Ho Chi Minh City is the largest city and economic/financial centre of Vietnam. For many international travellers, Ho Chi Minh City is their springboard en route to other destinations within Vietnam. Having said, Ho Chi Minh City itself is a fascinating destination. With interesting sites and activities that warrant further explorations. Here, we bring you the Top Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City was formerly known as Saigon. And can be traced back to at least 1859, when the French colonized southern parts of Vietnam. The French colony was called Cochinchina, and Saigon was made the capital of this colony in 1862.
The French colonial period lasted till 1954, when the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam) was established with Saigon as its capital. This was to last till 1975, at the conclusion of the Vietnam War, with victory for North Vietnam. As a result of the war, Vietnam was reunified and Saigon was officially renamed Ho Chi Minh City, in reference to the North’s inspirational leader Ho Chi Minh. The capital of reunified Vietnam would follow that of North Vietnam and remain at Hanoi.
Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Being an important city since the French colonial days, Ho Chi Minh City is rich in history. Unsurprisingly, a number of its older building/structure takes on French architectural influences.
For those with limited time to explore the city, you will be pleased to know that all of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are within short walking distance of each other. You could easily cover most, if not all, within a day.
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#1: Ben Thanh Market
Located right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is one of its oldest structures. The single level building is a large marketplace and one of the most prominent icons of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ben Thanh Market can be traced to the early 17th century, when it started off as an impromptu marketplace by vendors bringing wares into the city via Saigon River. Over time, the market developed into a major trading place. As the French gain control of Saigon in 1859, they consolidated the trading into a sheltered marketplace. Giving rise to Ben Thanh Market in its earliest form.
Over the decades that followed, the market underwent a few developments. And the present-day Ben Thanh Market was formally opened in 1914, with its centennial celebration in 2014.
Tourist hotspot
Nowadays, Ben Thanh Market is extremely popular with both foreigners and locals. It deals with a wide range of merchandises including bags, clothing/accessories, footwear, local produce, cooked food, arts/crafts and souvenirs. Most foreign tourist to Ho Chi Minh City will choose to shop here (and the surrounding alleys) for local made goods.
The market has a myriad of tiny lanes, which can be difficult to navigate during crowded periods. And the sardine packed stalls make the market stuffy and warm, especially in the heat of the day.
Having said, we hugely enjoy shopping here due to the huge variety of goods. Even if you’re not into retail therapy, Ben Thanh Market offers you the unique chance to learn more about the Vietnamese culture and their local produces.
Shopping tip
As with most markets in Vietnam, the merchandises in Ben Thanh Market are not tagged and massive bargaining is customary. However, this does not mean that you should be rude. Bargain only if you’re sincere in buying the item. And show basic courtesy at all times.
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#2: Ho Chi Minh City Hall (Saigon City Hall)
A short walk (700m) from Ben Thanh Market is the imposing Ho Chi Minh City Hall (or Saigon City Hall). Though closed to public (it is a functioning government office), Ho Chi Minh City Hall remains a firm tourist hotspot.
Built between 1902-1908 during the French occupation, the structure unsurprisingly takes on French colonial architecture styles. The building was subsequently renamed People’s Committee Building in 1975 after the war. And a statue of the late leader Ho Chi Minh was later added to the square in front of the building.
Though Ho Chi Minh City Hall looks grand in the day, it is much more impressive at night. During the evenings, the building and grounds are lit up, giving it a magnificent look.
If at all possible, do not miss the sight of Ho Chi Minh City Hall at night.
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#3: Saigon Opera House
The magnificent Saigon Opera House is a stone throw (<300m) from Ho Chi Minh City Hall. It was built a few years before Ho Chi Minh City Hall by the French colonial administration. Construction started in 1898 and completing in 1900, under French architect Ferret Eugene.
The building predominantly served as the city’s main opera house until 1956, when it was used as the Lower House Assembly of South Vietnam. This was to last till 1975, at the conclusion of the war. Since then, Saigon Opera House was reverted back to its original function as a theater.
After witnessing decades of use, Saigon Opera House was restored in 1998 for the 300th Anniversary of Saigon celebrations.
If you’re in the area and have some time on your hands, we’ll recommend dropping by for a brief photo shoot.
#4: Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, or Notre Dame Cathedral in short, is one of the most famous religious structure in Ho Chi Minh City. It is located 600m up the street from Saigon Opera House.
Construction was undertaken by the French colonists and went on from 1877 to 1880. Materials used during the construction were imported from France. For example, the façade of the cathedral was built using red bricks from Toulouse. And these bricks retained their bright colors till date.
The two distinctive bell towers were added in 1895, and reaches a height of 58m. A granite statue of the Virgin Mary stands in front of the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was ordered from Rome and installed in 1959.
Notre Dame Cathedral is located next to the Saigon Central Post Office (see next section), thus it is worth checking out both at the same time.
*To see all photos in high resolution, click here to our Facebook Page album
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#5: Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office is adjacent to the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was built between 1886 and 1891, just a few years after the completion of Notre Dame Cathedral.
A firm favourite for visitors to Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Central Post Office is a functioning post office which managed to preserve much of its past grandiose. In fact, it is widely accepted to be the most majestic functioning post office in Southeast Asia.
