1. Ho Chi Minh City Overview

Ho Chi Minh City generally referred to as Saigon by the locals, is located in the south of Viet Nam. The City has served as a highly important location in the South, a bustling commercial hub, a gateway, and a point of contact with foreign nations. This city attracts a lot of tourists per year, who go to explore its landmarks and cultures.

Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling and fascinating city with a friendly population, an attractive culture, delicious foods, and all of the services of a contemporary metropolis. The contrast between a bustling metropolis with skyscrapers and traffic and a variety of historic sites like temples and markets from the horrific Vietnam War may astound visitors. Therefore, there are various interesting places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

2. Top 10 best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

2.1. Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

If you are looking for places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, Notre Dame Cathedral will be a great choice. Notre Dame Cathedral, which is located in the center of Saigon, is a popular tourist destination for both domestic and international travelers. The cathedral was built in the 19th century by French architects so its ancient appearance is mixed with a touch of modernity. Young people love to visit this church to take photos and preserve special moments with its unique architecture. When coming here, visitors can enter the Notre Dame Cathedral completely free of charge every day of the week.

  • Address: 01 Cong Xa Paris Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: 8:00 am – 11:00 am, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
  • Entrance: Free

In Ho Chi Minh City, the War Remnants Museum had long been the most popular attraction. Many tourists, especially those in the West, have made the trip to the museum to learn about the Vietnamese War, a conflict with significant political ramifications in the history of the modern world. They are interested in learning how Vietnam was able to decisively defeat the US and what happened next. Therefore, War Remnants Museum is one of the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City you should know.

  • Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Ward 6, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: 07:30 am – 05:00 pm
  • Entrance: 15,000 VND/ person
  • Phone: +84-839306664

2.2. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh market has been around since the first half of the 17th century. It is a significant icon of the city and one of Saigon’s oldest still-standing structures. Located in the city center, Ben Thanh market is not only a place of business and trade but also a place to witness the changes, ups, and downs of the land of Saigon. Nowadays, tourists visit Ben Thanh market to sample Vietnamese cuisine, buy souvenirs or take in the building’s historic architecture. You’ll regret it a lot if you go to Saigon and skip Ben Thanh market.

  • Address Le Loi, Ben Thanh Ward, Phu Nhuan District, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: 06:00 am – 10:00 pm
  • Entrance: Free

2.3. Sai Gon Central Post Office

Another place you must visit in Ho Chi Minh City is Sai Gon Central Post Office. The Post Office is the largest post office in Vietnam and a place that attracts many tourists when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. The city’s post office stands out with its brilliant yellow color with European style, which is a place where domestic and foreign tourists often choose to visit, take pictures, and admire. When coming here, visitors can see firsthand the beautiful architecture of the post office as well as buy themselves a lovely souvenir. Located in the city center, so it is very easy to move around, you can use: a car, motorbike, bus or even cyclo or walk to slowly explore this beautiful city.

  • Address: No 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
  • Opening hours: From Monday to Friday: 7 am – 5 pm, Saturday: 7 am – 6 pm, Sunday: 8 am – 6 pm
  • Entrance: Free

The Reunification Palace, often called the Independence Palace, was constructed during the French colonial era. This palace served as the residence of South Vietnam’s president during the Vietnam War. Every year, many tourists come here to learn about the history and vestiges of the Vietnam War. Visitors visiting the Palace can explore several stunning locations around in addition to learning about its history and culture. Independence Palace is one of the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City you cannot miss. You can find out more information about Independence Palace at History of Independence Palace.

  • Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: 8:00 am to 5:30 pm
  • Entrance: 40,000VND/ per adult and 10,000 VND/ per child

2.4. Nguyen Hue Walking street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is situated in the opulent and aesthetically pleasing District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. This street is where young groups of Vietnamese people congregate every weekend night to socialize and play music. It would be excellent if you could visit the street at a special time of year because it has parades, exhibitions, street and flower festivals,  cultural and sporting events, and art performances on occasion. In addition, when coming here, visitors can visit Nguyen Hue book street, and flower street and enjoy the typical street foods of Saigon.

  • Address: Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Best time: Saturdays and Sundays evening

2.5. Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels is a vast network of underground tunnels that extends to the Cambodian border, 60 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City. It enabled the Vietnamese to avoid scouting French forces and functioned as a communication channel between villages. When you visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, visitors can see its distinctive architecture and construction and learn why they are significant to the history of Vietnam. You can even venture a little deeper into the dark tunnels to view the difficulties of Vietnamese soldiers during the war, or you can eat some of the food that was once served in the Vietnam army.  This will be a memorable experience for you.

