Vietnam Travel Guide: 12 Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city and economic center of Vietnam. It is also a vibrant and diverse Tourist destination. What this means is that when you Travel to Ho Chi Minh City, you can basically do everything and the CP value is super high! Here, you can feel the local history and culture of Vietnam, the architectural culture of the French colonial period, and enjoy modern convenience and fun. Whether you like ancient monuments, food, shopping, nightlife or natural scenery, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam can definitely meet your needs and preferences!

Ho Chi Minh City Tourism Charm



Friends who love history and humanities will find that the history of Ho Chi Minh City is full of stories of war and revolution, and it also reflects the tenacity and bravery of the Vietnamese people in many ways. Here you can see many buildings and memorials that bear witness to Vietnam’s past and present, and you can also hear many legends and stories about Vietnam.

Overview of must-do things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Friends who love to eat delicious food will be in for a treat when they come to Ho Chi Minh City! The cuisine of Ho Chi Minh City combines the flavors of China, France, India and Southeast Asia, showing the creativity and enthusiasm of the Vietnamese people everywhere. You can taste all kinds of authentic Vietnamese dishes here, as well as all kinds of fresh fruits and coffee (coffee lovers should not miss the coffee shop exploration tour when they come here!), and Michelin exotic cuisine is even more popular. You must eat a lot when you go to Ho Chi Minh City.



For those who like shopping and nightlife, Ho Chi Minh City’s shopping and exciting nightlife will make you have a great time and shop till you drop! The openness and wonderful life of the Vietnamese people can be seen clearly here! As for the natural scenery, it is full of the charm of the ocean and rivers, and also showcases the ecological and rural sentiments of the Vietnamese people. Although it is called Ho Chi Minh City, it also has beautiful beaches and islands, and you can also experience rich flora, fauna, and local customs here.



Top 12 must-see attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

#1 Ben Thanh Market

Visiting local markets is one of the ways to get closer to the daily lives of local people! The best market for tourists to enter in Ho Chi Minh City is Ben Thanh Market. Ben Thanh Market is the most interesting market in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a crowded indoor market during the day (did you see the key word? “Indoor” means you don’t need to bask in the sun! But it’s a little stuffy), and a lively night market at night. You can fully experience Vietnam's daily life and culture here.



Ben Thanh Market is also a good place to exchange currency. There are many silver shops around it that accept various currencies with very good exchange rates. This is the first stop for many people coming to Ho Chi Minh City. You can also buy all kinds of goods here, from clothes, accessories, electronic products to fruits, candies, and vegetables. As long as you have patience and bargaining skills, you can enjoy the fun of shopping! So when you come here, don’t be too soft-hearted, just keep bargaining!



Ben Thanh Market is also a paradise for food. It was once voted as the distribution center of the "Top Ten Most Popular Street Snacks". The various exotic cuisines will definitely satisfy your appetite! But be careful, there are a lot of people here and it's very crowded (secretly let me tell you that this is bound to be full of pickpockets), so you must be careful to keep your belongings safe so that you can enjoy your meal and shopping!

#2 Cafe Apartment



When it comes to the most artistic attraction in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the first recommendation is the "Coffee Apartment"! This is a large old apartment building with many cafes hidden inside. Each cafe has its own personality and style. It is perfect for taking photos and checking in. It is the favorite of Internet celebrities (Internet celebrities, take notes! ) Its location is also very convenient, right on Nguyen Hue Street in the city center. There are many famous attractions nearby, which can be reached on foot, so there is no need to worry about transportation problems. Ah, if we really don’t want to walk, we can just take a Grab!



At night, the lights here will become very beautiful, like a dream castle. You can choose a cafe you like (take your time to choose and browse carefully ~ the store will not force you to consume! Super friendly ❤️), Sit inside and look at the night view outside the window, enjoying a romantic evening until the store closes. I recommend you to go to the cafe near Nguyen Hue Street. From the balcony here you can see the whole street. It is lively but not noisy. You can relax here and feel the holiday atmosphere.



