Ho Chi Minh City
(commonly known as
Saigon)
is Vietnam at its most dizzying: a high-octane city of commerce and culture that has driven the country forward with its pulsating energy. A chaotic whirl, the city breathes life and vitality into all who settle here, and visitors cannot help but be hauled along for the ride.
Places To Stay In Ho Chi Minh City:
Hideout Hostel
:
 2016 HOSCAR winner – The most popular hostel in Ho Chi Minh City. Great hostel – really fun party scene. It is a party hostel though.
Lee Hostel
:
600 metres from Ben Thanh Market, Cheap hostel. Great place if you’re on a budget. Free breakfast.
Things to See & Do in Ho Chi Minh City:
War Remnants Museum:Â
The War Remnants Museum once known as the âMuseum of American War Crimesâ first opened to the public in 1975. Itâs a shocking reminder of the long and brutal Vietnam War with many graphic photographs and American military equipment on display, including a helicopter with rocket launchers, a tank, a fighter plane, a single-seater attack aircraft and a 6,800kg conventional bomb.
Chu Chi Tunnels:Â
Chu Chi Tunnels are part of a massive war museum that offers a sneak-peek in the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers back in 1948. Located 70km north-west of Ho Chi Minh City, the historical site comprises more than 120km of underground tunnels with several trapdoors, living areas, kitchens, storage facilities, armoury, hospitals, and command centres.
Jade Emperor Pagoda:Â
Built in 1909 in honour of the supreme Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang), this is one of the most spectacularly atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh City, stuffed with statues of phantasmal divinities and grotesque heroes.
Where To Go Next
Phnom Penh:
If your Vietnamese adventure has run itâs course, then Cambodiaâs capital is just a 6-hour bus ride away. This will set you back around 11$.
Mui Ne:
Known for its sweeping red and white sand dunes, vast beaches, and tranquil fishing villages.
Dalat:
The mountainous town of Da Lat offers a completely different experience to that of its closest neighbours. Throw yourself off a cliff or abseil down a waterfall in the amazing canyoning experiences. Note that Da Lat has a much cooler climate that the rest of Vietnam.
