Week One in Vietnam: Ho Chi Minh City

When you think of Vietnam, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? Rice fields? Conical hats? and maybe lots of motorcycles? Yes, I thought the same before going there, but to our surprise, Vietnam was the ultimate paradise to do tourism in many different ambients.

Before I get started, let me tell you that we travelled to Vietnam in August, which is the last month of the rainy season in the south. You might want to consider this alternative, cause things can get pretty cheap given the low season.

First Stop! Ho Chi Minh

We landed in Ho Chi Minh city, or Saigon as the locals call it.

Ho Chi Minh, was the name of the President of Vietnam who led the war against the Americans and the south Vietnamese. After the war in 1975, the city of Saigon in the south, was re-named to Ho Chi Minh City. But, if you talk to the locals, they will tell you they live in Saigon as they were fighting the North Vietnamese with the Americans.

Views from our hotel - Infinity Edge Pool Hotel

This important part of Vietnam’s history, has an impact on tourism as you can imagine. In Ho Chi Minh, there are many museums dedicated to that era. War museums that illustrate the view of the people from the south.

We visited a Museum called War Remnants Museum. In this museum you will find tanks, guns, planes and lots of pictures showing the disaster…definitely worth the visit.

War Remamants Museum

Another place that is worth the visit, is the Independence Palace. This is one of the most iconic sites in Ho Chi Minh city, and its amongst the top 10 cultural sites to visit in Vietnam.

The Independence Palace or Reunification Palace is like a travel through time directly to 1975. When the war was over there were tanks that crossed the gardens and parked there to celebrate, and these were left outside like that day. It has nice gardens, old furniture and also secret rooms!

The entrance is pretty cheap, and you'll be able to explore 5 different levels and even a Command Bunker that remains untouched.

After you’ve explored the city, ate great Viet food, you might want to enjoy a great cocktail at the best rooftop, The View Rooftop Bar. This place is amazing to get a full view of the city, and the barman's there are very experienced!