Saigon's nightlife is always a sight to behold. To fully enjoy the evening, there's nothing quite like a visit to a rooftop bar. From this vantage point, you can take in the vibrant and stunning panorama of the entire city. Treating yourself to a relaxing drink at the Rooftop Garden Bar of the Rex Hotel after a long day of exploring Ho Chi Minh City or a hard day's work.

When you arrive, you'll receive a warm and friendly welcome from the staff. You can indulge in a variety of meals, snacks, or your favorite cocktail as you watch the sun set. The bar offers a diverse selection of high-quality drinks to cater to everyone's tastes.

Situated on the five floors of the Rex Hotel on Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, the Rooftop Garden Bar earned the title of "one of the top-ranked bars in Southeast Asia" in 1996 according to Newsweek Magazine. Additionally, it's listed as one of the "1000 must-see places before you die" by Patricia Schultz, an American journalist. For locals, the bar also serves as an ideal venue for hosting wedding receptions and office parties.

At the northern end of Nguyen Hue Boulevard stands one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most photographed landmarks: the former Hôtel de Ville, now officially the People’s Committee Building. With its pale yellow façade, ornate balconies, and central bell tower, the building looks as if it has been transported straight from a French provincial town square – except that here, palms sway in the tropical breeze.

Designed by French architect Paul Gardès and completed in 1908, the structure was once the proud City Hall of Saigon. It kept that name until 1954, then served as the administrative center of South Vietnam until the reunification in 1975, when it became the People’s Committee headquarters. Despite the changes in government, the building itself has remained remarkably consistent: elegant, symmetrical, and always a backdrop for important events in the city.

Out front you’ll find a bronze statue of Uncle Ho gently teaching a child – a favorite photo spot for both locals and visitors. The gardens around the building are carefully tended, with seasonal flowers adding bursts of color that make the whole square look like a giant open-air stage. At night, the entire façade glows under soft golden lighting, giving it an almost theatrical appearance.

Did you know? The bell tower perched above the central pediment is not just decorative – it was inspired by town halls in northern France, meant to symbolize both civic pride and the colonial authorities’ “voice” ringing out across the city.

Unfortunately, the interior remains off-limits since it houses government offices, so you can’t wander the halls. Still, the best “show” is outside. For the most magical photos, arrive just before sunset when the sky deepens to pink and the lights switch on – your snapshots will look like they belong on a vintage postcard.

Right in the heart of District 1, stands the Saigon Central Post Office – a living postcard from colonial times. Originally designed by the famous Gustave Eiffel and erected in 1860, the building was rebuilt between 1886 and 1891 according to Alfred Foulhoux’s design to meet the increasing demand. It blends Gothic, Renaissance, and French colonial styles into one striking façade.

Outside, its bright yellow walls, green shutters, and intricate ironwork capture your attention immediately. A large classic clock hovers above the main entrance, flanked by these tall arched windows and names of inventors like Volta, Faraday, and Ohm etched into the walls – little tributes to the era of telegraphy and early communication.

Step inside and you’re transported back in time: under a high vaulted ceiling, sun streams through domed windows onto marble-tiled floors. Vintage wooden telephone booths, old-fashioned benches, and two giant historic maps – one of Saigon and surroundings from 1892, the other showing telegraphic lines to Cambodia from 1936 – line the central hall. At the far end, a portrait of Ho Chi Minh watches over the bustle of postal counters and souvenir stalls.

Did you know? The Central Post Office offered a letter-writing service that assisted both locals who could not write and foreigners who needed translation help. Duong Van Ngo, known as Vietnam's last public letter writer, worked here for over 70 years until 2023.

Even though many services are modernized, the post office still functions fully – postcards, stamps, parcels, even express delivery. And yes, you can (and should) send a postcard from here: it’s one of the most charming souvenirs you’ll get in Saigon.

Tip: Visit in the morning when the light enhances the interior’s warmth and the crowds are thinner. Bring enough small cash for postcards and stamps – you’ll want both before you leave.

