Experience Vietnam Like a Local: Gems of Ho Chi Minh City with Vietnam eVisa
APPLY FOR VIETNAM VISA ONLINEYou might refuse the idea of traveling to a certain country just because it requires a visa, and you don’t want to begin this daunting and stressful process. However, the implementation of eVisa – electronic visa – has made it totally simple and time-saving.
Vietnam eVisa was introduced in 2017. Since then, eligible foreigners can travel to the country for tourism, business, or transit purposes in a simpler way. This means you can visit Ho Chi Minh City, the most populous city in Vietnam, without extra hassle. See what it has to offer and experience the country like a local!
How to Apply for a Vietnam eVisa
Before delving into the planning of the itinerary, it’s important to ensure that you have all the necessary documents to enter Vietnam. If your country of citizenship is not eligible for visa-free entry, it’s inevitable that you must obtain a visa. Luckily, many citizens can get a Vietnam eVisa online. In this case, you don’t have to visit the embassy: it’s enough to complete the application on your electronic device.
All you need to do is fill out a short form with your personal and travel information, attach your recent face photo and a copy of your passport, and cover the fee. Then, just wait for a result. The approved visa will be sent directly to your email.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Notre Dame Cathedral in Vietnam is one of the world's 19 most majestic cathedrals. It has a religious look, representing the influence of French civilization and Christianity over Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon.
The materials for the construction of the cathedral, like red bricks of the outside walls, were imported from France and retained their bright red color until today.
Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay Market is for those willing to find exceptional deals on souvenirs and local specialties. It has a wide range of goods, from fresh produce to clothing. The architecture of the Binh Tay Market is unique, combining Chinese influences with French construction techniques.
The market resembles the shape of a bagua – a Chinese symbol of harmony and balance. This makes the market look special and provides an airy space for visitors.
Ten Thousand Buddha Pagoda
The Pagoda of Ten Thousand Buddhas is home to 11,111 Buddhas and Bodhisattvas. The statues are of different sizes and arranged in wooden boxes.
The gilt Ten Thousand Buddhas image was created by Venerable Shi Fa Zhao. It represents the Buddha in lotus posture, with meditation mudra and a circular ring of flaming aureoles on a phoenix throne. It looks like a normal housing building outside, but inside, it is gorgeous.
Sha Tin Park
Sha Tin Park is a public park, perfect for those looking for green space and quiet. Here, you can see holiday installations, which are especially exciting during festival periods like Chinese New Year.
The park can boast Walled Gardens with traditional moon gate entrances, traditional Chinese architecture, numerous trees, flowering plants, lakes with lilies, bridges, and even a small waterfall.
Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office is one of the most beautiful classical architecture buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. The vibrant yellow paint will remain in your memory for a long time.
The most attention-grabbing features are its large domed windows and carved patterns. In the center of the entrance, there is a large clock. Inside the lobby, visitors can see the image of the great President Ho Chi Minh.
Cu Chi Tunnels
The decades-old Cu Chi Tunnels is an underground network of tunnels that looks more like a hidden maze. It had a significant role during the Vietnam War, being a strategic base for the Viet Cong guerrilla fighters.
Now, it is a place where you can learn more about the history of Vietnam and the tactics employed during the war. The tunnels are split into two neighboring sites, Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, providing different experiences. However, it is not the best place for claustrophobic people.
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, has a lot of gems for travelers to visit: beautiful temples, buildings in classical architecture style, markets, parks, and even a system of underground tunnels. Now, many travelers can enter Vietnam with an electronic visa, which eliminates the stress and hassle associated with an embassy visit, making traveling even more accessible and enjoyable.
