How many days are enough for a good holiday in Ho Chi Minh City? What you must cover during your trip here!

Named after Vietnamese revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh City is a wonderful display of colourful churches, and historic monuments that date back to the times of French colonial rule and a series of bustling markets that one would do well to spend time at. Therefore, to be seen scratching at the surface when it comes to a holiday in this part of Vietnam would be futile practice. Given the plethora of sights and sounds that one is destined to come into contact with, it is wise to reserve around 3-4 days to cover the entirety and enormity of the locale including those mentioned below.

Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts

HCMC Fine Art Gallery courtyard | Image via flickr,CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Adorned in a bright and sunny shade of yellow, the building which houses the Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts would coax you into remaining here for as long as time permits even if you do not happen to be an ardent follower of art. Complete with towering columns and impressively tiled floors, the Museum will escort you through a mix of both contemporary work and acclaimed war-themed art; the latter of which reflects a time well chronicled in Vietnam’s history.

The Reunification Palace

Showcasing well-manicured lawns, royal palm trees and an appealing fountain at its entrance, the Reunification Palace or Independence Palace heralded the conclusion of the Vietnam War. 

The edifice is preserved as it was back in the day and successfully traces the episode involving a communist tank breaching the grounds of the Palace in 1975 which resulted in South Vietnam’s President, Ngo Dinh Diem being held hostage while American diplomats fled by helicopter.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Denoting a light colour of pink across its exterior, Notre Dame Cathedral rises brilliantly against the city skyline in a truly stunning manner. 

Featuring an array of fine architecture that includes eye-catching windows and delightful arches, the Cathedral was once at the centre of the world’s attention based on the statue of the Virgin Mary from where a real tear was found. 

Importantly, Notre Dame Cathedral’s presence is attributed to the influence of the French who colonized the country for over 6 decades. Found near properties like PARKROYAL Saigon, a visit to this shrine is a ‘must’ for all you history and culture buffs out there.

Ben Thanh Market

Not to be missed out on, especially if you’re staying in Ho Chi Minh City for all things ‘food’ and whatnot, the Ben Thanh Market will pave the way for an insightful introduction to the ways of the locals. Easily accessible from Ho Chi Minh City hotels that would be an ideal base to retire to after a day out exploring, the Market overflows in the riches of traditional cuisine. 

For instance, have a bowl of Pho which is a Vietnamese soup consisting of herbs, rice noodles and succulent meat before focusing on Com Tam which is made out of fractured rice grains and served with marinated grilled pork chops.

Opera House

Have what is perhaps, the best seat in the house that will have you getting up, close and personal with the city’s awe-inspiring culture at none other than the Opera House. 

Stylistically speaking, the Opera House combines outstanding European design elements and essentially, presents many an exciting show that is sure to have you on the edge of your seat. Of particular relevance, the AO Show brings to light aerobics, dance and bamboo cirque in one breathtaking performance.

The Café Apartment

It does not get any quirkier than at No. 42, Nguyen Hue Street which is one of the most photographable locations in all of Ho Chi Minh City.

 What was an old apartment building is now transformed into a long list of cafes, restaurants and co-working areas that ought to be paid a visit to before your holiday concludes here!