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Ho Chi Minh city (Saigon)
The South is dominated by the metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City, still often called Saigon, once a small fishing village that has expanded to well over 2,000km2 of urban sprawl with a population somewhere between 5 and 8 million (many residents are not registered).
Its early history is hazy, but it appears to have begun as Prei Nokot, a small Kh’mer community on a patch of land in a forest surrounded by waterways on three sides. At the time, the area was ruled by Funan, an ancient southern port with an Indianised culture that expanded to become a powerful kingdom. Funan was eventually supplanted by Chen La, which was in turn absorbed into the Angkor Empire.
As Empires rose and fell, the waterside location of Prei Nokor attracted boats navigating the Mekong River. By the 17th century, it was a thriving trading community of Malay, Indian and Chinese merchants.
The end of the 17th century saw the steady southwards advance of the Viet people as it gradually overwhelmed the Kingdom of Champa, until it was absorbed into the Empire controlled by the Hue-based Nguyen Dynasty, and acquired a new name – Saigon.
In the latter part of the 18th century, a peasants’ revolt led by the Tay Son brothers swept north and took control. Nguyen Anh, the Nguyen Emperor at the time, headed south, and fortified Saigon to be his capital in the south. When Nguyen Anh regained control, with help from the French, he retained Saigon as his southern administrative centre.
By the middle of the 19th century, the French seized Saigon and made it the capital of French Indochina. Under French rule it became a fashionable destination, but during the decades of the US-backed Saigon ‘government’, it was a byword for decadence, sleaze and corruption as money flowed in and the presence of large numbers of American GI’s stimulated the growth of brothels and gaming dens.
The end of the war, economic progress and a rebirth as Ho Chi Minh City has fuelled growth and created today's vibrant metropolis.
Its traffic is dreadful, petty crime is rife, land prices are soaring, and social problems abound, but its bustling chaos makes it easily Vietnam’s most exciting city. There is plenty to see and do, some of the best hotels in the country, and a vast range of places to eat and drink from simple street cafes to ultra swish (and ultra expensive) Vietnamese and international restaurants.
Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has various attractions as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, system of museums, theatres, cultural houses... Recently, many tourist areas are invested such as Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Saigon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa..., which draw numerous tourists.
Despite its quite recent past, Ho Chi Minh City nevertheless possesses various beautiful buildings, displaying a characteristic combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and European cultures. These include Nha Rong (Dragon House Wharf), Quoc To Temple (National Ancestors Temple), Xa Tay (Municipal Office), Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre as well as many pagodas and churches (Vinh Nghiem, Giac Vien, Giac Lam, Phung Son pagodas...). After more than 300 years of development, Ho Chi Minh City presents many ancient architectural constructions, famous vestiges and renowned sights. It is remarkable for its harmonious blending of traditional national values with northern and western cultural features.
Ho Chi Minh City is a Mecca of commerce. Practically anything can be bought in its malls, shops and markets. Stylish stores bursting with famous international brand names down to the wicker baskets of fruit and the trays of lighters and shoelaces carried by humble street sellers: something for everyone and prices for everything. Modern office blocks house the many trading and financial businesses that have their headquarters in the southern hub.
It’s also a city with a checkered history and a rich culture. Its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it a magnet for international tourists who arrive in increasing numbers at Tan Son Nhat, Vietnam’s busiest airport, or by road, train or ship.
Visitors are hardly ever wish-washy about their opinions of Ho Chi Minh City – they either love it or hate it but whatever they feel, they can’t ignore it!
Ho Chi Minh City is the main junction for trains, roads, water, and air transportation systems for domestic trips and for foreign destination.
If you travel to Ho Chi Minh by roads, Ho Chi Minh City is 1,730km from Hanoi, 99km from Tay Ninh, 30km from Bien Hoa (Dong Nai), 70km from My Tho, 125km from Vung Tau, 168km from Can Tho, 308km from Dalat, and 375km from Buon Ma Thuot. The City has National Highway 13 which connects Vietnam with the rest of Indochina.
If you come by train: Thong Nhat express train connects Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, vie many provinces in Vietnam. And if you plan to travel by air, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 7km from center of city, is the biggest airport with many domestic and international routes. There are flights from Hanoi and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City and between ?the City to many regions as well a lot of countries on over the world.
Attractions in Ho Chi Minh city:
1. Reunification Palace
2. War Remnants Museum
3. Nha Tho Duc Ba, Notre Dame Cathedral
4. Cho Lon
5. Ben Thanh Market
6. Giac Lam ancient Pagoda
7. Den Ngoc Hoang, Emperor of Jade Temple
8. Saigon Centre Post Office
9. City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
10. Sai Gon Opera House
11. Thien Hau Temple
12. Vinh Nghiem Temple
13. Cu Chi tunnels
14. Dam Sen Water-Park
15. Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden
16. Islam
17. Ben Duoc Monument
18. Betel Hamlets
19. Can Gio - a biosphere reserve of the world
20. Binh Quoi Tourist Village
21. Suoi Tien Tourist Area
22. Van Thanh Park
23. Vam Sat Tourist Site
24. Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum
1. Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City
Dinh Doc Lap or Independence Palace was completed in 1966 after three years of construction. The plans were drawn by Mr. Ngo Viet Thu, winner of the architectural excellence prize in Rome. The palace was built on the original site of the French governor's headquarters in the 19th century.
President Diem commissioned Mr. Thu to design the new palace and supervised its construction. Unfortunately, the president was assassinated shortly after construction started. The Palace became the home of then President of South Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu.Although not the prettiest building in Saigon, it is one of the most important. Here on April 30th, 1975 the American War officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates. It is now called the Reunification Hall with all the original furnishings still kept intact.
2. War Remnants Museum
Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching; dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
3. Nha Tho Duc Ba, Notre Dame Cathedral
Proposed to be one of France's most ambitious project in Indochina at the time, Rev. Colombert laid the cornerstone for the cathedral on October 7, 1877. Three years later, in 1880, the cathedral was opened to the public. These two dates are inscribed on a marble placard in the cathedral.The bricks used to build the structure were shipped from Marseilles. Artisans from Lorin Company (Chartres, France) were commissioned to create the stained glass windows. The cost of construction was a whopping 2.5 million francs. In 1962, the Vatican gave the cathedral the title Basilique
4. Cho Lon
Cho Lon actually means Big Market – a claim that is well justified as Vietnam’s largest market, the Binh Tay is situated here. Also this district (district 5) is home to the city’s 400,000 Chinese and as such the area has many beautiful temples and pagodas. A pleasant way to see these is by hiring a local cyclo driver for a couple of hours.
5. Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh market has long been one of Saigon's most famous landmark. The market has been in existence since the French occupation. The original market was located on the shores of Ben Nghe river by old fort Gia Dinh. Its proximity to the fort and the river where merchants and soldiers would land was reason for its name (Ben meaning pier or port and Thanh meaning fort). In 1859, when the French invaded Saigon and overtook fort Gia Dinh, Ben Thanh Market was destroyed. It was rebuilt shortly thereafter and remained standing until it was moved to its present location in 1899.
