Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

VIBRANT ACTIVITIES VIBRANT FUTURE 2

VIBRANT PEOPLE VIBRANT VIBRANT COLORS CITY 3

WELCOME TO 10 HO CHI MINH CITY 17 Top experiences in Ho Chi Minh City Events & Festivals 4

PLANNING ON YOUR TOUR 32 OF HO CHI MINH CITY 58 72 AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 90 Culture 99 Cuisine 110 Entertainment Lifestyle 116 Shopping 120 Space 126 RECOMMENDED TOURS TO VISIT HO CHI MINH CITY 132 City tours 141 Suburb tours 143 List of tour operators 149 150 BASIC TRAVEL INFORMATION 151 Modes of transport 152 Climate 156 Accomodation 158 Necessity Currency 5 Internet & Mạng điện thoại Code of Conduct for tourists Necessary contact information Operating time

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VIBRANT EVERYWHERE, EVERYONE As a duet sung by the Past and the Present, Ho Chi Minh City is not only rich in Vietnamese traditions but also packed with good values brought by other countries. Cultural inclusive practices result in every corner of this land sharing an invigorating energy. An advanced security system ensures the tourists that the City is safe to travel. CULTURAL AND CULINARY DIVERSITY Saigon – Ho Chi Minh City’s culture and cuisine has been influenced and shaped throughout 300 years of history by the quintessence of the Northern and Central Vietnam as well as the Chinese, Khmer and Western nationals. Ho Chi Minh City, therefore, boasts to have the most cultural and culinary diversity in the country and regularly featured as one of the tops in the world. FRIENDLY LIFESTYLE OPEN ECONOMY People residing in the City are of The City, as the economic hub of the different origin and welcomed by the country, attracts investors around City. They treat others, even strangers, the world and organizes hundreds with respect and kindness. Do not be too of international conferences and surprised when you see someone here economic events every year. gently smile at you, unconditionally lend you a helping hand or invite you to dinner as their old friends. VARIOUS SPACES Besides the bustling lifestyle, the most modern City in Vietnam is also home to countless iconic experiences that you might not expect, the calm and slow-moving rivers that lull you to relaxation, the verdant fields that take your breath away, the pristine mangrove that ignite your adventurous spirit and the fresh sea breeze that greet you with a warm hug. 9

TOP EXPERIENCES IN HO CHI MINH CITY Một thành phố sống động từng con phố, từng con người 10

Enjoying WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY 2 Top experiences in Ho Chi Minh City Saigon-style breakfast Enjoying a loaf of banh mi (Vietnamese bread) full of crispy tasty fillings with a cup of iced milk coffee (which has bitter taste with soft aroma, and is made by using a small metal Vietnamese drip filter) is a nice way to have a simple and balanced breakfast, and to understand how Saigonese get a great start to their days. Visiting “Biet Dong Sai Gon” Cafe Inside the café combined with the museum devoted to “Biet Dong Sai Gon – Gia Dinh” (which is the name of Southern Liberation task force who carried out raids aimed at the Saigon regime and the US military forces during the Vietnam war), there lies a secret tunnel systems and dozens of items that supported Sai Gon Special Forces during the wartime. Visiting the War Remnants Museum The War Remnant Museum restores and displays thousands of weapons, evidence of war crimes and war scenes, contributing to reliving the Resistance War Against America – Saigon government of Vietnamese people. 11

STROLLING CASUALLY AROUND THE SHOPPING PARADISE Nguyen Hue walking street, Dong Khoi area or Ben Thanh market boasts to be the busiest shopping centers in the City, promising to delight any shoppers who happen along. EXPLORING SAI- GON’S STREETS ON A CYCLO TOUR With a lovely Vespa or a cyclo, you can easily explore the City in like manner with the past generations of Saigonese, visiting labyrinthine back- alleys, enjoying a cup of coffee on the sidewalk or admiring the beauty of the architectural wonders of Indochina. LEARNING CHINESE CULTURE Ba Thien Hau Pagoda and Cholon in District 5 offers the opportunities to explore the stunning architecture and exemplary worshiping practices of the Chinese community in Ho Chi Minh City. VIEWING THE CITY FROM THE VANTAGE POINT The top floor of the Landmark 81 or Bitexco offers the vantage point to see the City spread out below. These skyscrapers provide a 360-degree view of the City and a chance to touch the sky if you dare to walk on the glass bridge named Skytouch. 12

