Go to these Vietnam Saigon Sights
If you’re planning a go to to Vietnam and Saigon quickly, try these prime points of interest to exploring the capital metropolis now referred to as Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. On this put up, we discover a number of the most visually beautiful, historic websites, enjoyable foodie venues and scenic venues to discover across the metropolis. We share the cultural highlights, the central district and Previous city attraction and one in all a form experiences to having a novel expertise right here within the metropolis. Use this information to showcase all of the should do issues and locations to go to when you’re searching for attention-grabbing and straightforward issues to get pleasure from round city.
A quick historical past about Saigon / Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, nonetheless broadly identified by its former title Saigon, has a layered historical past formed by commerce, colonialism, warfare, and speedy modernization. Its origins hint again to the Khmer folks, who managed the area till the seventeenth century, when Vietnamese settlers started transferring south and step by step integrated the realm. By the late 1600s, Saigon turned an vital frontier settlement, ultimately creating right into a bustling hub for commerce due to its location alongside the Saigon River.
Within the mid-Nineteenth century, the French seized management and reworked Saigon into the capital of colonial Cochinchina. They constructed broad boulevards, grand authorities buildings, and church buildings, giving the town a distinctly European architectural model that also lingers right this moment. Beneath French rule, Saigon earned a popularity because the “Pearl of the Far East,” mixing French tradition with Vietnamese traditions.
After World Conflict II, the town turned the capital of South Vietnam in the course of the Vietnam Conflict, a interval that cemented its place in world headlines. It was the positioning of each prosperity and turmoil, with speedy development alongside battle. In April 1975, the autumn of Saigon marked the top of the warfare and the reunification of Vietnam below communist rule. Town was renamed Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in honor of the revolutionary chief, although many locals nonetheless use “Saigon” in day by day life.
Immediately, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis stands as Vietnam’s financial powerhouse. Its previous continues to be seen in colonial landmarks, warfare relics, and conventional markets, but it’s equally outlined by its skyscrapers, tech startups, and fast-paced city power. This mixture of historical past and trendy drive makes it a metropolis that consistently balances reminiscence and reinvention.
The way to get round Saigon
Right here’s a top level view on easy methods to get round Saigon (Ho Chi Minh Metropolis):
1. Strolling
- Greatest for brief distances in central districts like District 1.
- Sidewalks could be uneven or crowded with motorbikes, so it requires persistence.
- Good for exploring markets, historic landmarks, and native neighborhoods.
2. Bike Taxis (Xe Ôm) & Experience-Hailing Apps
- Seize and Gojek are the preferred and handy for brief or medium journeys.
- Reasonably priced, fast, and straightforward to ebook by an app.
- Conventional xe ôm drivers are additionally widespread however normally require negotiating the fare.
3. Common Taxis
- Respected firms embrace Mai Linh and Vinasun.
- Metered and extra snug than motorbikes, particularly for longer rides.
- Site visitors congestion could make journeys slower throughout rush hours.
4. Buses
- Intensive native bus system protecting a lot of the town.
- Least expensive solution to journey, although routes could be complicated for first-time guests.
- Air-conditioned buses are extra snug, however schedules might not be punctual.
5. Metro (Beneath Improvement)
- Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Metro Line 1 is below development, anticipated to ease congestion in coming years.
- At present, not but operational (as of 2025).
6. Renting a Bike
- Well-liked amongst adventurous vacationers wanting flexibility.
- Reasonably priced day by day or weekly leases out there.
- Requires confidence in chaotic visitors and normally a world driver’s license.
7. Cyclos (Pedicabs)
- Conventional three-wheeled bicycle taxis, primarily for brief scenic rides in vacationer areas.
- Extra of a cultural expertise than a sensible solution to get round.
8. Non-public Automobiles or Excursions
- Automobile rent with a driver or guided excursions supply consolation and effectivity.
- Helpful for day journeys outdoors the town or group journey.
