Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Built by the French when Vietnam was colonized.

The Post Office

Inside of a brick burning furnace in Ben Tre Province

Exploring the Mekong Delta and the Ben Tre Province

Independence Palace (also known as the Reunification Palace)

The home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the tragic Vietnam war. This also happened to be the site of the end of the Vietnam war when a North Vietnamese army tank crashed through its gates. A negotiation followed between North and South Vietnam, reuniting the country.

War Museum

Where you can visit to learn all about the Vietnamese war but be warned that the pictures can be quite graphic. The outside of the museum are lined with US army war machines.

Ho Chi Minh city is named after Ho Chi Minh himself, the revolutionary leader of Vietnam. The city is busy, noisy and full of motorcycles. It is estimated that there are about 9 million motorcycles in the city alone.

The city attractions are largely buildings built by the French back in the days when Vietnam was colonized. They are all actually within walking distance from each other. You can start at Notre Dame Cathedral and walk from one attraction to another from there.

Do note that most of the attractions are only open till 5pm. If you visit religious places, do dress appropriately or you will be turned away (i.e. no sleeveless tops, no shorts).

While in the city, plan for 1.5 days of adventure just right outside the city. Spend 1 day exploring the Mekong delta and the Ben Tre Province. The boating experience is extremely fun. Spend another half a day exploring the famous Cu Chi Tunnels- a network of connecting underground tunnels located in the Củ Chi District. This was the base of operation for the Viet Congs (Vietnamese communists) when they were battling against the Americans during the war. Try walking through those tunnels and be amazed by how the Viet Congs were able to survive in those tunnels for years. I booked both of my adventures through my hotel's tour desk. They were organized by a tour agency called Ginko Voyage and I find them really good at explaining the history and culture of Vietnam.