Saigon - a city that never fails to impress
Ho Chi Minh City, still affectionately called Saigon by locals, blends colonial-era architecture with the fast pace of Vietnam's largest metropolis. In just a few days you can walk past century-old buildings in the morning and ride up a glittering skyscraper by night. Here are the places almost every visitor to Saigon should make time for.
District 1 - where every trip begins
Ben Thanh Market
Built in the early 20th century, Ben Thanh Market is one of Saigon's oldest landmarks, instantly recognizable by the clock tower above its main gate. It's a great spot to pick up souvenirs, fabrics, local specialties, and street food from the stalls inside. Prices are often inflated for tourists, so ask first and feel free to haggle.
Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office
Facing each other on the same street, the red-brick, twin-towered Notre-Dame Cathedral and the French colonial-style Central Post Office are two landmarks closely tied to Saigon's history. The cathedral is undergoing partial restoration, so visitors mostly admire it from outside, while the post office remains fully operational and welcomes visitors to look around and take photos for free.
Independence Palace
Once the working residence of the leaders of the former Saigon government before 1975, Independence Palace is now open to the public, including its reception rooms, meeting halls, underground command bunker, and spacious front lawn. It's a worthwhile stop for anyone wanting to learn about an important chapter of Vietnam's history.
Saigon from above
Bitexco Financial Tower
With its distinctive design inspired by a lotus bud, Bitexco was long a symbol of modern Saigon. The Saigon Skydeck observation deck near the top offers sweeping views of the winding Saigon River and the downtown districts from a different angle.
Landmark 81
One of Vietnam's tallest towers, Landmark 81 is home to the Landmark 81 SkyView observation deck, which spans several floors of glass walkways, a VR experience zone, and panoramic viewpoints over the city. Many visitors choose sunset or late evening for the best view of Saigon lighting up.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night
Stretching from in front of the City Hall down to the Saigon River, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is where locals and tourists stroll, take photos, watch street performances, or simply relax with a coffee at a nearby café. During holidays and festivals, the street is often decorated beautifully and becomes a hub for the city's biggest events.
Historical sites beyond downtown
Cu Chi Tunnels
About an hour from the city center, the Cu Chi tunnel network is a vivid testament to the resilience of the Vietnamese people during wartime. Visitors can crawl through a preserved section of the tunnels, see examples of traps and bunkers, and learn about underground life through stories from local guides.
War Remnants Museum
The museum houses a large collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the Vietnam War, offering a raw and often emotional perspective. It's one of the most visited museums among international travelers to Saigon.
A few tips before you go
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Ticket prices and opening hours can change over time, so check the latest information before visiting.
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Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting religious sites and historical landmarks.
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Early morning or late afternoon tends to be cooler and less crowded for outdoor sightseeing.
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Attractions in District 1 are fairly close together, so walking or a ride-hailing app can save you time.
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