The imposing architecture of both the facade and interior bring visitors back to days when snail mail still ruled. And making a telephone call meant a trip to the city post office. In fact, the Saigon Central Post Office still preserves and utilizes its antiquated telephone boxes, albeit ironically as ATM cubicles.
Historical maps
For history buffs, do take note of the two painted maps high on the walls just after the entrance. These magnificent maps were painted in 1892, just after the completion of the post office. One shows the telegraph lines of Southern Vietnam and Cambodia at the time, while the other shows Saigon and its surroundings.
Nowadays, tourist visits Saigon Central Post Office to relive its past glory. And having a hand at sending mails from this historic building. Photography enthusiast will have a field day capturing scenes of the timeworn structure from different perspectives.
Tip: Similar to Ho Chi Minh City Hall, the post office’s facade is tastefully lit up during evenings. It is worth hanging around the area to revisit Saigon Central Post Office in its evening splendour.
Saigon Central Post Office Opening hours:
- Mon-Fri 7AM–7PM
- Saturday 7AM–6PM
- Sunday 8AM–6PM
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#6: Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
The Independence Palace is a leisure 500m walk from Saigon Central Post Office. Also known as the Reunification Palace, the palace was completed in 1966 and designed by the prominent Vietnamese architect Ngô Viết Thụ.
Norodom Palace
The Independence Palace’s history could be traced back to its predecessor, the Norodom Palace. Works on Norodom Palace started on the same ground in 1868 by the French colonist, with completion in 1873. Since then, the palace served as the French Indochina Governors-General residence and workplace till March-1945.
In March-1945, the Japanese would forcibly take over the French as colonist of the region and consequently occupy the Norodom Palace. However, the Japanese occupation would be short-lived. Japan surrendered to Allied forces at the conclusion of World War II in September-1945. And Norodom Palace was subsequently handed back to the French colonist.
First Indochina War
Sadly, Vietnam would slide into the First Indochina War shortly after. Pitting the French colonial forces against Viet Minh, the group founded by Ho Chi Minh and seeking independence for Vietnam.
At the conclusion of the First Indochina War in 1954, Viet Minh emerged victors while France departed from Indochina. Thereupon, Norodom Palace was handed to the newly appointed Prime Minister of the State of Vietnam, Ngô Đình Diệm.
The next year (1955), Ngô Đình Diệm would went on to declare himself the President of the newly proclaimed South Vietnam. And subsequently renamed the Norodom Palace as Independence Palace.
Second Indochina War (Vietnam War)
In the few years that followed, South Vietnam and North Vietnam would went on to fight the Second Indochina War (also commonly known as Vietnam War).
In 1962, two rebel pilots from South Vietnam’s air force attempted an assassination on Ngô Đình Diệm and bombed the Independence Palace. Ngô Đình Diệm managed to escape the assassination, but the Independence Palace was partially destroyed. Ngô Đình Diệm then proceed to order a new building to be built on the same ground. Work on the new palace was completed in 1966. Resulting in the Independence Palace as we see today.
The horrific Second Indochina War was to drag on till 1975. When a defining moment on the morning of 30-April-1975 saw two North Vietnamese Army tanks crashing through the gates of the Independence Palace. The war had ended with North Vietnam victorious.
Towards the end of 1975, Independence Palace would be renamed as Reunification Palace.
Reunification Palace
Since the events in 1975, the Independence Palace has largely stayed in its original setting. And it was designated as a national relic shortly after.
The palace was subsequently opened up for public viewing. Allowing visitors to view the original layout, furnishing and facilities of this historically important building. Occasionally, it is still used by the government to host important receptions or meetings.
For more information, refer to the Independence Palace official website.
For the opening hours and ticket prices, click here.
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#7: War Remnants Museum
A further 600m walk from the Independence Palace is the War Remnants Museum.
The museum was established in 1975 by the Vietnamese government, and focus on exhibits concerning the First and Second Indochina War. In particular, it explores the war crime that were attributed to the French and American forces. Visitors can witness the harmful effects of war and gain a different perspective about the events during the Indochina wars.
Additionally, a small number of captured military equipment (e.g. tanks, aircrafts, helicopters, artilleries) is on display within the museum grounds.
The War Remnants Museum is extremely popular with tourist, both local and foreign. In fact, it is one of the most popular museums in Vietnam, receiving half a million visitors yearly.
Having visited the museum, we must say that the exhibits are extremely informative and thought-provoking. And we strongly recommend all visitors to Ho Chi Minh City to visit. It is absolutely worth taking the time to explore the exhibits and understanding that peace is truly precious. Definitely the highlight of our list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Note: The exhibits in the War Remnants Museum can be visually disturbing, even for adults. As such, we recommend discretion when visiting with children.
**For more information, refer to the War Remnants Museum official website.
**Click here for the opening hours and ticket prices.
*To see all photos in high resolution, click here to our Facebook Page album
Getting from Tan Son Nhat International Airport to Ho Chi Minh City
Travelling on public transport in Vietnam can be stressful. For those flying into Tan Son Nhat International Airport, refer to our blog on how to travel from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City centre.
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