Top Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh fact

1. Reunification Palace

This palace was the Vietnamese general’s base until his death in 1963. It became world famous in 1975 when a North Vietnamese army tank passed through the main gate, ending the Vietnam War.

 

Nowadays you can visit this palace in the form of a museum. It is quite unique to see that everything still looks as it was 40 years ago, including an air raid shelter and a communication room from which troops were directed.

2. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the famous landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City. Every day thousands of visitors come to the market to walk around and buy something. You can buy almost anything here. Popular Vietnamese clothes, jewelry, souvenirs, food or coffee. Don't forget to haggle on the price!

Inside Ben Thanh Market there is always something going on. You can also try some Vietnamese delicacies, which is totally recommended.

When the shops in Ben Thanh Market close at around 6pm, various stalls are set up outside to serve the daily night market. Walking around the night market is definitely worth it, but not before 7:00 – 7:30 pm.

3. War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum shows the wars in which Vietnam was involved in the recent past. Special attention is given to the war with the Americans, where also weapons of mass destruction like napalm were used.

For those who are interested in this subject, it is definitely worth a visit. Furthermore, you can see several vehicles like tanks or jets in front of the building, which were used during the war.

4. Notre-Dame Cathedral

The Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. The cathedral is another landmark of the city and was built in 1883. The two bell towers are 58 meters high and the cathedral was built with materials from France, which were imported especially for that.

In 1962 the cathedral was officially declared a Basilica by the Pope and since then it has been named Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Today it is not only a church, but also a major tourist attraction.

There is no entrance fee if you want to visit the cathedral, but you have to be aware of the opening times. It is open daily from 8.00 to 11.00 A.M. and from 3.00 to 6.00 P.M. On Sundays there are also regular worship services, which you also can attend to.

5. Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office

Right opposite Notre Dame Cathedral, you will find another famous building – Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office. This building is also kept like many other French colonial style buildings. The design was done by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

The Central Post Office is a tourist attraction today, but still serves the purpose as a real post office and you can send some mail home to your family and friends. The interior is beautifully designed and inside there are also a number of souvenir shops for visitors.

During the week, the Central Post Office is open daily from 7:00 am. until 7pm On weekends it closes at 6pm. Of course there is no admission to tour the building.

6. Ho Chi Minh City Hall

Another magnificent building in the French colonial style is the old Ho Chi Minh City City Hall. The impressive hall was built in 1906 and today houses the working place of the Vietnam People's Committee.

In front there is a monument of Ho Chi Minh and a large square leading down to the river. However, during the day, you won't find many shaded spots on the square and so it's pretty deserted. But as soon as the sun goes down, the square comes to life – just like the rest of the city.

7. Try Vietnamese food

Vietnamese cuisine with diverse cuisine has been famous throughout the country. There is everything from rice dishes to sandwiches or noodle soups. You should absolutely try Vietnamese pho and our favorite Vietnamese dish, banh mi sandwich.

During your stay in Ho Chi Minh City, you will see lots of little benches on street corners where people sit to eat or have something to drink. However, most of the time you will only see locals in those places and not many tourists.

Dive into the local culture and join the locals. You are sure to be received with a friendly smile. Most stalls offer beer in the evening, which you can enjoy by the roadside. Sit down, have a drink and soak up the atmosphere of the city. Surprised!