According to legend, the goddess left two turtles to guard the temple in her absence. Located in a colonial style mansion, the Fine Arts Museum is a great place to come for anyone who is an art lover. Notre Dame Cathedral was built from 1877 and 1883 and sits in the heart of the city.
To see the interior, try visiting in the morning or attending a Sunday mass. Interestingly, the building sits on a network of tunnels and bunkers, which served as escape routes for past dignitaries, though these are closed to the public. Ben Thanh Market is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City and is a great place to come to shop and eat. Recommended tour: Cu Chi Tunnels: Half-Day in Small Group. The main draw in Ho Chi Minh City is the Cu Chi Tunnels which would have been used by the Vietcong guerillas at the time of the Tet Offensive in 1968. These include local dishes like noodle soups or you can just stop by for a coffee. Combo tour: Black Virgin Mountain, Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels Tour. If you want to try banh xeo when you are in Ho Chi Minh City then you need to head to Banh Xeo 46A. The stalls are piled high with everything from local delicacies, fish, flowers, and tropical fruits to shoes, clothes, colorful candy, and souvenirs. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the way of life of the people who depend on this fragile waterway for their survival. T. he pagoda is set in a pretty garden and the name of the temple actually means Feel the Woods Temple. A fine example of Neo-Romanesque architecture, the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral is a distinctive landmark in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is known for its delicious coffee so it stands to reason that it has a strong cafe culture. If you want to learn more about the period of reunification in Vietnam, then you can visit monuments, museums and spots used during the Vietnam War like the Cu Chi Tunnels, but you will also find a vibrant modern side to the city at the same time. Haggling is customary at both locations. Inside you will also find personal memorabilia of victims of the war as well as old photographs. Disclaimer, 14 Best Things to Do on the Big Island, Hawaii. Note that this is not an ideal place to visit if you suffer from claustrophobia as the tunnels are very small indeed. Encompassing about 40,000 square kilometers, the delta produces more than half of the country's grain and 90 percent of its exports, and it's well-known for its floating markets, which usually take place during the early morning.
On the other hand, April is the hottest month, with temperatures in the upper 30s and high humidity. The building is also steeped in history as this is also the spot where the North Vietnamese invaded in 1975 and Ho Chi Minh City surrendered. Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Near the Reunification Palace, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum occupies an impressive Neoclassical building, formerly known as Gia Long Palace, that was once home to the Cochinchina's governor. Banh mi is probably the most famous of all of Vietnams foodstuff as well as being one of the best loved sandwiches in the world. If you want to take in the city from the vantage point of the water, then head for a Bonsai River Cruise. The only way to see the theater's interior is to purchase a ticket to a show. Guided tours in English are available. The Ho Chi Minh Museum was built in 1885, although at this time it would have been known as Gia Long Palace, and then as the Revolutionary Museum. You can also combine a visit here with the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace. One of the prettiest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City is the Phoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda which is a riot of color and comes in a range of red, gold, yellow and gold hues. Aside from walking the old winding streets and haggling at the local markets, visitors can also stop by other Hanoi attractions, like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and visit Hoa Lo Prison Memorial to get an insight into the history of the country. As you step inside, incense shrouds the many local worshippers, and candles illuminate altars brimming with offerings. Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Official site: http://www.hcmc-museum.edu.vn/en-us/home-page.aspx. Here, you'll find fantastic deals on everything from clothing and backpacks to jewelry and shoes. The Mekong Delta is made up of 39,000 square kilometers of waterways and this is also one of the most densely populated parts of Vietnam. As such, Ho Chi Minh City is a place that is steeped in some of the most important modern history in the world, and you will find references to this on every street corner. Both the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera perform here, and tickets are available at the box office or local travel agents. The cathedral got its name from the Virgin Mary and the inside is covered in devotional tablets and pretty stained glass windows. One of the best places to try this is at Tan Tao Park and if you get there in the morning you can go for a walk and pick up a cup from a street stall. You'll also see military vehicles outside, including the fighter jet that destroyed the Norodom Palace, and tank 843, which rammed through the palace gate on that fateful day in April more than four decades ago. There is also a requisite portrait of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam. After the tour, you'll head to a local restaurant to enjoy lunch before you continue on to the Mekong Delta. The theater is air-conditioned, and if you're sitting in the front row, be prepared for some gentle splashes. Locals come here frequently to worship, so it's important to be respectful when you visit. Here you will find a local dish named banh xeo which consists of Vietnamese rice flour pancakes which have been stuffed with a mixture of pork, prawns and bean sprouts. Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khim, Ben Ngh Ho Ch Minh City. The temple dates from 1902 and is covered in brass ritual ornaments as well as antique weapons. Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. You can also choose from a number of different meats to add to your soup such as beef or pork. The tunnels are made up of a series of underground chambers which stretch for 30 kilometers out of the city and you can now visit sections of the tunnels and crawl through the small spaces to experience the conditions of the Vietcong during the Vietnam War. The soup is made with stock to which the noodles are then added and you can choose from a variety of toppings to customize the dish. The cathedral is designed in the neo-Romanesque style and you can check out the towers here which soar to a height of 40 meters and are topped with impressive iron spires. Reunification Palace was the former home of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The boat is actually a traditional dragon boat that dates from the 19th century and they serve a buffet dinner complete with live music. If you are not sure where to start however, then you can try popular chains such as Pho 24 and Pho 2000. Here you will get the chance to join a boat ride that includes dinner and takes you back to the days of elegant cruise dining. The building soars to a height of 262 meters and is meant to have been designed to resemble a lotus bulb. August and September are particularly rainy months in Ho Chi Minh strong storms often hit the city during these months, causing power outages and forcing people to stay indoors. However, these are still the best months to visit Ho Chi Minh, as there's little rain, lots of blue skies, and the humidity actually drops just enough to make the weather more bearable. As you would expect, there are also galleries dedicated to the history of the Vietnam War. It's a good idea to start on the top floor and work your way down, so you cap off your experience with the lighter exhibits on the ground floor. Soldiers used the excruciatingly cramped tunnels as hiding places, hospitals, communication bases, supply routes, and even living quarters. The museum displays thousands of items relating to Vietnamese traditional medicine, from the Stone Age to the present day, including books, documents, herbs, and implements used in preparing the medicines. Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Best Areas & Hotels, Where to Stay in Phnom Penh: Best Areas & Hotels, 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Phnom Penh, 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nha Trang, 11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Siem Reap, Where to Stay in Siem Reap: Best Areas & Hotels, 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hoi An, 11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hue, Where to Stay in Pattaya: Best Areas & Hotels, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 20 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day VIP Tour from Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta Discovery Small Group Adventure, http://www.hcmc-museum.edu.vn/en-us/home-page.aspx. The History Museum is located in a beautiful botanical garden and dates from 1929. The atmospheric 19th-century Thin Hau Temple is one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown (ChoLon) and one of the oldest Chinese temples in the city. Hue sits on the banks of the Perfume River and is home to the Thai Hoa Palace and the walled Imperial City. The current building was completed in 1966 and became the home and workplace of the successive president when Vietnam was split between the north and the south. At the entrance of the temple you will find a graceful Bodhi tree which is sacred in Buddhism and was actually a present from a visiting monk from Sri Lanka in 1953. Official site: http://www.fitomuseum.com.vn/. The temple is located near to the Dam Sen Lake and was founded in the 1700s. After soaking up all the ambiance, head to Saigon Square, about a three-minute stroll away, for a slightly less frenetic shopping experience with the added bonus of air conditioning. It was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, which was bombed by fighter jets in 1962 in an unsuccessful assassination attempt on the South Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem. Almost as interesting as the museum exhibits is the building itself, which dates from 1929 and fuses French and Asian architectural styles. Inside you will find some ornate carved dragons but the real draw is the mix of religious statues here. The captivating 50-minute show provides a window into the country's culture. There are a number of Cao Dai temples in Vietnam although the one in Ho Chi Minh is said to be the most beautiful of its kind. It's worth a stop for an overview of the city's history and a look at the grand architecture, which includes Oriental and European flourishes. While you're visiting China Town, it's also worth stopping by the hectic Binh Tay Market, which sells everything from fresh produce to Chinese trinkets. Here you will find floating markets as well as schools and homes and this is one of the most unique sights in all of Vietnam. Built from 1877 to around 1883, the cathedral was intended to be a place for the colonial missions to worship and a