Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also referred to as Saigon, is Vietnam's most bustling and spirited city. Breathtaking in its scope of activities, culture and excitement, Ho Chi Minh City is a modern metropolis with attractions such as museums, art galleries and botanical gardens, along with cultural sites like elegant palaces and stunning pagodas.
Attractions
The disturbing War Remnants Museum highlights the horrors of modern combat, and especially portrays the suffering inflicted on the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. Previously called the Museum of American War Crimes, the name was altered so as not to cause offence to American visitors, but its displays do tell the story from an anti-American perspective.Central Saigon - The Rex Hotel, a famous hangout for American officers during the war, has regained some of its previous glory and is once again the central hub of the city. Nearby is the impressive French-era Municipal Theater, which offers a varied program of events. Also close to the Rex is the magnificent pastel-yellow Saigon City Hall.Botanical Gardens - Located at the end of Le Duan Boulevard, the 130-year-old gardens boast a lovely collection of orchids and other flowers. The small zoo features a number of endangered indigenous animals, as well as other exotic exhibits from overseas.Shopping
Where better to look for a bargain than a place known as "Fashion Street." Located in District 1, this street is dotted with shops popular among the locals, where an abundance of apparel, handbags, footwear, leather belts and wallets are sold. Another hot spot for tourists, especially those visiting from Asian countries, is An Dong Market, which is well known for the quality craft shops that sit above many of the retail stores.Food
The specialty of Ho Chi Minh City is the Salted Fish Hotpot, a southern dish that includes vermicelli noodles, plenty of salted fish, shrimp and squid, plus a whole lot of vegetables. And when you're done with that, why not head over to the Dong Khoi area where you'll find some of the best Vietnamese ice cream (known as kem) the city has to offer. A favorite among the locals are the Kem Bach Dang ice cream shops. They're often full, but well worth the wait.Currency
The Viet Nam Dong is the currency in Vietnam (VND).Weather Forecast
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