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Although shocked by the scorching heat and the out-of-control city traffic, tourists are still keen to visit HCMC as it remains a fun place full of lively people who, for the most part, seem happy to be living here. There are many attractions here that give tourists an insight into the culture, history and daily life of Vietnam. One factor that makes HCMC exceptional is the contrast between the old and the new, the ancient and the modern. Although dressed up with towering buildings, business centers and luxury hotels and restaurants, the city still preserves many places and buildings from earlier eras.

Tourists are told to visit Notre Dame Cathedral which was built by the French between 1863 and 1880 with bricks from Marseille. These bricks have retained their red color until today. The cathedral’s two 40 meter spires dominate the skyline and a statue of the Virgin Mary stands out front. The church is not only a place to discover colonial architecture, but a place for regular Christian services and a favorite place for Vietnamese brides and bridegrooms to have dozens of photos taken.

Reunification Palace in District 1 is a must-see for history buffs and is a historic landmark in HCMC. It was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu as the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the war and the site of the official handover of power on April 30, 1975. The palace covers about 12 hectares and is surrounded by trees and lawns. Although destroyed during the war, it was renovated and preserved as an important historical site. The War Remnants Museum in District 3 displays the horrors of modern combat and the suffering inflicted on the Vietnamese people. The museum houses a collection of weapons, machinery, artifacts and horrific photos illustrating the devastating affects of napalm, Agent Orange and other weapons of mass destruction.

The Cu Chi Tunnels, about an hour’s drive from the city center by bus, represent the bravery and strength of the Vietnamese people. This extraordinary underground maze is divided into several levels of tunnels almost 250 kilometers in length. The soil above is between three and four meters thick. The network included accommodations, meeting rooms, mess halls, hospitals and even a miniature cinema for an underground army of Vietnamese revolutionary soldiers who emerged from concealed trapdoors to fight and gradually grind down the will of the French and Americans.

The History Museum and the Fine Art Museum exhibit paintings, historical artifacts and antique collections. They are venues for locals and tourists to admire works of arts as well as to learn more about Vietnamese culture and history. Municipal Theater Ho Chi Minh City, or HCMC Opera House, is a fine example of French colonial architecture. Built in 1897 by French architect Ferret Eugene, the 800 seat hall is a venue for concerts and music festivals. This building was the home of the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam from 1956 until 1975 when it became a theatre again. It was last renovated in 1995.

Suoi Tien Theme Park in District 9, mainly for children and young people, is a fun place to relax with a roller coaster, water slides, an artificial beach and lake, and hungry crocodiles that love to be fed. Can Gio Ecology Tourism Park is a great place for nature lovers to find some head space in the green tranquility of the forest and sea. China Town in District 5 is immediately distinguished by its fascinating labyrinth of Chinese-named streets, temples, restaurants, exotic stores, medicine shops and markets. Here, tourists can step into Binh Tay Market with its bustling trade or visit Thien Hau Pagoda to burn incense for good luck and good health. Ben Thanh Market and An Dong Market are great for buying Vietnamese souvenirs and specialties, including food and household items.

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