Iconic Landmarks in District 1

Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Central Post Office is a historic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City but remains as one of Southeast Asia’s oldest functioning post offices. Its grand architecture is distinctly French colonial style with decorative plaster mouldings and wooden shutters. 

It’s free to enter and once inside you’ll immediately notice the soaring arches, wooden features and large hand painted maps that line the walls. 

Even if you only have a short time in Ho Chi Minh City, this is one place worth stepping inside for a look, rather than just viewing from the street.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Another example of French colonial architecture, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon features a distinctive gothic style that’s reminiscent of the famous Notre Dame in Paris. 

Located right in the heart of District 1, it’s close to other nearby attractions like the Saigon Central Post Office. 

Although I’ve visited Ho Chi Minh City a few times in recent years, I’ve never been able to go inside, as the cathedral has been undergoing major restoration work for nearly a decade. It’s still worth a visit for the exterior alone, although there might still be some scaffolding up as the renovations continue.

Ben Thanh Market 

Ben Thanh Market is a huge indoor covered market with over 1,000 stalls selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to fresh fruits and meat. It’s easy to lose your sense of direction wandering through the narrow rows of stalls and it can feel overwhelming at first, passing enthusiastic vendors hawking their goods.

Don’t be afraid to haggle here, as it’s expected. Prices are typically inflated for tourists, so while it can be intimidating at first, some friendly negotiation is part of the experience. A good starting point is to offer around 50% of the initial asking price and work from there. If you’re not happy with the price or struggling with negotiations, walking away is a surprisingly good strategy. You’ll find that vendors often call you back with their best offer. In most cases, you’ll typically end up settling somewhere in the middle. 

Tip: If you’re not keen on haggling, head to the fixed-price section around the outer edge of the market, where the prices are clearly marked and the atmosphere is generally more relaxed.

Historical Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive network of underground tunnels that were used during the Vietnam War. The tunnels served as hiding places, supply routes, and even living quarters allowing fighters to operate largely underground. 

When I visited, I was solo backpacking and chose to take the local bus but I wouldn’t recommend it. The bus was crowded, hot and stuck in the city’s heavy traffic, making it a long and uncomfortable journey. 

Instead, the easiest way to visit is by booking a guided Cu Chi Tunnels tour. This tour includes transport, entrance fee to the tunnels, and a knowledgeable guide to explain the history and significance of the site. 

The tour takes around half a day, making it an easy addition to your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary. 

War Remnants Museum 

The War Remnants Museum exhibits a collection of photographs, military equipment and other artefacts relating to the Vietnam War and First Indochina War.

I found the museum to be a powerful and confronting experience. Some of the exhibits are difficult to take in, particularly those showing the effects of Agent Orange. At one point, I needed to step away briefly, as it became quite emotional. 

If you’re planning to visit, you can check ticket prices here. It’s also worth considering what you have planned afterwards, as you may leave in a reflective or sombre mood. While challenging, the museum offers important insight into history and the impact of the conflicts.

Independence Palace

The Independence Palace was the home and workplace of the president of the former Republic of Vietnam. It is also known for its role in the events of April 1975, when tanks entered the palace grounds, marking the fall of Saigon and the end of the conflict in South Vietnam.

Today, it remains as one of the most important historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City.

Unique Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

Cafe Apartments

The Cafe Apartments in Ho Chi Minh City is a truly unique experience – I’ve never seen anything else like it. This multi-story building was once a residential complex but has now been transformed into a collection of cafes and boutique stores stacked behind its iconic facade. 

Spend some time exploring all nine floors, as each one offers a different vibe and a variety of cafes to discover. Grab a drink and enjoy it from one of the balconies overlooking the busy city streets below.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a wide pedestrianised boulevard in District 1 that stretches for nearly a kilometre from the Ho Chi Minh People’s Committee Building down to the Saigon River. In a bustling city where crossing the road can feel chaotic with the constant flow of motorbikes, this car-free stretch offers a welcome place to walk and take a break from the traffic. 

The street is lined with cafes, restaurants, convenience stores, hotels, and the famous Cafe Apartments. It’s a local gathering point and a hub for events and performances, and is especially lively during cultural celebrations like Tet (Lunar New Year), when it hosts the annual Nguyen Hue Flower Street Festival.

Cultural and Local Spots

Pink Church (Tan Dinh Church)

Tan Dinh Church is commonly known as the “Pink Church” for its pretty pastel pink exterior.  It’s become a popular photo spot for its vibrant colour and gothic architecture. 

I’ve never been inside, only admired it from the outside, but it’s a nice spot and within walking distance from other nearby attractions.

Chua Phap Hoa

Chùa Pháp Hoa is a grand Buddhist temple overlooking a canal in District 3. As you pass by, you’ll often see monks praying inside. You can admire its ornate architecture and the many hanging lanterns that decorate the exterior.

Turtle Lake

Turtle Lake (Hồ Con Rùa) is a popular local hangout spot in the streets of District 3. Located in the middle of a roundabout, it features a large concrete structure with a tall lotus-shaped tower that incorporates paths and stairs that spiral around a small lake.

