This post will be helpful to you if you’re seeking places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. This dynamic city is the intersection of many architectural styles.
Independence Palace and the Vietnam Museum of Revolution will allow you to enter the past of Sai Gon – Gia Dinh. Furthermore, the city boasts its diverse religion, resulting in various worship sites.
Vietnamtour.in recommends the top 18 Ho Chi Minh city attractions, along with all the details you need to process planning your trip.
Read our list of the top destinations for additional suggestions on where to go!
Top 18 Places To Visit In Ho Chi Minh City
Let’s start with the most well-known Ho Chi Minh places to visit!
Sightseeings
There are many Ho Chi Minh City places to visit.
Reunification Palace
Reunification Palace
President Ngo Dinh Diem built the Independence Palace with a vast bomb bunker in the basement. This construction was completed in the 1960s by the architect Ngo Viet Thu, who studied in Paris.
The ground floor serves as a meeting hall. They use many reception rooms above to host international and domestic dignitaries.
There is a shagadelic card room on the second floor. Additionally, there is a helipad, a rooftop nightclub, and a movie theater.
You may visit the Reunification Palace. Coming there, you will meet the tour guides, who can speak both English and French.
Central Post Office
Central Post Office
The Central Post Office is a historic structure that has seen the ups and downs of the city. Under French colonization, it is essential in connecting Vietnam and the two other Indochina countries – Cambodia and Laos.
Architects finished the building construction in 1891. Since then, it has become an excellent symbol of neo-classical European architecture, combined with Asian ornamentation.
These days, this Post Office continues to serve as the primary post office of the city. Therefore, remember to send your cherished family and friends a handwritten note or a postcard if you visit this place.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels
The construction of the Cu Chi Tunnels system began in 1948 and lasted 25 years during the war with France. The Tunnels are a vast network extending to the Cambodian border beneath the earth.
It was the place for the Vietnamese to avoid scouting French forces and connect with other revolutionary groups. Going there, you can see the unusual design and construction.
This massive underground network had kitchens, theaters, hospitals, and schools. These tunnels had hidden wooden doors that concealed their entrances covered with the above foliage.
Opera House
Opera House
The Opera House was built in 1898. The architect imported materials from France for the building’s construction, including the crystal chandeliers, the polished granite floor, and other decorations and figures.
The building stands two meters above the street level for its soundproofing. These days, the theater presently hosts formal music events and cultural activities. In 2012, this majestic structure received national relic certification, keeping it on the list of must-see places in Sai Gon.
History Museum
History Museum
The Vietnam History Museum depicts Vietnam’s history up to the 1930s. It has collected and preserved the distinctive ethnic and cultural heritages of Vietnam that date back to the reigns of King Hung.
In addition to the treasures on show within, the museum itself is a priceless piece of history. You can experience the nostalgic and old-fashioned sense of the long-lived rich culture of the country through these exhibitions.
War Remnants Museum
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum mainly exhibits artifacts related to the Vietnam war against the US Army. In addition, it also includes the collection found in the French colonial era and battles with China.
Outside is an exhibition of US artillery, explosives, and infantry weaponry. A particular area on the grounds depicts the scary jails built in Phu Quoc and Con Son islands.
Even those who are not very interested in the war should visit the city. These exhibits will help you learn more about a crucial time in Vietnam’s history.
Saigon Zoo And Botanical Garden
Saigon Zoo And Botanical Garden
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of Saigon’s busiest attractions. It is the biggest zoo in the country.
It is home to 600 animals. The botanical gardens also have over 1,830 trees and plants of 260 other species.
Bitexco Financial Tower
Bitexco Financial Tower
The lotus bud, which is the national flower of Vietnam, was the inspiration for the design of the Bitexco Financial Tower. These days, the Bitexco Financial Tower represents the city’s beauty and rapid development.
It’s the ideal place to enjoy luxurious dishes, go shopping, and hang out with friends. The Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor is the city’s first observation deck.
The Saigon Skydeck is one of the most appealing Ho Chi Minh City tourist places. Standing at the Skydeck, you can immediately take in the full view of the city and the Saigon River.
Landmark 81
Landmark 81
Landmark 81 is the second-highest building in Southeast Asia and the tallest one in Vietnam. It is a complex of 5-star hotels, luxury residences, business halls, and a multi-story observation deck.
The Landmark 81 Skyview is the destination that draws visitors the most. A translucent glass system encircles the observatory, allowing you to view the entire city from above.
Religious Places
The city has many exquisite Confucian temples, Buddhist monasteries, and Catholic churches. These worship sites are incredible architectural works that have rich histories.
