Ho Chi Minh City's 11 must-see attractions for visitors

Discover Ho Chi Minh City, where landmarks, markets, architecture, and modern marvels coexist to offer a vibrant and unforgettable travel experience

1. War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum offers a moving insight into Vietnam’s turbulent history during the Vietnam War. It has photographs, artifacts, and military equipment that tell the stories of the war’s impact on Vietnam and its people.

The 20,000 artifacts include weapons, personal belongings of soldiers, propaganda posters, and letters from soldiers to their families during the war. There are photographs and documentaries that vividly depict the atrocities committed by the Americans, including massacres, the use of chemical agents like Agent Orange, and the devastating toll on civilians. Millions of Vietnamese continue to endure the lasting impacts of these events, including physical health issues, genetic disorders, psychological trauma, and the socio-economic challenges of rebuilding after the war. In 2022 the Canadian tourism website The Travel included the War Remnants Museum among the 10 "best ancient museums" in Asia.

The War Remnants Museum has long been one of the most popular attractions in HCMC and even Vietnam, getting an estimated one million visitors annually.

The museum is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and the admission fee is VND40,000 (US$1.60). It is situated at 28 Vo Van Tan Street in District 3.

2. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Located in the heart of the city at Cong Xa Paris Square, District 1, this French colonial-era cathedral was built between 1863 and 1880. With its neo-Romanesque design, beautiful stained-glass windows, and iconic twin bell towers rising 58 meters, it is a striking testimony to HCMC's colonial history.

The cathedral's red bricks, imported from Marseille, give it a warm and timeless appearance, while its interior features intricate carvings and a tranquil ambiance. It serves as both a place for prayer and photography, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s architectural and spiritual heritage.

Entry is free, and the church is open daily. It has been undergoing renovation since 2017, and the work is now expected to be finished only in 2027 due to delays caused by difficulties related to import of certain materials. Visitors can still enter the church, though some areas are restricted for safety reasons amid the construction.

3. Ben Thanh Market

A bustling hub of activity, Ben Thanh Market is situated in District 1 and stands as one of the city's oldest and most iconic landmarks. Established in the early 20th century, it is a vibrant reflection of the city's culture in which locals and tourists alike can immerse themselves.

It is a perfect place to shop for local handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, and a variety of fresh produce. The market is also a culinary haven, offering traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho, sizzling pancake banh xeo, and fresh spring rolls together with refreshing drinks like sugarcane juice and Vietnamese iced coffee. Just outside the market, a brand-new square provides a lively space for visitors to relax, while the nearby metro offers convenient access for travelers.

The area in front of Ben Thanh Market is being prepared for renovation, which is set to start before April 2025.

Ben Thanh Market is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with a lively night market operating until 10:00 p.m., offering a different atmosphere with street food vendors and outdoor stalls lining the nearby streets.

It is important to note that Ben Thanh Market is notorious for overcharging foreign tourists. A Japanese tourist was charged VND700,000 ($30) for three pairs of socks in 2023. The shopkeeper was prohibited from doing business for a week by the market management. So keep this in mind when you visit the place.

4. Reunification Palace

Also known as Independence Palace, this historic site at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, is a symbol of Vietnam's history and the end of the Vietnam War. Built in the 1960s, it served as the residence and workplace of the South Vietnamese president.

The palace is most famous for the iconic moment on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates, marking the fall of U.S.-backed Saigon and the reunification of the country. Today the palace is a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into its grand interiors, secret bunkers and command rooms that played a central role during the war. It stands as a powerful reminder of Vietnam's resilience and transformation.

Visitors can explore the preserved rooms, including the president's office, the Cabinet room, and the banquet hall, which were used for official meetings, decision-making, and state receptions. The underground bunkers, once command centers during the Vietnam War, offer a glimpse into wartime strategy. There are exhibits of military artifacts, historical photographs, and vehicles such as tanks and helicopters that played a significant role in the conflict.

The palace is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Tickets cost VND65,000 ($2.60).

5. Cu Chi Tunnels

Situated some 70 kilometers (43 miles) from downtown HCMC, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground network that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War. Built and used by Vietnamese soldiers since the late 1940s during the First Indochina War, these tunnels were not only shelters but also served as supply routes, living quarters, and strategic bases for guerrilla warfare.

