EXCLUSIVE TRAVEL GUIDE TO ATTRACTIONS
IN HO CHI MINH CITY 🇻🇳 SINCE 2008
SAIGON INSPIRATION ATTRACTIONS
Your Insider's Guide to Key Attractions In Saigon City
As Vietnam’s commercial center and an essential feature of any Southeast Asian travel itinerary, Ho Chi Minh City is full of tourist attractions, fascinating historical landmarks, beautiful buildings and monuments.Ho Chi Minh City is so vast and so diverse that many first-time visitors have no idea where to begin. What are the top things to see in Saigon? What are the top things to do? Well, we think the best way to tackle this city is to break it into districts.
The huge traffic junction at Ben Thanh market is a focal landmark for the city, where bargain hunters can haggle their way to a great deal.
Must-see sights include the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Saigon Central Post Office and Notre Dame Cathedral, all of which are within walking distance of each other and a 20-30 minute brisk meander from the center of town.
The Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens are also in this district, and make a great day out with the kids. Pham Ngu Lao is Ho Chi Minh City’s version of the Khao San Road in Bangkok. This area is where most travelers to Saigon start and finish their trip, thanks mainly to its plentiful budget accommodations, cheap bars and appetizing eateries.
The nightlife is at its liveliest here and rowdy revelers can be seen stumbling from one bar to the next almost every night. If you’re looking for a little respite, check out the peaceful Huyen Sy Church in the north-western corner of Pham Ngu Lao – it’s the oldest church in the city and quite beautiful.
A little off the beaten track is District 3, bordering District 1 in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, more peaceful than its noisy neighbor. The tree-lined roads wind through foreign embassies, French colonial villas and up fresh, creative dining locales.
The largest Mahayana pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, falls inside District 3. Districts 2 and 7 are expat central, with ample space on their significantly wider roads, bigger, cleaner houses and a few out-and-out tourist attractions.
This is not to say that they aren’t worth a visit – there are a number of hip bars and eateries in District 2, while District 7 is worth visiting for the air quality alone. These two districts are also excellent examples of expat life in Ho Chi Minh City, and a lot of the city’s entrepreneurs and new start-ups are based here.
If you’re an art lover, a musician or simply into alternative culture, we recommend you check out Saigon Outcast in District 2, the city’s artists’ hub. Some of Saigon’s most spacious shopping malls have opened in District 7 in the last few years, including the popular Crescent Mall and SC VivoCity, so it’s a definite must-do for keen shoppers. District 10 and 11 are slowly gaining popularity among expatriates as well.
District 5 is better known as Cho Lon, Saigon’s Chinatown. Popular Cho Lon markets are key attractions in this district. Clearly influenced by their high Chinese population, the alleys that wind through District 5 are full of new foods, smells, sights and sounds. Be careful with your things and be sure not to get too lost! Catch bus number 1 from the Pham Ngu Lau side of Tran Hung Dau street and ask the bus driver for Cho Lon.
District 9 and Binh Thanh are not very popular with tourists, yet they are great off-the-beaten-track areas of the city in which to experience the local Saigon ways of life. Binh Thanh is slowly accumulating its Expat community as well. Most of their residents are from the middle class, so the area is an accurate slice of average family and corporate life in Ho Chi Minh City.
Overall, Saigon is a wonderland of things to see and things to do. A must-see in Vietnam’s busiest metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City is home to countless pagodas and temples, the well-known Zoo and Botanical Gardens, museums, beautiful churches, period buildings and the fascinating hustle and bustle of a Southeast Asian center of commerce.
Q&A
There are many attractions worth visiting in Saigon and it could take a few days for you to see all of them. For your reference, check these places worth seeing.
What historic and cultural attractions can I visit in Ho Chi Minh City?
While HCMC is known more for its brash cosmopolitan lifestyle that seems to be hurtling unchecked towards the future, the “ghosts of the past” still haunts the city with pagodas, museums and other historic cultural sites. For those looking for a cultural experience, we have listed below some sites of cultural and historical interest. For religious centres, please refer to the Living section.
What attractions are there in District 1?
Bitexco Financial Tower
2 Hai Trieu, D1; +84 28 3915 6156
This gleaming marvel of steel and glass is HCMC’s tallest building for the time being. It rises more than 260 metres with 68 storeys – including a 49th floor observatory and 52nd floor helipad. According to principal architect Carlos Zapata, the tower’s design was inspired by the lotus, Vietnam’s national flower.
It includes a shopping mall, a cinema, a complex of three restaurants and bars on the 50th, 51st and 52nd floors. If you have a business meeting there in the office building, you will be asked for your ID or passport in order to get in.
City Hall
http://www.hochiminhcity.gov.vn
86 Le Thanh Ton, D1; +84 28 3829 6052
This French colonial treasure owes much of its flair to its Parisian predecessor. Finished in 1908, the structure’s yellow- and cream coloured plaster looks good enough to eat, and is a very popular photograph subject. The roof houses a bell tower. Also known as the HCMC People’s Committee, the property is especially captivating at night, bathed in floodlights, fringed by penumbras. Unfortunately public access to the building is not permitted.
