Top 25 Ho Chi Minh Attractions (2023)
Ho Chi Minh is one of the most popular cities in Vietnam. With a blend of the past and present in the country’s leading business capital, it is never a dull moment here. Walk through the streets and be fascinated by the traces of colonisation in the heritage buildings that are found in this bustling city. Here we list out the best 25 attractions you will need to visit in Ho Chi Minh.
Chu Chi District
1. Cu Chi Tunnels
Just below Ho Chi Minh city is a massive network of tunnels that were dug by soldiers as a supply and communication route as well as a hiding spot during the war. Now, to experience these tunnels, you can make your way to either Ben Duoc or Ben Dinh tunnel entrances. The guided tour will take approximately 45 minutes, to explore a series of passageways and also hidden quarters. If you like to try out shooting a gun, this place also offers a shooting range for everyone to experience but with an additional cost.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00 pm
Ticket Price(s): Ben Dinh: ₫110,000 | Ben Duoc: ₫90,000
District 1
2. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is one of the largest marketplace located in the centre of Ho Chi Minh. It is one of the most famous attraction sites and always bustling with people. This is also a heritage site with its southern gate sporting a French colonial building and a clock tower. There are just so many things you can buy from this market, from textiles, handmade crafts, local products, clothes and many more; all these at an affordable price.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
3. Bitexco Financial Tower
With the design that resembles a lotus bud, Bitexco Financial Tower is situated in the centre of the business hub in H Chi Minh. At 262 metres high, this tower is one of the tallest skyscrapers that is found in Vietnam. Located within the floors are offices, lifestyle restaurants and a Skydeck on the 49th floor. You will get to see a 360 panoramic view and be educated about the city through the many touch-screen panels that are available there. Long-range binoculars are also available for you to have a closer look of any area.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:30am – 8:45pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
4. Bui Vien Street
Bui Vien Street is known as the Backpacker Street, but local calls this place ‘Pho Tay’ which means the European street. The name might have been contributed by the many western backpackers that have been sprawling this street. Bui Vien Street is an excellent night destination for cheap food and beer. The shops are lined up on both sides of the road, so you can leisurely decide where you want to dine in. This is the perfect place to taste local food and experience the local culture as well.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
5. Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre
Water puppet play is one of the oldest forms of play in the country, originating from North Vietnam. Come and enjoy this water puppet play at Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre where you will be brought on a journey through Vietnamese culture and folklore. It is an interesting way to spend the evening learning about their society while appreciating the traditional Vietnamese songs that accompanied the plays.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:30om and 8:30pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫200,000
6. Hồ Chí Minh City Museum
One of the best museums in the city, Ho Chi Minh City Museum is the place where you will get to learn more about Vietnam history and culture. This building is a heritage site that was formerly a palace that was built in 1890. Upon entering the building, you will get to see a real-sized American fighter jet just parked at the garden. Within the museum, you will find many war memorabilia, ancient relics, information and war pictures for you to further understand their history.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫150,000
7. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is a beautiful French colonial building that is situated in the centre of Ho Chi Minh. It is one of the most popular attractions in the city and is recognised as the country’s national relic in 2012. The Opera House hosts many plays and popular cultural events, so why not check it out while you are here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
8. Independence Palace
This is one of the must-visit attraction that you should include in while planning for your Ho Chi Minh itinerary. Also known as the Reunification Palace, this is a historical site that ended the Vietnam War in 1975. Come join in the tour and explore this 2-storey building; passing through one room to another while understanding the historical events that took place there. The highlight of the tour has to be the command bunker that is located in the basement, where you will be able to see a military desk and two different colored telephones.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:30am – 4:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫40,000
9. Museum of Vietnamese History
Museum of Vietnamese History is a museum that tells the story about Vietnam history and culture. The building was constructed in 1929 and was influenced by the French and Indochinese culture. This could be seen at the pagoda-like structure at the entrance. There are more than 30,000 ancient artefacts collected and displayed since Vietnam pre-historic times up till today. The most notable highlight will be the precious collections from all the ancient dynasties.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫15,000
10. Nguyen Hue Apartment
Nguyen Hue Apartment is located in District 1 and is one of the coolest places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Dubbed as the Cafe Apartment, you will find a myriad of unique cafes across ten floors. The designs of each cafe are more attractive as you climb up to the higher levels making it the perfect place for avid Instagrammers. The apartment also looks stunning after dusk, when all the lights are lit up, creating a very urban ambience. So why not cafe hop and try out the best of everything in this cafe apartment.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
11. Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street
Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street is the one street you will need to visit in Ho Chi Minh. Besides then you get to see the statue of Uncle Ho Chi Minh, this street promises you retail, dining and leisure experiences like no other. The street is a wide promenade, and you will see many locals going about with their daily routines. It is a very relaxing way to explore to the city, and if you are hungry, there are plenty of restaurants and cafes you can choose from located just by the side of the street.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
12. Tân Định Church
It is definitely not hard to spot this pink building located in the centre of District 1. Tân Định church is a famous tourist landmark which is the second largest church in Ho Chi Minh. The architecture of the building is inspired by Roman design which could be seen in its elaborated exterior designs in its pillars and wooden window panels. This church is a top Instagram spot in the city, so this place is constantly filled with people on the grounds of the church.
Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
13. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Built in the quiet corner of Ho Chi Minh city, you will find this majestic Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon that has been there since 1880. This cathedral was built to imitate the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris which could be seen in its Gothic-styled design and a round glass window that could be seen in the front of the structure. This cathedral was given the rank of a basilica by the Vatican in 1962 and is one of the few catholic establishments left in Ho Chi Minh. This is an active church with a regular Sunday mass that is opened open for anyone who would love to experience it.
Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
14. Saigon Central Post Office
Situated near the Notre Dame Cathedral, this is another popular tourist spot in Ho Chi Minh. Constructed in the late 19th century, this Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning colonial building that is impressive in the outside as well on the inside. Once you are inside, it is a fascinating sight to see the tall domed ceiling, lined with black arches. This is an active post office where you can mail out your letters, but if you have none, why not browse through some of the postcards that are sold here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Saigon Zoo And Botanical Garden
Saigon Zoo And Botanical Garden are the largest Zoo and botanical garden in Vietnam. This is a perfect place for families and friends to gather to explore the place and get close and personal with the many animals that live here. This Zoo is home to 550 animals and is built imitating the natural habitat of the animals. Within the botanical garden as well, you will get to appreciate the many beautiful and rare flowers that are grown here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 7.30pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – ₫50,000 | Child – ₫30,000
16. Tao Đàn Park
Located in District 1, Tao Đàn Park is a beautiful park that encompasses 10 hectares of land. Situated within this tropical paradise, you will find a Buddhist temple and a huge bonsai area. It is a relaxing and peaceful place to be, for whoever who would like to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It is also a community area where many locals gather to go about their strolls and daily activities.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
17. Đầm Sen Cultural Park
Đầm Sen Cultural Park is an amusement park that is located in District 11. Spanning across 50 hectares of land, there is so much do see and do here. As one of the largest and modern parks in Vietnam, it is no wonder this place is always bustling with tourists and locals alike. There are many outdoor and carnival rides with daily performances and parades to entertain the visitors. While you are here, why not visit the zoo and the aquarium that is located in the same vicinity and see this creature up close.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00 pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫180,000
District 3
18. Nguyen Thuong Hien Street
Just 1km away from Backpacker Street, Nguyen Thuong Hien Street is another street food haven that is not only affordable but offers delicious food too. Come and take a stroll down this 1km long alley and discover the many flavours of Vietnam here. There are rows of stalls that sells banh mi, beef pho and fruit juices; but what you will need to try here is the seafood dishes. There are an array of crabs, prawns and shellfish dishes served to tantalise your taste buds.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:30am – 10:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
19. War Remnants Museum
This is not a place for the faint-hearted but still one of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh. War Remnants Museum is a museum that was established in 1975 as a reminder of the cruelty that befalls on Vietnam during the Vietnam War and the Indochina War. There are themed rooms in the museums; with each telling different stories. You will go through rooms and see of the weaponry that was used, the military vehicles, prisoner cages and also pictures taken during the war which was donated by a Japanese war photographer displayed here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:30am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫40,000
District 5
20. Thiên Hậu Temple
Thiên Hậu Temple is located Chinatown and is dedicated to the worship of sea goddess Mazu. From afar, you will be able to see the main roof heavily adorned with figurines of man, animals, god and goddess; flanked by two dragons. Passing through the main gate, you will be greeted with a small courtyard with lanterns hanging above your head. Just behind the alter, you will be able to see the three statues of the goddess Mazu.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 4:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
District 6
21. Bình Tây Market
Bình Tây Market is another bustling market in Ho Chi Minh that you will need to visit while you are here. Located in Chinatown, there are over 600 stalls here selling different goods and food. You will need to spend more time at this market as it can be a confusing maze for many. The market is divided into two parts, the outdoor selling wet market products while the indoor items are more for dried and preserved products.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
District 7
22. Starlight Bridge
Located alongside Crescent Mall in District 7, this is one of the most modern bridges in Vietnam. Every evening, the bridge will be lit up and spouting water creating a harmonious water show. Many people will take a stroll in this place and stop to enjoy the colourful water display. Why not visit this romantic place with your loved ones and capture a picture for memories.
Operating Hours: Thursdays – Sunday, 6:30pm -10:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
District 9
23. Buu Long Pagoda
Located at the border of Ho Chi Minh city is a beautiful Buddhist Temple that is frequently visited by locals. One of the largest temples in Vietnam, Buu Long Pagoda is a stunning temple with impressive and and intricate designs. The building is heavily ornamented, with Buddha sculptures around the temple ground. Climbing up to the top of the pagoda, you will be rewarded with a beautiful view of the Dong Nai River and its surrounding green area.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Subject to tour rates
24. Suối Tiên Theme Park
Imagine a theme park fused with a Chinese Temple, and you will get Suối Tiên Theme Park. The first of its kind, you will find Chinese mystical creatures and Buddha sculptures can be found all over the park. This is indeed a theme park with a twist, especially when you approach one of the attractions called The Unicorn Palace. Expecting something colourful and happy? Instead, you will find yourself in the depth of Hell where you will be brought through a horror house, unlike any you have ever seen. Nonetheless, there are many other rides and attraction which can be enjoyed with the whole family.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:30am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): ₫90,000
Mekong Delta
25. Mekong Delta – Floating Market
Similar to that in Thailand, Vietnam boasts a vibrant floating market scene as well. Situated in Mekong River, you will find many floating markets with each possessing its unique charm. If this is your first time experiencing a floating market, you should visit Cai Rang instead. One of the largest and busiest of all the floating markets in the area, you will be able to find boat vendors selling fruits, local products, flowers and many more. Imagine shopping and eating your meals on a paddleboat on the Mekong River.
Operating Hours: Daily, 5:00am – 12:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
Ho Chi Minh is rich in its culture and deeply rooted Buddhist religion. There are plenty of temples to explore, and a temple inspired theme park to can be enjoyed with the whole family. Don’t forget to savour the taste of Vietnam in the many street foods while you are here. We guarantee you a pleasant time here.