Saigon Central Post Office – Vietnam Airport Service

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7 Must-See Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026

Although modernity has transformed Vietnam’s southern metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City still preserves many fascinating traces of its rich and complex past. Throughout the city, you’ll find elegant colonial-era architecture, historic landmarks, and cultural sites reflecting its commercial heritage and Eastern influences. If you’re interested in history and culture, here are seven of the best historical attractions in Ho Chi Minh City in 2026, all within easy walking distance of the city centre.

1.Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)

Built on the former site of Norodom Palace, the Reunification Palace—also known as the Independence Palace—is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most important historical landmarks. Designed by renowned Vietnamese architect Ngô Viết Thụ, the palace once served as the presidential residence and administrative headquarters of South Vietnam.

Today, visitors can explore its grand halls, reception rooms, meeting rooms, and historic offices, many of which retain their original 20th-century décor. The palace offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s modern history and is a must-visit for first-time travelers to Ho Chi Minh City.

TIP: Be sure to visit the basement, where you can see the former command center, war rooms, communication facilities, and other wartime areas.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:30–5:00 p.m. daily, including holidays
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

2.Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

The iconic twin-towered Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception stands at the top of Dong Khoi Street, offering a peaceful retreat amid the bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Constructed entirely with materials imported from France, the cathedral took nearly two decades to complete, from 1863 to 1880. Today, it remains one of the city’s most recognizable colonial-era landmarks and a popular stop for visitors exploring District 1.

Fun Fact: A statue of the Virgin Mary stands in the center of the square in front of the cathedral. According to local accounts, the statue was believed to have shed tears on one occasion in 2005, attracting large crowds who came to witness the unusual event.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:30–5:00 p.m. daily, including holidays
Address: No. 1 Cong Truong Cong Xa Paris, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

3.War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is a three-story museum in Ho Chi Minh City featuring a powerful collection of war-related artefacts, historical documents, and graphic photographs. Among its most famous exhibits is Nick Ut’s Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph, “The Terror of War.” The museum’s courtyard is filled with decommissioned military aircraft, tanks, helicopters, bombs, and other military equipment.

Although the visit can be sombre and emotionally moving, the museum offers an important insight into Vietnam’s wartime history and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:30–5:00 p.m., daily, including holidays
Address: No. 28 Vo Van Tan Street, Xuan Hoa Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

4.Nguyen Hue Street and City Hall

Sprawling Nguyen Hue Street is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most popular pedestrian destinations. Lined with modern high-rise buildings, upscale restaurants, shopping arcades, and luxury boutiques, the boulevard stretches from City Hall to Bach Dang Wharf. It is an ideal place for a leisurely afternoon walk, while the atmosphere becomes especially vibrant after sunset as locals and visitors gather to enjoy the lively surroundings.

At the northern end of Nguyen Hue Street stands City Hall, the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee and one of the city’s most recognizable colonial-era landmarks.

Admission: City Hall is not open to the public
Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

5.Cu Chi Tunnels

Step back in time with a visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels, one of the most fascinating historical attractions near Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the northwestern part of the city, the Cu Chi area is home to an extensive network of underground tunnels that once stretched for more than 250 kilometers and were used by the Viet Cong to hide, move supplies, and evade American and South Vietnamese forces during the Vietnam War.

Visitors can explore the tunnels at two main sites: Ben Dinh, approximately 35 kilometers from central Ho Chi Minh City, and Ben Duoc, around 70 kilometers away. Be prepared to crawl through narrow passages and get a little dirty, so comfortable clothes and suitable footwear are highly recommended.

Admission: 15,000 VND
Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:30–5:00 p.m. daily, including holidays
Address: Phu Hiep Hamlet, An Nhon Tay Commune, Ho Chi Minh City

6.Ben Thanh Market

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is one of the city’s most iconic and historic landmarks. Built on a former reclaimed area once known as Bo Ret Pond, the market now stands opposite Quach Thi Trang Square and remains a lively hub for both locals and visitors.

Inside, a maze of narrow aisles is packed with an impressive variety of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to traditional conical hats, Vietnamese coffee, handicrafts, and lacquerware. At the back of the market, visitors can explore a bustling food section serving popular Vietnamese specialties such as sizzling bánh xèo, freshly made bánh mì, and many other local dishes.

Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:30–5:00 p.m. daily, including holidays
Address: 32–30 Phan Boi Chau, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

7.Saigon Central Post Office-

Located directly opposite the cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most charming colonial landmarks. Step inside to admire its spacious grand hall, lined with elegant Victorian-style wooden phone booths, historic maps, and a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh.

Although the building is sometimes mistakenly attributed to Gustave Eiffel, he was not its architect. However, the structure is associated with the architectural designs and engineering influence of the era, contributing to its distinctive European character.

Admission: Free
Opening Hours: 7:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:30–5:00 p.m., daily, including holidays
Address: No. 2 Cong Truong Cong Xa Paris, Saigon Ward, Ho Chi Minh City

Conclusion

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant destination where history, culture, cuisine, and modern life come together. From historic landmarks and fascinating museums to bustling markets and lively streets, these 7 must-see attractions offer a great introduction to the city’s unique character. Whether you are visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, exploring these highlights will help you experience the best of Ho Chi Minh City in 2026. Plan your itinerary, discover the city at your own pace, and get ready for an unforgettable journey in Vietnam’s dynamic southern metropolis.

