The start and end point for most Vietnam tours is Saigon. Officially known as Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon is the Vietnam’s principal city, and is leading the country’s race toward modernity.
In stark contrast to its sparkly new skyscrapers, this enigmatic city still has a beating cultural core that is a joy to explore. With so much to do, I’ll focus on two things that Saigon does exceptionally well: Dining and sightseeing.
Museums and French-Colonial Romance
Saigon is a joy to explore by foot. Grab your map and hit up some of the city’s hottest spots. For an introduction to its modern history, make your way to the War Remnants Museum. This large museum offers insight into the Vietnam Ear.
Although the coverage is somewhat biased, it has a great collection of pieces from the war — and the photography is truly moving. For more modern history, head to the 1960s (and super kitsch) Reunification Place.
Saigon is famous for its colonial architecture. These are exemplified by the Opera House and the Notre Dame Cathedral. The Opera House, located in central District 1, is a landmark that is best viewed at night, when its facade is illuminated with street lights.
With France came Catholicism and the Notre Dame Cathedral is testament to this legacy. Inside you’ll find grand architecture reminiscent of European constructs and regular masses, which are open to the public. Notre Dame is in Dong Khoi, District 1.
Food for Thought
Saigon has some great restaurants that offer Western, Vietnamese and a huge variety of regional dishes.
If you can afford to spend around $40-50 a head, indulge yourself in Vietnam’s French colonial heritage with a visit to La Villa French Restaurant. Run by a French expat, Mr. Mounon, this place serves contemporary French food with a Vietnamese twist.
If you want good food that does good then head to KOTO, or “Know One Teach One” on 151a Hai Ba Trung Street. Serving Western and local dishes, this restaurant operates a kind of Jamie Oliver style training programme for young and disadvantaged Vietnamese.
Feeling a bit funky? Your best bet is Wrap and Roll, located at 62 Hai Ba Trung St. This place serves up a huge variety of Vietnamese spring rolls and accompanying dips. You can try freshly wrapped rolls and deep fried delights.
Contributed by Kian from Travel Indochina.
Robert Schrader is a travel writer and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications such as “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” along the way. His blog, Leave Your Daily Hell, provides a mix of travel advice, destination guides and personal essays covering the more esoteric aspects of life as a traveler.