Hotel Continental Saigon
132-134 Dong Khoi, D1; +84 28 3829 9201
The oldest hotel in Vietnam, built in 1880, the Continental, with its ubiquitous door and window arches, is a classic example of French colonial architecture. Named after its French hotel forebear, the Continental has seen its fair share of famous guests, Bengali writer Rabindranath Tagore and journalist Graham Greene amongst them.
Fine Arts Museum
97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1; +84 28 3829 4441
Price: VND10,000 for general admission
The first floor of this museum exhibits contemporary art by local and international artists. The second floor features a permanent collection of sketches, paintings and statues, many of which focus on Vietnam’s resistance to colonial rule. The third floor displays older works.
HCMC Museum
65 Ly Tu Trong, D1; +84 28 3829 9741
Price: Vietnamese VND5,000;
Foreigner VND15,000
The Museum displays HCMC culture divided into nine categories.
National History Museum
2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, D1; +84 28 3829 8146
Price: VND15,000 for general admission
Occupying an area of more than 2,000 square metres just next to the zoo, the National History Museum traces the history of the Vietnamese people with displays of cultural and ethnological significance.
Opera House
7 Lam Son Square, D1; +84 28 3823 7419
Built in 1897 by French architect Eugene Ferret, HCMC’s Opera House has been retooled constantly, most recently in 1995. The building’s facade borrows from the Petit Palais, a Paris museum, and was once covered with ornate inscriptions and reliefs, typical of the building’s style. Most ornamentation was removed in the 1940s after being judged too flamboyant.
Independence Palace
135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1; +84 8 8503 7080
Price: VND30,000 for general admission
This palace was designed by Ngô Viết Thụ for South Vietnam’s former president Ngô Đình Diệm during the American War. The official handover of power took place here on 30 April 1975 and the palace became a monument to that historic date. Do not miss the basement set up like a war-time movie set.
Saigon Central Post Office
So 125 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, D1; +84 28 3822 1677
The largest post office in Vietnam, Saigon Central was conceptualised by Frenchman Gustave Eiffel and finished in 1891. The vaulted ceiling and arched windows of this Gothic-style edifice suggest the ingenuity of 19th century European railway stations. Note the giant wall maps of the city, Vietnam and Cambodia, in addition to the portrait of Hồ Chí Minh.
What attractions are there in District 2?
If ever you’re in District 2 and you’re looking for a place you must see, how about visiting the Minh Đăng Quang pagoda?
Minh Đăng Quang pagoda
505, Xa Lo Ha Noi, D2; +84 28 3501 9988
Built in 1968, and currently under construction from 2009 to 2018, this pagoda will be one of the largest Buddhist destinations in HCMC with a surface area of 37,490 square metres. The pagoda features four towers around the main hall, large statues of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara inside the hall and a special bodhi tree originating from the famous 2,000-year Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka.
To learn more about other pagodas in HCMC, visit Photo Story: Pagoda Charm.
For information on District 1 go to District 1- Point of Interest
For information on Saigon attractions go to Beer From an Altitude: The World of Heineken at Bitexco
Click here to read about A Brief History of the Ho Chi Minh City Zoo and Botanical Gardens
There are many attractions worth visiting in Saigon and it could take a few days for you to see all of them. For your reference, check these places worth seeing.
What historic and cultural attractions can I visit in Ho Chi Minh City?
While HCMC is known more for its brash cosmopolitan lifestyle that seems to be hurtling unchecked towards the future, the “ghosts of the past” still haunts the city with pagodas, museums and other historic cultural sites. For those looking for a cultural experience, we have listed below some sites of cultural and historical interest. For religious centres, please refer to the Living section.
What attractions are there in District 1?
Bitexco Financial Tower
2 Hai Trieu, D1, HCMC, Vietnam, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3915 6156 / bitexcofinancialtower.com
This gleaming marvel of steel and glass is HCMC’s tallest building for the time being. It rises more than 260 metres with 68 storeys – including a 49th floor observatory and 52nd floor helipad. According to principal architect Carlos Zapata, the tower’s design was inspired by the lotus, Vietnam’s national flower. It includes a shopping mall, a cinema, a complex of three restaurants and bars on the 50th, 51st and 52nd floors. If you have a business meeting there in the office building, you will be asked for your ID or passport in order to get in.
City Hall
86 Le Thanh Ton, D1, HCMC, Vietnam /+84 28 3829 6052 / hochiminhcity.gov.vn
This French colonial treasure owes much of its flair to its Parisian predecessor. Finished in 1908, the structure’s yellow- and cream coloured plaster looks good enough to eat, and is a very popular photograph subject. The roof houses a bell tower. Also known as the HCMC People’s Committee, the property is especially captivating at night, bathed in floodlights, fringed by penumbras. Unfortunately public access to the building is not permitted.
Hotel Continental Saigon
132-134 Dong Khoi, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3829 9201 / continentalsaigon.com
The oldest hotel in Vietnam, built in 1880, the Continental, with its ubiquitous door and window arches, is a classic example of French colonial architecture. Named after its French hotel forebear, the Continental has seen its fair share of famous guests, Bengali writer Rabindranath Tagore and journalist Graham Greene amongst them.