VISITING SACRED WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY 2 Top experiences in Ho Chi Minh City PAGODAS Each pagoda in the City has its own architectural features and unique historical tales. A visit to the pagodas is a wonderful occasion to enjoy the tranquil settings, to pray for loved ones and to be so absorbed in Vietnam’s Buddhism. HAVING A FEAST FOR THE EYES WITH À Ố SHOW Heading to the most famous art performance show in the City, you shall get to know the everyday lifestyle of Vietnamese people through a skillful combination of contemporary dance and traditional dance using bamboo as dance equipment. EXPERIENCING STREET FEAST AO DAI Is there any cultural experience that The diversity of the City’s street food paints a more vivid memory than is second to none. It is easy to find all wearing Vietnamese Ao Dai and taking kinds of Vietnamese delicious food, photos with Vietnam’s landscape and even from other countries in this City. heritage? If you travel to the City in Pay a visit to Phan Xich Long food March, do not forget to involve yourself paradise, or Xom Chieu Street in District in Ao Dai Festival – an annual festival 4, or any corner of the City to give your that introduces thousands of delicate taste buds a chance to be pampered and varied Ao Dai designs. with Saigon’s distinctive street foods. 13

ENJOYING DELICIOUS CHINATOWN FOOD Mi vit tiem (yellow noodle soup with roasted duck), hoanh thanh (wonton noodles), banh he (fried chive cakes), bot chien (pan-fried rice flour cubes with fried eggs), etc. are all special dishes introduced by the Chinese com- munity to the culinary map of Ho Chi Minh City. Just trying spending your afternoon strolling around Nguyen Kim Street, Hung Vuong Street or Thu Do market, you will, in no doubt, be full with dozens of scrumptious specialties. RIDING LEISURELY ON BOAT ALONG NHIEU LOC – THI NGHE CANAL A boat tour along Nhieu Loc – Thi Nghe Canal – the City’s “Landmark of the century” will ride you through the District 1’s contemporary buildings and District 3’s European architectural wonders and let you gently feel the beat of the City reflected in the melodious Don Ca Tai Tu (Southern folk music) or harmonica sound. RELISHING THE CITY’S NIGHTLIFE Amid the winding Saigon River, the first-class yacht of the City offers an experience of the City’s nightlife and Vietnamese culture through quintessential and appetizing dishes. 14

SIPPING SAIGON WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY 2 Top experiences in Ho Chi Minh City BEER IN “WESTERN STREET” BUI VIEN Being known as the most visited street in the City, “Western Street” Bui Vien’s claim to fame is its “bia bet” – sitting on the sidewalk and drinking beer. Pop into this place once to be a part of the singing and the chattering here, to sip the renowned Saigon beer, to feel the youth and enthusiasm of the City. JOINING A CRAZY NIGHT OUT IN ROOFTOP BAR Unwinding with music and cocktails in hand or immersing yourself in a small “galaxy” of the light over the sleepless City is must-try experiences in the home of top luxurious rooftop bars in Vietnam. EXPLORING THE CU CHI TUNNELS The Cu Chi Tunnels, dubbed \"The underground City\", preserve a resounding history of Ho Chi Minh City's militia during the Vietnam war. Visit the tunnel, play paintball, or enjoy a relaxing cycling tour to know more about the life of Saigonese in the 40s – 50s. 15

