Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as the locals still call it, is Vietnam’s largest city and its absolute craziest. Crossing the intersection here is an adventure itself. Saigon has a whole lot more to offer visitors than expected. There are informative museums, old and new architecture, vibrant markets, and a pulsating nightlife. Saigon is my favorite city in Vietnam.

Where To Stay
If you want to discover the true appeal of Saigon, staying in District 1 is a must. Staying in District 1 allows you to be within walking distance to many of the major sites around the city, while also being central to the sites that are further outside the city.

What To Do

• Cŭ Chi Tunnels
  The tunnels are part of a larger network of tunnels that underlie most of Vietnam and were used during the Vietnam War. The tunnels are small, crowded and dark. Entire cities were made underground during this time period. The tunnels are about a 45-minute ride from central HCMC. The air-conditioned mini-bus that I took round trip to the tunnels cost 100,000 VND. Admission to the tunnels was separate.

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• Ben Thanh Market
  This large marketplace in the center of District 1 sells cheap and delicious local food, textiles, handmade goods and souvenirs.
• War Remnants Museum
  The war museum includes remnants from the first Indochina War, but most of the information and relics are from the Vietnam War. The museum is open daily from 08:00-11:45 and 13:30-17:00.
• Post Office
  Saigon’s gorgeous post office was designed by Gustave Eiffel (the same man who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France) in the late 19th century and is still functional today. The post in Vietnam is uber efficient, so take advantage of this gorgeous post office and mail some friends and family a postcard from Saigon!

• Notre Dame Basilica
  French colonists constructed this cathedral in 1863 during the French Indochina period in central HCMC (near the Post Office).
• Saigon Skydeck
  The Skydeck is located in the Bitexo Financial Tower, which is the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City to date. Saigon Skydeck's opening hours are 09:30-21:30 everyday.
• Chill Skybar
  Located on the 26th floor in the AB Tower between the Ben Thanh Market and the popular backpacker area, Chill Skybar has well-crafted cocktails and unobstructed views of the city below. Happy Hour half-price cocktails only last until 20:00.