Fine Arts Museum
97A Pho Duc Chinh, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3829 4441
Price: VND10,000 for general admission
The first floor of this museum exhibits contemporary art by local and international artists. The second floor features a permanent collection of sketches, paintings and statues, many of which focus on Vietnam’s resistance to colonial rule. The third floor displays older works.
HCMC Museum
65 Ly Tu Trong, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3829 9741 / hcmc-museum.edu.vn
Price: Vietnamese VND5,000; Foreigner VND15,000
The Museum displays HCMC culture divided into nine categories.
National History Museum
2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3829 8146
Price: VND15,000 for general admission
Occupying an area of more than 2,000 square metres just next to the zoo, the National History Museum traces the history of the Vietnamese people with displays of cultural and ethnological significance.
Opera House
7 Lam Son Square, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3823 7419 / info@hbso.org.vn
Built in 1897 by French architect Eugene Ferret, HCMC’s Opera House has been retooled constantly, most recently in 1995. The building’s facade borrows from the Petit Palais, a Paris museum, and was once covered with ornate inscriptions and reliefs, typical of the building’s style. Most ornamentation was removed in the 1940s after being judged too flamboyant.
Independence Palace
135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 8 8503 7080
Price: VND30,000 for general admission
This palace was designed by Ngô Viết Thụ for South Vietnam’s former president Ngô Đình Diệm during the American War. The official handover of power took place here on 30 April 1975 and the palace became a monument to that historic date. Do not miss the basement set up like a war-time movie set.
Saigon Central Post Office
So 125 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3822 1677 / hcmpost.vn
The largest post office in Vietnam, Saigon Central was conceptualised by Frenchman Gustave Eiffel and finished in 1891. The vaulted ceiling and arched windows of this Gothic-style edifice suggest the ingenuity of 19th century European railway stations. Note the giant wall maps of the city, Vietnam and Cambodia, in addition to the portrait of Hồ Chí Minh.
What attractions are there in Thu Duc City (D2)?
If ever you’re in District 2 and you’re looking for a place you must see, how about visiting the Minh Đăng Quang pagoda?
Minh Đăng Quang pagoda
505, Xa Lo Ha Noi, Thu Duc City / +84 28 3501 9988
Built in 1968, and currently under construction from 2009 to 2018, this pagoda will be one of the largest Buddhist destinations in HCMC with a surface area of 37,490 square metres. The pagoda features four towers around the main hall, large statues of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara inside the hall and a special bodhi tree originating from the famous 2,000-year Sri Maha Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka.
To learn more about other pagodas in HCMC, visit Photo Story: Pagoda Charm.
For information on District 1 go to District 1- Point of Interest
For information on Saigon attractions go to Beer From an Altitude: The World of Heineken at Bitexco
Click here to read about A Brief History of the Ho Chi Minh City Zoo and Botanical Gardens
SAIGON INSPIRATION ATTRACTIONS
Your Insider's Guide to Museum Attractions in Saigon
HCMC ATTRACTION MUSEUM War Remnants Museum
7:30 AM to 11:30 AM / 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM daily
HCMC ATTRACTION MUSEUM HCMC Museum
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
HCMC ATTRACTION MUSEUM Reunification Palace
8:00 PM to 4:00 PM daily
INTRODUCTION TO THE MUSEUMS OF Saigon
The interesting history of Saigon is kept alive in several amazing museums throughout Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you are interested in the American War or fine art, include a visit to one or more museums in your city tour itinerary.The National History Museum in District 1 is one of the must-see attractions of Ho Chi Minh City. It displays a variety of ancient artifacts and other items, that tell about the history of Indochina.
Ho Chi Minh City’s Fine Arts Museum is definitely worth a visit. There is a collection of ancient relics, one of the first wooden elevators of Saigon and artworks from the King Generation to the present.
Other must-see museums of Saigon include the Ho Chi Minh Museum, located next to the harbor where famous Uncle Ho started his journey that changed Vietnam forever. Every tourist visiting Vietnam, usually takes a look at the War Remnants Museum. It shows not only remnants, but also the gruesome torture methods that were applied to prisoners of war. One section of the museum is especially memorable: It depicts the aftermath of Monsanto’s Agent Orange, a devastating chemical used by the Americans against the people of Vietnam during the war. The haunting images of deformed children show one thing clearly: War is hell. What one destroys, another one has to mend.
The FITO Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is dedicated to the history of Vietnamese medicine. Over 3000 items for medical purposes, some dating back to the Stone Age, as well as samples of traditional Vietnamese medicine are displayed here.
The not so interesting Women’s Museum shows historical fashion and jewelry items. It gives information about Vietnamese culture, the roles and struggle of women throughout history. It also covers the part Vietnamese women played during the revolution.
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum shows some archeological evidence, but mainly photographic material that depicts the resistance of Vietnam against the French and Americans.
