Formerly known as Saigon, Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville is a vibrant, dynamic metropolis in southern Vietnam, close to the Mekong Delta. Once a simple Khmer fishing village, Saigon developed in the 17th century under the Nguyen dynasty. Not to be missed are the majestic Notre-Dame cathedral, the central post office with its steel structure designed by Gustave Eiffel, and the emblematic Continental and Majestic hotels, witnesses of the French colonial style. The Opera House, built in 1900 on the model of the Petit Palais in Paris, is another architectural gem not to be missed. So, what to do and see in Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville? In this article, we present the 15 must-see sights not to be missed during your visit!
1. Notre-Dame de Saigon Cathedral, the symbol of the city
Saigon's Notre-Dame Cathedral is an iconic symbol of the city, impossible to miss! Its French architecture stands out clearly from the city's other buildings, and bears witness to the French presence in Vietnam. In 1863, the Governor of Cochinchina decided to build a wooden church, which would soon fall into disrepair. In 1876, the decision was taken to build a cathedral. The neo-Romanesque design was inspired by a scaled-down version of Notre-Dame de Paris. Materials, including red brick from Toulouse and stained-glass windows from Chartres, were imported from France. The cathedral was inaugurated in 1883 and became the basilica-cathedral of Notre-Dame de Saïgon in 1962. Inside, the ex-votos written in French are particularly moving. A must-see!
The low-cost tour to book: we recommend this walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City's most beautiful spots for... 1.05 per person!
Read more: Visit Vietnam in 2 weeks: the best itinerary
2. The Central Post Office and its steel structure designed by Eiffel
Despite its modern dynamism, Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville retains a timeless charm that seduces travelers. The face of old Saigon remains clearly visible, creating a fascinating harmony between past and present. One of the most popular tourist attractions is the Saigon Central Post Office, the country's largest post office and one of the oldest colonial buildings. Its typical yellow facade glistens in the afternoon sun, and you can see the magnificently decorated clock that has been running for almost 130 years. Gustave Eiffel himself designed the metal framework. The architecture, with a roof topped by a glass roof, evokes the buildings of the Universal Exhibition.
To book hô-Chi-Minh: Explore Hô-Chi-Minh by booking this audio tour on a multi-stop bus. You hop on and off whenever you like on a route that will take you to the city's main attractions and monuments.
Read more: What to do in Vietnam The 21 most beautiful places to visit
3. What to do in Hô-Chi-Minh? See the Majestic Hotel (or even stay there!)
The French colonial-style Hotel Majestic is one of Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville's architectural gems. Located at the intersection of Quai de Belgique (Rue Ton Duc Thang), it witnessed the tumultuous moments of Vietnam's 20th century and was used as a military barracks by the Imperial Japanese Army during the Second World War. It's well worth a visit, if only for a drink at the bar. During the Vietnam War, it was a meeting place for spies and war correspondents.
To book: go here to book your room at the Majestic Hotel Saigon.
Read more: South Vietnam in a week, our itinerary tips
5. Stroll through the Ben Thanh market
The Ben Thanh market is a veritable labyrinth of aisles housing a multitude of varied stalls. The dome of the central building, 28 meters in diameter, is topped bya clock tower that has become one of Saigon's landmarks. Inside the tower, you'll find a small temple where merchants come to pray daily for the prosperity of their business. The stalls will surprise you with the diversity of products on offer : a thousand colors and smells mingle. Banana leaves wrap coconut-scented glutinous rice, fritters and dried fish rub shoulders with other delicacies. Not far away, on rue Lê Thanh Tôn, the fruit market amazes visitors with its bright colors.
Read more: 10 colorful markets to discover around the world
6. What to do in Hô-Chi-Minh? The Binh Tay market, a veritable institution
You'll soon see why this vast market is such an institution. This immense hall, whose covered section evokesthe old Baltard pavilions of Parisian halles with an Indochinese touch, is indeed a fascinating place. Each aisle or section is dedicated to specific specialties, and the smells guide you to the different corners: dried fish, fresh meat, spices, fruit, vegetables, tobacco, and much more. Don't miss the whole square of mini-restaurants where you can enjoy delicious local specialties accompanied by steaming tea. Primarily a wholesale market, it's not exactly touristy, and the lively surrounding streets are also worth a visit.
