The history of Ho Chi Minh can be seen today painted in the buildings and monuments. Around town, you will find a whole host of museums the most prominent being the War Remnant Museum. The Vietnam War has had a lasting impact on the city and this museum tells the story of the war with fantastic displays including a must-see Chi Chi tunnels exhibition. Visitors get to experience an interactive perspective on what many Vietnamese soldiers faced just a generation ago. The Ho Chi Minh Cu Chi Tunnel Excursion is the perfect birthday gift for your history-buff dad.
Perhaps lesser known, the French colonised Vietnam in 1862 and as a result, the city is to this day famous for its colonial French architecture. A couple spots your giftee must experience include the Notre Dame Cathedral (fun fact: it was built entirely from imported French materials), the Municipal Theatre and the 19th Century Central Post Office which are all included on the Private Ho Chi Minh Sightseeing Tour.
If the person you have in mind for a gift is a bit of a shopaholic and in need of regularly hops into a bit of retail therapy, Ho Chi Minh has plenty to offer. The Binh Tay Market is an enthralling traditional Vietnamese experience. A genuinely unique place to spend some of your holiday time soaking up the local culture, you're guaranteed to grab a bargain if you have your haggling hat on. Conversely, the city also offers a number of high-end boutique shops and malls with some more recognisable brands. If they need a quick pit stop in between shops, be sure to tell them to stop for a Vietnamese iced coffee. A definite pick-me-up, this brew will boost their energy reserves so they can shop ‘til they drop and still have the strength to carry all those bags back to their abode. Your giftee might even buy you a small (or big) gift in return to say thanks - here’s hoping!
If your giftee is a foodie then Ho Chi Minh is certainly the place for them, a melting pot of different cuisines and a plethora of Gifting Owl experiences available. Tired legs from too much roaming around the city will definitely call for the means to fill your giftee’s belly. Why not delve into the heart of the city for a taste of local cooking or a rooftop cocktail. While they are staying in Ho Chi Minh, they have to try a hearty bowl of traditional Pho or perhaps some pork rolls to really experience the local culinary delights. For example, why not gift a friend the Homestyle Vietnamese Cooking In Ho Chi Minh City experience which is a great way to learn traditional ways to prepare yummy dishes from scratch that otherwise, you only get to eat from restaurants and street food vendors.
Staying up late is one of the luxuries of being on holidays. If your giftee is a bit of a night owl, Ho Chi Minh City offers a nightlife that must be seen to be believed with bars and clubs packed with travellers and locals alike. The street drinking scene along Pham Ngu Lao is legendary entertainment as people from all walks of life take to the pavement to chat over cheap beers while seated on small plastic chairs that snake their way right down to the end of the street. The city boasts one of the most impressive collections of rooftop bars seen anywhere, from the colonial chic of Saigon Saigon to more contemporary options such as the Chill Sky Bar. Whichever you choose any one of these options are perfect for you to drink, talk and dance the night away.
For a quieter evening, your giftee might prefer a dinner cruise down the Saigon River, floating the night away with breathtaking views overlooking the city accompanied by a live jazz performance.
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant and exciting place for all types of traveller. Its rich history and culture alongside some of the best Asian food around, the city has an overwhelming tendency to entice its visitors back for more. So, don’t wait, don’t delay, gift a friend, family member or even yourself to an experience of a lifetime with a Ho Chi Minh City experience.
