Heading out to the city of Ho Chi Minh and thinking of what to add on to your itinerary? Here are some suggestions that could spice up your trip, from water puppets to an impressive viewpoint where you can see the city from above.
Catch A Performance At The Saigon Opera House
The formal name of the building is actually called The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh, yet still, the Saigon Opera House is the go-to name preferred by locals and tourists alike. One of Ho Chi Minh City's most eminent landmarks, the opera house was actually built by French architect Eugene Ferret back in 1897. This explains the building’s overall architectural design, which largely resembles French colonial architecture. To add on to the French vibes, The Opera House is encircled by a boulevard which is so particularly European in style that visitors may even momentarily feel like they are in Paris. Also, the polished pearl facade turns the Opera House into an insta-worthy site - especially during night time when the building becomes illuminated with orange lights.
The 800-seat Opera House has gone through several renovations and is currently used to stage opera performances and performing arts showcases. Information regarding scheduled performances can be enquired at a tourist information centre near the Opera House. For easier access to information, do check out their official website or visit the box office itself which is open daily from 9am to 4.30pm. As the Opera House is only open to the public during performances, a valid ticket for a show is needed to explore the interior.
Enjoy A Mesmerising View At Bitexco Skydeck
In every major city, people are drawn to visit the highest vantage points to get a birds-eye view of the city skyline. In Ho Chi Minh City, the Bitexco Financial Tower and SkyDeck ticks that box. Standing at a whopping height of 262-metres, the tower is situated within Ho Chi Minh’s CBD area, offering an unrivalled city view from its SkyDeck.
Designed by renowned architect Carlos Zapata, this 68-storey tower accommodates offices, retail shops, restaurants, and a helipad. In 2011, the structure was honoured with a prestigious ‘Excellence in Structural Engineering’ award from NCSEA and is now the 124th highest building in the world. The premier highlight of the tower is the Sky Deck, where visitors can enjoy splendid views of the sprawling city beneath.
The Sky Deck provides breathtaking 360 degree views across Ho Chi Minh City and for a close-up view, the binoculars stand can be utilized. When night falls, the view gets even prettier as the entire metropolis lights up. Local souvenirs can be purchased from some of the art exhibitions held on the SkyDeck.
Catch A Water Puppet Show
Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppet Shows are still a huge cultural draw in Ho Chi Minh City today as they are a great visual representation of Vietnamese culture. The two best places to catch a water puppet show in Ho Chi Minh are The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre and the Villa Song Saigon. Performances take place on a water stage with highly skilled puppeteers hidden behind a bamboo screen. Long rods are used to control the wooden puppets. The shows are performed entirely in the Vietnamese language, but there is no need for concern as the puppet gestures are pretty straightforward enough for audiences to understand. Humour is often inserted within the premise of the acting portrayed. There are musicians supplementing live instrumental musical effects while the puppets perform.
The Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre offers twice nightly shows on a daily basis. Timings are at 6.30pm and 8.30pm and they run for 50 minutes. A crucial advice is to book in advance due to the huge popularity among locals and tourists alike. Seats are also limited due to a small seating area.
Villa Song Saigon offers a weekly Water Puppet show held every Saturday at the Ngon Restaurant. This venue is ideal for those who prefer to feast on Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying a water puppet performance. Showtime begins at 7.30pm and concludes at 8pm.
On a whole, both venues excite audiences with an entertaining glance into a mysterious ancient Vietnamese art form which has achieved numerous awards worldwide. Until now, the cherished secret of the puppets’ effortless movements still remains firmly hidden and are part of the allure of the experience.
Experience Saigon On A Motorcycle
Vietnam is a country that revolves on two wheels. It's the widely preferred mode of transport for the millions who reside in Vietnam and even tourists who want a truly immersive local experience.
For many foreign riders, exploring Vietnam on a motorcycle is a prerequisite in a memorable adventure. Whether weaving through the seamlessly-chaotic traffic or casually navigating the streets of Ho Chi Minh, the riding trip will be memorable and go down as one of life’s most thrilling experiences ever. However, the danger potential should never be taken lightly. The Vietnamese locals do sometimes disregard their own safety when on the road. It is not surprising to see young and inexperienced riders - who are oblivious to the fundamentals of safe riding - sporting just a pair of slippers and forgoing their helmets. Before exploring Vietnam on two wheels, do treat safety as a priority and wear a proper helmet before setting off.
For those without a licence, fret not as there are dozens of motorcycle tour operators around the city. Go for a live tour guide, which takes about 3 to 4 hours in total. Customers are free to choose their preferred commencing time and pick-up area from an array of district choices in Ho Chi Minh City. The rest of the journey will then be left in the hands of whoever hired to provide the best riding tour experience. So sit tight and enjoy the views of the city while soaking in the unique experience of riding pillion.
Explore The Renowned Backpacker Street - Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Street aka. The Backpacker Street of Ho Chi Minh City, is where one will find tons of low-budget restaurants, bars, shops, and hostels. The street is the mecca for backpackers and always has been a bustling place, which makes witnessing the seething sea of humanity an impressive and typical sight. It starts to get busy in the late evenings all the way to midnight, when the nightlife raucous is in full swing.
On evenings during the weekends, the street bans all motor-related traffic. On the street, it is always busy at night, where it is common to find both locals and travellers alike busking on the street in hope of coin.
There are plenty of things to do in the Backpacker Street, and mostly at a shoe-string budget. As of today, the street draws travellers of all backgrounds, with its unique happening vibes and close proximity to eminent landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City.
Try taking a few recommendations from above and slot them into your personal itinerary. Of course, there are many more interesting activities in Ho Chi Minh that are also worth trying out. However, as we are prioritizing a single-day travel plan in this article, I have tried to squeeze in the ‘best of the best’ for you to enjoy Ho chi Minh to its finest.