symbol of the power of the French colony. Some of the items on display include old military vehicles like Huey helicopters as well as attack bombers and M48 Patton tanks. Recommended food tour: Ho Chi Minh City Food by Night: Private Motorbike Tour, Giac Lam Pagoda has the claim to fame of being the oldest temple in Ho Chi Minh City and dates from 1744. The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular museums in Vietnam, with harrowing exhibits related to the horrors of war in this battle-worn nation. If you venture into the church itself, you will find a plaque that marks the place where President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu were seized in 1963 as they tried to flee from the presidential palace. With that in mind, you can spend your time eating your way around the city, but if you want to know how to make some of the dishes yourself then you can also sign up for a cooking class. Set on 44 acres of lush lawns and gardens, the palace also offers a fascinating glimpse at the lifestyle of privileged heads of state in 1960s Saigon. This is one of the most popular museums in all of Vietnam and more than half a million visitors come here every year. The temple was built in honor of the Taoist god, the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang, and within its dimly lit interior, you'll see many representations of both Buddhist and Taoist deities. Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC, Official site: http://warremnantsmuseum.com/. Cruising through the lush labyrinth of palm-fringed channels, rivers, and islands of the Mekong Delta is a popular day trip that seems a world away from hectic Ho Chi Minh City. The Jade Emperor Pagoda is dedicated to the Taoist god known as the King of Heaven or Ngoc Hoang. Most of the displays are photographic images, and some of these are confronting especially the graphic shots of child Agent Orange victims. As a general rule, the best time to visit Vietnam is always outside the rainy season, which runs between May and September and can cause flooding and make outdoor time a little uncomfortable. War Remnants Museum | Sistak / photo modified. Here are the 25 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to try some of the best pho on the city then your best bet is to stop at one the many street food stalls that abound here. Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Source: Aleksandar Todorovic / shutterstock. With that in mind, the church is stepped in Vietnamese history and is well worth a visit if you are in the area. If possible, try to come early in the morning to take in the bustling atmosphere. On the 48th floor you will find the Saigon Skydeck and you can come here around sunset to take in the stunning vistas over the city. About 60 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see half-day trip and one of the top tours for visitors to the city. You can also shop for items like local textiles and ceramics although bear in mind that haggling is expected so dont be afraid to bargain hard. Not far from the city, the famous Cu Chi tunnels are a must-see attraction, and the lush waterscapes and small villages of the Mekong Delta provide a fascinating glimpse of rural life. Many argue that the museum's approach is biased; however, the exhibits poignantly portray the brutality of war. Binh Tay Market is located in the Cholon district of Ho Chi Minh City and you will find a large clock tower here as well as a central courtyard. Temples huddle amid skyscrapers and designer shops; locals cast bamboo fishing rods into the languorous Saigon River; and in places, the city feels almost European, with its elegant French colonial architecture and wide, tree-lined avenues. Make sure that you go inside, as you will find a huge domed roof and grand walls which are adorned with maps from the colonial period. Vietnam is famous for its delicious food and Ho Chi Minh City is no exception. 25 Best Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Ho Chi Minh City Food by Night: Private Motorbike Tour, VIP City Highlights: War Remnants Museum & Ben Thanh Market, Bonsai Cruise: 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Saigon River, 4-Course Hands-On Vietnamese Cooking Lesson in Small Group, Mekong Delta Small Group W/ Vinh Trang Pagoda & Rowing Boat, Black Virgin Mountain, Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, Bitexco Saigon Skydeck +The Heineken Experience Combo Ticket, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 15 Best Things to Do in Gaithersburg (MD). Local legend claims that the Emperor Gia Long who died in 1819 used to worship here and this is a great place to get a glimpse of the Vietnam of old. Hoi An, a 15th-century trading port, is home to a number of beaches, including popular An Bang, the not-so-secret Hidden Beach, and Cua Dai Beach, which is becoming narrower and narrower due to erosion but is still beautiful and a great place to escape the crowds. Still often referred to by its old name, Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a clamorous, chaotic sensory feast. This 11-hour tour includes round-trip transfers by VIP limousine or air-conditioned bus, snacks and cold drinks during the trip, as well as a full Vietnamese lunch (with a vegetarian option available). On the 23rd day of the third lunar month, a parade takes place in the neighborhood featuring a figure of Thin Hau, who is believed to save seafarers stranded on the high seas. Artifacts on display include a guillotine and the "tiger cages" used for Viet Cong prisoners. Water puppetry originated in rural villages in the Red River Delta and has been performed in Vietnam for more than 1,000 years. For a trip back in time, both Hoi An and Hue offer stunning architecture going back hundreds of years.
