Top 6 Landmarks to Explore in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. This address is close to other popular attractions such as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, 30/4 Park, Saigon Central Post Office, etc. With its central location, Independence Palace is accessible by various means of transportation: bus, taxi, car, motorbike.

Independence Palace has a floor area of up to 120,000m2 located in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City, bounded by four main streets, specifically Nam Ky Khoi Nghia in the Northeast, Nguyen Thi Minh Khai in the Northwest, Huyen Tran Cong Chua street in the Southwest, and Nguyen Du in the Southeast. Moreover, within the palace grounds, there are many ancient trees of various species planted since the French colonial period.

Independence Palace is designed based on Feng Shui principles as well as Eastern architecture but still retains a modern feel. When visiting Independence Palace, tourists can freely explore through panoramic systems, informative boards... following international standards. If you need a guide, you can hire one per group. After the tour, you will watch the documentary film 'Independence Palace - witness to history' which lasts 25 minutes in the cinema room.

Special interior architecture:

• Reception room: This is the first point when visiting Independence Palace. The reception room can accommodate 500 people and is used for meetings, receptions, government ceremonies.

• Presidential living area: Another interesting point to mention here is the living area of the President's family. The person who lived here the longest was President under the former regime, Nguyen Van Thieu (from October 1967 to April 21, 1975).
• National letter presentation room on the 1st floor with the painting 'Binh Ngo Dai Cao' consisting of 40 small pieces depicting the peaceful life of Vietnamese people in the 15th century.
• Basement: The basement contains various communication rooms, printing rooms... to ensure the President's orders are transmitted outside (collected photos).

• Historical artifacts: On the roof of Independence Palace, there is a display of President Nguyen Van Thieu's UH-1 helicopter, alongside are the positions of two bombs thrown by pilot Nguyen Thanh Trung. The Mercedes Benz 200 W110 car with the registration number VN-13-78 from Germany is one of the cars used by President Nguyen Van Thieu for transportation. The Jeep M152A2 used by the revolutionary force to transport President Duong Van Minh, the last President of the Republic of Vietnam, to the Saigon radio station to read the surrender declaration on the noon of April 30, 1975. Also thanks to the historical significance of artifacts such as tank 390, tank 843, and F5E fighter aircraft that have contributed to making Independence Palace more attractive to tourists.
• Valuable artworks: In addition, when visiting Independence Palace, you will also admire many valuable artworks: Oil painting depicting the countryside of Vietnam by architect Ngo Viet Thu. The oil painting shows the scene of Thuy Kieu and Thuy Van meeting Kim Trong on Tet Thanh minh day. And dozens of ancient Chinese pottery jars from the Ming - Qing era are also decorated here.

Opening hours, ticket prices:

• Morning session from 7:30 am to 11:00 am, afternoon session from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm every day of the week.
• Ticket price: For adults is 40k; students 20k, students from 6 to 17 years old are 10k. If the guests are in groups of 20 people, they will be discounted one third of the ticket price.

Independence Palace - witness to the history of the Vietnamese nation, is an attractive cultural and historical tourist destination not to be missed when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.

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

Opening hours: 08:00 - 15:30

If Dong Xuan Market is the cultural symbol of Hanoi, then Ben Thanh Market is undoubtedly one of the highlights of Saigon that anyone would remember first. It would truly be a great regret to set foot here and miss Ben Thanh Market.