Built on a landfill of what was once a swamp named Bo Ret (Marais Boresse), the new Ben Thanh Market is located in the center of the city. Under the French government, the area around Ben Thanh Market was called Cu Nhac circle (Rond point Cuniac), named after Mr. Cuniac, the person who proposed filling the swamp to create this area. The area was later renamed Cong truong Dien Hong.
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6. Giac Lam ancient Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
Giac Lam Pagoda, formerly called the Cam Dem, was built in 1744. It is now standing as the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, the first classic Buddhist training centre for Gia Dinh area and the south.
Giac Lam Pagoda is a representative of the ancient pagodas in the south, and contains historical, cultural, architectural and religious sculptural values. It was constructed of various kinds of wood largely available in the region and located on the top of a hill under the shade of trees in a spherical design and close to nature. The two-tier gate, prominent in the garden-pagoda architect, was placed right on the lane leading to the yard of the pagoda. It harmonises with western decorations of square pillars, and Indian and Khmer cultures of lions, lotuses, and Nagar snakes. However, the Vietnamese national culture is the strongest felt with a terra cotta vase made in Song Be and placed in the highest position in the pagoda. On the New Year - the point of time when the sky meets the earth - the residential monk would stick the scroll with wishes for a peaceful world and happy life for people on the "magic heaven supporting pillar". This is an expression of the harmony between religion and life.
Among the 118 ancient statues at the pagoda, 113 were made of bronze and wood. The Arhat statues bear strong influence from the Chinese sculpture. Various decorations of Giac Lam Pagoda become special with sophisticated designs carved on wood. The nine dragons are carved to hidden in clouds and spraying water in a manifestation of blessing to the agriculture-based area, breathe the warm life to the holy atmosphere of the pagoda. In 1998, the pagoda was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic
7. Den Ngoc Hoang, Emperor of Jade Temple, Ho Chi Minh City
Located in Dakao, first district, the temple was built by Cantonese Buddhists who settled in Saigon in the 19th century. The architectural style is heavily influenced by the Chinese of southern China.
4 guardians - Tu Dai Kim Cuong
The Taoist deity (Emperor of Jade) is enshrined here along with his 4 guardians (Tu Dai Kim Cuong). The major attractions to the shrine are the elaborate carvings of the various deities as well as its unique architectural style of the interior. This temple is also home to the Hall of Ten Hells where there are carvings of various scenes of the various levels of hell.
8. Saigon Centre Post Office
Right next to Notre Dame Catheral is Saigon's French-styled Central post office. The structure was built between 1886 and 1891, the ochre-coloured building has a glass canopy, ceiling fans, and enormous wall maps. At the far end of the arched building is a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh. It is still the biggest post office in Vietnam
9. City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
It is one of the most prominent landmarks. The People's Committee building is the city hall of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called the Hotel de Ville. In French style, the building is modeled on Paris' own Hotel de Ville and was completed in 1908. Facing toward Saigon River, the building is notable for its ornate facade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers. The small park in front has a memorial statue of Ho Chi Minh. Nowadays the building is used for the city administration in daily working and meeting occasions
10. Sai Gon Opera House
Sai Gon Opera House is in Rue Catinat (Dong Khoi Street) at the centre of the heart of the city . It was built in 1899 and later renovated in the 1940s. It was built in French architectural style of which the materials were mainly transported from France. A group of French artists was in charge of interior decoration with patterns similar to those in France’s late 19th century opera houses. The theatre finished with spacious ventilation and state-of-the-art sound and light systems. In front of the theatre is a park where young people like to sit around. The theatre often offers different programs such as concert, drama, and ballet
11. Thien Hau Temple
In the early 19th century, Cantonese fishermen built the temple to dedicate to Thien Hau, the Chinese Goddess of the Sea, who protects fishermen, sailors, merchants and other seafarers. Though there are guardians to either side of the entrance, it is said that the real protectors of the pagoda are the two land turtles living here. The temple’s interior courtyard with intricate ceramic friezes is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques, commemorating the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants from Canton. On the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the biggest ceremony is held in Thien Hau temple to her honour. People pray to her for happiness, prosperity, and solidarity
12. Vinh Nghiem Temple, Ho Chi Minh City
Located on Cong Ly boulevard (or Nam Ky Khoi Nghia), Vinh nghiem is south Vietnam's most majestic temple. Construction of the temple was completed in 1971 after the design was drawn by Mr. Nguyen Ba Lang and associates. The ground floor consists of the library, the auditorium, and offices. The temple is located in a large parcel of land. On the left of the upper court yard stands a tower or the seven-level Avalokitesvara Stupa. Next to the tower hangs a large bell given to the temple by the Japanese Buddhists Sangha.
13. Cu Chi tunnels
These tunnels are a symbol of Vietnam’s continual fight against foreign oppression and imperialism. The tunnel system covers close to 200 km including under what was once a US air base. The tunnels once spanned an area stretching from close to the Cambodian border to the city limits of Ho Chi Minh City. They can be seen to represent the Vietnamese attributes of ingenuity, loyalty, hard work and determination. They were originally constructed to fight against the French in the 1940s, to give a peasant army a means of communication between villages whilst remaining undetected. In 1960 the Viet Cong repaired and added to the tunnels to fight against the South Vietnamese and American forces. The Commander of the American forces in the region held the opinion that the Viet Cong who were responsible for digging them were like human moles. Although the tunnels were mainly designed with a fighting role in mind they also contained a wide array of chambers including field hospitals, meeting rooms and even private offices and sleeping quarters for senior officers. To repel attacks and infiltration, the tunnels contained many elaborate booby traps including concealed pits with bamboo spikes at the base, and mines and crossbows which would be triggered by trip wires. When you visit the tunnels, your guide should point out some of these traps, then look back over your path and try to decide how many of those you would have triggered. Some of the tunnels went under water, with a primitive S-Bend effect where the tunnel would open under the surface of a river, this allowing the Viet Cong to leave the tunnels virtually undetected.
Before entering the actual Cu Chi tunnels, you may see a screening of a propaganda film about them that has some amazing footage. You will then be guided around the tunnels by an English speaking guide. You will only visit some of the tunnels which have been preserved in a state not dissimilar to how they were during the war including those areas used as a field hospital, meeting room and other official quarters. It is also possible to fire an AK - 47 on site for USD 1 a bullet. The firing range closes at 4.30 PM, whilst the tunnels close at 5 PM.
14. Dam Sen Water-Park, Ho Chi Minh City
DAM SEN Water Park was opened on 19 November 1999 as a joint venture of PHU THO Tourism and Service Company and Viet Asia Joint-Stock Commercial Bank.
Dam Sen Water Park, with modern aquatic equipments installed complying with European standard, harmoniously located in a fresh and verdant Oriental landscape garden of 3 hectares in width just right in the city’s heart. The park is built in a community of leisure center and shopping center such as Dam Sen Cultural Park, Dam Sen Bowling Center, Dam Sen Co-op Mart, and Dam Sen Sports Club.
