Top 10 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the captivating and lively city of Ho Chi Minh, which captures the hearts of tourists not only for its modern metropolis conveniences but also for its numerous attractions that offer fun and adventure.

To assist you in exploring this city, we have compiled a list of the top 10 must-see tourist attractions in Saigon-Ho Chi Minh City below.

1. War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is a must-visit tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is an extremely popular museum that showcases memories related to the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War in Vietnam. The Vietnamese government established this museum on September 4th, 1975, as the Exhibition House for the US and Puppet Crimes. In 1990, the name of the facility changed to the Exhibition House for Crimes of War and Aggression. Finally, when President Bill Clinton visited Vietnam in 1995, it was named the War Remnants Museum, which remains its current name.

The museum boasts a collection of more than 20,000 documents, exhibits, and films. Visitors can see over 1,500 of these items on display. The museum has numerous rooms showcasing military equipment used by the US and Vietnamese military, including the Legend AK 47, UH-1 helicopter, M48 tank, and T-54 tank. Tourists can also view the tiger case, where South Vietnamese soldiers kept their political prisoners, and photographs from the Vietnam War, including black-and-white images.

The museum serves as evidence of the crimes and consequences of war caused by the US and its allies in Vietnam. Visiting the War Remnants Museum is among the most rewarding things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

The War Remnants Museum is located at 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It opens every day, from 7:30 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum’s website at http://www.baotangchungtichchientranh.vn/.

2. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the largest and most iconic markets in Ho Chi Minh City, serving as a prime destination for tourists seeking local handicrafts, textiles, and cuisine. The market dates back to the 17th century, when it was established by vendors near the Sai Gon River. After being destroyed by fire in 1870, the French rebuilt it, culminating in the establishment of the New Ben Thanh Market in 1912, which still stands today.

One of the main attractions of the market is its wide selection of authentic Vietnamese food, with dishes such as Banh cuon, Banh xeo, Hu tieu, and cheap-priced beer, ranging from $2-$5. Visitors can also find an array of local clothes, shoes, bags, sweets, and other handicrafts made by expert carpenters who are highly sought after.

Furthermore, due to its longstanding status as a popular tourist attraction, all services at Ben Thanh Market are well-regulated, ensuring that there is no solicitation of tourists. It is highly recommended that visitors do not leave without purchasing any items, as this would result in a disappointing experience.

The market is located on Le Loi Street in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and is open from 6:00am to 12:00am daily.

3. Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels, stretching for 75 miles, bear witness to the massive war that took place in Vietnam. The tunnels serve as a testament to the strong determination of the Vietnamese people and soldiers who fought against the US for nearly two decades.

Originally built by Viet Minh soldiers in 1948 during their fight against the French, these tunnels were used to evade French soldiers and communicate with local villagers. They also provided shelter for those seeking refuge from foreign invaders. During the Vietnam War, the tunnels were expanded to approximately 250 km and became a strategic base for the Viet Cong to defeat American soldiers.

Cu Chi boasts two tunnel display sites: Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Visitors can safely crawl through the tunnels and experience a unique activity in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, there is a shooting range where tourists can enjoy the thrill of firing weapons. The prices for bullets range from $1.1 (CARBIN) to $1.8 (AK 47 and M60).

Travelers have several modes of transportation to choose from when visiting Cu Chi, including motorbike, car, bus, or speedboat. The location is situated 45 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City and is open every day, including Sundays, from 07:00 to 17:00.

4. Independence Palace

The Independence Palace, formerly known as the Reunification Palace, is a renowned tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. This palace served as the residence and workplace for the South Vietnamese President from 1954 to 1975 and was the site where the Vietnam War ended on April 30th, 1975.

The palace has a rich history, with its construction beginning in February 1868 under the direction of Pierre-Paul de La Grandière, the Governor of Cochinchina under the French Empire. The palace’s architect was Ngo Viet Thu, the first Vietnamese architect to win the First Grand Prize of Rome. Upon completion, the palace was named Norodom Palace after Cambodia’s King Norodom (1834–1904).

During World War II, the palace became an important headquarters for Japanese officials. Later on, in 1954, it became the State of Vietnam’s main office. After Ngo Dinh Diem became President of the Republic of Vietnam in 1955, he renamed the palace Independence Palace. The North Vietnamese bulldozed through the main gate on April 30th, 1975, ending the Vietnam War.

Reunification Palace has five levels, with each floor housing significant rooms such as the Conference Hall, Cabinet Room, Ambassador Chamber, President Reception Room, National Security Council Chamber, card-playing room, library, cinema, casino, and a heliport on the rooftop terrace. Moreover, there is a basement that serves as a hideout for the President and houses the Command Central with various communication equipment.

Visiting this destination allows individuals to learn more about the city’s historical events during the Vietnam War and Indochina War. The Independence Palace’s location is at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, and it operates daily from 08:00 to 11:00 13:00 to 16:00 hours.

5. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is a renowned art museum in the city and should be on your list of places to visit. This site was once owned by Hui Bon Hoa, a wealthy merchant in Sai Gon during the 20th century. French architect Rivera designed and built this villa for the Hua family in 1929. In 1987, the government took over this property, and it became the Vietnam Exhibition Center and later the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee managed it as a public museum.

One of the highlights of this museum is its vast collection that covers an area of 3514 square meters and contains over 20,000 works of art from various locations in Vietnam. The three floors, including a basement, feature a gallery of artworks, paintings, and sculptures by both Vietnamese and non-Vietnamese artists. Additionally, the third floor boasts a collection of fine arts that dates back to the 7th century until the early 20th century.

