20 Top rate – Must see places in Ho Chi Minh City

Date: 06/10/2024

You won’t miss out on the top 20 must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City. These travel tips will ensure you have a wonderful trip to places where it seems like you must see things in Ho Chi Minh City.

Saigon stands out as a bustling and modern metropolis, offering an array of entertainment options that entice tourists to explore and savor the experience. After the war, the city officially became Ho Chi Minh City, but many still refer to it by its former name, Saigon. This name represents a fusion of the old and the new, where traditional cultural heritage meets modern development.

 

 

The old part of the city continues to preserve historical sites, including ancient temples, old quarters, and traditional cafes in districts 3 and 5; the modern part consists of high-rise buildings located in the central quaters, creating contrast with the old and new features, between alleys and wide streets inside Saigon.

The combination of old and new in Ho Chi Minh City offers visitors a distinctive experience. Here, we will have the opportunity to explore the old richness of traditional cultural heritage in French colonial architecture or in the Chinese community. At night, we can explore the vibrant life by seeing high-rise buildings, shopping malls, luxury restaurants, and vibrant bars that create the picture of a contemporary, dynamic, and vibrant metropolis.

Contemporary architectural works, such as the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Bitexco Financial Tower, combine wonderfully with the green spaces of the parks, creating a bustling and sophisticated city and making the city an economic center of Vietnam. This trip contains useful information. The Saigon Vespa Ride will introduce you to must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City and local dishes, so you can have the most exciting experiences in this youthful, dynamic, and equally loving city.

 

 

1. The Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Central Post Office, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is an iconic architectural gem that beautifully combines French colonial and Gothic architectural styles. Gustave Eiffel designed it, and he built it in 1886 and completed it in 1898, making it a must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City for visitor.

The post office, with its vintage yellow exterior, stands out with its walls adorned with the names of famous electrical scientists.. The windows and the main gate feature an arch design, and a large clock, reminiscent of ancient European train stations, sits right in the center. The green-tiled roof and golden-colored walls create a timeless beauty, making visitors feel like they are stepping back in time.

Upon entering the post office, visitors are greeted by a grand arch system reminiscent of the architectural style seen in Western European churches. Inside the building, the lobby features a ceiling held aloft by four sturdy iron pillars situated at the corners, with each pillar supporting four iron trusses that radiate outward in all four directions.

Having stood for 150 years, the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office holds immense architectural, cultural, and historical importance for the city’s residents. When exploring the bustling southern metropolis, it seems like a “must-see place in Ho Chi Minh City.” Not only do visitors flock here to marvel at the distinctive architectural features of the post office, but also to immerse themselves in a world of yesteryear, from the vintage mailboxes to the historic telephone counters. Visitors can also rest on wooden benches that are up to a hundred years old.

 

 

2. Independence Palace

The Independence Palace, commonly referred to as the Reunification Palace, was designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ. It once served as the official residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam. This historical building holds particular significance because it witnessed the momentous event known as the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed into the main gate and the Republic of Vietnam surrended, ending the Vietnam War.

Ngô Viết Thụ achitect was the one who designed and constructed in 1962; he won the prestigious First Grand Prize of Rome (Grand Prix de Rome) in 1955, the highest accolade from the Beaux-Arts school in Paris. Additionally, the French government bestowed upon him the Prix de Rome, an esteemed award. Today, the palace has opened to the public like a museum, and it is also considered a historical site and one of the must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

3. War Remnants Museum

Another historical site for travelers looking to learn more about the Vietnam War is the war remnants museum in Ho Chi Minh City. After the war, the museum was a place to store and display artifacts related to the war and its impact on the Vietnamese people. However, the message of the museum  promotes peace over the world today, the preservation of peace around the world, and the promotion of friendship and solidarity between nations.

The museum includes inside  and outside displays area. Outside, the museum showcases a variety of military artifacts, including UH-1 helicopters, Chinook helicopters, A-1 attack bombers, A-37 attack bombers, tanks, and infantry artillery. In addition, a row of houses, resembling tiger cages, recreates the prison camp system, housing communist prisoners of war.

The inside area displays photos and videos of the Vietnam War on the battlefield, including the consequences of using weapons and the impact on the population. This allows visitors to get a more in-depth look at the war.

 

 

4. Cu Chi Tunnel

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive network of underground tunnels located in Ho Chi Minh City’s Cu Chi District. These tunnels played a significant role during the Vietnam War, serving as a crucial base for the Viet Cong in the south and connecting with the Ho Chi Minh Trail to receive the weapon from the north. The tunnels have become an important symbol of the Vietnamese people’s patience and creativity during the Vietnam War and appear to be a must-see place in Ho Chi Minh City for sightseeing.

During the French colonial period in the 1940s, the Viet Cong dug the tunnels for guerrilla warfare against the French. Later, they expanded them and utilized them to conceal themselves, transport troops and supplies, and engage in combat. The tunnels consist of three levels and include various sections for living quarters, storage, weapon caches, treatment rooms, kitchens, and even entrances.

 

 

5. Nguyen Thien Thuat Apartment for street food

The Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment complex hides a small Saigon, a place devoid of hustle and bustle. Visit this location to experience the simplicity and friendliness of a small, colorful Saigon. It has been known as an old apartment in Saigon since 1968, originally designed to serve American soldiers. So, the question is, when you arrive at the old apartment complex, what will you discover?

Entering the apartment area leaves a unique impression due to its convenient architecture. Symmetrical rows of houses with surrounding balconies create a high level of cohesion in the apartment community lifestyle. The apartment complex’s colors are a mix of old and new; the new and old colors blend together, giving the apartment a nostalgic look reminiscent of images of Saigon in the 1970s. It is also a very popular check-in location. Shops, food, and coffee stalls occupy the ground floors, making it a popular spot for street cuisine. For sightseeing, you should visit this site, which is a must-see place in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

 

 

6. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market.

