Ho Chi Minh city (also called Saigon) has long been a cultural, economic and political center of Vietnam. Travelers who visit Saigon for the first time may be overwhelmed by the number of historical sites, splendid sceneries, French colonial architectures, etc. However, do not worry about that. Here is a list of must-visit attractions in Ho Chi Minh city recommended by the locals for you to choose from.
Cu Chi tunnels
Cu Chi Tunnels is not only a famous military work of Vietnam during the Indochina war and Vietnam War, but it also is a national historical site, an attractive tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh city.
Cu Chi is located about 70 km from the center of Ho Chi Minh City. It is not too far, so you can get there by motorbike, bus or taxi.
The most exciting activity in Cu Chi is crawling through some short and safe parts of the tunnels. This is definitely the main activities here. You will have a chance to experience the life underground like Vietnamese people during the war. Some parts in the system of Cu Chi Tunnels even have three or four levels in depth, but tourists can only visit the first and second level to stay safe.
- Entrance ticket price: 20,000VND/person (2019)
- Opening hours: 08:00am – 17:00pm every day
- Address: Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City
Reunification Palace – Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
The palace is a blend of traditional ritual and Oriental architecture but very modern. It is a witness of Vietnamese history. Visiting the Independence Palace, visitors can admire many items from the old regime as well as the remnants of the independence day April 30, 1975.
Aside from the stunning grounds and impressive architecture, the inside of this building will make you feel like going back in time. The first Communist tanks to arrive in Saigon rumbled here on 30 April 1975 and it’s as if time has stood still since then. The building is deeply associated with the fall of the city in 1975. Guided tours in English are always available for foreign tourists at the entrance.
- Entrance fee: from 20,000 to 40,000VND/person (2019)
- Opening hours: 07:30 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 every day
- Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Central Post Office
Being one of the greatest architectural buildings in Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Central Post Office welcomes a thousand of visitors every day. Saigon Post Office is located right next to Notre Dame Cathedral. So traveling these two attractions is very convenient. You can easily get there by car, motorbike or bus.
A functional post office and also one of the most striking landmarks of the French colonial period, Saigon Central Post Office features a truly elegant tiled floor, wrought iron beams, and columns and interesting historical maps on the walls.
- Opening hours: 07:00 – 19:00 (weekdays), 07:00 – 18:00 (Saturday) and 08:00 – 18:00 (Sunday)
- Entrance fee: Free
- Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city
Notre Dame Cathedral in Saigon
Right after taking over Saigon, the French built Notre Dame Cathedral as a place of worship for Catholics. The church is located on Road 5, on the ground of an abandoned Vietnamese pagoda. Besides the purpose of worshiping, the construction of the cathedral is also part of the Catholicism and it also shows off of the greatness of French civilization.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is a fascinating landmark which really should be one of the stops in your trip. Being an ancient-style construction, the cathedral always brings the charming and peaceful beauty among the life full of activity of the city’s center.
- Opening hours (for tourists): 08:30 – 10:00 and 14:30 – 15:30 (Monday to Friday)
- Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Street, District 1
