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Ho Chi Minh City
Overview |
Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, locates at the heart of the southern part of Viet Nam, between the northern edge of the Mekong Delta and the South Eastern region of volcanic red soil. Being a transformation between the two terrains, Ho Chi Minh City is intertwined with natural forest, vast plains, long coast and hundreds of rivers and canals. The Saigon River winds around the city and connect it with the East Sea. Over the past three centuries, Saigon, once praised as the "Pearl of the Orient", was known as an important trade center for Chinese, Japanese and Western merchants. It had also been christened the "Paris of Asia" for its wide boulevards lined with the stately trees and magnificent French villas.
Nowadays, Ho Chi Minh City has a total area of 2,090 square kilometers, which encompasses 24 districts with an area of 230 square kilometers and five outer-counties with an area of 1,860 square kilometers. The city, which a total population of over seven millions, is the largest city in Viet Nam, a major hub for commercial, tourist, cultural and scientific activities.
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| Attractions |
Reunification Hall, 106 Nguyen Du St. Formerly South Vietnam's Presidential Palace, this is a restored five-floor time warp to the Sixties left largely untouched from the day before Saigon fell to the North. On April 30, 1975, the war ended when tank 843, now parked outside, crashed through the gate.
War Remnants Museum, 28 Vo Van Tan St. Formerly known as the Exhibition House of American War Crimes, this is a disturbing exhibit of man's cruelty during the Vietnam War. In addition to halls full of gruesome photographs, exhibits include a real guillotine, a simulated "tiger cage" prison and jars of deformed fetuses blamed on Agent Orange.
City Hall, end of Nguyen Hue St. Originally called the Hô de Ville and now formally rebranded the People's Committee Hall, is a beautiful cream and yellow French colonial building beautifully floodlit at night. No entry, but the statue of Uncle Ho in front is a very popular place for photos.
Museum of Vietnamese History, at the top of Le Duan St (just inside the gates of the zoo). The museum has a fine collection of Vietnamese antiquities, but unfortunately they are accompanied by signage which is both in poor English and full of risible Marxist distortions..
Ben Tanh Market, This is an enormous, lively and bustling market where you can get just about anything you could think of. It was constructed in 1914 by the French, the clock remains permanently fixed at half past one.
Saigon Water Park is like a Raging Water in San Dimas except the lines weren't long and it's opened year round. It's a great way for the family to chill out in the heat. It's very relaxing.
One Pillar Pagoda The original name of the pagoda was Dien Huu pagoda which literally means long lasting happiness and and good luck. The pagoda is situated in the western part of the city. It was first built in 1049 in the reign of King Ly Thai Tong.
Temple of Literature Quoc Tu Giam Temple of Literature was built in 1070 as a dedication to the founder of Confucianism. Six years later in 1076 Quoc Tu Giam, the first university of Vietnam, was built in the premises of Van Mieu. Quoc Tu Giam was the first educational school for princes and children of royal family members. Later it was opened to talented students of common families.
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| Transportation |
By plane Tan Son Nhat (IATA code SGN) is Vietnam's largest international gateway and somewhat gritty, but it's small and easily navigable. Immigration here is notoriously strict and can be time-consuming, but if your papers are in order you should be fine. You can exchange money here, but you're probably better off paying for your first trip in dollars and exchanging in the city.
By taxi Taxis are the most comfortable way of getting around and quite cheap at 12000 dong for the first 2 kilometers, plus 6000 dong per additional kilometer. It's easy and safe to flag a taxi anywhere, anytime in Saigon.
By bike Motorbikes (xe ôare plentiful, cheap and dangerous. Agree on a price before you set off; short hops around town shouldn't be more than 10000 dong, and all the way to the airport around 30000.
By cyclo Cyclos are slow, dangerous and their drivers have an unfortunate tendency to attempt to rip you off, which goes a long way to explain why there are slowly disappearing from Saigon. But figure on US$2 per hour if you must.
By bus Saigon recently made a big investment in public transit, and bright green, brand new busses are everywhere. Route information is hard to come by, but it's cheaper and safer than many of the alternatives. The biggest problem is that when you get off the bus, you become a pedestrian! |
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