1. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is one of Saigon's unique architectural wonders and is becoming an iconic symbol of the city. This is the first destination for both domestic and international tourists when visiting Saigon.
The cathedral is designed by mimicking the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. All construction materials are imported from France. The harmonious combination of Roman and Gothic styles creates a breathtakingly beautiful European ancient architecture. In addition to the unique architecture, inside the cathedral, there are also little-known antiques. Firstly, the pair of ancient bells installed inside the two bell towers of the cathedral. This is considered the largest pair of bells in Vietnam today.
The second antique to mention is the pipe organ placed on the organ loft between the two towers. This is also considered the oldest pipe organ in Vietnam.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is located in the center of District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can reach here by various means such as bus, taxi, motorbike... After visiting the cathedral, tourists can explore the Independence Palace, Diamond Plaza, stroll around Turtle Lake, Dong Khoi Street, and discover Saigon's culinary scene.
Address: 01 Paris Commune, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 5:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon2. Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street
Located in the central area of District 1, this is a bustling neighborhood. Nguyen Hue Street is home to many hotels and shopping centers. Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street is connected to the Metro station, the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, and the Thủ Thiêm urban square.
What's special is that Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street provides free Wi-Fi coverage, ensuring that many people can access it simultaneously. Every day, especially on weekends, this street welcomes thousands of visitors who come to explore, have fun, and take photos.
During Tet (Lunar New Year), Nguyen Hue Street becomes a gathering place adorned with various flowers, attracting many tourists and locals.
Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street
Nguyen Hue Pedestrian StreetBen Thanh Market was built in the 19th century and fortunately remains intact to this day. Along with Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, Ben Thanh Market is one of the immortal symbols of Saigon. The market has 4 gates located on the city's major streets. The South Gate (main entrance) overlooks Quach Thi Trang Square, the North Gate faces Le Thanh Ton Street, the East Gate faces Phan Boi Chau Street, and the West Gate faces Phan Chu Trinh Street. Ben Thanh Market is considered the most modern market in Saigon. Here, you can find almost all common items from affordable to high-end, including food, clothing, souvenirs, and jewelry, all with good quality.
Ben Thanh Market is a familiar address for foreign tourists whenever they visit Saigon. The South Gate (main entrance) is where goods such as fabrics, clothes, and dry food are displayed. The North Gate is where fresh food, fruits, and vegetables are traded. The East Gate attracts tourists with various cosmetics and sweets in different styles and choices. If you're looking for shoes, handicrafts, souvenirs, you can stroll around the area near the West Gate of the market.
Address: Le Loi Street, District 1, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh MarketCu Chi Tunnels are located about 70 km northwest of central Saigon. You can easily get here by bus, motorbike, or taxi.
Main attractions at Cu Chi Tunnels:
- Bến Dược Tunnels: entrance fee is 20,000 VND for Vietnamese visitors and 80,000 VND for international tourists. Here, you will explore the three-door entrance, memorial house, 9-story tower, and the main temple. Bến Dược commemorates the national heroes who fell on the Củ Chi battlefield.
- Tunnel system: visitors will discover the famous network of tunnels in Vietnam and the world. After completing the tunnel route, visitors will enjoy boiled cassava, dipped in sesame salt, and complimentary water.
Address: Provincial Road 15, Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening hours: 7:00 - 17:00
Cu Chi Tunnels
Cu Chi TunnelsWhen visiting Saigon, don't forget this amazing place! Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, is an iconic landmark located in the city center. It bears witness to many historical milestones of the country.
Exploring Independence Palace, you will marvel at historical artifacts such as tank number 843 and tank number 390 of the 4th Battalion, 1st Division, 203rd Armored Brigade, 2nd Corps, the People's Army of Vietnam, which entered the Independence Palace at 10:45 am on April 30, 1975. Also, the F5E fighter jet produced by the United States and equipped for the Saigon army, used by defector pilot Nguyen Thanh Trung to bomb the Independence Palace at 8:00 am on April 8, 1975.
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
Independence Palace
Independence Palace6. Suối Tiên Tourist Area
Suối Tiên Tourist Area is located in the northeast of the city, approximately 19 km from the city center. It is a popular entertainment destination that attracts many tourists when visiting the city. The attractions in
Suối Tiên Tourist Area include: Crystal Palace, Aquarium, Mermaid Palace, Mountain Climbing - Zip Line, High-speed Train, Treasure Cave, Magic Castle, Snow Castle.
Especially, the interior is elaborately constructed with refreshing landscaping, creating a representative green space, notably the underwater amusement park, especially the Crystal Palace - the first artificial sea in Vietnam. If 25 years ago, this tourist area was still a wild land, sparsely populated hidden by a deserted natural stream, now Suối Tiên is a leading and famous entertainment center in the country.
