Ho Chi Minh City — Saigon to everyone who lives there — never really stops. Vietnamese coffee perfumes the sidewalks at dawn; Bui Vien Street is still thumping well past midnight. French colonial architecture stands directly across from glass towers, and the wounds of the Vietnam War are preserved as public memory rather than buried. In a single day this city can take you across a century.
#1 Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
The most striking piece of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. Built from red brick imported from Marseille between 1863 and 1880, the twin bell towers stand 58 metres tall and are visible from multiple points across the city. The cathedral faces Paris Square in District 1, with a white statue of the Virgin Mary out front. It is currently undergoing restoration, but remains one of the most photographed spots in the city and an active Catholic place of worship.
- The best angle for photos is from the front of Paris Square — aim for morning when the light is soft.
- The Central Post Office is right next door; you can see both in under 30 minutes.
- Restoration is expected to run roughly 2023–2027 — the interior may be closed, but the exterior is fully accessible.
#2 Saigon Central Post Office
Arguably the most beautiful post office in Southeast Asia. Designed by Gustave Eiffel and completed in 1891, the soaring iron-vaulted ceiling echoes the Grand Palais in Paris. Inside: a large mosaic portrait of Ho Chi Minh, antique maps of Vietnam on both walls, and rows of vintage telephone booths. It still functions as a working post office and doubles as an upmarket souvenir shop — a genuinely good spot to mail a postcard home.
- You can send a postcard directly from the counter here — the stamp is a nice collector's piece, and postage runs around 15,000–20,000 VND.
- Open Monday–Saturday 7:00 AM–7:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
- Free entry — no admission fee. A 2-minute walk from Notre-Dame Cathedral.
#3 Ben Thanh Market
The pulse of Saigon since the early 20th century, Ben Thanh is a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City that travellers recognise worldwide. The yellow clock gate at the entrance has appeared in millions of photos. Inside, several hundred stalls sell everything from clothing, shoes and bags to spices, souvenirs, fresh produce and drinks. At night a street market wraps around the main building and the atmosphere picks up another gear.
- Bargaining is expected — opening prices are typically 2–3 times higher than what sellers will accept. Aim for half or less.
- The food inside is good and cheap: noodle soups, braised beef rice, and fresh fried snacks.
- The outdoor night market surrounding the building opens from 6:00 PM — good atmosphere and prices are negotiable.
#4 War Remnants Museum
One of the most emotionally powerful museums in Southeast Asia. It documents the Vietnam War (1955–1975) through photographs and physical evidence, including the impact of Agent Orange on the civilian population. Aircraft and military hardware fill the outdoor courtyard; upper floors carry photo exhibitions by world-class war photographers. Anyone spending time in Ho Chi Minh City should put this on their list.
- Allow at least 2 hours — the material is dense and heavy. This is not a place to rush through.
- Not recommended for young children or visitors who are sensitive to graphic wartime imagery.
- Admission is 40,000 VND. Open daily 7:30 AM–6:00 PM.
#5 Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
This is where the Vietnam War ended. On 30 April 1975, North Vietnamese army tanks crashed through these gates. The modernist concrete building, designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu and completed in 1966, has been preserved exactly as it was during the Republic of Vietnam era — reception rooms, war operations rooms, an underground bunker, and a helicopter still parked on the rooftop helipad.
- Free guided tours are available but need to be arranged in advance — English-language guides are on offer.
- Admission 40,000 VND. Open daily 7:30 AM–12:00 PM and 1:00–4:00 PM.
- The building sits within a large public park — a good place to rest before or after your visit.
#6 Bui Vien Street
A 500-metre strip that has become the nightlife centre of the city's international traveller scene, in the Pham Ngu Lao area of District 1. Both sides are packed with bars, restaurants, clubs and souvenir shops open until late every night. On weekends the road is closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian-only street. Local beer is cheap, street food is everywhere, and live music spills out of nearly every door.
- Peak nights (weekends and public holidays) get very crowded — watch your belongings.
- Local Bia Hoi draft beer starts at 5,000–10,000 VND a glass — among the cheapest in the world.
- The pedestrian zone opens every Friday and Saturday from around 9:00 PM.
#7 Cu Chi Tunnels
More than 250 kilometres of underground tunnels dug by Viet Cong guerrillas during the Vietnam War, used as shelters, field hospitals, weapons stores and supply routes. Part of the network is now open to visitors — some sections have been widened to accommodate larger frames. Demonstrations of wartime traps, weapons and original facilities are included in the tour.
- Half-day tours from District 1 run around USD 10–15 per person including transport and a guide — good value.
- The tunnels are tight and dark. Anyone with claustrophobia should stick to the wider sections that have been enlarged for visitors.
- There are two main sites: Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc — Ben Dinh is closer and more popular.
#8 Bitexco Financial Tower
Ho Chi Minh City's tallest tower at 262 metres and 68 floors, shaped like a lotus blossom — Vietnam's national flower. The building is defined by a circular helipad cantilevered off the side at floor 52, completed in 2010. Floor 49 houses the Saigon Skydeck with 360-degree panoramic views over the city and the Saigon River. Lower floors contain a shopping mall, restaurants and a rooftop bar.
- Saigon Skydeck admission (floor 49) costs 200,000 VND — booking online in advance is cheaper.
- Open daily 9:30 AM–9:30 PM. Go in the late afternoon to catch daylight views, then stay on for the city lights.
- AltaBar on floors 51–52 has excellent views and opens in the evening at reasonable prices.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City for this trip
A well-located hotel means less commuting and more sightseeing. Here are real, top-rated stays in Ho Chi Minh City — compare Agoda · Booking · Trip.com in one click.
Silverland Yen Hotel
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New World Saigon Hotel
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Hotel Nikko Saigon
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Alagon D'antique Hotel & Spa
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Tours, tickets & activities in Ho Chi Minh City
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Before You Pack
Ho Chi Minh City is too large and varied to cover in a single trip. The most sensible approach is to go by zone: District 1 for colonial landmarks and museums, District 3 for the Independence Palace, and a dedicated day trip out to Cu Chi. For most visitors, Grab or taxi is considerably more practical than public transport.