SAIGON INSPIRATION ATTRACTIONS MUSEUM
Your Insider's Guide to Heritage Attractions in Saigon
HCMC ATTRACTION HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS Opera House
Open only to ticket holders during performances
HCMC ATTRACTION HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS Notre Dame Cathedral
6 AM to 8 PM daily
HCMC ATTRACTION HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS People’s Committee Building
7:30 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday
INTRODUCTION TO THE HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS IN SAIGON
The architecture of Ho Chi Minh City is a splendid mix of Vietnam’s historical heritage, from French colonial villas to modern steel and glass monuments. The top architectural sights for tourists date back to the time when Saigon, the “Pearl of Indochina”, was the capital of French Indochina. More has been added to the cultural heritage since then, and we see interesting times ahead in terms of modern architecture.
The Notre Dame Cathedral is located right across the Saigon Central Post Office and is one of the architectural marvels of the past. It was built in 1877 and all the building materials were imported from France.
The Saigon Opera House is also a famous landmark and popular sight for tourists in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built in 1897 by the French architect Eugene Ferret and is open to visitors during events.
The architecture in Ho Chi Minh City evolved from the colonial time, over the period of South Vietnam and the reunification until today. More skyscrapers and other interesting, modern monuments are in the planning and in the making, so we are witnessing the development of an interesting skyline. Unfortunately, with the creation of new things, many historic buildings get destroyed. Often in a sneaky way behind the backs of the residents, sometimes out of ignorance, sometimes sheer greed.
Based on the Hotel de Ville in Paris (Paris City Hall), Saigon’s City Hall was finished in 1908. It proudly sits at the beginning of Nguyen Hue street, showing off a beautiful building style. Nowadays, it holds the main office of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and is closed to the public.
The Central Post Office is a popular tourist spot and THE place in HCMC to send postcards from. And, of course, a famous monument among travelers for its beautiful paintings and architecture, finished in 1891 by Gustave Eiffel, a splendid French engineer who also built the Eiffel Tower.
SAIGON INSPIRATION ATTRACTIONS HERITAGE ATTRACTIONS
Your Insider's Guide to Religious Attractions in Saigon
HCMC ATTRACTION RELIGIOUS ATTRACTIONS Jade Pagoda
7 AM to 6 PM / On 1st and 15th days of the lunar month: 5 AM to 7 PM
HCMC ATTRACTION RELIGIOUS ATTRACTIONS Saigon Central Mosque
8 AM to 8 PM
HCMC ATTRACTION RELIGIOUS ATTRACTIONS Giac Lam Pagoda
5 AM to 12 PM reopens 2 PM to 8 PM Daily
INTRODUCTION TO THE RELIGIOUS SITES IN SAIGON
Ky Dong church in District 3 is one of the city’s biggest churches. Once it had engulfed an entire city block. The church area has been downsized, but still features a school, shops and other things.
Huyen Sy church is among the largest churches and over a century old. The small windows keep the building cool, even during the tropical heat waves from February to May. Built in the style of European cathedrals and located at the crossroads of Ton That Tung and Nguyen Trai street in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, Huyen Sy church is named after the grandfather of queen Nam Phuong, the wife of Vietnam’s last king. He is buried in the church in a luxurious marble tomb.
If you travel to Ho Chi Minh City and decide to include one or more of Saigon’s churches and cathedrals in your tour itinerary, bring your camera! The architecture of the historic buildings is quite stunning at times. Just be respectful of the people inside when snapping.
Temples
Ho Chi Minh City is certainly a city of temples. They come in all shapes and sizes, and, of course, many denominations. The wonderful thing about Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, is the way in which religious buildings are just treated like any other. Some have managed to get extremely significant plots of land (the Catholic Church wins here) whilst others pop up everywhere.
Take a trip down the myriad of small hems (side streets) or alleyways, and you are just as likely to find a temple as a corner shop. Whilst the majority of the temples in the city are Buddhist, there are so many others as well. Jewish synagogues, Catholic churches, Hindu temples, Taoist places of worship and even the somewhat bizarre Holy See Temple of the Cao Dai sect, a hybrid of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity.
The Holy See is actually in Tay Ninh about two hours to the northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, but it is well worth a trip out. It is an extremely ornate twin towered building that dates back to 1926. The Religion has some unusual tenets, including the worship of Joan of Arc, Lenin and Shakespeare!
Opposite the Museum of Vietnamese History, you will find the Temple of the Hung Kings. This is a Confucian temple dedicated to the memory of the Hung Kings, the first rulers of the country.
In Cho Lon, the city’s Chinatown, there are numerous temples. It is worth asking a local cycle driver to take you round them, but be sure and negotiate a price first.
Close to Ben Thanh Market, you can see the beautiful Hindu Mariamman Temple. This is a perfect example of a temple simply being squeezed into a pace in a small street in the city center. People drive past it every day without giving it a second glance. The whole building is covered with ornate carvings and figurines.
As with all religious buildings in Asia, please show respect when visiting. Dress modestly, covering legs and shoulders and speak quietly. Pagodas. The temples and pagodas of Ho Chi Minh City are not just a beautiful sight for tourists to visit, but religious centers where Buddhists and Taoists practice their beliefs.
They are also at the heart of Vietnamese culture and charity, organizing interesting events for everybody to attend. Important relics are kept in pagodas as the center of worship, and they also serve as publishing houses to promote Buddhist literature to the people. The beliefs are expressed with stunning beauty and a great sense of aesthetic. Statues, writings, intricate carvings and colorful mosaics create a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, intensified by the omnipresent scent of aromatic incense.
