12 Must-Visit Spots In Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

The biggest city in Vietnam and one of the most vibrant metropolises in the whole of South East Asia is Ho Chi Minh City where locals call it Saigon. There are a lot of fabulous and diverse sights for tourists to visit with both new and renovated attractions. Beginnings of my Vietnam journey

1. Notre Dame Cathedral

Originally completed in 1863 and expanded up to 1880 the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is one of the most prominent landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Indeed the building is made of red bricks and its architecture has two tall towers with stained glass windows that were purchased from France. It is used for mass services, one can simply also go and witness the marvelous work of architecture along with the statues which are in this compound.

2. Reunification Palace

Also known as the Independence Palace before, the Reunification Palace seems to be extremely historical. It became the location of the surrender of South Vietnam and the War in Vietnam when North Vietnamese tanks over-ran the building. Currently, people can visit the mansion and check out tank 843 as well as get to know more about the country’s history.

3. War Remnants Museum

This museum is a testament to the terrible experiences of the Vietnamese in the Vietnam War. We have photographs, relics, and graphic presentations on use of the chemicals such as Agent Orange and other war injustices. Possibly the most intense journey you will ever have when visiting the War Remnants Museum.

4. Saigon Central Post Office

Originally, the Central Post Office was constructed at the end of the 19th century and it is one of today’s symbols of Ho Chi Minh City. Presumably, it has such elements of the Gothic style as the high ceilings and wide arches, the maps of the southern part of Vietnam, and the portrait of Ho Chi Minh. Some of them sell souvenir items, but they are very limited, or one can just marvel at the structure.

5. Dong Khoi Street

Dong Khoi Street – this name replaced Rue Catinat, which is a prominent commercial strip with numerous shops, restaurants, and hotels. T here is an opportunity to go shopping at designer stores, to pick up the souvenir in a shop, or to stop at a café or a bar. At night, the area lights up to signify that there is much life.

6. Saigon Opera House

Another building constructed during the French colonial period to be found in Ho Chi Minh City is the Saigon Opera House. It is a beauty that was constructed in 1897 to host cultural performances such as opera, ballet, musical concerts, and Vietnamese plays among others. People can also visit the building and also observe the beautiful art and designs of the building.

7. Bitexco Financial Tower

The 68-floor BITEXCO Financial Building along with its Sky deck on the 49th floor has a breathtaking view of the city of Ho Chi Minh. Take the stylish and sleek architectural elevator for a bird’s eye view of neighboring structures of the city. The Skydeck also contains a restaurant, a helipad, and other features.

8. The Backpacker Area or Backpacker Street, Bùi Viện Street

Bùi Viện is a place that is located in the heart of District 1; particularly, it is a place that is full of backpackers. They trot from one shop to the other, savoring a wide variety of local and international food and snacks from the numerous food stalls and drinking bars along the street. Get a cup of Vietnamese coffee, sit back and enjoy the landscape or even engage in a conversation with a stranger or the locals.

9. Bến Thành Market

Every visitor should plan to spend some time at the vibrant Bến Thành Market. There is a big covered market where tourists can buy various goods and products from footwear to food to household items and souvenirs. Expect to bargain because this is customary in African countries and most of the vendors will not hesitate to set higher prices expecting you to negotiate. It creates quite an atmosphere, one that cannot be described as boring in any way.

10. Củ Chi Tunnels

Located outside Ho Chi Minh City, the Củ Chi Tunnels offer tourists an opportunity to experience how the Viet Cong lived during the Vietnam War by going underground. There is a 120-mile tunnel and visitors can only move in small sections of the cavity due to preservation of the tunnels. Some of the other attractive features are opportunities to watch trap doors, living spaces, kitchens, and even some of the weapons that were used during the war.

11. Saigon zoo and botanical gardens in southern Vietnam.

We can say that the presence of green vegetation gives this place a good break from the everyday noise and bustle. Walk along the tree's covered avenues while observing more than one hundred species of mammals, reptiles, and birds such as elephants, lions, bears, pink-colored flamingos, and many others. Other exciting things include a toy train, dinosaur exhibitions along with musical fountain.

12. Suối Tiên Theme Park

Suối Tiên Amusement Park is one of the best-known ones; it holds colorful and exciting attractions that include thrilling rides, game stalls, live shows, and food kiosks that serve carnival-inspired delicacies. Facilities available for outdoor activities include the bouncers, pirate ship, merry-go-round, and the tamer. There is more fun for those who go there with their families and anyone who wants to experience the feeling of an amusement park while in the area.

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