• Ben Thanh Market is located at Cua Nam - the intersection of Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, Le Thanh Ton streets, and Quach Thi Trang Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, and is the oldest market here. The most prominent symbol of the market is the clock at the southern entrance, reminiscent of Big Ben in London.
• The market has a history dating back to the early 17th century, when it was located near the Saigon River and served as a trading place for merchants. During the resistance war against the French, the market was located on the banks of the Ben Nghe River, which served travelers and soldiers entering the city. Hence, the market is named Ben Thanh Market.
• With an area of over 13,000m2, the market mainly sells clothing, fabrics, shoes, fashion items, handicrafts, fresh food, fruits, and flowers. In addition, the market is also rich with various street food stalls, offering authentic dishes from different regions of southern Vietnam.
• Amidst the hustle and bustle of the stalls, visitors will be amazed by the diverse range of items here. You can easily find souvenirs such as necklaces, earrings, wallets, scarves, and traditional costumes, or even school bags... Not to mention the diverse and rich cuisine of Ben Thanh Market.
• Saigonese desserts are surely not unfamiliar to people from all regions. When you come to the market, you will be overwhelmed by rows of dessert stalls with various colors from green of rice cake, yellow of banana, corn, white of coconut water, purple of taro, red of pomegranate seeds,... And especially, at gate number 7, there is a dessert stall with over 40 years of experience specializing in Southern-style desserts.
• Main dishes must include broken rice, rib rice, fish sauce noodle soup, crab noodle soup, fresh spring rolls, grilled meat vermicelli, seven-colored sticky rice. As for snacks, there are countless options such as mixed rice paper, Hue-style water fern cake, various snail dishes, rice cakes... 'Vibrant - Bustling' is what can be seen at Ben Thanh Market when the moon rises. It seems that this is the 'real life' of this market. Many trading activities, many tourists and locals visiting, enjoying the food, ready to live with a 'Second Saigon' - Saigon at night.

When mentioning Saigon, it's about vibrancy, fast-paced living, then it's necessary to understand and appreciate that: the daytime rush is about work, the hustle and bustle of the nighttime is about the colorful parties.

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

The Saigon Central Post Office Building is one of the city's famous architectural landmarks. Unlike other French-influenced architectural structures, Central Post Office Saigon features many characteristics of European architecture combined with Asian elements. The facade of the post office is adorned with plaques bearing the names of some French celebrities such as Laplace, Voltaire, Arage, along with some decorative squares... Above the arch of the building is a large clock. Stepping inside, visitors will see two high walls with historical maps of Saigon, Gothic architecture, and over 35 customer service counters. Currently, there are souvenir stalls with handcrafted products deeply imbued with Vietnamese identity.

• Located in the heart of the city, the unique beauty of the city's central post office building is further accentuated. In front of it is Notre Dame Cathedral with its soaring bell tower. Looking to the sides are modern high-rise buildings. This harmonious combination turns this place into a venue that exudes both ancient beauty and the vibrancy of modern life.
• The Central Post Office Saigon is one of the typical architectural works of Ho Chi Minh City, located at 2 Cong xa Paris Square (Ben Nghe Ward, District 1). This building was constructed by the French from 1886 to 1891 according to the design by architect Villedieu and assistant Foulhoux. The architectural style combines European and Asian decorative elements.
• The most impressive feature when visiting inside the building is the large round arches at the entrance. Inside the building are a system of round arches near the main entrance and long arches inside. The large arches are supported by four iron columns at each corner, with each column supporting four iron beams radiating out in four directions. On the roof arch in the lobby of the building are two historical maps. The right panel is a map of Saigon and its surroundings in 1892, while the left panel is a map of the electric lines of Vietnam and Cambodia in 1936. Outside, in front of the house, rectangular panels are decorated with the names of inventors of the telegraph and electrical industries. On the panels are sculptures of people wearing laurel wreaths, along with a large clock. Below the clock, the construction commencement and inauguration year of the building are still preserved. The facade of the post office is adorned with plaques bearing the names of some French celebrities such as Laplace, Voltaire, Arage, Gay-Lvssac.
• Today, with the development of the internet, mobile phones, and other transportation services, the Saigon Central Post Office is no longer as bustling with customers as it used to be. Existing on this land for 150 years, the Saigon Central Post Office has witnessed countless ups and downs in history, and numerous changes in this Southern city of the country. Nowadays, the Saigon Post Office has become an unmissable tourist spot for visitors every time they come to visit Ho Chi Minh City.
• People come here, partly to admire the unique architecture of this post office, immersing themselves in a world of antiquity, from mailboxes to telephone booths. People can also rest on long wooden benches polished with lacquer, some of which are over a hundred years old. Stepping into the post office, it seems like time is flowing very slowly, because at any corner, you can catch a glimpse of old Saigon.

