Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is always an appealing destination sought after by numerous tourists when they visit this city. Here, you can experience a wide range of diverse activities at tourist spots suitable for all ages.

Saigon, as one of the major cities in Vietnam, captures the attention of both domestic and international tourists, offering unique and diverse destinations. Here, you can explore and engage in a multitude of exciting activities without ceasing.

1. Explore the historical landmarks of Saigon: Independence Palace – Reunification Hall

• Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 11 AM and 1 PM – 4 PM, all days of the week
• Ticket prices: Ranging from 3,000 VND to 30,000 VND per person, depending on the visitor category

If you want to discover the important cultural and historical aspects of Saigon during the day, the Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Hall, is a must-visit destination. Located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ho Chi Minh City, the Independence Palace is a renowned architectural masterpiece that symbolizes the national resistance against the United States and the nation’s salvation.

The Independence Palace is one of the nationally significant historical sites, holding special historical and cultural value. When you visit this city, take the time to explore this unique landmark. The architecture of the Independence Palace harmoniously combines Eastern and modern styles. Here, you have the opportunity to admire each architectural detail and the artifacts preserved from the previous regime. This tourist spot attracts a large number of visitors, especially during the commemoration of April 30th and May 1st every year.

Make sure to visit the Independence Palace – Reunification Hall to learn more about the historical process and enjoy the unique cultural atmosphere of Saigon.

2. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica – The Splendid Architectural Achievement of Saigon

• Address: 1 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM and 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM (Monday to Friday)
• Ticket prices: Free

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, located at 1 Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, is one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Saigon. Known by various names such as Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral or the Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, this landmark attracts visitors with its unique design.

Inside Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, you can experience a space consisting of a main nave, two aisles, and two bell towers, with a capacity of up to 1,200 people. The architecture of the building combines Roman and Gothic styles, creating a distinct beauty. For Catholic believers in Saigon, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a symbol of pride.

Additionally, the spacious surroundings of Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica are noteworthy. With lush greenery and an open atmosphere, it is an ideal place for photography and exploring the “virtual world”.

Exploring Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, a stunning icon, during your visit to Saigon will be an unforgettable experience.

3. Ben Thanh Market – A Vibrant Shopping Paradise in Saigon

• Address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
• Opening hours: 7 AM – 7 PM
• Ticket prices: Free

Ben Thanh Market is one of the famous tourist destinations in Saigon and highly regarded by many visitors. With its central location and proximity to major roads, this market is convenient for transportation and shopping.

At Ben Thanh Market, visitors can indulge in choosing from hundreds of diverse goods, from traditional to modern items. It is also an ideal place to experience traditional cuisine at reasonable prices. Moreover, you can find unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip.

Ben Thanh Market is not only a bustling market but also an integral part of your Saigon travel journey. Take the time to explore, shop, and savor delicious dishes at this market to create memorable experiences.

4. Landmark 81 – Architectural Heights and Exquisite Experiences in Saigon

• Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City

Landmark 81 is one of the impressive projects by Vingroup in Ho Chi Minh City. With a height of 470 meters, it is currently the tallest building in Vietnam. Landmark 81 is considered an unmissable tourist destination in Saigon.

At Landmark 81, visitors can enjoy a wide range of diverse services and facilities, from shopping to entertainment and relaxation. Vincom Center Landmark 81 provides a world-class shopping experience with leading global brands.

Additionally, you can participate in various entertainment activities at this location, such as the CGV cinema and Vincom Ice Rink. With 30 restaurants and thousands of enticing dishes from around the world, you will have the opportunity to savor a variety of flavors at Landmark 81. The building also offers luxurious accommodation with the Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection hotel, where you can enjoy well-equipped, luxurious rooms and panoramic views of the Saigon River.

5. Saigon Opera House – Experience Superb Artistry

• Address: 7 Lam Son Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 9 AM – 4:30 PM (weekdays) and 9 AM – 12 PM (weekends)
• Ticket prices: Approximately 700,000 VND per person, depending on events and performances.

Saigon Opera House is considered a unique and exceptional tourist destination where you can experience professional artistic performances such as theater, traditional opera, and various other art forms. It is regarded as a top artistic symbol in Vietnam.

The Saigon Opera House has a distinctive and grand architecture, with an area of 2,016 square meters, designed by renowned architects. The building not only exhibits its grandeur on the outside but also provides a state-of-the-art experience with modern sound and lighting inside.

Visitors can check the performance schedule of the theater and enjoy professional performances by artistic troupes from both domestic and international scenes. With a capacity of around 1,800 people, you can enjoy marvelous artistic works with your family at this venue.

Make sure to visit the Saigon Opera House to immerse yourself in a world-class artistic space and experience quality performances during your trip to Saigon.

6. Ho Chi Minh City History Museum – A journey to explore a historical past

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM (Tuesday to Sunday).
• Ticket prices: 1,000 VND for children, 2,000 VND for adults, and 15,000 VND for foreign tourists.

Ho Chi Minh City History Museum is one of the famous tourist attractions in Saigon, offering visitors the opportunity to admire valuable historical artifacts. Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.

