Ho Chi Minh City: 10 Best Things to Explore

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam. This city is a captivating blend of the old and the new, where ancient temples stand alongside modern skyscrapers. With its rich history, delicious street food, and lively nightlife, Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience. Visitors can explore historical landmarks such as the Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum, wander through the bustling Ben Thanh Market, or simply soak in the city’s energetic atmosphere.

1. Dinner on the Cruise

Saigon River dinner cruises. Photo: Saigon Princess

You will have the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful night view of the entire city. Enjoy a memorable and wonderful night with your family and friends on the cruise, admire and capture unique moments on the river with two symbols of Saigon: Bitexco and Landmark 81 building, and enjoy a meal with a rich menu from Europe to Asia.

Pick-up location: Saigon Port, No. 5, Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 13, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Notre Dame Cathedral

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Source: Collected)

Notre Dame Cathedral is the short name of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, officially known as the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. The church is not only a symbol of Catholicism in Vietnam but also one of the unique architectural works of Ho Chi Minh City and a famous tourist destination.

Notre Dame Cathedral is located in the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. This is an extremely prime location and is known as the heart of Saigon.

3. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market (Source: Collected)

Ben Thanh Market is a cultural and historical symbol of Ho Chi Minh City, famous for its diverse shopping space and unique cuisine. Located in the city center, the market attracts tourists with hundreds of stalls, from handicrafts, cloth, and local specialties.

Address: Intersection of Le Loi, Phan Chu Trinh, Phan Boi Chau, and Le Thanh Ton Streets, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

4. War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum Ho Chi Minh City

The War Remnants Museum was established on September 4, 1975, and is currently a member of the Vietnam Museum system, the Museums for World Peace (INMP), and the International Council of Museums (ICOM). The museum specializes in researching, collecting, preserving, and displaying evidence of crimes and consequences of wars of aggression against Vietnam.

Address: No. 26, Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.

5. Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels

Located about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnels is a miniature of the creative and varied battle formations of the army and people of Cu Chi during the long and fierce 30-year resistance war against invaders, gaining independence and freedom for the Fatherland.

This is a unique and unparalleled wonder of war with about 250 km of tunnels spreading like a spider web underground, with works connected to the tunnels such as trenches, mounds, fighting nests, food and sleeping, meeting and living areas, military medical facilities, food storage, water wells, etc.

Address: Phu Hiep Hl, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.

6. City Post Office & Book Street

Ho Chi Minh City Post Office

Post Office Building is located at 2 Paris Commune Square, District 1. It is one of the typical works of Saigon.The building was part of the French colony in Indochina. In 1863, after the French successfully occupied Saigon, the government wanted to build a genuinely modern communication system. Therefore, the Saigon Telegraph Department was established, which was the predecessor of the Saigon Central Post Office later.

The book street is right next to Notre Dame Cathedral and the city post office, the ideal place where you can find your favorite books, and souvenirs, or enjoy coffee, and read a book

7. Independence Palace

Independence Palace Ho Chi Minh City

The Independence Palace was built by the French governor in Southern Vietnam, La Grandière, on February 23, 1868, and completed in 1871. From 1887 to 1945, many generations of French governors used this palace as a place to live and work during the period of invasion of Indochina.

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Ho Chi Minh, at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1.

8. Ngoc Hoang Pagoda

Ngoc Hoang Pagoda (Source: Collected)

Ngoc Hoang Pagoda is a place not to be missed when traveling to Saigon. Besides the spiritual factor, the sacred place to pray for children and marriage, this pagoda also possesses beautiful, and ancient Chinese architecture.

Ngoc Hoang Pagoda in Saigon was built in the early 20th century by a Chinese man named Luu Minh, alias Luu Dao Nguyen. Initially, it was a temple to worship the Jade Emperor, and at the same time, Luu Minh used it as a secret meeting place to plan to overthrow the Manchus.

Later, in 1982, the pagoda was taken over by monk Thich Vinh Khuong, and officially belonged to the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha. In 1984, the temple was renamed Phuoc Hai Tu.

Address: No.73, Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

9. Bui Vien Walking Street

Bui Vien Street (Source: Collected)

Bui Vien Street is a famous entertainment and gathering place, symbolizing the bustling nightlife of Saigon. Most of the businesses in Bui Vien are in the service sector, including restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes, karaoke, hotels, etc. In addition, there are essential services such as motorbike rental services, pharmacies, health care facilities, etc. These facilities are mostly open all night.

 10. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Street (Source: Collected)

Located in the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a popular attraction. This road connects the Headquarters of the City People’s Committee with the banks of the Saigon River and Bach Dang Wharf.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a paradise for fun with many cultural, entertainment, and culinary activities. Many nice restaurants, coffee shops, and a bookstore are located on this street. Many people, tourism, special young people come here in the evening.

Address: District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

 

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