Some temples and pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City hold special ceremonies at certain times, so if you would like to attend or witness a Buddhist ceremony, check out the individual descriptions of the pagodas below.
Most pagodas in Vietnam are built following the Chinese tradition, contrary to Cambodia, for example, where the WATS and temples are modeled after the ones of Southern Thailand. The pagodas we listed below are definitely worth being included in your tours, because they show inspiring beauty, and offer invaluable insights into Vietnamese culture and history.
The best time to visit the temples and pagodas in Saigon is early morning. It’s less crowded and cooler, and you might spot the monks beginning their day with prayers and morning chores. Remember that it is forbidden to point the finger at a Buddha statue, and it is also recommended to not turn your back at them. Please consider it during your visit.
Mosques
Vietnam in general and Ho Chi Minh City in particular, has a healthy respect towards all religions. It is simply never an issue here. Social and religious tolerance seems to be part of the Vietnamese psych. So, where are the mosques?
There are 12 mosques serving the Muslim population of Ho Chi Minh City. The earliest recorded introduction of Islam in the country is in the late 10th century. The main group of Muslim people in Vietnam are the Cham people, one of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups. They make up about 65% of the Muslim population. Almost 80% of Vietnam’s Muslims live in the southwest of the country.
The most prominent mosque is the Jamia Al Muslimin Mosque, right in the center of town. It is on Dong Du, a small street that runs between Hai Ba Trung and Dong Khoi. It is possible to walk past without noticing. It is a busy mosque and has halal food vendors outside most of the time.
Also in District 1, the Jamiul Islamiyah Mosque on Tran Hung Dao is an active temple of worship. If you go to visit a mosque, remember that strict codes of dress and behavior are required. Always dress modestly and keep your legs and shoulders covered. It is important that you remove your shoes at the entrance. Also, check the times of certain important prayer meetings. These are fascinating buildings and an important part of the fabric of Ho Chi Minh City’s society.
Q&A
Saigon has a lot of things to offer in terms of churches, temples and pagodas. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Christian, Buddhist, Mormon etc. so if you want to see visit famous churches, you can choose from the following:
Notre Dame Cathedral
1 Cong Xa Paris, D1, HCMC, Vietnam
Mass hours: Monday to Friday: 5:30am, 5pm; Sunday: 5:30am, 6:30am, 7:30am, 9:30am, 4pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm.
The most prominent cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City is Notre Dame de Saigon, which, like most churches and cathedrals in Ho Chi Minh City, has been constructed by the French during the colonial era. It is right opposite of the Central Post Office, has quite an interesting history and is a popular sight on Saigon city tours.
Tân Định Catholic Church
289 Hai Ba Trung, D3, HCMC, Vietnam
Mass hours: Monday to Saturday: 5am, 6:15am, 5:30pm, 7pm; Sun: 5am, 6:15am, 7:30am, 9am, 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm.
The pink Tan Dinh church is the second largest church of Ho Chi MInh City and located in the center of the Tan Dinh fabric market area. During Christmas time, there is a small, but colorful Christmas market right next to it.
Huyện Sỹ Church
1 Ton That Tung, D1, HCMC, Vietnam
Mass hours: 7 days a week: 5am, 6:30am, 8am, 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:30pm
Huyen Sy church is among the largest churches as well and over a century old. The small windows keep the building cool, even during the tropical heat waves from February to May. Built in the style of European cathedrals and located at the crossroads of Ton That Tung and Nguyen Trai street in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, Huyen Sy church is named after the grandfather of queen Nam Phuong, the wife of Vietnam’s last king. He is buried in the church in a luxurious marble tomb.
Ky Dong Church
38 Kỳ Đồng, Phường 9, D3, Vietnam
Ky Dong church in District 3 is one of the city’s biggest churches. Once it had engulfed an entire city block. The church area has been downsized, but still features a school, shops and other things.
Saigon has a lot of things to offer in terms of churches, temples and pagodas. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Christian, Buddhist, Mormon etc. so if you want to see visit famous churches, you can choose from the following:
Notre Dame Cathedral
1 Cong Xa Paris, D1, HCMC, Vietnam
Mass hours: Monday to Friday: 5:30am, 5pm; Sunday: 5:30am, 6:30am, 7:30am, 9:30am, 4pm, 5:15pm, 6:30pm.
The most prominent cathedral in Ho Chi Minh City is Notre Dame de Saigon, which, like most churches and cathedrals in Ho Chi Minh City, has been constructed by the French during the colonial era. It is right opposite of the Central Post Office, has quite an interesting history and is a popular sight on Saigon city tours.
Tân Định Catholic Church
289 Hai Ba Trung, D3, HCMC, Vietnam
Mass hours: Monday to Saturday: 5am, 6:15am, 5:30pm, 7pm; Sun: 5am, 6:15am, 7:30am, 9am, 4pm, 5:30pm, 7pm.