The museum was established in 1929, with its predecessor being the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum Institute. Here, visitors can explore tens of thousands of artifacts, 25,000 newspapers, and many valuable historical documents. The Ho Chi Minh City History Museum is not only a place for sightseeing and exploration but also a destination to enhance knowledge in archaeology, history, ethnology, and various other fields.

For those who are interested in these fields, the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum is an ideal tourist destination. Visit and delve into the rich historical past at this location to gain more knowledge and have an interesting experience during your trip to Saigon.

7. Ben Thanh House – Ho Chi Minh Museum: Discover the journey into a great history

• Address: 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, Ward 12, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM (Tuesday to Sunday).

It is a special tourist destination in Saigon, where numerous memories, imprints, and images of President Ho Chi Minh are preserved.

Ben Thanh House is a significant historical site that bears witness to the Vietnam nation’s resistance against the French and the United States. Nowadays, visitors can admire a series of artifacts and documents related to the life of President Ho Chi Minh when visiting this location. Moreover, Ben Thanh House also provides visitors with a profound insight into the national history, evoking love for the homeland and the country within every Vietnamese individual.

By visiting Ben Thanh House – Ho Chi Minh Museum, you will embark on an important and meaningful journey into the great history of Vietnam. This is an ideal destination to deepen your understanding of the past and foster your connection with love and pride for the nation.

8. Suoi Tien Tourist Area – The most exciting amusement spot in Saigon

• Address: 120 Ha Noi Highway, Tan Phu Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 6:30 AM – 10:00 PM.
• Ticket prices: 120,000 VND for adults, 60,000 VND for children from 1m to 1.4m, free for children under 1m.

At Suoi Tien, recreational activities are built upon mythical stories and legends such as Son Tinh – Thuy Tinh, Lac Long Quan – Au Co, and the Hung Kings. The special thing is that all the forms of entertainment are recreated and designed in a unique way. This is also an opportunity for visitors to discover and learn about the unique cultural stories of Vietnam.

Moreover, Suoi Tien offers a variety of unique games such as high-speed racing, 4D and 9D film experiences, and space battleship adventures, among many other games. With a wide range of activities suitable for all types of visitors, you and your family will have wonderful and relaxing moments here.

Visit Suoi Tien tourist area to experience the most exciting activities in Saigon and create memorable memories during your trip.

9. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens – A Beautiful Conservation Area of Flora and Fauna in the City

• Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM.
• Ticket prices: 60,000 VND for adults over 1.3m, 40,000 VND for adults between 1m and 1.3m, free for children under 1m.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is one of the famous tourist destinations in Saigon, offering visitors a unique experience with over 1,000 animal specimens and more than 2,000 diverse and beautiful species of flowers and plants.

Especially for children, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a wonderful outing. Unique games such as electric cars, airplanes, fishing, carousel rides, and trains will delight children. This is an ideal tourist spot if you have young children on your trip. In addition to exploring animals and plants, Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is also a beautiful check-in spot to capture memorable moments during your visit to this city.

Take the time to visit Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens and enjoy the wonderful conservation area of flora and fauna in Ho Chi Minh City. It is an interesting educational and entertainment center for both families and children.

10. Nguyen Hue Walking Street – An Attractive and Fascinating Nighttime Tourist Spot in Saigon

Located on Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a wonderful tourist destination to experience the vibrant and captivating atmosphere of Saigon at night. With an open space throughout the day, visitors can leisurely stroll along this street and participate in various lively activities of the local people and Saigon’s youth.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street was inaugurated and put into operation in 2005, with a length of 670m and a width of 64m. Here, you will enjoy the ambiance with a green tree system, large water fountains, and sparkling lights. The special thing is that you can indulge in delicious street food right in the surrounding area. Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a nighttime tourist spot in Saigon that should not be missed.

Take the time to explore and discover Nguyen Hue Walking Street in the evening; you will experience a lively and exciting atmosphere and savor delightful street food of Saigon at night.

11. Beer Alley: Lost in HongKong – An Attractive Nighttime Tourist Spot for the Youth

Located at 175/19 Pham Ngu Lao Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Beer Alley: Lost in HongKong is a fascinating destination in the journey to explore Saigon’s nightlife. Here, you will enter a unique space, as if getting lost in the ancient streets of HongKong. LED lights, red lanterns, and neon signs create a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere.

Beer Alley: Lost in HongKong is not only a place for tourists to visit and take photos but also a place to enjoy unique dishes and characteristic beers. With a street-like atmosphere, this is a tourist spot in Saigon that attracts the youth and captivates those who want to enjoy the lively and vibrant nightlife.

Take the time to visit Beer Alley: Lost in HongKong in the evening; you will experience a distinctive atmosphere and indulge in special dishes amidst the lively ambiance of Saigon at night.

12. Starlight Bridge – The Most Beautiful Pedestrian Bridge in Saigon

Located at Ton Dat Tien, Phu My Hung, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Starlight Bridge is one of the famous tourist attractions in Saigon, especially at night. This bridge connects Phu My Hung urban area and Crescent Lake, creating an interesting and attractive pedestrian space.

