If you’re dreaming of a quick respite from busy Singapore that is not heavy on the pocket, Ho Chi Minh might just be the place. For just a mere two-hour flight, you’d feel like you have been transported to Paris as the French’s colonial influences largely remains in the city.

Ho Chi Minh (formerly called Saigon) is Vietnam’s biggest metropolis but small enough to be seen in a weekend. You can get return flight tickets for as low as 100 sgd, even cheaper if you travel on non-peak days. Here, I combined the places I visited during my short trip to the city.

Your adventure starts as soon as you get outside the airport. I have heard many horror stories of tourists getting ripped off by taxis in HCM, that’s why I made sure to ride only with this two recommended taxi companies: Mai Linh and Vinasun. You would also want to stay at District 1 to be close to the key sights.

Be warned though, HCM’s streets are a scared’s pedestrians nightmare. :p

Notre Dame Basilica

I think the most significant reminder of the French conquest in what now a largely Buddhist country is this neo-Romanesque style church standing tall in HCM’s downtown. This building is so French that all the original materials used in the construction is imported from France.

Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Another fine example of the French’s influence in the city, the city hall is both a city institution and a popular tourist landmark. This is a fully functioning government workplace so tourists have to be content of taking photos of the building’s facade and the surrounding park as the inside is not available for public viewing. There are also several high-end shops and hotel along the same street.

Saigon Opera House

Now is the time I start reminding myself that I am not in France, hehe. This magnificent building is HCM’s top venue for opera performances. Apparently, this is constructed for the entertainment  of the French colonists during that era and the facade carries a great resemblance with that of Petit Palais in Paris. Interestingly, it was built in the same year the Petit Palais is built in Paris. Today, this is open to the public during events and productions.

Saigon Central Post Office

Just opposite of the Notre Dame Basilica, this building is not your usual post office. The first thing you will notice is how elegant the interiors are. Interestingly, the building was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the same engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris. There are several shops inside the post office where you can grab your souvenirs.

Reunification Palace

Not to be missed if you are especially interested in history. This is where the Vietnam War came to an end in 1975 as a North Vietnamese tank crashed into its gates. Today, two of the original tanks instrumental to the fall of Saigon is parked in the grounds. Inside, you will find exhibits of various significant events from that time in history.

Ben Thanh Market

After a long day of walking and more walking, reward yourself with some good pho and shopping! If you can name it, you can get it at Ben Thanh! Beware though, most prices are marked up as high as 50% of the original price. Always haggle before making a purchase.

This rounds up my weekend trip to Ho Chi Minh. Hope you find yourself here too one of these days!

xoxo