Frequented by hundreds of tourists every year, the top reasons to visit Saigon has maintained its charm and allure on travellers from all over the globe.
If you are one of those whose curiosity has been piqued by the mere mention of Saigon in one of the most iconic Broadway musicals in the 90’s (or has just watched one too many travel ads about Ho Chi Minh City, as it is now called) maybe these top reasons to visit Saigon will give you the affirmation you seek if you’re contemplating on flying hundreds of miles for that Saigon experience.
Historical Landmarks
Are you a big history geek? Or is colonial architectures your most favourite subject? Saigon’s city core has a lot of French colonial architectures dating back to 1800’s, during Vietnam’s colonization by France. The most notable structure in the city is the Reunification Palace, the site where the Vietnam War ended. And just a stone’s throw away is the Ho Chi Minh City Museum, which was once the residence of high ranking French colonial officers.
Another remarkable historical landmark is the Cu Chi tunnels in the Cu Chi district. The tunnels were very pivotal to the victory of the Viet Cong against the American Forces as it provided them with strategic hiding spots as well as access to food, medicine and weaponry.
But the historical landmarks mentioned above are only the tip of the ice berg. There are so many colonial structures and museums to explore in Saigon to appease the history buff in you.
Active nightlife
Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City is a party animal’s heaven, making it one of the top reasons to visit Saigon. With its numerous cinemas and theaters and a wide array of night clubs, bars and restobars, Saigon is fast becoming one of South East Asia’s hippest place to be.
Tet
Noone else celebrates the Lunar New Year (or Tet, as the Vietnamese call it) with a bigger bang than the people of Ho Chi Minh City. As this spectacular festival draws in closer, Ho Chi Minh City becomes alive with so many lights and an entire street closed off for flower displays.
Special Vietnamese delicacies are also served during Tet, such as Banh Chung or a mixture of glutinous rice, mung beans and pork covered with banana leaves. These are often offered at shrines and temples for good luck, good health and prosperity. One must never leave Ho Chi Minh City without trying out this delicacy.
