From Hoi An we managed to book a bus that stops on the main road and goes all the way to Ho Chi Minh City, 20 hours on the bus!
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. It is located in the southern part of the country and serves as an important economic and cultural center. The city has a rich history that dates back to the Khmer Empire, and it was later colonized by the French in the 19th century. In 1975, after a long and bloody war, the city became the capital of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
There are many things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, making it a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the best things to do:
- Visit the War Remnants Museum: This museum provides an in-depth look at the Vietnam War from the perspective of the Vietnamese people.
- Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels: This network of underground tunnels was used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War and is now a popular tourist attraction.
- Experience the nightlife: Ho Chi Minh City has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars and nightclubs open until the early hours of the morning.
- Visit the Ben Thanh Market: This bustling market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and try local street food.
- Take a river cruise: A cruise along the Saigon River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective.
- Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon: This beautiful cathedral was built by the French in the late 19th century and is a popular tourist attraction.
- Explore the Independence Palace: This palace was the home of the South Vietnamese president during the Vietnam War and is now a museum.
- Sample Vietnamese cuisine: Ho Chi Minh City is known for its delicious street food, so be sure to try some of the local specialties.
Street food
Overall, Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history and many things to see and do. As it is a very big city, also the culinary options are many, and we had some very tasty street food near the walking street. In the alleys around it we found happy Vietnamese people sitting on tiny chairs and singing karaoke very loudly. We had to join for a beer, and we were very welcomed. Out of the day trips one could choose, we took the Mekong delta tour. It is cheap but very touristy, (look it up on YouTube to see exactly what you get). We still enjoyed it for the many things you get to see and taste.
Next stop is crossing the border to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia!
