10 reasons to visit Ho Chi Minh City in the Year of the Cat 2023

Post Covid-19 pandemic, people are flocking out to other countries to travel and Vietnam is now one of the hottest travel destinations to explore and enjoy, especially Indian tourists who fancy Vietnam more than ever. In the Year of the Cat, why not choose somewhere new, somewhere that offers both old and new, where it is both cosmopolitan and culturally diverse - Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City is one of the largest economic hubs of Vietnam, located in the southern part of the country, where the climate fluctuates between comfortably warm and tranquilly cool.

International flights between Vietnam and Delhi or other countries around the world are operated widely by many airlines so Indians in particular and international visitors can book the ticket and start the journey.

1. Enjoy the ‘A O Show’ at the Saigon Opera House

One of the must see shows in Vietnam, a unique fusion of bamboo circus, acrobatics acts, contemporary dance, traditional Vietnamese music and theatrical visual art. A O Show depicts the placid calm of Vietnamese rural life versus the noise, energy and tumult of urbanisation, tradition versus modernity, overpopulation versus the need for privacy… It also points out the opposition of rural and urban, but in a humorous and funny way. A O Show is performed almost everyday at 6 p.m, make sure to book a ticket beforehand.

One of the unique features of A O Show is that all the props are made from bamboo (Photo: luneproduction)

2. Watch the Water Puppet Show

Another must-see show for anyone looking for a unique experience, the puppets are beautifully crafted, made from wood, dancing on water, telling stories about Vietnamese history and culture. The puppeteers are highly skilled and the music is delightful. There are many festivals and traditions showing itself as “the breath” of the agricultural culture. Puppets will simulate ordinary activities such as farm work, frogs, fox catching ducks; festivals like dragon dance, lion dance, procession, wrestling, buffalo fighting or legendary stories which have been passed down from generation to generation.

You can enjoy a puppet show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre. It offers weekly shows Tuesday, Friday and Sunday at 5 p.m and 6.30 p.m.

(Photo: TITC)

3. Admire the city on the double decker bus

The double decker bus is an open air city bus which gives visitors a panoramic view of the city. Normally runs in late afternoon, so passengers can enjoy the sunset view and the Saigon’s night lights shining and shimmering. A - hour drive bus boarding with a frequency of every 30 minutes will give you a great view of famous spots in the city. It also provides an audio guide to learn about the city’s history and sights.

4. Get a bit sober at Bui Vien Street

It is a famous area for backpackers. Its back alleys offer reasonable night bars, street food, massage parlours, local restaurants, shared hostel rooms, a plethora of Indian and Asian food joints, dancers at restaurants, and loud music that plays beyond midnight.

5. Cruising on the Saigon River and enjoying the city skyline

Visitors can choose from luxurious to basic river cruises to explore the city’s coastal skyline. Board a cruise on the Saigon River, enjoy a fancy dinner cruise seat with local Vietnamese dishes such as summer rolls and pumpkin soup with an orchestra performing live to entertain you while on board. Or hop on to a water bus after buying a ticket from the Bach Dang ferry terminal.

6. Mekong River Cruise or the Cai Rang Floating Market

The Mekong Delta area contains around 13 provinces and lies around 200 km from the main city. The Mekong River has a series of islands and visitors can have a chance to witness the process of making coconut candy, people cultivate fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as many birds, snakes, and water animals that inhabit the islands.

Another option is going on a two-day trip to Can Tho, the largest city along the Mekong Delta region. It is noted for its floating market, rice paper making village and picturesque rural canals.

Cai Rang Floating Market (Photo: TITC)

7. Take an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels will bring a completely different and equally adventurous experience of the South of Vietnam. Located about 70 km from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City to the northwest, is a vast network of subterranean tunnels. Cu Chi Tunnels is considered as an unique war-fighting wonder with about 250 km of tunnels spreading like spider webs in the ground. Travellers will get to know about real events that happened in this tunnel, the story of the wars from the ground between Vietnamese soldiers, compatriots and invaders during the period 1945 - 1975.

8. Relax over a foot or back massage

Pop in any Thai or Vietnamese massage at a local parlour in the city to get rid from your sore leg or knees after an adventurously through the tunnels. Enjoy the hot stone therapy and medicinal herbs to relax your sore muscles.

9. Go on a local “cyclo” ride

For non-international driving licence travellers, cyclo is the best means of transport to experience the city and its local culture. This three-wheeled rickshaws are pedalled by a human rickshaw driver, as well as your city guide, taking you to the major attractions in the city such as the Notre Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum and the Independence Palace (or Reunification Palace), the Fine Arts Museum, the Old Saigon Post Office.

War Remnants Museum

Reunification Palace

Notre Dame Cathedral (Photo: TITC)

10. Try some Vietnamese rice wine

Vietnam is one of the largest exporters of rice all over the world, a huge source boosting the country’s economy. Therefore, any products made from rice are a hallmark of Vietnam and rice wine is a hallmark Vietnamese drink. It tastes will blow your mind in the first sip and who knows, it may become one of your favourite drinks.

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