Dam Sen Water Park with 25 aquatic equipments and a wave pool of 3000m2 in width appropriate for all ages from calm games such as Drifting River, Wave Pool, Massage Pool, Crazy River to thrilled games such as Kimikaze slide, waterfall crossing swing, etc… and a children paradise including water palace, elephant and hippopotamus families together with pretty and colorful slides for children. In the hope of bringing about a great deal of good new feeling for visitors, in the past few years, we have installed more new games such as a 20 m high Tornado, the Space Spiral Slide, and the Black Thunder with special sound effect.
When participating games here, you can put your mind at rest for the professional rescue team who always keeps watch by your side in order to give you specific instructions and offer helps just in time. In addtion, all slides here are granted a certificate of technical safety for aquatic games No. 29/ TTAT–LCAT in 2000 by Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Welfare.
Coming to Dam Sen Water Park, you will be served wholeheartedly and caringly by a group of hospitable and thoughtful staffs and a system of impeccable services scattering across the park provided with diversified menus and reasonable prices. Additionally, we have a restaurant in Dam Sen Water Park with the capacity amounts to 500 guests to 1000 guests and it is constructed in a romantic and airy setting which fits for all kinds of wedding party, merrymaking party, birthday party, and year-end get-together party, etc… with diversified menus, appetizing foods, reasonable prices and undertaken by many-year-experienced cooks.
Every year, many non-professional activities such as associating with Education and Training service to organize festival of group of songs “Young cicada” for pupils of the whole city, festival of colouring and drawing competition for children, etc… are celebrated here.
15. Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden, Ho Chi Minh City
The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden in Ho Chi Minh City is the oldest cultural and historical park in Vietnam and has the country's largest collection of plants and animals.
It was established in 1865 on an area of 12ha close to the Rach Lang River in the north-east of city. The zoo opened with about 500 animals, birds and many species of plants that were seen in Vietnam for the first time such as cacao and coffee. In 1924, it was expanded to cover another 10ha and was officially named the Zoological and Botanical Garden five years later.
In 1990, the Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden was recognized as an official member of the Southeast Asia Association of Zoological Gardens. The zoo has become the country's largest of its kind and is a popular tourist attraction and an outdoor school for young Vietnamese.
The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden now houses some 800 animals of more than 120 species. The garden also houses rare species such as black-legged gibbons, flame-colored wolves and red headed cranes.
Many precious trees have been planted throughout the zoo. Some are over 40m tall. It would take six people holding hands to circle the largest. The garden welcomes some 2 million visitors every year.
The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden has just celebrated its 140th founding anniversary.
16. Islam, Ho Chi Minh City
A small number of Muslims exist in Vietnam, and are mainly found in South central Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, and by the Cambodian border. Islam was introduced to Vietnam in the 7th century via Arab traders and later blended with local customs and religion. Islam is now mostly practiced by the Cham population of Vietnam, although there is a strong Hindu influence in their practice. Today, there are several mosques in metropolitan Saigon.
17. Ben Duoc Monument
Ben Duoc Monument was built in Cu Chi District, about 70km from Ho Chi Minh City centre. The Ben Duoc Monument to the War Martyrs is a harmonious architectural complex. The monument was built according to the design of a traditional Vietnamese temple.
The monument is dedicated to the war martyrs from 40 cities and provinces, who laid down their lives on the battle fields in Saigon - Cho Lon - Gia Dinh during the anti-French and US resistance wars for national independence and freedom.
It has a three-entrance gate. In the main shrine are worshipped 44,357 martyrs and heroic mothers whose name are carved on marble plates and gilded with gold. On the ground floor, a mini-mock up, pictures, and many other show pieces about the hard life and battles of the army men and local people during the wars are displayed. There is also a nine-storey tower, 39m high, surrounded with gardens with flowers that blossom all the year round and with diverse kinds of ornamental plants.
Since its establishment in 1995 the monument has welcomed thousands of visitors, both domestic and foreign, especially on Martyrs' Day - July 27th - who come to enjoy the local scenery and show their respect to the national heroes.
18. Betel Hamlets
The Betel Hamlets are situated in Hoc Mon District, about 10km centre of Ho Chi Minh City. The betel gardens have such lush and green foliage that one can stand under these frames when it is raining without getting wet.
19. Can Gio - a biosphere reserve of the world
The ecological forest of Can Gio is situated 50km away from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. With an area of over 70,000 ha, of which 35,000 ha is salt-watered forest, Can Gio has been recognized as a biosphere reserve of the world by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Can Gio has been recognized as a biosphere reserve after evaluation of various aspects, including the people, ecology, environment and biosphere sustainability. Those who visited this place decade ago can hardly recognize it today, due to the countless towering trees and plants that stretch out of sight, and the harmonious biosphere of the coastal mangrove forest. So far nearly 40,000 ha of forest and land have been restored. According to the Can Gio Forest Managing Board, at present more than 600 households with 1,500 people reside in this area. They live on reforestation, forest protection and aquatic production. In the early 1970's, the concept of "Biosphere reserve" was announced with the aim of protecting the species in danger of extinction. The biosphere reserves must preserve the samples of the ecological systems in the world, and work as a laboratory where research and observation of these ecological systems are undertaken. The reserve seeks measures to help the local people benefit from nature.
Before the construction of a 20 km-long road linking Binh Khanh wharf to Can Thanh, which runs along Can Gio to beach April 30, Can Gio was a remote area whose residents lived on catching crabs and mussels. Now it is an interesting eco-tourist site attracting many people from Ho Chi Minh City and other places. The Saigon Tourism Company and Phu Tho Tourism Company have established eco-tours to this area. Visiting Can Gio, you will see crocodiles lying in the swamp and hundreds of monkeys that come from mangrove clumps to the walk-ways of Lam Vien ecological site, to welcome the visitors. They catch sugarcane the visitors give them, and eat them with delight. On holidays, there were averages of 2,000 visitors a day to Can Gio. At peak times there were over 6,000 visitors a day. Visitors could stay at the residential quarter April 30, adjacent to the beach or at Actmang quarter in the 2,100ha Lam Vien area with countless mangrove trees. Quite a few people like to hire hammocks and umbrellas to rest under the canopy of the trees.
In the near future the war zone in the shrub forest, which was home to 800 commando soldiers in wartime, would be restored. It will become a 3,000m² preservation sites with 14 houses-on-stilts, roofed with date palm trunks and water-coconut leaves. When this project is completed, Can Gio will have another traditional tourist site, attracting not only young people, but also those who want to know more about the struggle of the fighters in the shrub forest in the past.
Taking a boat ride on the big Dong Nai and Long Tau Rivers or on the smaller Vam Sac, Dong Thanh and Soai Rap Rivers, which run through Can Gio, visitors will not think that they are visiting a district on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. They seem to be in the watery areas of Ca Mau and Kien Giang, the southernmost area in Vietnam with vast mangrove and cajeput forests. The roots of the mangrove trees on the sides of the river twist with one another then spread out and root deep into the earth. It is these roots that make Can Gio a protective forest safeguarding millions of city dwellers, and an ideal ecological tourist site as well.
20. Binh Quoi Tourist Village
Binh Quoi Tourist Village is located on the Thanh Da peninsula by the Saigon River, 8km from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. This is the city’s biggest resort with its unique scenery.
