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Last year I was on vacation in Vietnam - I traveled all over Vietnam from north to south. The final point was Ho Chi Minh City, from there the plane was supposed to take me to chilly Moscow. Unfortunately, I had very little time left to explore Ho Chi Minh City - a day and a half, but I needed to see the city. It’s better, of course, to live here for at least three days to experience everything, but if you’re limited in time like me, here are the main places you can see while in this largest city in Vietnam.

The first place I went to in Ho Chi Minh City was to Notre Dame Cathedral. Yes, yes, you heard right. It is to the Notre Dame Cathedral - a piece of France in Vietnam. This is a smaller copy of the Cathedral in Paris. The French colonialists set the task of surpassing the beauty of local Buddhist temples and instilling in the local residents an appreciation for beauty. Bricks for construction were specially brought from France. The cathedral is very beautiful. The entrance is free. If you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday, I advise you to go to the morning mass at 9:30 - you will get aesthetic pleasure.

Another religious place that I really liked and would be interesting to visit is Thien Hau Temple. It is located in Chinatown. It is a cheerful structure decorated in traditional Chinese style. The entrance is free. If you wish, you can buy a bird in a cage and release it into freedom - a very symbolic action.

Well, the last temple I visited was the largest Buddhist temple - Vinh Nghiem. This is a traditional pagoda. She is beautiful in her severity. The pearl of this place is the pagoda tower, which consists of seven tiers. All buildings are in complete harmony with the surrounding nature, literally inscribed into it. Here you will find real peace.

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon (as this city used to be called and many still call it that) has a very difficult past. And this could not but affect the culture of the city. There are many museums here that are dedicated to this terrible event - the Vietnam War, which claimed the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. These are not attractions, they are a reminder and appeal to all people about how fragile and important the world is.

The most impressive thing about Ho Chi Minh City is Cu Chi Tunnels. They are located near the city and there is a lot of information about them. I didn’t visit them, I can’t say anything, but those who went there liked the excursion.

I got into War Relics Museum. I will say right away that impressionable people may find it quite uncomfortable there. Too many candid photographs, video chronicles. All the horrors of war appear before your eyes. A very difficult sight. In the adjacent park there is an exhibition of military equipment. Entry to the museum is $1.

But the advice is definitely to go to the local flea market, where they sell various military paraphernalia. Here you can buy all sorts of things for very little money. Flags, helmets, helmets, backpacks, flasks - in general, be fully equipped. The market is called "Military market".

Well, I ended my day quite peacefully - I went to water puppet show. Price: $5, performance daily from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm. Yes, it is clear that puppet theater is not for an adult, but more for a child. But this performance in Ho Chi Minh City is so professionally staged, so colorful, that it simply takes your breath away. All dolls are handmade and each is absolutely unique. Be sure to go if you have the opportunity, no matter how old you are.

So my day in Ho Chi Minh City ended, I finally stopped by the night market, bought some souvenirs and, not feeling my legs, went to the hotel. I really wanted to go to the zoo, amusement park and circus. But it was necessary to say goodbye to this city. It cannot be called beautiful, but this city has its own face and its own character, which I liked.

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Ho Chi Minh City is a beautiful, large and very interesting city. There are many attractions here, both in the city itself and beyond. So, it won't be boring. One of the most popular tourist areas - Pham Ngu Lao, where you can buy, eat, and have fun.

Well, if specifically about the sights:

House of Culture

The House of Culture (City Hall) is located on a very picturesque street in Ho Chi Minh City - Nguyen Hue Street. As far as I know, you can’t enter the House, but walking nearby is quite possible. It looks especially beautiful in the evening when it is illuminated. This building has been operating as a cultural center since 1909, and before that there was a hotel built by a French architect. Next to the building you can see a sculpture of Ho Chi Minh (Vietnamese communist figure, first president of North Vietnam) called “Uncle Ho and the Children” - they symbolize the love of the Vietnamese people for their leader, and how the ruler adored children.