The pink Tan Dinh church is the second largest church of Ho Chi MInh City and located in the center of the Tan Dinh fabric market area. During Christmas time, there is a small, but colorful Christmas market right next to it.
Huyện Sỹ Church
1 Ton That Tung, D1, HCMC, Vietnam
Mass hours: 7 days a week: 5am, 6:30am, 8am, 4:30pm, 6pm, 7:30pm
Huyen Sy church is among the largest churches as well and over a century old. The small windows keep the building cool, even during the tropical heat waves from February to May. Built in the style of European cathedrals and located at the crossroads of Ton That Tung and Nguyen Trai street in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, Huyen Sy church is named after the grandfather of queen Nam Phuong, the wife of Vietnam’s last king. He is buried in the church in a luxurious marble tomb.
Ky Dong Church
38 Kỳ Đồng, Phường 9, D3, Vietnam
Ky Dong church in District 3 is one of the city’s biggest churches. Once it had engulfed an entire city block. The church area has been downsized, but still features a school, shops and other things.
Saigon has so many churches and temples worth visiting. If you’re a Christian looking for Evangelical Christian Church, District 1 has a must see point of interest for you.
Saigon Evangelical Church
Aside from Catholic Churches, Saigon has a lot of attractions worth visiting especially if you’re an expat who came from a different country. If you’re looking for a Mormon church, district 1 has a must see point of interest for you:
Bùi Phát Church
Every religion has a different set of rules and practices and that applies to their homes and places of worship. It is important to be mindful and respect these for when you visit, especially if you’re an expat that generally practices a different spiritual belief.
There are several mistakes first time visitors make when visiting Saigon and you can avoid these things altogether.
Don’t touch or sit near Buddha statues or any raised platform. Taking photographs is generally allowed, but it is best to ask for permission first. It is considered polite and respectful to be covered so wear modest clothing. Wear long trousers rather than shorts or miniskirts and avoid sleeveless shirts. Turn off mobile phones and lower your voice during religious services.
Aside from churches and temples, Saigon is known for its beautiful pagodas and finding them should be a breeze, regardless if you’re an expat who wants to do a bit of exploring or a local who just wants to rediscover your city. If you’re looking to find the most famous ones that are definitely worth visiting, you can choose from one of the following:
Chùa Giác Lâm – 565 Lac Long Quan, Tan Binh District. Built in 1744, this historical Buddhist site features a beautiful garden with a large statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara under a tall Bodhi tree, a seven-storey hexagonal stupa, and a chamber full of photos and shrines dedicated to former monks of the temple.
Chùa Ngọc Hoàng (Jade Emperor Pagoda): 73 Mai Thi Luu, D1
Chùa Quan Âm: 12 Lao Tu, D5
Chùa Vĩnh Nghiêm: 339 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D3
Chùa Xá Lợi: 89B Ba Huyen Thanh Quan, D3.
Chùa Hoằng Pháp: 8 Le Loi, Tan Hiep, Hoc Mon
Việt Nam Quốc Tự: 244 Ba Thang Hai, D10
Aside from Catholic Churches, Saigon has a lot of attractions worth visiting especially if you’re an expat who came from a different country. There are two very important Cao Dai Shrines in HCMC, and if you want to visit both, you can find them at:
Cao Đài Saigon Shrine: 891 Tran Hung Dao, D5
Cao Đài Phú Nhuận Shrine: 71 Nguyen Dinh Chieu, Phu Nhuan District
Saigon is a culturally and religiously diverse city which means that expats and other tourists can practice their religion openly. There are 3 well known and well attended Hindu temples in Ho Chi Minh City, all are located in the central District 1. Names and addresses are listed below:
Mariamman Hindu Temple
Sri Thenday Yuttha Pani Temple
Subramaniam Swamy Temple
Read more about Mariamman Hindu Temple
The best known and attended synagogue in Saigon is certainly Chabad, located in northern District 1, not too far from Saigon Zoo. Check out the exact location below:
Chabad of Vietnam: 5A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1
It is open every day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM with a Jewish library.
The Minyanim for Shacharit during the weekdays are on:
Sunday – 8:30am, Monday and Thursday 7:30am.
Friday night – candle lighting on time, than Mincha, Kabbalat Shabbat, Kiddush and Dinner.
Shabbat Morning – Shacharit at 10:00am.
Saigon is a very open country. It welcomes all religions and beliefs so expats and foreigners can freely practice their faith without inhibitions. There are a number of mosques where Muslims can go to practice their faith. The most well known is Jamia Al Musulman Mosque, but you can also check out other options below:
Jamia Al Musulman Mosque: 66 Dong Du, D1
Jum ah Nancy/Masjid Jamiul Islamiyah: 459 Tran Hung Dao, D1; +84 28 3920 3325
Al Rahim Mosque: 45 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1
Masjid Mosque: 317/27 To 18, Hem 285 Cach Mang Thang Tam, D10
SAIGON INSPIRATION ATTRACTIONS RELIGIOUS SITE
Your Insider's Guide to Parks in Ho Chi Minh City
HCMC ATTRACTION PARKS Tao Dan Park
7 AM to 10 PM Daily
HCMC ATTRACTION PARKS Vinhomes Central Park
6 AM to 9:30 PM Daily
HCMC ATTRACTION PARKS Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
7 AM to 6:30 PM Daily
INTRODUCTION TO THE PARKS AND GREEN SPACE IN SAIGON
Of all the many things to see in Ho Chi Minh City, parks and wildlife are not the most well-known. But, though not famed for its fauna like majestic Ha Long Bay or leafy green Sapa, Ho Chi Minh City does in fact host a variety of options for the avid nature lover.