There are 55 modern-equipped bedrooms in the village, which nestle under big trees by the river. The village’s restaurant is where big parties can be held and famous grilled dishes and Vietnamese traditional specialties can be found. There are marvellous shows of traditional music in the evening, including “Ky Yen Festival,” “Southern amateur singing on Ghe Hau,” “Traditional Vietnamese Wedding.” Such shows attract a great deal of domestic and overseas tourists. You can also go water-surfing, fishing, swimming, play tennis, and many other kinds of sport. From Binh Quoi, you can boat along the Saigon River to visit the Ben Duoc Underground Tunnel, Lai Thieu Fruit Gardens, and back to the Nha Rong Harbour.
21. Suoi Tien Tourist Area
Suoi Tien Tourist Area is located in Thu Duc District, northeast of Ho Chi Minh City centre. It is an entertainment area for local citizens and foreign visitors.
The wild landscape houses many rare species; for example, there are approximately 2,000 crocodiles bred in Crocodile Lake. Another popular attraction is the aquarium where tourists can admire hundreds of fish species and other marine creatures swimming in glass tunnels.
22. Van Thanh Park
Van Thanh Park is located at 48/10 Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Van Thanh Park is the entertainment area mostly prized by Ho Chi Minh City citizens.
The park lies on the bank of the Thi Nghe River, a branch of the Saigon River. From the park, there is a view of Vung Tau. At night, Van Thanh Park is filled with music. Festivals, fashion shows, and cast selections are often held in the park.
23. Vam Sat Tourist Site
Situated between the stream flows of Vam Sat and Long Tau River, Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone contains most beautiful forests of Can Gio which is one of the world’s Salt-Marsh biosphere preserve, sited in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. Historically, this land had been damaged by toxic chemicals that turned the zone into an uninhabited land. Thanks to the hard work of people, the forest has gradually recovered, and its beauty and magnificence feature have been returned.
According to foreign specialists that Can Gio salt-marsh forest is the best recovered, taken care of, protected and managed in Vietnam and in the world. With total area of 75,740 hectares, Can Gio forest is diversified by wide variety of fauna and flora, which is an ideal place for scientific research, ecological tourism and rejuvenation.
Since its establishment in 2000, Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone has created tourist sites based on available natural environment. Bat Swamp is one of tourist points which can win the concern of visitors. The natural scenery is beautiful like a great work of art. Going into the swamp, tourists will see groups of flying foxes hanging themselves behind the foliages of high mangroves. Bats are very sensitive to the environment, so they live only in places that are certainly safe. The most interesting activity in Bat Swamp is crab angling. Giant pincers of crabs with succulent meat will make tourists’ lunch more delicious.
Motorboat will bring tourists to the next tourist point. There is a crocodile farm consisting of 40 crocodiles in Vam Sat Tourist Zone. Tourists come here to observe the living environment and to learn about the habits and manners of how crocodiles hunt for food. There is a unforgettable game named “Cruising while fishing crocodile.” Fishing boat is made of composite plastic with special design and surrounded by high fence of B40 metal grid. Fishers only need to drop their baits and wait for the crocodile to take their baits.
The motorboat takes visitors to central zone for lunch and relaxation. While waiting for their lunch, tourists can check out a unique swimming pool in which they do not have to worry about being drown because the salt concentration in the pool is 10 times higher than that of the ocean. Therefore, a person density is lower than the density of the pool water. Hence, tourists are always afloat on top. They can swim any way that they like, even you can read newspaper while swimming.
After relaxing, tourists will have lunch at Vam Sat’s restaurant. Specialties are mainly made from local available such as shrimps, crabs, fishes, shellfishes,… If there is special request, tourist can have the delicious Mudskippers fish. After all people can take a nap and enjoy cool winds from the river on the swinging hammocks.
Since Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is situated inside the core of the world’s biosphere preserves, the compliance with environment is vital in the strategy of construction and development. Development of Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is always in line with consultancy of specialists, biologists so that no damage can be done to the natural environment.
Thanks to this policy, Vam Sat has successfully constructed a natural bird sanctuary within an area of more than 100 hectares. Taking a view through binoculars from observing station, you can see the birds perching and from time to time flapping their wings as if they were posturing sightseers. The birds build nest, lay eggs, and care for fledglings in summer. Sightseers can use electric boats or, if they prefer, put on dedicated boots adaptable for going on marshes to start their exploration. A date-palm forest of 100 ha is the fief of those birds. Passing through spiky date-palm clusters, sightseers can see bird’s nests, some of which contain eggs, the other – birdies... When the dark comes, wild birds return in crowds and make a splendid picture of the nature.
To develop the bird sanctuary, forest protectors are using foods to induce birds, including birds listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the World. Besides bird sanctuary, Vam Sat has a preserved zone that protects wild animals like deer, wild pig, python, snake, varan… to help tourists learning more about this special region.
The system of damps for cultivating aquatic products of Vam Sat region is considered most complete and effective one of Can Gio District. This helps forest protectors in both forestation, and water supply controlling to cultivate aquatic products in all seasons. Because of abundant food, the thing that birds come here is very simple to understand. Another vital factor for success or failure in natural conservation is awareness of local people. If environmental resources are exploited in unplanned manner, the ecological system will be eliminated. So, benefits of the people must accompany with environmental protection to create sustainable strength in order to conserve the inherently sensitive ecological area
Thanks to those accomplishment, in the middle of 2003, the World Tourist Organization (WTO) recognized Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is one of the two sustainable ecological tourist zones of the World in Viet Nam. The Bird Sanctuary and Bat Swamp are approved by the People Committee of Ho Chi Minh City for a conservative zone in Can Gio protective forests in order to reserve and develop the salt-marsh forest ecology zone, conservative biosphere area and to create a place for sightseeing, research and education for both local and foreigners.
Sailing to Vamsat
Traveling to Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Area by sailing is the attracting and interesting new form to the tourists. The journey starts from Bach Dang Wharf in the early morning when Saigon is not yet awake. The tourists could breath in the fresh air and feel satisfied with the sightseeing along the edge of Saigon River. You will be serve food and enjoy the feeling of relaxing. And especially, when you join the Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Area by sailing that you could contemplate sunrise and sunset of the city on the sailing.
24. Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum
Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum is located on 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum was set up as the result of a decision made by the City’s People's Committee in September 1987, but it was not officially opened until 1991.
On the first and second floors, there are exhibits of works by Vietnamese and foreign artists. On the third floor are rooms with displays of works from between the 7th and early 20th century, including Champa and Oc Eo art work, Vietnamese antiques (ceramics, red-lacquered and gilded products, mother-of-pearl inlaid wood, etc.), traditional handicrafts of the Vietnamese ethnic groups and Western art.
Its early history is hazy, but it appears to have begun as Prei Nokot, a small Kh’mer community on a patch of land in a forest surrounded by waterways on three sides. At the time, the area was ruled by Funan, an ancient southern port with an Indianised culture that expanded to become a powerful kingdom. Funan was eventually supplanted by Chen La, which was in turn absorbed into the Angkor Empire.
As Empires rose and fell, the waterside location of Prei Nokor attracted boats navigating the Mekong River. By the 17th century, it was a thriving trading community of Malay, Indian and Chinese merchants.
