Ho Chi Minh City & the Mekong Delta

Experience the enchanting fusion of tradition and modernity in Ho Chi Minh City, where vibrant markets and serene temples beckon you to explore the essence of Vietnam.

Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City carries a rich tapestry of history that reflects Vietnam's journey through time. From its origins as a Khmer fishing village, Saigon evolved into a bustling trading hub during the French colonial era, leaving behind elegant boulevards and charming architecture. The city played a pivotal role during the Vietnam War, and its name change to Ho Chi Minh City in 1976, in honor of the revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh. Today, this vibrant metropolis stands as a testament to resilience, blending a harmonious blend of past and present, tradition and innovation.

Hi Chi Minh, or Uncle Ho is very important to the Vietnamese, while living in France , during WWI he was inspired by the revolutions in Russia and traveled to then-Soviet Union. He returned to Vietnam to help form the Indochinese Communist Party and the League for the Independence of Vietnam. After the end of WWII his party seized Hanoi and declared North Vietnam as a democratic state with Uncle Ho as president. He served in this position for 25 years and became a symbol of Vietnams struggle for unification. South and North Vietnam were in a struggle with each other with the US backing the South.

When to visit Ho Chi Minh City?

The Old Railway Station shows the French influence on architecture.

The ideal time to visit Ho Chi Minh City is during the dry season, which typically spans from November to April. These months offer comfortable temperatures, lower humidity levels, and minimal rainfall, creating a pleasant environment for exploring the city's vibrant streets, markets, and historical sites.

How to get to Ho Chi Minh City?

Reaching Ho Chi Minh City is easy and has lots of options since it is one Vietnam's largest and most visited cities. The fastest way will be to fly into their international airport, as we did from Dalat. If you are travelling on more of a budget or want to immerse yourself more in the area then you can easily find a bus or train to the city.

How to get around Ho Chi Minh City?

Navigating the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City is a thrilling experience, and two popular ways to get around are by renting a scooter or exploring on foot. Renting a scooter grants you the freedom to weave through traffic and explore the city's nooks and crannies at your own pace. Be sure to wear a helmet, exercise caution, and familiarize yourself with local traffic norms. For a more leisurely and immersive adventure, walking is an excellent option, allowing you to absorb the city's vibrant energy, discover hidden gems, and engage with locals along the way. Whether you're zipping through on a scooter or strolling through the bustling streets, both options offer unique perspectives of HCMC's charm and character.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City?

Day 1: Explore by Foot

For your first day in HCMC city, I recommend you explore by foot. Vietnam is a lively country with beautiful architecture, and immersing yourself in the cities is a unique experience. Begin your journey with a stroll to the War Remnants Museum, located at 28 Vo Van Tan Street. As you walk, absorb the city's dynamic ambiance, passing by local markets and street food stalls. Explore the museum's poignant exhibits, which offer a somber but important perspective on the Vietnam War and its impact.

If you are not familiar with Vietnam's history, they were colonized by the French and they fought hard for their independence which was gained in 1945. Peace was short-lived though, as the US invaded in 1965 to prevent the spread of communism - remember Uncle Ho claimed North Vietnam as a communist state after WWII. This invasion stirred up a lot of controversy in the US and around the world. Many war crimes were committed and the Vietnamese people suffered greatly. This museum has a lot of exhibits on Agent Orange, the chemical bomb that the US used to decimate Vietnam's forests and farmlands. Side effects of these chemicals are still impacting the society with high rates of cancer, skin diseases, miscarriages, birth defects and deformities.

After a somber but essential morning learning, continue your walk to the historic Reunification Palace, situated at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street. Meander through the tree-lined streets and French colonial architecture, which provide a visual contrast to the museum's narratives. Arriving at the palace, marvel at its impressive architecture and explore its grand rooms, where history unfolded during the fall of Saigon in 1975.

After finding a local restaurant and devouring something delicious you can head to the last stop of the day. We purposefully kept our walking tour brief so we could have time to process everything we learned at the museum. Don't be scared to sit in a park and take time to reflect on everything you read and saw there.

Our last stop was Chùa Ngọc Hoàng, also known as the Jade Emperor Pagoda, this intricately designed pagoda adorned with vibrant colors and ornate carvings, showcases a harmonious blend of Taoist and Buddhist influences. As you step into its serene courtyard, a sense of tranquility envelops you, offering a respite from the bustling city outside. Inside, the air is thick with the fragrance of burning incense, and the flickering candlelight creates an atmosphere of devotion. Elaborate statues and intricate sculptures depict mythical figures and revered deities, providing a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese religious beliefs. The pagoda's centerpiece, a towering statue of the Jade Emperor, exudes an aura of majesty and wisdom. Exploring Chùa Ngọc Hoàng is not just a visual feast, but also an opportunity to connect with Vietnam's spiritual heritage and contemplate the centuries of devotion that have shaped its culture.