18 Well-liked points of interest to go to in Saigon
Right here’s a top level view of the 18 prime points of interest to go to in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh Metropolis) to discover under:
1. Conflict Remnants Museum
The Conflict Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is without doubt one of the strongest locations to study Vietnam’s trendy historical past. It focuses on the Vietnam Conflict, displaying pictures, paperwork, and artifacts that reveal the human price of the battle. Outdoors, guests can see tanks, helicopters, and fighter planes, whereas inside, reveals cowl every little thing from the impression of Agent Orange to worldwide anti-war actions. The museum could be emotionally heavy, nevertheless it affords a uncooked and unfiltered perspective that helps guests perceive the warfare’s lasting results on Vietnam and its folks.
- Provides a sobering take a look at the Vietnam Conflict by pictures, artifacts, and army tools.
- Some of the visited museums in Vietnam.
2. Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)
The Reunification Palace, also referred to as the Independence Palace, is a landmark tied carefully to Vietnam’s trendy historical past. Constructed within the Sixties, it served because the presidential residence and the seat of South Vietnam’s authorities in the course of the Vietnam Conflict. The palace turned iconic on April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese tanks broke by its gates, marking the top of the warfare and the reunification of the nation. Immediately, guests can tour its preserved rooms, command bunkers, and assembly halls, which stay a lot as they have been within the Nineteen Seventies. The palace not solely displays mid-Twentieth-century structure but in addition serves as a residing time capsule of a pivotal second in Vietnam’s story.
- Historic web site the place the Vietnam Conflict successfully led to 1975.
- Preserved rooms, command bunkers, and warfare memorabilia to discover.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a putting instance of French colonial structure within the coronary heart of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Constructed between 1863 and 1880 utilizing supplies imported from France, the cathedral options twin bell towers, crimson brick partitions, and stained-glass home windows that create a chic, historic presence amidst the city bustle. It stays an energetic place of worship whereas additionally drawing vacationers who admire its design and the peaceable sq. in entrance, which is commonly dotted with locals and guests taking images or resting within the shade of close by timber. The cathedral stands as a reminder of the town’s colonial previous and its enduring architectural magnificence.
- Constructed by the French within the late Nineteenth century.
- An emblem of the town with twin bell towers and crimson brick façade.
4. Saigon Central Publish Workplace
The Saigon Central Publish Workplace is a historic landmark and a functioning postal facility within the coronary heart of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. Designed by Gustave Eiffel within the late Nineteenth century, the constructing encompasses a putting mix of French colonial and Gothic architectural types, with vaulted ceilings, arched home windows, and ornamental ironwork. Inside, guests can admire previous maps, classic phone cubicles, and ornate counters whereas sending postcards or souvenirs. Its mixture of historic attraction and ongoing on a regular basis use makes the Central Publish Workplace each a cultural attraction and a glimpse into the town’s colonial heritage.
- One other French colonial landmark designed by Gustave Eiffel.
- Nonetheless a functioning put up workplace and common for its putting structure.
Contained in the Saigon Publish Workplace
5. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is one in all Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s most iconic locations, providing a full of life mixture of procuring, meals, and native tradition. Situated within the coronary heart of District 1, the market encompasses a maze of stalls promoting every little thing from clothes, souvenirs, and handicrafts to contemporary produce and road meals. It’s an ideal place to pattern Vietnamese specialties like pho, banh mi, and tropical fruits whereas experiencing the colourful hustle of day by day life. With its central location, distinctive clock tower, and bustling environment, Ben Thanh Market gives a snapshot of the town’s power and attraction.
- Bustling marketplace for souvenirs, clothes, and native road meals.
- Great spot to expertise on a regular basis commerce and bargaining.
Exploring the stalls of the Ben Thanh Market
6. Jade Emperor Pagoda
- An atmospheric Taoist pagoda stuffed with statues, carvings, and incense.
- Recognized for its religious environment and complex particulars.