Nestled in the heart of District 1, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a stunning reminder of colonial ambition and timeless faith. Construction began in 1877, and by 1880 the building was consecrated. Later, in 1895, twin bell towers were added, each soaring about 57.6 meters and topped by 3.5-meter crosses, making them among the tallest church towers in Vietnam.

The cathedral’s walls and roof have seen many seasons, and since 2017 it has been under a major restoration project. The renovation is ongoing, with roof work, the restoration of the zinc towers, bell towers, and much of the external façade well underway. The cathedral remains under an ongoing restoration project, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Did you know? Two enormous iron crosses – each nearly 4 meters high and weighing a bout 600 kg-were removed in early 2023 and shipped to Belgium for restoration because centuries of weather had left them badly corroded.

Despite the ongoing work, the cathedral continues to welcome worshippers and visitors. Masses are still held daily (with a bilingual service in English on Sundays), and the square in front remains open for photography, quiet reflection, and taking in the view of those towers reaching sky-high.

Inside, you’ll be wowed by the stained glass windows, the arches, and the soft light filtering in – you can almost feel the old stones breathing history. Though parts of the interior may be closed during restoration, there’s enough visible charm to make it worth the visit.

Tip: Come in the morning or early evening when the light glows off the red bricks and the square is less crowded. Always check ahead for interior access because some sections may be closed due to the restoration work.

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden offers a peaceful getaway from the bustle of the city. It is one of the oldest zoos in the world and the adjacent botanical garden has some rare, native Vietnamese species of orchids.

The Saigon Zoo was founded by a French Veterinarian, named Louis Germain, and covered an area of 12 hectares in 1864. Later, eminent botanist Louis Pierre, who designed the botanical gardens of Kolkata in India, was invited to design the landscape for a garden, covering an additional area of 13 hectares, adjacent to the zoo, in 1869. A bridge across the Nghe Channel, built in 1927, connected the botanical gardens and the zoo. It is the biggest biological garden in Vietnam.

The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens are home to over a 100 animals, ornamental plants and rare orchids. The zoo has several species of mammals, reptiles and birds. Visitors can view the deer enclosure from an elevated walkway and there is a petting area with domesticated animals. The botanical garden has plant species from across Asia, Africa and the Americas. There are 20 species of rare orchids, many unique cacti species and 34 Bonzai tree varieties. In 1927, the Japanese government donated to the garden over 900 rare plants.

Also called the Tortoise Pagoda, this ancient temple was built in the year 1909 by the Cantonese Chinese community of the city. A statue of the Taoist God of the heavens made of jade is the main object of worship.

Visitors enter the temple from a crowded street filled with shops and houses through a traditional Chinese temple gate. The Jade statue at the center is dedicated to the Taoist God of the heavens. The deity is said to decide who will enter the heavens and whose entry will be rejected. The statue of Kim Hua, the Goddess of fertility is in the room to the left of the central hall and another room has the statue of the King of Hell surrounded by his minions. The interiors are filled with paintings portraying Taoist and Buddhist mythical stories and sculpture depicting the ten levels of hell and the apocalypse from Chinese mythology. The temple is an active one and the smell of burning incense hangs heavily in the atmosphere. There is a large concrete pond in front of the temple filled with large turtles.

Why You Should Visit:
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Tip:
Be sure to make your way through the hallways and upstairs to see all there is to see.

Few places in Ho Chi Minh City carry as much symbolic weight as the Independence Palace – better known to many as the Reunification Palace. This is the very spot where tanks famously rolled through the gates, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the beginning of a new chapter in the nation’s history.

The palace stands on the grounds of the former Norodom Palace, once home to the French governor of Cochinchina. Over the decades it has seen a revolving cast of occupants – Japanese forces during World War II, French colonial leaders, and later the presidents of South Vietnam. After a dramatic bombing in the early 1960s destroyed much of the old residence, a sleek modernist structure was commissioned from renowned architect Ngo Viet Thu, who envisioned a building that would reflect both authority and optimism.

