Go to these Vietnam Saigon Sights
In case you are planning a go to to Vietnam and Saigon quickly, try these high points of interest to exploring the capital metropolis now known as Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. On this submit, we discover among 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 We share the cultural highlights, the central district and Outdated city attraction and considered one of a sort experiences to having a singular expertise right here within the metropolis. Use this information to showcase all of the should do issues and locations to go to if you find yourself searching for attention-grabbing and simple issues to get pleasure from round city.
A short historical past about Saigon / Ho Chi Minh Metropolis
Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, nonetheless broadly recognized by its former identify Saigon, has a layered historical past formed by commerce, colonialism, struggle, and fast modernization. Its origins hint again to the Khmer folks, who managed the area till the seventeenth century, when Vietnamese settlers started shifting south and progressively included the realm. By the late 1600s, Saigon turned an essential frontier settlement, finally 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 remodeled Saigon into the capital of colonial Cochinchina. They constructed vast boulevards, grand authorities buildings, and church buildings, giving the town a distinctly European architectural fashion that also lingers at this time. Below French rule, Saigon earned a fame 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 throughout the Vietnam Conflict, a interval that cemented its place in world headlines. It was the location of each prosperity and turmoil, with fast progress alongside battle. In April 1975, the autumn of Saigon marked the top of the struggle and the reunification of Vietnam beneath communist rule. The town was renamed Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in honor of the revolutionary chief, although many locals nonetheless use “Saigon” in every day life.
At this time, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis stands as Vietnam’s financial powerhouse. Its previous remains to be seen in colonial landmarks, struggle 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 fashionable drive makes it a metropolis that always balances reminiscence and reinvention.
How you can 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 will be uneven or crowded with motorbikes, so it requires endurance.
- Good for exploring markets, historic landmarks, and native neighborhoods.
2. Bike Taxis (Xe Ôm) & Experience-Hailing Apps
- Seize and Gojek are the most well-liked and handy for brief or medium journeys.
- Inexpensive, fast, and simple to guide by an app.
- Conventional xe ôm drivers are additionally frequent however normally require negotiating the fare.
3. Common Taxis
- Respected corporations embody 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
- In depth native bus system masking a lot of the town.
- Least expensive solution to journey, although routes will be complicated for first-time guests.
- Air-conditioned buses are extra snug, however schedules is probably not punctual.
5. Metro (Below Growth)
- Ho Chi Minh Metropolis Metro Line 1 is beneath development, anticipated to ease congestion in coming years.
- At the moment, not but operational (as of 2025).
6. Renting a Bike
- Fashionable amongst adventurous vacationers wanting flexibility.
- Inexpensive every day or weekly leases accessible.
- 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 provide consolation and effectivity.
- Helpful for day journeys exterior the town or group journey.
18 Fashionable points of interest to go to in Saigon
Right here’s a top level view of the 18 high points of interest to go to in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh Metropolis) to discover beneath:
1. Conflict Remnants Museum
The Conflict Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is among the strongest locations to find out about Vietnam’s fashionable historical past. It focuses on the Vietnam Conflict, displaying pictures, paperwork, and artifacts that reveal the human value of the battle. Outdoors, guests can see tanks, helicopters, and fighter planes, whereas inside, reveals cowl all the things from the affect of Agent Orange to worldwide anti-war actions. The museum will be emotionally heavy, however it provides a uncooked and unfiltered perspective that helps guests perceive the struggle’s lasting results on Vietnam and its folks.
- Presents a sobering take a look at the Vietnam Conflict by pictures, artifacts, and army gear.
- 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 intently to Vietnam’s fashionable historical past. Constructed within the Sixties, it served because the presidential residence and the seat of South Vietnam’s authorities throughout the Vietnam Conflict. The palace turned iconic on April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese tanks broke by its gates, marking the top of the struggle and the reunification of the nation. At this time, 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 dwelling 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 struggle memorabilia to discover.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
The Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is a placing 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, pink brick partitions, and stained-glass home windows that create a sublime, historic presence amidst the city bustle. It stays an lively 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 bushes. 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 pink 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 placing mix of French colonial and Gothic architectural kinds, 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 submit workplace and well-liked for its placing structure.
Contained in the Saigon Publish Workplace
5. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is considered one of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s most iconic locations, providing a vigorous mixture of procuring, meals, and native tradition. Situated within the coronary heart of District 1, the market encompasses a maze of stalls promoting all the things from clothes, souvenirs, and handicrafts to contemporary produce and avenue meals. It’s an important place to pattern Vietnamese specialties like pho, banh mi, and tropical fruits whereas experiencing the colourful hustle of every day life. With its central location, distinctive clock tower, and bustling ambiance, Ben Thanh Market offers a snapshot of the town’s power and attraction.
