Photo: Collected

Embarking on a journey to Vietnam is like stepping into a vibrant mosaic of rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. This sentiment is echoed in its largest city – Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh is a bustling metropolis located in the southern part of the country, characterized by its vibrant atmosphere, modern skyscrapers, historical landmarks, and bustling streets. It offers a unique blend of traditional Vietnamese culture and rapid urban development, providing a captivating experience for its visitors.

The best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with high humidity and consistent temperatures throughout the year. The best time to visit is during the dry season from December to April when there’s lower humidity and less rainfall. However, December and January attract heavy tourist crowds to the city, resulting in higher prices. The temperatures start to rise in March and April, thus February is the best month to visit Ho Chi Minh when the weather is at its best and the tourist crowds typically disperse.

Here’s how to make the best of your visit to the beautiful Ho Chi Minh City. Take note of the following list so you will have the best memorable experience in the city of vibrant and vivid beauty.

Ho Chi Minh City, Author: xiquinhosilva, Source: Flickr

Ben Thanh Market

A bustling market that sells everything from food to clothing to souvenirs. It’s a great place to experience local culture and cuisine. Visitors can try local street food, shop for souvenirs, and interact with locals. The market is divided into several sections, each specializing in different types of goods. One section is dedicated to food, with vendors selling everything from pho to banh mi to fresh fruit. Another section is dedicated to clothing, with vendors selling traditional Vietnamese clothing as well as modern fashion.

Ben Thanh Market, Author: Isabell Schulz, Source: Flickr

• Location: Ben Thanh ward, District 1, HCMC.
• Opening hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm. 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm (night market).

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica 

Notre-Dame Cathedral, Author: xiquinhosilva, Source: Flickr

A beautiful cathedral that was built in the late 19th century. It’s a popular tourist attraction and a great place to take photos. Visitors can admire its Gothic architecture and learn about its history. The cathedral has many interesting features, including stained glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible and statues of saints lining its walls.

• Location: 01 Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe ward, District 1, HCMC. Good to visit together with the Central Post Office.
• Opening hours: 5:30 am – 5:30 pm (Mon–Sat). 5:30 am – 7:00 pm (Sun, 9:30 am: English mass).

Central Post Office 

A stunning building that was designed by Gustave Eiffel and built in the late 19th century. It’s still a functioning post office, but visitors can also admire its architecture and history. Visitors can send postcards home or take photos of its beautiful interior. The post office has many interesting features, including a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh hanging on one wall.

Source: VNA

• Location: 02 Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe ward, District 1, HCMC. Good to visit together with Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica.
• Opening hours: 7:30 am – 6:00 pm (Mon–Sat). 8:00am – 5:00pm (Sun).

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Source: Collected

A historical and iconic landmark of Ho Chi Minh City with wide collections of rare animals and plants. Established over 150 years ago, it is one of the oldest zoos in the world. The zoo is divided into an animal conservation area, a plant conservation area, an orchid garden, and an amusement park. The botanical garden contains many species of rare and valuable plants, some of which are not native to Vietnam. There are species of cacti, ferns, and plants that have been imported from Africa and other countries. It's a great place to visit if you want to learn about Vietnamese culture and history while enjoying the beauty of nature.

• Location: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC. Good to visit together with The History Museum of Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm.
• Fare: 60,000VND/person.

War Remnants Museum 

The museum showcases the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective. It has a collection of military equipment and weapons used during the war, as well as photographs and other exhibits that document the war’s impact on the country. Visitors can learn about the war’s history and its effects on the Vietnamese people. The museum is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different aspect of the war. One section is dedicated to the use of Agent Orange, a chemical weapon that was used during the war and had devastating effects on both soldiers and civilians. Another section focuses on the role of journalists during the war and how they helped shape public opinion. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in history and politics.

Source: Collected

• Location: 28 Vo Van Tan St, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, HCMC.
• Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:30 pm.
• Fare: 40,000VND/person.

Suoi Tien Theme Park 

Source: Collected

The theme park features water rides, roller coasters, and other attractions. It also has a zoo and an aquarium. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities and attractions in one place. The park is designed around Vietnamese mythology and culture, with many of its attractions featuring dragons, unicorns, and other mythical creatures. One of its most popular attractions is the “Golden Dragon,” a roller coaster that takes riders through a dragon’s mouth and over a lake. It’s a great place to visit with family or friends.

• Location: 120 Xa Lo Ha Noi, Thu Duc City, HCMC.
• Opening hours: 7:30 am – 5:00 pm.
• Fare: from 120,000 VND/person.

Thien Hau Temple 

One of the oldest Chinese temples in the city and one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown (ChoLon). The temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the goddess of the sea. Visitors can admire its intricate architecture and learn about Chinese culture and religion. The temple is decorated with beautiful carvings and statues, including one of Thien Hau herself. It’s a great place to visit for anyone interested in history and architecture.

