Ho Chi Minh
Spending time in the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh (Saigon)
VIETNAM
We were excited to see what Vietnam had to offer and started our journey in the city of Ho Chi Minh. Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam. With its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning architectural landmarks, it offers a mesmerizing experience for visitors. Exploring the city's famous landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office allows you to immerse yourself in the city's colonial past. For a taste of Vietnamese history, the War Remnants Museum provides a sobering insight into the country's tumultuous past.
What better way to immerse ourselves in this vibrant city then to experience nightlife at the at Pho Di Bo Bui Vien Walking Street.
Bui Vien Walking Street in Ho Chi Minh City was a vibrant and bustling place that offered a unique and lively experience. This street was lined with numerous bars, clubs, restaurants, and shops, making it a hotspot for nightlife and entertainment. As we walked along Bui Vien, we were captivated by the energetic atmosphere, with music filling the air, and colorful lights illuminating the street. The street was also a great place to sample delicious Vietnamese street food, from pho and banh mi to spring rolls and Vietnamese coffee. Whether you are looking to party the night away or simply soak in the vibrant ambiance, Bui Vien Walking Street is a must-visit destination in Ho Chi Minh City.
The next day we joined a tour up through the lush greenery of the Mekong Delta, cruising down the picturesque waterways and witnessing the local way of life. We got to see and visit rural villages where they were really connected to their food sources with bee hives and exotic animals available to hold and touch. With its captivating blend of culture, history, and natural beauty, the Ho Chi Minh Mekong Delta tour was an enriching trip for us to experience.
While in the city we also took the time to watch a traditional Vietnamese art form called water puppetry. The water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City was a mesmerizing spectacle that showcased the country's rich cultural heritage. The show took place in a specially designed pool of water, with skilled puppeteers controlling the puppets from behind a screen. The puppets, made of lightweight materials, gracefully danced and glided on the water, bringing to life various folk tales, legends, and daily activities.
The performance incorporated live traditional music, enhancing the overall ambiance and immersed the audience in the captivating world of Vietnamese folklore. We were amazed at the large crew required to bring the show to life and the music was lively and entertaining. Watching a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-do activity for visitors seeking to delve into the vibrant cultural scene of Vietnam.
Leaving this bustling city was bittersweet. The busy streets, vibrant markets, and delicious street food were hard to say goodbye to. Ho Chi Minh city left a lasting impression on us. We will feel forever grateful for the memories that we made in this unique city. Happy exploring!
On our final night in Ho Chi Minh, we took the time to walk around and explored the city. The sights, smells, and sounds of the city was a little overwhelming at times and the traffic in Ho Chi Minh can only be described as organized chaos.
I took a video of a random intersection we came across as we just had to marvel at the amazing skill demonstrated by the drivers and pedestrians as they navigated around each other.
