People’s Committee Building: An outstanding landmark of Ho Chi Minh City

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People’s Committee Building Saigon is one of the oldest and largest French constructions in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

During your travel in Ho Chi Minh City, besides exploring numerous splendid attractions and enjoying exquisite Vietnamese food, visiting the People’s Committee Building should be one of the top activities on your bucket list. Coming here, you will have an opportunity to admire impressive architectural features of a bygone era. This article will provide you with interesting information about this significant Saigon construction.

1. The history of the People’s Committee Building

• Location

The People’s Committee Building Saigon is situated at number 86, Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Having a prime location at the intersection of Nguyen Hue and Le Thanh Ton Streets, the People’s Committee Building is near many well-known tourist attractions of the city, including Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, Independence Palace, and Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral.

• Brief history

In the beginning, the People’s Committee Building was designed and constructed under the supervision of the famous French architect Paul Gardes to be a luxurious hotel called Hôtel de Ville.

• • In 1889: Construction of the building started
  • In 1909: The building was inaugurated and put into use as a hotel
  • From 1954 to 1975: The building was converted into a city hall by the South Vietnam Government
  • In 1975: The building was renamed People’s Committee Building

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building attracts both domestic and foreign visitors (Source: Collected)

2. What makes the People’s Committee Building a national monument?

Thanks to its impressive French Colonial architecture, the People’s Committee Building was recognized as a national architectural monument by the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism in November, 2020.

The impressive exterior of Saigon People’s Committee Building (Source: Collected)

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building, covering an area of 15 hectares, is notable for its well-preserved French Colonial architecture. The facade of the building is extremely appealing, with a bell tower erected on a pyramid-like foundation. The bell tower was inspired by Renaissance design, which can be found in most European town halls. Although the architecture of the People’s Committee Building is heavily influenced by French architecture, it still retains Vietnamese decorative elements. The semicircular entryway was inspired by traditional Vietnamese architecture.

3. A short guide for your visit to the People’s Committee Building

3.1. The suggested directions to the building

Situated in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, the People’s Committee Building can be easily reached from any part of the city. If you are staying in District 1, it will not take you much time to walk there. You just need to follow Le Loi Street until the end of the street, then turn left to Le Thanh Ton Street.

The interior of the People’s Committee Building (Source: Collected)

If you stay outside District 1, there are numerous means of transportation that you can choose from to get to this attraction, among which the three most popular are bus, taxi, and motorbike. In case you want to take the bus, you can catch buses number 04, 152, 19, 20, 31, which all pass by the People’s Committee Building.

3.2. The best places to visit near the building

3.2.1. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

• Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: All day

After visiting Ho Chi Minh City Hall, it is highly recommended that you come to the well-known Nguyen Hue Walking Street. It is 670 meters long, 64 meters wide and has a granite-paved square. The walking street is best visited in the evening, especially on Saturdays and Sundays, when there will be a range of exciting and fun things to enjoy. If you get fatigued after wandering around the street, just take a quick break and visit the food stalls, restaurants, coffee shops, and milk tea shops on both sides of the street.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street (Source: Collected)

3.2.2. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

• Address: No. 1, Cong Xa Paris Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: 8 am – 11 am and 2 pm – 4 pm

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, standing out in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, is recognized as one of the world’s 19 most majestic cathedrals and the only Southeast Asian representative on the list. This timeless masterpiece, regarded as an architectural icon of Ho Chi Minh City, attracts a large number of both domestic and foreign visitors every day, especially those who are in search of a magnificent background to take charming photos.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Source: Collected)

3.2.3. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

• Address: No. 7, Cong Truong Lam Son Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

• Opening hours: No fixed opening hours

Ho Chi Minh Opera House is an ideal destination for tourists who want to not only admire the architectural features of a bygone era but also enjoy numerous excellent performances. Covering an area of 3,200 square meters, Saigon Opera House was constructed in 1898 by French architect Eugene Ferret. If you are looking for some special shows to enjoy at this opera house, it is highly recommended that you watch A O Show, The Mist Show, or Teh Dar Show.

Ho Chi Minh Opera House (Source: Collected)

3.2.4. Independence Palace

• Address: No. 135, Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7.30 am – 11 am

The Independence Palace is another intriguing landmark beside the People’s Committee Building that visitors should take their time to visit. This place used to serve as South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu’s home and office throughout the past war. The Independence Palace is regarded as one of the most valuable historical landmarks in Vietnam, as it has witnessed numerous important events in Saigon’s history.

Ho Chi Minh City Independence Palace (Source: Collected)

3.2.5. Bui Vien Walking Street

• Address: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: All day

Bui Vien Walking Street, also known as Western Street, was inaugurated on July 15, 2017. The street is always crowded with both locals and foreigners coming here to enjoy delectable street food, have fun, and experience the hustle and bustle of the largest city in Vietnam. The best time to visit Bui Vien Walking Street is the evening, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays, when there will be a variety of intriguing and amusing activities to enjoy.

Bui Vien Walking Street (Source: Collected)

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The People’s Committee Building, one of the most iconic symbols of Ho Chi Minh City, is a must-visit Ho Chi Minh tourist attraction for those who are fond of French architecture and want to take charming pictures with stunning backgrounds. If you are planning a trip to Vietnam’s beautiful Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to include this location in your itinerary!

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