Near southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. The city has had several names throughout its history. Today, Ho Chi Minh City has been called Saigon since the French colonization in 1976. Tours with knowledgeable companies are the best way to see the busy city streets, culture, and what is going on before exploring the area. A tropical climate that rarely drops below 20°C is prepared for sudden rains in the rainy season (spring and summer). As you walk the Vietnam streets with your group, tours will take you to the most important historical sites. Here are some Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City with Kids:
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Reunification Palace
Reunion Palace, located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, is one of the historical sites not missed when visiting Vietnam. Wandering around the palace will transform you into a time when most of the building has remained intact since the day before the fall of Saigon. The Union Palace is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous monuments, and it is a prominent Vietnamese witness to history.
This palace marked the end of the war when a North Vietnamese tank fell on its wrought iron gates on April 30, 1975. The architecture of the palace is typical of the 1960s and was not very attractive to tourists. The accompanying story is an essential chronological text in the history of Vietnam that visitors cannot ignore. The palace now houses a museum that houses the F5E fighter plane and the 843 tanks that launched this major attack on the palace at that historic moment in 1975.
Eating out in Ho Chi Minh City
Trying exotic local cuisine is one of the most enjoyable things to do when visiting Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City’s tour introduces you to a taste of the city’s street food and introduces you to foods with nothing to do with homogeneous West Asian foods. Make sure to stop by the stall that sells Banh Khot fried coconut rice cakes, served with pork or shrimp and eaten on a sheet of lettuce.
Next, be sure to try banh Kun, a rice crepe filled with various things and often served with a sweet fish sauce. People familiar with Vietnamese cuisine may already know Pho, and you should quickly visit any of the shops in town to sample an authentic bowl of delicious noodle soup. Even if you are less adventurous but still hungry for street food, check out Banh Mi, a Vietnamese sandwich made with French toast and a light, crunchy bread served with various fillings.
Ho Chi Minh Zoo
If you are visiting with your kids and they are still relatively young, go to the zoo. This place is located right next to the History Museum, so it’s easy to get around after visiting the museum! Although it may not be as impressive as your city zoo, it is still an enjoyable experience, and it is probably a favorite with your children.
The War Remnants Museum
Perhaps the most famous remnants of the war museum, it displays remnants of the 1960s Vietnam War. There is a good collection of American aircraft, tanks, artillery, and many pictures of the country during and after the war.
Visit Cu Chi
This famous network of tunnels in the Cu Chi area dated back to the war era and was an essential strategic tool for the Viet Cong campaign that was expanded to connect tunnels across the country. They were versatile and served as hideouts, warehouses, homes, hospitals, communication, and supply channels and still symbolized resistance. As part of the War Memorial Park, several secret tunnels are an essential part of Vietnam Tours.
Learn a little history about the year around and visit the Cu Chi Tunnels outside Ho Chi Minh City. This vast network of underground tunnels was the scene of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War. The site is much more relaxed today, but guests are welcome to unlock some of the US forces’ remaining weapons. Don’t worry, and there’s a firing range for that!
Taking a boat trip
Head to the city center as high-rise hotels pop up and head to the Saigon River. Take one of the floating restaurants that run along the river every evening (around 8 PM). Know that the “entertainment” in these boats is nothing more than lousy karaoke or a fire, but you will likely see worse for the rest of the year.
Visit Chinatown and Chu Binh Tai
The largest Chinese community in Vietnam is located in Ho Chi Minh City. Anyone who spends an hour or two in Vietnam can enjoy the sights and sounds of the city’s colorful Chinese district. It is a great place to relax and soak up the atmosphere or check out some nutritious snacks on the street even if you want a quality market experience. Wholesaling Chinese and Vietnamese groceries, housewares, textiles, etc., Chu Binh Tay Bazaar attracts local communities and is generally the best place to buy Vietnamese silk. As a wholesale market, it has many other shopping options in the city, so overall it is a place to get the best price for anything that catches your eye.
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City’s mega indoor market, is a must! It was built by the French during the colonial era and is now home to hundreds of stalls selling food, textiles, furniture, and household appliances. Be prepared for the tough haggling because the sellers pay their wares as if they’re out of date, and some of them, ironically, really are! Ho Chi Minh City is where you cannot waste your budget and drown in everything surrounding you. Make sure to bring a camera and take lots of pictures to remind yourself that you are on an amazing journey.
Conclusion
Vietnam tours offer various stunning landscapes to see, but the cities are attractive and valuable. Known for its diversity, Ho Chi Minh City has a lot to see and do around every corner. History buffs are spoiled for choice with an endless array of museums and preserved homes from the many city life. You should consider visiting Cathay Pacific website for more information.