All in the context of one of the most infamously bustling cities in Asia. If you’re a fan of national parks and gardens, Ho Chi Minh City has you covered. The rural district of Can Gio is famous among locals and tourists alike for its UNESCO conservation site, Can Gio National Park, and many tour companies operate in this area.
Back in urban Saigon, discover a surprising oasis on peaceful Thanh Da Island, where the fumes and ceaseless traffic of the city are replaced with quiet waterways and gentle ferns.
Another must-see when passing through Ho Chi Minh City is Saigon Zoo and the Botanical Gardens. There has been some concern about the animals’ living conditions among reviewers, but the zoo is none-the-less known on TripAdvisor as one of the City’s top destinations for families and a fun place to bring kids. With a variety of rare and exotic animals on show, Saigon Zoo makes for a great day out.
Ho Chi Minh City is also dotted with miniature spaces of green where the average city goer can take a break from Saigon’s chaotic streets. Perhaps the most well known of these is 23rd September Park on Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, in which locals and tourists alike often sit to enjoy free Wi-Fi and relax in the shade. Beware though! If you’re looking for a solitary few hours to yourself this is not the best spot to pick!
Every afternoon groups of Vietnamese students descend, looking to practice their English with the many foreigners who visit their city, and it’s not uncommon to see groups of people exchanging vocabulary, grammar and slang under the trees. This can be a great way to meet people and make friends in Ho Chi Minh City!
And quite often, English practice can turn into beer and snails on the famous backpacker strip, Bui Vien. Historically speaking, Ho Chi Minh City’s parks each have their own interesting story. 23rd September Park is named after the day when Ho Chi Minh, known locally as Uncle Ho, rallied the Vietnamese forces against French efforts to regain control of the country in 1945. Other interesting leafy spots include 30-4 Park on Le Duan and Tao Dan Park on Truong Dinh.
There is also a conscious and active wildlife conservation effort in Ho Chi Minh City. Make a visit to Wildlife At Risk (WAR) in the Cu Chi District for a glimpse of Vietnam’s nationwide effort to address the illegal animal trade and the degradation of the nation’s lush biodiversity.
SAIGON INSPIRATION ATTRACTIONS PARKS
Your Insider's Guide to the Local Markets in Saigon
HCMC ATTRACTION MARKETS Ben Thanh Market
6 AM to 7 PM daily
HCMC ATTRACTION MARKETS Binh Tay Market
6 AM to 7 PM daily
57A Thap Muoi Street, D6, HCMC, Vietnam
HCMC ATTRACTION MARKETS Lantern and Decoration Market
9:30 AM to 7 PM Daily
INTRODUCTION TO the Local Markets in Saigon
From clothes and jewelry to fresh produce, markets in Ho Chi Minh City offer an endless range of products for the cheapest prices. As one of Vietnam’s top attractions, markets in Ho Chi Minh City are as varied as they are vibrant. Tourists from across the globe visit this thriving metropolis to browse its many halls of commerce, from high-end shopping malls to traditional marketplaces, drawn in by the city’s famous deals and discounts.
And no matter what you’re after, Ho Chi Minh City has the market for you. Ben Thanh Market is the perfect place for souvenirs, and the place to go for anything with a big ‘Saigon’ stamped across it. Patience and bargaining are key to shopping at this spot since, without price tags, it can be easy to overspend. Many stalls sell the same thing, so don’t forget to look around before you buy – if your salesman demands VND 200,000 for your baggy elephant pants, chances are the stall two feet away will charge less!
For a cultural immersion into every day Ho Chi Minh City life, follow the locals to one of the many more traditional markets around the city. Of these, perhaps the most fascinating is Binh Tay Market in District 5. Situated in what is widely known as the Chinese sector of town, called Cholon, this market offers fresh local produce, the usual plethora of clothes, hats, and jewelry, as well as a variety of wholesale spices and household necessities. There is nothing generic about Binh Tay, and the vendors are a lot less blunt than those of the famous Ben Thanh Market. Exploring the backstreets behind the market complex is also a fascinating activity.
Most traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City open early in the morning, and though they remain open all day, opening time is the best time to visit. Fresh produce is less than fresh under the midday Vietnamese sun and all the best deals have been dealt with after the first hour or so.
But conversely, there is one market that only opens at night! Situated on Le Loi, Saigon’s famous Ben Thanh Night Market offers a range of exciting colors, tastes, and smells. Browse the clothing stalls for cheap tops and sweaters, grab some delicious hot sticky rice or sit down for a full BBQ dinner. Be sure not to miss the incense, fresh fruits, or creative handicrafts! This market is smaller and less crowded than most, and a great way to spend an evening in Ho Chi Minh City.