7. Bitexco Monetary Tower & Skydeck
- Fashionable skyscraper with a panoramic remark deck.
- Provides sweeping views of the town skyline, particularly at sundown.
8. Nguyen Hue Strolling Avenue
Nguyen Hue Strolling Avenue is without doubt one of the hottest gathering spots in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, stretching from the Saigon River to the Folks’s Committee Constructing. This broad pedestrian avenue is lined with retailers, cafes, and high-rise buildings, making it a full of life place to walk each day and night time. Within the evenings, it comes alive with road performers, households, and teams of pals having fun with the open area, whereas seasonal decorations and festivals typically add additional coloration to the scene. With its central location and vibrant environment, it’s a favourite spot for each locals and guests to chill out, people-watch, and soak within the power of the town.
- Broad pedestrian avenue lined with retailers, cafes, and eating places.
- Well-liked for night strolls and cultural occasions.
9. Chinatown (Cholon)
Visiting Chinatown, or Cholon, in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis affords a full of life mixture of tradition, commerce, and historical past. This district is residence to bustling markets like Binh Tay, the place distributors promote every little thing from spices and herbs to family items, alongside meals stalls serving conventional Chinese language-Vietnamese dishes. Slender streets are lined with natural medication retailers, tea homes, and colourful pagodas such because the Thien Hau Temple, devoted to the ocean goddess. Cholon feels totally different from the town middle, with its distinct Chinese language heritage mixing into the fast-paced power of Saigon, making it a rewarding space to discover on foot or by motorcycle.
- Historic Chinese language district with temples, natural retailers, and bustling markets.
- Highlights embrace Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple.
10. Saigon Opera Home (Municipal Theatre)
The Saigon Opera Home, also referred to as the Municipal Theatre, is one in all Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s most elegant landmarks. Inbuilt 1897 in the course of the French colonial period, the constructing showcases ornate structure with arched home windows, detailed sculptures, and a grand façade that displays European influences. Inside, the theatre seats tons of and hosts a spread of performances, from ballet and classical live shows to trendy cultural exhibits like the favored A O Present. Even when you don’t attend a efficiency, the Opera Home is price visiting to admire its putting design, particularly when it’s illuminated at night time alongside the full of life Dong Khoi Avenue.
- Elegant French colonial constructing internet hosting cultural performances.
- Might be admired from the surface or loved by a present.
11. Saigon metropolis motorcycle tour
Considered one of my favourite issues to do on the town was to take a metropolis motorcycle tour to discover extra of the areas outdoors of the central district to seek out uncommon locations and funky issues to do across the metropolis. We had assigned drivers that toured with every customer and had an thrilling expertise on the again of every motorcycle to discover most of the distinctive and one in all a form venues not sometimes seen by vacationers except you do a enjoyable tour like this.
12. Discover the Saigon Flower market
Some of the colourful locations that we took by the town motorcycle tour was by the flower market space which was enjoyable to discover. With a tremendous assortment of tropical crops, flowers and common flower arrangements carried out and at actually wonderful costs, it was enjoyable exploring and studying just a little bit extra about this colourful and enjoyable marketplaces.
Unique flower preparations on the Saigon Flower Market
13. Go to an evening market in Saigon
Some of the common night time markets (and there are numerous) is the night time market of xxxx, a big strolling solely market stuffed with many road meals distributors, crafters, gaming / toy distributors and distinctive stalls promoting a wide range of handcrafted meals, native items to even memento stands for reasonable costs and wonderful road meals to get pleasure from.
Right here’s a top level view describing the night time markets of Saigon:
Evening Markets of Saigon
- Ben Thanh Evening Market
- Location: Surrounds the daytime Ben Thanh Market in District 1.
- Ambiance: Bustling with distributors spilling into the streets after sundown.
- Choices: Avenue meals, souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts.
- Spotlight: Reasonably priced Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh xeo, and contemporary seafood grilled on the spot.
