Check-in at the 22 Most Famous Tourist Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, has always been an attractive destination for both domestic and international visitors. With its unique blend of historic charm and modernity, along with a myriad of entertainment activities, Saigon promises to offer unforgettable experiences. Let’s explore the 22 most famous tourist destinations in Ho Chi Minh City with UniTourist!
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
- Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Monday to Friday)
The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is an iconic architectural landmark of Ho Chi Minh City, drawing millions of visitors each year. With its majestic Gothic architecture, the cathedral is not only a place of worship but also an artistic masterpiece and a must-see when visiting Saigon.
Built at the end of the 19th century, it reflects French architectural styles, with intricate details, colorful stained-glass windows, and towering bell towers. Inside, murals, bas-reliefs, and brass ornaments create a sacred and solemn atmosphere.
Not just a place of prayer for Catholic followers, the cathedral also attracts tourists who come to admire its unique architecture and explore the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
- Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Daily)
The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is one of Vietnam’s historical landmarks. Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the palace has witnessed many significant events in the nation’s history, especially the historic events of April 30, 1975.
With its unique architecture combining Indochinese and modern styles, the palace is a striking example of architectural artistry. Inside, visitors can explore the president’s offices, meeting rooms, and reception areas, as well as valuable historical artifacts.
The Reunification Palace is not only a historical monument but also a popular tourist destination, attracting millions of visitors each year to learn about Vietnam’s history and culture.
Ben Thanh Market (District 1)
- Address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Ben Thanh Market is not just a bustling shopping spot but also a cultural symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. With its unique architecture and vibrant atmosphere, the market draws millions of visitors every year.
At Ben Thanh Market, you can explore a wide array of local specialties, from traditional Saigon dishes to regional delicacies. In addition, the market is a shopping paradise offering everything from clothing, handicrafts, to local products.
More than just a shopping and dining destination, Ben Thanh Market allows you to immerse yourself in the daily life of Saigon residents, discover the local culture, and learn about the traditions of the Vietnamese people.
Ho Chi Minh City Post Office
- Address: 125 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Ho Chi Minh City Post Office is one of the city’s most famous architectural landmarks. Featuring classic French architecture, the post office is not only a place for postal services but also a popular tourist destination, admired for its grandeur and historical ambiance.
Designed by architect Gustave Eiffel, famous for the Eiffel Tower, the building showcases the French architectural style of the 19th century. Its intricate details, stained-glass windows, and high vaulted ceilings create a stunning and impressive architectural structure.
Inside, visitors can enjoy a journey into the past, surrounded by grand columns, murals, and antique wooden furnishings. It’s a perfect spot to experience the atmosphere of old Hanoi and take memorable photos.
Saigon Opera House (Ho Chi Minh City Opera House)
- Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Weekdays) and 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Weekends)
The Saigon Opera House is one of the city’s cultural symbols, where art and architecture converge. With its unique French colonial architecture, the opera house is not only a venue for major cultural performances but also a popular tourist attraction, renowned for its opulent beauty and sophisticated ambiance.
Built at the end of the 19th century, the Opera House is one of the most prominent architectural landmarks left by the French in Vietnam. With its exquisite design, blending Eastern and Western elements, the building exudes a charm that captivates visitors with its familiar yet distinctive beauty.
Known as the “art temple” of Saigon, the Opera House hosts many distinguished performances such as opera, ballet, symphony music, and cải lương (traditional Vietnamese opera). It offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy world-class performances by local and international artists while exploring Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.
Ho Chi Minh City History Museum
- Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
The Ho Chi Minh City History Museum is a must-visit destination for those touring Saigon. With an extensive collection of artifacts, the museum offers visitors an in-depth insight into the history, culture, and people of Vietnam.
Situated in a prime location, the museum serves as a repository for an exhibition space of tens of thousands of priceless artifacts, spanning from prehistory to the modern era. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire the ancient tools used by the early Vietnamese people, exquisite art pieces, and rare historical documents… All these combines to offer a comprehensive view of the formation and development of the Vietnamese nation.
In addition to its displays, the museum also organizes a variety of educational and experiential activities for all ages. Visitors can participate in guided tours, history workshops, or simply enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while delving into the past.
Southern Women’s Museum
- Address: 202 Vo Thi Sau Street, Ward 7, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM
The Southern Women’s Museum is a unique cultural destination in Ho Chi Minh City that celebrates the role and contributions of Vietnamese women throughout history. With a spacious exhibit area showcasing a wide variety of artifacts, the museum provides visitors with a deeper understanding of the lives, culture, and traditions of Southern Vietnamese women.
Here, visitors can admire collections of traditional áo dài (Vietnamese dresses), exquisite, handcrafted items, and valuable historical photographs. These exhibits tell the stories of women’s lives, work, and their significant contributions to the country across different periods of history.
