There are plenty of things to see and to do in Ho Chi Minh City. It’s the perfect place for a trip with a difference and it’s worth spending some time exploring this beautiful city.
The Cathedral of Notre Dame is one of the most iconic structures in Ho Chi Minh and is well worth a visit. The red brick church was built between 1877 and 1883 and has some pretty stained glass windows.
Cu Chi Tunnels
When you first visit the Cu Chi Tunnels, you'll immediately understand why these claustrophobic underground routes were so important for Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War. They provided hiding places, communication and supply routes, hospitals and living quarters.
Today, these enigmatic network of tunnels are preserved as a memorial park and a fascinating HCMC attraction. You can book a guided tour to get a thorough insight into the tunnels' history.
War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a powerful reminder of Vietnam’s turbulent history. Its collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents provides a comprehensive overview of the country’s past.
It also shows how the Vietnam War affected different people from both sides of the conflict. The main exhibition includes sections focusing on the United States, South Vietnam, and North Vietnam.
The most striking exhibit here is a section featuring photos of victims of Agent Orange, a chemical weapon used by the US in Vietnam during the war. These pictures show how this chemical weapon caused disease, deformity, and disability in generations of Vietnamese.
Notre Dame Cathedral
If you're planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, then the iconic Notre Dame Cathedral is a must-visit destination. Located in the heart of District 1, the church is in close proximity to popular tourist attractions such as Ben Thanh Market and the Reunification Palace.
Built by French colonists in 1863-1880, Notre Dame Cathedral is a popular landmark for local Catholics and foreigners alike. It boasts a distinct red brick facade, twin bell towers measuring 58 meters, and stained glass windows.
Lam Son Square
As one of the most prestigious districts of Ho Chi Minh City, this area is home to some of the city’s best designer shops, cocktail bars and restaurants. It also hosts a bustling market selling everything from local handicrafts to souvenirs and clothes.
Located across from the Opera House, Lam Son Square is a lovely place to relax with a drink and watch the city go by. The statue of President Ho Chi Minh stands at the centre, surrounded by well-trimmed hedges and pretty benches.
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is a bustling market with a wide range of products. From fresh fruits and vegetables to clothes, souvenirs, and cosmetics, you can find almost anything here.
This is a popular market for tourists and locals alike. Its stalls sell a variety of Vietnamese foods, including Banh mi (bread filled with cold cuts and Vietnamese pork rolls), Goi cuon (spring roll), and grilled pork pate.
The market is open day and night. The best time to visit is in the afternoon or early evening.
Le Van Tam Park
Located in the south of Saigon, Le Van Tam Park is an asset for those who want to relax and explore the city. It is a place where you can take a stroll, have a picnic with your loved ones, and even exercise!
The park is surrounded by a variety of flowers and trees, making it an ideal venue for taking photos. It also features several lakes with pavilions, a river, and a stone-carving, weaving, and pottery-making village replica.
During the New Year's holiday, a flower market takes place in the park. Here, you can find a variety of ornamental plants and flowers such as lily, peach blossoms, kumquats, apricot, and sunflower.
Turtle Lake
Ho Con Rua, or Turtle Lake in Vietnamese, is a popular tourist attraction and a must-see when visiting Saigon. Its green grass and trees, lotuses in the lake, flowers in the oval tower, and a unique Feng Shui design make it a pleasant place to walk around.
Located in the center of a traffic circle connecting Vo Van Tan, Pham Ngoc Thach and Tran Cao Van Streets, Turtle Lake is a favorite hangout spot for local residents. The area has just undergone a four-month facelift to improve its look.