Reunification Palace (Independence Palace, Reunification Palace, Dinh Thống Nhất)

One of the most important attractions of the city. This building witnessed two terrible wars and was bombed, but to this day it pleases the eye. Built on the foundations of an old palace, the new one was the workplace and home of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem. Built in traditional Vietnamese style, the large palace spans several floors, with massive conference rooms, private rooms and a theater, as well as a balcony on the top floor. Next to the palace you can see a small park, very cool for walking - with paths, trees and the main fountain. By the way, the F5E fighter that attacked the building in 1975 and the tank that stormed the front gate of the palace in the same year are stored here. Of course, all these troubles adversely affected the appearance of the structure, so the castle was restored several times. Entrance to the castle costs about 30,000 VND, and the palace is open every day from 7.30 to 11.30 and from 13.30 to 16.30.

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Street, District 1.

Museum of War Victims (Bảo tàng chứng tích chiến tranh)

This is a military museum dedicated to the US participation in the Vietnam War. The museum has been operating since 1975, changing its name more than once until it received the current one.
In total, the museum has eight exhibitions on different topics, which you can see in different buildings on the same territory. For example, there is old military equipment (helicopters, fighter planes, bombs, tanks, ammunition). In one of the buildings you will be able to see with your own eyes the conditions in which political prisoners were kept in the so-called “tiger cages”.
There are many photographs in these halls, with descriptions in English, Vietnamese and Japanese. The photographs are dedicated to various political and social moments from the history of Vietnam. There is also a real guillotine in one of the halls, which the French and South Vietnamese used to execute prisoners (the last execution happened in 1960) and other exhibits, in particular, dedicated to the consequences of the use of chemical weapons. It is better not to visit this museum with children.

Address: Vo Van Tan, 28, District 3 (at the intersection of Vo Van Tan Street and Le Quy Don Street, can be reached by bus 28 from Ben Thanh Market)

Ticket: 15,000 dong.

Schedule: every day from 7.30 to 12.00 and from 13.30 to 17.00

Central Post Office (Saigon Central Post Office, Buu Dien Trung Tam)

This beautiful structure was built by the French at the end of the 19th century. Most impressive of all is the coral-colored façade with soft cream trim and bas-reliefs depicting famous scientists and philosophers. It doesn't fit in with the general atmosphere of the city. The building has vaulted ceilings supported by green columns with gilded decorations.
In general, the building resembles a train station rather than a post office building. The floor of the building is a different story. Mosaics on the floor depict a map of the city, and all this beauty is illuminated by luxurious chandeliers. A huge portrait of ruler Ho Chi Minh reminds us that we are not in France, but in Vietnam. Visitors to the post office sit on wooden benches - both tourists and local residents who came to do their business (or just take a break, because it’s cool and pleasant here). There is a small kiosk where you can buy stamps and souvenirs.

Address: 2 Công xã Paris, Bến Nghé

Vinh Ngiem Pagoda

This pagoda was built in 1971. It seems like this is the largest pagoda in the city. It consists of 8 tiers. The tower, decorated with high reliefs of Buddha, located to the left of the gate is the tallest. You can't help but pay attention to the 5-meter-high tower, a little to the left. It is made of concrete blocks, but visitors are left with the feeling that the tower is made of granite. Inside you can see a spacious courtyard. The main beauty of the pagoda is the altar with a huge seated Buddha and his disciples, as well as the front hall with photographs, monuments and a statue of Quan Am, the goddess of mercy.
On the second floor of the building there is a gallery where paintings by local artists are exhibited. A neat garden and rock garden (a garden with stone elements) were laid out around the pagoda.

