20 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for your itinerary

The list of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City unveils a realm of cultural and historical discovery. From bustling markets like Ben Thanh Market to significant landmarks like Cu Chi Tunnels, each spot promises an unforgettable travel experience. Explore over 20 Ho Chi Minh City must-see attractions in this article and embark on your journey today!

1. Historical, cultural and architectural places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

In Ho Chi Minh City, there are numerous fascinating attractions where visitors can delve into the historical, cultural, and architectural aspects.

1.1. Notre Dame Cathedral

• Location: No. 1, Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

First on the list of the best places to go in Ho Chi Minh City is Notre Dame Cathedral, which stands as one of the city’s iconic landmarks. Construction began in 1877 and was completed in 1880 by French architect J. Bourad. The cathedral features a remarkable combination of Roman and Gothic styles with warm tones, exuding a sense of antiquity. Inside the cathedral, impressive vaulted ceilings and large arched windows adorned with stained glass await exploration. In front of the cathedral lies a park with four intersecting roads forming a cross shape, which is a vibrant gathering place for locals and tourists alike.

1.2. Independence Palace

• Location: No. 135, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

The Independence Palace is a must-see attraction when exploring Ho Chi Minh City to delve into its history. Combining traditional and modern beauty, the palace showcases Eastern philosophical influences alongside historical artifacts. It symbolizes the spirit of national unity during the reunification of North and South Vietnam. Here, visitors cannot miss out on the exhibition “From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace 1868 – 1966” to gain deeper insights into the palace’s century-long history, which is intertwined with French colonial rule in Cochinchina and many significant milestones of modern Vietnamese history.

1.3. Saigon Central Post Office

• Location: No. 2, Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

Among the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City is Saigon Central Post Office, one of the world’s most beautiful post offices. Visitors are awestruck by various design highlights, from the mossy red-tiled roof harmonizing with yellow walls to exquisite arched windows and antique brass clocks. Inside, the grand vaulted ceilings, historical wall paintings like “Saigon et ses environs 1892” (Saigon and its surroundings, 1892), and vintage chandeliers immerse visitors in the post office’s development. Here, visitors can also enjoy opportunities to purchase meaningful souvenirs like postage stamps featuring Vietnamese symbols.

1.4. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

• Location: No. 7, Cong Truong Lam Son Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

For those interested in exploring classic French architecture in Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is a must-see. Built in 1863 by French architect Eugène Feret, the opera house features impressive baroque architecture influenced by Paris’s Petit Palais Opera House. Situated in the city center, it is acclaimed for its beautiful design. True to its function, the opera house frequently hosts artistic events, fashion shows, and orchestral performances. It provides visitors with moments of relaxation and insights into the local art and culture, making it one of the best places to visit in Saigon.

1.5. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

• Location: No. 97A, Pho Duc Chinh Street, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1

Another must-see attraction for art lovers in Ho Chi Minh City is Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, one of the city’s most renowned museums. Impressively blending Eastern and European architectural styles with striking yellow hues, intricately carved balconies, and yin-yang roof tiles, it promises picturesque photo ops. Visitors can explore diverse collections of artworks by famous Vietnamese old-school and contemporary artists, including paintings, sculptures, etc. You can also participate in various art-related exhibitions and events during your journey of exploring the places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

1.6. War Remnants Museum

• Location: No. 28, Vo Van Tan Street, Ward 6, District 3

One of the captivating places to see in Ho Chi Minh City is the War Remnants Museum, which showcases relics of the Indochina wars in Vietnam from 1954 to 1975. The outdoor exhibitions feature various weapons, fighter jets, tanks, and artillery. The indoor exhibitions display over 15,000 artifacts, images, and documentaries. These depict wartime atrocities like civilian massacres, chemical warfare, carpet bombings, and models of the infamous “tiger cage” prisons. Through the combination of displays and activities, the museum attracts tourists seeking to understand Vietnam’s resilience and aspiration for peace.

1.7. Tan Dinh Church

• Location: No. 289, Hai Ba Trung Street, Ward 8, District 3

Amidst the bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, Tan Dinh Church stands out, boasting a classical European architectural style with radiating pink hues. This unique color attracts visitors seeking picturesque photo ops. Here, you can admire Roman architecture combined with classic Gothic elements, which is showcased in the towering 52.6-meter spire adorned with intricate details, a bronze crucifix, and five bells. Inside the church is a solemn ambiance adorned with statues of saints. The church invites visitors to participate in various activities such as attending masses or learning about the history of Vietnamese Catholicism.