There is a fresh flower market near the Nguyen Thien Thuat apartment, which is more than 30 years old and is considered the largest fresh flower place in Saigon; its name is Ho Thi Ky.

The market has hundreds of different and extremely diverse types of fresh flowers from Da Lat and several southwestern provinces. If we talk about flower prices at Ho Thi Ky Market, they are cheaper than many other markets. The market is also known as the flower market that never sleeps because it is always open 24/7 to welcome customers, day and night. Especially during the holidays, when the demand for flowers increases, the market will be very crowded and busy.

At night and early in the morning, traders will deliver and distribute flowers. During the day, the market mainly serves wholesale and retail flower buyers, depending on the buyer’s needs. If you want to check in or see the freshest flowers, you should go to the market early in the morning to learn why it is one of the must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

 

7. Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as the Phẛc Hải Pagoda in Vietnamese, is one of the most historically significant religious sites that must be seen in Ho Chi Minh City, and President Barack Obama chose this spot to visit in Saigon in 2016.

The Cantonese community constructed the pagoda in 1909 and completed it in 1912. It is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, also known as Ngọc Hoàng, who is a significant figure in Taoism and Chinese mythology. The pagoda’s architecture illustrates traditional Chinese design elements. Intricate wood carvings, statues, and colorful mosaics adorn it, transforming it into a visually striking place of worship.

The main hall showcases a large statue of the Jade Emperor, surrounded by other deities and mythical holy figures. Due to its sacredness, the locals often come here to pray for luck in love or for their children.

 

8. China Town

Vietnam has 54 ethnic groups, and the Chinese community is among them. The Chinese communities in Vietnam migrated into Vietnam in the early 17th century, after the fall of the Ming Dynasty, and mostly settled in Saigon.

If we stroll around Chinatown, we will see many buildings with ancient Chinese architecture and classic colors such as blue, yellow, and very colorful red. We’ll also see some temples that are more than 100 years old, as well as oriental medicine pharmacies and some old market, turning this site into a must-see place in Ho Chi Minh City for sightseeing.

 

9. Tan Dinh church

Built between 1870 and 1876, the church seems to be among the first Catholic churches in Saigon serving the local Catholic community. It is today open for visitors and is recognized as a tourist attraction site where you should visit Ho Chi Minh City.

This building exudes an ancient beauty, with symbolic pink color, making it easier to distinguish from other churches. This beauty has earned it the nickname “the pink church.”

The church’s exterior features classic Roman architecture, consisting of one main tower and two auxiliary towers. Inside, the ancient architecture overwhelms us, with two rows of wooden columns leading to the main altar, which are made from precious stones sent from Italy. The church welcomes visitors during non-service hours. It’s advisable to check the church’s schedule when you plan to visit.

 

10. Bui vien street

This pedestrian street is famous for its lively bars throughout the night. It’s become an extremely familiar entertainment spot for young people and foreign tourists. This place is considered a wonderful choice for those who love bustle, as well as an attractive must-see place in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bui Vien Walking Street will be open from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., and vehicles will be prohibited from traveling on the road to serve entertainment activities here. The music a catalyst to connect the emotions between artists and visitors. Each bar has different type of music, but all are vibrant, enhancing the atmosphere along with the exciting street cuisine.

Moreover, weekends frequently have a variety of art displays and many options for food and beer, making this place more fascinating to experience.

 

 

11. Binh Quới Peninsula and Thanh Da Apartment

People illustrate this island as a miniature version of the West in the heart of bustling Saigon. Coming here, we will feel the quiet atmosphere. Try cycling around the island and through the small, tree-covered alleys. Immerse ourselves in the cool shade of green trees, and you’ll notice this cool sights and wonder why such a relaxing spacc is so close to the city.

In addition, Thanh Da is considered a sport fishing site; you will be able to see many fishing pond and lakes next to each other, and almost every lake is crowded, especially on weekends, making it very enjoyable and suitable for anglers.

During this trip, we also have a chance to observe the ancient Thanh Da apartment building, constructed before 1975, and gain a deeper insight into the vibrant lives of the locals through eateries, cafes, parks, and pubs. So why not spend a morning discovering this must-visit places in Ho Chi Minh City?

 

 

12. Mekong Delta

The Mekong Delta is famous for its system rivers and canals. With a favorable tropical climate, lots of rain, and humidity, it is very suitable for rice and fruits, so it is considered the largest agricultural production region in Vietnam. It takes 2 hours by car from the city. You can arrange a tour in the Mekong Delta’s major cities, like Can Tho, Vinh Long, or My Tho, Ben Tre.

It will be a memorable experience in the Mekong Delta, which is one of must-see places in Ho Chi Minh City to see the beautiful countryside, the vast river, and many small canals that mix together, taste the local food, and understand more about people’s genuine character.

The best way to discover it is to rent a bicycle that cycles through the villages, or explore on foot to get a closer look at the local culture, enjoy the serene countryside, and interact with friendly locals. You can consider staying with a local family for an immersive experience. You’ll gain insights into daily life, and it’s a wonderful way to support the local economy.

 

 

13. Opera House

The Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theater of Ho Chi Minh City, serves as the primary venue for cultural and artistic performances in the city, including opera, classical concerts, ballet, and contemporary dance. It is also one of the city’s oldest buildings, which attracts a lot of tourists.

French architect Eugène Ferret designed it during the French colonial period in 1900, featuring a grand facade and elegant interiors. If you ever pass the Opera House, be sure to stop and take a photo there.