- Ba Hoa Market
- Location: District 10, identified for its central Vietnamese influences.
- Ambiance: Native and fewer tourist-driven, giving a extra genuine really feel.
- Choices: Recent produce, conventional dishes, and regional snacks.
- Spotlight: Great spot to strive Hue-style specialties.
- Cho Lon (Binh Tay Evening Market)
- Location: Chinatown (District 5).
- Ambiance: Extra conventional, with Chinese language-Vietnamese influences.
- Choices: Natural teas, Chinese language medication, lanterns, and cultural items.
- Spotlight: Wealthy cultural mix in each meals and environment.
- Meals Avenue Markets (Ton That Thiep, Nguyen Thuong Hien, and so forth.)
- Location: Unfold throughout central districts.
- Ambiance: Streets lined with distributors and small plastic tables stuffed with locals.
- Choices: Barbecue skewers, hotpot, contemporary fruit juices, and candy desserts.
- Spotlight: Reasonably priced, enjoyable, and really social eating expertise.
If you wish to expertise an evening market, right here’s a video spotlight tour of the markets under
Right here’s a top level view describing the night time markets of Saigon:
Evening Markets of Saigon
- Ben Thanh Evening Market
- Location: Surrounds the daytime Ben Thanh Market in District 1.
- Ambiance: Bustling with distributors spilling into the streets after sundown.
- Choices: Avenue meals, souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts.
- Spotlight: Reasonably priced Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh xeo, and contemporary seafood grilled on the spot.
- Ba Hoa Market
- Location: District 10, identified for its central Vietnamese influences.
- Ambiance: Native and fewer tourist-driven, giving a extra genuine really feel.
- Choices: Recent produce, conventional dishes, and regional snacks.
- Spotlight: Great spot to strive Hue-style specialties.
- Cho Lon (Binh Tay Evening Market)
- Location: Chinatown (District 5).
- Ambiance: Extra conventional, with Chinese language-Vietnamese influences.
- Choices: Natural teas, Chinese language medication, lanterns, and cultural items.
- Spotlight: Wealthy cultural mix in each meals and environment.
- Meals Avenue Markets (Ton That Thiep, Nguyen Thuong Hien, and so forth.)
- Location: Unfold throughout central districts.
- Ambiance: Streets lined with distributors and small plastic tables stuffed with locals.
- Choices: Barbecue skewers, hotpot, contemporary fruit juices, and candy desserts.
- Spotlight: Reasonably priced, enjoyable, and really social eating expertise.
Take a look at the night time market scene right here in Saigon under, it’s wonderful!
14. Get pleasure from a Rooftop Bar or Commentary Deck
A unbelievable solution to benefit from the views of Saigon from above and recognizing the principle points of interest and landmarks whereas having fun with some delcious cocktails and small bites. Well-liked occasions are typically round sundown to nighttime visits to those common venues under:
- Expertise the View:
- Soak up panoramic views of the town skyline, Saigon River, and bustling streets under.
- Best for sunsets, night time metropolis lights, or daytime cityscapes.
- Well-liked Spots:
- Bitexco Monetary Tower Sky Deck – 360-degree metropolis views.
- Rooftop bars like Chill Skybar, EON Heli Bar, or Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar.
- Meals & Drinks:
- Get pleasure from cocktails, mocktails, or native drinks.
- Gentle bites or full meals out there at many rooftop areas.
- Ambiance & Expertise:
- Stylish, trendy settings excellent for images.
- A mixture of locals and vacationers create a full of life but relaxed vibe.
- Suggestions:
- Arrive earlier than sundown for the very best views and images.
- Costume smart-casual; some bars have a costume code.
- Examine if reservations are required for peak hours.