Q&A
It’s nice to just sit back and relax from time to time, especially if you’re working in Saigon where the streets are always busy and everyone is in a rush. Aside from going to shopping centers,a lot of expats and foreigners also enjoy going to parks to unwind and spend quality time with their loved ones, pets, or family and friends. Here are a few parks for your enjoyment.
District 1
September 23rd Park (23/09)
1 Pham Ngu Lao, D1; +84 28 3827 2698
23/09 Park is a park in downtown HCMC, between Le Lai and Pham Ngu Lao streets. The park stretches from Quach Thi Trang square to Nguyen Thai Binh market which is located on Nguyen Trai.
30-4 Park
This small, shady, central HCMC park takes its name from Vietnam’s Reunification Day, as April 30 marked the fall of Saigon. It offers a cool respite courtesy of its tall trees and it connects the Reunification Palace with Notre Dame Cathedral. A hub of activity and a popular gathering place for locals, 30-4 Park is a splendid place to people-watch. Take your camera, buy a drink from one of the nearby park vendors and bask in the commotion.
Lê Văn Tám Park
Vo Thi Sau, Da Kao,D1; +84 28 3829 0945
This park is located between four main roads: Hai Ba Trung, Dien Bien Phu, Phan Liem and Vo Thi Sau. During the French colonial period, it was the cemetery for the French. During 1985, the area was thankfully cleared and named Lê Văn Tám Park to celebrate the 10 years after liberation. This park is a favourite for families as there are games for children.
Saigon Botanical and Zoological Gardens
2B Nguyen Binh Khiem, D1; +84 28 3829 1425
Price: VND50,000/Adult, VND30,000/Child
Founded by botanist JB Louis Pierre more than 100 years ago, HCMC Zoo and Botanical Gardens (aka Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens) is one of the oldest zoos in the world. There are currently more than 550 animals exhibited in the zoo and more than 1830 trees and 260 plant species in the botanical gardens, with some dating back over 100 years. There are a number of different sections to explore including the animal conservation area, orchid garden and plant conservation centre and a children’s amusement area. Lakes brimming with tropical fish form part of the zoo and botanical gardens which is also home to a monument dedicated to Vietnamese killed in World War I. The HCMC Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a popular place to go and is visited by locals and tourists who are often surprised by the fact that you can get an up close and personal look at some of the animals and feed them. The animal care is not always as good as you may see it at home.
Other Districts
Turtle Lake
Public square & water fountain in the middle of a roundabout, with benches & street-food vendors.
Hòa Bình Park
1 Nguyen Chi Thanh, D5; +84 9 4523 6852
Riverside park An Phu Hung
Cong vien ven ng, So 46, Khu dan cu An Phu Hung, D7
Đầm Sen Park
3 Hoa Binh, D11; +84 28 3963 2483
Sprawling family-friendly entertainment complex with rides, a water park, cinema & zoo.
The best known and attended synagogue in Saigon is certainly Chabad, located in northern District 1, not too far from Saigon Zoo. Check out the exact location below:
Chabad of Vietnam
5A Nguyen Dinh Chieu, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / https://www.jewishvietnam.com/
It is open every day from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM with a Jewish library.
The Minyanim for Shacharit during the weekdays are on:
Sunday – 8:30am
Monday and Thursday – 7:30am.
Friday night – candle lighting on time, than Mincha, Kabbalat Shabbat, Kiddush and Dinner.
Shabbat Morning – Shacharit at 10:00am.
Saigon is a very open country. It welcomes all religions and beliefs so expats and foreigners can freely practice their faith without inhibitions. There are a number of mosques where Muslims can go to practice their faith. The most well known is Jamia Al Musulman Mosque, but you can also check out other options below:
Jamia Al Musulman Mosque
Jumah Nancy/Masjid Jamiul Islamiyah
459 Tran Hung Dao, D1, HCMC, Vietnam / +84 28 3920 3325
Al Rahim Mosque
45 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, D1, HCMC, Vietnam
Masjid Mosque
317/27 To 18, Hem 285 Cach Mang Thang Tam, D10, HCMC, Vietnam
Your Insider's Guide to Further Attractions in Saigon
HCMC ATTRACTION POINT OF INTEREST Dong Khoi Street
Open 24 hours Daily
HCMC ATTRACTION POINT OF INTEREST Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Open 24 hours Daily
HCMC ATTRACTION POINT OF INTEREST Bitexco Tower
8 AM to 11 PM Daily
INTRODUCTION TO FURTHER ATTRACTIONS IN SAIGON
Ho Chi Minh City is an ideal gateway to discovering Vietnam. Travelers will find it easy to navigate, with most attractions and things to do located in District 1. Other popular attractions and points of interest in District 1, include Dong Khoi street, formerly Rue Catinat. It is the most upscale avenue in central Saigon, housing most of the city’s 5-star hotels and designer boutiques.
Otherwise, get up to the top sky deck for one of the city’s best viewpoints at the Bitexco tower, and drive to the far away Cu Chi Tunnels, to get an insight into the life of Viet Cong fighters during the American war.
SAIGON INSPIRATION ATTRACTIONS FURTHER ATTRACTIONS