Don’t forget to arrange your Vietnam visa before your trip. Contact VietnamVisaPro today to begin your application. As a trusted and reliable visa service provider, we are here to support you from the very first step and help make your Vietnam travel plans a smooth reality.

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Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City Named Among the World’s Best Cities to Visit in 2025

Amid a world full of incredible travel spots, Vietnam continues to shine, with Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City named among the Best Cities on Earth in The Telegraph Travel Awards 2025.

Selected by nearly 20,000 readers worldwide, this prestigious ranking places Hanoi in an impressive 31st position—outperforming other iconic Asian cities like Bangkok (40th), Mumbai (43rd), Kuala Lumpur (68th), and Dubai (73rd).

Hanoi proudly ranks 10th in the regional category for the best cities outside Europe and the Americas.

*The ancient house No.87 Ma May Street , Hanoi built in the late 19th century. Photo:collected*

Meanwhile, Ho Chi Minh City secures the 77th spot, steadily gaining international recognition for its vibrant city life and unique mix of historic charm and contemporary appeal.

Hanoi: A living tapestry of Vietnamese culture

For travelers, Hanoi unfolds like a poetic blend of history, culture, and genuine charm. As The Telegraph puts it, an ideal city is one that “brings together historical depth, distinctive beauty, exceptional cuisine, vibrant culture, and a wealth of experiences to discover”—a description Hanoi embodies effortlessly.

From the evocative charm of its 36 ancient streets in the Old Quarter to the refined elegance of French colonial architecture, every corner of Hanoi whispers a tale of history and culture. Landmarks such as the Temple of Literature, the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake, and the vibrant Old Quarter pulse with a distinct energy, captivating both first-time visitors and those returning for more.

*Egg coffee and young sticky rice are two Hanoi’s specialties.Photo: collected*

Hanoi continues to garner praise from international media. In 2025, Travel + Leisure included the city in its list of 15 Dream International Vacations That Are Surprisingly Affordable, spotlighting Hanoi’s rich thousand-year heritage, sophisticated cuisine, and impressively low travel costs.

Welcoming more than 18.36 million visitors—including 4.21 million international tourists—in the first seven months of 2025, Hanoi has solidified its reputation as a top global travel destination.

For Emma Watson, a visitor from the United Kingdom, Hanoi feels like a living postcard. “I spent a week discovering hidden cafés tucked behind art galleries, joined a cooking class in a charming colonial villa, and even watched a traditional water puppet performance. It’s one of those cities that blends timeless charm with modern flair,” she told The Hanoi Times.

Ho Chi Minh City: The beating heart of the south

In southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City pulses with a distinct energy—vibrant, fast-moving, and firmly focused on the future.

Formerly known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” this vibrant metropolis stands as Vietnam’s largest economic powerhouse, where history and modernity intertwine. As described by The Telegraph, it’s a city of contrasts—motorbikes weaving through neon-lit avenues, towering skyscrapers neighboring ancient pagodas, and sleek shopping malls sharing space with war memorials and remnants of French colonial architecture.

Earlier this year, The Independent spotlighted Ho Chi Minh City’s rich and multifaceted character: “In a marriage of tradition and modernity, Ho Chi Minh City is the metropolis where pagodas meet skyscrapers and innovative commerce hubs thrive.” Travelers are often captivated by the striking Notre Dame Cathedral, moved by the powerful exhibits at the War Remnants Museum, and intrigued by the descent into the Cu Chi Tunnels—a poignant glimpse into Vietnam’s enduring spirit.

*Notre Dame Cathedral .Photo: collected*

In July 2025 alone, Ho Chi Minh City welcomed nearly 700,000 international visitors—a remarkable 75% increase compared to the same month last year and more than 26 million total arrivals so far this year, the city is proving itself not only as a dynamic business hub but also as a vibrant destination for global travelers in search of culture, energy, and adventure.

Miguel Rodriguez, a traveler from Spain, remarked, “Ho Chi Minh City is pure energy. From buzzing rooftop bars to the haunting depths of historic tunnels, every moment felt like an adventure I didn’t want to end. The food was incredible—dishes like banh xeo, banh mi, and com tam (steamed broken rice) were not only delicious but cheaper than a cup of coffee back in Madrid. What stood out most, though, was the warmth and friendliness of the people.”

Vietnam is a country of vivid contrasts, most clearly seen in its two major cities. In the north, Hanoi captivates with its tranquil lakes, ancient temples, and enduring sense of tradition. In the south, Ho Chi Minh City buzzes with modern energy—alive with dynamic street scenes, contemporary creativity, and a nightlife that never sleeps.

Each city tells a different story, yet both form two essential chapters of the Vietnamese experience. Whether you’re a history buff, a foodie, a backpacker, or a luxury traveler, these two cities have something unforgettable in store for you.

If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, don’t miss the chance to explore Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where many fascinating experiences await.And don’t forget to order visa to Vietnam at vietnamvisapro before departing to this wonderful place.We as a trusted and reliable visa service, we are here to help turn your dream vacation into reality from the very first step.