The central post office still operates normally, serving the public with modern communication services alongside many traditional services such as scheduled mail, express delivery, souvenir cultural items, flowers, telephones...

Address: 02 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Opening hours: 07:30–18:00

Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street has long been a destination not only attractive to tourists but also to locals in Saigon. Besides the main street, there are many interesting things around this pedestrian street that you may not know. This vibrant pedestrian street is located on Nguyen Hue Street, in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, stretching from the City People's Committee Headquarters to Bach Dang Wharf.

• Since its inauguration, this has always been one of the busiest and most lively destinations in Saigon due to its spaciousness, many interesting and useful activities, as well as beautiful apartment buildings, shops, restaurants, and bustling cafes.
• Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is often likened to a street in a foreign country, without wires, without trash, with neat streets with pedestrian lanes everywhere. The long street is paved with shiny Granite stones along with 2 fountain pedestals, a green tree system, and vividly arranged flowers. In the evening, the lights here as well as the lights from restaurants, eateries, and cafes sparkle, creating beautiful moments. Therefore, for those who are passionate about photography, who like to have glamorous photos, just come here, and you will have all the necessary scenes.
• The spacious grounds are a place for smart motorbikes or lively skating, attracting from children to young people. In the evening, especially on Saturdays or Sundays, from the beginning to the end of the street, there are groups of young people, art enthusiasts gathering here to exchange and perform. You will encounter street artists performing here. From the folk tunes of the monochord to the deep guitar tunes that captivate pedestrians, or a cool hip-hop performance. Sometimes, on special occasions, you will see a grand stage set up, with professional sound and lighting systems here, and the number of people increases many times compared to normal days.
• Or the simplest experience you can try is to sit and watch the vibrant atmosphere at the pedestrian street. Silently watching the innocent children playing, families taking their children out for a walk, loving couples holding hands tenderly, or groups of young friends 'checking-in' their favorite photos... Sometimes, these are the most peaceful moments in life.
• According to the elders' stories, at the end of the 20th century, every Tet holiday, this street was crowded with people buying and selling, with all kinds of colorful and vibrant flowers. Until now, this street is no longer a place for business and trade but has become a flower street attracting thousands of tourists during Tet. This place is elaborately arranged, displaying various kinds of flowers, combined and trimmed to create beautiful spaces, characteristic of each year. Becoming Nguyen Hue Flower Street for everyone to enjoy the spring scenery. Located right on Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street, this destination attracts many tourists. You can stroll leisurely on weekends and immerse yourself in the world of your favorite books. It's truly a convenient, informative, and extremely comfortable trip. Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is always an attractive destination for both Saigonese and tourists alike. Because it always exudes an extraordinary vitality, many strange places to explore and arouse curiosity. We hope you will find your own pedestrian street in your heart.

Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street - an ideal destination to enjoy relaxing, entertaining, and exploring Saigon's culture.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is renowned for being a dynamic city with vibrant colors and numerous entertainment spots. If you ever have the chance to visit Saigon, you can't miss the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica - one of the most distinctive architectural landmarks in the city.

Immediately after seizing Saigon in 1859, the French urgently established a cathedral to serve as a venue for Catholic ceremonies. After several transformations and renovations, Admiral Duperre organized a design competition for the new cathedral. Among numerous entries, the design by architect J. Bourard was chosen for its distinctive blend of Roman architectural style with Gothic artistry. Construction of the cathedral began in 1877 under the direct supervision of architect J. Bourard. All building materials such as cement, iron, and steel were imported from France. After 3 years, the project was completed and put into use, costing approximately 2,500,000 francs at the time.