2. Places to visit in Saigon for relaxation and entertainment

Known as the city that never sleeps, there is an abundance of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for entertainment and relaxation, both day and night.

2.1. Bui Vien Walking Street

• Location: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1

Where to go in Ho Chi Minh City to immerse yourself in vibrant nightlife? Don’t miss out on Bui Vien Street, where visitors can experience the bustling atmosphere of Saigon. Here, there are countless night-time activities for visitors such as shopping for clothes and souvenirs, enjoying the delicious street food of Vietnam, watching street performances, sipping a cocktail in a beer pub, or dancing the night away in a nightclub. Visitors can also capture stunning photos amidst the harmonious blend of classical French architecture and the modernity of bars adorned with eye-catching signs, colorful graffiti, and more.

2.2. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

• Location: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Nguyen Hue Street is a familiar gathering spot for locals and tourists on weekend evenings, when it is solely for pedestrians. This spacious area is ideal for a stroll to admire the lush green scenery of trees and surrounding modern buildings illuminated by sparkling lights. Here, two fountain lakes with modern water music systems attract the attention of every visitor. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for tourists to immerse themselves in the local culture, enjoy various artistic performances, indulge in shopping, or chill out at a beautiful cafe in the surroundings.

2.3. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

• Location: No. 2, Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the largest and oldest botanical gardens in Ho Chi Minh City. Not only a historical monument, it is also a place for entertainment, relaxation, and learning about the colorful natural world. With a vast area of about 20 hectares, it houses 125 animal species with over 1,300 individuals and more than 900 plant species. In addition to exploring nature and breathing fresh air amidst thousands of green trees, visitors can also participate in games, then visit Hung Kings Temple and Ho Chi Minh City History Museum – two remarkable architectural works located within the park.

2.4. Suoi Tien Theme Park

• Location: No. 120, Hanoi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, Thu Duc City

Suoi Tien Theme Park is one of the most famous water parks in Vietnam. With an area of approximately 105 hectares, it offers visitors many enjoyable activities. Here, you can swim at Tien Dong Ngoc Nu Beach with a wide range of thrilling slides. You can also explore the Snow Castle, participate in games like high-speed roller coasters, and admire various artistic performances such as fire dancing. There are also many architectural works for visitors to learn about Vietnamese culture, such as Long Hoa Thien Bao Pagoda. Or, you can reconnect with nature at Suoi Tien Farm – a cool garden with four-season fruit trees.

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3. Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for shopping and dining

Where to go shopping in Ho Chi Minh City? If you are wondering about places to see in Ho Chi Minh City for shopping, don’t miss out on the three bustling attractions below!

3.1. Ben Thanh Market

• Location: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1

Ben Thanh Market is often considered a symbol of Saigon. With over 3,000 stalls selling a variety of goods from clothing, shoes, bags, and fruits to souvenirs and specialties, it attracts thousands of locals and tourists for shopping and sightseeing every day. Here, you can easily find souvenirs such as ao dai, non la, keychains featuring Vietnam’s landmarks, etc., and immerse yourself in delicious street foods like com tam, Nam Vang noodles, banh xeo, banh canh cua, sweet soup, and more. Not only a bustling shopping paradise, Ben Thanh Market is also one of the best places to visit in Saigon to learn about the local culture.

3.2. Binh Tay Market

• Location: No. 57A, Thap Muoi Street, Ward 2, District 6

Binh Tay Market is one of the largest markets with a long history in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1928, the market has 12 entrances designed in a unique combination of Asian-European architecture with intricate carvings, clock towers, and colorful lanterns. In the middle of the market is a spacious courtyard for visitors to take a break. Binh Tay Market is a major wholesale hub of the city, with over 2,300 stalls specializing in dry foods, groceries, household items, clothing, shoes, and more. At night, the market lights up with numerous stalls selling a variety of specialties, souvenirs, and food such as Quang noodles, bun mam, and rice paper rolls.

3.3. An Dong Market

• Location: No. 36, An Duong Vuong Street, Ward 9, District 5

An Dong Market is a famous wholesale fashion market located in District 5, worthy of being included in the list of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for fashion lovers. With an area of about 25,000 square meters, it has over 2,000 stalls selling a variety of clothing and accessories from around the world, including China, Japan, and Thailand. Here, you can easily find the latest fashion trends at reasonable prices. In addition to fashion items, An Dong Market also sells various dry foods such as dried fish, dried squid, sea cucumbers, and bird’s nests, which are characteristic of Vietnamese cuisine.