RELAXING IN CAN GIO’S CALM EMBRACE The \"Oasis\" of the City is the ideal destination for those who seek the beauty of nature in the Southern region in a short period of time. Just over an hour's ride, you will reach the mangrove recognized by UNESCO as the World Biosphere Reserve, the Monkey Island, the sea breeze and the paradise of fresh seafood. WANDERING AROUND THE SINGULAR LABYRINTH OF ALLEYS The singular “Alley culture” can be found nowhere but in this City. Spend the early hours of your day walking along the alleys that go long into the indefinite end, setting eyes on ancient buildings, catching the glimpse of the older generations still keeping their habit of reading daily journals written in the old style, familiarizing yourself with the tender but elegant vitality in the heart of a bustling City are experiences that you do not want to let slip your mind. BEHOLDING EUROPEAN ARCHITECTURE Being built in the French colonial period, Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Central Post Office and so on are unmatched creations of talented European architects. Take a look at those wonders to have a better understanding of French influence on this culturally diverse City. 16

EVENTS AND FESTIVALS 17

JANUARY FEBRUARY TET FESTIVAL NGUYEN HUE “VIETNAM’S FLOWER STREET CULTURAL IDENTITY” MARCH APRIL AO DAI DEATHANNIVERSARY FESTIVAL OF THE HUNG KINGS The annual festival that attracts a HO CHI MINH wide variety of ao dai designs. CITY TOURISM MAY FESTIVAL JUNE SOUTHERN FOOD SOUTHERN FRUIT FESTIVAL FESTIVAL 18

SEPTEMBER OCTOBER INTERNATIONAL NGHINH ONG WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY 3 Events and Festivals TRAVEL EXPO – (WHALE WORSHIPING) HO CHI MINH CITY FESTIVAL IN CAN GIO (ITE HCMC) The event that boasts to be the most established International Travel Expo in the Lower Mekong Region. THÁNG 8 NOVEMBER LION - DRAGON INTERNATIONAL DANCE FESTIVAL FOOD FESTIVAL The festival that aims to The food festival that is the introduce the art of lion - dragon most expected in the City with dance that reflects the City’s hundreds of delicacies from all tradition and customs. parts of the world. DECEMBER HO CHI MINH CITY HOZO INTERNATIONAL HCMC INTERNATIONAL MARATHON MUSIC FESTIVAL The marathon that has the largest number of athletes participating in Vietnam. 19

JANUARY & FEBRUARY TET FESTIVAL - “VIETNAM’S CULTURAL IDENTITY” The festival aims to introduce to the local and tourist the Vietnam’s traditional Tet Holiday – a significant national traditional culture, to encourage the next generation to cherish family values and to cultivate in them the love and pride for the motherland. The festival involves a series of fantastic activities: traditional rituals recreation, lion and dragon dance, entertainment activities, art performances, Tet cuisine, Tet markets, etc. The first week of January every year Le Van Tam Park, Da Kao Ward, District 1 20

NGUYEN HUE FLOWER STREET WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY 3 Events and Festivals When Spring comes, Nguyen Hue participating and offers a vast number walking street will be decorated with all of activities for visitors to engage kinds of flowers and ornamental plants including bamboo dance and traditional grown across the country. Nguyen games. This cultural beauty of the Hue flower street also welcomes City is always held in great affection plenty of troupes of performers who by domestic and foreign tourists. use traditional musical instruments Nguyen Hue walking street, Lunar New Year (usually in late Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 January and early February of the solar calendar) NOTES Flower market: The flower market the Spring in Vietnam. During the will open about one week before the Lunar New Year, apricot blossom Lunar New Year and last until the 30th becomes ubiquitous in the City as day of the 12th lunar month at 23/9 being displayed in the houses, on Park, Le Van Tam Park, Gia Dinh Park the streets, in the parks, etc. Apricot and so on. The market sells a broad blossom comes in two colors, white range of flowers, for example, apricot and yellow. Among them, yellow blossom and other kinds of flowers apricot blossom is more desirable grown in the Southern region. in the eyes of homeowners and frequently considered an offering to Tet flowers: Apricot blossom in the pray for good luck and fortune in the Southern region and Peach blossom Lunar New Year. in the Northern region represent 21