- Bustling marketplace for souvenirs, clothes, and native avenue 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 full of statues, carvings, and incense.
- Identified for its non secular ambiance and complicated particulars.
7. Bitexco Monetary Tower & Skydeck
- Trendy skyscraper with a panoramic remark deck.
- Presents sweeping views of the town skyline, particularly at sundown.
8. Nguyen Hue Strolling Road
Nguyen Hue Strolling Road is among the hottest gathering spots in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, stretching from the Saigon River to the Folks’s Committee Constructing. This vast pedestrian avenue is lined with outlets, cafes, and high-rise buildings, making it a vigorous place to walk each day and night time. Within the evenings, it comes alive with avenue performers, households, and teams of pals having fun with the open house, whereas seasonal decorations and festivals usually add further coloration to the scene. With its central location and vibrant ambiance, it’s a favourite spot for each locals and guests to loosen up, people-watch, and soak within the power of the town.
- Huge pedestrian avenue lined with outlets, cafes, and eating places.
- Fashionable for night strolls and cultural occasions.
9. Chinatown (Cholon)
Visiting Chinatown, or Cholon, in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis provides a vigorous mixture of tradition, commerce, and historical past. This district is dwelling to bustling markets like Binh Tay, the place distributors promote all the things from spices and herbs to family items, alongside meals stalls serving conventional Chinese language-Vietnamese dishes. Slim streets are lined with natural drugs outlets, 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 bike.
- Historic Chinese language district with temples, natural outlets, and bustling markets.
- Highlights embody 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 considered one of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s most elegant landmarks. In-built 1897 throughout 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 a whole bunch and hosts a variety of performances, from ballet and classical live shows to fashionable cultural reveals like the favored A O Present. Even should you don’t attend a efficiency, the Opera Home is value visiting to admire its placing design, particularly when it’s illuminated at night time alongside the vigorous Dong Khoi Road.
- Elegant French colonial constructing internet hosting cultural performances.
- Could be admired from the skin or loved by a present.
11. Saigon metropolis bike tour
Certainly one of my favourite issues to do on the town was to take a metropolis bike tour to discover extra of the areas exterior 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 bike to discover most of the distinctive and considered one of a sort 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 bike tour was by the flower market space which was enjoyable to discover. With a tremendous assortment of tropical crops, flowers and well-liked floral arrangements accomplished and at actually wonderful costs, it was enjoyable exploring and studying somewhat 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 well-liked night time markets (and there are a lot of) is the night time market of xxxx, a big strolling solely market full of many avenue 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 avenue meals to get pleasure from.
Right here’s a top level view describing the night time markets of Saigon:
Night time Markets of Saigon
- Ben Thanh Night time Market
- Location: Surrounds the daytime Ben Thanh Market in District 1.
- Ambiance: Bustling with distributors spilling into the streets after sundown.
- Choices: Road meals, souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts.
- Spotlight: Inexpensive Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh xeo, and contemporary seafood grilled on the spot.
- Ba Hoa Market
- Location: District 10, recognized for its central Vietnamese influences.
- Ambiance: Native and fewer tourist-driven, giving a extra genuine really feel.
- Choices: Contemporary produce, conventional dishes, and regional snacks.
- Spotlight: Great spot to attempt Hue-style specialties.
- Cho Lon (Binh Tay Night time Market)
- Location: Chinatown (District 5).
- Ambiance: Extra conventional, with Chinese language-Vietnamese influences.
- Choices: Natural teas, Chinese language drugs, lanterns, and cultural items.
- Spotlight: Wealthy cultural mix in each meals and ambiance.
- Meals Road Markets (Ton That Thiep, Nguyen Thuong Hien, and so on.)
- Location: Unfold throughout central districts.
- Ambiance: Streets lined with distributors and small plastic tables full of locals.
- Choices: Barbecue skewers, hotpot, contemporary fruit juices, and candy desserts.
- Spotlight: Inexpensive, enjoyable, and really social eating expertise.
If you wish to expertise an evening market, right here’s a video spotlight tour of the markets beneath
Right here’s a top level view describing the night time markets of Saigon:
Night time Markets of Saigon
- Ben Thanh Night time Market
- Location: Surrounds the daytime Ben Thanh Market in District 1.
- Ambiance: Bustling with distributors spilling into the streets after sundown.