Source: Collected

• Location: 710 Nguyen Trai St, Ward 11, District 5, HCMC.
• Opening hours: 6:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Jade Emperor Pagoda 

Source: Collected

A temple that was built by the Chinese community in the early 20th century. It’s dedicated to the Jade Emperor, who is believed to be one of the most powerful gods in Taoism. Visitors can admire its intricate carvings and learn about Chinese culture and religion. The temple has many interesting features, including statues of various gods lining its walls.

• Location: 73 Mai Thi Luu St, Da Kao Ward, District 1, HCMC.
• Opening hours: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm.

Bitexco Financial Tower 

A skyscraper that offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It’s one of the tallest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City and a great place to see the city from above. Visitors can enjoy a drink or meal at its restaurant while taking in views of the city. The tower has many interesting features, including an unusual helipad that juts out from one side.

Bitexco Financial Tower, Author: Gyver Chang, Source: Flickr

Location: 2 Hai Trieu St, Ben Nghe ward, District 1, HCMC.

Saigon Opera House 

Source: Collected

A beautiful building that was built in the early 20th century and is now home to the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra. It’s a great place to see a performance or just admire its architecture. The opera house has many interesting features, including its ornate facade and grand staircase.

• Location: 07 Cong Truong Lam Son, Ben Nghe ward, District 1, HCMC.
• Opening hours: 9:00 am – 4:30 pm (Mon – Fri), 9:00 am – 12:00 am (Sat-Sun)
• Fare: 80,000-900,000VND/person.

Bui Vien Street 

Source: Collected

A vibrant street located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s backpacker district. It’s a great place to experience local culture and nightlife. Visitors can try local street food, shop for souvenirs, and interact with locals. The street is lined with bars, restaurants, and shops.

Location: Bui Vien St, Pham Ngu Lao ward, District 1, HCMC.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum 

Source: Collected

A showcase of the history of Ho Chi Minh City from its earliest days to the present. It has a collection of artifacts and exhibits that document the city’s history and culture. Visitors can learn about the city’s development over time and its role in Vietnam’s history. The museum is housed in a beautiful French colonial building that was built in the early 20th century.

• Location: 65 Ly Tu Trong St, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC.
• Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
• Fare: 40,000VND/person

Museum of Vietnamese History 

Source: Collected

A must-visit destination for anyone interested in Vietnamese history and culture. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts and documents that showcase the rich history of Vietnam from prehistoric times to the present day. The exhibits include many National Treasures, which are considered to be among the most valuable and important cultural artifacts in Vietnam.

• Location: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, HCMC. Good to visit together with Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens.
• Opening hours: 8:00 am-11:30 am, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm. Closed on Mondays.
• Fare: 30,000VND/person.
  

Independence Palace 

Reunification Palace, Author: xiquinhosilva, Source: Flickr

Once the home to the president of Southern Vietnam during the Vietnam War and now an iconic museum in Ho Chi Minh City. The palace has been preserved as it was when it was used by the president and his staff. Visitors can see how the president lived and worked during this time. The palace has many interesting features, including a helicopter landing pad on its roof and an underground bunker that was used during air raids. It’s a great place to visit for anyone interested in history and politics.

Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh ward, District 1, HCMC.

Cu Chi Tunnels 

Source: Collected

An extensive network of underground tunnels that were built during the Vietnam War in the 1960s and 70s. The tunnels served as a means of communication between villages and sheltered Vietnamese people as well as soldiers during the war. The tunnels are complex and layered, consisting of connecting rooms, air vents, escape routes, and booby traps that were hand-carved during the war. Today, it is one of the top tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and offers visitors a chance to experience what life was like for soldiers during the Vietnam War. In addition to exploring the tunnels, visitors can also watch a short film about the tunnels and the Vietnam War, visit the shooting range to fire an AK-47 or M16 rifle, and sample traditional Vietnamese food. There are also souvenir shops where you can buy handmade crafts and other items. 

References: onedayitinerary.com

Photo: ĐCSVN

1. Ba Chua Kho Festival

This is considered one of the largest Vietnamese festivals in the North, because this is not only related to ancient legends, but also associated with the beliefs of Bac Ninh people. The most special feature of the festival is the loan ceremony of Ba Chua Kho.

Every citizen who comes to offer incense and writes for loans are requests, aspirations, goals for the upcoming year and promises of repayment days. Those who have borrowed must keep their promises and come to Thanksgiving at the end of the year, or the promised day in the future, so that the following year can still be fully blessed by the Grandmother for business.

