12 Must-Visit Destinations in Saigon: Check In and Fall in Love Instantly!

Date: 2025.11.19

Ho Chi Minh City — affectionately known as Saigon — is one of the most vibrant and energetic cities in Vietnam. Blending a modern lifestyle with rich historical and cultural heritage, the city attracts not only locals but also millions of international visitors each year.

Whether it’s your first time visiting or you’ve been here many times before, Saigon always offers something new to discover — from iconic colonial architecture and bustling commercial districts, to uniquely styled cafés and peaceful spiritual sanctuaries nestled in the heart of the city.

In this article, we’ll take you through 12 must-visit destinations that perfectly capture the city’s charm — where tradition meets modernity in a metropolis that never sleeps.

1. Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Address: No. 01 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: No. 01 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

As one of the most iconic architectural landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City, the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is not only admired for its enchanting classical beauty but also serves as a cultural, religious, and historical symbol of the city.

Built in the late 19th century by the French, the cathedral features striking Neo-Romanesque architecture, characterized by its signature red bricks imported entirely from Marseille, France. The two towering bell towers rise dramatically into the sky, creating a majestic centerpiece in District 1 — a truly breathtaking sight for any first-time visitor.

Tip: Take a leisurely stroll around the cathedral to admire its unique architecture and enjoy a rare moment of calm amid Saigon’s lively streets.

2. Ben Thanh Market

Address: Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

Ben Thanh Market is one of Saigon’s oldest and most iconic hubs for commerce, cuisine, and culture. It is the perfect place to shop for local specialties, handicrafts, fabrics, clothing, and to savor authentic street food such as bún riêu, grilled pork vermicelli, and three-color sweet soup (chè ba màu).

By day, the market buzzes with vibrant and orderly trade activities. By night, the area surrounding the market transforms into a lively night market filled with food stalls and souvenir shops that stay open late, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

Tip: Get lost in the narrow aisles — that’s where you’ll find the most interesting local treats and authentic gifts

3. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

The beating heart of downtown, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a lively pedestrian boulevard lined with modern buildings, cafés, and historic landmarks. By day it’s perfect for sightseeing and photos; by night it turns into a dazzling open-air stage filled with lights, music, and laughter.

Tip: If you visit on weekends or during holidays, don’t miss the festive atmosphere filled with colorful street music, cultural events, and an energetic celebration unlike any other.

4. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

Address: Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

The Independence Palace is a major historical landmark that preserves numerous artifacts and exhibition rooms recreating the events of April 30, 1975 — the day the Vietnam War ended and the country was reunified. This site holds profound historical significance and attracts both Vietnamese and international visitors seeking to learn about the nation’s heroic past.

Tip: Don’t rush your visit — the detailed exhibits are worth exploring carefully to understand the significance of each space.

5. Landmark 81

Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu, Ward 22, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: 720A Dien Bien Phu, Ward 22, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City)

Landmark 81 is currently the tallest building in Vietnam and a striking symbol of modern Ho Chi Minh City. From its high-floor observation deck, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the sprawling cityscape, complete with towering skyscrapers and the winding Saigon River.

Tip: Time your visit for sunset — the view of the golden city lights flickering to life is simply unforgettable.

6. Bui Vien Walking Street (Backpacker Street)

Address: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

Bui Vien Walking Street is one of the most vibrant nightlife hubs in Ho Chi Minh City, famous for its bustling bars, live music venues, and diverse street food offerings. It’s also a major gathering spot for international travelers, creating a uniquely lively and multicultural atmosphere.

Tip: Enjoy the buzz but stay mindful of your belongings — the area can get packed during weekends.

7. Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: 65 Ly Tu Trong, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

Set inside an elegant French colonial mansion, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum showcases the city’s evolution through artifacts, photographs, and cultural exhibits — from early settlements to its modern transformation.

Tip: Spend at least an hour here, especially exploring the wartime section, which brings Vietnam’s history vividly to life.

8. Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng)

Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu, Da Kao Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: 73 Mai Thi Luu, Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

The Jade Emperor Pagoda, built in 1909 by the local Chinese community, is a Taoist temple renowned for its sacred atmosphere, thick incense smoke, and intricately crafted statues of deities. It is a spiritual landmark that attracts both locals and visitors seeking to explore the city’s rich religious and cultural heritage.

Tip: Visit during quieter hours to truly feel its serene energy — and remember to respect ongoing rituals if taking photos.

9. Cu Chi Tunnels

Address: Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site, Phu Hiep Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site, Phu Hiep Commune, Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City — approximately 70 km from the city center)

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a world-famous wartime underground network, offering a uniquely immersive historical experience unlike any other attraction in the city. Once a crucial military base during the resistance war, this site vividly recreates the harsh living and combat conditions of Vietnamese soldiers.

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water. If you’re feeling adventurous, crawl through one of the original tunnels to experience history up close.

10. Tao Dan Park

Address: Tao Dan Park, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: Tao Dan Park, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

Tao Dan Park is a refreshing green oasis in the heart of the city, known for its hundreds of ancient trees and peaceful, cool atmosphere. It is an ideal spot for relaxation, leisurely walks, exercise, or outdoor activities — cherished by both locals and tourists.

Tip: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the freshest air. The park is also perfect for families with children or as a restful stop between city sightseeing activities.

11. Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens (Thảo Cầm Viên)

Address: 2B Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
(Former address: 2B Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City)

The Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest zoological and botanical parks in Southeast Asia, home to a wide variety of rare animals and hundreds of plant species. Its lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere make it an ideal destination for families and anyone looking for a peaceful escape in the heart of the city.

Tip: Don’t miss the orchid garden and children’s play zone — ideal for a leisurely visit.

12. Saigon Riverside Park – Thu Thiem

Address: Nguyen Thien Thanh Street, Thu Thiem Urban Area, Thu Duc City (adjacent to District 1)
(Former address: Nguyen Thien Thanh Street, Thu Thiem Urban Area, Thu Duc City — adjacent to District 1)

The Saigon Riverside Park in Thu Thiem is a newly revitalized green space offering a rare sense of tranquility amidst the modern cityscape. With its wide-open view facing District 1, it is an ideal spot for a peaceful walk, fresh air, and admiring the city from a refreshing new perspective.

Tip: Arrive in the late afternoon — the view of the city lights reflecting on the water is the perfect ending to a Saigon day.

Conclusion: Saigon — A City that never stops moving

From historical landmarks like the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace to modern cultural icons such as Landmark 81 and Nguyen Hue Walking Street — and even tranquil sanctuaries like the Jade Emperor Pagoda and Art museum — every corner of Saigon tells its own vivid, colorful, and deeply human story.

Whether you’re chasing culture, nature, street food, or skyline views, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone. It’s the heart of Southern Vietnam — where the past and present meet, and where every visit feels both familiar and refreshingly new.

If you only have a few days in Saigon, let these 12 remarkable destinations guide you through a spectrum of emotions — from awe and excitement to connection and nostalgia.
If you’ve been here before — come again. Because in Saigon, there’s always something waiting to surprise you.