MARCH AO DAI FESTIVAL Ao Dai Festival is a proverbial event of cultural tourism of Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to make a great contribution to preserve and promote the traditional and cultural values of Vietnam’s national garment, to cultivate the love for Vietnam’s Ao Dai in the people living in the City, and to develop the City’s domestic and foreign tourism. The March every year Nguyen Hue walking street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 22

APRIL WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY 3 Events and Festivals DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HUNG KINGS In commemoration of the Death programs, martial arts performances, Anniversary of the Hung Kings, Boi singing, Cai luong singing as well as Vietnamese people offer incense sticks interesting traditional games. and flowers to worship the first kings of the country, those who built the country The 10th day of the 3th lunar month in its very first start. The parade has more than 4.000 amateur performers Ethnic Cultural Historical Park. participating with an aim of recreating Vinh Thuan quarter, Long Binh the tales of Hung dynasties. Apart from Ward, District 9 the ceremony, Death Anniversary of the Suoi Tien Tourist Area, 120 Ha Noi Hung Kings also consists the festival highway, Tan Phu Ward, District 9 which serves as a part of inter-regional cultural exchange, traditional music Dam Sen Cultural Park, 3 Hoa Binh Street, Ward 3, District 11 23

APRIL HO CHI MINH CITY TOURISM FESTIVAL The festival seeks to promote Ho Chi opportunity for the local and enterprises Minh City’s tourism as an “attractive – to establish the network and showcase friendly – safe” destination and one of their tourism products and services, the country’s largest tourism hubs. The especially those of Ho Chi Minh City, festival is also considered as a great to domestic and foreign tourists. The mid-April every year Le Van Tam Park, Hai Ba Trung Street, Dakao Ward, District 1 24

MAY & JUNE WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY 3 Events and Festivals SOUTHERN FOOD FESTIVAL Southern Food Festival aims to underscore the uniqueness and diversity of culinary culture of Vietnam in general and Southern region in particular. The festival also offers the Don ca tai tu performances delivered by artists, and performers from Don ca tai tu clubs. The May every year Dam Sen Cultural Park, 3 Hoa Binh Street, Ward 3, District 11 SOUTHERN FRUIT FESTIVAL The festival takes place during the three month of summer to reflect the uniqueness and diversity of Southern fruit with a variety of attractive activities including Fruit floating market, Fruit-shaping contest, Parade, Art performance in which the performers will introduce their techniques in concocting drinks from fruits, etc. The June every year Suoi Tien Tourist Area, 120 Ha Noi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, District 9 25

SEPTEMBER & OCTOBER INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL EXPO – HO CHI MINH CITY (ITE HCMC) ITE HCMC is an established annual of thousands of visitors, becoming the travel event of Vietnam’s tourism place where both international and industry, first organized in 2005 with regional enterprises network and seek the goal of promoting tourism products business opportunities. and services in the Lower Mekong Region. More than 15 successful events The September every year held prove ITE HCMC has succeeded in making it name as the most renowned Saigon Exhibition and Convention International Travel Expo in the Lower Center (SECC), 799 Nguyen Van Mekong Region. ITE HCMC attracts tens Linh Street, Tan Phu Ward, District 7 NGHINH ONG (WHALE WORSHIPING) FESTIVAL IN CAN GIO Can Thanh commune, Nghinh Ong Festival is a traditional Can Gio District folklore festival which features the lifestyle of the people living in coastal From 14th to 16th day of the areas with a variety of cultural activities, 8th lunar month – equivalent to art performances, traditional games October every year including the Nghinh Ong ceremony with a procession that takes place at Ong Thuy Tuong Temple (Temple worshipping the Whale), the ceremony to show the gratitude to people who laid the foundation for the community development, the art performances, the Lion – Dragon dance, etc. 26