Since the "Coffee Apartment" was converted from a large old house, you can see many retro elements, such as wooden stairs, iron windows, tiles, etc., which has a very historical atmosphere. Each cafe has a different theme, some are retro, some are modern, some are simple, and some are cute. You will definitely find one that suits you. But please note that "coffee apartments" are actually illegal in Vietnam (surprise!) and may be demolished at any time, so if you want to come here, you'd better do it early!

#3 Book Street



You can also be elegant and comfortable when you come to Vietnam. Speaking of the coolest spot in Ho Chi Minh City, it is the "Book Street"! This is a pedestrian street full of greenery and the scent of books. Next to it is the post office and the Red Church. You can visit three popular attractions in the surrounding area on foot. Isn’t it convenient?



"Book Street" is a place only accessible to pedestrians, so you don't have to worry about the heavy traffic, just enjoy the freshness and tranquility here. There are many bookstores and cafes here. You can pick one to go in, read a book, have a drink and relax. If you go on a holiday, you can also see a lot of interesting activities, such as music performances, reading clubs, book signings, etc. Even if you don’t speak the language, you can still have fun.



Most of the books in "Book Street" are in Vietnamese. It doesn't matter if you can't read. You can buy some picture books or magazines for yourself or your children to read. Maybe you can learn some Vietnamese words or patterns (this Is this good news for me, whose language skills don’t seem to be that good?). Or you can take out your camera, take pictures of the beautiful scenery here, record your travel memories, share them with your friends, and let them envy your literary Journey!

#4 Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)



The most spectacular attraction in Ho Chi Minh City is the Independence Palace! This is Vietnam's most representative national historical site. It used to be the presidential palace of the Republic of Vietnam and a symbol of Vietnam's unification. There are 100 magnificent halls of various sizes in the Independence Palace, including the President's Office, Cabinet Meeting Room, Diplomatic Hall, President's Wife's Room and Cinema Room, etc. They are quite exquisite and unique. If you are tired of walking, you can also buy a park bus ticket at the ticket office and take a ride around the park, which saves effort and time!



The Independence Palace is in a great location, with many other attractions nearby, such as the Post Office, the Red Church, the Opera House, etc. You can visit them all at once without wasting time. If you take a double-decker sightseeing bus, you can also get on and off at the entrance of the Independence Palace, which is quite convenient!



#5 Fu Hai Temple

When talking about Vietnam, everyone would intuitively think that it is a place full of religious and cultural beliefs. The most magical attraction in Ho Chi Minh City is Phuoc Hai Temple! This is a temple that is very effective in praying for children. Formerly known as the Jade Emperor Temple, it enshrines the Jade Emperor, Guanyin Bodhisattva, and other gods. It is a combination of Taoism and Buddhism, and is very popular!

"Phu Hai Temple" was built in 1892 and has a history of more than 130 years. It is a national historical site in Vietnam. It is said that the gods here are very powerful. Many people come here to make a wish, hoping to have a child, or want to have a boy, and their dreams can all come true (this... Although sincerity is the key, the editor still has to say that it is more likely to be a boy or a girl). Just as good! ). Therefore, many tourists come here every day to worship and pray for the success of having a child.



The exterior of "Fukai Temple" is red, very festive, and it fits the wish of having children. It feels like coming here will bring you good luck and happiness! When you enter the temple, you can see a red sign that says "Amitabha", which has a very Buddhist atmosphere. You can also see many colorful statues, all of which are images of gods. The one in the middle is the Jade Emperor. His face is golden and he smiles kindly, which makes people feel at ease. If you are married and looking to have a child, you might want to try this!

#6 Ho Chi Minh Museum



Have you ever thought that the name "Ho Chi Minh City" sounds like a person's name? That’s right, the name is to commemorate Chairman Ho Chi Minh. The "Ho Chi Minh Museum" is a museum that displays the life and deeds of Chairman Ho Chi Minh. It is magnificent, with a large number of pictures and real objects, and the decoration is also very modern. Here you can see Chairman Ho Chi Minh’s manuscripts, belongings, gifts, and his will, and feel his great significance to the Vietnamese people.



