the way in which up. This isn’t the Sky Deck, as I’d mistakenly thought, however a helicopter pad for the worldwide finance companies based mostly 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, picture props and free telescopes. This made the expertise way more fascinating for the youngsters as they had been in a position to spot landmarks and discover out extra about them.
Tickets to the Sky Deck value 240,000 VND (about £7.50) per grownup and 160,000 VND (about £4.90) per little one underneath 12. Beneath 4s are free. This was a 3rd of the value it value us to go up the Lotus Tower in Columbo and was way more fascinating.
Day two in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
In Hanoi, Practice Road had been prime of the lady’s Vietnam want checklist. Whereas we had been in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis the Cu Chi Tunnels was a non-negotiable for Mr Tin Field.
I wasn’t certain how family-friendly the struggle tunnels could be so determined so as to add a sweetener for the youngsters, and e-book 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 means of TNK Journey which tour firm masking a whole lot of South East Asia. We had a greta expertise with them and would e-book once more subsequent time we’re within the area.
We selected a small group tour of as much as 10 folks and acquired 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 means of Get Your Information*.
It was an extended time out and regardless of preliminary protests on the 6.30am decide up time, the tour was successful with our women.
They significantly liked the Horrible Histories-style info our information Khôi supplied on the struggle tunnels; man traps and all.
The Cu Chi Tunnels
Vietnam’s well-known struggle 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 through the struggle.
It took us two hours to drive from the town to the Ben Dinh tunnels customer centre, which actually introduced house the size of the underground community.
The Ben Dinh tunnels are one in all two complexes open for guests. Jenny and Jay from Travelynn Household visited the Ben Duoc tunnel advanced a couple of 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, usually recycling bomb shells and discarded American tools.
Previous tyres had been used to make the ‘Ho Chi Minh sandal’ that tricked enemies into considering you had been strolling in the other way.
We then had an opportunity to stoop by means of one of many tunnels. In actuality these should not precisely like they’d have been within the twentieth Century. Khôi defined which were made not less than two instances 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 way in which to the tip.
After the tunnel we visited the sphere kitchen the place we tried tapioca dipped in sugar and chilli. This carbohydrate-rich root was a weight-reduction plan staple for the troopers because it was simple 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 wanting round and the place on the highway once more at 10.45am simply as a number 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.
Learn extra about our go to to the Cu Chi Tunnels at Ben Dinh.
Mykong Delta
A day is on no account 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 women 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 in a position to 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 in a position to 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 most important. 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 time.
I truthfully 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 after they realised they had been soaked by means of.
This present day 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.
Battle Remnants Museum
This museum was only a quick stroll from our resort and, after being rained off on day one in all our keep in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, I used to be eager that we visited right here first.
We’d all learnt loads in regards to the American Battle the day earlier than, so it felt like a superb place to proceed the historical past lesson.
Nonetheless, we’d been spoilt by Khôi who used humour and fascinating info to clarify what’s a really sobering topic.
In distinction the museum was dated and disjointed. It didn’t maintain the women’ curiosity for lengthy.
Having mentioned that, the pictures exhibition was heart-stopping and the recreated torture chambers outdoors had been brutally reasonable.
However this isn’t an interactive museum for kids, except for the youngsters space on the highest flooring. Adults can take turns entertaining little ones right here whereas their accomplice takes within the reveals 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 Battle Remnants Museum.
Entry to the Battle Remnants Museum gained’t break the financial institution. It’s 40,000 VND (about £1.20) for adults and 20,000 VND (about 60p) for underneath 16s. In case 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 anticipate to do a lot haggling such as you may in Hanoi’s business streets. Most stalls have indicators saying ‘fastened 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 dwell. 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.
Road meals problem
To mark our final night in HCMC we visited Bến Nghé Road Meals Market, not removed from our resort.
There’s round 30 meals stalls right here promoting numerous road meals. It’s value saying the costs aren’t road meals costs. Important 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 women to purchase the remainder of our meal.
They liked this and dashed off to seek out fulfil our predominant course requests for a pork dish (we had been benefiting from its availability outdoors the Center East) and a ‘bizarre’ dish. The women got here again with barbecued pork ribs and rice, and one thing they referred to as a ‘squidy factor’.
They had been significantly 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 women shared an Oreo milkshake and mound of shaved ice.
It’s secure to say Bến Nghé Road Meals was an enormous hit regardless of being comparatively expensive.
Need 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 children by Travelynn Household.
The place we stayed
We spent our three nights in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis at Orchids Saigon Resort* in District 3. It’s strolling distance from the Battle Remnants Museum, Bến Nghé Road 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 women 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 Resort*.
Nonetheless, if you wish to keep someplace with character then this place isn’t for you. It’s also used for enterprise conferences and conferences, so has a company vibe.
Orchids Resort doesn’t have connecting or household rooms however we got rooms subsequent to one another as requested after we booked. The rooms had been snug and had every part we would have liked.
Breakfast was a big buffet with loads of alternative. There was an excursions deck in the principle reception however nobody was pushing excursions.
Examine availability for Orchids Resort 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 believe I might have loved Ho Chi Minh Metropolis extra this fashion spherical.
For me it didn’t really feel completely different sufficient to different cities now we have visited world wide, so three nights in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was sufficient for us.
I don’t assume our alternative of resort helped both. There was nothing mistaken with it and we loved having the small pool space to loosen up in, but it surely was very company and impersonal. As soon as inside, we might have been anyplace.
We loved the Sky Deck and our enjoyable dinner at Bến Nghé Road 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 mistaken and there’s a effective line between saying ‘thanks’ and ‘shut up’!
On that observe, 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 Road, after which moved on to Ha Lengthy Bay for a two evening cruise.
Our third cease was vibrant Hoi An for 3 nights and from there we flew to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.
Our ultimate vacation spot was the island of Phu Quoc the place we stayed at a family-friendly 5 star seashore resort.
You may 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 upset. A variety of the knowledge was generic and I noticed a number of errors.
I’d recommend attempting the Tough Information* or Eyewitness journey information* as an alternative.
Disclosure: this publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks marked with *. In case you click on on one in all these and make a purchase order I could earn some fee. This doesn’t have an effect on the value you pay.