The end of the 17th century saw the steady southwards advance of the Viet people as it gradually overwhelmed the Kingdom of Champa, until it was absorbed into the Empire controlled by the Hue-based Nguyen Dynasty, and acquired a new name – Saigon.
In the latter part of the 18th century, a peasants’ revolt led by the Tay Son brothers swept north and took control. Nguyen Anh, the Nguyen Emperor at the time, headed south, and fortified Saigon to be his capital in the south. When Nguyen Anh regained control, with help from the French, he retained Saigon as his southern administrative centre.
By the middle of the 19th century, the French seized Saigon and made it the capital of French Indochina. Under French rule it became a fashionable destination, but during the decades of the US-backed Saigon ‘government’, it was a byword for decadence, sleaze and corruption as money flowed in and the presence of large numbers of American GI’s stimulated the growth of brothels and gaming dens.
The end of the war, economic progress and a rebirth as Ho Chi Minh City has fuelled growth and created today's vibrant metropolis.
Its traffic is dreadful, petty crime is rife, land prices are soaring, and social problems abound, but its bustling chaos makes it easily Vietnam’s most exciting city. There is plenty to see and do, some of the best hotels in the country, and a vast range of places to eat and drink from simple street cafes to ultra swish (and ultra expensive) Vietnamese and international restaurants.
Today, Ho Chi Minh City is the big tourism center in Vietnam, attracting a large of visitors to Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City has various attractions as Ho Chi Minh Museum, formerly known as Dragon House Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, system of museums, theatres, cultural houses... Recently, many tourist areas are invested such as Thanh Da, Binh Quoi Village, Dam Sen Park, Saigon Water Park, Suoi Tien, Ky Hoa..., which draw numerous tourists.
Despite its quite recent past, Ho Chi Minh City nevertheless possesses various beautiful buildings, displaying a characteristic combination of Vietnamese, Chinese and European cultures. These include Nha Rong (Dragon House Wharf), Quoc To Temple (National Ancestors Temple), Xa Tay (Municipal Office), Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theatre as well as many pagodas and churches (Vinh Nghiem, Giac Vien, Giac Lam, Phung Son pagodas...). After more than 300 years of development, Ho Chi Minh City presents many ancient architectural constructions, famous vestiges and renowned sights. It is remarkable for its harmonious blending of traditional national values with northern and western cultural features.
Ho Chi Minh City is a Mecca of commerce. Practically anything can be bought in its malls, shops and markets. Stylish stores bursting with famous international brand names down to the wicker baskets of fruit and the trays of lighters and shoelaces carried by humble street sellers: something for everyone and prices for everything. Modern office blocks house the many trading and financial businesses that have their headquarters in the southern hub.
It’s also a city with a checkered history and a rich culture. Its pagodas, museums, public buildings, parks and boulevards make it a magnet for international tourists who arrive in increasing numbers at Tan Son Nhat, Vietnam’s busiest airport, or by road, train or ship.
Visitors are hardly ever wish-washy about their opinions of Ho Chi Minh City – they either love it or hate it but whatever they feel, they can’t ignore it!
Ho Chi Minh City is the main junction for trains, roads, water, and air transportation systems for domestic trips and for foreign destination.
If you travel to Ho Chi Minh by roads, Ho Chi Minh City is 1,730km from Hanoi, 99km from Tay Ninh, 30km from Bien Hoa (Dong Nai), 70km from My Tho, 125km from Vung Tau, 168km from Can Tho, 308km from Dalat, and 375km from Buon Ma Thuot. The City has National Highway 13 which connects Vietnam with the rest of Indochina.
If you come by train: Thong Nhat express train connects Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, vie many provinces in Vietnam. And if you plan to travel by air, Tan Son Nhat International Airport, 7km from center of city, is the biggest airport with many domestic and international routes. There are flights from Hanoi and Danang to Ho Chi Minh City and between ?the City to many regions as well a lot of countries on over the world.
Attractions in Ho Chi Minh city:
1. Reunification Palace
2. War Remnants Museum
3. Nha Tho Duc Ba, Notre Dame Cathedral
4. Cho Lon
5. Ben Thanh Market
6. Giac Lam ancient Pagoda
7. Den Ngoc Hoang, Emperor of Jade Temple
8. Saigon Centre Post Office
9. City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
10. Sai Gon Opera House
11. Thien Hau Temple
12. Vinh Nghiem Temple
13. Cu Chi tunnels
14. Dam Sen Water-Park
15. Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden
16. Islam
17. Ben Duoc Monument
18. Betel Hamlets
19. Can Gio - a biosphere reserve of the world
20. Binh Quoi Tourist Village
21. Suoi Tien Tourist Area
22. Van Thanh Park
23. Vam Sat Tourist Site
24. Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum
1. Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City
Dinh Doc Lap or Independence Palace was completed in 1966 after three years of construction. The plans were drawn by Mr. Ngo Viet Thu, winner of the architectural excellence prize in Rome. The palace was built on the original site of the French governor's headquarters in the 19th century.
President Diem commissioned Mr. Thu to design the new palace and supervised its construction. Unfortunately, the president was assassinated shortly after construction started. The Palace became the home of then President of South Vietnam Nguyen Van Thieu.Although not the prettiest building in Saigon, it is one of the most important. Here on April 30th, 1975 the American War officially ended when tank number 843 of the North Vietnamese Army crashed through the gates. It is now called the Reunification Hall with all the original furnishings still kept intact.
2. War Remnants Museum
Formerly known as the Museum of American War Crimes, this is a poignant display of the futility of war. Some of the black and white photography in the ‘Requiem’ exhibit is particularly touching; dedicated to both foreign and Vietnamese journalists and photographers who perished during the conflict. The courtyard outside contains the spoils of war, namely rusting jets, tanks and cannons captured from the American military machine.
3. Nha Tho Duc Ba, Notre Dame Cathedral
Proposed to be one of France's most ambitious project in Indochina at the time, Rev. Colombert laid the cornerstone for the cathedral on October 7, 1877. Three years later, in 1880, the cathedral was opened to the public. These two dates are inscribed on a marble placard in the cathedral.The bricks used to build the structure were shipped from Marseilles. Artisans from Lorin Company (Chartres, France) were commissioned to create the stained glass windows. The cost of construction was a whopping 2.5 million francs. In 1962, the Vatican gave the cathedral the title Basilique
4. Cho Lon
Cho Lon actually means Big Market – a claim that is well justified as Vietnam’s largest market, the Binh Tay is situated here. Also this district (district 5) is home to the city’s 400,000 Chinese and as such the area has many beautiful temples and pagodas. A pleasant way to see these is by hiring a local cyclo driver for a couple of hours.
5. Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh market has long been one of Saigon's most famous landmark. The market has been in existence since the French occupation. The original market was located on the shores of Ben Nghe river by old fort Gia Dinh. Its proximity to the fort and the river where merchants and soldiers would land was reason for its name (Ben meaning pier or port and Thanh meaning fort). In 1859, when the French invaded Saigon and overtook fort Gia Dinh, Ben Thanh Market was destroyed. It was rebuilt shortly thereafter and remained standing until it was moved to its present location in 1899.
