Buzz
When it comes to traveling to Hanoi, people often think of ancient beauty with a touch of dreaminess and tranquility. But when it comes to exploring Saigon, everyone is excited about the vibrant and bustling scenes on every street.
Indeed, Saigon never lacks excitement even as night falls. Saigon is always full of life and brilliance, making people curious: What makes this city so lively? Let's check out the must-visit tourist spots in Saigon below, and you'll understand right away.
Unmissable Places to Visit in Saigon
1. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
Independence Palace (photo by unknown)
- Opening hours: Morning 7:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Afternoon 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM every day of the week
- Ticket price: Adults: 30,000VND/person/visit, Students: 15,000VND/person/visit, School children: 3,000VND/person/visit, groups of 20 or more get 1/3 discount.
Located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Independence Palace is an architectural monument steeped in history. During the resistance against the Americans to save the nation, this was the workplace of the machinery of the Republic of Vietnam government. After liberation, it was classified as a national special relic.
Interior design of Independence Palace
This architectural marvel is designed according to Feng Shui and Eastern architecture principles but with a touch of modernity. Visitors here will witness firsthand artifacts from the old regime along with many traces marking the historic moment of independence on April 30, 1975.
Today, on April 30th or September 2nd every year, thousands of people flock here to visit as well as to commemorate the fallen heroes who sacrificed for the nation's independence.
2. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
(Photo collection)
- Opening hours: Visit: Morning 8:30 am – 10:00 am, Afternoon 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm (Monday – Friday)
- Mass times: Morning 5:30 am, Evening 5:00 pm (Monday – Saturday), Sunday: 5:30 am, 6:30 am, 7:30 am, 9:30 am (for foreigners), 4:00 pm, 5:00 pm, 6:30 pm.
- Address: 1 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Located on the main axis of the city center, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is one of the iconic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. This cathedral stands out with its magnificent European architecture combining Roman and Gothic styles and boasts the largest bells in Vietnam. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is an important cathedral of the Saigon Archdiocese and a pride of the city's residents.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a famous tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City
Besides, the area surrounding the church is also where you can find the most beautiful scenery in Saigon. In particular, there is also 30/4 Park nearby, a famous evening entertainment spot in Saigon.
3. Ben Thanh Market
- Opening hours: 7:00 am – 7:00 pm daily
- Address: Located at the intersection of Phan Boi Chau – Le Thanh Ton – Phan Chu Trinh – Quach Thi Trang Square, Ward Ben Thanh, District 1.
(Photo collection)
Ben Thanh Market is located in the heart of the city, with all four entrances facing major streets such as Phan Chu Trinh, Phan Boi Chau, and Le Thanh Ton, while the other direction leads to Quach Thi Trang Square. If you're a shopping enthusiast, make sure to add this to your list of places to visit in Saigon!
Inside the market, you can find a wide range of traditional and modern items that make perfect gifts for family and friends. Ben Thanh Market is also an ideal place to indulge in traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Stop by food stalls offering local specialties like deep-fried fish or enjoy a refreshing glass of iced tea. One tip for shopping here is to haggle for the best prices.
Ben Thanh Market is always bustling
At night, the area around the market becomes livelier with clothing stores and bustling eateries frequented by visitors.
4. Suoi Tien Tourist Area
Image of Suoi Tien Tourist Area (photo collection)
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Mon – Fri), 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Sat, Sun), 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Holidays and Tet).
- Entrance fee: 60,000VND/adult, 30,000VND/child; Ticket for games: 5,000 – 40,000VND/ride
- Address: 120 Ha Noi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, District 9. Suoi Tien has long been a famous tourist destination in Saigon, attracting many visitors every day.
Suoi Tien also serves as an educational and cultural site through its themed attractions based on folk tales, legends of the Vietnamese people, and Eastern philosophical thoughts.
Famous recreational areas here include: Magic Castle, Treasure Cave, High-speed Roller Coaster, Grand Mermaid Palace, Aquarium, Fairy Beach of the Jade Maiden…
5. Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Nguyen Hue Walking Street (photo collection)
- Opening hours: Every day of the week
- Address: Nguyen Hue, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is an essential name in Saigon's tourist attractions. Built in April 2015, it stretches 670m long and 64m wide. Located in the heart of Saigon, the pedestrian street stands out with granite pavement, two large fountains, abundant greenery, and a modern sound and lighting system.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night is always bustling (photo collection)
In the evening and on weekends, locals and tourists often come here to stroll and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere. Along the two sides of the street are stalls selling Saigon specialties such as broken rice, coffee, baguettes, sweet soups…
This street is also a popular spot for nightlife in Saigon and a favorite place for Instagrammers!
6. Vietnam History Museum
The Vietnam History Museum is a famous Saigon tourist attraction (photo collection)
- Opening hours: Morning 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM; Afternoon 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
- Ticket prices: 2,000VND/adult, 1,000VND/child (Vietnamese visitors), 15,000VND/person (foreign visitors)
- Address: No. 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Inside the Vietnam History Museum (photo collection)
The Vietnam History Museum was established in 1929, with its precursor being the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum Institute. When visiting here, you'll have the opportunity to admire and learn about tens of thousands of valuable artifacts. Additionally, the museum houses over 25,000 valuable books, newspapers, and documents for research in archaeology, history, museology, ethnography, and more.
Moreover, there is a well-preserved mummy here, attracting the interest of many tourists.
7. Cu Chi Tunnels
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- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Ticket price: Foreigners: 100,000VND/person, Vietnamese: 20,000VND/person. Visitors to the tunnels will be provided with free sweet potatoes and tea.
- Address: Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, about 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This area witnessed significant transformations by the Cu Chi people and troops during the resistance war.
The Cu Chi Tunnels impress visitors with their intricate underground network, featuring narrow passageways resembling spider webs, multiple levels, living quarters, meeting areas, and combat zones, with a total length of over 200km.
Cu Chi Tunnels map (photo collection)
The Cu Chi Tunnels have two entrances:
- Ben Dinh Tunnels: located in Ben Dinh Hamlet, Nhuận Đức Commune, Cu Chi District. To get here, visitors can take bus number 4 from Ben Thanh to Ben An Suong, then transfer to bus number 122 from Ben An Suong to An Nhơn Tây.
- Ben Duoc Tunnels: now situated in Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District. Travelers can take routes 13 and 79, board bus number 13 from Ben Thanh to Củ Chi bus station, then take bus 79 from Củ Chi bus station to Ben Duoc.
When visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels, it's advisable to wear sneakers for easy movement inside the tunnels. (See more: What to do in Cu Chi?)
8. Starlight Bridge
- Address: Ton Dat Tien Street, Phu My Hung, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
(Image source)
Starlight Bridge is a renowned nighttime attraction in Saigon. It spans between Crescent Lake and the Canal in Phu My Hung urban area. Dubbed as the most beautiful pedestrian bridge in Saigon, it features a mesmerizing display of colorful LED lights along its sides, giving visitors the sensation of walking through a galaxy. Moreover, on both ends of the bridge, there are spacious plazas designed to mimic the sun and moon. Starlight Bridge is a beloved spot among visitors, especially the young ones.
The bridge is adorned with a system of water jets and LED lights in seven colors on both sides, creating an enchanting ambiance resembling a starry night sky. Additionally, the plazas at each end of the bridge are expansive and designed to emulate the sun and moon. Starlight Bridge is a highly popular attraction in Saigon, particularly among young travelers.
