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Short on time but craving adventure? Discover the best spots for a one-day excursion in bustling TPHCM!
Explore the vibrant heart of Ho Chi Minh City, a hub of culture and commerce, with our guide to the most captivating day trip destinations!
Seeking a beautiful and enticing day trip destination in TPHCM? Uncover the hidden treasures of this dynamic city!
1. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a must-visit when in Ho Chi Minh City (Photo by author)
Also known by the aristocratic title “Royal Holy Palace” when it was honored by the Vatican in 1962. Situated in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It stands as one of the remaining relics of the historical period of French occupation of this city. The French brought Catholicism with their colonial expedition to Vietnam, inevitably they needed a church to serve the faithful within their expeditionary force.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica has been a beautiful symbol of the city for generations (Photo by author)
The cathedral was officially consecrated in 1880 after years of construction using materials transported from France. Its Gothic architecture exudes reverence. When visiting, take time to stroll around the cathedral grounds to admire its colors still intact despite the passage of time.
Standing before the main gate of the cathedral feels like stepping into a small square. It's an ideal spot for capturing the panoramic view of the cathedral with its 60-meter-high bell towers from base to cross tip. The statue of the Virgin Mary is placed in the square – it is said to have shed tears of blood for several days in 2005.
From a distance, we can clearly see Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica looks magnificent (Photo by author)
The cathedral is a beautiful symbol of the city and attracts much attention from tourists. It's a space completely contrasting the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City.
Just 10km from the city center, it only takes you 30 minutes to visit and admire one of the ancient beauties of Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is a favorite destination for shopping enthusiasts (Photo by author)
Similar to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, Ben Thanh Market is also considered an icon of Saigon, but on the commercial side. Recently, USA Today ranked Ben Thanh Market of Vietnam 15th among the top 45 most amazing food markets in the world.
If you visit Ho Chi Minh City without stopping by Ben Thanh Market, it will be a major omission in this trip.
In Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is considered one of the oldest markets and one of the most popular tourist destinations. It's a must-visit spot in this over 300-year-old city.
You can shop to your heart's content at Ben Thanh Market – Saigon (Photo by author)
Visiting this bustling market, you can enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes or shop for souvenirs, fabrics, clothing, handicrafts, and more. With up to 3,000 stalls, retail, and wholesale, selling all kinds of goods from daily necessities to luxury items. Wandering through the stalls in the market area, tourists can find everything they need here. From traditional costumes to small souvenirs.
Haggling, known as bargaining in Saigonese dialect, offers an intriguing experience for foreign tourists shopping in Vietnam. When visiting Ben Thanh Market, be prepared to negotiate prices when purchasing items. While the market is open year-round, the covered section closes at night. Nevertheless, visitors can explore the Ben Thanh Night Market with stalls open from late afternoon until late at night.
It takes only 30 minutes from the city center to reach Ben Thanh Market, where you can buy anything you desire.
3. Independence Palace
Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, stands as one of the most renowned historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City and the nation as a whole since the victory on April 30, 1975. Situated on a vast 15-hectare plot right in the city center. Although bearing the marks of time and history, the structure still emanates a poetic and romantic beauty.
This construction was initiated by the then President of the Republic of Vietnam, Ngo Dinh Diem, on July 1, 1962, on the site of the Norodom Palace (Governor's Palace) built by the French colonialists in 1868. It was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu – the first Vietnamese to win the international Khôi Nguyên La Mã prize, following Eastern architectural and Feng Shui principles, giving it a modern appearance.
Currently, Independence Palace serves as the meeting place for the Government, hosting visiting Heads of State, and is a National Historical and Cultural Monument attracting numerous domestic and international tourists.
Independence Palace houses and displays some precious artifacts from the wartime era. Visitors can check-in with war artifacts like tanks, airplanes, or tour the working office of President Nguyen Van Thieu.
4. Nguyen Hue Boulevard
Nguyen Hue Boulevard is a vibrant street in Saigon with various entertainment activities (Photo by author)
When people hear about Nguyen Hue Boulevard, they often think of it as a promenade for leisurely strolls and sightseeing in Saigon. However, the reality is quite different. Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street offers much more than just leisurely walks and sightseeing.
Experience luxury at Saigon Garden:
When visiting Nguyen Hue Boulevard, make sure to stop by Saigon Garden for some stunning photos (Photo by author)
This place is considered the most beautiful and luxurious complex in Saigon today. Saigon Garden, located on Nguyen Hue Boulevard, is adorned with greenery like a royal garden. Inside, you'll find a variety of fashion shops, restaurants, cafes, stalls, flower shops, and more for every taste.
Especially when you're here, you must capture some stunning photos with the Western street built inside and countless 'so deep' perspectives.
Enjoy free live music and dance performances
People often gather on Nguyen Hue Boulevard to enjoy music parties (Photo by author)
During the evenings on the street, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, everywhere you look, there are groups of young people, art enthusiasts, gathering here to perform and mingle. You might witness an impressive hip-hop performance or enjoy a fantastic live music show right on the street. This is a form of street art performance that is popular abroad and is now emerging in Vietnam.
Hunt down the most unique and hottest street snacks
There are plenty of unique street snacks on Nguyen Hue Street for you to enjoy (Photo by author)
On this street, you can find a wide variety of incredibly delicious street snacks such as grilled rice paper, peach tea, mixed rice paper salad, animal-shaped ice cream, matcha, bingsu, and more. Most of the street snacks in Saigon are concentrated right on this street. Just take a stroll through a few blocks and you'll find many tempting snacks without having to go too far.
Here are some wonderful, enticing tourist spots in Ho Chi Minh City for you to revisit within a day for your reference. Surely, you have an answer to the question of 'Where to go for a 1-day trip in Ho Chi Minh City'. Have a delightful journey!