Day 2 & 3: Overnight tour to the Mekong Delta

Our overnight tour to the Mekong Delta was easily one of our favourite activities in Vietnam. For two whole days we were immersed in Vietnamese culture and participated in a multitude of activities. Our first day began with visiting a temple complex, the Vinh Trang Pagoda in My Tho. We were able to admire the beautiful and colourful architecture and learn what the different position of Buddha statues means.

A symbol of happiness.

A symbol of potential

A symbol of blessing

Our next stop was a fun cultural experience as we got to learn the art of making coconut candy! We were able to join local artisans in a hands-on workshop, where we witnessed the traditional techniques behind crafting this beloved treat. From the harvesting of coconuts to the delicate candy-making process and even sampling the goods. Make sure to click here and check out this reel about the process as photos just don't do it justice.

At this visit we were also able to visit a bee farm to learn about the vital role bees play in the ecosystem and agriculture, and savor the opportunity to sample royal jelly, renowned for its unique flavor and potential health benefits. We also got to sample the fresh honey in lemon tea, fresh local made ginger honey candy and hold their pet snake. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also take a sip (or shot) of their snake vodka - to be fair it tastes like normal vodka.

After our informative visit to the candy factory and bee farm, we were taken to a large riverfront pavilion for our lunch. All food on the tour was included in our costs and usually served family style as is traditional in Vietnam. Don't worry if you're vegetarian - there will be an abundance of options for you.

After lunch, we were able to go on a traditional boat ride along the meandering waterways of the Mekong Delta. It is a unique way to see the riverside communities and enjoy the lush greenery of the area. This boat ride is included in your tour fees, but it is highly recommended to offer a tip.

We were taken to the town of Can Tho to check into our hotels and freshen up before dinner. For dinner, we went on a cruise along the Mekong River. Indulge in a sumptuous feast of local flavors while being serenaded by the tranquil beauty of the water and the surrounding landscapes. This magical evening under the stars is the perfect culmination of a day filled with cultural exploration and natural wonders in the heart of the Mekong Delta. After dinner, we were dropped back at the port and given the opportunity to visit the night market. While smaller than the one in Hanoi, it's always a fun way to experience the local culture.

Our next day started off with a breakfast buffet at the hotel, with a mix of local and more western food options. From there, we went to the floating market - which is one of the top reasons we selected a tour in the Mekong Delta.

This market is a one of a kind experience that started as a way for farmers to sell their produce on a wholesale level. Their boats have a small living quarters as they would live here on the river until all their goods were sold. It's now grown in popularity with visitors to the point that tourism is the driving force behind the market. While we cruised along the river, vendors would hook onto our boat so we could see their wares. We could sample fruit before making a purchase and even get hot coffee served. We also had a chance to step onto one of the boats to see what the living conditions were like. The boats are typically a large open cargo space, with a smaller living space off the back. And the bathroom? A bucket at the back of the boat, I don't recommend going for a swim in this river.

We also had a chance at the floating market to visit a local floating store and watch them making rice noodles. This tour is an amazing mix of fun and educational experiences. Our next visit was a bamboo showroom, we were excited to visit this after all we had learned on other traditions in Vietnam. However, the tour was targeted heavily to the nationals in the group, the guide would talk for 4-5 minutes in Vietnamese only so speak one sentence after in English. It wasn't as informative as other stops had been, but is a good opportunity for souvenirs and gifts.

Our next stop, was another one that seemed more focused on nationals. We went to an amusement park, and were quickly separated by nationals and foreigners. As we rode the golf cart through the park we saw several very interesting attractions only to have the driver go right past them. The stops all seemed catered to showing us Vietnamese life without the more fun aspects. We were dropped at a traditional house and told we had 30 minutes to explore it, it didn't take that long so we quickly back tracked to the crocodile pond. We spent a few dollars to feed the crocodiles on a stick and then joined our group with plenty of time to spare.

Remember in previous posts how I explained Sculpture Parks and their popularity in Vietnam? Our next visit was to a sculpture park that is entirely purple themed! This unique and vibrant abode is a testament to creativity and artistic expression. Explore the eclectic interiors, adorned with an array of hues and whimsical designs, and take advantage of all the fun photo opportunities.

Bonus: Ben Thanh Market

I would highly recommend making time to visit this bustling urban market. Nestled in the heart of the city, this famous market is a hub of activity, where locals and tourists alike converge to explore an array of sights, sounds, and scents. The market's labyrinthine aisles are adorned with a colorful tapestry of stalls offering an eclectic assortment of goods, from handcrafted souvenirs and traditional textiles to aromatic spices and delectable street food. As you navigate through the maze, you'll be greeted by enthusiastic vendors eager to showcase their wares and engage in the age-old art of haggling. The market's historical significance is palpable, as it has been a central trading point for generations, reflecting the city's rich cultural heritage.