I bet your most liked Instagram photo was taken during your trip somewhere, as everyone loves travel pictures, and it became such a tremendous challenge to find Instagrammable places! This time, we will be traveling to Ho Chi Minh, but let us know where Vietnam is located before moving further. The Democratic Republic of Vietnam is the eastern edge nation on the Indo-Chinese peninsula. Also, worth mentioning that, as of 2019, it has a record of 96,2 million inhabitants. Vietnam shares its borders with China to the north, Laos, and Cambodia to the west. In the Gulf of Thailand, it shares its territorial frontiers with Thailand. The capital of Vietnam is Hanoi, and Ho Chi Minh City is its most populous city. However, how can you travel from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh? The flight is the fastest way to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi. A $100 fare trip can also be found for passengers who book flights in advance. Meanwhile, it takes about 35 hours to go by train. The trains, though, are air-conditioned and have reclining chairs or bunk beds. Today we are going to talk mainly about Ho Chi Minh. The city borders the Saigon River in south-eastern Vietnam and occupies around 2,061 square kilometers. Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam's commercial and financial hub and plays an important role in the world's culture and technological evolution. Now we have the necessary information about the city; here are the 12 Instagrammable places in Ho Chi Minh!
1. War Remnants Museum
One of the most exciting places in Ho Chi Minh is this museum. The Museum of War Relics is one of Ho Chi Minh City's most moving sights and is devoted to informing tourists about the Vietnam war. It is one of Vietnam's most famous museums, and more than half a million visitors come here each year. One building replicates the "tiger cages" in which the South Vietnamese regime imprisoned political prisoners. Other displays include vivid photography of the effects of Agent Orange and other chemical defoliant sprays, the use of napalm and phosphorus bombs. So, if you are interested in history and want to "educate" your followers on Instagram, make sure that you visit the War Remnants Museum during your travel to Ho Chi Minh.
2. Giac Lam Pagoda
Three areas compose richly decorated shrines: the ritual chamber, the chanting chamber, and the refectory. In multiple incarnations and several Taoist deities with their altar, this vast and expansive establishment houses beautifully made images of Buddha. The wooden pillars are all adorned with Chinese red-and-gold characters. The massive statue of Amitabha Buddha, which is flanked by five smaller Buddha images, dominates the ceremonial hall. The 'Nine Dragon Altar' is also in the main hall, showing the birth of Prince Sidharta, the future Buddha Gotama. To me, that part of the pagoda is especially Instagrammable and breathtakingly beautiful!
3. The Central Office
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City? Visit the post office! Yes, I know a post office does not sound Instagrammable, but Gustave Eiffel (exactly the Eiffel Tower's constructor in Paris) designed the one in Ho Chi Minh City. The building dates to 1886, and now it is one of the city's most prominent landmarks, with its design in the Gothic style. Making sure you head inside, as you can see, a massive domed roof and wide walls decorated with colonial-era maps. Who knows, maybe your next most liked Instagram photo will be taken in a post office in Vietnam!
4. The History Museum
It is always a great deal to learn more about the country that you are visiting. For history lovers, one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh would be to head to the history museum located in a lovely botanical garden that dates to 1929. The building was first opened as a French colonial villa that has now been converted into a museum, and items dating back 4,000 years can be found here. Surprisingly enough, many of the objects come from the Bronze Age, and the Cham and Khmer kingdoms still have products that include weapons collections. Get your Vietnam visa now and travel to the past!
5. Cu Chi tunnels
The villagers supported a substantial Viet Cong presence around the district of Cu Chi during the American War. They pulled themselves out of harm's way in the face of American efforts to neutralize them, and that is precisely how the infamous Cu Chi tunnels were discovered in the first place. Today, for a glimpse into life as a tunnel-dwelling resistance warrior, visitors will explore a short stretch of the tunnels, sink their hands and knees, and crawl underground. It is one of the must-visits during your travel to Ho Chi Minh!
6. Notre Dame Cathedral
The cathedral was built between 1863 and 1880, was set up by French colonists who originally called it the Church of Saigon, and today it is one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh. They shipped all the original construction materials from France. Tiles were carved with Guichard Carvin, Marseille St Andre France, showing the district where the tiles were made in Marseille. The centerpiece of the small park in front of the cathedral is the Virgin Mary statue, where cycle drivers loiter, and children hawk postcards and maps.
7. Delta of Mekong
Interestingly, 39,000 square kilometers of rivers make up the Mekong Delta, which is perhaps one of the most heavily inhabited areas of Vietnam. The Mekong Delta's core is about four hours away from Ho Chi Minh City and, but honestly, I think that once you are in the middle of your time in Ho Chi Minh City, do not miss your chance to visit this beautiful natural phenomenon.
8. Cao Dai Temple
Cao Dai temples in Ho Chi Minh took about 20 years to build the temple, and it was eventually finished in 1956. You will find some ornately carved dragons inside, but the most interesting and fascinating feature of the temple is its ability to mix religious sculptures successfully. These include Christ, Brahman, and Buddha's depictions, in which one building represents a variety of religions. As in a traditional church, the altar and the ambulatory are at the opposite end of the entrance. Taking pictures in this multi-religious temple is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh!
9. Ho Chi Minh City Museum
The Ho Chi Minh Museum was founded in 1885. This is commonly said to be the most remarkable building in Ho Chi Minh, and this is the address to come to learn more about the culture and history of the city and the whole region. Ceramics, ancient maps of the region, and marriage costumes that belong to the different ethnic groups in Vietnam are only some collections on display. The museum is also very Instagrammable and will surprise your followers with its distinct features from all the museums you previously visited.
10. Jade Emperor Pagoda
Jade Emperor Pagodais one of Ho Chi Minh City's most gorgeous temples and interesting places in Ho Chi Minh. Let us not ignore the fact that you will find statues of deities here and huge coils of smoking incense. The walls are lined with intricate woodcarvings, and, in its own right, the roof is also a work of art. You can see rooftop statues as you look around, which display scenes from Buddhist and Taoist stories.
11. Binh Tay Market
Food Instagrammers, I found a perfect spot for you! Binh Tay Market, built in the 1880s by the French, is unlike Ben Thanh Market in District 1. With its extensive range of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat, and seafood from regions across Vietnam, this market serves the local population primarily. However it is a fascinating place where you can get to know the locals, also eat some local food!
12. Cha Tam Church
And last but not least, from our list of Instagrammable places in Ho Chi Minh is Cha Tam Church. If you decide to enter the church itself, you will find a plaque marking the place where, in 1963, President Ngo Dinh Diem and his brother Ngo Dinh Nhu were seized while trying to flee from the presidential palace. There is no way your Instagram followers list will not get longer after you post this fact and a picture on your Instagram feed!