Today, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is a popular tourist destination in Saigon, with visitors flocking to see the many valuable and attractive works of art. If you plan to visit Saigon, make sure to add this museum to your itinerary.

You can find the museum located at 97A – Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, and is open from 9:00 to 18:00 every Tuesday to Sunday, closed only on Mondays. For more information, visit their website at www.baotangmythuattphcm.vn.

6. Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Jade Emperor Temple, is a religious site that combines Taoist and Mahayana Buddhist traditions. It was constructed in 1892 by a group of Chinese immigrants led by Liu Ming in Saigon, Vietnam. This temple stands out for being the only place where the Jade Emperor is worshipped in Vietnam and represents the Mahayanist branch of Buddhism in the country.

In 1984, it was given a new Chinese name, Phuoc Hai Tu or Sea of Blessing Temple. The temple gained even more recognition when former U.S. President Barack Obama visited during his state trip to Vietnam on May 22, 2016.

The temple is divided into two parts: the courtyard and the inside temple. Upon entering the main door, visitors will find themselves in the courtyard which is split into three sections. The first section features a small turret with a statue of Dharmapala, a Buddhist philosopher. Following this is a pond full of turtles and benches, and lastly, there is the “incinerator,” a chimney-shaped structure where devotees can burn papers as an offering to their ancestors in heaven.Inside the temple, tourists can admire numerous artworks including around 300 ancient statues, 100 of which are made from wooden cardboard depicting genies meeting with the Jade Emperor in the pagoda. The main chamber is dedicated to worshipping the Jade Emperor, Buddha, and other genies. The largest statue inside the temple portrays the Jade Emperor holding court with genies.

For those seeking solace and inner peace, the temple offers a serene environment and beautiful scenery. Visitors may pray and meditate here to find balance and relaxation amidst the chaos of daily life.

Located at 73 Mai Thi Luu, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, the temple is open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, and there is no entrance fee, though visitors may make donations.

7. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, also known as Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica or Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, is a significant Catholic landmark in Vietnam and is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City.

Constructed between 1863 to 1880 by French architects, the cathedral stands at a height of 60 meters and was initially called Saigon Church. In 1959, it was renamed Notre-Dame Cathedral after the Bishop of the Church held a ceremony to install the statue of Peaceful Notre Dame, and in 1962, the Vatican designated it as Saigon Chief Cathedral. Since then, it has been called Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica.

The cathedral’s design is influenced by France and Christianity, and all materials used in its construction were directly imported from France. In 1895, two bell towers were added, each with a height of 60.5 meters and six bronze bells. This addition increased the value of the cathedral’s unique architecture. When visiting the cathedral, take time to walk around and enjoy its fresh atmosphere and special architecture.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is an interesting place to visit when in Saigon, as you can not only marvel at its gorgeous architecture but also witness many worshippers. However, visitors should dress appropriately and avoid disturbing the worshippers.

The cathedral’s location is at No.1 Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, and it is open every day from 08:00 to 17:00.

To experience this magnificent landmark, use the Google Maps link provided above to navigate your way there.

8. Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Central Post Office, also known as the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, is a popular tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City. Designed by French architect Alfred Foulhoux between 1886 and 1891, the post office has a perfect preservation of its original structure. It remains the busiest post office in Vietnam to this day.

The interior of the post office boasts a combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and French styles. The large building has a spacious feel, with an arc-shaped ceiling supported by rows of steel pillars. The meticulously decorated pillars in the front hall lend stability and grandeur to the structure. The post office offers traditional postal services including mailing, selling postcards, stamps, and foreign currency exchange. Visitors can purchase souvenirs and write letters on wooden tables. Mr. Duong Van Ngo, an elderly man who works at the end of a long wooden table, has worked here since he was 17 years old. He is a polyglot public letter writer and translator who loves his job and often helps visitors draft letters in English and French. He recommends other attractions to visit in Ho Chi Minh City as well.

Despite many historical events, the post office has remained standing and continues to play an important role in the city’s history. For those interested in French colonial architecture and the history of Saigon, the Saigon Central Post Office is a must-visit location.

Located at No. 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, the post office is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm daily.

9. Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Municipal Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam. It was recognized as a national relic in 2012 and is located at 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Constructed in 1898 by French architect Eugene Ferret in the Belle Epoque style, the building was used as part of the South Vietnamese government after 1956. It was then restored and reopened as a theater in 1995. In 1998, to commemorate Saigon’s 300th birthday, famous architects and artists were invited to restore the house.

The opera house can seat up to 1,800 people across its main seating floor and two levels of seating above it. The building has been refurbished with modern devices such as electric appliances, lighting, sound systems, and safety equipment.

Surrounded by new plazas and hotels, visitors can combine a visit to the opera house with a shopping tour. The Saigon Municipal Opera House is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

10. Bitexco Financial Tower

The Bitexco Financial Tower serves as a contemporary icon of Ho Chi Minh City, featuring the offices of the Bitexco Group within its 68 floors and three basements. Designed by Carlos Zapata Studio in collaboration with French firm AREP as the architect of record, this skyscraper has a height of 262.5 meters inspired by Vietnam’s national flower, the Lotus.

One of the tower’s most notable features is the Sky Deck, which provides visitors with a 360-degree view of the city and the Saigon River. To enhance the experience, binoculars are available for use. The restaurants on the 50th and 51st floors offer exceptional views, particularly at night, while local art exhibitions provide an opportunity to purchase souvenirs for loved ones.

Located at 36 Ho Tung Mau Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, the Bitexco Financial Tower is open every day from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, with an entrance fee of $10 per person for access to the Sky Deck.