Top 10 Famous Architectural Landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City

Address: 244 Ba Thang Hai Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City.

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

Ben Thanh Market is located at the southern gate, where Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh, Le Thanh Ton streets, and Quach Thi Trang Square meet, in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. It is the oldest market in this area. The market’s most prominent feature is its clock at the southern entrance, reminiscent of London's Big Ben. Ben Thanh Market has its origins in the early 17th century when it was near the Saigon River and served as a trading hub. During the French resistance, it was relocated by the Ben Nghe River to serve both travelers and soldiers, hence the name 'Ben Thanh.' With an area of over 13,000 square meters, Ben Thanh Market primarily sells items like clothing, fabrics, shoes, fashion, handicrafts, fresh food, fruits, and flowers. The market is also filled with street food stalls offering local Southern dishes. As visitors weave through the stalls, they’ll be impressed by the diversity of products available. Whether you’re looking for a souvenir or a unique find, Ben Thanh Market has something for everyone. At night, the market transforms into a vibrant and lively place, truly coming to life. With a bustling atmosphere, numerous visitors, and locals enjoying the food, the market represents a ‘second Saigon’—Saigon by night.

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

Saigon River Tunnel, also known as Thu Thiem Tunnel, is an underwater tunnel passing beneath the Saigon River in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is a key part of the East-West Highway project that connects District 1 with the newly developed Thu Thiem urban area. The tunnel, consisting of six lanes for vehicles, is submerged under the Saigon River and was funded through Official Development Assistance from the Japanese government, with matching contributions from the Vietnamese government. The main contractor was a consortium of Japanese firms. As part of the urban development plan, the Thu Thiem area is linked to the existing city by several bridges, including the Thu Thiem Bridge to Binh Thanh District, Ba Son Bridge to District 1, Phu My Bridge to District 7, and another bridge connecting to District 4. The Thu Thiem Tunnel was officially opened after nearly seven years of construction, providing a vital link between the two riverbanks, relieving pressure on the Saigon Bridge and Thu Thiem Ferry, and driving further development in the city. This project is regarded as the most modern tunnel in Southeast Asia.

The tunnel is designed with six lanes (2 x 3 x m), extending from Calmette Bridge and submerged beneath the Saigon River to connect with Thu Thiem at T13 Road. The total length is 1,490 meters, with the U-shaped tunnel entrance on both ends measuring 400 meters, the side branches and tunnel mouth at 720 meters, and the submerged section stretching 370 meters. The tunnel consists of four segments, each weighing 27,000 tons and cast separately elsewhere. The maximum tunnel gradient is 4%, with reinforced concrete segments. Positioned 24 meters beneath the river's surface, the tunnel's cross-section measures 33.3 meters wide and 8.9 meters high, with a 1.5-meter thick floor and lid, and 1-meter thick side walls. The traffic speed inside the tunnel can reach 60 km/h. The tunnel is designed to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 6 on the Richter scale and has a lifespan of 100 years. The Thu Thiem Tunnel is the most critical part of the East-West Highway project, alleviating congestion on the Saigon Bridge and significantly reducing travel time between the city center and the provinces in both the western and eastern regions. It plays a vital role in enhancing interprovincial trade and strengthens the transport network in the eastern part of the city, supporting the development of the Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

Address: East-West Highway, District 1, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Headquarters is one of the most iconic classical buildings in the city, constructed between 1898 and 1909. During the French colonial period, it was known as Hotel de Ville in French or Dinh Xã Tây in Vietnamese. After the establishment of the Republic of Vietnam, it became the Saigon City Hall, the administrative and meeting center of the capital's government. Since the reunification of Vietnam, the building has served as the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee. The current address is 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, located at the head of Nguyen Hue Street facing the Saigon River.

The building was designed by architect Femand Gardè, who modeled it after the Paris City Hall and the bell towers of northern France. The central part of the structure features a tall spire, flanked by two symmetrical levels, with the left and right wings lower than the rest of the building. Its facade combines various European architectural styles, including Renaissance-style floor plans, Baroque and Rococo relief sculptures, and Art Nouveau ironwork. The trio of relief sculptures on the building (center, left, and right) symbolize the national personification of the French Republic through the figure of Marianne, representing the values of liberty, equality, brotherhood, and fraternity.

Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

Nha Rong Wharf is located on the Saigon River and was constructed in 1864, near the Khanh Hoi Bridge, at the address 01 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. Situated at the entrance to the busiest and most prosperous port in the country, facing the Bạch Đằng River with a refreshing breeze, the wharf has always been a charming sight, especially when the city lights up at night. The building features two dragon sculptures on its roof, facing the moon, a traditional Vietnamese architectural style, which is why it is commonly referred to as the 'Dragon House.' Built in 1863, it was initially used by the French as the headquarters for the Saigon commercial port. During the wars of resistance against the French and American forces, the people of the city organized protests and strikes here, voicing their opposition to colonial rule and puppet regimes. Despite several renovations with Western-style architecture, the building still retains much of its historical and traditional charm.