Step inside today and it feels like time has paused in the 1970s. Vast reception halls gleam with polished wood and period furniture. A cinema and game room still display retro fittings, while the underground bunkers reveal rows of maps, radio equipment, and tunnels designed for quick escape. On the front lawn, the tanks that once forced the gates remain on display – silent but powerful reminders of that decisive moment.

Did you know? The palace’s architecture was deliberately designed with feng shui principles in mind, including symbolic motifs intended to bring balance and harmony to the nation?

Tip: Plan to give yourself at least an hour or two. Start with the grand ceremonial halls before making your way to the basement command center. Free guided tours in multiple languages are often available, and they add invaluable context to what might otherwise feel like a time capsule.

Ben Thanh Market is where Saigon shows its colors, flavors, and its irresistible energy all at once. The iconic market building with the clock tower has been a landmark since 1914, standing as a symbol of both colonial architecture and local commerce.

Inside the day market (open roughly 6 AM to 6 PM daily), you’ll find endless alleys of vendors selling everything from handcrafted lacquerware, vibrant textiles, silks and national dresses called Ao Dai, to dried fruits, spices, coffee beans, and fresh produce.

The four main entrances act like portals to different specialties: textiles and garments through the South Gate; seafood, flowers, and fresh food in the North; snacks and cosmetics in the East; crafts and souvenirs in the West.

As evening falls, the market transforms. The indoor stalls close off at 6 PM, and then surrounding streets light up with night-market energy: food vendors set up outside the gates, grilling seafood, serving pho, banh mi, tropical fruits, and sweet treats. The night market runs most evenings until about 10 or 11 PM depending on the crowd and what vendors are open.

Did you know? The market was originally built on what used to be a pond area (called Bo Ret), and its drainage issues during rains are still a familiar headache for vendors and visitors.

Tip: Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds, see fresh produce, and enjoy cooler temperatures. If you’re after food and local street-scene vibes, evenings are unbeatable but be ready to bargain.

Soaring above District 1 like a futuristic lotus reaching for the sky, Bitexco Financial Tower is one of Saigon’s most striking modern landmarks. Designed by Carlos Zapata Studio with French firm AREP, its neo-futuristic form – with a helipad jutting out from its side – is meant to echo Vietnam’s national flower. It opened in 2010, stands 262.5 meters tall with 68 floors above ground (plus basements), and was once the tallest building in Vietnam.

Inside you’ll find Icon68, a six-floor shopping and entertainment complex at the base of the tower. It’s home to fashion labels, cafés, a multipurpose food court, and a cinema – perfect for when you need a break from walking.

On higher levels, there are upscale restaurants and lounges that offer both global cuisine and rooftop views.

The real draw is the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor, about 178-180 meters up. Here you get 360-degree views of the city’s skyline, the Saigon River, Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and beyond. It’s a fantastic place for sunrise, sunset, or city-lights photography.

Did you know? The helipad on the 52nd floor extends out from the main structure – 22 meters past the building’s edge, making it one of the most visually dramatic architectural features in Saigon.

If there’s one place that captures the pulse of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Stretching from the Saigon River to the grand façade of the People’s Committee Building, this broad, tree-lined boulevard is both the city’s stage and its playground. Closed to traffic since 2015, the avenue has become a magnet for families, street performers, and anyone who wants to enjoy the city without dodging motorbikes.

During the day, the wide granite-paved promenade offers a welcome breather from the bustle of surrounding streets. Benches, fountains, and shade trees provide resting spots, while cafés and bubble tea shops lure visitors with a cold drink. But it’s after sunset that Nguyen Hue really shows off: neon billboards blaze, kids whizz by on hoverboards, and impromptu dance groups claim their patches of pavement.

Did you know? The street features one of the largest interactive fountains in Southeast Asia, with water and light shows choreographed every evening.

