12 best attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is home to many museums that showcase its rich culture and history, from the traditional Fine Arts Museum to unique ones like the Geology Museum or the Ao Dai Museum. For a deep dive into the Vietnam War, the War Remnants Museum is a must-visit.

Opened in 1975, the museum offers a sobering perspective on Vietnam’s conflicts, especially the Vietnam War. It houses over 20,000 artifacts, including documents, photographs, and weapons, across nine permanent exhibitions focusing on war crimes and global solidarity. Be aware that some images, such as those depicting torture or deformed fetuses, may be disturbing.

• Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Vo Thi Sau Ward.
• Entrance fee: 40,000 VND ($1.6) for adults, 20,000 VND ($0.8) for children aged 6–15. Free for children under 6.
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM–5:30 PM daily.

Located about 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a historical testament to Vietnam’s wartime past, primarily the Vietnam War. This underground network, used by the Vietnamese resistance, formed an underground city with hospitals, meeting rooms, kitchens, and around 250km of interconnecting tunnels.

Visitors can explore Ben Dinh, which is more tourist-friendly with its expanded tunnels, or Ben Duoc, which is more authentic.

• Address: Ben Dinh, Nhuan Duc Commune; or Ben Duoc, Phu My Hung Commune.
• Entrance fee for foreign visitors: 125,000 VND ($5). Children aged 7–16 receive a 50% discount.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM–5:00 PM daily.

Ben Thanh Market is over a century old and is considered an unofficial symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. More than just a market, it’s a lively hub where history, culture, and daily life converge. From local handicrafts to authentic Saigon street food, the market offers an exciting shopping and dining experience. A walk through its many stalls reveals a dynamic atmosphere—don’t miss the food court for a real taste of local life.

After 7:00 PM, the surroundings transform into an open-air night market with shops selling fabrics, clothes, leather goods, and street food. It’s the perfect spot for souvenirs.

• Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM–7:00 PM daily, with the wet market and food court opening at 4:00 AM.

This small pagoda stands solemn and mysterious in the heart of a bustling city. Built in 1892 on a site spanning over 2,000 square meters, it took 16 years to complete the intricate details of its construction. It’s no wonder many people come to worship—this pagoda is believed to grant prayers for love and children, with countless success stories passed down through word of mouth.

Former President of the United States, Barack Obama, visited this sacred pagoda in 2016.

• Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu, Da Kao Ward.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM daily; 5:00 AM–7:00 PM on the 1st and 15th lunar days.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the Reunification Palace, also called the Independence Palace, is a historic landmark where South Vietnam’s presidents once lived and worked. Construction began in 1962 and the palace was inaugurated in 1966, blending Western and Indochinese architectural styles. The building features over 100 rooms, a rooftop helipad, and bomb-resistant tunnels.

On April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates of this palace, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country.

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward.
• Entrance fee: 40,000 VND ($1.6) for adults, 10,000 VND ($0.4) for children.
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM–4:30 PM daily.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the few remaining heritage sites from the French colonial period. More than 140 years after its completion, it has become a cultural and religious symbol—not only for Christians but also for Saigoneers in general. Designed by French architect J. Bourard, the cathedral’s structure reflects Western influences, combining Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements.

Notre Dame Cathedral has deteriorated significantly over time and is currently undergoing major restoration, scheduled for completion in 2027.

Address: 01 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward.

Next to the cathedral stands the Central Post Office, another construction from the French colonial period and one of the largest post offices in Vietnam. The building was designed by Marie-Alfred Foulhoux and built between 1886 and 1891. People go there not only to admire its unique architectural design but also to take a moment to immerse themselves in the nostalgic atmosphere.

In this quaint setting, what would you write in a letter to your loved one?

• Address: 02 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward.
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM–6 PM.

Next in the series of French colonial heritage sites is the Opera House, located just a short walk from the two buildings mentioned above. This magnificent structure stands out for its stunning design, and the small square in front is a popular spot where people sit to admire the architecture.

The Opera House hosts a variety of outstanding cultural performances, with the “A O Show” being a highlight. The show incorporates many elements of Vietnamese culture, such as the iconic non la (conical hats) and bamboo trees. It’s truly impressive and well worth every penny.

You can check out the trailer and show schedule here.

Address: 07 Cong Truong Lam Son, Ben Nghe Ward.

This is the go-to place for Saigoneers, especially in the evening. There’s not much to “do,” but there’s a lot to “see.” Walking along this street gives you a sense of how locals spend their evenings. In less than one kilometer, there’s so much happening: people taking photos, young people practicing skating, water music performances, and more.

The most amazing thing (personally) is the Cafe Apartment. Located along the walking street, these old apartments have been transformed into cafes and shops. When night falls, the lights from the signs illuminate the building, turning it into a stunning sight on its own. This is where people bring their dates, take photographs, or simply get work done. If you’re into photography, this place is gold—every corner is full of life and, of course, incredibly photogenic.

A perfect place to experience the “sleepless city” vibe of Ho Chi Minh City is Bui Vien Street. This lively 850-meter stretch is packed with restaurants, bars, and small beer joints, making it a favorite hangout for international travelers looking to unwind after a day of exploring the sunny city. Nicknamed the “Western Street,” Bui Vien is known for its vibrant energy and multicultural crowd.

Every weekend evening, this area is closed to vehicles and transforms into a “walking” street, featuring a variety of exciting street activities.

Ho Chi Minh City is home to a large Chinese population, with most residing in Districts 5, 10, and 11—areas known for their bustling businesses and vibrant energy. The heart of Chinatown, called Cho Lon (meaning “Big Market”), offers a fascinating mix of shops. The layout may seem chaotic at first, but it all comes together in a vibrant, organized way that’s hard to describe.

A pagoda tour is highly recommended in this walkable area, where you’ll find many historic pagodas full of intricate religious details and fascinating stories—and of course, they’re very Instagrammable. After exploring, take a break with a cup of iced coffee and some food. Chinatown is home to some great dishes—mostly Chinese recipes subtly adapted to suit the local climate and Vietnamese palate.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a great family-friendly picnic spot. As the 8th oldest zoo in the world, it’s easily accessible from the city center and holds both historical and ecological value. In addition to its conservation role, it also serves as a research hub for scientists. The zoo is home to over 125 animal species and 900 plant species, including several rare specimens.

• Address: 02 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe Ward.
• Entrance fee: 60,000 VND ($2.4) for adults, 40,000 VND ($1.6) for children (height from 1m to 1.3m). Children under 1m enter free of charge.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM–5:30 PM daily.