Explore Ho Chi Minh City, where historic landmarks, bustling markets, architectural wonders, and contemporary attractions come together to provide a dynamic and memorable journey.
1. War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum provides a poignant look at Vietnam's tumultuous past during the Vietnam War era. Exhibits include photos, memorabilia, and military hardware that illustrate the conflict's profound effect on both Vietnam and its population.
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A Belgian visitor examining an airplane at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
The collection encompasses 20,000 items such as weaponry, soldier’s possessions, propaganda posters, and wartime correspondence between troops and their family members. The archive also features photos and documentaries that graphically illustrate American war crimes, encompassing mass killings, deployment of chemicals like Agent Orange, and immense civilian suffering. These incidents still affect millions of Vietnamese people today through ongoing health problems, hereditary conditions, emotional distress, and difficulties in post-war economic recovery. In 2022, the Canadian travel site The Travel Included the War Remnants Museum in the list of 10 "top historical museums" in Asia.
The War Remnants Museum has consistently been among the top draws for tourists not only in Ho Chi Minh City but also throughout Vietnam, attracting approximately one million visitors each year.
The museum operates every day from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with an entry cost of VND40,000 (approximately US$1.60). Its location is at 28 Vo Van Tan Street in District 3.
2. The Basilica of Our Lady of Saigon Cathedral
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Photos show pigeons flying above the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica located in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. The image was captured by Thanh Nguyen for VnExpress. |
Situated in the center of the city at Cong Xa Paris Square in District 1, this French colonial-period cathedral was constructed from 1863 to 1880. Featuring a neo-Romanesque style, stunning stained glass windows, and two famous spires standing 58 meters tall, it serves as an impressive reminder of HCMC’s colonial past.
The crimson bricks of the cathedral, sourced from Marseille, lend it a cozy and eternal look, whereas inside, one can find detailed engravings and an atmosphere of serenity. This site acts as both a sanctuary for worshipers and a captivating spot for photographers, providing guests with insight into the town’s historical and religious legacy.
Admission is complimentary, and the church operates every day. Since 2017, it has been subject to renovations, with completion now anticipated around 2027 because of hold-ups linked to challenges associated with importing specific supplies. Although visitors may access the church, several sections remain off-limits for security purposes during the building process.
3. Ben Thanh Market
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The vista of Ben Thanh Market seen from above. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
Located in District 1, Ben Thanh Market serves as a lively center of action and is among the city’s earliest and most recognizable symbols. Founded during the early 1900s, this dynamic marketplace embodies the essence of local life where both residents and visitors can fully engage with the cultural scene.
This spot is ideal for purchasing local crafts, fabrics, keepsakes, and an array of fresh goods. Additionally, the marketplace serves as a paradise for food lovers, providing classic Vietnamese fare such as pho and crispy pancakes. banh xeo , accompanied by crisp spring rolls along with revitalizing beverages such as sugarcane juice and Vietnamese iced coffee. Immediately adjacent to the market lies a recently constructed plaza offering an animated area where guests can unwind, whereas the close-by subway station ensures ease of travel for tourists.
The space in front of Ben Thanh Market is currently undergoing preparations for an upcoming renovation project scheduled to commence prior to April 2025.
Ben Thanh Market operates every day from 6:00 a.m. till 6:00 p.m., but a vibrant night market continues until 10:00 p.m., providing a distinct ambiance featuring food carts and outdoor booths spread across adjacent roads.
It should be noted that Ben Thanh Market is known for charging higher prices to international visitors. Japanese tourist was charged VND700,000 ($30) for three pairs of socks back in 2023. The store owner was banned from operating for one week by the market administration as a result. Keep this information in mind during your visit.
4. Reunification Palace
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Visitors soaking up the sun at the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. Image courtesy of Vnexpress/Thanh Nguyen. |
Commonly referred to as Independence Palace, this significant landmark located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street in District 1 stands as a testament to Vietnam’s past and marks the conclusion of the Vietnam War. Constructed during the 1960s, it functioned both as the home and office for the President of South Vietnam.
The palace gained prominence on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank burst through its entrance, symbolizing the end of U.S.-supported Saigon and the unification of Vietnam. Nowadays, it operates as a museum where guests can explore its lavish chambers, hidden underground shelters, and strategic control centers that were crucial during the conflict. This site serves as a potent testament to Vietnam’s endurance and change.
Tourists have the opportunity to visit the intact chambers like the presidential office, the Cabinet meeting room, and the dining hall where important discussions, policy decisions, and national events took place. Additionally, the subterranean shelters, formerly key hubs during the Vietnam War era, provide insight into strategic planning from those times. Various displays feature war relics, archival photos, along with pivotal combat equipment such as tanks and helicopters involved in the battles.
The palace is accessible every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The ticket price is VND65,000 ($2.60).
5. Cu Chi Tunnels
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International visitors observe a tour guide demonstrating how to navigate the entrances of the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City. The photo was taken by jwrach007 on Instagram. |
Located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from central Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels form a vast subterranean complex that was pivotal during the Vietnam War. These tunnels have been utilized by Vietnamese fighters starting from the late 1940s during the First Indochina War. Beyond serving as protective bunkers, they functioned as vital supply lines, habitation spaces, and tactical outposts for guerilla combat operations.