Address: 339 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, phường 7, District 3

Le Van Duet Temple (Lăng ông bà Chiểu)

The temple, built at the beginning of the 19th century, is one of the best examples of a sanctuary. The structure was built in honor of the national hero, General Le Van Duet. But, as a rule, temples are built in honor of a deity. Decorated on the outside with bas-reliefs and a huge portrait of the general inside, the building stores the hero’s personal belongings - dishes, weapons, and even a stuffed tiger. People who come to this temple bring gifts with them and pray to the hero. Moreover, people of various religions come here.
Initially a small sanctuary became a rather massive complex of buildings and palaces. Near the temple you can see a spacious park with benches. It is worth noting that from the outside, despite the decorations, the building looks quite simple - the columns, altars and statues (cranes and horse) are made of wood. But inside the temple impresses with its luxury and variety of colors. Also next to the temple there is a military grave, next to which memorial celebrations are held annually.

Address: Vũ Tùng, phường 1, Bình Thạnh

Ho Chi Minh City became the transit point for our journey from Samui to Nha Trang. In this post I will tell you about the sights of Ho Chi Minh City that we managed to visit in 2.5 days. I will also talk about my impressions of this city.

Ho Chi Minh City became the second point of our trip from Samui to Nha Trang. Check out our story about how we got from Koh Samui to Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City greeted us with primordial chaos on the road. This is a city where streams of bikes and cars merge into a living river, in which you can only stay afloat by feeling the energy of this place.

The city has a very tough atmosphere. Ho Chi Minh City, the former Saigon, is a modern anthill. Its air is saturated with exhaust fumes, bustle and fatigue.

Koh Samui and the land of smiles are left behind. Now a wave of a completely different life hit us as hard as against a wall.

Instead of palm trees, the sea and friendly faces, we were greeted by high-rise buildings, locals wrapped in masks and complete indifference to strangers.

To say that Ho Chi Minh City is an inhospitable city for tourists is an understatement.

It's difficult to communicate in the city. Local residents speak almost no English. We were lucky and found a Russian-speaking taxi driver, and most do not know any language other than Vietnamese. In such conditions, finding something in the city becomes a problem.

We managed to find a map of the city in a local magazine stall, and we used it to navigate.

Sights of Ho Chi Minh City.

During our 2.5 days in Ho Chi Minh City, we visited four attractions: the Military Museum, the Independence Museum, Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral and the Central Post Office. I’ll tell you about them.

Waking up at the hotel, the first thing we did was look for what to eat in Ho Chi Minh City. The local hamburgers were a real discovery for us. They consist of a very tasty French bun, into which they put a little bit of everything: cucumbers, tomatoes, lard, sausage, pate, sauce, herbs, etc. The set varies from seller to seller, but we really liked the taste. After Samui we missed good bread.

Such a hamburger costs only 15,000 dong, which is approximately 25 Russian rubles. You can buy them in such mobile trays.

After this we refreshed ourselves, we went to see the first attraction in Ho Chi Minh City - the military museum.

We walked along the central streets. Unlike dirty Samui, where anything and everything is lying on the streets, it was very nice to get into cleanliness, and I was also surrounded by symbols from my childhood. Ho Chi Minh City for Russian people will always be a breath of air of nostalgia with pioneer ties, parades and red flags.

Finally, we found the War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. It was previously called the US War Crimes Museum. In fact, it remained so in the understanding of local residents, but after the restoration of diplomatic relations with America, Vietnam decided to make a small nod towards the former enemy.

The War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is open daily from 7:30 to 12:00. Then there is a break. The museum reopens from 13:30 to 17:00.

Entrance to the military museum is paid - 15,000 dong (about 30 rubles). Almost all attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are paid. Be prepared for this.

In front of the entrance to the museum there is equipment from the Vietnam War.

There are helicopters here.

Fighters.

Bombers.

Artillery.

Lots of technology.

And even a boat.

Air bombs that the Americans generously sprayed on the local soil.

To the left of the entrance is a small prison.

It has a guillotine.

Torture cages.

Sample cameras.

Instruments of torture.

The place is very difficult.

The museum itself includes an exhibition of photographs showing the consequences of American bombings.

Stands with posters of those times.

And this is the uniform of an American soldier who is sick with the “Vietnam syndrome”. Now many former US soldiers repent of their crimes.

Watch a walk through the War Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

Coordinates of the Military Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

28 Vo Van Tan Street

The next attraction was the Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral.

This is a gift from the country's French past.

