Top 15 Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, the largest, most dynamic, and bustling city in Vietnam, is a must-visit destination for most travelers to the country. Besides the vibrant streets, Ho Chi Minh City boasts numerous cultural and historical landmarks. Join us as we explore the top 15 tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

1. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is arguably one of the most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Its architecture is uniquely stunning, blending Roman and Gothic styles. For the Catholic community of Saigon, this cathedral is a proud symbol. Adjacent to the cathedral is a large park filled with greenery, providing a perfect spot for relaxation, socializing with friends, or taking photos.

Visiting hours: 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM. However, the cathedral has been under renovation since 2017, with expected completion in 2027.

2. Independence Palace

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is a must-see attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the heart of District 1, the palace combines both ancient and modern architectural styles and has long been a city symbol. On weekends and major holidays such as April 30th, the Independence Palace is often crowded with visitors.

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM daily.
Admission fees: 40,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for students, and 10,000 VND for children (ages 6 to under 16).

3. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the must-visit attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the city center, the market is easily accessible from all directions. With over 3,000 stalls, it offers a wide variety of products, from clothing, shoes, and bags to souvenirs and specialty foods. You can find beautiful traditional ao dai dresses and unique handmade items. Additionally, Ben Thanh Market is famous for its delicious street food, such as banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), banh cuon (steamed rice rolls), and hu tieu Nam Vang (Nam Vang noodle soup). It is a fantastic place to explore the culture and cuisine of Saigon.

Address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Admission: Free

4. Ho Chi Minh City Post Office

The Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, also known as the Saigon Central Post Office, is located right next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral. This attractive tourist spot allows you to witness a unique blend of Eastern and Western cultural influences in its design.

Constructed over five years from 1886 to 1891, the post office was designed by the renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel. The building’s characteristic yellow paint makes it a perfect backdrop for stunning photos.

Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Admission: Free

5. Saigon Opera House

For those seeking professional art performances such as drama, cai luong (Vietnamese opera), or classical opera, the Saigon Opera House is an ideal tourist destination. This venue is also one of the most uniquely designed buildings in Vietnam today.

Located at 7 Lam Son Square, District 1, the opera house was designed by architect Eugène Feret and inaugurated in 1900. Its facade is influenced by the art of the Petit Palais, which was built in the same year in Paris. Notably, the opera house is the only building in the city covered with Ardoise tiles.

Visiting hours: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Monday to Friday) and 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday).

6. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History is a well-known tourist attraction in Saigon, established in 1929. Formerly known as the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum, it houses a vast collection of historical artifacts. Currently, the museum preserves tens of thousands of artifacts, 25,000 books and journals, and numerous valuable documents. Many visitors come here not only for sightseeing but also to gain knowledge about archaeology, history, and ethnography.

Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
Admission fees: 1,000 VND for children, 2,000 VND for adults, and 15,000 VND for foreign visitors

7. Southern Women’s Museum

The Southern Women’s Museum, established on April 29, 1985, evolved from the Traditional Southern Women’s House. It was created with the intention of preserving and educating future generations about the patriotic traditions and admirable values of Vietnamese women. The museum’s exhibit area covers 3,699 square meters, while the storage and research area spans 2,933 square meters. It features 27 permanent exhibits along with various temporary ones, showcasing the history of resistance against foreign invaders and the preservation of cultural heritage by Southern Vietnamese women.

Address: 200-202 Vo Thi Sau Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Visiting hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM

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8. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

Located at 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street, District 1, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts was once the residence of Hứa Bổn Hòa (also known as Uncle Hoa), one of the four wealthiest families in Saigon in the late 19th century. This museum is a magnet for art lovers and a popular spot for young visitors who enjoy photography. The building, constructed in the late 19th and early 20th century, showcases French colonial architecture harmoniously blended with Eastern elements such as ceramic-tiled roofs, ceramic-clad columns, and decorative ceramic motifs.

Visiting hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

9. War Remnants Museum

Ranked 61st and the only Vietnamese representative on the list of the world’s 99 most popular tourist destinations, the War Remnants Museum is located on Vo Van Tan Street, District 3. Established in 1975, the museum is dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving, and displaying evidence of war crimes and the consequences of the Vietnam wars. It houses over 20,000 documents, artifacts, and photographs. The exhibits cover topics such as Outdoor Weaponry, Prison Regime, Agent Orange, Historical Truths, and War Crimes.

Admission: 40,000 VND per person; children under 6 are free.
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and on weekends from 7:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

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10. Can Gio Tourist Area

Located about 50 km from the city center, Can Gio boasts a diverse landscape including forests, mountains, and the sea, with an area roughly equivalent to Singapore. It offers numerous eco-tourism activities that can be enjoyed within a day. Can Gio is the only district in Ho Chi Minh City that borders the sea and is home to the first mangrove forest in Vietnam recognized as a World Biosphere Reserve.

11. Nha Rong Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum

Nha Rong Wharf is a significant historical site in Saigon, preserving many memories, imprints, and images of the great President Ho Chi Minh. This site is a testament to Vietnam’s resistance against French and American forces.

The Ho Chi Minh Museum, part of the national system of museums and memorial sites dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, features three exhibition rooms covering 250 square meters. After two renovations (in 1990 and 1995), the museum now includes nine rooms with 1,482.62 square meters of exhibition space, two storage areas with 10,927 documents and artifacts, and hundreds of outdoor exhibits.

12. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, over 150 years old, is the eighth oldest zoo in the world. Initially established as a botanical garden, it served the conservation needs of the city’s flora and fauna and as a research site for scientists. Currently, the zoo houses more than 1,000 animal species, over 2,000 trees representing 260 species, 23 native orchid species, and 33 cactus species, all within its 17-hectare area. The lush, green space is perfect for relaxation.

13. Cu Chi Tunnels

Located about 70 km from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels in Cu Chi District encompass an extensive network of tunnels stretching approximately 250 km. These tunnels served as a strategic base for the Saigon – Gia Dinh Military Region Command, significantly contributing to the country’s reunification efforts. Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels are preserved in two areas: Ben Duoc (Phu My Hung Commune) and Ben Dinh (Nhuan Duc Commune), attracting visitors to Ho Chi Minh City. Some tunnels have been expanded to accommodate tourists.

14. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street, situated in the heart of District 1, spans over 670 meters in length and 64 meters in width, making it a prime gathering spot in Saigon. This popular destination stretches from Bach Dang Park to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee building. Over its eight years of operation, Nguyen Hue Walking Street has become a renowned attraction, drawing both locals and international visitors, especially on weekends and during holidays.

15. Bui Vien Walking Street

Locals and tourists alike refer to the Bui Vien – De Tham – Pham Ngu Lao area in District 1 as “Bui Vien Walking Street” due to its abundance of bars, pubs, and hotels catering to foreigners. The street comes alive from evening until early morning, offering vibrant music performances and a lively atmosphere. It is an unmissable form of relaxation in this dynamic city. However, visitors should note that Bui Vien Walking Street is only open to pedestrians on weekends, so planning your visit accordingly will ensure the best experience.

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Conclusion

Whether you are seeking to understand Vietnam’s rich history, appreciate its cultural heritage, or simply enjoy its contemporary urban life, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone. Be sure to explore these top attractions to truly capture the essence of this remarkable city.