Ultimate Guide to Ho Chi Minh City – Top 18 Sights & Activities
What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: 18 Attractions & Tours
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam. With a rich history and a blend of cultures, it offers many things to do. It is home to the War Remnants Museum, the famous Ben Thanh Market, and serves as the gateway to Mekong Delta tours and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
1. REUNIFICATION PALACE
The Reunification Palace, also called the Independence Palace, was built in 1962 and is one of the most significant historical landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. It was here that the Fall of Saigon occurred on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of the country.
📍 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND
2. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL
The Notre Dame Cathedral, officially called the Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, was built by the French in 1880. Though it looks like it was made of bricks, it was actually entirely built with Vietnamese granite.
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In front of the cathedral, there is a Virgin Mary statue brought from Rome in 1959. The cathedral is currently under renovation and is expected to be completed by 2028.
📍 Currently Under Renovation
3. CENTRAL POST OFFICE
The Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city, featuring a large clock on its façade. Built in 1891 by Gustave Eiffel, the same architect behind the Eiffel Tower, its interior resembles a train station, reflecting his unique design approach.
The post office is also known as the Cochinchina Post Office, and visitors can send a postcard home for just 5,000 VND, with stamps costing 34,000 VND.
📍 Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: Free
4. THE OPERA HOUSE
The Ho Chi Minh Opera House, built in 1897, showcases French colonial architecture, with its white façade, ornate windows, and a grand interior hall.
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This venue is one of the top cultural attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, hosting local and international performances. You can watch the famous AO Show, which blends traditional Vietnamese music, acrobatics, and storytelling.
📍 Opening Hours: Varies by showtimes
🎟 Ticket Prices: Check the AO Show website
5. BEN THANH MARKET
The Ben Thanh Market, built by the French in 1914, is Saigon’s most famous market. It spans 13,000 square metersand sells everything from Vietnamese food and souvenirs to traditional clothing and high-quality replicas.
At night, the market moves outdoors, with street stalls lining the roads.
📍 Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
6. BITEXCO FINANCIAL TOWER
The Bitexco Financial Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Vietnam, standing 262 meters high with 68 floors. Opened in 2010, it features offices, luxury stores, restaurants, and the Skydeck observation platform.
The Skydeck (49th floor) provides a stunning 360-degree view of the city and includes a glass platform that gives the illusion of floating in midair.
📍 Opening Hours: 9:30 AM – 9:30 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: 200,000 VND
7. WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM
The War Remnants Museum offers a powerful insight into the Vietnam War, showcasing the long-term effects of the war on the Vietnamese people. Exhibits include weapons, tanks, aircraft, and photographs documenting the war’s impact.
📍 Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:45 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: 40,000 VND
8. CU CHI TUNNELS
The Cu Chi Tunnels, located 60 km from Ho Chi Minh City, were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War for hiding, transporting supplies, and launching attacks.
Today, some tunnels have been restored and converted into a museum, where visitors can crawl through sections of the tunnels and see war-era traps.
📍 Tours Available Daily
🎟 Entrance Fee: 110,000 VND
9. EMPEROR JADE PAGODA
One of the most beautiful temples in Ho Chi Minh City, the Emperor Jade Pagoda was built by Chinese immigrants in the early 20th century. Inside, visitors can see a statue of the Jade Emperor and narrow corridors filled with candles and incense.
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📍 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🎟 Entrance Fee: Free
10. MEKONG DELTA TOUR
The Mekong Delta tour from Ho Chi Minh City is an amazing experience that gives travelers a closer look at life on the river and in the nearby villages.
During the tour, you’ll see locals living along the riverbanks, learn about their customs and traditions, and take in the natural beauty of the delta.
Highlights include:
Traditional boat rides through coconut groves
Visits to coconut candy workshops
Tasting exotic tropical fruits
Experiencing local Mekong Delta cuisine
📍 Tours Available Daily
11. STREET FOOD TOUR
Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for food lovers. The best way to explore its vibrant food scene is through a motorbike food tour, stopping at local markets and traditional eateries.
📍 Tours Available Nightly
12. NGUYEN VAN BINH BOOK STREET
The Book Street is a charming destination for book lovers, located next to the Central Post Office. The street features bookstores, art shops, and cozy cafés, creating a relaxed cultural atmosphere.
📍 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
13. BUI VIEN STREET – NIGHTLIFE
Bui Vien Street, known as the “Backpacker Street,” is a lively nightlife hub filled with bars, restaurants, and affordable hotels.
At night, the street is packed with colorful lights, music, and people enjoying the nightlife.
📍 Best Time to Visit: After 8:00 PM
14. HO THI KY FLOWER MARKET
The Ho Thi Ky Flower Market, located in Chinatown, is one of the most colorful markets in Ho Chi Minh City. It is famous for selling flowers used for religious offerings and home decorations.
📍 Opening Hours: 5:00 AM – 6:00 PM
15. THICH QUANG DUC MONUMENT
This monument honors Thich Quang Duc, the Buddhist monk who self-immolated in 1963 to protest religious persecution.
📍 Opening Hours: Open 24/7
16. BICYCLE TOUR IN HO CHI MINH CITY
A bicycle tour is a great way to explore the city’s history and hidden gems with a local guide.
📍 Tours Available Daily
17. THIEN HAU TEMPLE
The Thien Hau Temple, located in Chinatown, is dedicated to the sea goddess Thien Hau, who protects sailors. Built in the 19th century, it features intricate carvings and beautiful statues.
📍 Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
18. DISTRICT 3 – OLD SAIGON
District 3 is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City. Its French colonial architecture and traditional Vietnamese charm make it a must-visit.
📍 Best Time to Visit: Morning or Late Afternoon
BONUS: COFFEE CULTURE IN HO CHI MINH CITY
Of course, don’t leave the city without trying Vietnamese coffee. One of the most popular habits here is drinking iced coffee, and the locals take their time to enjoy it—so slow down and savor the experience.
If you didn’t know, Vietnam is the second-largest coffee producer in the world, only behind Brazil.
These are just some of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, but there’s much more to explore. That’s why we recommend spending at least three days in the city to fully experience its culture, history, and vibrant atmosphere.
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