Here are ten places to consider for your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, covering markets, museums, colonial landmarks and day trips.
1. Ben Thanh Market
A focal point of city life for over a century, Ben Thanh Market is a maze of stalls selling fresh produce, textiles, souvenirs and Vietnamese handicrafts. It is a lively introduction to Saigon, with an evening street-food scene nearby.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Handicrafts, textiles, souvenirs, street food |
| Location | District 1, central Saigon |
| Best time to visit | December to April; mornings or evenings |
| Entry | Free to enter; items priced individually |
| Tip | Bargaining is expected, so negotiate politely on price |
2. War Remnants Museum
This powerful museum documents the Vietnam War through photographs, artefacts and outdoor military hardware, including tanks and aircraft. Its indoor exhibits give a sobering account of the war's human cost.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | War photography, artefacts, outdoor military equipment |
| Location | District 3, central Saigon |
| Best time to visit | Year-round, as it is largely indoors |
| Entry | Entry charge applies |
| Tip | Some exhibits are graphic, so it may not suit young children |
3. Cu Chi Tunnels
Just outside the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground network used by fighters during the war. Visitors can crawl through sections, see the ingenious traps and learn about life below ground.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Underground tunnel network, wartime history, forest setting |
| Location | Cu Chi district, outside the city |
| Best time to visit | December to April |
| Entry | Entry charge applies; usually visited on a half-day tour |
| Tip | Book a morning tour to beat the heat and the crowds |
4. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Built with materials imported from France, this red-brick cathedral with twin bell towers is a landmark of the city's colonial heritage. It sits at the heart of District 1, next to the Central Post Office.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | French colonial architecture, red-brick façade, twin towers |
| Location | District 1, central Saigon |
| Best time to visit | December to April |
| Entry | Exterior free to view; check status during restoration |
| Tip | Pair it with the neighbouring Central Post Office |
5. Central Post Office
Next to the cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office is a grand colonial building designed in the late 19th century, with a soaring arched hall. It remains a working post office and a popular photo stop.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Colonial architecture, arched hall, historic interior |
| Location | District 1, central Saigon |
| Best time to visit | December to April |
| Entry | Free to enter |
| Tip | Step inside to see the vaulted hall and old maps on the walls |
6. Saigon Opera House
A restored French colonial gem in District 1, the Saigon Opera House hosts performances from traditional Vietnamese shows to ballet and concerts. Its elegant façade is a landmark in its own right.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Colonial architecture, cultural performances |
| Location | District 1, central Saigon |
| Best time to visit | Evenings, for performances |
| Entry | Ticketed for shows |
| Tip | Check the schedule for the popular A O Show if it is running |
7. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
This preserved 1960s palace was the seat of the South Vietnamese government and where the war ended in 1975. Its period rooms, war-room bunker and gardens offer a vivid look at recent history.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Historic palace, period interiors, command bunker |
| Location | District 1, central Saigon |
| Best time to visit | Year-round |
| Entry | Entry charge applies |
| Tip | The basement war rooms are the most striking part of the visit |
8. Bitexco Financial Tower (Saigon Skydeck)
One of the city's tallest towers, the Bitexco Financial Tower has a Skydeck observation level with panoramic views over the city and the Saigon River. It is a good way to grasp the scale of the metropolis.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Skydeck observation deck, city and river views |
| Location | District 1, central Saigon |
| Best time to visit | Clear days; near sunset for the best light |
| Entry | Skydeck charges; some rooftop bars offer views for the price of a drink |
| Tip | A rooftop bar can be an alternative way to enjoy the views |
9. Thien Hau Temple
In the city's Chinatown (Cholon), Thien Hau is an atmospheric temple dedicated to the sea goddess, known for its incense coils, intricate roof figures and old-world charm.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Chinese temple, incense coils, ornate roof carvings |
| Location | Cholon (Chinatown), District 5 |
| Best time to visit | December to April |
| Entry | Generally free; donations welcome |
| Tip | Combine it with a wander through the Cholon district and markets |
10. Mekong Delta (day trip)
A popular day trip from the city, the Mekong Delta offers boat rides through canals, floating markets, fruit orchards and village life. It gives a glimpse of rural southern Vietnam.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | River boat trips, floating markets, orchards, village life |
| Location | South of the city |
| Best time to visit | December to April |
| Entry | Usually visited on a guided day tour |
| Tip | A full-day tour allows time for boat rides and a village lunch |