• The central cathedral is located in the heart of the city at 1, Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Today, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is one of the most unique architectural landmarks in Saigon, attracting the attention of millions of tourists both domestic and international to visit and participate in Mass, as well as being a gathering place for dynamic young people.
• Despite 130 years of political upheaval and historical changes, the cathedral still stands tall seemingly unaffected by time. With dimensions of 91 x 35.5 meters and a height of 21 meters, the cathedral is quite unique as it sits in the middle of a square without fences or dividing grounds, truly becoming a focal point in the urban space.
• Initially, there were no pointed tips on the two bell towers; they were only added in 1894 according to the plan of architect Gardes, with the bell towers reaching a height of 57 meters. In 1920, a 3.5-meter-high, 2-meter-wide cross was placed on each side of the bell towers. The total height of the cathedral from the ground to the top is 60.5 meters. The bell towers house 6 bells with a total weight of 25,850 kilograms, the heaviest in Indochina at that time.
• The interior of the cathedral is designed with a main nave, two side aisles, and two rows of pews. The cathedral can accommodate about 1,200 people, with two main rectangular columns totaling 12 pieces symbolizing the 12 apostles. Behind the main columns are aisles with more than 20 altars adorned with finely crafted white stone statues of saints. The cathedral's lighting system is electrically designed. During the day, sunlight shines through stained glass windows and ventilation holes.
• The cathedral's architecture creates a wonderful lighting effect inside, providing a sense of tranquility and solemnity. The mystical light also highlights the architectural details and interior furnishings, making them stand out and appear even more mystical.
• In the park in front of the cathedral stands a statue of Our Lady of Peace carved in Italy and shipped to Saigon in 1959 by sea. The statue is 4.6 meters tall, weighs 5.8 tons, and is made of unpolished white marble, preserving its rugged appearance. The unique architecture combined with rare artifacts alone is enough to make Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon a must-visit destination for tourists near and far. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is indeed an architectural masterpiece with a strong European style, a 'peaceful corner' in the heart of Saigon.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a source of pride for the people of Ho Chi Minh City, a testament to the city's development and integration.

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

Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its numerous entertaining tourist spots. Among them, you can't miss Bui Vien Street - a familiar entertainment hub for every traveler and local resident here.

The bustling entertainment district of Saigon is located in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Bui Vien Street stretches along Bui Vien, De Tham, Pham Ngu Lao, and Do Quang Dau streets. The area began operating in August 2017 and has attracted a lot of attention from Saigonese and tourists alike. Before 1975, this area was called the 'International Crossroads,' a name that was not officially recognized on maps but was used to refer to the five streets around the workers' theater. Those streets were Bui Vien (Bao Ho Thoai), De Tham (Dismude), Do Quang Dau, Tran Hung Dao (Gallieni), and Pham Ngu Lao (Colonel Grimauld). The term 'Western Street' was coined by locals later on because there were many Western tourists from all over the world gathering here, mostly backpackers.

This street has long been multicultural and multinational, attracting many Asian, European, and American tourists. This Western street is open for people to walk around and enjoy on the weekends with many exciting entertainment activities. When you visit here, you'll see many interesting performances on the sidewalks or under the street. Traditional folk games like jumping rope and playing o an quan (a traditional Vietnamese board game) also attract a lot of attention, especially from foreign tourists. Additionally, you can enjoy many exciting music performances here, ranging from traditional to modern.

In the midst of this bustling and vibrant street, a swimming pool suddenly appears. Right in the middle of the narrow alleys and luxurious hotels is a cool blue pool. Here, you can enjoy a variety of delicious street food. This swimming pool belongs to the Beautiful SaiGon Hotel and The Oasis restaurant.

Bui Vien Street is a highly attractive tourist destination with many entertainment activities and delicious street food. So, pack your bags and explore it now!

Address: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City