Built on a landfill of what was once a swamp named Bo Ret (Marais Boresse), the new Ben Thanh Market is located in the center of the city. Under the French government, the area around Ben Thanh Market was called Cu Nhac circle (Rond point Cuniac), named after Mr. Cuniac, the person who proposed filling the swamp to create this area. The area was later renamed Cong truong Dien Hong.
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6. Giac Lam ancient Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh City
Giac Lam Pagoda, formerly called the Cam Dem, was built in 1744. It is now standing as the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, the first classic Buddhist training centre for Gia Dinh area and the south.
Giac Lam Pagoda is a representative of the ancient pagodas in the south, and contains historical, cultural, architectural and religious sculptural values. It was constructed of various kinds of wood largely available in the region and located on the top of a hill under the shade of trees in a spherical design and close to nature. The two-tier gate, prominent in the garden-pagoda architect, was placed right on the lane leading to the yard of the pagoda. It harmonises with western decorations of square pillars, and Indian and Khmer cultures of lions, lotuses, and Nagar snakes. However, the Vietnamese national culture is the strongest felt with a terra cotta vase made in Song Be and placed in the highest position in the pagoda. On the New Year - the point of time when the sky meets the earth - the residential monk would stick the scroll with wishes for a peaceful world and happy life for people on the "magic heaven supporting pillar". This is an expression of the harmony between religion and life.
Among the 118 ancient statues at the pagoda, 113 were made of bronze and wood. The Arhat statues bear strong influence from the Chinese sculpture. Various decorations of Giac Lam Pagoda become special with sophisticated designs carved on wood. The nine dragons are carved to hidden in clouds and spraying water in a manifestation of blessing to the agriculture-based area, breathe the warm life to the holy atmosphere of the pagoda. In 1998, the pagoda was recognized as a national historical and cultural relic
7. Den Ngoc Hoang, Emperor of Jade Temple, Ho Chi Minh City
Located in Dakao, first district, the temple was built by Cantonese Buddhists who settled in Saigon in the 19th century. The architectural style is heavily influenced by the Chinese of southern China.
4 guardians - Tu Dai Kim Cuong
The Taoist deity (Emperor of Jade) is enshrined here along with his 4 guardians (Tu Dai Kim Cuong). The major attractions to the shrine are the elaborate carvings of the various deities as well as its unique architectural style of the interior. This temple is also home to the Hall of Ten Hells where there are carvings of various scenes of the various levels of hell.
8. Saigon Centre Post Office
Right next to Notre Dame Catheral is Saigon's French-styled Central post office. The structure was built between 1886 and 1891, the ochre-coloured building has a glass canopy, ceiling fans, and enormous wall maps. At the far end of the arched building is a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh. It is still the biggest post office in Vietnam
9. City Hall (Hôtel de Ville)
It is one of the most prominent landmarks. The People's Committee building is the city hall of Ho Chi Minh City, formerly called the Hotel de Ville. In French style, the building is modeled on Paris' own Hotel de Ville and was completed in 1908. Facing toward Saigon River, the building is notable for its ornate facade and elegant interior lit with crystal chandeliers. The small park in front has a memorial statue of Ho Chi Minh. Nowadays the building is used for the city administration in daily working and meeting occasions
10. Sai Gon Opera House
Sai Gon Opera House is in Rue Catinat (Dong Khoi Street) at the centre of the heart of the city . It was built in 1899 and later renovated in the 1940s. It was built in French architectural style of which the materials were mainly transported from France. A group of French artists was in charge of interior decoration with patterns similar to those in France’s late 19th century opera houses. The theatre finished with spacious ventilation and state-of-the-art sound and light systems. In front of the theatre is a park where young people like to sit around. The theatre often offers different programs such as concert, drama, and ballet
11. Thien Hau Temple
In the early 19th century, Cantonese fishermen built the temple to dedicate to Thien Hau, the Chinese Goddess of the Sea, who protects fishermen, sailors, merchants and other seafarers. Though there are guardians to either side of the entrance, it is said that the real protectors of the pagoda are the two land turtles living here. The temple’s interior courtyard with intricate ceramic friezes is worth seeing with beautiful ceramic figurines and antiques, commemorating the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants from Canton. On the 23rd day of the 3rd lunar month, the biggest ceremony is held in Thien Hau temple to her honour. People pray to her for happiness, prosperity, and solidarity
12. Vinh Nghiem Temple, Ho Chi Minh City
Located on Cong Ly boulevard (or Nam Ky Khoi Nghia), Vinh nghiem is south Vietnam's most majestic temple. Construction of the temple was completed in 1971 after the design was drawn by Mr. Nguyen Ba Lang and associates. The ground floor consists of the library, the auditorium, and offices. The temple is located in a large parcel of land. On the left of the upper court yard stands a tower or the seven-level Avalokitesvara Stupa. Next to the tower hangs a large bell given to the temple by the Japanese Buddhists Sangha.
13. Cu Chi tunnels
These tunnels are a symbol of Vietnam’s continual fight against foreign oppression and imperialism. The tunnel system covers close to 200 km including under what was once a US air base. The tunnels once spanned an area stretching from close to the Cambodian border to the city limits of Ho Chi Minh City. They can be seen to represent the Vietnamese attributes of ingenuity, loyalty, hard work and determination. They were originally constructed to fight against the French in the 1940s, to give a peasant army a means of communication between villages whilst remaining undetected. In 1960 the Viet Cong repaired and added to the tunnels to fight against the South Vietnamese and American forces. The Commander of the American forces in the region held the opinion that the Viet Cong who were responsible for digging them were like human moles. Although the tunnels were mainly designed with a fighting role in mind they also contained a wide array of chambers including field hospitals, meeting rooms and even private offices and sleeping quarters for senior officers. To repel attacks and infiltration, the tunnels contained many elaborate booby traps including concealed pits with bamboo spikes at the base, and mines and crossbows which would be triggered by trip wires. When you visit the tunnels, your guide should point out some of these traps, then look back over your path and try to decide how many of those you would have triggered. Some of the tunnels went under water, with a primitive S-Bend effect where the tunnel would open under the surface of a river, this allowing the Viet Cong to leave the tunnels virtually undetected.
Before entering the actual Cu Chi tunnels, you may see a screening of a propaganda film about them that has some amazing footage. You will then be guided around the tunnels by an English speaking guide. You will only visit some of the tunnels which have been preserved in a state not dissimilar to how they were during the war including those areas used as a field hospital, meeting room and other official quarters. It is also possible to fire an AK - 47 on site for USD 1 a bullet. The firing range closes at 4.30 PM, whilst the tunnels close at 5 PM.
14. Dam Sen Water-Park, Ho Chi Minh City
DAM SEN Water Park was opened on 19 November 1999 as a joint venture of PHU THO Tourism and Service Company and Viet Asia Joint-Stock Commercial Bank.
Dam Sen Water Park, with modern aquatic equipments installed complying with European standard, harmoniously located in a fresh and verdant Oriental landscape garden of 3 hectares in width just right in the city’s heart. The park is built in a community of leisure center and shopping center such as Dam Sen Cultural Park, Dam Sen Bowling Center, Dam Sen Co-op Mart, and Dam Sen Sports Club.
