Saigon

We ended our trip to Vietnam in Saigon in order to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels. However, we will be honest and say Saigon is not a favourite of ours.

We found that it was a little more dirty than other places we had visited, tourist attractions seemed to be spread further apart and the people not as friendly.

However, we did stay in a beautiful hotel called the Hotel Des Arts Saigon – MGallery. It has a fabulous rooftop bar and swimming pool overlooking Saigon and the rooms have huge picture windows to showcase the views. We stayed in a Sky Executive Grand Deluxe room which had access to the Sky Lounge. The staff were amazing, friendly and very helpful. Nothing was too much trouble.

There are still quite a few things to see and do in Saigon for the inquisitive traveller. So let’s see what is on offer.

Notre Dame Cathedral – this was under repair when we were in Saigon so we did not have the opportunity to see inside. But it is a significant tourist attraction and you should book your tickets early.
Reunification Palace – still a working Palace which hosts many events during the year. It is a time warp in its decor and was very interesting to go through. The Palace is definitely rich in history and antiques.
War Remnants Museum – plenty of tourists will find this one of the best places to visit in Saigon, as it gives a comprehensive history of the Vietnam war. The museum itself is divided up into different photo galleries, for example one depicting the effects of Agent Orange, and another depicting the haunting effect that war has on the next generation of families. Military equipment is placed within a walled garden in front of the Museum. We think a visit to this museum is well worth it, but be prepared to see some confronting photos and displays.
Cu Chi Tunnels – you will be just a little blown away by the immense tunnel system that the Vietnamese lived in during the war. The living conditions reflected in the displays leave you with no doubt that this would not have been a pleasant experience. If you wish to travel along a length of tunnel you are certainly able to do so. But be warned – the tunnels are very small, in most cases you have to crawl through them, and they are very dark inside. If you suffer from fear of small spaces then this is not for you. But for the brave souls who can manage to get through the tunnels, well done! At the Cu Chi Tunnels there is a shooting range – yes, you heard us correctly! For a small fee, obviously, you can test your skills on the range with a choice of several interesting weapons.

Travel Tips

If you are visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels then wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. You will be crawling through the tunnels, not walking them! You can visit the tunnels independently, but you will need a tour guide if you wish to enter the tunnels.

Travel Alerts

Saigon seemed a little more crowded and dirty than other places we visited in Vietnam, but we did not feel unsafe in this busy city. Therefore there are no real travel alerts for Saigon.
If you visit any of the markets just be sure to keep your personal belongings close to you. The markets are immensely busy so it is better to be safe than sorry.

Travel Adventures

Jade Emperor Pagoda – one of the five most important shrines in Saigon.
Ben Thanh Market – a very busy market which sells everything you can imagine. We personally would not try any street food from here, but a more adventurous traveller might find it too tempting to pass up. Do plenty of bargaining if you wish to buy souvenirs, the competition is hot and there are so many stalls selling the same wares you are spoilt for choice.
Hop-on Hop-off Bus – always a good idea to get your bearings in a city, and you can hop off at key destinations to explore.
Central Post Office – a beautifully preserved remnant of French colonial times. It is located next door to Notre Dame Cathedral so the two sites can be visited together.