Ho Chi Minh is an iconic city in southern Vietnam. Renowned for its culture, vibrant nightlife and rooftops, it was historically the stage for major events that shaped the country's identity. Pagodas, temples, Reunification Palace and a cruise on the Saigon River: discover what to see and what to do in Ho Chi Minh!

What are the must-do activities in Ho Chi Minh City?

Religious buildings (pagodas and temples)

Religious beliefs are quite diverse in southern Vietnam (traditional spiritual belief, Buddhism, Christianity and, more rarely, Hinduism). Beyond churches dating from the French colonial era, Ho Chi Minh City boasts beautiful pagodas and temples.

Pagodas

Recognizable by their distinctive architecture and multi-tiered roofs, pagodas are places of worship dedicated primarily to meditation, spiritual awakening and Buddhism. They typically house relics, sacred texts and numerous statues. Among them:

● Giac Lam Pagoda: built in 1744 and standing 32 metres high, it displays a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese architecture.

● Jade Emperor Pagoda: located in the heart of District 1, it is one of the most popular pagodas in Ho Chi Minh. Built in the early 1900s, it features an unusual pink façade!

Temples

Temples are buildings dedicated to religious beliefs. They are generally dedicated to a saint, a deity, a national hero or a mythical figure.

● Nhi Phu Temple: located in Ho Chi Minh's Chinese quarter, this monument was built in the early 18th century. At the entrance, you can admire a carved wooden and golden altar.

● Floating Temple of Phu Chau: located less than 20 km from Ho Chi Minh, on an island in the Vam Thuat River, this 550 m² temple is only accessible by boat!

Colonial architecture

During your stay, you will notice numerous monuments from the French colonial era. As you explore the city, you will discover:

● The stunning city hall and its 20th-century garden,

● Saigon Opera House (open to visitors even without attending a performance),

● Hotel Continental (an iconic landmark featured in several films),

● Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon, erected between 1877 and 1880 by French colonists.

The Chinese quarter of Cholon

The Cho Lon Chinese quarter, which spans several districts, was developed in the 17th century. Once notorious – and highly favoured by colonists for its opium dens and clubs – Cho Lon is now renowned for its incense fragrances, traditional shops and restaurants.

As for architecture? This Vietnamese chinatown retains classic Chinese architecture, complete with curves, ornaments and lanterns! A tip? It's also an excellent area for an evening out, thanks to its numerous small bars and local artists' performances…

Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace (or Independence Palace) is the must-see monument when visiting Ho Chi Minh City. Why? After invading Vietnam in 1858, French forces had this building constructed as a residence and workplace for generals…

Once called Norodom Palace, this building later came under Japanese control when they took power on March 9, 1945, before returning (yet again!) to French authority a few months later – following the Japanese defeat in World War II.

In April 1975, two tanks from the Vietnamese army entered the Palace. This event marked the fall of the Saigon Republic and the end of the war. Today? The multicultural architecture of the monument testifies to the various colonial authorities that succeeded one another in governing Vietnam.

A visit to the Palace allows you to learn more about the country's history and offers a leap into the past, thanks to its intact meeting rooms, period objects and original furnishings… Outside, you can see a helicopter and several military tanks.

Fito Museum

Fito Museum is the museum of traditional medicine. Founded in 2003 by a passionate pharmacist, this 600 m² venue spread across 6 floors houses numerous collections showcasing the evolution of Vietnamese medicine from prehistory to the present day! The place exudes a calming atmosphere, thanks to the fragrant aromas of medicinal plants that perfume the space…

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most visited history museums in former Saigon. Housing thousands of objects, documents, photographs and archives, as well as numerous military vehicles (such as planes and tanks), this venue traces the horrors of wars from the French invasion to American oppression… A poignant but necessary visit to understand the country's history.

Bitexco Tower

Bitexco Tower is a modern monument, inaugurated in 2010. It is the headquarters of a major national import-export enterprise, rising more than 260 metres high (with 68 floors).

Its appeal for visitors? The stunning panoramic view from the observatory, located on the terrace of the 49th floor – open to the public. This skyscraper also houses shops, entertainment venues, numerous bars and prestigious restaurants.

Before entering the tower, take time to observe its distinctive architecture: a lotus bud, designed by two French architects.

A boat ride

For an unforgettable experience? Treat yourself to a cruise on the Saigon River! To the sounds of jazz or the melody of traditional music, you'll navigate this legendary waterway and discover the city from a different perspective. An evening cruise allows you to admire the city, lit up with a thousand and one lights…

A rooftop

Ho Chi Minh is also a city known for its nightlife and skybars. Prized for their panoramic views and festive yet cosy atmosphere, rooftops are also popular for their cocktails. Two must-visits? The Majestic Hotel and Glow Rooftop Lounge!

How to get to Ho Chi Minh?

Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh stretches along the Saigon River, 1,700 kilometres from Hanoi. There are several ways to get there:

● From Tan Son Nhat Airport (SGN): Ho Chi Minh City airport receives flights from several cities (including Paris and Toulouse, with connections) – then a 15-minute shuttle ride to reach the city centre.

● From the Vietnamese capital: by plane (domestic flight of about 1 hour 20 minutes), by train (journey of about 30 hours), by bus (about 39 hours on the road)

FAQ

Ho Chi Minh, how many days?

To visit Ho Chi Minh and its main attractions, two days may be sufficient. To fully enjoy the city's atmosphere and/or go hiking in the surrounding area, plan instead to visit Ho Chi Minh over 3 days as part of a Vietnam trip.

Where to explore in the evening in Ho Chi Minh?

The nighttime atmosphere in Ho Chi Minh varies by neighbourhood. One of the most popular streets is the pedestrian Nguyen Hue Street. Very busy with the local population, it is known for its relaxed atmosphere and concerts.

What to do around Ho Chi Minh?

Located 60 km from Ho Chi Minh, the Cu Chi tunnels were built by independence guerrillas fighting against colonial domination (between 1954 and 1975). These former hideouts form a veritable underground city and a rich historical heritage.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh when it rains?

In case of rain in Ho Chi Minh, the War Remnants Museum and Fito Museum (traditional medicine museum) are interesting alternatives. The Fine Arts Museum is also a good option, with its 20,000 works from different periods.

Audrey Denjean