To book : We recommend this culinary scooter tour of Hô-Chi-Minh including eleven tastings. You'll take part in a short cooking class, try Banh xeo, and much more.
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7. Hô Chi Minh City Museum: a must-see!
Occupying the former brick premises of the Compagnie des Messageries Maritimes, the Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville Historical Museum is the oldest vestige of the French colonial period. It's an impressive building with Greek-style columns and pediments. In the rooms of the museum, you'll discover the chronological order of the different stages of the revolution, from 1859 to the present day. Objects on display, such as ceramics, old city plans and traditional clothing, trace the city's history. It also houses numerous documents relating to the Vietnamese revolution and presents techniques developed by the Vietnamese to fight the enemy. Outside, you'll see two aircraft, including an F5 Northrop, a Patton tank and a Huey helicopter.
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8. The Opera House, modelled on the Petit Palais in Paris, another architectural gem to see
The Opera House is a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a fine example of French colonial architecture. Built in 1895 and inaugurated in 1900, the Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville Opera-Theatre features a façade inspired by that of the Petit Palais in Paris. Located on rue Dong Khoi, in the heart of the city, it is particularly magnificent at night, thanks to a lighting system that enhances its beauty. Close to the Hôtel Métropole and the Caravelle, two luxury hotels also illuminated, the ensemble creates a truly enchanting atmosphere.
To book : take advantage this night-time visit to Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville to see the Opera!
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9. Visit the War Remnants Museum
If you're going to visit a museum in Vietnam, this one's a must. For an in-depth understanding of what the country and its people went through in the second half of the 20th century, this museum is a must. It retraces the entire Vietnam and Indochina wars, offering a comprehensive overview of this tumultuous period. The images speak for themselves, revealing the brutal reality of the war. The explanations in English are clear, and the images are gripping and nerve-wracking. A good way to immerse yourself in the country's history before setting out to discover it.
Petit Futé tip: Take advantage of a discount by booking your your travel insurance and leave with peace of mind!
10. What to do in Hô-Chi-Minh? See the Jade Emperor Pagoda
Built in the 1980s thanks to funding from a member of the Chinese community under the authority of the Buddhist Church of Vietnam, this Taoist pagoda is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, an important figure in Taoism. The pagoda is home to over 300 statues, a hundred of which are made of papier-mâché. It even welcomed US President Barack Obama on his official visit to Vietnam. It's a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City, where future brides and grooms come to pray and burn incense in preparation for their union. We really enjoyed it here.
Did you know? Vietnam is one of the world' s top destinations for romantic vacations!
11. Visit the Reunification Palace (or Independence Palace)
The image of the tank which, at 11:30 am on April 30, 1975, rammed through the gates of the Independence Palace, marking the end of the Republic of Vietnam, remains engraved in many memories. Magnificent and imposing, this building is a must-see in Ho Chi Minh City to better understand the country's history. The visit is very interesting, from the conference rooms to the presidential apartments, via the command rooms, everything is done to immerse us in this tumultuous period of the war. On the second floor, in the Phu Dau Rông room, the President received foreign delegations. Don't miss the phrase engraved in gold letters: "The water flows, the mountains crumble, but the people and the country are immovable in the face of adversity and bad weather."
To book: Enjoy a unique motorcycle experience and discover all the city's most beautiful spots by bookingthis guided motorcycle tour of Ho Chi Minh City!
12. Visit the Xa Loi pagoda, the city's largest
Built in 1956, the Xa Loi pagoda is Saigon's largest, with its bell tower rising to a height of 32 meters. Although its architecture is impressive, it's the history of the events that took place here that makes it a must-see in Hô-Chi-Minh. In 1963, the pagoda was ransacked by the troops of Ngô Dinh Nhu, the brother of President Diêm. Around 400 monks were arrested and ill-treated. Several of them set fire to themselves in protest against Diêm's regime. The pagoda has two separate entrances: one for men and one for women.
Did you know? Hô-Chi-Minh is one of our top 10 cities in the world to expatriate to!