The five-story "Ho Chi Minh Museum" was completed on the 100th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh's birth and is listed as a national historical site in Vietnam. The exhibition here is very artistic, the booths and lights are very colorful, and there are many background paintings. The more you walk around, the more you feel that Chairman Ho Chi Minh is not only a politician, but also a poet and painter!



The Ho Chi Minh Museum has a rich collection of exhibits, including souvenirs, military orders, photos of the Vietnamese Communist Party, and historical items of the revolution and struggle led by Chairman Ho Chi Minh. You can start your tour from the top floor, where you'll see a giant golden lotus and some exhibits about President Ho Chi Minh's political activities. But please note that you are not allowed to bring bags and cameras into the museum, and you must maintain safety and order. Let us make a pilgrimage to this very meaningful place with a solemn and respectful mood!

#7 Ho Chi Minh Chinatown



"Ho Chi Minh Chinatown" is a place full of Chinese culture (that's for sure!), filled with Teochew and Fujianese food and architecture, which is completely different from other places in Saigon, allowing you to experience a different style. If you come to Vietnam for a multi-day Trip and are tired of Vietnamese cuisine, you can come here to find the Chinese flavor, and then you will be more motivated to travel next time! (I am the kind of person who gets tired of one flavor easily)



Here we introduce two representative restaurants: Ming Kee Noodle House, which is owned by a Chinese and has been open for over 50 years. Their noodles are delicious and you can add all kinds of ingredients to your taste. , you can add whatever you like, it’s your freedom! There is also a very special drink here called egg tea, which is a unique dish in Saigon. This tea is a mixture of tea and eggs. It sounds strange, but it tastes surprisingly good. The aroma of the tea and the smoothness of the eggs go well together. You must muster up the courage to try it!



The buildings in "Ho Chi Minh Chinatown" are also very beautiful. There are many ancient guild halls that are a combination of Taoism and Buddhism. They use wood, stone, bricks and other materials. They are very Fujian style and are architectural masterpieces here. You can appreciate the fusion of two cultures here, feel the history and art of Vietnam, and you can also see the daily life of local people here. It is quite magical that the two cultures can be integrated in one place without conflict. What an experience!

#8 Ho Chi Minh War Museum

Before introducing this attraction to you, I would like to put aside my playful mood and instead introduce the "Ho Chi Minh War Museum" to you in a solemn and respectful manner. This is a museum that displays the history and truth of the Vietnam War. It was opened by the Vietnamese government in 1975. It was originally named the "American Military Crimes Museum" and was later renamed the "War Remnants Museum" with the aim of alerting the world to the cruelty and harm of war. The museum was ranked first in TripAdvisor's Travelers' Choice list of the best museums in Asia in 2018.



The Ho Chi Minh War Museum is divided into two parts: outdoor and indoor. The weapons and military equipment used by the US military during the Vietnam War are displayed outdoors, while there are simulated prisons and guillotines indoors, showing the atrocities and torture of the US military. There are three floors in the room, which display international propaganda supporting the Vietnam War, as well as photos of bombs, abuse by US military personnel and the effects of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, as well as photos taken by war photographers, showing the cruelty and tragedy of the war.

The Ho Chi Minh War Museum is a shocking and sad place that allows people to see the truth and consequences of war and reflect on the meaning of war. The photos and objects here are bloody testimonies that are unforgettable. The Vietnam War was only over fifty years ago, but it has become history, which makes people feel deeply moved. One can't help but pray for world peace, and that all human beings can maintain kindness and stop wars, so that everyone in the world can live a stable and happy life.

#9 Ho Chi Minh Pink Church

After visiting the serious war museum, let’s visit some relaxing attractions! If you want to talk about the most dreamy attraction in Ho Chi Minh City, it must be the "Ho Chi Minh Pink Church"! This is a pink church, its official name is "Sacred Heart of Jesus Church", it was built by the French in Vietnam and has a history of more than 150 years. The pink color here was painted in 1957, making this solemn church gentle and lovely. It is one of the most eye-catching tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City (pink-loving girls should not miss it).