  • Address: Phu Hiep, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm daily
  • Entrance: 110,000 VND/ person

2.6. Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House usually referred to as the Municipal Theater, is a spectacular structure located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. The structure is one of Saigon’s most striking sights, both during the day and at night. Numerous high-profile events and citywide cultural and entertainment activities take place at the theater. In 2012, this building received national relic certification, keeping it on the list of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Please check out some city tours at Half-day Ho Chi Minh City Tour.

  • Address: 7 Cong Truong Lam Son in Dong Khoi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: 8:00 am – 10:00 pm
  • Entrance: Free

2.7. Jade Emperor Pagoda

If you want to find a spiritual tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh, Jade Emperor Pagoda will be a great destination. Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous temples, constructed in 1909 in honor of a supreme Taoist god, is crammed with statues of deities and heroes. The temple is open and free to everyone, but there are several contribution boxes placed throughout the site. Although there isn’t a set dress code, it’s best to wear something that covers your shoulders and falls below the knee.

  • Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, Dakao ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: From 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Daily
  • Entrance: Free

2.8. Thien Hau Temple

The last place to visit in Ho Chi Minh city we would like to recommend to you is Thien Hau Temple. Around 1760, a group of Chinese constructed the Thien Hau pagoda, which has since undergone numerous restorations. Many people visit Thien Hau Pagoda daily to offer prayers for protection and prosperity. The pagoda draws tourists from around the world as well as locals who come to discover and admire this enigmatic location’s well-kept secret.

  • Address: 710 Nguyen Trai Street, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
  • Opening hours: 8:00 am – 4:30 pm
  • Entrance: Free

3. Other interesting places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

3.1. Where to eat in Ho Chi Minh

3.1.1. Places to have the best “banh mi” in Ho Chi Minh City

Where can I get the best banh mi? is undoubtedly one of your questions if you’re looking for places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City or plan to spend some time there. Banh mi is a special dish of Vietnamese cuisine that you definitely should not miss. Here are some famous banh mi shops in Sai Gon.

  • Banh Mi Huynh Hoa: 

Address: 26 Le Thi Rieng Street, District 1

Price: 38,000 – 58,000 VND

  • Banh Mi Bay Ho: 

Address: 23, Huynh Khuong Ninh St. Dakao Ward, District 1

Price: 10,000 – 20,000 VND

  • Banh Mi Nhu Lan: 

Address: Ham Nghi St., Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Price: 15,000 – 55,000 VND

  • Places to enjoy coffee

When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, coffee is something you should not miss. Coffee is not just an ordinary drink but it is a unique cultural feature of Saigon people. So if you are looking for places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, you should visit the following cafes.

  • Sai Gon Oi Cafe:

Address: 42/52 Nguyen Hue, Ben Nghe, District 1

Price: 40,000 – 100,000 VND

Website: https://saigonoicafe.com/

  • The Workshop Coffee:

Address: 27 Ngo Duc Ke, Ben Nghe, District 1

Price: 20,000 -80,000 VND

Website: https://www.facebook.com/the.workshop.coffee/

  •  OZ Coffee House: 

Address: 30 Huynh Tinh Cua, Ward 8, District 3

Price: 20,000 – 70,000 VND

Website: https://ozcoffeehouse.vn/

3.2. Places to admire the panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh city

If you want to experience the view of the whole city, you can see it from high-rise buildings like Landmark 81 or Bitexco Tower. Every building has an observation deck at the top where people can go to see the city from above. In addition, visitors can also enjoy the panoramic view of the city on yachts running along the Saigon River.

3.3. Amusement Parks in Ho Chi Minh City

When visiting Saigon, in addition to some well-known historical and cultural sites, Amusement Parks can also be the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City that you are looking for. The city has many large parks for you to choose from such as Suoi Tien Theme Park, Dam Sen Water Park, Lac Canh Dai Nam Van Hien, and Rubik Zoo,… If you go with your family, especially with small children, These will be interesting destinations for your vacation.

4. Conclusion

Hopefully, through this article, you will get more useful information for your upcoming trip to Ho Chi Minh City. If you want to find out more places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City and more information about the beautiful city, please visit our website Metta voyage.

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