13. What to do in Hô-Chi-Minh? Visit the tomb of General Lê Văn Duyệt
Located a little way from the center, 3 km northeast of downtown Saigon, this mausoleum is well worth a visit if you're interested in the country's history. This temple-tomb, impressive in its size, is dedicated to General Lê Van Duyêt, a loyal servant of Emperor Gia Long. General Lê Van Duyêt's adventures are well known, and during the Tet holiday, the Vietnamese come to pay homage to the general, who is laid to rest in the temple alongside his wife. The general helped the future emperor Gia Long in his fight against the Tây-Son and promoted the introduction of Western civilization. It is said that those who come on pilgrimage to this pagoda have all their wishes granted.
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14. The floating temple of Phu Chau Temple: discovering a little-known Hô-Chi-Minh
Located to the north of the city, this temple is often referred to as the "Floating Temple". Although little visited, its unique location on an island merits a visit that can be combined with that of the Van Phong Chuc Hoa Khan pagoda. The tour takes you through a little-known part of the city, a labyrinth of kitchens and backyards, to the pier. There's no bridge to reach the island, and you're whisked back and forth by a motorized ferry. This experience offers an authentic and picturesque insight into local life.
Read more: Get off the beaten track and discover a confidential Vietnam by reading our article Discovering a secret Vietnam. See also our article Which tour to take to visit Vietnam?
15. What to do in Hô-Chi-Minh? Taste the local cuisine
Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville is a true paradise for food lovers. Among the must-tries, don't missphở, the famous beef or chicken noodle soup, flavored with aromatic herbs and lime. The bánh mì, a Vietnamese sandwich filled with meat, pickled vegetables and pâté, is also a must. For street food lovers, the Ben Thanh and Binh Tay markets are ideal destinations for sampling local specialties such as bánh xèo (Vietnamese pancake) or gỏi cuốn (spring rolls). Hô-Chi-Minh-Ville's restaurants also offer more elaborate dishes, such as cá kho tộ (caramelized fish) or bún chả (rice vermicelli with grilled pork).
Did you know? Vietnam is one of the world's best vegetarian destinations!
What excursions are there from Hô Chi Minh-Ville?
One of the most popular excursions from Ho Chi Minh City is the a full-day tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta.
You'll have the opportunity to discover the fascinating history and importance of the tunnels during the Vietnam War. You can crawl along the tunnels, try your hand at the shooting range and discover the complex network of tunnels and underground traps that played an important role during the war.
After a typical Vietnamese lunch, which is included, you'll head for My Tho, the heart of the Mekong Delta. You'll get an insight into the daily life of the locals on a cruise on the Mekong, where you can admire the scenery of the surrounding countryside. Afterwards, a sampan ridealong the coconut-fringed waterways will introduce you to the rural way of life.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City in the evening?
Don't miss the chance to see a puppet show on the water by booking your ticket here. A once-in-a-lifetime experience!
The stories presented through these puppets dancing on the surface of a pool of water are deeply rooted in the spiritual life of the Vietnamese, particularly in rural areas. The puppets bring to life the stories narrated by the songs, reflecting the tranquility of Vietnamese rural life, and a traditional Vietnamese orchestra accompanies the show.
Where to stay in Hô Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City offers a wide variety of accommodation options for all types of travelers, from backpackers to luxury travelers. Here are a few suggestions for hotels and neighborhoods to help you choose the area and type of accommodation that suits you best:
- District 1: the heart of the city
District 1 is the heart of the city, ideal for those who want to be at the center of the action. Here you'll find luxury hotels like the Park Hyatt Saigon, which you can book here, or the Caravelle Saigon, which you can book here. This district is perfect for exploring the main tourist attractions, restaurants and boutiques.
- Pham Ngu Lao: the backpacker district
This neighborhood is very popular with backpackers and young travelers to Asia. It's packed with guesthouses, youth hostels and small budget hotels such as the Elios Hotel, which you can book here, or the Beautiful Saigon Boutique Hotel, which you can book in just a few clicks here. Pham Ngu Lao Street is bustling with bars, restaurants and travel agencies, making it an ideal place to meet other travelers.
- District 3, a little quieter
District 3 is a little quieter than District 1, but still very central. It's known for its tree-lined streets and trendy cafés. Here you'll find mid-range hotels like the Edenstar Saigon Hotel , which you can book here, or the value-for-money Silverland Central Hotel, which you can book here.
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