NOVEMBER WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY 3 Events and Festivals LION-DRAGON DANCE FESTIVAL The Lion – Dragon Dance Festival of Ho Chi Minh City is an event of cultural tourism, intending to promote and introduce the art of Lion – Dragon dance – a tourism product of Ho Chi Minh City in general and District 5 in particular, and further to develop the values and beauty of national traditional culture. The festival welcomes numerous recognized troupes of Lion – Dragon dancers with various electrifying activities including Lion – Dragon dance parade, Lion – Dragon showroom, water drum performance, traditional games, etc. Attending the festival, visitors will gain a better understanding of the art of Lion – Dragon dance and be a part of the dance as playing the role of “Ong Dia” (similar to the Chinese “Big Head Buddha”) or wearing the lion costume. etc. The April every year Nguyen Hue walking street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1; District 5’s streets 27

NOVEMBER INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL International Food Festival is an ideal destination for domestic and foreign tourists to explore the multicultural cuisine to the fullest. International Food Festival holds a substantial number of activities to introduce Vietnamese cuisine as well as international cuisine, including cooking contest, flair bartending, and so on. Particularly, the visitors will benefit a great opportunity to taste lip-smacking food, and witness the impressive cooking style and the art of food presentation in the culinary culture of Vietnam and other countries. November every year Youth Cultural House, 4 Pham Ngoc Thach Street, District 1 28

DECEMBER WELCOME TO HO CHI MINH CITY 3 Events and Festivals HO CHI MINH CITY INTERNATIONAL MARATHON As the marathon event having the largest worthy getaway, and to introduce the number of athletes participating in culture and the people of Vietnam to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City International international athletes, domestic and Marathon intends not only to encourage foreign tourists. physical activity, and promote healthy lifestyle in the community but also to The first week of December every year suggest Ho Chi Minh City as an trip- The City center HOZO HCMC INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL The Hozo-HCMC International Music Festival is held with variety of music and cultural activities, which would offer a precious opportunity for traditional music to merge with modern music, spreading the value of national music and culture to the world. Visitors may enjoy variety of interesting music spaces to catch up with the latest music trends, newest knowledge and the diversity of the world’s music. The audience will enjoy a diverse fest of music genres from World Music to Jazz, Pop to traditional music with highest quality. December every year The city center 29

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HO CHI MINH CITY

CULTURE A community opens to a colorful heritage 32

Saigon was reclaimed 300 years In the past, during the French colonial ago. The influence of Central and period, Saigon was heavily impacted by Northern culture was changed European culture. It was in that period according to Southern climate and that philosophy, religion, art, literature soil characteristics. This land was thrived in this land. also affected by the culture of the To this date, Ho Chi Minh City still Khmer and Indian to create its own readily receives any entrancing cultural singular features. currents from all over the world for its The Chinese culture found its way to cultural heritages increasingly be more the City at a later day through a group colorful and riveting. of migrants who came here to start (*) Sources: http://www.hochiminhCity. a new life. The Chinese community gov.vn/thongtinthanhpho/gioithieu/ brought to Ho Chi Minh City the Lists/Posts/Post.aspx?CategoryId=11&I diverse architecture and unique temID=5475&PublishedDate=2011-07- customs, not to mention numerous 25T00:00:00Z valuable art movements and styles. 33

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HISTORIC, HERITAGE AND CULTURAL DESTINATIONS Fill your hearts

INDEPENDENCE PALACE Being highlighted by its one-of- in the Vietnam war to liberate the a-kind architecture and historical South for national reunification. This artifacts that are earnestly preserved, historic site was recognized as a special Independence Palace spans an area national monument in 2009. From the of 12 hectares, including a mansion Independence Palace, visitors can easily standing in the middle of a large green walk to Notre Dame Cathedral and the space. Independence Palace marks the Saigon Central Post Office. glorious victory of Vietnamese people (+8428) 3822 3652 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1 Monday – Sunday 7.30 a.m – 11 a.m & 1 p.m – 4 p.m, including public VND 40.000/adult holidays and Lunar New Year VND 20.000/college student VND 10.000/child, (6 – 17 years old) HEAD OFFICE OF HO CHI MINH CITY PEOPLE’S COMMITTEE The Head Office was designed by the 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben architect Femand Gardès in the style Nghe Ward, District 1 of a bell tower of Northern France, built in 1898 and inaugurated in 1909. The building is considered as one of the most beautiful ancient architecture of the City. Head Office of City People’s Committee faces a monument to President Ho Chi Minh which looks at Nguyen Hue Square – a walking street that has been in service since 2015 with a length of 640m. The whole complex faces the Bach Dang Harbour and the bank of Saigon River. 36