Discover: Top 15 Saigon markets for authentic shopping experiences

4. Where to visit in Ho Chi Minh City? – Sacred sites

Not only are there lively entertainment spots and bustling ancient markets, but tourists can also find a list of sacred places to visit in Saigon for cultural and spiritual exploration.

4.1. Thien Hau Pagoda

• Location: No. 710, Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 11, District 5

Amidst the splendid Saigon, there is an ancient temple built in 1760 – Thien Hau Pagoda. It is a popular destination for both Chinese and Vietnamese people to seek peace and pray for luck. Here, visitors will step into a site of ancient architecture adorned with colorful porcelain bas-reliefs and statues, stone steles carved with legends of the Holy Mother, and ancient artifacts associated with the culture of the Chinese people. Visitors can also light incense and pray at the altars of the gods, smell the scent of incense rings to feel the tranquil atmosphere, or write their wishes on pink script paper. 

4.2. Jade Emperor Pagoda

• Location: No. 73, Mai Thi Luu Street, Dakao Ward, District 1

The Jade Emperor Pagoda deserves to be included in the list of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City to find inner peace. It is one of the most beautiful pagodas in the city and is also a unique temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor – the king of heaven. This pagoda is also famous as a sacred place, where the locals often come to pray for fertility and love. Besides participating in spiritual activities, visitors can explore the Chinese architecture of the pagoda with yin-yang tiles, colorful porcelain statues, intricate carvings of mythical creatures, incense burners, and couplets.

4.3. Xa Loi Buddhist Temple

• Location: No. 89, Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3

If you are looking for places to visit in Saigon to learn about the local spiritual life, check out Xa Loi Buddhist Temple. This temple stands out with its spacious main hall with high windows and wall paintings depicting the history of Buddha’s life. The pagoda also has a seven-story bell tower, a tower shaped like a bodhi leaf holding the Xa Loi jade of Buddha Shakyamuni, and a solemn Quan The Am Bodhisattva statue. Outside the temple courtyard is a large Bodhi tree casting a cool shade, which harmonizes with the architecture of the temple and creates a peaceful atmosphere.

4.4. Khanh An Monastery

• Location: No. 1055/3D, National Road 1A, An Phu Dong Ward, District 12 

Khanh An Monastery is one of the prominent historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Here, visitors will be delighted by the simple but impressive architectural style of ancient Vietnamese pagodas. Khanh An Monastery does not have any colorful dragon or phoenix statues. Instead, there are stone steps, lotus flower carvings, moss-covered tiled roofs, and many decorative lanterns. Surrounding the monastery are many types of trees, such as pine, and paper flowers showing off their vibrant colors. Amidst the peaceful scenery, the monastery regularly organizes retreats and meditation sessions, receiving the attention of many Buddhists followers.

Explore: 21 bucket list things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

5. Places to see in Ho Chi Minh City in the suburbs

Moving out to the suburbs, there are some places to go in Ho Chi Minh City that promise to bring interesting experiences for tourists.

5.1. Cu Chi Tunnels

• Location: Road TL15, Phu Hiep Hamlet, Cu Chi District

Located about 70 kilometers away from the city center, Cu Chi Tunnels are a world-famous attraction for history lovers. It is associated with the heroic struggle of the Vietnamese people in the resistance war against invaders. With about 250 kilometers of spider-web-like underground passages, the tunnels served as hiding places, living spaces, and weapon depots in wartime. Today, tourists can experience life under the tunnels like its residents before, crawling through the narrow passages. Tourists can also light incense at Ben Duoc Temple, visit a weaponry museum, and explore a recreational area with activities such as kayaking, swimming, fishing, etc.

5.2. Can Gio Beach

• Location: Ly Nhon Commune, Can Gio District

Can Gio is an ideal ecotourism destination for tourists who want to stay away from the bustle of urban life. Here, tourists can visit Vam Sat Ecotourism Area with scenes of mangrove forests, rivers, countless flocks of birds, monkeys, and bats. You can also visit Hang Duong Seafood Market near the beach to enjoy the cool sea breeze and taste a variety of fresh seafood at extremely affordable prices. At the market, you will be overwhelmed by many stalls full of delicious dishes. You can also chat with the locals and learn about their unique culture.

These places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City offer an enriching journey through its vibrant culture. With countless attractions to explore, visitors are invited to delve into the heart of this dynamic city, uncovering its many treasures. Whether exploring bustling markets, historical landmarks, or tranquil temples, each attraction promises to bring lasting memories to all visitors.

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