It's a good decision for me to visit a VISA FREE country like Vietnam (For Philippine Passport holders). I visited Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam last June 2018 and did a solo travel overseas for the first time in my life.
I am excited and scared at the same time but I am always ready to experience frightful and wonderful things in my journey. It gives spice to your so-called "life".
I am proud that I didn't hail any taxis, Grab motorbikes or any car rental to go to these locations. I only used my smartphone and my useful Flytpack Pocket Wifi searching for the tourists spots. I travelled to these places only by foot and all points are walking distance as long as you are brave enough and you have a sharp memory remembering directions then you will never get lost. But for me, I like to wander and get lost in the city. This is the best time to discover new things and adventures.
I stayed at New Sunny Hotel located at 232 De Tham Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward District 1 and at Saigon Backpackers Hostel at 373/20 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1 which are all located at what they call the "Backpacker Street" because there are a lot of budget travellers staying in this location and it is close to a lot of restaurants and nightclubs.
1. Mariamman Hindu Temple (NO ENTRANCE FEE)
The Mariamman Hindu Temple in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is a temple dedicated to the Hindu Goddess Mariamman. It was built in the late 19th century by traders from Tamil Nadu known as Nagarathar. You can pray, make an offering and appreciate the Hindu interior of this temple.
Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 19:00
Address: 45 Truong Dinh, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Book your tour here.
2. Saigon CENTRAL POST OFFICE (NO ENTRANCE FEE)
Like the usual post office, Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office is still responsible for postal services of their local government. It was designed by Alfred Foulhoux but it is oftentimes credited to the work of Gustave Eiffel who built the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.
You can buy your souvenirs, send someone a postcard and they also have a money exchange counter inside the building. This is where I bought my souvenirs as well.
Opening Hours: Daily: 07:00 - 19:00
Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Book your tour here.
3. Nguyen Hue Walking Street ( NO ENTRANCE FEE)
This park is situated on Nguyen Hue Street. You will see here the Statue of Ho Chi Minh founder of the Indochina Communist Party (1930) and its successor, the Viet-Minh (1941), and president from 1945 to 1969 of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam).
You can do sightseeing, take photos and go to the nearby hotels and shopping mall near the area. There are a lot of locals at night playing, chatting, and walking around. There are also street vendors selling local Vietnamese food in the evening.
Book your tour here.
4. Independence Palace / REUNIFICATION PALACE
Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
According to what I read, this is like the official residence and principal workplace of the President before and it is now the city's museum.
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun 7:30AM–4:30PM
Entrance Fee: VND 30,000
Book your tour here.
5. Notre Dame Cathedral (NO ENTRANCE FEE)
One of the typical architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City was built in French style with eclectic style from 1886 to 1891. This is the architectural works European style combined with Asian decoration. This is just right across the Saigon Central Post Office. The cathedral is currently under renovation until 2020. You can just take photos outside the building and roam around the premises.
Address: 1 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé,District 1, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam
Book your tour here.
6. Saigon Opera House
Saigon Opera House is a 1,800 seater theater where you can watch stage plays and ballet performances in the brilliant city of Ho Chi Minh.
Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Book your tour here.
7. War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a striking reminder of the horrors of war known as the Second Indochina War or the American War in Vietnam), and in part, the first Indochina War. You will see war artifacts, military vehicles, depressing photographs of what happened during the war.
Address: 28 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam.
Entrance: VDN 40,000
Book your tour here.
8. Saigon SKYDECK & THE WOrld of heineken
Saigon Skydeck and World Heineken is located inside the Bitexco Financial Tower which is one of the tallest building in the world. You will enjoy the 360-degree bird's eye view of the Ho Chi Minh City's icons at the 49th floor of the Saigon viewing deck.
You will get involve with Heineken's history when you visit the World of Heineken located at the top 3 floors of the Bitexco building. You will enjoy the 3D virtual screen, video games, DJ booth and many more.
You will receive two bottles of Heineken beer, one bottled water and chips included when you purchase the ticket. There is one activity where you can pour your own beer so you will get at least 3 to 4 beers total. After the tour, you will get your Heineken bottle at the ground floor with your name engraved on it. It's definitely worth it to visit this place.
Address: Bitexco Financial Tower, 2 Hải Triều, Bến Nghé, Hồ Chí Minh, 700000, Vietnam
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday 9:30-21:30. Last ticket entry 45 minutes prior to close
Entrance: VDN 250,000
Book your tour here.
9. CU CHI TUNNELS
This a great location for history buffs. Cu Chi Tunnels was built by Viet Cong soldiers to hide during the combat war in Vietnam as well as serving as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon and living quarters for numerous North Vietnamese fighters. They also use the tunnels as their tactic and be in camouflage to the American soldiers during the war.
Address: TL15, Phú Hiệp, Hồ Chí Minh, 733814, Vietnam
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday 7am-5pm
Entrance: VDN 110,000
Book your tour here.
Crawling in the Cu Chi Tunnels. It’s about 50 meters long but you have the option to get out half way if you want to.
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