Picked up by army Jeep from your hotel, we will drive by some landmarks of Saigon:
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is located in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City. It was constructed between 1863 and 1880 by the French, and reaches a height of up to 60 meters.
Ask any local people about the location of the city’s center or its symbol, the answer would definitely be Ben Thanh Market or Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (officially Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception). Saigon Notre Dame Catheral is a must-visit attraction, not only by its importance but also by its obvious presence as you set foot in Ho Chi Minh City.
The Cathedral is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Saigon, and is where the chair of the Archbishop of Saigon, who has a strong influence on the religious life of Catholic adherents in the south of Vietnam, is located. Since it is located right next to the Saigon Central Post Office, it is recommended that you visit these two attractions and the nearby Independence Palace at the same time.
Saigon Central Post Office is one of the most famous and iconic attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. With its unique structure and remnant of the city’s past, this is a perfect place for the people who want to enjoy the beautiful design, mail a postcard, write a letter by hand or simply recall the memory of a bygone era.
The history of this building started when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century. On January 13th, 1863, the post office was first opened to the locals, and the post office issued their first stamp. Gustave Eiffel is the person who had designed the first version. In 1864, Saigon Central Post Office began to be more famous in the Southern areas. From 1886 to 1891, the building was rebuilt by French architect Villedieu, and that is the Saigon Post Office we see till today.
First, visit the Reunification Palace, the former home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War.
The Reunification Palace, also known as Independence Palace, is listed as a historical monument by witnessing great changes of Ho Chi Minh City’s history (formerly known Saigon) and having in itself the essence of Eastern culture. Throughout the heroic battles, this amazing work of architecture had witnessed almost every high and low of the Vietnamese war.
The Palace was completely finished in 1871, and from 1887 to 1945, many French governors had used this mansion as a place to live and work during the Indochina invasion. By 1945, the Japanese fascist won over France and monopolized Indochina, Norodom Palace became the workplace of the Japanese government in Vietnam.
The architectural beauty of the Palace is also shown by the stone flower curtain in the form of elegant bamboo on the second floor. The stone flower curtain is inspired by the departmental gates of the Hue Imperial Palace, not only enhance the beauty of the Imperial Palace but also shines brightly under the sunlight.
Then, head to FITO Museum to see its collection of 3,000 items of traditional tools and ancient documents, tracing the development of traditional medicine in Vietnam.
The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, also called FITO, was built in 2003 and open to the public since 2007. The owner of the museum is Mr Tam who has a strong background and passion for traditional medicine. Though it took a lot of money, he still decided to build this museum with the hope of preserving useful knowledge and methods of making medicine as well as commemorate 2 greatest Vietnamese medical herbalists called Hai Thuong Lan Ong (18th century) and Tue Tinh (14th century). Until now, it is still known as the one and only private museum for traditional medicine in the busy Ho Chi Minh City.
Fito Museum includes 6 floors with a total of 18 rooms, covering an area of 600 square meters. It was once used as a private house and an office before it was renovated to change into a museum. The museum is mostly made of wood taken from the ancient houses across Vietnam, creating a cozy atmosphere. Wandering around the museum, you will have a chance to explore ancient architecture of Vietnam also. Each floor is a different style with tiles, walls, furniture made of various materials. Every detail of the building looks impressive thanks to skillful craft. This makes the interiors look so stunning.
We’ll continue the trip in District 5, which is among the oldest parts of Saigon, known as the most concentrated Chinese people living and working. This place formerly established around Cho Lon Market. So, coming to the streets at Cho Lon, you will have the opportunity to experience a Chinese lifestyle and great cuisine.
On 6 June 1865, Cho Lon Town was established under the decree of the Governor of Nam Ky. By 1930, Cho Lon area was merged with other districts in Saigon, adjacent to Nguyen Van Cu and Nguyen Thien Thuat today.
Binh Tay Market (Cholon Chinatown Market means “big market”), one of the biggest markets in Saigon is established by the French since the 1880s. It is located in the centre of Vietnam’s largest Chinatown area as the major business hub and attraction in Saigon’s Chinatown.
Unlike Ben Thanh Market in District 1 for foreigners, Binh Tay market is the gathering place of the local population with its diversity of fresh fruits, vegetables, food, seafood and specialties from different regions across Vietnam, especially from Mekong Delta.
Then dropping you off at your hotel.
