How to Spend 24 Hours in Saigon – A Mission to Explore the Best of Vietnam
Motorbikes zoom through the streets while locals sit by the road enjoying noodles. The air smells like spices, with a bit of exhaust fumes mixed in. This is Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam still called Saigon. It’s a city with one foot in the modern world and the other in the old world. Some parts of the city feel like Europe, with their French-style buildings. The city is also home to museums and markets. A day isn’t enough to explore everything the city has to offer, but it’s enough time to explore the following.
Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
One of the finest examples of Neo-Romanesque architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral stands out among other landmarks. Topped with iron spires, its 60-metre twin towers are hard to miss. The cathedral was built between 1877 and 1883 and was meant to serve not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of French power. The facade is made of red bricks, and the clock between the towers was made in Switzerland. Inside the cathedral, you’ll find excellent glasswork and pillars.Give yourself at least half an hour to admire the cathedral’s remarkable architecture. Don’t forget to visit the French colonial-style post office located right across the street.
Diego Delso, Basílica de Nuestra Señora, Ciudad Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam, 2013-08-14, DD 03, CC BY-SA 3.0
Saigon Opera House
Also called the Municipal Theatre, the Saigon Opera House is a stunning structure on Le Loi Avenue. It’s another example of French colonial architecture. It was built by French architect Eugene Ferret in 1897 for French colonists. The building resembles the Petit Palais in Paris. In the following years, the building was used for government purposes and later became a theatre. Events like the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet Symphony Orchestra and Opera come to life at the Saigon Opera House. The area is home to various hotels and shopping malls. From PARKROYAL Saigon, one of the popular 4-star hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, the opera house is about 29 minutes away.
War Remnants Museum
One of the most visited museums in Vietnam, the War Remnants Museum serves as a reminder of the pain-ridden history of war. The Vietnam War is the main focus, but there are exhibits relating to the First Indochina War against the French. Start your tour on the top floors and make your way down to the ground floor. Keep in mind that some exhibits are extremely hard to look at, especially the photos of kids affected by the war. The courtyard also features exhibits like weapons and military vehicles.Some historians view the museum’s collection as being one-sided, but it’s a powerful reminder of the destruction of lives. This museum isn’t the best place for young kids, but it remains one of the most visited sites in Saigon.
Reunification Palace
Also called the Independence Palace, the Reunification Palace is more about its history than the building itself. However, the building, with its old furniture and 1960s-style architecture, seems like something from a lost world. This is the site of a significant historical event that marked the end of the war – once the war was over, a North Vietnamese army tank ran right through the iron gates. The palace sits on 44 acres of land with gardens and lawns. It perfectly showcases the opulent lives led by the rich back in the 1960s.
Mekong Delta
You can spend at least a few hours cruising through the Mekong Delta, a warren of islands, palm trees, and rivers. It’s a refreshing escape from the busy Saigon. A tour of the Mekong Delta is also an opportunity to get a feel for local life. The delta spreads over 40,000 square kilometres, produces over half of the country’s grains, and is responsible for over 90% of exports. Floating markets are the most popular tourist features. Get here early in the morning to explore these markets. There are guided tours offering cruises as well as village visits.
