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Ho Chi Minh City Cruises
Although its official name is Ho Chi Minh City, many still refer to this destination as Saigon, so you’ll see both names as you tour its colourful streets. Ruled by the French during the 1800s, Ho Chi Minh City retains a European feel in many areas, seen in its delectable fusion cuisine and colonial buildings. Yet these sit next to Buddhist and Hindu temples, modern skyscrapers, and low-rise residences alike for an intriguing blend of cultural styles that makes the city unique! Whether you’re in the mood for fine dining, shopping, or visiting historic sites, you’ll love this cityscape.
What You Need To Know About Ho Chi Minh City
How to reach Ho Chi Minh City from the cruise terminal?
Large cruise ships dock at the Phu My commercial port approximately 80 miles away from Ho Chi Minh City, while small and midsize ships are able to navigate the Saigon River right up into the city centre. If you’re arriving at Phu My, you’ll need to either take a taxi, organised tour bus, or the ship’s shuttle service to the Rex Hotel in the centre of town. One thing to note is that at present there is no ATM at the terminal, which means you’ll have to take a separate shuttle to the village of Ba Ria if you want to take out cash.
What are the can’t-miss sights in Ho Chi Minh City?
Have a wander around the city’s centre to see French Colonial buildings, art galleries and bustling markets like Ben Thanh with its dizzying array of food and handicrafts. The historic Rex Hotel hotel is infamous for being a social hub during the war and is a popular eating spot today. Learn more about the city’s Communist history at the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, and visit the Independence Palace to see where important wartime operations were conceived. Afterwards, take a taxi to the Cu Chi Tunnels - these underground passages were used by Viet Cong guerrillas, with an elaborate network extending 120 miles.
Typical food and restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City?
The local cuisine blends French and Asian styles, as seen in the banh mi sandwiches which feature fresh herbs and crusty baguettes. You can’t leave the city without trying a bowl of steaming pho noodle soup, traditionally made with a selection of meats including oxtail and beef, although you’ll find seafood-based and even vegetarian versions on hand as well. A good place to wander in search of dinner is Du Street, which is a few blocks away from the Rex Hotel. You’ll be able to take your pick from Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and Indian restaurants here, with menus clearly displayed.
HO CHI MINH CITY EXPERTS
We have over 130 expert cruise consultants to help you book the perfect cruise. Many have first hand experience of Ho Chi Minh City and you can find some of their best tips and advice below.
Lucy Welling
Ho Chi Minh
I would definitely recommend starting in Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh City has lots of places to visit such as the markets and Saigon Opera House.
Ho Chi Minh City News
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Read moreHO CHI MINH CITY - DID YOU KNOW?
There’s a sizeable Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City, which you can explore with a visit to its Chinatown neighbourhood called ‘Cholon’. In addition to its fascinating shops and restaurants, there’s a group of traditional pagodas to visit. Thien Hau is one of the biggest, featuring ceramic carvings. It’s said to protect sailors, as this temple is dedicated to the sea goddess. In addition to its colourful pagodas, you’ll find French colonial architecture here like the Hotel de Vile City Hall, central post office, and red-bricked Notre Dame Cathedral.
Although the Vietnam War takes up a good percentage of the tourist-oriented sites, if you want to learn more about Vietnamese culture outside of this time period you can visit the Vietnam History Museum. It includes exhibitions with artefacts dating all the way back to the Bronze Age, so you get a broad overview of this country’s fascinating history and traditions. A highlight here is the water puppet theatre, recreating legends and folktales in an enchanting display!
Ben Thanh Market is the place to go to flex your retail muscles, but it’s easy to get lost here – focus and look for highlights like sleek lacquerware, embroidered silk shirts, and lovely leather goods. Chinatown is another shopping hotspot, with the addition of a delicious outdoor food court.
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