To see the interior, try visiting in the morning or attending a Sunday mass. Interestingly, the building sits on a network of tunnels and bunkers, which served as escape routes for past dignitaries, though these are closed to the public. Ben Thanh Market is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City and is a great place to come to shop and eat. Recommended tour: Cu Chi Tunnels: Half-Day in Small Group. The main draw in Ho Chi Minh City is the Cu Chi Tunnels which would have been used by the Vietcong guerillas at the time of the Tet Offensive in 1968. These include local dishes like noodle soups or you can just stop by for a coffee. Combo tour: Black Virgin Mountain, Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels Tour. If you want to try banh xeo when you are in Ho Chi Minh City then you need to head to Banh Xeo 46A. The stalls are piled high with everything from local delicacies, fish, flowers, and tropical fruits to shoes, clothes, colorful candy, and souvenirs. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the way of life of the people who depend on this fragile waterway for their survival. T. he pagoda is set in a pretty garden and the name of the temple actually means Feel the Woods Temple. A fine example of Neo-Romanesque architecture, the red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral is a distinctive landmark in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam is known for its delicious coffee so it stands to reason that it has a strong cafe culture. If you want to learn more about the period of reunification in Vietnam, then you can visit monuments, museums and spots used during the Vietnam War like the Cu Chi Tunnels, but you will also find a vibrant modern side to the city at the same time. Haggling is customary at both locations. Inside you will also find personal memorabilia of victims of the war as well as old photographs. Disclaimer, 14 Best Things to Do on the Big Island, Hawaii. Note that this is not an ideal place to visit if you suffer from claustrophobia as the tunnels are very small indeed. Encompassing about 40,000 square kilometers, the delta produces more than half of the country's grain and 90 percent of its exports, and it's well-known for its floating markets, which usually take place during the early morning.
On the other hand, April is the hottest month, with temperatures in the upper 30s and high humidity. The building is also steeped in history as this is also the spot where the North Vietnamese invaded in 1975 and Ho Chi Minh City surrendered. Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Near the Reunification Palace, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum occupies an impressive Neoclassical building, formerly known as Gia Long Palace, that was once home to the Cochinchina's governor. Banh mi is probably the most famous of all of Vietnams foodstuff as well as being one of the best loved sandwiches in the world. If you want to take in the city from the vantage point of the water, then head for a Bonsai River Cruise. The only way to see the theater's interior is to purchase a ticket to a show. Guided tours in English are available. The Ho Chi Minh Museum was built in 1885, although at this time it would have been known as Gia Long Palace, and then as the Revolutionary Museum. You can also combine a visit here with the nearby Notre Dame Cathedral and Reunification Palace. One of the prettiest pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City is the Phoc An Hoi Quan Pagoda which is a riot of color and comes in a range of red, gold, yellow and gold hues. Aside from walking the old winding streets and haggling at the local markets, visitors can also stop by other Hanoi attractions, like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and visit Hoa Lo Prison Memorial to get an insight into the history of the country. As you step inside, incense shrouds the many local worshippers, and candles illuminate altars brimming with offerings. Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Official site: http://www.hcmc-museum.edu.vn/en-us/home-page.aspx. Here, you'll find fantastic deals on everything from clothing and backpacks to jewelry and shoes. The Mekong Delta is made up of 39,000 square kilometers of waterways and this is also one of the most densely populated parts of Vietnam. As such, Ho Chi Minh City is a place that is steeped in some of the most important modern history in the world, and you will find references to this on every street corner. Both the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera perform here, and tickets are available at the box office or local travel agents. The cathedral got its name from the Virgin Mary and the inside is covered in devotional tablets and pretty stained glass windows. One of the best places to try this is at Tan Tao Park and if you get there in the morning you can go for a walk and pick up a cup from a street stall. You'll also see military vehicles outside, including the fighter jet that destroyed the Norodom Palace, and tank 843, which rammed through the palace gate on that fateful day in April more than four decades ago. There is also a requisite portrait of Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of modern Vietnam. After the tour, you'll head to a local restaurant to enjoy lunch before you continue on to the Mekong Delta. The theater is air-conditioned, and if you're sitting in the front row, be prepared for some gentle splashes. Locals come here frequently to worship, so it's important to be respectful when you visit. Here you will find a local dish named banh xeo which consists of Vietnamese rice flour pancakes which have been stuffed with a mixture of pork, prawns and bean sprouts. Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khim, Ben Ngh Ho Ch Minh City. The temple dates from 1902 and is covered in brass ritual ornaments as well as antique weapons. Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. You can also choose from a number of different meats to add to your soup such as beef or pork. The tunnels are made up of a series of underground chambers which stretch for 30 kilometers out of the city and you can now visit sections of the tunnels and crawl through the small spaces to experience the conditions of the Vietcong during the Vietnam War. The soup is made with stock to which the noodles are then added and you can choose from a variety of toppings to customize the dish. The cathedral is designed in the neo-Romanesque style and you can check out the towers here which soar to a height of 40 meters and are topped with impressive iron spires. Reunification Palace was the former home of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The boat is actually a traditional dragon boat that dates from the 19th century and they serve a buffet dinner complete with live music. If you are not sure where to start however, then you can try popular chains such as Pho 24 and Pho 2000. Here you will get the chance to join a boat ride that includes dinner and takes you back to the days of elegant cruise dining. The building soars to a height of 262 meters and is meant to have been designed to resemble a lotus bulb. August and September are particularly rainy months in Ho Chi Minh strong storms often hit the city during these months, causing power outages and forcing people to stay indoors. However, these are still the best months to visit Ho Chi Minh, as there's little rain, lots of blue skies, and the humidity actually drops just enough to make the weather more bearable. As you would expect, there are also galleries dedicated to the history of the Vietnam War. It's a good idea to start on the top floor and work your way down, so you cap off your experience with the lighter exhibits on the ground floor. Soldiers used the excruciatingly cramped tunnels as hiding places, hospitals, communication bases, supply routes, and even living quarters. The museum displays thousands of items relating to Vietnamese traditional medicine, from the Stone Age to the present day, including books, documents, herbs, and implements used in preparing the medicines. Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City: Best Areas & Hotels, Where to Stay in Phnom Penh: Best Areas & Hotels, 15 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Phnom Penh, 14 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Nha Trang, 11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Siem Reap, Where to Stay in Siem Reap: Best Areas & Hotels, 13 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Hoi An, 11 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Hue, Where to Stay in Pattaya: Best Areas & Hotels, 22 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 20 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Cu Chi Tunnels & Mekong Delta Full-Day VIP Tour from Ho Chi Minh, Mekong Delta Discovery Small Group Adventure, http://www.hcmc-museum.edu.vn/en-us/home-page.aspx. The History Museum is located in a beautiful botanical garden and dates from 1929. The atmospheric 19th-century Thin Hau Temple is one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City's Chinatown (ChoLon) and one of the oldest Chinese temples in the city. Hue sits on the banks of the Perfume River and is home to the Thai Hoa Palace and the walled Imperial City. The current building was completed in 1966 and became the home and workplace of the successive president when Vietnam was split between the north and the south. At the entrance of the temple you will find a graceful Bodhi tree which is sacred in Buddhism and was actually a present from a visiting monk from Sri Lanka in 1953. Official site: http://www.fitomuseum.com.vn/. The temple is located near to the Dam Sen Lake and was founded in the 1700s. After soaking up all the ambiance, head to Saigon Square, about a three-minute stroll away, for a slightly less frenetic shopping experience with the added bonus of air conditioning. It was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace, which was bombed by fighter jets in 1962 in an unsuccessful assassination attempt on the South Vietnamese president Ngo Dinh Diem. Almost as interesting as the museum exhibits is the building itself, which dates from 1929 and fuses French and Asian architectural styles. Inside you will find some ornate carved dragons but the real draw is the mix of religious statues here. The captivating 50-minute show provides a window into the country's culture. There are a number of Cao Dai temples in Vietnam although the one in Ho Chi Minh is said to be the most beautiful of its kind. It's worth a stop for an overview of the city's history and a look at the grand architecture, which includes Oriental and European flourishes. While you're visiting China Town, it's also worth stopping by the hectic Binh Tay Market, which sells everything from fresh produce to Chinese trinkets. Here you will find floating markets as well as schools and homes and this is one of the most unique sights in all of Vietnam. Built from 1877 to around 1883, the cathedral was intended to be a place for the colonial missions to worship and a symbol of the power of the French colony. Some of the items on display include old military vehicles like Huey helicopters as well as attack bombers and M48 Patton tanks. Recommended food tour: