Ho Chi Minh City: The vibrant heart of modern Vietnam

What awaits you

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly Saigon, is a vibrant , energetic city, a veritable whirlwind where tradition and modernity constantly intertwine. Scooters flood its streets while colorful markets like Ben Thanh overflow with life.

Take a stroll through the city center to admire the Reunification Palace , a major historical landmark, or Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon , a symbol of French colonial architecture. The War Remnants Museum invites deep reflection on the country's history.

Don't miss the iconic cafes , often spread over several floors.

what I experienced

Upon arrival, I met up with Adrian , a Singaporean I'd met two years earlier in Amsterdam at the Awakenings festival. He knew the city like the back of his hand. Thanks to him, I was able to quickly explore Ho Chi Minh City.

He took me to incredible restaurants and especially to Sinner, a unique bar that hosts extravagant live shows by international artists. The star of the evening was Mulan, a famous drag queen in Asia, who went wild with a routine that included slapping water bottles on the audience.

That night, the city revealed another side to me, more creative and generous . Ho Chi Minh City became a place where I envision my future.

It's always important to stay in touch with people you meet while traveling and nurture those connections: Adrian is a perfect example. We met in Amsterdam and met up again years later in Ho Chi Minh City, proving that these relationships can enrich and transform a trip.

What I recommend

• Visit Ben Thanh Market for its local produce and souvenirs.

• Explore the Reunification Palace for a deep dive into Vietnamese history.

• Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon and the Central Post Office, colonial jewels.

• Discover the War Remnants Museum.

• Don't miss an evening at the Sinner bar, a theatre of extraordinary artistic experiences.

• Stroll through the typical cafes to experience authentic local life.

• Prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant and unpredictable city that never sleeps.