HO CHI MINH CITY POST OFFICE AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.1 Văn hóa Ho Chi Minh City Post Office is one of vivid and eye-catching architecture the symbols of the City architecture, complex and both are popular tourist constructed between 1886 and 1891 attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. according to the design of architect Villedieu and his assistant Foulhoux. Monday – Friday 7 a.m – 7 p.m & The building reflects the harmonious Saturday – Sunday 7 a.m – 6 p.m combination between Western (including public holidays and architecture and Eastern décor. Lunar New Year) The front of the building is decorated (+8428) 3822 3652 with rectangular glass panels naming a number of French renowned celebrities 02 Cong xa Paris Square, and the inventors of the telegraph and Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 electriCity. The building interacts with the Notre Dame Cathedral to create a Free Admission RECOMMENDATION Visitors can choose either two routes as below to explore the tourist attractions in District 1: Visitors can choose either two routes as below to explore the tourist attractions in District 1: Route 1 Route 2 Turtle Lake – Saigon Central Post Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater – Head Office – Notre Dame Cathedral – Office of City People’s Committee Independence Palace – Nguyen Hue walking street – Ao Dai Museum – Bach Dang Harbour. 37

HO CHI MINH CITY MUSEUM Being built in 1890 in the Renaissance style of French architect Foulhoux, the Museum is the combination of Western and Asian features. Two statues of the Goddess of Commerce and the Goddess of Industry are placed on either side of the main entrance of the museum, demonstrating the original goal why the museum was constructed: to become the Museum of Commerce and Industry that displays domestic items. The Museum currently features artifacts that outline the City’s history and becomes the young’s favorite photography spot. (+8428) 3829 9741 Monday – Sunday 65 Ly Tu Trong, District 1 8 a.m – 5 p.m (including public holidays and Lunar New Year). 38

HO CHI MINH CITY AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.1 Văn hóa FINE ARTS MUSEUM The Museum previously was a mansion built in 1920 in Western style. Today, the 4-storey Museum is one of the largest fine art museums in Vietnam with more than 20.000 artifacts, an indoor exhibition area of 2.892m2 inside and outdoor area of 1.623m2. The first floor is devoted to artworks of local and foreign artists. The second floor includes a gallery of valuable art works in sculpture and painting. The third floor features a collection of artworks created from the 7th to the 10th century including Champ and Óc Eo relics, Vietnamese antiques, handicrafts and the remainder of European art collections in Vietnam during the 18th – 20th century. Tuesday – Sunday 9 a.m – 5 p.m (including public holidays and Lunar New Year) (+8428) 3829 4441 | (+8428) 3821 6331 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1 WAR REMNANTS Monday – Sunday MUSEUM 7.30 a.m – 5 p.m (including public holidays and Lunar New Year) The Museum is a specialized museum aiming to research, collect, store, 39 preserve and display documents, images and exhibits on the devastating consequences that wars inflicted on Vietnam. Since being open to the public in 1975, the Museum has kept more than 20.000 documents, exhibits and videos which serve as pieces of evidence to condemn an unjust war. Visiting the Museum can be seen as a way to share the pain and loss that the victims of the war are suffering from, and express the desire for peace to Vietnamese people and the people of the world. (+8428) 3930 5587 (+8428) 3930 6664 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3