I find it a nice place to relax and sit to have something to eat, with plenty of local cafes nearby where you can pick something up.

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

I discovered Ho Thi Ky Flower Market on a street food tour while visiting with a guide. It’s tucked away in District 10, away from the usual tourist spots in Districts 1 and 3. 

It’s a vibrant night market filled with street food stalls and masses of bright, colourful flowers spilling out onto the streets. One of the highlights of my visit was trying avocado ice cream, something I was initially unsure about, as it’s not a typical flavour, but I ended up loving it. It was smooth and creamy, served with scoops of coconut ice cream topped with crunchy toasted coconut flakes. 

If you want to try it yourself, look out for the stall called Kem Bơ Hồ Thị Kỷ T&N.

Food Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City

Street Food Tour

One of my favourite things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is booking a guided street food tour. It’s a great way to try traditional dishes at local spots, rather than the typical tourist places. 

My favourite was a motorbike street food tour, riding through the busy streets and stopping at several local restaurants, food stalls and markets. I especially liked that it covered districts outside of the city centre that I wouldn’t have visited otherwise. I felt completely safe and comfortable on the back of the bike with my guide. 

If you’re not keen on getting on the back of a bike, you can book a walking street food tour instead. You’ll get to explore hidden alleys and try iconic dishes as you move around the city. 

If you’re planning to book a tour, I’ve written a dedicated guide to food tours in Ho Chi Minh City.

Experience Vietnamese Coffee Culture

Vietnam has a huge coffee culture with their own traditional methods and unique drinks such as egg coffee or salt coffee. 

You can try these unique coffees at local cafes across the city, or join a Vietnamese Coffee Workshop to learn how to make them yourself. It’s a great hands-on way to experience the coffee culture.

Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City

Bui Vien Walking Street

Bui Vien Walking Street is a popular nightlife strip in Ho Chi Minh City, lined with bars and restaurants. It’s full of bright neon signs, loud music, and lively atmosphere, and it can get really crowded walking the street in the evening.

Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips

Crossing the road

When you first arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, crossing the road can feel intimidating. Traffic rarely stops and there’s always a constant flow of motorbikes streaming through the streets. 

The safest option is to use designated crossings or traffic lights where available. Otherwise, the key is to walk slowly and steadily, letting the motorbikes move around you. If you’re not feeling confident, wait until some locals start crossing and follow alongside them.

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re staying in District 1 or 3, you’ll be within walking distance of many attractions and can easily explore on foot. If the weather is too hot or rainy, or you’re travelling further out, Grab is the easiest way to get around.

Grab is an affordable ridesharing app used throughout Vietnam for both cars and motorbikes, and works similar to Uber.

Get an eSim for Vietnam (Stay Connected)

I rely heavily on my phone while travelling, for maps, Google Translate and booking Grab rides, so staying connected is essential. I use Airalo to set up an eSim before I leave home, so I’m connected as soon as I land. It also makes it easy to order a Grab from the airport and avoid taxi scams. 

I’ve written a detailed guide to setting up an eSim for Vietnam, including step-by-step instructions and the best options depending on your trip.

Carry cash

In Ho Chi Minh City, most shops, cafes and restaurants accept cards. However, you’ll still need cash for street food stalls, local markets and smaller vendors.

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City

I’d recommend choosing between staying in District 1 or District 3. 

District 1 is a great option for first time visitors as it’s in the heart of the city and within walking distance of many major attractions, although it can be a little noisy. I personally prefer to stay just outside District 1 in District 3, as it’s quieter while still being within walking distance or a short Grab ride away from most sights. 

There are so many hotel options in Ho Chi Minh City that it can feel overwhelming. To help narrow it down, I’ve included two hotels I’ve personally stayed in below

District 1

Cochin Sang Hotel

A great budget-friendly option in a very central location, right next to Ben Thanh Market.

Cochin Sang Hotel is located right by the Ben Thanh Market and surrounded by plenty of local restaurant options, making it a very convenient base for exploring the city. 

While the rooms are compact, it’s great value for both location and price. The rooftop pool is a real highlight and a great place to cool off after a day of sightseeing.

The only minor downside was that checkout took a little longer as they inspected the room, which is fairly common in Vietnam. 

District 3

Orchards Saigon Hotel

My top pick for a quieter stay with easy access to District 1

I’ve stayed here three times now, and it’s become an easy favourite when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Located on the edge of District 3, it’s within walking distance of District 1 attractions, for example, the Saigon Central Post Office and War Remnants Museum are within a 10-minute walk. The surrounding area also feels more local rather than touristy, with a nearby university and large supermarket. 

The hotel features a covered swimming pool with loungers, which is a great place to relax after a day of sightseeing. There’s also a small gym with basic equipment, including a treadmill and weights. 

Rooms are spacious, and I usually choose to upgrade to a suite for the extra living space and added comfort. 

The staff are consistently friendly and attentive, which makes staying even more enjoyable. Overall, this is my top pick for staying in Ho Chi Minh City.