Dam Sen Water Park with 25 aquatic equipments and a wave pool of 3000m2 in width appropriate for all ages from calm games such as Drifting River, Wave Pool, Massage Pool, Crazy River to thrilled games such as Kimikaze slide, waterfall crossing swing, etc… and a children paradise including water palace, elephant and hippopotamus families together with pretty and colorful slides for children. In the hope of bringing about a great deal of good new feeling for visitors, in the past few years, we have installed more new games such as a 20 m high Tornado, the Space Spiral Slide, and the Black Thunder with special sound effect.
When participating games here, you can put your mind at rest for the professional rescue team who always keeps watch by your side in order to give you specific instructions and offer helps just in time. In addtion, all slides here are granted a certificate of technical safety for aquatic games No. 29/ TTAT–LCAT in 2000 by Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Welfare.
Coming to Dam Sen Water Park, you will be served wholeheartedly and caringly by a group of hospitable and thoughtful staffs and a system of impeccable services scattering across the park provided with diversified menus and reasonable prices. Additionally, we have a restaurant in Dam Sen Water Park with the capacity amounts to 500 guests to 1000 guests and it is constructed in a romantic and airy setting which fits for all kinds of wedding party, merrymaking party, birthday party, and year-end get-together party, etc… with diversified menus, appetizing foods, reasonable prices and undertaken by many-year-experienced cooks.
Every year, many non-professional activities such as associating with Education and Training service to organize festival of group of songs “Young cicada” for pupils of the whole city, festival of colouring and drawing competition for children, etc… are celebrated here.
15. Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden, Ho Chi Minh City
The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden in Ho Chi Minh City is the oldest cultural and historical park in Vietnam and has the country's largest collection of plants and animals.
It was established in 1865 on an area of 12ha close to the Rach Lang River in the north-east of city. The zoo opened with about 500 animals, birds and many species of plants that were seen in Vietnam for the first time such as cacao and coffee. In 1924, it was expanded to cover another 10ha and was officially named the Zoological and Botanical Garden five years later.
In 1990, the Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden was recognized as an official member of the Southeast Asia Association of Zoological Gardens. The zoo has become the country's largest of its kind and is a popular tourist attraction and an outdoor school for young Vietnamese.
The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden now houses some 800 animals of more than 120 species. The garden also houses rare species such as black-legged gibbons, flame-colored wolves and red headed cranes.
Many precious trees have been planted throughout the zoo. Some are over 40m tall. It would take six people holding hands to circle the largest. The garden welcomes some 2 million visitors every year.
The Saigon Zoological and Botanical Garden has just celebrated its 140th founding anniversary.
16. Islam, Ho Chi Minh City
A small number of Muslims exist in Vietnam, and are mainly found in South central Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, and by the Cambodian border. Islam was introduced to Vietnam in the 7th century via Arab traders and later blended with local customs and religion. Islam is now mostly practiced by the Cham population of Vietnam, although there is a strong Hindu influence in their practice. Today, there are several mosques in metropolitan Saigon.
17. Ben Duoc Monument
Ben Duoc Monument was built in Cu Chi District, about 70km from Ho Chi Minh City centre. The Ben Duoc Monument to the War Martyrs is a harmonious architectural complex. The monument was built according to the design of a traditional Vietnamese temple.
The monument is dedicated to the war martyrs from 40 cities and provinces, who laid down their lives on the battle fields in Saigon - Cho Lon - Gia Dinh during the anti-French and US resistance wars for national independence and freedom.
It has a three-entrance gate. In the main shrine are worshipped 44,357 martyrs and heroic mothers whose name are carved on marble plates and gilded with gold. On the ground floor, a mini-mock up, pictures, and many other show pieces about the hard life and battles of the army men and local people during the wars are displayed. There is also a nine-storey tower, 39m high, surrounded with gardens with flowers that blossom all the year round and with diverse kinds of ornamental plants.
Since its establishment in 1995 the monument has welcomed thousands of visitors, both domestic and foreign, especially on Martyrs' Day - July 27th - who come to enjoy the local scenery and show their respect to the national heroes.
18. Betel Hamlets
The Betel Hamlets are situated in Hoc Mon District, about 10km centre of Ho Chi Minh City. The betel gardens have such lush and green foliage that one can stand under these frames when it is raining without getting wet.
19. Can Gio - a biosphere reserve of the world
The ecological forest of Can Gio is situated 50km away from downtown Ho Chi Minh City. With an area of over 70,000 ha, of which 35,000 ha is salt-watered forest, Can Gio has been recognized as a biosphere reserve of the world by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Can Gio has been recognized as a biosphere reserve after evaluation of various aspects, including the people, ecology, environment and biosphere sustainability. Those who visited this place decade ago can hardly recognize it today, due to the countless towering trees and plants that stretch out of sight, and the harmonious biosphere of the coastal mangrove forest. So far nearly 40,000 ha of forest and land have been restored. According to the Can Gio Forest Managing Board, at present more than 600 households with 1,500 people reside in this area. They live on reforestation, forest protection and aquatic production. In the early 1970's, the concept of "Biosphere reserve" was announced with the aim of protecting the species in danger of extinction. The biosphere reserves must preserve the samples of the ecological systems in the world, and work as a laboratory where research and observation of these ecological systems are undertaken. The reserve seeks measures to help the local people benefit from nature.
Before the construction of a 20 km-long road linking Binh Khanh wharf to Can Thanh, which runs along Can Gio to beach April 30, Can Gio was a remote area whose residents lived on catching crabs and mussels. Now it is an interesting eco-tourist site attracting many people from Ho Chi Minh City and other places. The Saigon Tourism Company and Phu Tho Tourism Company have established eco-tours to this area. Visiting Can Gio, you will see crocodiles lying in the swamp and hundreds of monkeys that come from mangrove clumps to the walk-ways of Lam Vien ecological site, to welcome the visitors. They catch sugarcane the visitors give them, and eat them with delight. On holidays, there were averages of 2,000 visitors a day to Can Gio. At peak times there were over 6,000 visitors a day. Visitors could stay at the residential quarter April 30, adjacent to the beach or at Actmang quarter in the 2,100ha Lam Vien area with countless mangrove trees. Quite a few people like to hire hammocks and umbrellas to rest under the canopy of the trees.
In the near future the war zone in the shrub forest, which was home to 800 commando soldiers in wartime, would be restored. It will become a 3,000m² preservation sites with 14 houses-on-stilts, roofed with date palm trunks and water-coconut leaves. When this project is completed, Can Gio will have another traditional tourist site, attracting not only young people, but also those who want to know more about the struggle of the fighters in the shrub forest in the past.
Taking a boat ride on the big Dong Nai and Long Tau Rivers or on the smaller Vam Sac, Dong Thanh and Soai Rap Rivers, which run through Can Gio, visitors will not think that they are visiting a district on the outskirts of Ho Chi Minh City. They seem to be in the watery areas of Ca Mau and Kien Giang, the southernmost area in Vietnam with vast mangrove and cajeput forests. The roots of the mangrove trees on the sides of the river twist with one another then spread out and root deep into the earth. It is these roots that make Can Gio a protective forest safeguarding millions of city dwellers, and an ideal ecological tourist site as well.