The architecture along the way tells its own story. Sleek skyscrapers rise behind colonial gems such as the Rex Hotel and the Saigon Opera House. Hidden among modern shopfronts you’ll also find quirky cafés tucked into old apartment blocks ¬– a reminder of how the city layers past and present.

Festivals and holidays bring the boulevard to life on a bigger scale. During Lunar New Year, the entire street transforms into a flower road, decorated with elaborate floral displays and lanterns that attract millions of visitors. It’s one of the city’s proudest traditions.
Tip: For the best experience, come in the evening when the temperatures drop and the energy rises. Grab a ice cream from a street vendor, find a spot by the lotus fountain, and simply watch Saigon swirl around you.

If Nguyen Hue is Ho Chi Minh City’s showpiece, Dong Khoi Street is its grand old boulevard - where history, culture, and commerce have been mingling for centuries. Once known as Rue Catinat under the French, the street was later renamed Tu Do (or Freedom) Street during the South Vietnam era, before finally becoming Dong Khoi, or „Total Revolution,” after reunification in 1975.

Strolling here feels like flipping through the city’s history book. Elegant colonial façades stand beside shiny designer boutiques and coffee chains. Iconic landmarks like the Saigon Opera House, the Notre Dame Cathedral, and the Central Post Office are just steps away.

Did you know? Graham Greene’s novel The Quiet American was set here, and some scenes from the 2002 film adaptation were actually shot along this very street.

Hotels such as the Caravelle, Majestic, and Continental have hosted everyone from war correspondents to celebrities, while today they serve travelers looking for a touch of old-world charm. Peek into smaller side shops and you’ll find silk scarves, embroidered textiles, and quirky souvenirs that are more memorable than anything from a mall.

Tip: Dong Khoi is best explored on foot in the early evening, when the heat eases, the lights come on, and the street hums with life. Bring your camera-you’ll want to capture both the architecture and the atmosphere.

The Saigon Opera House, officially known as the Municipal Theatre, is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most striking landmarks and a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. Built between 1898 and 1900 by French architect Félix Olivier, with contributions from Ernest Guichard and Eugène Ferret, the theater was inspired by the Petit Palais in Paris. Its ornate façade, with arched windows, grand balconies, and intricate sculptures, reflects the city’s colonial past and stands as a cultural treasure in modern-day Vietnam.

Over the decades, the Opera House has had a colorful history. It was damaged during World War II, later repurposed as temporary housing for displaced families, and even served as the National Assembly for South Vietnam in the 1950s. After reunification, its original role as a performing arts venue was restored. A major renovation in 1998 brought the theater back to its full glory in time for Saigon’s 300th anniversary celebrations.

Inside, visitors will find an opulent space adorned with chandeliers, gilded décor, and plush seating. The auditorium accommodates about 1,800 people across three levels, offering excellent acoustics for a wide range of performances. Today, the Opera House hosts an eclectic program that includes opera, ballet, classical concerts, traditional Vietnamese music, and modern cultural shows.

Experiencing a live performance in such a historic setting is a highlight of any trip to Ho Chi Minh City. Even if you don’t attend a show, the building itself is worth admiring for its grandeur and elegance.

For the best experience, consider booking tickets online in advance. Many shows include extras such as a complimentary welcome drink with certain ticket categories.

Right in the heart of the city, Ho Chi Minh Square is where colonial charm, modern commerce, and political symbolism all meet in one open space. Framed by the grand façade of the People’s Committee Building (the former City Hall) and overlooked by a bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh himself, the square is both a ceremonial stage and a favorite hangout for locals. Families often stroll here in the evenings, children darting around while couples pose for photos in front of the flowerbeds.

Once lined with French villas and colonial offices, the square today also rubs shoulders with sleek international boutiques and glittering hotels. Just across the way stands the historic Rex Hotel, whose rooftop bar became legendary during the Vietnam War as the place where correspondents and officials traded stories under the neon glow of Saigon nights.

Tip: visit at dusk, when the heat eases and the lights come on. That’s when the square really comes alive – perfect for an evening stroll with a coconut ice cream in hand.