Top 17 Most Popular International Tourist Spots in Ho Chi Minh City

Located in District 1, the Saigon Central Post Office is a historical building constructed by the French between 1886 and 1891, designed by architect Villedieu with the assistance of Foulhoux. This architectural gem blends European design with Asian decorative elements, creating a harmonious fusion of two distinct cultures.

It is also one of Saigon's iconic tourist destinations. A visit to Ho Chi Minh City would be incomplete without seeing the Central Post Office. With its striking golden facade in the afternoon sunlight and its curved windows, it’s impossible not to be drawn to its beauty. At the center, a large clock and subtle ornamental patterns enhance its charm. Inside, the vibrant red walkway inspired by the red and gold star flag, along with the barrel-shaped designs, leave a lasting impression on visitors.

Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, also known as the Saigon Cathedral, was officially started on October 7, 1877. Its architectural design beautifully merges Gothic and Roman styles, making it one of Saigon’s most unique landmarks and a must-visit site for both domestic and international tourists. This cathedral has become a symbol of Vietnamese tourism.

One of the cathedral's distinctive features is its lack of a surrounding fence or wall, unlike many other churches in the Saigon-Gia Dinh area at the time. The cathedral is crowned with two bell towers, each containing three bells, with six total notes. These bells, cast in France and brought to Saigon in 1879, produce charming chimes. The right tower holds four bells (sol, do, re, mi), while the left tower holds two (la, si), all adorned with intricate engravings.

In front of the cathedral lies a park (Paris Commune Square), where four intersecting streets form a cross shape. Nearby is the Saigon Central Post Office. At the heart of the park stands the statue of Our Lady of Peace, sculpted by G. Ciocchetti in 1959. Notre-Dame Cathedral is not only a magnificent architectural work but also an enchanting destination for tourists to admire.

Address: 01 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Previously known as the Norodom Palace, the Independence Palace is now referred to as the Reunification Hall. This grand building is located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, covering an area of approximately 22 hectares. The Independence Palace is officially recognized as a national historical monument. Due to its significant history, it remains a must-visit destination for international tourists who come to Ho Chi Minh City to learn more about this pivotal historical site.

Located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, the Independence Palace is a symbol of Vietnamese history. During the Vietnam War, it served as the headquarters of the South Vietnamese government. After the reunification of the country, it was designated as a national historical site.

The building was designed with Eastern architectural principles, blending modern elements with traditional Feng Shui. Visitors can explore the preserved artifacts from the old regime and witness relics that commemorate the moment of independence on April 30, 1975.

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

The War Remnants Museum, located in District 3, is dedicated to preserving, researching, and displaying the harrowing images and artifacts of the Vietnam War, shedding light on the atrocities and lasting consequences of the conflict on both the country and its people. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the history of Vietnam's struggle for independence and witness over 20,000 items, including photographs, films, and documents related to the war era. Among these, more than 1,500 items are featured in eight permanent exhibits.

Since its opening 35 years ago, the museum has welcomed more than 15 million visitors from both Vietnam and abroad. Currently attracting around 500,000 visitors each year, the War Remnants Museum remains one of the most prominent cultural and historical destinations in Ho Chi Minh City, earning trust and recognition from both domestic and international audiences.

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

Ben Thanh Market is a bustling market located in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Construction began in 1912 and was completed by the end of March 1914. The clock at the southern gate of the market is often considered an unofficial symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. International tourists frequently visit the market to explore and purchase souvenirs. Additionally, Ben Thanh Market is particularly lively in the evenings, with crowds of visitors and shoppers filling the surrounding streets, especially Phan Boi Chau and Phan Chu Trinh, which run alongside the main market building.

Inside the market, visitors can find a wide array of traditional and modern goods, perfect for gifts to take home. Ben Thanh Market is also a great place to sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine. Stop by the food stalls to enjoy local delicacies like crispy fried fish or sip on refreshing iced tea. A tip for shoppers: bargaining is common here, so be sure to negotiate for the best price.

