Ho Chi Minh City may very well be the busiest, craziest and most crowded metropolis you’ll ever visit, but in the midst of its winding roads and packed business districts, Old Saigon holds a world of history, culture and charm. Looking for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City? Look no further than city center. Not only is the lively District 1 (Ben Thanh) neighborhood home to attractions like Independence Palace and Tao Dan Park, but it’s also a backpackers’ haven, so cheap hotels are everywhere! Travelers looking for luxury accommodations in District 1 will find plenty of options, too. Either way, any hotel in Ho Chi Minh City puts you close to these top 5 things to do – plus a whole lot more!
1. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Tourists can’t miss the red-brick façade of Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon. Its 58 meter-tall bell tower also draws the attention of backpackers strolling through the streets of downtown Ho Chi Minh. Sitting adjacent from Saigon Central Post Office, another cultural landmark in the city, this Catholic cathedral was built entirely with French bricks between 1860 and 1880. The monumental church represents a very different time in the nation’s capital and a pivotal period in Vietnamese history.
Hours: The working cathedral is open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. As with any place of worship, visitors should dress appropriately, ask before taking photos and always respect those who are at the church to pray, confess or worship. Visitors who would like to attend mass can do so at 9:30 a.m. every Sunday.
Address: 01 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
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2. War Remnants Museum
Not for the faint of heart, the War Remnants Museum takes visitors on a walk through the Vietnam and Indochina wars in the shoes of Vietnamese soldiers. Indoor exhibits include graphic photographs, equipment, war remnants and harrowing accounts of the war told by veterans. Outdoors, visitors can view a full-size helicopter, attack bombers and even defused bombs that were recovered when the conflict ended. One of the more eye-opening exhibits is the “tiger cages” display, where guests can walk into replicas of underground cells that once housed political prisoners of war. The photographic memorial donated by Vietnam War Correspondent Bunyo Ishikawa also is a can’t-miss exhibit. Although gruesome, the photographs captured the devastating effects that chemical agents, like napalm and Agent Orange, had on civilians caught in the line of fire during wartime.
Hours: 7:30 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 5 p.m. daily
Admission: 40,000 VND, but discounts are available for students, armed forces personnel and veterans with proper ID.
Address: 28 Võ Văn Tần, Phường 6, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh
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3. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
Standing proudly at the entrance to Tao Dan Park in the center of downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Independence Palace is a phenomenal place to discover some fascinating history of Vietnam. Also known as Reunification Palace, the site marks the end of the Vietnam War and fall of Saigon. Visitors can view the tracks of the tanks that crashed through the gate in 1975 and captured the palace, which then served as the French governor’s home and office. Guests can explore five levels of the landmark building, including a basement and secret tunnels, a telecommunications center used during the war and even a game room and casino where soldiers apparently went to let off some steam!
Hours: 8 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. daily
Admission: 40,000 VND for adults, 20,000 VND for students; and 10,000 VND for children
Address: 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
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4. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
Whether you plan to enjoy a show or just photograph the architecture, including a stop at Saigon Opera House is a must for any Ho Chi Minh itinerary. The French colonial building was completed in 1897 and now hosts the city’s most prestigious ballets, symphonies and operas. Guests also can see a variety of musical concerts and traditional Vietnamese dances and plays as well. Tourists who just want a photograph of the iconic Saigon landmark – also known as Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater – should consider visiting at night when the building is illuminated, but daytime photos make impressive keepsakes as well!
Hours & showtimes: Showtimes are posted on the Saigon Opera House website and at the box office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for ticket sales.
Address: 07 Công Trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
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5. Saigon Central Post Office
While you’re visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, just glance across the street to find Saigon Central Post Office. This dominating structure was finished in 1891 under French Indochina rule and is one of the most notable examples of French colonial architecture in all of Vietnam (and maybe even Southeast Asia). Visitors are welcome to photograph the stunning outside architecture and even have a peek on the inside, as the Saigon Central Post Office still handles the city’s post today! One fun activity, besides photographing the large maps painted on the ceiling, the marble floors and the antique phone boxes on display, is to mail a letter or postcard from this historic site. Mail a little something to yourself, and have a cool souvenir from Ho Chi Minh waiting for you when you get home!
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
Address: 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh
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Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
District 1 in Ho Chi Minh City offers about every type of accommodation that travelers need for a trip to Vietnam’s capital. Also known as Bến Thành, District 1 is ripe with cheap hostels and budget hotels but also has several 5-star properties perfect for business and luxury travelers. A stay in District 1 puts guests within walking distance of some of the city’s best bars and restaurants, attractions and Vietnamese street food! For cheap hotels in District 1, look for accommodations near the Pham Ngu Lao neighborhood on Bui Vien Street. For luxury accommodations, search Pasteur Street hotels. Here are three recommendations for District 1 hotels. Just click on any link or photo to explore more options!
The 1975 House
Meraki Boutique Hotel
The Reverie Saigon
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Hotels in Ho Chi Minh, District 2
District 2 also is a great place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. The district is located just over the Saigon River from District 1 and is a popular place for expats and foreigners. For riverside accommodations, look for hotels in the Thu Thiem, An Khanh and An Loi Dong neighborhoods.
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