20. Binh Quoi Tourist Village
Binh Quoi Tourist Village is located on the Thanh Da peninsula by the Saigon River, 8km from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. This is the city’s biggest resort with its unique scenery.
There are 55 modern-equipped bedrooms in the village, which nestle under big trees by the river. The village’s restaurant is where big parties can be held and famous grilled dishes and Vietnamese traditional specialties can be found. There are marvellous shows of traditional music in the evening, including “Ky Yen Festival,” “Southern amateur singing on Ghe Hau,” “Traditional Vietnamese Wedding.” Such shows attract a great deal of domestic and overseas tourists. You can also go water-surfing, fishing, swimming, play tennis, and many other kinds of sport. From Binh Quoi, you can boat along the Saigon River to visit the Ben Duoc Underground Tunnel, Lai Thieu Fruit Gardens, and back to the Nha Rong Harbour.
21. Suoi Tien Tourist Area
Suoi Tien Tourist Area is located in Thu Duc District, northeast of Ho Chi Minh City centre. It is an entertainment area for local citizens and foreign visitors.
The wild landscape houses many rare species; for example, there are approximately 2,000 crocodiles bred in Crocodile Lake. Another popular attraction is the aquarium where tourists can admire hundreds of fish species and other marine creatures swimming in glass tunnels.
22. Van Thanh Park
Van Thanh Park is located at 48/10 Dien Bien Phu Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Van Thanh Park is the entertainment area mostly prized by Ho Chi Minh City citizens.
The park lies on the bank of the Thi Nghe River, a branch of the Saigon River. From the park, there is a view of Vung Tau. At night, Van Thanh Park is filled with music. Festivals, fashion shows, and cast selections are often held in the park.
23. Vam Sat Tourist Site
Situated between the stream flows of Vam Sat and Long Tau River, Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone contains most beautiful forests of Can Gio which is one of the world’s Salt-Marsh biosphere preserve, sited in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. Historically, this land had been damaged by toxic chemicals that turned the zone into an uninhabited land. Thanks to the hard work of people, the forest has gradually recovered, and its beauty and magnificence feature have been returned.
According to foreign specialists that Can Gio salt-marsh forest is the best recovered, taken care of, protected and managed in Vietnam and in the world. With total area of 75,740 hectares, Can Gio forest is diversified by wide variety of fauna and flora, which is an ideal place for scientific research, ecological tourism and rejuvenation.
Since its establishment in 2000, Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone has created tourist sites based on available natural environment. Bat Swamp is one of tourist points which can win the concern of visitors. The natural scenery is beautiful like a great work of art. Going into the swamp, tourists will see groups of flying foxes hanging themselves behind the foliages of high mangroves. Bats are very sensitive to the environment, so they live only in places that are certainly safe. The most interesting activity in Bat Swamp is crab angling. Giant pincers of crabs with succulent meat will make tourists’ lunch more delicious.
Motorboat will bring tourists to the next tourist point. There is a crocodile farm consisting of 40 crocodiles in Vam Sat Tourist Zone. Tourists come here to observe the living environment and to learn about the habits and manners of how crocodiles hunt for food. There is a unforgettable game named “Cruising while fishing crocodile.” Fishing boat is made of composite plastic with special design and surrounded by high fence of B40 metal grid. Fishers only need to drop their baits and wait for the crocodile to take their baits.
The motorboat takes visitors to central zone for lunch and relaxation. While waiting for their lunch, tourists can check out a unique swimming pool in which they do not have to worry about being drown because the salt concentration in the pool is 10 times higher than that of the ocean. Therefore, a person density is lower than the density of the pool water. Hence, tourists are always afloat on top. They can swim any way that they like, even you can read newspaper while swimming.
After relaxing, tourists will have lunch at Vam Sat’s restaurant. Specialties are mainly made from local available such as shrimps, crabs, fishes, shellfishes,… If there is special request, tourist can have the delicious Mudskippers fish. After all people can take a nap and enjoy cool winds from the river on the swinging hammocks.
Since Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is situated inside the core of the world’s biosphere preserves, the compliance with environment is vital in the strategy of construction and development. Development of Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is always in line with consultancy of specialists, biologists so that no damage can be done to the natural environment.
Thanks to this policy, Vam Sat has successfully constructed a natural bird sanctuary within an area of more than 100 hectares. Taking a view through binoculars from observing station, you can see the birds perching and from time to time flapping their wings as if they were posturing sightseers. The birds build nest, lay eggs, and care for fledglings in summer. Sightseers can use electric boats or, if they prefer, put on dedicated boots adaptable for going on marshes to start their exploration. A date-palm forest of 100 ha is the fief of those birds. Passing through spiky date-palm clusters, sightseers can see bird’s nests, some of which contain eggs, the other – birdies... When the dark comes, wild birds return in crowds and make a splendid picture of the nature.
To develop the bird sanctuary, forest protectors are using foods to induce birds, including birds listed in the Red Book of Vietnam and the World. Besides bird sanctuary, Vam Sat has a preserved zone that protects wild animals like deer, wild pig, python, snake, varan… to help tourists learning more about this special region.
The system of damps for cultivating aquatic products of Vam Sat region is considered most complete and effective one of Can Gio District. This helps forest protectors in both forestation, and water supply controlling to cultivate aquatic products in all seasons. Because of abundant food, the thing that birds come here is very simple to understand. Another vital factor for success or failure in natural conservation is awareness of local people. If environmental resources are exploited in unplanned manner, the ecological system will be eliminated. So, benefits of the people must accompany with environmental protection to create sustainable strength in order to conserve the inherently sensitive ecological area
Thanks to those accomplishment, in the middle of 2003, the World Tourist Organization (WTO) recognized Vam Sat Salt-Marsh Forest Ecological Tourist Zone is one of the two sustainable ecological tourist zones of the World in Viet Nam. The Bird Sanctuary and Bat Swamp are approved by the People Committee of Ho Chi Minh City for a conservative zone in Can Gio protective forests in order to reserve and develop the salt-marsh forest ecology zone, conservative biosphere area and to create a place for sightseeing, research and education for both local and foreigners.
Sailing to Vamsat
Traveling to Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Area by sailing is the attracting and interesting new form to the tourists. The journey starts from Bach Dang Wharf in the early morning when Saigon is not yet awake. The tourists could breath in the fresh air and feel satisfied with the sightseeing along the edge of Saigon River. You will be serve food and enjoy the feeling of relaxing. And especially, when you join the Vam Sat Eco-Tourist Area by sailing that you could contemplate sunrise and sunset of the city on the sailing.
24. Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum
Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum is located on 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
The Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum was set up as the result of a decision made by the City’s People's Committee in September 1987, but it was not officially opened until 1991.
On the first and second floors, there are exhibits of works by Vietnamese and foreign artists. On the third floor are rooms with displays of works from between the 7th and early 20th century, including Champa and Oc Eo art work, Vietnamese antiques (ceramics, red-lacquered and gilded products, mother-of-pearl inlaid wood, etc.), traditional handicrafts of the Vietnamese ethnic groups and Western art.