Ho Chi Minh : A City in Vietnam Known to Be the Pearl of the Far East

Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city in Vietnam. Commonly known as Saigon, this city was formerly the capital of the Republic of Vietnam. Dubbed as the Pearl of the Far East, Ho Chi Minh City is known for its history and its stunning attractions which are worth sightseeing. On this article, we are going to be identifying ten of the best sightseeing attractions that could be found in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Cu Chi Tunnels

Photo by daphnusia/shutterstock.com

The first sightseeing attraction on our list is the Cu Chi Tunnels. These are a large network of connecting underground tunnels that could be found in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City. They belong to a much more immense network of tunnels that underlie much of Vietnam. The Cu Chi Tunnels used to be the location of various military campaigns during the Vietnam War. It also used to be the base of operations for the Tet Offensive in 1968. At present, it serves as a reminder of Vietnam's historic past.

2. War Remnants Museum

Photo by commons.wikimedia.org

The War Remnants Museum is a war museum that could be found in Ho Chi Minh City. It consists of exhibits and displays which are related to the Vietnam War and the first Indochina War that involved the French colonialists. The museum further comprises a series of themed rooms in various buildings. Period military equipment are placed within a walled yard. These include an F-5A fighter, a UH-1 helicopter, an A-1 Skyraider attack bomber, and an M48 Patton tank, among others. It would really be interesting to be sightseeing around the museum.

3. Saigon Central Post Office

Another great sightseeing destination in Ho Chi Minh City is the Saigon Central Post Office, a historic post office which was built between the year 1886 and 1891. Such attraction takes into account various influences including Renaissance and French designs. Inside the post office, you will find several maps of different places across Vietnam including Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Vietnam. A mosaic of the city could also be found in the latter portion of its hall. The engrossing tiled floor is also a thing to wonder at inside the central post office.

4. Couleurs d'Asie by Rehahn

The Couleurs d'Asie by Rehahn is a remarkable permanent gallery in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam which features world-renowned photographs of Rehahn, a photographer from Normandy, France. It is home to approximately 140 photos of Rehahn which capture the beauty of Vietnam and other places. Each of the photos has a story to tell. Moreover, the gallery also showcases his best-selling books entitled, "Vietnam Mosaic of Contrasts Volume 1 and 2." When sightseeing around the gallery, you will be able to find small photos and postcards which Rehahn has decided not to sell online.

5. Jade Emperor Pagoda

Photo by Pavel Szabo/shutterstock.com

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most spectacular temples that could be found when sightseeing around Ho Chi Minh City. It is noted for its statues of divinities and heroes which are known around the city and the rest of Vietnam. The pagoda was constructed in 1909 to honor the supreme Taoist god. When sightseeing around the pagoda, you will be able to witness woodcarvings that are placed in strategic locations. Additionally, the roof has been constructed wit h tile work. The statues, on the other hand, depict the characters from both Taoist and Buddhist lore.

6. The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument

Photo by Arif Areeman/shutterstock.com

The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument is a stunning memorial park n Ho Chi Minh City that is dedicated to Thich Quang Duc, a Buddhist monk who set himself on fire at a busy Saigon road intersection on June 11, 1963, to protest the persecution of the Buddhists by the Southern Vietnamese government which was led by Ngo Dinh Diem. The monument shows Thich Quang Duc who is wreathed in flames before a bas-relief. The Venerable Thich Quang Duc Monument was inaugurated in 2010. It is a stunning memorial to witness when sightseeing around Ho Chi Minh City.

7. FITO Museum

Photo by Anthony Tong Lee

The Fito Museums are a couple of private museums that could be found in Ho Chi Minh City. These are devoted mainly to the traditional medicine and pharmacy of Vietnam. At present, there are approximately 3,000 items which are relevant to traditional medicine which dates back to the stone age. There are varied instruments displayed which were used to prepare traditional medicines: grinders, knives, pots and jars, and mortars and pestles. When sightseeing around the museum, you will be guided by an audio-visual technology which shows a documentary film about traditional Vietnamese medicine.

8. Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, is an opera house that could be found at the heart of Ho Chi Minh City which portrays a strong French Colonial architecture. It was constructed in 1897 by French architect Eugene Ferret. This 500-seat establishment used to be the lower house assembly of South Vietnam. But it was until 1975 when it was again used as a theater. Aside from sightseeing around the opera house, you could also enjoy watching various performances inside it.

9. Tao Dan Park

Photo by commons.wikimedia.org

Tao Dan Park is an interesting park in Ho Chi Minh City, dubbed as the green lung of the city. The park could allow you to relax and enjoy while sightseeing or doing a lot of fun and engaging activities. When sightseeing around the park, you will be able to see large plant sculptures of animals such as dragons and spiders. You will also find a sculpture garden on the small portion of the park. Activities such as badminton and exercises are also done in some portions of the park.

10. Ho Chi Minh Squares

Photo by Tropical studio/shutterstock.com

Our final sightseeing destination in Ho Chi Minh City is the Ho Chi Minh Square. It is surrounded by French colonial style buildings. When sightseeing around the square, you will be able to find a statue of Uncle Ho which was installed in honor of the 100th birthday of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. This has become a famous place for sightseeing tourists to take photographs, especially at twilight when many of the landmarks have begun being lit. There is also a lighted fountain show at night which you could watch.

◎ Closing

From religious structures to historic buildings, these sightseeing attractions would allow you to gauge how rich and beautiful Ho Chi Minh City is. Be able to immerse yourself in the culture and history of the place to even more appreciate what this stunning city could offer.

RELATED ARTICLES

Nuremberg : A City in Southern Germany with Various Historic Sightseeing Destinations

Nuremberg is a city in the state of Bavaria in Germany, specifically in the administrative region of Middle Franconia. With an approximate p...

819 views

Gainesville：Largest City in North & Central Florida Boasting a Potpourri of Fun Activities

Gainesville is the county seat of Alachua County, Florida. Being the largest city in North and central Florida, the place not only houses re...

642 views

Kosovo：Europe’s Newest Tourist Craze

Kosovo stands as Europe's newest country. It is situated at the heart of the Balkans with friendly people, serbian monasteries, Incredible h...

1,241 views

Nigeria：Africa’s Powerhouse Country with a Burgeoning Modern City

Nigeria is a country in West Africa. This is the most populous country in Africa and is frequently called “Giant of Africa”. There are more ...

1,188 views

Pamplona : A Favorite Travel Destination Popular with its San Fermin Festival

Pamplona is an awesome city located in Navarra, Spain. Pamplona is a favorite travel destination especially popular with its San Fermin fest...

536 views