Ho Chi Minh City: 11 Unmissable Attractions for Visitors
Explore Ho Chi Minh City, where historical sites, bustling markets, architectural wonders, and contemporary attractions blend together to provide an energetic 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 how the conflict affected 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. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Quynh Tran. |
The collection consists of 20,000 items such as weaponry, personal effects belonging to soldiers, propaganda materials, and correspondence sent home by combatants during the conflict. Among these are photos and documentary pieces that graphically illustrate the brutal acts carried out by American forces, encompassing mass killings, deployment of chemicals like Agent Orange, and severe harm inflicted upon non-combatant populations. A considerable number of Vietnamese people still grapple with long-term consequences stemming from those occurrences, which manifest as medical problems, hereditary conditions, mental distress, and economic hurdles faced when trying to reconstruct society post-war. 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 remains one of 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 fee 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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Pigeons soar above the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. The photo was taken by VnExpress/Thanh Nguyen. |
Situated in the center of the city at Cong Xa Paris Square in District 1, this cathedral from the French colonial era was constructed between 1863 and 1880. Featuring a neo-Romanesque style, stunning stained glass windows, and two prominent bell towers reaching 58 meters high, it stands as a remarkable testament to Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial past.
The crimson bricks of the cathedral, sourced from Marseille, lend it a cozy and enduring look, whereas inside, you’ll find elaborate engravings and an atmosphere of peace. This site functions as a sanctuary for worshipers and photographers alike, 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 setbacks linked to importing specific supplies. Even during this period of building, guests may visit inside; however, several sections remain off-limits for security purposes.
3. Ben Thanh Market
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The perspective 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 activity and is among the city’s earliest and most recognizable landmarks. Founded during the early 1900s, this dynamic marketplace embodies the essence of local culture where both residents and visitors can fully engage with their surroundings.
This spot is ideal for purchasing local crafts, fabrics, keepsakes, and an array of fresh goods. Additionally, the marketplace serves as a food lover’s paradise, providing classic Vietnamese cuisine such as pho and crispy pancakes.
banh xeo
, accompanied by crisp spring rolls along with invigorating beverages such as sugarcane juice and Vietnamese iced coffee. Adjacent to the market lies a recently constructed plaza where guests can unwind comfortably, whereas the close-by subway station ensures easy navigation for tourists.
The space in front of Ben Thanh Market is currently undergoing preparations for an upcoming renovation scheduled to begin prior to April 2025.
Ben Thanh Market operates every day from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and features an evening market that extends until 10:00 p.m., providing a distinct ambiance with food carts and outside booths populating the surrounding streets.
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 in 2023. The vendor was temporarily banned from operating by the market authorities for one week. Keep this in mind during your visit.
4. Reunification Palace
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Tourists basking in the sunshine at the Reunification Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. Image courtesy of Vnexpress/Thanh Nguyen. |
Commonly referred to as Independence Palace, this significant location at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, stands as a emblematic monument of Vietnam’s past and 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 collapse of U.S.-supported Saigon and the unification of Vietnam. Nowadays, it functions as a museum, providing guests with an insight into its lavish interior spaces, hidden underground chambers, and strategic control centers that were crucial during the conflict. As such, it serves as a potent testament to Vietnam’s endurance and change over time.
Guests have the opportunity to tour the intact chambers, encompassing the head of state’s workspace, the meeting area for cabinet members, and the dining space where formal gatherings took place. These areas served crucial functions like hosting key discussions, making critical decisions, and conducting diplomatic events. Additionally, the subterranean shelters, formerly operational hubs during the Vietnam War era, provide insight into strategic planning from beneath the surface. Various displays feature items related to warfare, archival images documenting past times, along with transportation vehicles—such as armored fighting vehicles and rotary aircraft—that were pivotal during those confrontations.
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 image was shared by jwrach007 on Instagram. |
Located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) away from central Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels form an intricate subterranean system with significant historical importance dating back to the Vietnam War era. Originally constructed and utilized by Vietnamese combatants starting in the late 1940s during the First Indochina War, this vast tunnel complex functioned both as protective hideouts and operational hubs for logistical support, daily life activities, and tactical military engagements in asymmetric warfare.
Tourists can traverse parts of the tunnels, which were expanded from their initial narrow dimensions to recreate the difficult circumstances endured by the soldiers. The site features historical relics from wartime, simulated booby traps, and engaging displays highlighting 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 can be booked every day, with costs 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 the Saigon Central Post Office. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
The magnificent Central Post Office located at 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, was designed by Gustave Eiffel and constructed in 1891. It stands as an exemplary piece of French colonial architecture, featuring intricate iron decorations alongside arched windows that blend elements from Gothic, Renaissance, and French styles. This iconic building is conveniently situated adjacent to one of the city’s most frequented attractions.
Street Nguyen Van Binh book
.
The structure still operates as an active post office and attracts many tourists who come to admire its well-maintained interior. Upon entering, one can observe a grand arched ceiling held up by elaborate ironwork alongside old-fashioned phone stalls, 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 pastel exterior, Tan Dinh Church—also referred to as The Pink Church—at 289 Hai Ba Trung Street in District 3, is an additional example of architectural beauty 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 with a blend of Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque elements.
The elaborate facade of the church, adorned with white accents and detailed ornamentation, creates a striking contrast against its vibrant pink color, rendering it a popular location for photoshoots. Within, guests can marvel at the lofty arched ceilings, elegant altars, and colored glass windows, enhancing both its allure and historic importance. Tan Dinh Church serves as more than just a religious site; it stands as a cultural monument emblematic of the area’s deep-rooted traditions.
The church operates every day.
8. Landmark 81
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Night view of Landmark 81 in Ho Chi Minh City. Image courtesy of VnExpress/Quynh Tran |
Standing tall as Vietnam’s highest building, Landmark 81 in Binh Thanh District represents contemporary elegance and opulence, reaching an astounding height of 461.2 meters (1,513 feet).
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 luxurious 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 fees beginning at VND300,000 ($12). Additionally, the shopping center, eateries, and various amenities within the structure operate during different timeslots; typically, most retail outlets and food establishments are available from 10:00 a.m. until 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: VnExpress/Bich Phuong |
Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1 serves as the pulsating core of Ho Chi Minh City’s nocturnal scene, attracting both residents and visitors alike. As dusk falls, this lively footpath transforms into a hubbub of activity featuring numerous bars, clubs, and live musical acts, generating a charged and spirited ambiance.
This location is renowned for its array of street food stalls that serve an extensive selection of tasty regional 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 stands out as the prime spot for entertainment, 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 buildings alongside local markets and genuine restaurants serving up Chinese cuisine, which makes it essential for visitors wanting 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 an array of goods including spices, traditional medicines, fabrics, and keepsakes.
The winding lanes are flanked by stores peddling authentic Chinese merchandise, and the scent of street cuisine permeates the atmosphere, providing a genuine sampling of regional tastes and traditions.
Access to the majority of these 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 recognized for its global atmosphere and varied international population. Ideal for individuals who value tranquility and sophistication, this locale offers numerous cafés, chic boutiques, and cutting-edge art galleries perfect for casual discovery.
Thao Dien features waterfront dining spots where guests can 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 distant from the urban chaos.
The British magazine Time Out placed Thao Dien at number 16 on their list.
world’s 38 coolest neighborhoods
in October 2024.
