Ho Chi Minh exploration guide for Australians
As an economic central of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh is attractive for its hustle but also unique things that is just available in this beautiful country. Despite being a traveller who visits Ho Chi Minh the first time or event many times, Australians still can explore and enjoy the adventure in many different ways. Either way, hope these tips will help you have a better experience in Saigon – a city where modernity and tradition meet.
- Food
It is absolutely said that Vietnamese dishes is delicious. Beside many popular traditional dishes you heard about, there are wide ranges of extreme and exotic food that is for who actually into the food adventure there. Bo Cap Lua Restaurant is one of the most ideal places to push your culinary limits as you can choose from tarantulas, scorpions, lizards, fried worms and other unique foods that only can be found in Saigon. For those who are looking for different dishes, you can visit this restaurant with address as below:
Bo Cap Lua
17B 11th Street, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
- The Jade Emperor Pagoda
Visiting pagoda is popular activities in Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh in particular. For local and expats, The Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most popular pagoda to visit in Ho Chi Minh. However, not anyone know the lovely canal that is a few hundred feet away. After vising the pagoda, you should take your time to walk along the canal to experience Saigon in totally different way which is more quiet and peaceful as well as other temples around the canal.
This place brings you far away from the chaotic streets to discover different styles of spirituality in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Suoi Tien Theme Park
Located in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City, it takes about 40 minutes to get Suoi Tien Park which is famous for its Oriental architecture expressing deeply Vietnamese culture.
There are the statues and buildings symbolizing the wish for peace, happiness and wealth in the park while some are built based on long-standing Vietnamese legends such as Lac Long Quan – Au Co, Thanh Giong and so on that you will like be missed in the world of the Vietnam traditional folks and tales stories.
Besides, Suoi Tien offers numerous kinds of game, from scary, thrilling to adventurous ones including a sprawling waterpark, the longest roller coaster in Vietnam.
You can visit the park from 8 am to 5.30 pm with the entrance fee of VND 50,000 for adult and a half for kids.
Suoi Tien Amusement Park
- The Amazing Viet Show
It is a perfect choice to relax after a long day of visiting the city with The Amazing Viet Show which brings you unique performances from extraordinary people. You can easily see sword swallowers, and the like with Vietnamese music and costumes.
You can go to V Show Theater in 147 Cach Mạng Thang Tam Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City to buy a ticket directly with around $28. The theater often offers discounts for its shows as well.
- Binh Quoi Village
Visiting Binh Quoi village is the best way for travelers to experience particular scenery of traditional village in the Mekong Delta region as well as joining traditional activities such as fishing, paddling a boat on the lake, scrambling across money bridges and so on.
The best time to visit this peaceful place is weekday mornings. Moreover, there is a culinary buffet program held outdoors weekly includes many traditional dishes.
Address: 147 Binh Quoi Street, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh city.
- Phu My Hung
Phu My Hung is urban area which provides high-end experience includes dining, shopping and entertainment for those who wants to experience Saigon in luxury ways.
There are many places to visit there, however Crescent Mall in 101 Ton Dat Tien Street, District 7, HCMC is highly recommended not only for shopping but also for sightseeing. You can enjoy luxury dishes in several five star restaurants along with a picturesque walkway.
Especially, you can watch a lovely light show at the Starlight Bridge at night. With high-end experiences, you will feel the development of Vietnam.
For Australian who plan to visit Ho Chi Minh, except from getting visa at Vietnam Embassy in Australia with visa fee hidden (applicants are required to visit the embassy in person), Vietnam visa on arrival is popular choice for its convenience and simplicity. For a detailed guide and clear fee, please click VIETNAM VISA FOR AUSTRALIANS
