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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:
The Temple is old and holds some magnificent wood carvings, but what makes it unique is that it is alive (still a place for reverence) аnd іnсrеdіblу аtmоsрhеrіс wіth іnсеnsе smоkе hаngіng hеаvу іn thе аіr.

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

The War Remnants Museum is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most visited sites, offering a sobering look at the Vietnam War – known in Vietnam as the American War – from a local perspective. It is not a lighthearted stop, but rather a deeply thought-provoking experience that leaves a lasting impression on most visitors.

The museum is arranged across several themed galleries and an outdoor courtyard. On the grounds stand original military vehicles and equipment such as tanks, artillery, helicopters, and fighter jets, as well as large ordnance once used during the conflict. Inside, the galleries house exhibits that document the war through photography, artifacts, and detailed narratives.

Among the most powerful displays are those dedicated to the consequences of chemical warfare, particularly the use of Agent Orange, with striking images and personal stories illustrating its devastating long-term effects. Another section focuses on the treatment of prisoners, including reconstructions of the so-called “tiger cages” where detainees were once confined. Visitors will also find exhibits about major wartime events, including atrocities that shaped global awareness of the conflict.

While much of the material is harrowing, the museum also highlights the work of international war correspondents and photojournalists, whose striking images helped bring the realities of the war to audiences worldwide. The inclusion of historical artifacts such as a French guillotine further broadens the scope of the museum, reminding visitors that Vietnam’s struggles for independence extended beyond the American War.

The War Remnants Museum provides one of the most comprehensive and impactful accounts of modern Vietnamese history. It is an essential stop for anyone wishing to understand the human cost of war and the resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Tip: Starting from the upper floors and working your way down helps the exhibits flow more coherently.