Tourists can traverse parts of the tunnels, which were expanded from their initial narrow dimensions to allow visitors to understand the difficult circumstances endured by the soldiers. The site features historical objects from wartime, simulated booby traps, and engaging displays that outline the tactics and fortitude of the Vietnamese fighters. This location serves as an educational destination for individuals interested in gaining more insight into Vietnam’s past.
Tours are offered every day, with prices differing based on the operator, beginning around VND110,000 ($4.40) for admission.
6. Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office
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The entrance to Saigon Central Post Office. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
The impressive Central Post Office located at 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, was designed by Gustave Eiffel and constructed in 1891. This building stands as an exquisite example of French colonial architectural style, featuring intricate ironwork alongside arched windows that blend elements from Gothic, Renaissance, and French design traditions. Adjacent to this iconic structure lies one of the city’s most frequented attractions. Street Nguyen Van Binh book .
The structure continues to operate as an active postal facility and attracts many tourists due to its well-maintained interior aesthetics. Upon entering, one can admire a lofty ceiling upheld by elaborate steel supports alongside old-fashioned phone stalls, collectively enhancing its timeless allure.
The postal facility operates every day between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., with no admission fee.
7. Tan Dinh Church
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A side view of Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh City. The photo was taken by VnExpress/Phong Vinh. |
Renowned for its distinctive pale pink exterior, Tan Dinh Church, often referred to as The Pink Church located at 289 Hai Ba Trung Street in District 3, represents yet another architectural masterpiece from the French colonial period. Constructed in 1876, this church ranks among the earliest places of worship in Ho Chi Minh City and distinguishes itself through an amalgamation of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque styles.
The elaborate facade of the church, adorned with white accents and detailed carvings, provides a striking contrast against its vivid pink coloration, rendering it an ideal location for photoshoots. Within, guests can marvel at the lofty arched ceilings, embellished shrines, and colored glass windows, enhancing both its allure and historic importance. Besides being a site of religious devotion, Tan Dinh Church serves as a cultural monument emblematic of the area’s deep-rooted traditions.
The church operates every day.
8. Landmark 81
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Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City at nighttime. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
Standing as Vietnam’s highest tower, Landmark 81 in Binh Thanh District stands tall at an astounding 461.2 meters (1,513 feet), representing contemporary elegance and opulence.
The viewing area on the higher levels offers unobstructed 360-degree vistas of Ho Chi Minh City, particularly breathtaking at dusk and after dark.
Within the structure, you'll find upscale stores, fine dining eateries, a posh hotel, and cutting-edge recreational amenities such as an ice skating rink and a movie theater.
The viewing platform is accessible every day from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with entry priced at VND300,000 ($12) onwards. Shops within the complex as well as eateries operate generally between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.
9. Bui Vien Pedestrian Street
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The Bui Vien pedestrian street in Ho Chi Minh City at nighttime. Photo by VnExpress/Bich Phuong. |
Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1 serves as the pulsating core of Ho Chi Minh City’s nighttime scene, attracting both residents and visitors alike. As this lively footpath transforms after dark, it buzzes with activity featuring crowded pubs, dance clubs, and various live musical acts, resulting in a thrilling and ever-changing ambiance.
This place is renowned for its street food stalls which provide an extensive selection of tasty local bites like banh mi, pho, broken rice com tam, and crispy spring rolls—ideal for quelling midnight hunger pangs. If you seek dancing, refreshing beverages, or just want to immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance, Bui Vien Walking Street serves as the prime spot for fun, cuisine, and thrills within Ho Chi Minh City.
As one might expect, the street becomes particularly vibrant during the evening hours.
10. Chinatown (Cho Lon)
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Chinatown of Saigon during the Tet holiday. Image captured by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen |
Situated in District 5, Chinatown—also known as Cho Lon—is a lively neighborhood brimming with Chinese-Vietnamese heritage and history. This dynamic area features an array of traditional Chinese architectural styles alongside local markets and genuine dining spots serving up classic Chinese dishes, which makes it essential for visitors looking to immerse themselves in this cultural amalgamation.
Tourists have the opportunity to visit historical sites such as the Thien Hau Temple, which honors the Chinese deity of the seas, and Binh Tay Market, a bustling bazaar offering items ranging from spices and traditional medicines to fabrics and keepsakes.
The winding alleys are bordered by stores peddling authentic Chinese products, and the scent of street cuisine permeates the atmosphere, providing a genuine experience of regional tastes and traditions.
Access to the majority of sites is complimentary; however, certain temples might impose a nominal entry charge.
11. Thao Dien
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Thao Dien Night Street in Ho Chi Minh City. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Phong Anh |
Located in District 2, Thao Dien stands out as an elegant and fashionable district famous for its global atmosphere and varied international population. It serves as a sanctuary for individuals looking for tranquility and sophistication, featuring numerous cafés, chic boutiques, and cutting-edge art galleries that enhance its appeal for relaxed discovery.
Thao Dien features waterfront dining spots as well, allowing guests to savor tasty dishes while admiring breathtaking vistas of the Saigon River. This area is ideal for families due to its abundance of parks, play areas, and leisure zones, rendering it an excellent choice for residents and travelers seeking a serene yet lively environment removed from the urban chaos.
British magazine Time Out placed Thao Dien at number 16 on their list. world's 38 coolest neighborhoods in October 2024.
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