Starlight Bridge stands out with its beautiful water fountains and LED lights, creating a dazzling and mesmerizing scene at night. This is an ideal destination for you to admire the water fountain show and capture beautiful check-in photos.

Furthermore, Starlight Bridge has a large square on both sides of the bridge, designed to resemble the sun and the moon. This is a suitable space for you, your family, and friends to exercise, relax, and enjoy outdoor activities.

Take the time to visit Starlight Bridge in the evening to enjoy the unique beauty and romance of this pedestrian bridge, along with the lively and vibrant atmosphere of Saigon at night.

13. Saigon River – The Romantic and Enchanting River in the Heart of the City

The Saigon River is a famous tourist destination in Saigon, offering unique and exciting experiences in the heart of the city. The Saigon River is part of a 230km-long river that originates from Southeast Cambodia. Visitors can choose to walk along the riverbank to admire and enjoy different perspectives of the city, savoring the cool and serene atmosphere of the river.

Furthermore, another interesting experience is to join Saigon River cruises. Visitors can opt for high-speed boat tours to explore the river and admire the unique architectural structures on both sides of the river. The cruises usually take place in the evening, creating a romantic and dazzling ambiance as the city lights up.

To fully enjoy the experience of traveling on the Saigon River, you can also have dinner on a boat, where you can indulge in delicious food while enjoying the unique scenery of the river and the city at night.

Explore the Saigon River and embrace the wonderful and unforgettable experiences during your trip to Saigon.

14. Hanh Thong Tay Night Market – A Paradise for Bargain Shopping in Saigon

Hanh Thong Tay Night Market is one of the famous tourist spots in Saigon known for its diverse and affordable shopping activities. It is a wholesale market with a wide variety of goods sold at attractive prices in Saigon.

Shopaholics will find a true paradise at Hanh Thong Tay Night Market. You can buy clothes, bags, accessories, and many other items at competitive prices. Here, you can negotiate and bargain with the vendors to get the best deals.

However, as it is a crowded and bustling market, visitors should be cautious about their personal belongings to avoid theft. Besides shopping, you can also enjoy typical Saigon street food at the small shops within the market.

The experience at Hanh Thong Tay Night Market will provide you with an exciting and memorable trip of exploration and shopping at reasonable prices.

• Address: 10/2 Quang Trung Street, Ward 11, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: All day.
• Entrance fee: Free.

15. Buu Long Pagoda – A Unique Combination of Thai Culture and Distinctive Architecture

• Address: Buu Long Cultural Park, Buu Long Ward, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City.
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Entrance fee: Free.

Buu Long Pagoda is a renowned tourist destination in Saigon that combines Thai culture with distinctive architecture. The pagoda is located in District 9, Ho Chi Minh City. It is famous for its exquisite beauty and serene atmosphere.

Buu Long Pagoda is known for its impressive structures, including a 27-meter high pagoda, a 36-meter tall statue of Buddha. And a beautiful landscape with a large lake and surrounding gardens. The pagoda’s architecture is influenced by Thai and Vietnamese styles, creating a harmonious and captivating ambiance.

Visitors can explore the pagoda’s premises, admire the intricate details of the statues and shrines, and participate in spiritual activities such as praying and making offerings. The peaceful surroundings make Buu Long Pagoda an ideal place for meditation and relaxation.

Take the time to visit Buu Long Pagoda and immerse yourself in its unique combination of cultural elements. And exceptional architecture, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling city life.

16. Some other note before travelling to Saigon: Exploring Climate, Transportation, and Culinary Specialties

16.1: Climate and Best Time to Visit Saigon

Saigon has two main seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from December to April and is an ideal time for sightseeing and experiencing tourism activities. During this time, you can enjoy engaging in various tourist activities. The rainy season extends from May to November, bringing a romantic ambiance. And convenience for exploring shopping centers and indoor activities.

16.2: Transportation

• To get around Saigon, you can choose from the following transportation options:
• Bus: This is a popular and affordable public transportation option.
• Ride-hailing services: Ride-hailing services have developed and are convenient for getting around.
• Motorbike: Renting a motorbike gives you the freedom to move around and explore the city.

16.3: Saigon Culinary Specialties

Saigon is known as a food paradise with a wide variety of delicious dishes. Here are some iconic dishes you should try:

• Com tam: A famous dish with grilled meat and various side dishes.
• Banh trang tron: An interesting street food dish made with rice paper, seasonings, and a variety of toppings.
• Bun mam: A special noodle dish with a delicious fish sauce flavor.
• Banh canh cua: An exquisite dish with fresh and tasty crab in a thick noodle soup.

In conclusion, the TOP 15 Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) travel destinations for 2023 promise a delightful mix of history, culture, and modern experiences. From bustling streets to serene landmarks, Origin’s Saigon tour package offers something special for every traveler. Embrace the city’s charm, immerse yourself in its vibrant atmosphere, and make unforgettable memories as you explore this incredible destination. Happy journey!