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Things to do in HCMC
Be sure to explore!
HO CHI MINH CITY - PEARL OF THE FAR EAST
Lively, bustling, and booming, Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is the economic heart of Vietnam. A sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis, HCMC's cityscape draws together old and new in every corner, representing the city’s past as well as its future.
Central Post Office
Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City and adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office was constructed between 1886 and 1891, making it one of the city's most historic and iconic structures.
This post office exemplifies a harmonious fusion of neo-classical European architecture and Asian embellishments. The building's façade is a masterpiece, featuring a plethora of European design elements such as palmette ornaments, Roman arches, and finely crafted reliefs.
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Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral of Vietnam is one of the most majestic cathedrals in the world, and the only one in Southeast Asia to be honored with this title. It was granted the Basilica title in 1962, and is one of only four Basilicas in Vietnam due to its important role in the Vietnamese Catholic community.
The construction of the Basilica began in 1877 and was completed three years later under the supervision of J. Bourad, the architect who designed the building. The cathedral was inaugurated on April 11, 1880.
One of the most special things about the cathedral is its diverse system of stained-glass windows, which depict saints and stories from the Bible. It is also one of the few churches in Vietnam that has a real pipe organ, which is considered the king of instruments.
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Ho Chi Minh Ale Trail
An initiative by craft beer taproom operators and brands to showcase HCMC’s thriving craft beer scene, the Ale Trail maps out some outstanding craft beer destinations, while offering participants a chance to explore the city and see why this is the centre of SE Asia's thriving craft movement.
The Ale Trail is open to anyone 18 years and above, and costs no money to join (other than the beer you drink at each stop along the way).
Grab a map at any of the ten participating locations, and collect a sticker at each stop along the journey. Collect them all and you'll score a highly coveted HCM Ale Trail t-shirt!
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War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is a museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, that was founded on September 4, 1975. It is a member of the International Network of Museums for Peace (INMP) and the International Council of Museums (ICOM).
The museum is dedicated to documenting the effects of war on the Vietnamese people. It has nine permanent exhibitions that showcase the weapons, photographs, and other artifacts of the First Indochina War and the Vietnam War. The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including conferences, meetings with war witnesses, and temporary exhibitions.
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East West Brewing Co.
East West Brewing Co. is one of Vietnam’s first microbreweries with award winning craft beers, birthed from a dream to provide world-class craft beer to our Vietnamese community. We never compromise taste or quality and aim to deliver bold and authentic flavors using only the freshest and finest ingredients from the East to the West.
Whether it be our core or premium beers, we continue to push ourselves to create a wide variety of beers made up of both global and local ingredients. We pride ourselves on connecting cultures through craft beer and we welcome you to try out the East West experience!
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Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive network of underground tunnels located in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. They are one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam, and have been ranked as one of the top 7 most adventurous destinations in Southeast Asia and top 12 most attractive underground wonders in the world.
The tunnels were built by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War as a way to evade the US military. They are a complex maze of tunnels that stretch for hundreds of kilometers. The tunnels are small and cramped, and many of them are booby-trapped.
Visitors to the Cu Chi Tunnels can crawl through some of the tunnels and learn about the history of the tunnels and the Vietnam War. They can also see exhibits of weapons and other artifacts from the war.
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Saigon Opera House
The Saigon Opera House is a magnificent example of French Colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. It is located in the heart of the city, and is easily recognizable by its two iconic Caryatid statues.
The opera house was built in 1897 by the French architect Eugène Ferret. It was originally intended to be a venue for European cultural events, such as classical music concerts and ballet performances. However, it also served as the seat of the Lower House of the former South Vietnamese government before its original function as a music theatre was restored following the North Vietnamese government's takeover.
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The Independence Palace
The Independence Palace is a historical landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was built in the early 1960s and served as the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The palace was designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ, and features modernist architecture with a blend of European and Vietnamese styles.
The palace is a large and impressive building with a spacious interior. It has hundreds of rooms, all of which are furnished with luxurious furniture and decorations. The exterior of the palace is also quite grand, with a large courtyard and gardens.
On April 30, 1975, the palace was famously stormed by North Vietnamese tanks, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of North and South Vietnam. This event is known as the Fall of Saigon.
The Independence Palace is a reminder of the turbulent history of Vietnam, but it is also a symbol of hope and peace. The palace is now a museum, and visitors can learn about its history and see its many exhibits.
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Bên Nghe Street Food Market
A street food market in the Ben Nghe Ward, the market has more than 30 stalls serving up dishes with origins from across the three regions of Vietnam.
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