At one time, Vietnam was a colony of France. To prove the greatness of the Christian faith over Buddhism and influence the thoughts of their subjects, the colonial authorities decided to build a majestic cathedral.

The best specialists from Europe were invited for its construction. The stone was brought from overseas, but still the cathedral is inferior in color to the colorful temples of Asia.

Notre Dame de Saigon was built in 1880. It is still in good condition.

Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral is not only a famous landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, but also a must-have photo shoot for local newlyweds.

It is full of tourists from all over the world.

Immediately in front of the cathedral there is a statue of the Virgin Mary. It also attracts many photography enthusiasts. In 2005, it was claimed that the statue was crying. Thousands of people gathered to watch this.

We didn’t get into the temple itself because... it is open until 16:00. Opening hours: 8-11:00. Then a break until 15:00 and then only another hour of work.

The entrance is free.

Take a walk around the area with us.

Coordinates of the Notre Dame de Saigon temple.

Next to the Notre Dame Cathedral there is another attraction - the Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City.

The central post office in Ho Chi Minh City is always full of people. Mostly these are tourists who came to see the cathedral, and one came here to take photographs and buy stamps and souvenirs.

The Central Post Office is an example of French colonial architecture.

On the sides of the entrance, along the walls, there are meeting booths with clocks showing the time in different cities of the world.

Above them hangs a map of Vietnam, and on the opposite wall, as I understand it, is an old map of Ho Chi Minh City.

There are souvenir shops and currency exchange here.

In the central part of the post office there is a work room.

A large portrait of Ho Chi Minh City looks out with a smile at the bustle around.

Take a walk through the Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office with me.

If you stand with your right side towards the central post office, and with your left side towards Notre Dame Cathedral and go straight, then after 300 meters you will find yourself in another attraction of Ho Chi Minh City - the Independence Palace.

We went to the Independence Palace, also called the Reunification Palace, on the last day of our stay in Ho Chi Minh City in the morning.

It is open from 7:40 to 11:00. Then a break. Opens again at 13:00 and is open until 16:00.

Paid entrance. Cost – 30,000 dong.

The Independence (Reunification) Palace stands on the site of the previously demolished palace of the rulers of South Vietnam.

In 1962 it was demolished and rebuilt. The last president of South Vietnam lived on the third floor of the Independence Palace. In 1975, Viet Cong tanks moved in. Soon a red flag appeared over the palace building. The tanks are now parked nearby.

Soon, an act of reunification of all of Vietnam was signed at the Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City. After this, the palace became known as the Reunification Palace.

There is a park around the palace. Here you can take a walk under the shade of trees.

Take pictures with equipment from the Vietnam War.

The palace itself has various halls for ceremonial meetings.

There is also a small garage. Look at this old executive Mercedes.

You can take a walk around the Palace of Independence in this video.

Reunification Palace coordinates.

Address: Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Bến Thành, Quận 1

After viewing the palace, we went home to pack our things.

A taxi driver came to pick us up and we went to the airport. In I wrote that we were taken from the airport to the hotel using a coupon for 200,000 dong. The return trip according to the meter via Vinasun taxi turned out to be not only cheaper (only 120,000 dong), but also three times faster. Maybe this was influenced by the fact that we had a Russian-speaking driver and we had a good chat with him on the way about life

During these days we did not have time to visit all the sights of Ho Chi Minh City. We planned to go to the zoo and historical museum. Next time we will add to this article.

At the end of our post about the sights of Ho Chi Minh City, I will give a short report on the budget for our 2.5 days stay in Ho Chi Minh City.

Food, groceries and nutrition for Alina – 2200 rubles. Here we couldn’t resist and sat in the Vietnamese cafe for a while :)

Entertainment – ​​400 rubles. There are museums here and we tried Vietnamese beer.

Taxi – 1100 rubles.

Hotel – 1020 rubles

Total – 4720 rubles. Compare our costs for our trip from Koh Samui.

Subscribe to the blog news to find out in the next post how much it cost us to move from Samui to Nha Trang.