Address: Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

With its bustling, lively atmosphere, Binh Tay Market (District 5), also known as the New Cholon Market, spans over 17,000 square meters and attracts many international tourists, much like Ben Thanh Market. Designed in traditional Eastern architectural style, Binh Tay Market houses over 2,300 stalls offering goods from more than 30 different categories. This market is a popular destination for both local and foreign visitors alike.

With its vast selection of over 30 types of goods, Binh Tay Market welcomes around 120,000 visitors each year. Some come for shopping, while others are drawn by the chance to admire the impressive architecture of the building. The market's food court, though compact, offers a variety of delicious Vietnamese dishes, such as Hu Tieu, Banh Canh, Bun Bo, Bun Mam, Com Tam, Banh Gio, and Banh Beo, as well as refreshing drinks like sugarcane juice, Sâm drink, fresh orange juice, and various types of sweet desserts.

Address: 57A Thap Muoi, Ward 2, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground defense system located in Cu Chi District, about 70 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City. This network includes a hospital, living quarters, kitchens, storage rooms, offices, and a series of underground passageways. Stretching over approximately 250 km, the tunnels also have ventilation shafts camouflaged by surrounding vegetation.

Built on land known as "iron soil" and located at the end of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the Cu Chi Tunnels played a crucial role during the 1968 Tet Offensive, when the Viet Cong used them to launch attacks on Saigon. Today, about 120 km of the tunnels have been preserved, attracting many visitors to explore this historic site.

Address: Tinh Lo 15, Phu Hiep, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City

Located in District 7, Phu My Hung is a large urban area designed with sprawling villas and tree-lined avenues, offering a serene and green environment. Many foreign visitors describe it as a miniature Singapore nestled in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

A walk through Phu My Hung on a weekend will reveal a thriving community. Elderly residents practice Tai Chi in the parks, children play on grassy hills, couples stroll by the Crescent Lake and the Starlight Bridge, and families gather at Crescent Mall for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Beyond its infrastructure and amenities, Phu My Hung also fosters a vibrant community spirit with various events and programs for everyone.

Address: Nguyen Van Linh Boulevard, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

Sky Deck is an observation deck located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Tower, standing at a height of 180 meters. Equipped with six telescopes that can tilt vertically up to 50 degrees and rotate 360 degrees, visitors can enjoy panoramic views without ever needing to leave the spot. The entry fee for a visit is 200,000 VND per person.

At 178 meters above the ground, the Saigon Skydeck offers breathtaking views of Ho Chi Minh City. From here, you can admire the contrast between the city's simple yet evolving skyline, shaped by the winding Saigon River. At night, the view transforms into a dazzling spectacle, with streets alive with traffic and skyscrapers glowing in the dark, creating a dynamic and magical scene.

Address: 36 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is an unmissable spot in Ho Chi Minh City's list of attractions. Opened in April 2015, it stretches 670 meters long and 64 meters wide. Located in the heart of the city, the walking street is known for its granite pavement, large fountains, lush greenery, and a modern system of sound and lighting controls.

Spending an evening here will immerse you in the vibrant nightlife of Saigon. While strolling and taking in the scenery, you can sample some of the city's famous street food like coffee, bánh mì, chè, and bánh tráng trộn. On weekends, live music performances by young local artists add to the lively atmosphere. This street is a hotspot for evening leisure, and also a popular destination for those looking to capture the perfect photo!

Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

For those passionate about culture and history, the Vietnam History Museum is a must-see. Originally founded as the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum in 1929, its architecture blends classic Indochinese style with distinct Vietnamese elements, creating a unique design.

The museum houses tens of thousands of valuable artifacts, along with more than 25,000 books, journals, and rare documents on archaeology and history. One of its highlights is a collection of preserved mummies that continue to intrigue visitors.

Currently, the Vietnam History Museum is enhancing its visitor experience with interactive touchscreens in exhibition rooms, alongside media presentations in the museum's dedicated media room. Special themed exhibits and educational programs for children are regularly updated. Furthermore, ongoing upgrades are improving the museum's infrastructure and services to better serve visitors' needs for cultural exploration, learning, and entertainment.

Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Visiting the Southern Women's Museum offers a fascinating journey into the lives of Vietnamese women, featuring a rich collection of artifacts, images, and documents. The museum's origins trace back to the Southern Women's Tradition House, an establishment founded with the goal of promoting patriotism and preserving the cultural traditions of Vietnamese women.

Today, the museum houses a library with nearly 10,000 books and features a 3,162 square meter exhibition space spread across three floors and eight rooms. Visitors can explore displays on various themes, including women's movements, traditional female roles, tributes to Ho Chi Minh, traditional clothing and jewelry, women's roles in family life, and the festival attire of Southern ethnic groups—offering plenty to learn and discover.

Address: 202 Vo Thi Sau, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

The Starlight Bridge is one of the most popular nighttime destinations in Ho Chi Minh City. Connecting the Crescent Lake to the Da River Canal in the Phu My Hung urban area, it is considered the most beautiful pedestrian bridge in the city.

The bridge features a stunning water fountain system and LED lights with seven colors on both sides, creating the illusion of walking through a galaxy. At either end of the bridge, there are spacious plazas designed to resemble the moon and the sun. The Starlight Bridge is a favorite spot for both locals and tourists, especially among young visitors.

Additionally, numerous food carts surround the bridge, allowing visitors to enjoy local snacks while gazing at the sky and sharing stories. Below the bridge, electric vehicles and small animal-shaped cars are available for rent, making it a fun spot for families with children.

Address: Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City

Since its debut in 2018, Landmark 81 has remained one of the hottest attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. As a part of the Vinhomes Central Park complex, this skyscraper was once known as the tallest building in Vietnam. It's also a popular spot for young people to capture stunning photos with incredible views.

Landmark 81 is the perfect place for tourists seeking a vibrant experience. With its wide array of services and entertainment options, it offers everything you need for relaxation and fun. The Vincom Center Landmark 81 shopping mall allows visitors to shop from top international brands.

Additionally, the building features numerous leisure facilities, including the CGV cinema and the Vincom Ice Rink, making it a prime location for entertainment. For those with a love for food, over 30 restaurants serve a vast selection of dishes from around the world.

Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu Street, Vinhomes Tan Cang, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City

Located on Nguyen Hue Street in District 1, the Ho Chi Minh Monument was officially inaugurated on the 125th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth (May 17, 2015). The monument, made of bronze alloy, stands at about 7.2 meters tall, with the figure itself measuring 4.5 meters and the base 2.7 meters. The statue captures a realistic and affectionate depiction of the beloved leader, radiating simplicity and warmth, reflecting both his noble character and the stature of Vietnam’s great national hero. This remarkable sculpture was created by artist Lam Quang Noi, with a total cost of approximately 7 billion VND.

Visitors to the Ho Chi Minh Monument can admire the statue while learning more about the life and legacy of this world-renowned cultural figure and Vietnam's iconic leader.

Address: 110 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

For many Vietnamese, the name Bach Dang Wharf is well-known, as this historic site has witnessed the rise and fall of many chapters in history and is closely connected to the lives of several generations in Saigon. Previously known as "Nha Rong Port," it was from here that a young man, Nguyen Tat Thanh, departed in search of a path to liberate his country. Today, this place has become a popular tourist spot, attracting visitors from around the world due to its rich historical significance.

At Bach Dang Wharf, visitors can enjoy the serene and peaceful flow of the river while drifting gently on a boat. It’s an ideal destination for international tourists who want to experience the softer, more tranquil side of the bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

Address: 27 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, also known as the Saigon Opera House, is located at 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. This historic building is one of the city's oldest, designed in a European architectural style with intricate details from the early 20th century during the Third Republic of France.

Visitors to the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House will be transported back in time as they experience the elegant architecture of the past amidst the modern, bustling city. Inside, the venue is equipped with state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology. With a grand capacity of 1,800 seats spread over three floors, this stunning opera house will surely leave you in awe.

Address: 07 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City