Photo: aFamily

2. Hung Temple Festival

A more common name is "Hung Kings Commemoration", associated with the song "No matter who goes backwards, remember the tenth anniversary of March. This is a Vietnamese festival recognized by UNESCO as a Representative Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. History was started from the Hung kings, starting with the Van Lang state – the cultural cradle of Vietnam today.

Hung King Anniversary holiday (Photo: Bao dien tu Chinh Phu)

The main entertainment activities of the Hung Temple festival include the banh hung – thick cake wrapping contest, banh hung – thick cake procession, folk art performances such as xoan singing, pilgrimage to commemorate King Hung, procession and offering of King Hung incense. These are all entertainment activities that commemorate the story of King Lang Lieu and the intangible traditional cultural values of our country.

3. Vieng Market Festival

In the list of festivals in Vietnam, this is not a festival related to spiritual beliefs, but a place of exchange, trade of items and community cultural exchange. Trading products can be ornamental plants, farm service items or foods such as veal, beef ,... Every year, the market atmosphere is extremely bustling when there is a large participation of people from all over the world to participate.

Photo: Collected

4. Perfume Pagoda Festival

Every January 6th to the end of the 3rd lunar month, the Perfume Pagoda scenic area attracts a large number of Buddhists across the country. Huong Pagoda Festival converges typical traditional forms of cultural activities and activities of our country such as boating, climbing and paddle singing, singing literature on Yen stream...

(Photo: Bao Quang Ninh)

Besides, participating in the festival, visitors not only aim for beliefs and pray for peace but also enjoy the fresh air and harmony between people and nature. 

5. Giong Temple Festival

In 2010, UNESCO recognized the festival commemorating the hero who fought An as a representative intangible traditional cultural heritage on behalf of the earth. The opening venue is where Saint Giong stopped his horse before flying to the sky, which is the foot of Soc Son mountain today.

Photo: Collected

The most fun is the deadline for the readiness of the festival, which is lively and speckled 2-3 weeks before the 6th day of the 6th month of the lunar calendar in each village. Each participating village will be assigned according to each procession order of the 3 days of the festival, clearly printed in the 6th stele at Soc Son temple, Ho Chi Minh City. HN. Giong expresses great patriotic faith and conveys the resilient will, aspiration for independence and freedom of the indigenous people.

Festival to worship one of the "Four Immortals" in Vietnam

6. Co Loa Festival

In early spring, people from Dong Anh, Hanoi and tourists from all over flock to celebrate at An Duong Vuong temple. This is one of the unique festivals of Vietnam to commemorate the founder of the Au Lac state of our nation.

Participants will be able to participate in many traditional rituals such as: Opening ceremony, incense offering procession, street examination procession, procession of five Master burn molds, procession of Bat Xia, ... 

Photo: thanhcoloa.vn

7. Hoi Lim

Belonging to the unique festivals of Vietnam, expressing the cultural activities of the community and traditional arts of the North, this is actually the Lim Pagoda Festival and the banks of the Tieu Tuong River. Every year on January 12-14, in Bac Ninh, we will hear dao songs, Quan ho singing was like pouring bile into their ears. It opens with a grand procession.

In addition, Lim Association also organizes the deployment of many brilliant folk game shows such as martial arts fighting, chess fighting, weaving competition, fairy swinging, cooking rice, ... and many ceremonies so that passengers from far away and their villages can fully participate and compete with each other. The exquisite gestures of the people of Beijing and the shirts, scarves, and shirts of the third and seventh make passengers remember inconsolably, even when leaving.

Singing Quan Ho songs on the boat (Photo: bvhttdl.gov.vn)

Source: evbn.org

Photo: Collected

The cuisine in the north is different to that of the south. Southerners would claim that northern food is bland whereas the citizens of the north would argue that it’s simpler and elegant thus requiring less use of spices and sweetness, allowing the ingredients to speak for themselves. For a visitor on a flying visit, deciding on where to eat can be daunting at the best of times. Tripadvisor is usually the first port of call, but inconsistent reviews can cast a cloud of doubt over the legitimacy of the medium. Here is a list of my favorite dishes and venues for eating and drinking in Hanoi if you were here for a short weekend of culinary indulgence.

What to try in Hanoi

Barbecue chicken

Does this picture of golden brown chicken feet make you drool? (Source: Foody)

Ly Van Phuc is its official name, but the place is colloquially known as "Chicken Street" in honor of the tasty poultry being barbecued up and down this crowded alley. Grilled chicken wings and feet, sweet potatoes and bread that's been brushed with honey before being grilled are served with chili sauce and pickled cucumbers in sweet vinegar. The simple, enticing menu is nearly identical for all the vendors on the street.