The following introduction will provide some of the most well-known religious sites in the city.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
Jade Emperor Pagoda
The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a century-old pagoda tucked among tall structures. In 1909, people constructed it in honor of the highest Taoist deity.
The pagoda is a famous holy place. Childless spouses frequently come to the Kim Hoa Thanh Mau and 12 midwives’ place of worship to pray to the deity to give them children.
You may also make a love prayer there. People believe a wish can come true by touching the matchmaker statue and speaking your and your lover’s names.
Giac Vien Pagoda
Giac Vien Pagoda
The Giac Vien Pagoda has existed for over 160 years. It’s a calm, sad, and solemn worship site, a very different environment from the boisterous Saigon.
Most tourists may perceive how Western culture has influenced Giac Vien Pagoda. Nevertheless, the pagoda still keeps preserving the historic elements symbolic of Vietnam’s distinct culture.
Cha Tam Church
Cha Tam Church
Cha Tam Church is the first church in this city for the local Chinese Catholic parishioners. This church was constructed around the turn of the 20th century. It has seen both ups and downs of Saigon’s history.
The construction depicts the seamless fusion of Western architecture and Chinese philosophy. That architecture makes it a distinctive symbol compared to many other churches.
Notre Dame Cathedral Of Saigon
Notre Dame Cathedral Of Saigon
The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of Saigon’s most ancient ecclesiastical structures. It honors Mary – the mother of Jesus.
It is a neo-Romanesque red-brick church with twin bell towers, spires, and crosses that rise 60 meters. You may visit there to see its stained-glass windows and inner walls covered in devotional tablets.
Tan Dinh Church
Tan Dinh Church
Tan Dinh Church is one of the oldest and most significant Roman Catholic institutions in Saigon. Its architecture and construction have mostly stayed the same despite several periods of restoration and repair.
You may see a tall tower with an octagonal roof and a bronze cross that is three meters high. The building also houses five giant bells that collectively weigh 5.5 tons.
A sizable statue of Jesus is spreading his arms in a little garden next to the church. Other monuments on the campus also convey stories about biblical events.
Markets
Visiting the local markets is the best way to immerse yourself in the local culture. I recommend the following top four markets for tourists as below:
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is one of the oldest markets in Saigon. Since its opening in 1914, Ben Thanh Market has seen several modifications as it has experienced the ups and downs of the city over the last century.
Ben Thanh Market sells home goods, cuisine, artworks, jewelry, trinkets, apparel, shoes, and textiles. However, get ready to bargain because the costs are higher than the average.
Cho Lon Chinatown
Cho Lon Chinatown
Cho Lon is the oldest town of Hoa people in Saigon. Nowadays, the Hoa people still residing there uphold their ancient religious, cultural, and architectural traditions.
In the daytime, Cholon is busy with people buying and selling items. In the evening, you may see colorful neon signs on the streets of this town.
I recommend getting there to shop and try the local cuisine of the Hoa people. In this bustling region, you may enjoy delectable dumplings, tofu, and fried rice.
Tan Dinh Market
Tan Dinh Market
Tan Dinh market has been a significant commercial hub in Saigon’s central region for about 100 years. Tan Dinh Market specializes in food and clothes but has many goods you may buy daily.
To experience true Vietnamese daily life, you must visit Tan Dinh Market. When you go there, you may see how local people speak and eat regularly in Saigonese.
Hanh Thong Tay Market
Hanh Thong Tay Market
Hanh Thong Tay Night Market is a shopper’s heaven with various apparel alternatives. You can get anything from traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai to hip Y2K fashion.
Foodies wanting to try Saigon cuisine should stop by this thriving night market. Many street food vendors open on various streets in the market, where you can find the most delicious dishes in the entire city.
FAQs
Are three days in Ho Chi Minh enough?
In Ho Chi Minh City, there are many fun things to do. We advise visiting Saigon for three days to have enough time to sightsee all attractions.
Which is better, Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi?
It all depends on what you’re looking for. Hanoi is richer in culture and history. Conversely, Saigon appeals to tourists through its dynamic lifestyle and mouthwatering dishes.
What are five popular street foods in Vietnam?
- Pho (noodle soup)
- Bun cha (Grilled Pork with Noodles)
- Xoi (sticky rice)
- Banh xeo (sizzling pancakes)
- Goi Cuon (Fresh spring roll)
What is the most famous street in Ho Chi Minh?
Locals refer to the region around Bui Vien Street as the “Backpacker District.” It is famous for the large number of travelers along with exciting and engaging activities.
Final Thoughts
In a nutshell, there are numerous attractive places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. The city is well-known for its historical monuments, fascinating museums, stunning French architecture, and ancient worship sites.
The luxurious shopping malls and exciting night streets will also appeal to young people. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-go destination for adventure enthusiasts.
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