HO CHI MINH CITY

Ho Chi Minh City’s Storied Past

The city’s ancient streets, buildings, memorials and museums all form the tapestry of a rich history. Originally, part of the kingdom of Cambodia, then a flourishing port city, then a colony of France and then the capital of the Republic of Vietnam, and finally, Ho Chi Minh City as designated by the Hanoi government; the city saw a series of name changes, rulers, ethnic groups and political turmoil, which left a mix of cultures, all of which are evident to this day.

Built in 1909 by the Cantonese community, the Jade Emperor Pagoda honours the Taoist god (the Jade Emperor or King of Heaven, Ngoc Hoang). Although it is one of many throughout the city, it is considered to be the most spectacular. While the outside is awe-inspiring, the inside is even more intriguing. Thick clouds of incense fill the rooms, wafting over ornate woodcarvings and imposing statues of both Buddhist and Taoist deities. The multi-faith temple is representative of the many cultures and ethnic groups that make up HCMC. A number of Chinese and Indian temples are also on display throughout the city. The Notre Dame cathedral and the central post office, designed by architect Gustave Eiffel (who designed the Eiffel Tower), are prime examples of French Gothic style and the nation’s influence on Vietnam.

The effects of the Vietnam War are still present, and the brutality and consequences of it are best re-counted at the War Remnants Museum which documents an important part of world and Vietnamese history. The well-preserved Reunification Palace, which served as the home of the president of South Vietnam during the war, is where North Vietnam’s tanks crashed, resulting in Saigon’s surrender in on April 30, 1975. Meanwhile, the History Museum, an elegant structure surrounded by lush botanical gardens, encloses an array of Sino-French artefacts that document the evolution of the nation’s cultures.

Nearby Attractions

Just outside the city lays an intricate network of ungrounded tunnels, used by Viet Cong guerrillas during the Tet Offensive of 1968. Spanning nearly 500 km, the underground system played a key role in the defeat of American forces. Can Gio is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the coastal district of southeast HCMC. The palm-fringed island with a dense mangrove forest contains more than 200 species of animals and over 150 types of flora. Further away, but well worth the trek, is the Mekong Delta. The intricate web of waterways, known as the “rice bowl,” is an incredibly fertile region that produces half of Vietnam’s agricultural output. Peppered along the lush waterways are markets, farms and quaint villages that make for a serene atmosphere and picturesque views. The Cao Dai Great Temple, in the village of Long Hoa, is also an interesting visit and is world-renowned for its traditional Vietnamese herbal medicine and treatments.

Vibrant Culture

The streets of the Ben Thanh market are some of the liveliest in the city. The stalls and shops are brimming with everything imaginable, including fresh produce, clothing, medicine and jewellery. While the traditional market is full of wonderful surprises, those who enjoy a more predictable shopping experience will like the high-end boutiques and department stores at the Diamond Plaza or Saigon Centre. A trip to Ho Chi Minh is not complete without a tasting of the country’s various culinary offerings. From traditional pho and pork rolls to the more unique fertilised duck eggs and fermented scorpion wine, Vietnam boasts a truly fascinating cuisine.