Ho Chi Minh City, commonly called Saigon, is Vietnam’s vibrant economic and cultural hub. Known for its “city that never sleeps” vibe, it’s filled with exciting entertainment and activities around the clock, offering captivating places to visit in Ho Chi Minh city for first-time visitors.
This Recago guide covers all the essential details for an amazing trip to Saigon.
Vietnam’s Most Vibrant City
It’s hard to get bored when traveling in Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon), a place that feels like a “city that never sleeps,” always bustling and lively. While Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, lives by the spirit of an ancient city, Ho Chi Minh City prefers a more metropolitan, youthful appearance.
The heart of Saigon is a blend of diverse cultures: the unique characteristics of Vietnam’s three regions—North, Central, and South; the enduring cultural beauty of the long-established Chinese community; the Cambodian market with Khmer temples; rustic riverside eateries; and European-style skyscrapers. All these elements combine to make Ho Chi Minh City an endlessly diverse and appealing destination for visitors.
Famous places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Iconic buildings – Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon is home to many iconic buildings that showcase the city’s rich history and impressive architecture. Notable places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City include:
Central Post Office
Listed by Architectural Digest as one of the most beautiful post offices globally, this building combines European design elements with grand arches and vintage maps, making it a picturesque location for romantic photos.
Location: No. 2 Cong Xa Paris Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ben Thanh Market
A symbol places to visit in Ho Chi Minh city, Ben Thanh Market is known for its four main gates and iconic clock tower, with historic ties to the old railway station, now transformed into the Ben Thanh Metro Station.
Location: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee
Once known as Hôtel de Ville, this architectural masterpiece showcases Renaissance balance, a towering clock, and Baroque, Rococo, and Art Nouveau elements, offering a scenic view from the Saigon River.
Location: No. 86 Le Thanh Ton, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Independence Palace
The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, was built on the site of the former Norodom Palace. The Independence Palace symbolizes Vietnam’s victory, peace, and territorial integrity. This place impresses tourist with a glamorous design, hundreds of rooms equipped with luxurious furnishings and decorations, and an enormous and gorgeous exterior space.
Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Positioned in the heart of Saigon, the Opera House is a classic example of French Colonial architecture, serving as a venue for theatrical performances and significant events.
Location: No. 7, Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Notre Dame Cathedral
This Romanesque-Gothic cathedral stands out with its 60.5-meter twin bell towers, a striking red-brick exterior, and a 4.6-meter white granite statue of the Virgin Mary, adding to its impressive presence. However, currently this cathedral is under renovation till 2027.
Location: No. 1 Cong Xa Paris Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
Exhilarating outdoor adventures- Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon River Cruise
For a unique experience, take a cruise along the Saigon River to view the city from a whole new angle. This scenic journey lets you witness iconic places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City like Nha Rong Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, Phu My Bridge, lively Red Light District, Binh Khanh Ferry…
Park Outings
Ho Chi Minh City’s parks offer a peaceful escape from the bustling urban streets, each with its own charm and beauty. From Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden to Tao Dan Park, Hoang Van Thu Park, Le Van Tam Park, Vinhomes Central Park those places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City offers scenic relaxation spots.
Exploring Chinatown
Step into District 5’s bustling Chinatown, known for its vibrant streets and deep-rooted Chinese cultural influences. Wander along Tran Hung Dao, Chau Van Liem, and Luong Nhu Hoc streets, where you’ll find historic Chinese-style buildings, temples, guild halls, and delicious Chinese culinary flavors that thrive in this lively neighborhood.
Cu Chi Tunnels
Located approximately 70 kilometers northwest of the city center, the Cu Chi Tunnels, top places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, served as a strategic base for Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War. Visitors can delve into this significant historical site and explore exhibits showcasing Vietnam’s wartime resilience.
Dynamic nightlife – Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Bui Vien Street
Known locally as “Western Street,” Bui Vien comes alive each night with energy that lasts until dawn. Both sides of this vibrant street are packed with cafés, bars, pubs, and restaurants, creating a lively scene for visitors and locals alike. Street performers, including thrilling fire eaters, add an extra spark to the excitement here.
24/7 Coffee shops
For those needing a place to relax or work at any hour, Ho Chi Minh City has numerous 24/7 coffee shops and rooftop bars. Those places are open around the clock, offering free Wi-Fi, power outlets, quiet spaces for working, making them ideal for late-night gatherings or productivity sessions.
Some popular 24/7 coffee places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City: KAI Coffee, Three O’clock, Đen Đá Coffee, Garage Coffee, Thức Coffee, Snob Coffee
Night Markets
Ho Chi Minh City’s night markets, including Ben Thanh, Binh Tay, and Ho Thi Ky, are loved for their energetic and festive atmosphere. These places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City feature a wide selection of goods, local foods, and a lively ambiance, making them an essential experience for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Diverse cuisine in Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon’s cuisine reflects the vibrant culture and history of this city. Each of these dishes brings a unique taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s rich culinary landscape.