Address: 120 Vo Nguyen Giap, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Suối Tiên Tourist Area
Suối Tiên Tourist AreaThủ Thiêm Bridge connects both banks of the Saigon River in District 2 and Binh Thanh District of Saigon. This is a favorite spot for young people, not inferior to sidewalk cafes near Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. Standing on the bridge in the evening, you can admire the city immersed in the sparkling and magical lights. After a tiring working day, standing on the bridge and enjoying the cool breeze also makes the spirit much more relaxed. This is truly an interesting experience that tourists should not miss.
On holidays and major anniversaries with fireworks, Thủ Thiêm Bridge is an ideal location to enjoy the colorful light feast. The 1,250-meter-long bridge has height, spacious space along the Saigon River. Standing on the bridge, you can oversee a large open space, unobstructed view, and not too far from the city center, very convenient for moving and choosing a location to watch fireworks.
Address: Thủ Thiêm Bridge, Binh An Ward, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Thủ Thiêm Bridge
Thủ Thiêm Bridge8. Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Ho Chi Minh City Museum is located at 65 Ly Tu Trong, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The museum is designed in a classical - revival style, combining Western and Eastern influences. The exhibition content consists of 9 fixed sections:
1. Room “Nature - Archaeology”
2. Room “Geography - Administration of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City”
3. Room “Port, Commerce - Service”
4. Room “Industry and Small Industries”
5. Room “Culture of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City”
6. Room “Revolutionary Struggle 1930 - 1954”
7. Room “Revolutionary Struggle 1954 - 1975”
8. Room “Resistance Artefacts”
9. Room “Pre-Vietnam”.
In addition to visiting the exhibition rooms to read documents and gain a deeper understanding of historical stories, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum is also a place where we can rest, escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 8:00 - 17:00
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
9. Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office stands as an iconic architectural marvel in the city, located at 2 Cong xa Paris, District 1. Constructed by the French, it seamlessly blends European architecture with Asian decorative elements. In front of the post office lies the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon. The facade of the post office is adorned with plaques bearing the names of French luminaries such as Laplace, Voltaire, and Arage. A large clock graces the building's arched entrance.
Stepping inside, high walls on either side feature two historical maps of Saigon, Gothic structures, and over 35 customer service counters. There are also souvenir stalls offering handcrafted products reflecting the rich culture of Vietnam. Situated next to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and in proximity to Diamond Plaza shopping center, Cafe De La Poste surrounds the post office. This is a familiar destination for tourists exploring Ho Chi Minh City.
Address: 2 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 7:30 AM - 6:00 PM
Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office
Ao Dai Museum – a daytime attraction in Saigon, narrates the story of the Vietnamese traditional dress, Ao Dai. From its inception with the Le Mur style to the transformations throughout Vietnam's turbulent history. It's intriguing to learn about the Ao Dai here. The tranquility is familiar, and every few steps offer a captivating photo opportunity. A drawback is its distance from the city center, and there are no food or drink stalls nearby. Remember to bring some provisions.
Ao Dai Museum was established on January 22, 2014, and despite nearly a decade, it remains a must-visit for travelers in the city named after Uncle Ho. The museum's concept and design were crafted by Sỹ Hoàng, a designer renowned for creating hundreds of Ao Dai outfits for beauties and pageant winners.
Ao Dai Museum is located at 206/19, 30 Long Thuan, Long Phuoc, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City. The museum's interior exudes the ancient charm of Vietnamese rural villages, resembling a miniature Hoi An nestled in the heart of the city—peaceful, serene, and timeless.
Address: 206/19, 30 Long Thuan, Ward Long Phuoc, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Ao Dai Museum
Ao Dai Museum
Artinus 3D Art Museum is perfect for those who love the world of illusions. Come here to explore and take pictures. The key is to immerse yourself deeply. There are around 100 paintings with various themes: fairyland, ocean, dense forest, ancient Egypt, and more. Choose bright-colored outfits for better photos as most paintings and lighting are a bit dim, and darker colors may not stand out. It takes about 1-2 hours to cover the entire museum. The staff here are lovely, ready to take pictures for you and even suggest poses.
Artinus 3D Art Museum is a collection of hundreds of artworks created by 15 Korean artists. The 3D art world at Artinus is considered on par with other famous 3D art museums worldwide. The artworks are mainly made from lacquer, painted directly on the walls, and designed at a reasonable height, creating a sense of visual deception for visitors.
Address: 02-04, Street 9, Himlam Residential Area, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Artinus 3D Art Museum
Artinus 3D Art Museum
12. Saigon Municipal Theater
Saigon Municipal Theater, also known as the Opera House, is located at 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. It is one of the long-standing structures designed in the elegant Western architectural style during the Third Republic of France at the beginning of the 20th century.