- Choices: Road meals, souvenirs, clothes, handicrafts.
- Spotlight: Inexpensive Vietnamese dishes like pho, banh xeo, and contemporary seafood grilled on the spot.
- Ba Hoa Market
- Location: District 10, recognized for its central Vietnamese influences.
- Ambiance: Native and fewer tourist-driven, giving a extra genuine really feel.
- Choices: Contemporary produce, conventional dishes, and regional snacks.
- Spotlight: Great spot to attempt Hue-style specialties.
- Cho Lon (Binh Tay Night time Market)
- Location: Chinatown (District 5).
- Ambiance: Extra conventional, with Chinese language-Vietnamese influences.
- Choices: Natural teas, Chinese language drugs, lanterns, and cultural items.
- Spotlight: Wealthy cultural mix in each meals and ambiance.
- Meals Road Markets (Ton That Thiep, Nguyen Thuong Hien, and so on.)
- Location: Unfold throughout central districts.
- Ambiance: Streets lined with distributors and small plastic tables full of locals.
- Choices: Barbecue skewers, hotpot, contemporary fruit juices, and candy desserts.
- Spotlight: Inexpensive, enjoyable, and really social eating expertise.
Take a look at the night time market scene right here in Saigon beneath, it’s wonderful!
14. Get pleasure from a Rooftop Bar or Statement Deck
A improbable solution to benefit from the views of Saigon from above and recognizing the primary points of interest and landmarks whereas having fun with some delcious cocktails and small bites. Fashionable occasions are typically round sundown to nighttime visits to those well-liked venues beneath:
- Expertise the View:
- Absorb panoramic views of the town skyline, Saigon River, and bustling streets beneath.
- Perfect for sunsets, night time metropolis lights, or daytime cityscapes.
- Fashionable 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.
- Mild bites or full meals accessible at many rooftop areas.
- Ambiance & Expertise:
- Stylish, fashionable settings excellent for pictures.
- A mixture of locals and vacationers create a vigorous but relaxed vibe.
- Suggestions:
- Arrive earlier than sundown for the most effective views and images.
- Gown smart-casual; some bars have a gown code.
- Verify if reservations are required for peak hours.
15. Stroll Alongside the Saigon River
A stroll alongside the Saigon River provides a peaceable distinction to the town’s vigorous streets. The riverfront promenade is lined with greenery, cafés, and occasional avenue performers, making it supreme 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 fashionable 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 provides a quiet second to soak in Saigon’s rhythm and surroundings.
16. Saigon Fantastic Arts Museum scene
The Saigon Fantastic Arts Museum sits in a quiet nook of District 3, housed in a French colonial constructing with delicate yellow partitions and stylish columns that trace on the metropolis’s layered historical past. Inside, excessive ceilings and pure gentle create an ethereal, contemplative house the place Vietnamese artwork—from conventional lacquer and silk work to fashionable sculptures and up to date installations—takes middle stage. Wood flooring and minimalist shows give every bit room to breathe, whereas small plaques present perception into the artists and methods. The ambiance 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 fanatics 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 center of the town’s Chinatown. It provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s lengthy custom of natural drugs, 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 frequent 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 fascinated about conventional drugs 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 vigorous cafés. Motorbikes weave by the visitors, including to the heart beat of the realm, whereas avenue performers and night time markets create a festive ambiance. Whether or not you’re searching for a laid-back night stroll alongside Nguyen Hue Strolling Road, a style of Vietnamese avenue meals, or cocktails with a skyline view, the central district provides a dynamic combine that retains the town alive properly into the night time.
Right here’s a video tour of the nightlife across the Saigon central district beneath
Additional Studying Visiting Vietnam
Take a look at these different posts to visiting Central, South and North Vietnam areas beneath
Go to to Da Nang in Central Vietnam
Imperial Hue in Central Vietnam
Conclusion to visiting Saigon in Southern Vietnam
Saigon provides 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 avenue 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 a long-lasting impression that’s each dynamic and intimate. Don’t simply examine it—expertise it for your self. Ebook your journey to Saigon and step right into a metropolis the place each avenue 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 a whole lot of time exploring SouthEast Asia and loved discovering the fantastic attraction of Vietnam and the capital metropolis of Saigon, recognized at the moment as Ho Chi Minh metropolis. Stuffed with historic and cultural websites, museums, essential landmarks, meals discoveries and distinctive actions and points of interest, I share a few of my favourite and well-liked locations to go to and issues to do on this frenetic and busy metropolis of Saigon.