Phở
One of Vietnam’s most iconic dishes, pho is a flavorful noodle soup made with a savory broth, fresh rice noodles, herbs, and tender slices of beef or chicken. Often enjoyed as a breakfast dish, pho is deeply comforting and a must-try for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for Phở:
Phở Phượng – 25 Hoang Sa Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1
Phở Miến Gà Kỳ Đồng – 14/5 Bis Ky Dong Street, Ward 9, District 3
Phở Bò Phú Gia – 146E Ly Chinh Thang Street, Ward 14, District 3
Phở Lệ – 413-415 Nguyen Trai Street, Ward 7, District 5
Beef Noodle Soup (Bun Bo)
Bun bo, especially popular in southern Vietnam, is a hearty noodle soup with beef slices and herbs, often with a slightly spicy broth. This dish is known for its rich flavors and is perfect for those looking for a meal with a bit more depth and spice than traditional pho.
Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for Bun Bo:
Bun Bo 725 Hoàng Sa – 725 Hoàng Sa, Quận 3
Bun Bo Ganh – 135 Nguyen Du, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Bun bo Hue 3A3 – 17 Dang Tran Con, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Broken Rice (Com Tam)
A Saigon specialty, com tam is made from broken rice grains and served with grilled pork, a fried egg, pickled vegetables, and fish sauce. This popular dish is beloved for its delicious flavors and satisfying textures, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for Com Tam:
Com Tam Ba Ghien – 84 Dang Van Ngu Street, Ward 10, Phu Nhuan District
Com tam Phuc Loc Tho – 236 Dinh Tien Hoang, Da Kao Ward, District 1
Com tam Minh Long – 607 Nguyen Thi Thap, Tan Hung Ward, District 7
Saigon Sandwich (Banh Mi)
A fusion of French and Vietnamese culinary traditions, banh mi is a baguette sandwich filled with a variety of ingredients, including pate, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and various meats or tofu. It’s an ideal quick meal or snack and has become an international street food sensation.
Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for Banh Mi:
Banh mi Huynh Hoa – 26 Le Thi Rieng, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
Banh mi Phuong Lien – 12 Nguyen Huy Tu, Da Kao Ward, District 1
Beef Offal Stew (Pha Lau)
For the adventurous eater, pha lau is a flavorful beef offal stew that combines tender, slow-cooked cuts with a rich, aromatic broth. Often enjoyed with bread or noodles, this dish offers a unique and unforgettable taste of Vietnamese cuisine.
Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for Pha Lau:
Pha Lau Li – 1A Suong Nguyet Anh, District 1
Pha Lau – Gia Dinh High School, 195/29 Xo Viet Nghe Tinh, Binh Thanh District
Pha Lau Bo Co Tram – 242/9F Tôn Đản, Ward 8, District 4
Clear Rice Noodle Soup (Hu Tieu)
A lighter, more delicate soup, hu tieu is made with clear rice noodles in a fragrant broth, topped with pork, shrimp, and fresh herbs. This dish can be enjoyed either as a soup or served dry with the broth on the side and is a popular choice for any meal.
Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City for Hu Tieu:
Hu tieu Hong Phat – 389 – 391 Vo Van Tan, Ward 5, District 3
Hu tieu Nam Vang – A65 Nguyen Trai, Nguyen Cu Trinh Ward, District 1
Hu Tieu Nam Vang Phu Quy – 84 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10
Top Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City
There are multiple options for places to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on personal needs and tastes, visitors can choose different hotels. For convenience in exploring places to visit Ho Chi Minh City, it’s best to stay in central areas. Consider those outstanding accommodations recommended below for your first trip to Saigon.
Hotels – Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Mai House Saigon
Mai House Saigon, located at the heart of District 3, offers a blend of French colonial elegance and modern Vietnamese style, providing a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling city.
Location: 01 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, District 3
Price: $70 per night for two guests
Fusion Suites Sai Gon
Fusion Suites Saigon offers a stylish, wellness-focused retreat in the heart of Saigon, combining modern design with spa-inclusive services for a relaxing urban escape.
Location: 3-5 Sương Nguyệt Ánh, District 1
Price: $80 per night for two guests
Pullman Saigon Centre
This modern hotel features stylish rooms, a rooftop bar, and wellness facilities, making it ideal for guests looking for both relaxation and convenience in the city center.
Location: 148 Tran Hung Dao, District 1
Price: $80 per night for two guests
Sofitel Saigon Plaza
For those looking for refined luxury, Sofitel Saigon Plaza combines French-inspired elegance with panoramic views, a rooftop pool, and gourmet dining options.
Location: 17 Le Duan, District 1
Price: $100 per night for two guests
Homestay – Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City
85B Homestay
Located in a lively alley in the heart of the city, District 1. 85B Homestay offers 08 rooms with different styles. On the first floor, you can easily access a good place to drink and chill which is our 85B Cocktail Bar.
Location : 85B Trần Đình Xu, District 1
Price: from $30 per night for two guests
The Story Home
Hidden in the heart of Saigon, The Story Home offers a peaceful escape amid the bustling city. It’s conveniently located near popular spots like Takashimaya, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, City Opera House Metro, and Ben Thanh Market.
Location: 63 Pasteur, District 1
Price: $35 per night for two guests
M Village Living
M Village recreates a modern living and working space in the heart of Saigon. It features a private, serene garden area within the homestay, providing a cool and peaceful retreat.
Location: 214 Nam Kì Khởi Nghĩa, District 3
Price: $45 per night for two guests
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh city is a dynamic city which can match any taste of travel. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, or shopping, you will find something for yourself here by the wide variety of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh city. Come here and explore this vibrant city yourself!
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