Ho Chi Minh City Food by Night: Private Motorbike Tour, Giac Lam Pagoda has the claim to fame of being the oldest temple in Ho Chi Minh City and dates from 1744. The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular museums in Vietnam, with harrowing exhibits related to the horrors of war in this battle-worn nation. If you venture into the church itself, you will find a plaque that marks the place where President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu were seized in 1963 as they tried to flee from the presidential palace. With that in mind, you can spend your time eating your way around the city, but if you want to know how to make some of the dishes yourself then you can also sign up for a cooking class. Set on 44 acres of lush lawns and gardens, the palace also offers a fascinating glimpse at the lifestyle of privileged heads of state in 1960s Saigon. This is one of the most popular museums in all of Vietnam and more than half a million visitors come here every year. The temple was built in honor of the Taoist god, the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang, and within its dimly lit interior, you'll see many representations of both Buddhist and Taoist deities. Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, HCMC, Official site: http://warremnantsmuseum.com/. Cruising through the lush labyrinth of palm-fringed channels, rivers, and islands of the Mekong Delta is a popular day trip that seems a world away from hectic Ho Chi Minh City. The Jade Emperor Pagoda is dedicated to the Taoist god known as the King of Heaven or Ngoc Hoang. Most of the displays are photographic images, and some of these are confronting especially the graphic shots of child Agent Orange victims. As a general rule, the best time to visit Vietnam is always outside the rainy season, which runs between May and September and can cause flooding and make outdoor time a little uncomfortable. War Remnants Museum | Sistak / photo modified. Here are the 25 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to try some of the best pho on the city then your best bet is to stop at one the many street food stalls that abound here. Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Source: Aleksandar Todorovic / shutterstock. With that in mind, the church is stepped in Vietnamese history and is well worth a visit if you are in the area. If possible, try to come early in the morning to take in the bustling atmosphere. On the 48th floor you will find the Saigon Skydeck and you can come here around sunset to take in the stunning vistas over the city. About 60 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-see half-day trip and one of the top tours for visitors to the city. You can also shop for items like local textiles and ceramics although bear in mind that haggling is expected so dont be afraid to bargain hard. Not far from the city, the famous Cu Chi tunnels are a must-see attraction, and the lush waterscapes and small villages of the Mekong Delta provide a fascinating glimpse of rural life. Many argue that the museum's approach is biased; however, the exhibits poignantly portray the brutality of war. Binh Tay Market is located in the Cholon district of Ho Chi Minh City and you will find a large clock tower here as well as a central courtyard. Temples huddle amid skyscrapers and designer shops; locals cast bamboo fishing rods into the languorous Saigon River; and in places, the city feels almost European, with its elegant French colonial architecture and wide, tree-lined avenues. Make sure that you go inside, as you will find a huge domed roof and grand walls which are adorned with maps from the colonial period. Vietnam is famous for its delicious food and Ho Chi Minh City is no exception. 25 Best Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Ho Chi Minh City Food by Night: Private Motorbike Tour, VIP City Highlights: War Remnants Museum & Ben Thanh Market, Bonsai Cruise: 2-Hour Dinner Cruise on the Saigon River, 4-Course Hands-On Vietnamese Cooking Lesson in Small Group, Mekong Delta Small Group W/ Vinh Trang Pagoda & Rowing Boat, Black Virgin Mountain, Cao Dai Temple & Cu Chi Tunnels Tour, Bitexco Saigon Skydeck +The Heineken Experience Combo Ticket, 40 Places to See in California Before Your Kids Are All Grown Up, 30 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in California, 40 Places to See in Florida Before Your Kids Grow Up, 15 Best Things to Do in Gaithersburg (MD). Local legend claims that the Emperor Gia Long who died in 1819 used to worship here and this is a great place to get a glimpse of the Vietnam of old. Hoi An, a 15th-century trading port, is home to a number of beaches, including popular An Bang, the not-so-secret Hidden Beach, and Cua Dai Beach, which is becoming narrower and narrower due to erosion but is still beautiful and a great place to escape the crowds. Still often referred to by its old name, Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is a clamorous, chaotic sensory feast. This 11-hour tour includes round-trip transfers by VIP limousine or air-conditioned bus, snacks and cold drinks during the trip, as well as a full Vietnamese lunch (with a vegetarian option available). On the 23rd day of the third lunar month, a parade takes place in the neighborhood featuring a figure of Thin Hau, who is believed to save seafarers stranded on the high seas. Artifacts on display include a guillotine and the "tiger cages" used for Viet Cong prisoners. Water puppetry originated in rural villages in the Red River Delta and has been performed in Vietnam for more than 1,000 years. For a trip back in time, both Hoi An and Hue offer stunning architecture going back hundreds of years.