Ho Chi Minh City

From traditional markets to high-end malls, the city of Ho Chi Minh is a haven for shopaholics. No matter your budget, there is plenty to shop for in the city. Products and handicrafts come to this place from all over the country to be sold at various department stores, shops, stalls and stands. In addition, one can go souvenir shopping for local crafts such as textile, metalwork, and distinct baskets.

• Dong Khoi area houses many such shops, along with Hai Ba Trung, Le Thanh Ton and Le Loi, which are worth visiting.
• Try out Khoi Silk at 107 Dong Khoi for silk garments and accessories.
• The most popular market among tourists and locals is Ben Thanh Market on Le Loi. The place is packed with quality clothes and souvenirs at very cheap prices. Make sure to hone your haggling skills as prices can go down to 50% but keep your cool. Situated in District 1, the place dazzles as the sun sets and the night market opens outside the building. One can enjoy food at dozens of food stalls there.
• Situated in District 6 is Binh Tay Market in Cholon, flocked with people from early morning until early evening. Crammed in the narrow alleyways, the place is full of fake war souvenirs, Ex-military items and exotic food items, although bargaining is a must.
• At last, if you are looking for shopping malls, Diamond Plaza on Le Duan and Parkson Saigon tourist Plaza on Le Thanh Ton are among the popular ones.

Read more about Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.

The best place to get currency exchanged in Ho Chi Minh City is the banks; Vietcom bank being quite popular among tourists and is foreigner-friendly. Currency can also be exchanged at the airport; however, the rates are competitive with stiff commission. One will find plenty of ATMs all across the city, in large hotels, shopping malls, markets etc. Make to carry some cash while shopping and for taxis. Traveller's cheques are also accepted at various places including Ho Chi Minh banks, major hotels and restaurants. It is wise to carry US dollars and debit card to access your ATM while in the country.

Ho Chi Minh City is the country's largest city with people of various ethnic groups. With dong with its local currency, the city is suitable for all kinds of travellers, be it backpackers, economy or luxury travellers.

Following is the per-day budget (rough estimate) in the country's local currency excluding the accommodation cost (cost includes food, water, local transport, entertainment, communication, tips, souvenirs and alcohol) -

• Budget travel: VND 1,66,360
• Economy travel: VND 4,34,190
• Luxury travel: VND 11,73,494

Vietnamese culture is a fusion of Confucianism and communist ideology. Thus the customs in Ho Chi Minh City, like the rest of the country, are primarily influenced by these two factors.

• There are no handshakes or physical contact between elders in the city while greeting each other, only a slight bow indicating the greeting.
• Pointing toward anyone with a finger is considered disrespectful.
• Also, please do not leave your chopsticks in the dish when you are done with your meal. It is considered insulting.
• Slurping loudly while eating rice or noodles is a sign that you enjoyed your food, and it pleases the chef.
• Make sure to dress appropriately while visiting a temple, and cover your arms, legs and shoulders. Otherwise, the dressing style in most of Vietnam is quite liberal.
• Tipping is usually practised at big restaurants and hotels but is not mandatory.

Once known as a Khmer fishing village of Prey Nokor, current Ho Chi Minh City was based on swampland under Khmer (Cambodians) rule until 1623, when the place was flocked with immigrants from Vietnam after the flood. In 1689, the Prey Nokor, along with the entire Mekong River delta, was legally taken under by the Vietnamese, and the place came to be known as Saigon. After being under the rule of Vietnam for a century and a half, the city became a colony of French Indochina after the invasion of French and Spanish forces in 1859. Even today, one can witness the French colonial effect in the city with beautiful French architecture and villas. By 1929, there was about 10 per cent of French immigrants in Saigon.

Once again, the city saw a shift in power when France lost to Nazi Germany in 1940 and came under the combined rule of Japanese and Vichy France, although it was Japan with primary control. Soon, Vietnam was declared independent in 1945 by Ho Chi Minh, who commenced a guerrilla war against the French colonial government. With an on and off change of powers between the French and Capitalist Vietnamese, Viet Minh took Saigon in 1976, renaming it Ho Chi Minh City. Today, the city caters to many tourists, especially appreciating the French District, museums, and plenty of its cinemas.

The top things to do in Ho chi minh city are War Remnants Museum, Saigon Central Post Office, Reunification Palace, Cu Chi Tunnels, Saigon Opera House, Bitexco Financial Tower (Saigon Skydeck). You can see all the places to visit in Ho chi minh city here

There are 3534 in Ho chi minh city which can be booked through Holidify. The most popular hotels in Ho chi minh city are Vinhomes Central Park-GEM Penthouse, Vinhomes Service Apartment - Central 3 - 2015, Linda Apartment, Vinhomes Luxury Condo Park 6B-3401, Vic Vinhomes Central Park, Sakura Hotel. You can see all the hotels in Ho chi minh city here

The packages for Ho chi minh city start at INR 13727 which can be further customized based on number of people, days, hotel category, vehicle type and customizations. You can have a look at all packages here

If you are visiting to Ho Chi Minh City, the last thing you should be worried about is food. It is everywhere, in wide range of cuisines and of every budget. One will find from authentic Vietnamese food to various other cuisines including French, Italian, Chinese, Japanese and Thai food etc. There are plethora of small food stall, mid range eating joints to high-end restaurants, bars and pubs. However, you will notice a great influence of French in local food. Pham Ngu Lao Street and De Tham Street are perfect places to check out the wholesome and inexpensive food. Bakeries are common sight in the city serving fresh baguettes and plenty of other products. Banh Mi Thit (pork sandwiches), "bun bo hue" or Hue beef soup, Vietnamese omelettes, Com tam, a plate of rice with grilled pork, Muoi Xiem (Egg Pan Cake) and Rice cake are some of the popular dishes of the city. The city also has a strong coffee culture, which one can see through various cafes spread all across the city.
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The city of Ho Chi Minh has tropical climate type with two main season i.e. dry season and rainy season. The monsoon starts in May and falls until November while dry season falls between December and April. During this time, the city is also prone to typhoons. The weather conditions remain unpredictable during change of season. The best time to explore Saigon to its best is during dry season when humidity is low, mornings are pleasant and night is cool and windy. December is the coolest month with temperature remaining in the twenties during the day. Nguyn _ˆn Festival, which takes place in January or February, depending on the Vietnamese Lunar Calendar is a perfect time to visit.
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