Try it at: Pho Ly Van Phuc, Hanoi

Pho 

A bowl of Pho is a comfort food of many Vietnamese people (Source: Collected)

As the birthplace of pho, Hanoi is ground zero for the fragrant rice noodle soup served with fresh herbs that has become popular all over the world. It's no surprise, then, that Hanoi's pho is outstanding. Two variations are most popular: pho ga (with chicken) and pho bo (with beef). Pho is traditionally served as a breakfast food, so you'll find pho sellers all over town from before dawn to mid-morning.

Try it at: Pho 112, 112 Van Phuc, Ba Dinh, Hanoi

Xoi - Sticky rice

In the morning you'll find the sticky rice vendors out hawking their wares. Sticky rice is a hugely popular carb-rich breakfast food that comes wrapped in a banana leaf. There are dozens of variations on the dish. One is served with crushed peanuts and sesame salt, another involves white corn and deep-fried shallots.

Xôi xéo - one of the most quintessential food of Hanoi (Source: Collected)

Try it at: Street Xoi, 35 Nguyen Huu Huan St, Old Quarter, Hanoi

Iced coffee

Iced coffee with condensed milk is one of Hanoi's great pleasures (Source: Collected)

Coffee was brought to Vietnam by the French and is, along with baguettes, one of their lasting culinary legacies. Beans are grown in Vietnam and roasted, often with lard, before being ground and served in single-serving metal filters. Drinking a cup of cafe nau da, iced coffee with condensed milk, on a busy side street is one of Hanoi's great pleasures.

Try it at: Cafe Nang, So 6 Hang Bac, Hanoi

Nem cua be

You can find many types of excellent spring rolls all over Vietnam, but nem cua be, made with fresh crab meat, are particularly good. Unlike regular spring rolls, they are wrapped into a square shape before being fried. Nem cua be are a specialty of Hai Phong, a seaside town not far away, but are fantastic in Hanoi as well.

Nem cua be is often served with rice noodles and dipping sauce (Source: VnExpress)

Try it at: Nem Vuong Pho Co, 58 Dao Duy Tu, Old Quarter, Hanoi

Chao Ca

What is better than a steaming bowl of fish porridge? (Source: Collected)

If you're looking for a satisfying breakfast in Hanoi, why not try a steaming bowl of fish porridge? Like Chinese congee, it's a rice gruel made by cooking down the grains until they are nearly liquid. In Hanoi, it's most often served with green onion, sprigs of dill and slivers of ginger.

Try it at: Doan Xom Chao Ca, 213 Hang Bong, Hanoi

Muc Nuong

There's no greater pleasure than drinking on a busy Hanoi sidewalk, and what better to nosh on while you do than muc nuong? Dried squid is grilled over hot coals before being shredded and served with a spicy sauce. It's a chewy treat that is best washed down with shots of rice wine.

Muc nuong and beer is a must-try combination in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

Try it at: Muc Nuong, 36 Hang Bo, Old Quarter, Hanoi

How to get to Hanoi

As the capital city of Vietnam, transportation to Hanoi is easy with a variety of choices. From southern and central Vietnam, you may fly to Hanoi - there are flights every hour so you can reach Hanoi within a few hours. Check it out!

References: Www.hanoistreetfoodtour.com

Photo: Bui Toan

Khanh Hoa province has agreed to organize the International Art Light Festival - Ever Glamor Nha Trang in June 2024 according to the proposal of a consulting unit. Funding for the event is from Social Capital.

On June 28, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee Dinh Van Thieu met with relevant departments, divisions, and units on the idea of ​​​​organizing a light show competition called the International Art Light Festival - Ever Glamor Nha Trang 2024.

According to the proposal of the consulting unit (Corex Business Solutions Joint Stock Company), the International Art Light Festival - Ever Glamor Nha Trang 2024 is expected to be held in June 2024 in combination with the beach tourism festival and food festival.

Art Light show by drone at Nha Trang Sea Festival - Khanh Hoa in 2023

The highlight of the Festival is the drone light show competition combined with music performances on stage. The event is 100% funded by Social Capital.

According to Khanh Hoa province's e-information portal, at the meeting, Vice Chairman of Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee Dinh Van Thieu agreed with the consulting unit's proposed idea and hoped this would be a unique highlight of Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa in the field of marine tourism.

Mr. Dinh Van Thieu requested the consulting unit to complete the detailed scenario to submit to the Provincial People's Committee, and at the same time develop a long-term plan for the 2025 Sea Festival. Along with that, relevant departments and divisions need to plan on how to call for social capital effectively. 

It is expected that the International Art Light Festival - Ever Glamor 2024 will attract 800,000 domestic and international tourists to Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa.

*Previously in early June, at the Nha Trang - Khanh Hoa Sea Festival 2023, the light show by drones with 1,653 drones with music playing in the background attracted the attention of many tourists.

Source: baochinhphu.vn