Visitors will indulge in an antique atmosphere, experiencing the ancient architectural features right in the heart of a modern and bustling city when visiting Saigon Municipal Theater. Moreover, the interior is modernly equipped with full facilities for sound and light. In addition to the ground floor, there are two more floors with a seating capacity of up to 1800, undoubtedly leaving visitors in awe.
Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Municipal Theater
Saigon Municipal Theater
13. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is located in the heart of Saigon at the end of Le Duan Street. It is an ideal destination not to be missed, especially if you are accompanied by children. Here, you'll find a diverse range of animals from Vietnam and around the world. It's an ideal place for children to learn and play, with a large green space amidst the bustling city. This standout feature makes the zoo highly attractive to visitors from near and far.
Visitors to the zoo can also enjoy unique art performances often held on weekends and during major holidays. These may include spectacular magic shows, dance performances, and animal circus acts, all of which are extremely entertaining and captivating for visitors.
Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ward Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening Hours: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
War Remnants Museum in District 3 is a museum dedicated to researching, collecting, preserving, and exhibiting images, documents, and remaining artifacts related to the crimes and consequences of the war on Vietnam and its people. Visitors here will explore and learn about the challenging history of Vietnam's struggle for independence, with the opportunity to view over 20,000 artifacts, films, and documents from the wartime era. More than 1,500 documents, artifacts, and films are regularly displayed in 8 thematic exhibitions.
In its 35 years of operation, the museum has welcomed over 15 million visitors from both domestic and international sources. Currently attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually, the War Remnants Museum stands as a highly captivating cultural tourism destination, earning the trust of the public at home and abroad.
Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum
War Remnants Museum
Surely, the name “Bach Dang Pier” is not unfamiliar to the Vietnamese people. This place has witnessed countless ups and downs in history and is closely tied to the lives of many generations in Saigon. Formerly known as 'Nhà Rồng Harbor,' it is the place where a young man set out to find a path to save the country, Nguyen Tat Thanh. Today, this landmark has become a very famous tourist destination, attracting foreign visitors with its historical depth.
Visiting Bach Dang Pier, tourists will immerse themselves in the peace and tranquility of the river on a gently floating boat. This is an ideal destination for tourists who want to enjoy the gentle and soothing side of the bustling Ho Chi Minh City.
Address: 27 Ton Duc Thang, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Bach Dang Pier
Bach Dang Pier
16. Museum of Southern Women
Visit the Museum of Southern Women, and you'll discover and experience a multitude of artifacts, images, and materials related to the essence of Vietnamese women. The precursor to this Saigon tourist spot is the Traditional Southern Women's House - a construction built with the purpose of educating patriotism and preserving the beautiful cultural traditions of women.
The museum currently manages a library of nearly 10,000 books, a display area covering 3,162 m2 with 3 floors and 8 rooms showcasing artifacts, images, and documents on various topics: women's movements, traditional women, commemorating Ho Chi Minh, costumes and jewelry of Vietnamese women, Vietnamese women in family life, traditional festival costumes of women from different southern ethnic groups, and much more for you to explore and learn.
Address: 202 Vo Thi Sau Street, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 7:30 - 17:00
Museum of Southern Women
Museum of Southern Women
Sky Deck is an observation deck located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Building, towering 180m high. On the Sky Deck, there are six telescopes with the ability to tilt up and down at a 50-degree angle and rotate 360 degrees, allowing visitors to admire distant landscapes without having to go anywhere.
With a height of 178m, the Saigon Skydeck is a place where you can overlook the panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City, both simple and modern with the winding curves of the Saigon River surrounding it and many other beautiful scenes. If you come here at night, you will see a dazzling Saigon with bustling traffic like shuttlecocks rushing up and down, or the illusionary lights from towering buildings, creating an incredibly lively and magical painting.
Address: 36 Ho Tung Mau, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Opening hours: 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saigon Skydeck
Saigon Skydeck
Introduced back in 2018, and till now, Landmark 81 remains a hot spot in Saigon tourism. Landmark 81 is a skyscraper located in the Vinhomes Central Park entertainment and shopping complex, once known as the tallest building in Vietnam. Simultaneously, it is one of the go-to places for beautiful views where young people rush to capture moments.
Landmark 81 is considered an ideal Saigon tourist destination. Here, you can comfortably enjoy various utility services, accommodation needs, and entertainment. In this building, there is the Vincom Center Landmark 81 shopping mall that allows you to shop freely with top global brands. Besides, numerous entertainment services provide you with a fantastic relaxation experience, such as CGV Cinema, Vincom Ice Rink... At this Saigon tourist destination, you can also visit 30 restaurants offering thousands of delicious dishes from 5 continents.
Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu Street, Vinhomes Tan Cang, Binh Thanh, Ho Chi Minh City
Landmark 81
Tower of the Sky