The tour “District 1 – Night Colors” has been launched in Ho Chi Minh city. Familiar, yet strange, is the feeling many local residents and tourists had when they joined the first night tour in Vietnam’s largest metropolis.
Ben Thanh market is part of the night tour of "District 1- Night colors". (Photo: VOV)
Tourists will get a new experience of District 1 in the heart of Ho Chi Minh city and learn more about the city’s magnificent 300 year history by visiting a number of attractions including the room where well-known general and secret agent Pham Xuan An stayed at the Continental Hotel as well as the iconic Ben Thanh Market. They will also have the chance to enjoy the “À Ố Show” at the municipal Theater and distinctive local cuisine.
Many tourists, who have been living in District 1 for several years, were surprised by the bustling atmosphere at Ben Thanh market and other locations at night.
“The night tour was fantastic. I had gone out at night and traveled late in the city, but did not deeply feel the differences between the city at night and during day time. During the day, it is bustling, but at night almost everyone is relaxing and enjoying themselves. It’s a pity I didn’t enjoy the city’s night life earlier,” said tourist Tran Thi Huong.
Tourists visit the room where well-known general and secret agent Pham Xuan An stayed at the Continental Hotel. (photo: VOV)
Ho Chi Minh city’s night tour combines activities beginning with enjoying art, and expanding to going for a stroll, shopping, experiencing cuisine, and relaxing with healthcare service.
Tourist Nguyen Thi Thu Van recommended that more tourism products be offered for visitors to fully experience the city. “There should be more activities in other districts such as visiting temples and historical sites. Nha Rong Wharf, if possible, should be adorned with more lights to make it more beautiful at night.”
Tran The Dung, General Director of Vietluxtour Travel Company, the operator of the night tour, said that Ho Chi Minh city’s night activities are economically diverse. In the near future, the city’s tourism industry will launch more marketing and promotion campaigns.
"After the night tour, we continue to introduce visitors to other destinations where they can explore on their own or book our service. Ho Chi Minh city has a lot of things to entertain visitors. We plan to promote the night tour abroad, so that more foreigners will know about it,” said Mr. Dung.
Tran The Dung, General Director of Vietluxtour Travel Company, the operator of night tour in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VOV)
In July 2020, the Government launched a project to develop the night-time economy to make the most of opportunities for economic development and improving people’s incomes and living standards.
Ho Chi Minh city, dubbed a “city that never sleeps”, is a convergence of many cultures and diverse tourism products. District 1 is considered the heart of the city with multiple advantages of accommodations, dining venues, entertainment centers, shopping, health care, cultural events, and sports activities.
The nighttime economy has long been identified as one of the pillars of the city’s tourism development. With geographical and natural advantages, the night tour in District 1 is expected to be replicated in other districts.
Ty Huynh