MUSEUM OF VIETNAMESE HISTORY – HO CHI MINH CITY Being built on the premises of Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden in 1929, the Museum of Vietnamese History – Ho Chi Minh City houses a major collection of more than 37.000 artifacts that reflect Vietnamese history from prehistoric times to the time that French occupied Vietnam. The Museum displays a number of antiques that tells the stories of various cultures, for example, Cham sculpture, Óc Eo culture, the ancient culture of the Mekong Delta, the cultures of the ethnic groups of Vietnam and the cultures of several Asian countries. Particularly, the Museum also preserves national treasures including the seal of Le Dynasty first used in 1471 and found in Quang Nam province, 13 ancient weapons manufactured in 1839 in Minh Mang era, the imperial ivory seal “Emperor Ton Than Chi Bao” of Nguyen Dynasty, the stone statue of Lord Shiva and the golden statue of Kosa, both of statues are created in the 13th century and influenced by Champa culture. Besides the exhibition, the Museum also has an extensive storage to preserve innumerable artifacts of different kinds. 02 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, (+8428) 3829 8146 Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (+8428) 3829 0268 Tuesday - Sunday 8 a.m – 11.30 a.m & 1.30p.m – 5p.m (including public holidays and Lunar New Year) 40

HO CHI MINH MUSEUM – AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.1 Văn hóa BRANCH IN HO CHI MINH CITY Ho Chi Minh Museum – Branch in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly known as Nha Rong Harbour), built in 1863, is one of the museums and monuments dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh. From here, in 1911, the patriotic young Vietnamese Nguyen Tat Thanh (the childhood name of President Ho Chi Minh) embarked on a journey of more than 30 years traveling the world to seek the answer for Vietnam liberation. The Museum currently displays documents, exhibits and images of President Ho Chi Minh’s biography and revolutionary career. (+8428) 3825 5740 Tuesday – Sunday 7.30 a.m – 11.30 (+8428) 3940 1053 a.m & 1.30 p.m – 5 p.m (including public holidays and Lunar New Year) 01 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 4 MUSEUM OF TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE MEDICINE – FITO As the first museum devoted to traditional medicine in Vietnam, FITO Museum houses nearly 3.000 exhibits that reflect traditional Vietnamese medicine from the Stone Age to the present. In the Museum, the visitors can know more about the process of making traditional medicines through tools used to make medicines and items used to sell them, for example, scales, medicine cabinets, advertising boards, molds and ceramics – wine gourds, teapots, medicine bowls, etc. (+8428) 3864 2430 Monday – Sunday (+8428) 3862 7812 8.30 a.m – 5 p.m 41 Hoang Du Khuong Street, Ward 12, District 10 41

AO DAI MUSEUM Ao Dai Museum was built by the painter visit, the visitors will witness the change – fashion designer Sy Hoang after his of Vietnamese Ao Dai throughout 12 years of researching and collecting history. The Museum also features the artifacts. The first branch of Ao Dai image of Vietnamese women in various Museum covers an area of 2.000m2 fields including military, diplomacy, that boasts old wooden architecture society, culture, education, commerce in which the wood was traced to and art. Quang Nam province. The documents, images and artifacts of Vietnamese The second branch of Ao Dai Museum Ao Dai here has been researched, showcases Ao Dai in combination collected, showcased and preserved with art performances dedicated to by the masters coming from Kim Bong Vietnamese cultural and artistic values. carpentry village. Paying the Museum a THE FIRST BRANCH THE SECOND BRANCH 206/19/30 Long Thuan Street, 2nd floor, 77 Nguyen Long Phuoc Ward, District 9 Hue Street, District 1 (+84) 0914 726 948 (+84) 0901 394 779 (+84) 0914 912 982 (+84) 0903 653 225 Tuesday – Sunday 9 a.m – 5 p.m Monday – Sunday (including public holidays and 9 a.m – 5 p.m (including public Lunar New Year) holidays and Lunar New Year) 42

