Ho Chi Minh City - 19 Attractions You Must Visit
About Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known by its former name of Saigon is the most populous city in Vietnam with a population of 8.4 million. It is the financial centre of Vietnam and a major air travel gateway to Vietnam.
Types of Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
List of Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
Ba Thien Hau Pagoda
Buddhist Temples
Located right on busy Nguyen Trai Street, it can be accessed by entering through an iron gate and crossing a small courtyard. The roof is decorated with small delicately fashioned porcelain figurines expressing themes from Chinese legends. Lanterns and wooden models of Chinese theaters hang over the entrance.
Ben Duoc Temple - Cu Chi
Memorials
Built to memorialize the significant contributions of the soldiers and people who were killed in the Saigon-Gia Định region during the anti-American and anti-French fighting.
Ben Thanh Market
Street Markets
A large market place in central Hoh Chi Minh City, popular for handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs and local food.
Bitexco Financial Tower
Viewing Decks
Bar/ Pubs
Notable Architectures
With 68 floors above ground and three basements, the building has a height of 262.5 meters (861 ft), making it the second tallest building in the Hoh Chi Minh City, fifth tallest in Vietnam, and the 263rd tallest in the world, as of the beginning of 2018.
Craig Thomas Gallery
Art Galleries
Represents numerous award-winning contemporary Vietnamese artists working in painting, sculpture and mixed media.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Museums
An immense network of connecting tunnels that are part of a much larger network of tunnels that underlie much of Vietnam. The Củ Chi tunnels were the location of several military campaigns during the Vietnam War, and were the Viet Cong's base of operations for the Tết Offensive in 1968.
Đầm Sen Cultural Park
Theme Parks
The park has an area of 50 hectares, of which 20% comprises lakes and 60% trees and gardens. The park comprises 30 different themed areas.
Giac Lam Pagoda
Buddhist Temples
A historic Buddhist pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1744, it is one of the oldest temples in the city. The bodhi tree present in the garden was brought to Vietnam from Sri Lanka by the 20th Sinhalese Theravada Buddhist monk Narada.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Palaces
Museums
A former European style palace converted into a museum. Hosts numerous local artefacts, as well as holds collections that detail the geography as well as the commercial significance of Hoch Chi Minh city. There is an underground bunker and tunnel that the visitors could also explore.
One of the largest fine arts centers of Vietnam. The museum focuses on collecting, keeping, preserving and displaying fine artworks typical of Vietnamese people, especially Ho Chi Minh City and the South. It comprises three floors of exhibition space.
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Notable Architectures
Built in 1897 by French architect Eugène Ferret, the 500 seat building was used as the home of the Lower House assembly of South Vietnam after 1956. It was again used as a theatre from 1975, and restored in 1995.
Independence Palace
Palaces
Museums
Also known as Reunification Palace, it was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975, when a North Vietnamese army tank crashed through its gates.
Six floors with 18 exhibition rooms showcasing traditional Vietnamese medicine.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Churches
Notable Architectures
Established by French colonists who initially named it L'eglise de Saïgon, the cathedral was constructed between 1863 and 1880. The name Notre-Dame Cathedral has been used since 1959. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet). All the original building materials were imported from France and the cathedral foundation was designed to bear ten times the weight of the cathedral.
Saigon Central Post Office
Notable Architectures
A post office known for its Gothic, Renaissance and French influences. The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century. It is adorned with a most artistic façade, and is particularly well laid out and well equipped.
Saigon Zoo And Botanical Garden
Zoos
Botanical Gardens
Established in 1865, it is Vietnam's largest zoo and botanical garden. Home to over a hundred species of mammals, reptiles and birds, as well as many rare orchids and ornamental plants.
A museum showcasing the female heroes of the fight for Vietnamese freedom. A part of it also exhibits clothing, pictures & artifacts.
Vietnam History Museum
Museums
A museum showcasing Vietnam's history with exhibits from all periods.
War Remnants Museum
Museums
It contains exhibits relating to the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War. The main exhibits include artillery and armor collections, photographs from the war and of the chemical weapons used.