15. Stroll Alongside the Saigon River
A stroll alongside the Saigon River affords a peaceable distinction to the town’s full of life streets. The riverfront promenade is lined with greenery, cafés, and occasional road performers, making it superb for a morning stroll or a night unwind. Boats and ferries drift alongside the water, offering a glimpse of native life and commerce, whereas the skyline of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis rises within the background, mixing trendy structure with historic attraction. Whether or not you’re stopping to look at the sundown or just having fun with the mild river breeze, this riverside stroll affords a quiet second to soak in Saigon’s rhythm and surroundings.
16. Saigon Tremendous Arts Museum scene
The Saigon Tremendous Arts Museum sits in a quiet nook of District 3, housed in a French colonial constructing with smooth yellow partitions and stylish columns that trace on the metropolis’s layered historical past. Inside, excessive ceilings and pure mild create an ethereal, contemplative area the place Vietnamese artwork—from conventional lacquer and silk work to trendy sculptures and up to date installations—takes middle stage. Picket flooring and minimalist shows give every bit room to breathe, whereas small plaques present perception into the artists and strategies. The environment is calm, providing a peaceable break from the town’s bustle, and occasional non permanent exhibitions showcase rising expertise. Guests can linger, {photograph} the place allowed, and even browse the small store for prints or art-inspired souvenirs, making it a rewarding cease for each informal guests and artwork fans alike.
Exploring the cool artwork museums of Saigon
17. Museum of Conventional Vietnamese Drugs
The Museum of Conventional Vietnamese Drugs is a small however intriguing spot tucked away in District 5, the guts of the town’s Chinatown. It affords a glimpse into Vietnam’s lengthy custom of natural medication, displaying cabinets of dried roots, leaves, and medicinal crops, alongside conventional instruments and vintage bottles. Informative reveals clarify the makes use of of assorted herbs in treating widespread illnesses and sustaining well being, whereas previous pictures and illustrations present historic context. The museum has an intimate, barely rustic really feel, with the scent of dried herbs subtly filling the air, making a sensory connection to the practices it preserves. For these inquisitive about conventional medication or native tradition, it’s a quiet, fascinating cease that provides depth to a go to in Saigon.
Go to to the Saigon Natural Museum
18. Discover nighttime at Saigon’s central district
Discover nighttime at Saigon’s central district and also you’ll discover the town buzzing with power. Streets glow with neon lights, meals stalls sizzle with late-night bites, and locals mingle with guests round rooftop bars and full of life cafés. Motorbikes weave by the visitors, including to the heart beat of the realm, whereas road performers and night time markets create a festive environment. Whether or not you’re searching for a laid-back night stroll alongside Nguyen Hue Strolling Avenue, a style of Vietnamese road meals, or cocktails with a skyline view, the central district affords a dynamic combine that retains the town alive effectively into the night time.
Right here’s a video tour of the nightlife across the Saigon central district under
Additional Studying Visiting Vietnam
Take a look at these different posts to visiting Central, South and North Vietnam areas under
Go to to Da Nang in Central Vietnam
Imperial Hue in Central Vietnam
Conclusion to visiting Saigon in Southern Vietnam
Saigon affords a mixture of historical past, tradition, and power that feels alive at each nook. From the French colonial structure and historic temples to the bustling markets and vibrant road meals scene, there’s a layer of the town able to shock each traveler. Whether or not you’re wandering the tree-lined boulevards, sampling native flavors, or watching life pulse alongside the Saigon River, the town leaves an enduring impression that’s each dynamic and intimate. Don’t simply examine it—expertise it for your self. Guide your journey to Saigon and step right into a metropolis the place each road tells a narrative and each meal turns into a reminiscence.
About Journey journalist Noel Morata
As a photographer, blogger and journey journalist, I’ve spent plenty of time exploring SouthEast Asia and loved discovering the fantastic attraction of Vietnam and the capital metropolis of Saigon, identified at present as Ho Chi Minh metropolis. Full of historic and cultural websites, museums, vital landmarks, meals discoveries and distinctive actions and points of interest, I share a few of my favourite and common locations to go to and issues to do on this frenetic and busy metropolis of Saigon.
