Vietnam Day 8 — Ho Chi Minh: Exploring Iconic Landmarks of the city
Next stop: Ho Chi Minh City! After a quick flight from Da Nang, we landed in this vibrant metropolis ready to explore.
The city appeared busier and more modern than Hanoi. Its skyline was dominated by tall buildings, luxury brand shops lined the streets, and fashionable youth filled the bustling avenues, creating a true metropolitan atmosphere.
Airbnb
I was thrilled about our stay because our Airbnb boasted a fantastic view of the skyline. After taking a cab from the airport, we arrived at our destination — a quaint old building with numerous small flats on each floor. With only one elevator serving all the residents, it could have been a bit of a wait, but we were mostly lucky and made it to our room.
As soon as we stepped inside, we were delighted. The room was stylishly decorated and exuded a cool vibe. And true to the promise, the view from our window was breathtaking. We could see half the city spread out before us, with the iconic Bitexco Tower standing tall in the distance. It was a picture-perfect start to our stay in the city. We were tired from the extensive travel and against our wishes, decided to sleep for a bit before heading out.
Lunch at McD
We went out as we were excited to see the city. We saw a McD when we stepped out and went in quickly. Had burgers, fries and a cold drink. Food was nice and not very different than what we have in India. They had different sauces available unlimited and a few other packeted sauces as well.
Ho Chi Minh Opera House
Finally we started our tour of the city. We first went to Hanoi Opera House. The Ho Chi Minh Opera House in Hanoi is a beautiful building with a mix of French and Vietnamese styles. It’s in the center of the city and hosts lots of shows, from traditional Vietnamese opera to modern concerts. People love going there to enjoy the performances and soak in its history.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall
Ho Chi Minh City Hall is just next to the Opera house. Its like a grand palace right in the heart of the city. It’s this impressive, old-style building with creamy-yellow walls and a clock tower that stands tall. You can’t miss it, especially at night when it’s all lit up, looking even more majestic. People often gather around the square in front of it, taking photos or just chilling out. It’s a cool spot to check out if you want a taste of the city’s vibe and history all in one place.
Ho Chi Minh Statue
The imposing statue of Ho Chi Minh stands tall in the square, overlooking the city, right in front of the City Hall. It’s a symbol of reverence for the leader’s contributions to Vietnam’s independence and unification, attracting visitors who come to pay their respects and take photos.
Notre Dame Cathedral
Ho Chi Minh’s Notre Dame Cathedral is a beautiful landmark that stands out with its two tall towers and red brick facade. Unfortunately, when we visited, the front was covered up due to renovations, and we couldn’t see the building as we would have liked to. Even so, it’s worth checking out just to admire its impressive structure from the outside and feel the energy of the area around it.
Central Post Office
Adjacent to Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office is a stunning architectural marvel. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it features grand halls, arched windows, and a distinctive clock tower. Visitors come to admire its beauty, send postcards, and soak in its historic ambiance.
Independent palace from outside
Ho Chi Minh City’s Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is a must-see landmark. Unfortunately, we arrived a bit late and couldn’t go inside because it closes in the evening. From the outside, the palace is impressive with its sleek 1960s architecture and beautiful gardens. It’s a cool spot to explore if you’re interested in Vietnam’s history or just want to snap some great photos!
Ben Nghe street food market
Ho Chi Minh’s Ben Nghe Street Food Market is a must-visit spot for any food lover. Even though we didn’t eat there, the vibrant atmosphere was worth experiencing. The market is packed with stalls offering a huge variety of delicious local dishes. The smells, colors, and energy of the place are amazing. It’s a great spot to soak up the local culture and see what the city’s street food scene is all about. But we weren’t impressed and headed to Ben Thanh Market for a Mango Smoothie, Che Thai and a Chicken Noodle Pho.
Cafe apartment and Ho Chi Minh Square
In the evening, we strolled over to the Cafe Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City, where the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. The square around it was alive with various activities, from people singing their hearts out to others dancing to lively beats. It was like stepping into a vibrant hub of entertainment and culture.
Bitexco Tower and Landmark 81
We also caught sight of two iconic landmarks: the Bitexco Tower and Landmark 81. The Bitexco Tower is this sleek skyscraper that stands tall against the skyline, while Landmark 81 is this impressive new tower that’s the tallest in the city. They’re both pretty impressive sights, especially when they’re all lit up at night!