The museum is not just a space for viewing exhibits but also an interactive experience where visitors can participate in activities like trying on áo dài, attending cultural workshops, or simply enjoying a quiet moment to reflect on the role of women in society.
Saigon Boat Station – Ho Chi Minh Museum
- Address: 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday)
The Saigon Boat Station, also known as the Ho Chi Minh Museum, is not only a tourist destination but also a historical symbol, marking a pivotal moment in Vietnam’s revolutionary history. This is the place where young Ho Chi Minh set sail to begin his journey to seek a path for the nation’s liberation, which led to a new chapter in the country’s history.
Visiting the Saigon Boat Station allows visitors to relive the historic moments of Vietnam’s past. Through artifacts, photos, and archival materials on display, visitors gain a deeper understanding of President Ho Chi Minh’s revolutionary journey. The museum’s unique architecture and the boat station’s design provide a special cultural experience, allowing visitors to reflect on the historical significance of this place.
Suoi Tien Theme Park
- Address: 120 Hanoi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM
Suoi Tien is one of the most exciting and popular tourist destinations in Saigon, attracting large numbers of visitors with its diverse entertainment offerings and mythical legends. The park features a variety of unique architectural structures, along with modern attractions, making it an ideal place for family enjoyment and relaxation.
Explore the world of mythology: Suoi Tien is like stepping into a fantastical world where popular Vietnamese legends come to life, such as the stories of Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh (the Mountain God vs. the Water God), and Lac Long Quan – Au Co (the Dragon King and the Fairy). Each structure is meticulously designed to represent these legendary tales, offering visitors a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture.
Diverse entertainment options: In addition to exploring the mythical world, visitors can enjoy a wide range of thrilling rides like roller coasters and water slides or relax with gentler activities such as paddle boating or rowing. The park also has dedicated play areas for children, ensuring fun for all ages.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
- Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is not just a zoo but also a living museum of animal and plant life. Set in a lush green space, it is home to a variety of rare and exotic animal species. It is an ideal destination for both adults and children, especially for families looking for a relaxing and educational experience.
Visitors to the zoo can observe hundreds of wildlife species from around the world, ranging from large mammals like tigers, lions, and elephants, to smaller creatures such as birds and reptiles. In addition, the botanical gardens with thousands of plant species offer a refreshing, serene environment for visitors to enjoy.
Beyond observing the animals, guests can also engage in fun activities like taking a scenic ride on electric carts, visiting the children’s zoo, or simply strolling along tree-lined paths. The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens provide a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Dam Sen Water Park
- Address: 3 Hoa Binh Street, Ward 3, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday to Saturday), 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Sunday and Holidays)
Dam Sen Water Park is one of the top attractions in Saigon, especially during the summer months. With its large area and variety of water-based activities, it is a perfect destination for both adults and children looking to cool off and enjoy some thrilling entertainment.
Visitors to Dam Sen can enjoy an array of water rides, from high-speed water slides to artificial wave pools and lazy rivers. The 3,000 square meter wave pool simulates the experience of being at a tropical beach, making it one of the most exciting features of the park.
In addition to the water park, Dam Sen also offers a land-based amusement park with exciting rides like roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel, and a haunted house. Dam Sen is truly an entertainment paradise, catering to all age groups with its wide range of attractions.
Artinus 3D Art Museum
- Address: 02-04 Street 9, Him Lam Residential Area, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday), 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM (Saturday, Sunday, and holidays)
Artinus 3D Art Museum is a creative and unique destination in Ho Chi Minh City, where visitors can explore and create striking “live” photos with three-dimensional paintings. The museum features hundreds of meticulously designed 3D art pieces, taking visitors into vibrant and immersive spaces—from deep ocean depths to mysterious forests.
Themes include the ocean, animals, mythology, and contemporary art, offering endless possibilities for interactive photo opportunities. It is a perfect spot for anyone looking to capture fun, artistic, and unique photographs for social media!
Cu Chi Tunnels
- Address: Provincial Road 15, Phu Hiep Hamlet, Phu My Hung Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the most historically significant sites in Vietnam. Located just outside Ho Chi Minh City, this vast underground network of tunnels served as a stronghold for Vietnamese soldiers during the war.
Visitors can explore a maze of tunnels that housed living quarters, kitchens, hospitals, and storage rooms. The Cu Chi Tunnels stand as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness of the Vietnamese people during the war.
Through informative exhibits and firsthand accounts, visitors gain deeper insight into the struggles and triumphs of the people who fought in this underground system.
Binh Quoi Ecotourism Area
- Address: 1147 Binh Quoi, Ward 28, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Binh Quoi Ecotourism Area is a peaceful oasis just 8 km from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, offering a perfect escape into the tranquility of rural Vietnam.