At the end, general impressions of Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City is not suitable for long-term stays, especially with children. There is a terrible atmosphere and bustle here. This city literally sucks energy. Therefore, two or three days for a cursory examination of local attractions is enough to get a taste of this city and not greatly upset the harmony within.

After Ho Chi Minh City, we seriously thought about whether Vietnam was a place worth visiting. Koh Samui seemed like heaven on earth, which we left.

In the next post you will learn about how we got from Ho Chi Minh City to Nha Trang and about our impressions of this city.

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Ho Chi Minh City Notre Dame

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Ho Chi Minh City Airport

Ho Chi Minh City Airport is the largest and most important airport in Vietnam, located 6 kilometers north of the center of Ho Chi Minh City.

The airport was built in the 1930s by the French colonial government. It was originally a small airport with unpaved runways. In 1956, the United States bought it and built terminals and a new runway about two kilometers long, making the airport South Vietnam International Airport.

Ho Chi Minh City Airport handles more than half of the country's total passenger air traffic. It is located within the city, and not next to the city. Literally leaving the arrival terminal you will find yourself on the city streets.

The airport accommodates 15-17 million passengers per year. Planes depart from two runways, each over 3 kilometers long.

What sights of Ho Chi Minh City did you like? Next to the photo there are icons, by clicking on which you can rate a particular place.

Ho Chi Minh City Trail

The Ho Chi Minh Trail was a complex system of forest and mountain trails that connected North Vietnam, South Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos during the Vietnam War. Being at first a small path, it gradually grew into a whole network with a length of more than 20 thousand kilometers.

The functioning of the trail as a military artery began in 1959, with the beginning of the revolutionary struggle for the reunification of the South with the North. It took more than a month to get to the south from Hanoi. But in 1974, the trail was transformed into an improved infrastructure with underground hospitals, fuel tanks, weapons and uniform depots, and many sections were paved or paved. The Viet Cong military forces, which were constantly replenished along the Trail, captured Saigon in 1976, thereby ending many years of bloody war.

In modern guidebooks, the Ho Chi Minh City Trail most often refers to route No. 1 Hanoi - Ho Chi Minh City, the only asphalt road in Vietnam, the journey along which lasts about two weeks. You can start either in Ho Chi Minh City or in Hanoi, and you can make stops in interesting points: Hue, Da Nang and Hoi An, Nha Trang, Dalat and the Central Plateau (if you go from north to south).

The Mekong Delta is a bright, colorful and rich world. Here you can see the diversity of Vietnamese rural life: rice terraces plowed by huge buffalos, thatched huts, orchards, floating houses. Fish are raised in cages under the houseboats. This is convenient - the fish lives in a familiar natural environment, and the residents of the house feed it with various food waste.

In the Mekong Delta, you can delve into numerous narrow channels, surrounded by impenetrable jungle, which in some places part and reveal landscapes with fields, gardens and stilt houses. Life in the delta is constantly boiling and seething at all times of the year.

Saigon River

On this river is the port city of Ho Chi Minh City, which until 1975 bore the exact same name - Saigon. The streets and houses here tend to be colonial in style, since Saigon has been the property of France since the 19th century. The climate here is tropical, without sudden changes in temperature depending on the season. In winter it never gets colder than 23 degrees, and in summer it doesn’t get hotter than 33, which gives tourists the opportunity to visit this region all year round, admiring not only the local nature, but also the sights of Ho Chi Minh City, which include the Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon with two impressive towers. forty meters each Giac Vien Pagoda, now a museum with a rich collection of ancient statues and engravings, the seven-tier Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, built in honor of friendship between Vietnam and Japan. Driving on a boat along the Saigon River through the entire city, you can see a wide variety of landscapes - from small coconut groves to beautiful modern streets with huge skyscrapers, and, of course, the largest port of Saigon in all of Vietnam.

