Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

10 Nov

Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately known as Saigon by locals, is a vibrant blend of old and new; a city where history, culture, and modern energy intertwine seamlessly. From the moment we arrived, we could feel the pulse of Vietnam’s largest metropolis alive with movement, colour and life at every corner.

Our drive into the city was a journey in itself, passing lush paddy fields and small rural villages that slowly gave way to the towering skyline of glass and steel. The closer we got, the more intense the rhythm became with scooters zipping past in every direction, street vendors selling sizzling snacks, and the unmistakable hum of city life growing louder with every mile.

Once in the city, we discovered that Ho Chi Minh City is best explored on foot. Despite its reputation for chaos, walking through its districts felt surprisingly manageable and endlessly rewarding. Each step revealed a new scene and we discovered everything from colonial architecture to street food stalls and modern boutiques.

Ho Chi Minh City can only be described as pure, beautiful chaos; a symphony of scooters buzzing in every direction like a living current. At first glance crossing the road looks impossible, a daredevil’s dream with thousands of bikes weaving in endless motion. But once you take that first brave step you realise there’s a strange rhythm to it all. The secret? Keep walking, stay steady, don’t hesitate. The locals glide effortlessly around you as if reading your mind, and somehow, almost magically, you find yourself safely on the other side, heart racing and grinning at the madness of it all.

One of the highlights of our stay was Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the city’s main pedestrianised boulevard. Flanked by grand hotels, modern cafés, and quirky bubble tea shops, it’s a place where locals and visitors alike gather in the evenings to people-watch, enjoy street performances, and take in the city’s atmosphere. Towering above it all are the famous “flat” buildings; narrow, multi-storey blocks that have been transformed into stacked cafés and boutique stores. Each floor hides a new surprise, from trendy coffee houses to cozy art studios, all accessed by creaky staircases and neon-lit corridors. It’s the perfect place to sip a slow-drip Vietnamese iced coffee while watching the world go by below.

No visit to Ho Chi Minh City would be complete without experiencing the Ben Thanh Market. A feast for the senses, it’s a maze of vibrant textiles, fragrant spices, and sizzling street food stalls. The air is filled with the scent of grilled meats, lemongrass, and freshly baked banh mi. Everywhere you look, there’s movement and noise, stallholders calling out, tourists haggling over prices, and the endless rows of colourful goods ranging from souvenirs and handmade crafts to knockoff designer bags and clothing. It’s chaotic, noisy, and utterly captivating. We spent hours wandering the aisles, tasting everything from fresh spring rolls to coconut ice cream served straight from the shell.

For a more reflective experience, we visited the War Remnants Museum, which offers an unflinching look into Vietnam’s past. The exhibits are powerful, emotional, and deeply moving, a reminder of the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the scars left by conflict. In the grounds you get up close to one of the iconic helicopters used by the Americans in the evacuation of Saigon

Just a short walk away stands the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, built by the French in the late 19th century. Its red brick façade and twin bell towers are a striking symbol of the city’s colonial history, and nearby, the Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel, is another architectural gem still in use today.

We also made our way to the Bitexco Financial Tower, one of the tallest buildings in Vietnam. From the observation deck high above the city, we were treated to panoramic views across the Saigon River and the sprawling urban landscape. The city seemed endless, a sea of rooftops stretching toward the horizon, with the river winding gracefully through its heart. Watching the sunset from this vantage point was unforgettable, as the city lights began to sparkle below and the evening buzz took over once again.

Ho Chi Minh City truly comes alive after dark. The sidewalks fill with food carts selling steaming bowls of pho, sizzling banh xeo pancakes, and sweet che desserts. Locals gather at tiny plastic tables under the glow of neon lights, sharing food and laughter late into the night. Every corner seems to hide another café, rooftop bar, or live music venue, proof that this city never sleeps.

What struck us most was the contrast that defines Ho Chi Minh City. It’s a place where grand colonial buildings stand beside modern skyscrapers, where tranquil temples are tucked behind busy streets, and where the old rhythms of tradition meet the energy of progress. It’s a city that engages all the senses and leaves you with memories that linger long after you’ve left.

Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just a stop on the map, it’s an experience, a heartbeat, a story still being written every day.

2024-02