Also referred to as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most vibrant cities in Vietnam, and being the country's commercial hub and largest city, it is crowded and full of traffic. Regardless, it is still one of the best destinations to explore and boasts beautiful temples, cultural attractions, an incredible food scene, and more that vacationers can enjoy exploring if they are patient with the city.
The magnificent French colonial architecture gives it an amazing European feel that every visitor should experience. Visiting Ho Chi Minh City? Here are the must-see tourist attractions.
10 Cu Chi Tunnels
Visiting these tunnels on a one-day trip would be perfect. They are located about 60 kilometers from the city. Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of tunnels covering over 250 kilometers and have a long, fascinating history to explore.
They served as the military operations base for the Viet Cong, during the Vietnam War. Visiting the tunnels gives vacationers an incredible chance of appreciating and paying respect to the soldiers who fought during the war.
Whether a history fanatic or not, these tunnels offer an unforgettable trip experience, as they give an insight into the lives the troops lived, including their daily challenges.
9 War Remnants Museum
War Remnants is a must-visit, not just because it is among the most popular museums in the country. It offers exciting exhibits, mostly emphasizing the Vietnam War, but there are others giving insight into the first Indochina War with the French colonialists.
There are beautiful displays that illustrate both wars, including photographic images being the majority. Some of these pictures are confronting, and may not be suitable for young children.
At the museum’s courtyard, travelers will find the vehicles and military weapons used during the wars.
8 Reunification/Independence Palace
Reunification Palace or Independence Palace is hard to miss when exploring Ho Chi Minh City. This palace is connected to the Vietnam War, making it a significant historical monument.
In 1975, a tank crashed through the palace's gates, which ended the Vietnam War the same year.
Visitors will still see the old features, including antique furniture and then communication devices. It is one of the top places in the city to experience the country's darkest history.
7 Bitexco Financial Tower
A visit to Ho Chi Minh is incomplete without exploring its famous skyscraper, which is also the tallest building in Vietnam.
Standing at 262 meters, Bitexco Financial Tower has a lot to experience, including beautiful offices, entertainment options, businesses, and incredibly fine dining.
Travelers shouldn’t forget to get to the building’s 49th floor and enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view of the gorgeous city from the Saigon Skydeck.
6 Notre Dame Cathedral
Named after the Virgin Mary, Notre Dame Cathedral was constructed between 1877 and 1883. Located right in the heart of the city, it is the perfect spot to explore Neo-Romanesque architecture.
The Catholic Cathedral's twin bell towers rise up to 60 meters above the city. The reason behind the church’s construction was to make it the colonial missions' place of worship.
It was also a significant part of the French colony as it symbolized their power. Morning hours are the best time to explore the adorable features of the church's interior.
5 Ben Thanh Market
Shopping opportunities are one of the things that make Ho Ch Minh so exciting, and tourists shouldn't miss the Ben Thanh Market on their bucket lists.
It is located in the heart of the city, and people display several traditional items, giving vacationers a chance of buying something ''Vietnamese" to take home.
One will find everything here, including souvenirs, textiles, accessories, clothes, electronics, and more, sold at affordable prices. This is also the place to have Vietnamese street food.
4 Saigon Opera House
Also referred to as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Opera House is a must-visit for lovers of beautiful architecture, It was built in the French colonial style by Eugene Ferret, a French architect, in 1897. The goal of its construction was to entertain the French colonialists.
The building became the home of South Vietnam's Lower House assembly, and in 1975, it became a theater, after the decline of Saigon. To explore the building's beautiful interior design, vacationers can buy tickets and see some of the amazing shows displayed at the theater.
3 Saigon River
Saigon River is the city's most iconic landmark, which offers a wonderful opportunity to explore various sides of the city, including the underground tunnels, beautiful skyscrapers, village lifestyle, and the amazing culture of the locals. Boat cruising on this river is something that tourists wouldn’t want to miss.
There are several riverside markets that travelers can explore and purchase some stunning handicrafts to take home. Most boats make stopovers at the markets, so no need to worry about how to get there.
2 Thiên Hau Temple, Chinatown
Located in ChoLon (Chinatown), Thiên Hau Temple is one of the top places to explore in Ho Chi Minh City, as it's one of its oldest temples.
The temple's construction materials were mostly sourced from China. It is a popular place of worship among the locals but is also visited by tourists. It has a small beautiful courtyard that visitors can stroll through as they explore the temple.
The temple's altar boasts gorgeous statues of the Lady of the Sea, the goddess to whom the temple was dedicated.
1 Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Located near the Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City Museum is worth exploring for its amazing architecture and fascinating history. It was initially referred to as Gia Long Palace and was the home to the governor of Cochinchina.
At the museum, visitors can learn about the city's past through exciting exhibits that explain the struggle to achieve independence. It also gives insight into the local culture, nature & archeology, currency, and handicrafts.