Today, Nha Rong Wharf houses the Ho Chi Minh Museum, which is part of the national network of museums and memorials dedicated to the legacy of President Ho Chi Minh. The museum has undergone two major renovations (in 1990 and 1995), expanding to 9 exhibition rooms covering 1,482.62 square meters. It also includes 2 storage rooms housing 10,927 documents and artifacts, as well as hundreds of outdoor displays. The museum regularly hosts educational and promotional activities such as scientific conferences, panel discussions between generations, presentations about President Ho Chi Minh, screenings of documentaries, and exhibitions. It also organizes events to introduce and honor Ho Chi Minh's life and revolutionary career. The museum serves as a gathering point for various organizations to engage in traditional activities, study, and socialize. Furthermore, it is a key venue for many local mass movements and community events in Ho Chi Minh City. Currently, the city's government is actively working to enhance the museum's displays, making them more dynamic and engaging to attract both domestic and international tourists.

Address: 01 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History is located at 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, next to the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This museum preserves and displays tens of thousands of valuable artifacts collected from both within Vietnam and abroad. The building, designed by French architect Delaval, was constructed in the 'Indochine' style of architecture by Etablissements Lamorte Saigon between 1926 and 1928. Initially planned as the Mekong Exhibition Institute, the purpose of the building was later changed to serve as an economic exhibition hall before finally becoming the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum.

At the heart of the museum is an octagonal structure, symbolically echoing the principles of the I Ching’s Bagua, with two tiled roofs adorned with phoenix and dragon motifs. On top of the structure are four smaller stacked spheres. This roof design draws heavily from traditional Chinese architecture. In 1970, an additional section of the museum was added to the rear, designed by architect Nguyen Ba Lang. The new building features a U-shaped layout, with a central outdoor garden pond and two connecting wings. The final section consists of a three-story building with two layers of tiled roofs, each corner embellished with decorative dragon heads. With numerous windows opening to the garden, the display rooms are bright and well-ventilated.

The Independence Palace of Saigon is an architectural gem built by the French early on, once regarded as the most beautiful mansion in Asia. It was home to the nation's most powerful figures and stood as a symbol of peace and territorial integrity for Vietnam. Thanks to its striking beauty and immense historical significance, it has become one of the must-visit landmarks for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. The palace is also known by several other names, including the Reunification Palace, the Governor’s Mansion, and the Presidential Palace. Designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ, it once served as the residence and working place for the President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam during the war.

The Independence Palace sits on a vast plot of 120,000 square meters and stands 26 meters high. Its architecture is unique, combining elements of traditional East Asian design with modern features, and is crafted according to feng shui principles. Visitors can explore this remarkable structure and tour its various exhibition halls filled with valuable artifacts. Within the palace’s permanent sections, over 100 rooms are decorated in distinct styles, including the President's and Vice President's offices, the Cabinet room, the Grand Reception room, the Ambassador’s Letter room, the Communications room, and the President’s family quarters. Other areas include the kitchen, hallways, and more.

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

The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, often referred to simply as the City Opera or the Grand Theater, is a renowned venue for cultural performances and can also host large-scale events attracting numerous visitors. Located at 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, it is one of the oldest and most spectacular European-style architectural landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. The Opera House faces Lam Son Square and Dong Khoi Street, with two prominent hotels, the Caravelle and Continental, situated nearby. Due to its central location, the Opera House not only hosts events but is also a popular tourist destination, admired for its elegant architecture.

The Opera House is architecturally comparable to the Hanoi Opera House. The building was designed by architects Ernest Guichard, Eugène Ferret, and Félix Olivier. Constructed in 1900 in the flamboyant style of the Third French Republic, its facade is influenced by the Petit Palais Museum in France, which was built in the same year. Inside, the theater is modernized with advanced sound and lighting systems. The building has a total of three floors, with a seating capacity of 1,800. The ornate decorations, relief sculptures, and interior design are modeled after 19th-century French opera houses, creating a stunning visual effect. The vaulted windows and high balustrades emphasize the classical French architectural style.

Whether you're a history enthusiast or simply enjoy beautiful architecture, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is a must-see on your tour of Saigon. This architectural masterpiece enhances the charm and elegance of the city. After exploring the Opera House's splendid structure, visitors can also visit the nearby Continental Saigon Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the city, which has hosted many world leaders and dignitaries over the years.

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, with its exquisite French architecture, is considered one of the most beautiful, important, and almost ancient churches in the region. Nearly 140 years have passed since its inauguration, and despite various challenges, the cathedral has retained its value. It is not only a religious site but also an iconic landmark of the city, a must-visit attraction for any tourist in Saigon. Initially, there were three proposed locations for the cathedral: the old Trường Thi grounds, the Kinh Lớn area, and the current location. Now, it stands at the city's very center, facing Nguyễn Du Street and turning its back on Lê Duẩn Street. What makes this building unique is the absence of a surrounding fence or garden, offering beautiful views from every angle—an extraordinary feature in the urban landscape.

Every corner of Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica exudes craftsmanship and beauty, showcasing a medieval European style. The walls, painted in a soft pink hue, remain dust-free, and the stained-glass windows glow brilliantly in the sunlight. There are countless stunning details to discover here. It is a favorite spot for not only young locals but also visitors who enjoy taking beautiful photos, as the church is perfect for photography from any angle, whether it’s a close-up or a distant shot. The cathedral is also conveniently located near Saigon’s vibrant food alleys, offering a wide array of street foods, such as fried dishes, bánh căn, fried rice flour cakes, various salads, crab soup, and bánh tráng trộn, available throughout the day. After a visit to the church, why not satisfy your hunger with these delicious, tempting dishes?

Address: 1 Công trường Công xã Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.