Visitors can experience traditional village activities such as boating, fishing, cycling, or simply walking along tree-lined paths. The area also offers cooking and pottery classes, where visitors can immerse themselves in the culinary and cultural heritage of the Mekong Delta region. With green landscapes and fresh air, Binh Quoi is an ideal getaway for families or groups looking for relaxation and a taste of rural Vietnamese life.
Can Gio Ecotourism Area
- Address: 30/4 Ecotourism Area, Thanh Thoi Road, Long Hoa, Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Can Gio is an island district known for its rich mangrove ecosystems, pristine beaches, and tranquil atmosphere.
A popular destination for nature lovers, Can Gio offers various eco-tourism activities, including exploring the mangrove forests by boat, visiting Monkey Island to see playful monkeys, cycling through the lush forest paths, and enjoying fresh seafood at seaside restaurants. The unique blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences makes Can Gio an excellent weekend escape from the bustling city.
Bửu Long Pagoda
- Address: 81 Nguyễn Xiển, Long Bình, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Bửu Long Pagoda, also known as the “Thai Pagoda,” is a stunning spiritual site in Ho Chi Minh City, renowned for its architecture that blends Thai, Indian, and Vietnamese styles.
Perched on a hill, the pagoda offers a serene atmosphere with intricate designs, majestic Buddha statues, and vibrant wall murals. It’s an ideal place for those seeking peace and tranquility, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Visitors come here not only to admire the beauty of the structure but also to find solace and meditate in a serene environment.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Address: Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Open all day
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks, bustling with life and activity. Located in the heart of the city, this pedestrian-friendly street is perfect for leisurely strolls, people-watching, and enjoying street food.
Here, visitors can explore local culture, indulge in delicious Vietnamese dishes, shop for unique souvenirs, or enjoy cultural performances. At night, the street is lit up, offering a lively atmosphere and becoming a popular hangout for both locals and tourists alike.
Bui Vien Street (Backpacker District)
- Address: Bui Vien, Pham Ngu Lao, De Tham, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Open all day (but more active on weekends)
Bui Vien is Ho Chi Minh City’s famous backpacker district, known for its vibrant nightlife and multicultural atmosphere. This street comes alive after dark with a variety of bars, pubs, and restaurants offering both local and international cuisine.
The street also features street performances and live music, making it the perfect place for those who want to experience the energetic side of Saigon. It’s an excellent spot for meeting fellow travelers or simply enjoying the lively night scene.
Lost in Hong Kong Alley
- Address: 175/19 Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 3:00 PM – 5:00 AM
“Lost in Hong Kong Alley” is a quirky, vibrant spot that captures the essence of Hong Kong’s street culture right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. With narrow lanes, colorful graffiti, and neon lights, this place feels like stepping into a scene from a classic Hong Kong film.
It’s a popular hangout for young locals and tourists alike, offering delicious street food, cold beers, and a fun, cinematic atmosphere. If you’re into unique settings and love trying new foods, this alley is a must-visit.
The Starlight Bridge (Cau Anh Sao)
- Address: Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Open all day
The Starlight Bridge (Cau Anh Sao) is one of the most picturesque spots in Ho Chi Minh City, especially in the evening when its LED lights illuminate the area with a stunning array of colors. The bridge connects two districts and is a popular place for couples, families, and friends to take a leisurely walk along the Saigon River.
On weekends, visitors can also enjoy a fountain show that adds a magical touch to the experience. With plenty of seating and green spaces nearby, it’s a perfect place to relax, take photos, and enjoy the river view.
Saigon River
- Address: Western Ho Chi Minh City, including Cu Chi, Hoc Mon, District 12
- Tour hours: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM (boat tours), boats operate from 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Saigon River is the lifeblood of the city, offering a refreshing way to explore Ho Chi Minh from the water. You can take a boat tour to enjoy views of iconic landmarks such as the Notre-Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Starlight Bridge.
In addition to sightseeing, visitors can enjoy dining experiences in floating restaurants, or try fun activities like fishing, kayaking, or participating in riverside festivals. The river provides a calming contrast to the bustling streets of the city.
Hanh Thong Tay Night Market
- Address: 10/2 Quang Trung Street, Ward 11, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Open all day
Hanh Thong Tay Night Market is a bustling market in the Go Vap District, famous for its affordable shopping and vibrant atmosphere. With hundreds of stalls selling clothing, accessories, home goods, and street food, this market offers a true taste of local life.
Visitors can haggle over prices for unique items, enjoy a variety of street foods, or just soak in the lively nighttime energy. It’s an excellent spot for budget-conscious shoppers and anyone looking for a taste of local Saigon culture.
Top 10 Must-Visit Places in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler, from serene temples and modern landmarks to lively streets and tranquil riversides. Whether you’re seeking spiritual reflection, vibrant nightlife, or quiet moments in nature, these attractions promise to leave you with unforgettable memories of your time in Saigon.
For a smooth and enjoyable trip, consider booking a complete tour package with UniTourist by calling their hotline at 1900 2112.
Tags
