OVERVIEW OF HỒ CHÍ MINH CITY

Hồ Chí Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest and most populous city in Vietnam. Located in the southern part of Vietnam, it is approximately 1,730 km by road from the capital, Hanoi.

Geographical Location

Hồ Chí Minh City is situated at coordinates approximately 10°10' – 10°38' North latitude and 106°22' – 106°54' East longitude. The city covers an area of 2,095 km², including 16 districts, 1 city, and 5 rural districts.

Terrain

Hồ Chí Minh City features relatively flat terrain, with an average elevation of about 5 meters above sea level. To the east and southeast, it borders the East Sea; to the west and southwest, it borders Long An and Tien Giang provinces; to the north, it borders Binh Duong Province; and to the northwest, it borders Tay Ninh Province.

Climate

Hồ Chí Minh City has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The rainy season lasts from May to October, while the dry season lasts from November to April of the following year. The city receives an average annual rainfall of about 1,800 mm.

History

Hồ Chí Minh City was established in 1698 under the name Gia Dinh. It served as the economic and cultural center of southern Vietnam during the French colonial period and the Republic of Vietnam. After the reunification of the country, the city was renamed Hồ Chí Minh City.

Economy

Hồ Chí Minh City is the largest economic center in Vietnam, contributing approximately 20% of the country's GDP. The city is a major hub for trade, services, finance, tourism, and industry.

Culture

Hồ Chí Minh City boasts a diverse culture that reflects both Vietnamese heritage and Western influences. It is a melting pot of various ethnicities and religions, creating a rich and colorful cultural tapestry.

1. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the most famous landmarks in Hồ Chí Minh City. It is the city’s largest shopping center, offering a wide variety of items from clothing and souvenirs to food and beverages. Ben Thanh Market is also an attractive tourist spot, featuring unique architecture and a bustling atmosphere.

2. Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace is an important historical site in Vietnam. It was the venue for many significant historical events, including the declaration of independence of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam on September 2, 1945. The Reunification Palace is now a museum, showcasing numerous historical artifacts related to Vietnam.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a symbol of Hồ Chí Minh City. Built in the Gothic style, it features two towering bell towers. The cathedral is a popular tourist attraction, drawing many visitors from both within Vietnam and abroad.

4. Vietnam History Museum

The Vietnam History Museum displays a wide range of historical artifacts related to Vietnam’s history from prehistoric times to the present. The museum houses many valuable collections, including the Dong Son bronze drum collection, porcelain collection, and Indochina antiques collection.

5. Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground network of tunnels constructed by the Vietnamese military and civilians during the resistance against the Americans. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an important historical site, demonstrating the indomitable spirit and resilience of the Vietnamese people. 

6. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a famous pedestrian street in Hồ Chí Minh City. It is a popular spot for recreation and entertainment, featuring a variety of cultural, artistic, and culinary activities. 

7. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is the largest zoo in Hồ Chí Minh City. It is home to many rare animals, including several endangered species. The zoo is an attractive tourist destination, suitable for visitors of all ages.

8. Artinus 3D Museum

Artinus 3D Museum is the first 3D art museum in Vietnam. It features many vibrant 3D paintings that create the illusion of stepping into the world of the artwork. Artinus 3D Museum is a fun and engaging attraction, suitable for visitors of all ages. 

9. Suoi Tien Tourist Park 

Suoi Tien Tourist Park is the largest entertainment park in Southern Vietnam, featuring a variety of exciting attractions for all ages.

10. Dam Sen Tourist Park

This is a well-known entertainment park in Hồ Chí Minh City, featuring a variety of thrilling rides and a modern aquarium.

Other Attractions

In addition to the mentioned tourist spots, Hồ Chí Minh City also offers many other attractions, such as Vườn Xoài Tourist Park, Hồ Mây Tourist Park, and Bò Cạp Vàng Tourist Park. There are also numerous bars, clubs, and lounges where visitors can enjoy music, dancing, and more.

1. Broken Rice 

Cơm Tấm is the most famous dish of Saigon. It is made from broken rice, grilled pork ribs, shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, fried egg, and sweet and sour fish sauce.

2. Banh Mi 

Banh Mi is a popular street food in Saigon. It can be served with various fillings such as Vietnamese sausage, pâté, cold cuts, eggs, and more.

3. Mixed Rice Paper (Banh Trang Tron)

Banh Traang Tron is a famous snack in Saigon. It is made from rice paper, green mango, quail eggs, dried shrimp, crispy pork fat, and other ingredients, all mixed together with a sweet and sour sauce.

4. Fried Rice Flour Cakes (Bột Chiên)

Bột Chiên is a beloved street food. It is made from rice flour, eggs, scallions, and various vegetables.

5. Grilled Sticky Rice with Banana (Chuối Nếp Nướng)

Chuối Nếp Nướng is a delicious and nutritious snack. It is made from banana, sticky rice, peanuts, and coconut milk.

6. Gỏi cuốn

Gỏi Cuốn is a light and refreshing dish. It is made from rice paper, pork, shrimp, fresh herbs, and is served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.

7. Braised Pork Offal (Phá Lấu)

Phá Lấu is a dish with a distinctive flavor, made from pork offal. It can be served with bread, rice noodles, or egg noodles.

8. Hủ tiếu

Hủ tiếu là món ăn truyền thống của người Hoa, được du nhập vào Việt Nam và trở thành món ăn phổ biến ở Sài Gòn. Hủ tiếu có nhiều loại khác nhau như hủ tiếu Nam Vang, hủ tiếu Mỹ Tho, hủ tiếu sa tế,...

9. Crab Noodle Soup (Bún Riêu)

Bún Riêu is a rustic dish that embodies the flavors of Southern Vietnam. It is made from freshwater crab, pork hock, tofu, tomatoes, and other ingredients.

10. Snails (Ốc)

Snails are a beloved dish that can be prepared in various ways, such as boiled, stir-fried, or steamed...

IDEAL TIME TO TRAVEL TO HỒ CHÍ MINH CITY

• The ideal time to visit Hồ Chí Minh City is during the dry season, which lasts from November to April. During this period, the weather in Saigon is sunny, with little rain, making it perfect for sightseeing and exploring the city.

• Dry Season: The weather in Saigon during the dry season is dry and rarely rainy, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 30°C. This is the best time to visit outdoor attractions such as Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and Notre Dame Cathedral.

• Rainy Season: The weather in Saigon during the rainy season is wet, with frequent rainfall and average temperatures ranging from 23 to 28°C. This period is ideal for visiting indoor attractions like museums and theaters.

• Additionally, visitors can consider traveling during festival times in Saigon for a more complete and enjoyable experience. Some of the famous festivals in Saigon include:

• Tet Nguyen Dan Festival: This festival is celebrated during the Lunar New Year, lasting from the 23rd of the twelfth lunar month to the 5th of the first lunar month.

• Ao Dai Festival: Held in March, this festival honors the beauty of the Vietnamese Ao Dai.

• Halloween Festival: Celebrated in October, this festival attracts visitors from all over the world.