"Ho Chi Minh Pink Church" is a very special church. It is one of the few pink churches in the world. It is very suitable for taking photos and checking in, making your photos full of girlishness. The contrast between pink and white here makes you feel like you have walked into a fairy tale world. It is very romantic and beautiful. It will make your girlish heart burst out and kill your mobile phone camera memory in seconds!



There are other churches worth seeing near the "Ho Chi Minh Pink Church", such as the historic Red Church, which is a red Gothic church that is solemn and spectacular. You can feel the history and culture of Vietnam here, and appreciate buildings of different styles, making your trip more rich and diverse!

#10 Ho Chi Minh Post Office

One of the most beautiful attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam is the Ho Chi Minh Post Office! This is a post office with a century-old history and one of the most beautiful post offices in the world! It was built by the French in Vietnam. Like the Red Church next to it, it is a building with rich history and culture, allowing you to see the uniqueness and style of Vietnam.



The Ho Chi Minh Post Office is located in the downtown area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City and is easy to find. There are many other attractions nearby, such as Book Street, Coffee Apartment, and Nguyen Hue Pedestrian Street. You can easily visit them all at once without wasting time. This is not only a tourist attraction, but also a real post office. You can send letters, buy stamps, collect coins, and see the portrait of Mr. Ho Chi Minh, the founding father of Vietnam. I personally think this is a must-visit place for buying literary souvenirs. One of the attractions, highly recommended!



The exterior of the Ho Chi Minh Post Office is bright yellow, which is also the national color of Vietnam. The interior is filled with round arches, which is very symmetrical and perfect for taking photos. You can also see many souvenirs, telegraph plates, and water puppets, which are all unique to Vietnam and make you feel like you have walked into history. It is very interesting and beautiful. I believe it will also be a beautiful memory of Vietnam for you❤️

#11 Saigon City Hall

Let me introduce to you another must-visit attraction when Traveling to Vietnam: Saigon City Hall! This is also known as the most gorgeous attraction in Ho Chi Minh City! The old French-style building has many beautiful carvings on its pale yellow walls, like mythological figures and French heroes, making you feel like you have walked into Europe. It is so exquisite and beautiful that people want to stop and admire it.



Saigon City Hall was built by a French designer in the late 19th century. It is a Rococo-style building with white walls and red roof, and is very imposing. You can see Vietnam’s history and culture here, and appreciate the French architectural style, allowing you to better understand the richness and diversity of Vietnamese culture! There is also a large square in front of Saigon City Hall. It is a rectangular city square and a hot spot for many tourists to take photos. You can also take pictures of your beautiful memories here, with the aesthetic masterpiece of Vietnamese culture. go home!

#12 Saigon Opera House

Having introduced so many attractions, let’s have a beautiful ending! Hailed by foreign visitors as the most beautiful attraction in Ho Chi Minh City is the Saigon Opera House! This is an old French-style building, built by the French in 1898. It was a social entertainment place for the French. Now it is the art and cultural center of Ho Chi Minh City. Many large performance groups perform here, allowing you to appreciate Vietnam's Culture and art, wonderful and gorgeous!



The Saigon Opera House is located in the downtown area of ​​Ho Chi Minh City. It is easy to find and is a very gorgeous building. Very eye-catching and spectacular! You can feel the atmosphere of "Little Paris of the East" here and capture your beautiful memories. You can also see many gorgeous decorations, such as Western mythological characters and French heroes, which make you feel like you have walked into Europe, exquisite and gorgeous.



The Saigon Opera House is not only a tourist attraction, but also a very important performance venue. You can see many top cultural dance dramas here, such as A O Show and The Mist Show, which are quite famous. (The editor reminds you~ You can book tickets online, which is more cost-effective and convenient). You can also watch free open-air concerts on the steps, which are really chill.

The vitality, charm and diverse culture of Ho Chi Minh City often make many visiting travelers linger. Have you fallen in love with this vibrant and charming city? Here, you can admire French-style architecture, taste Vietnamese cuisine, experience Vietnamese culture and history, and enjoy the tropical climate and natural scenery. Whether you like the bustling city (and the unphotographic Japanese Street in Ho Chi Minh City～～😂) or the quiet suburbs, you can find attractions and activities suitable for you.