ARTINUS 3D ART MUSEUM Artinus is the first 3D Art Museum sizes and styles. The Museum offers AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.1 Văn hóa in Ho Chi Minh City. The Museum is visitors an opportunity to transform into divided into many exhibition areas with actors or actresses in lifelike contexts. a variety of concepts as well as colors, 02-04 Street 9, Him Lam New Monday – Friday 9 a.m – 6 p.m Urban Area, Tan Hung Ward, Saturday – Sunday 9 a.m – 8 p.m District 7 (including public holidays and Lunar New Year) (+8428) 6298 3767 OTHERS Monday – Sunday 8 a.m – 11 a.m & 1.30 p.m – 4.30 SOUTHERN WOMEN’S MUSEUM p.m (including public holidays and Lunar New Year) 200-202 Vo Thi Sau Street, Free Admission Ward 7, District 3 Tuesday – Sunday 8 a.m – 11 a.m & (+8428) 3932 0322; (+8428) 1.30 p.m – 4.30 p.m (including pub- 3932 5690; (+8428) 3932 7130 lic holidays and Lunar New Year) Ext.: 18 (for the needs of hiring Free Admission guides/speakers for groups) 43 TON DUC THANG MUSEUM 05 Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1 (+8428) 3829 7542 (+8428) 3829 0791

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RELIGIOUS DESTINATIONS 47

QUAN AM PAGODA (ON LANG ASSEMBLY HALL) Quan Am Pagoda’s architecture was influenced by the ancient Chinese temples, especially the way in which the shape and decoration of the roof tiles suggest the strong influences of Fujian people as similar to their tube roof. The front door is decorated by using gold gliding and embossing techniques. The walls of the lobby hang the pictures of the Chinese scenery dated back the time of Guan Gong. Year establised: 1740 12 Lao Tu Street, Ward 11, District 5 (+8428) 3855 3543 GIAC LAM PAGODA Giac Lam Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, established in 1744 with the architecture being preserved for over 250 years. Being built in the the typical-considered style of the Southern pagodas, Giac Lam Pagoda has the main hall that boasts a traditional folk layout of which the inferior is “one-compartment-and- double-wing” style with four main pillars carved gold parallel sentences. The pagoda also has 113 ancient statues, most of them are made of wood, including Buddha Amitabha, Sakyamuni, Maitreya Bodhisattva, The Chi Bodhisattva, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva Arhat, the Eighteen Arhats, and so on. Year establised: 1740 565 Lac Long Quan Street, Ward 10, Tan Binh District (+8428) 3865 3933 48

AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCES BEYOND EXCITEMENT 1.1 Văn hóa NGOC HOANG PAGODA (JADE EMPEROR PAGODA) Ngoc Hoang Palace (Phuoc Hai Pagoda) Year established: 1892 bears Chinese pagoda architecture with brilliant but equally solemn decoration. 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, The Pagoda was built of bricks and yin- Dakao Ward, District 1 gang roof tiles. The corners of the roof are decorated with various colorful (+8428) 3820 3102 ceramic statues. The Pagoda exhibits a variety of artworks, for example, worship paintings, and statues. The biggest festival in Ngoc Hoang Palace is worshipping the Jade Emperor held on the ninth day of the first lunar month every year. You might not know: In the afternoon of May 24, 2016, the 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama, visited the pagoda during his official visiting to Vietnam. 49

XA LOI PAGODA The modern architecture of Xa Loi Pagoda ensures to highlight the traditional nuances. Xa Loi Pagoda reflects strongly the iconic culture of Ho Chi Minh City and one of the glorious victory against the dictatorial regime of Ngo Dinh Diem that stigmatized and oppressed Buddhism. Year established: 1956 89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan (+8428) 3930 0114 Street, Ward 7, District 3 (+8428) 6656 1059 VINH NGHIEM PAGODA Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is one of the most reputed pagodas in Vietnam and one of the works that exemplify Buddhist architecture in Vietnam in the 20th century. The pagoda features the Eastern architecture: a three-door gate, a two-story main hall, and a 40m tower. On the first and fifteenth day of every lunar month, Buddhists often come here to burn incense sticks and release birds to the sky (a ritual held to pray for peace, prosperity, and happiness) Year established: 1964 (+8428) 3848 3153 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ward 7, District 3 50