Visitors can explore sections of the tunnels, which have been enlarged from their original tiny size, to experience the challenging conditions faced by the soldiers. There are also wartime artifacts, re-created traps, and interactive exhibits detailing the strategies and resilience of the Vietnamese soldiers. It is an instructive place for those seeking to delve deeper into Vietnam’s history.

Tours are available daily, and prices vary depending on the provider, starting at VND110,000 ($4.40) for entry.

6. Saigon Central Post Office

Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the grand Central Post Office at 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, built in 1891, is a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. Its striking facade has ornate ironwork and arched windows in a combination of Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences. The post office is also right next to the city's popular book street Nguyen Van Binh.

The building remains a functioning post office and a popular tourist destination, drawing visitors with its beautifully preserved interiors. Inside, you will find a vaulted ceiling supported by intricate steel beams and vintage telephone booths, all adding to its historical charm.

The post office is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and entry is free.

7. Tan Dinh Church

Known for its striking pastel facade, Tan Dinh Church, also known as The Pink Church, at 289 Hai Ba Trung Street, District 3, is another architectural gem from the French colonial era. Built in 1876, it is one of the oldest churches in HCMC and stands out for its unique Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque influences.

The church's ornate exterior, complete with white trim and intricate details, contrasts beautifully with its bold pink hue, making it a favorite spot for photography. Inside, visitors can admire its high vaulted ceilings, decorative altars, and stained-glass windows, which add to its charm and historical significance. Tan Dinh Church is not only a place of worship but also a cultural landmark that reflects the city's rich heritage.

The church is open daily.

8. Landmark 81

As Vietnam's tallest skyscraper, Landmark 81 in Binh Thanh District is a symbol of modernity and luxury, standing at an impressive height of 461.2 meters (1,513 feet).

The observation deck on the upper floors provides 360-degree panoramic views of HCMC, especially stunning during sunset and nighttime.

Inside the building also are high-end shops, gourmet restaurants, a luxury hotel, and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, including an ice-skating rink and a cinema.

The observation deck is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., with tickets starting at VND300,000 ($12). The shopping mall, restaurants, and other facilities inside the building also have varying hours, with most stores and dining options open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

9. Bui Vien Walking Street

Bui Vien Walking Street in District 1 is the beating heart of HCMC's nightlife, and its atmosphere draws both locals and tourists. This vibrant pedestrian-only street comes alive in the evenings, with its bustling bars, nightclubs, and an array of live music performances, creating an energetic and dynamic vibe.

The area is also famous for its street food vendors, who offer a wide variety of delicious local snacks such as banh mi, pho, broken rice com tam, and fresh spring rolls, perfect for satisfying late-night cravings. Whether you're looking to dance, enjoy a cold drink, or simply soak in the lively atmosphere, Bui Vien Walking Street is the go-to destination for amusement, food, and excitement in HCMC.

The street, as one can guess, is most lively in the evenings.

10. Chinatown (Cho Lon)

Located in District 5, Chinatown—or Cho Lon—is a bustling enclave rich in Chinese-Vietnamese culture and history. The vibrant district is home to a blend of traditional Chinese architecture, local markets, and authentic eateries offering Chinese foods, making it a must-visit for those seeking to experience the fusion of both cultures.

Visitors can also explore historic places like the Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess, and Binh Tay Market, a lively marketplace where you can shop for everything from spices and herbal medicine to textiles and souvenirs.

The narrow streets are lined with shops selling traditional Chinese goods, while the aroma of street food fills the air, offering a true taste of local flavors and customs.

Entry to most attractions is free, though some temples may charge a small fee.

11. Thao Dien

Situated in District 2, Thao Dien is a trendy and upscale neighborhood known for its cosmopolitan vibe and diverse international community. This area is a haven for those seeking relaxation and modernity, with cafes, boutique shops, and contemporary art galleries that make it ideal for leisurely exploration.

Thao Dien also boasts riverside dining options, where visitors can enjoy delicious meals while taking in stunning views of the Saigon River. The neighborhood is family-friendly, with parks, playgrounds, and recreational spaces, making it a great destination for both locals and tourists looking for a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere away from the city’s hustle and bustle.

British magazine Time Out ranked Thao Dien 16th in a list of the world's 38 coolest neighborhoods in October 2024.