Temple of Three Religions

Like, for 800 years now there has been a village where three religions live together.

floating market

What distinguishes the markets of Vietnam from the markets of most not only European, but even Asian countries is their location. It will not be a secret to anyone that floating markets are especially popular in the country. They are the ones most often depicted on souvenirs, they are the ones that arouse increased interest among photographers from all over the world, they are the ones who offer the highest quality fresh products and become the main attraction for many travelers.

The picturesque Mekong is especially popular among tourists not only due to its views of indescribable beauty, the expanse of rice fields, but also its vibrant floating markets. Get on the boat and go shopping: vegetables, fruits, traditional drinks, amazing flowers will be waiting for you!

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Zoo in Ho Chi Minh City

The zoo is located in the center of the Vietnamese capital, Ho Chi Minh City. More than 500 species of animals live here, and the plant collection is considered one of the best in the world.

20 hectares of land on the banks of the Saigon River became the place where French scientists began to collect the unique natural treasures of Indochina. For a hundred years, starting in 1857, botanists worked to design a huge greenhouse and botanical garden in which the most interesting plants of the region would grow.

Today, in the middle of the old botanical garden there is a modern zoo with spacious enclosures. It is home to various species of monkeys, snakes, elephants, rare African and Asian animals, as well as countless birds, many of which can only live in the natural conditions of South Asia. The living conditions for the animals are rightfully considered to be some of the best in the world.

A walk through the botanical garden is a great way to escape the Vietnamese heat in the shade of numerous rare plants, and the magical Vietnamese orchids will make the walk unforgettable.

The most popular attractions in Ho Chi Minh City with descriptions and photographs for every taste. Choose the best places to visit famous places in Ho Chi Minh City on our website.

More attractions of Ho Chi Minh City

What are the must-see attractions in Ho Chi Minh City?

The former capital of French Indochina, the southern capital of Vietnam, the huge city of Ho Chi Minh City is still a center of attraction in Southeast Asia. People come here in search of work, adventure, educational recreation and simply for the Asian flavor that is present in abundance in this city full of contrasts. What is Ho Chi Minh City, or as it is commonly called, Saigon? Let's walk along its streets and plunge into the history, religion and simply beauty of this wonderful city.

Today's Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) has more than 9 million inhabitants. This number includes the population of the city itself and adjacent rural communes administratively belonging to Saigon. Its area is 2095 square meters. km, the population density is very high - about 3700 people/sq. km.

Saigon produces 17% of the national GDP and 40% of export products. Here are the headquarters of many multinational corporations, the largest banks in Vietnam and regional offices of foreign ones.

The city is in a constant state of construction. New office and industrial complexes, luxury hotels are being built, parks are being created and new areas are being developed.

Tourists do not ignore the legendary Asian metropolis. Everyone will find entertainment here to suit their taste - from cultural and educational tourism to nightlife.

Museums

There are more than a dozen museums in the city, each interesting in its own way. Which one to watch is up to you.

Palace of Independence

One of the first places where tourists are taken on an organized excursion is the Palace of Independence. Although the second name suits it better - Reunification Palace. It was here that the act of reunification of North and South Vietnam was signed. The history of this building is tightly woven into the historical events of the mid-twentieth century. Built by the French in a colonial style, it became the residence of South Vietnamese President Ngo Dinh Diem. Several attempts were made on his life. One of them is an air raid organized by two officers of the Republic Air Force in 1962. As a result, the building of the Palace of Independence was destroyed.

Its new appearance is very reminiscent of a building from the USSR era, so in appearance it does not look like a palace at all. In 1975, it again fell into the category of iconic places in Saigon. This is the year of the final withdrawal of American troops and the capture of Saigon by North Vietnamese troops. Thanks to an Australian photojournalist, the tank that broke through the gates of the Independence Palace becomes a symbol of the fall of Saigon. It is still located in the same place and is a historical landmark along with the Palace itself.

The museum's exposition includes furnishings from the late 60s, an office, antique telephones and other means of communication, military equipment on the territory of the Palace and a whole network of underground tunnels connecting the Palace of Independence and the Ho Chi Minh City Museum.

This museum is worth a visit for everyone, but especially for those interested in the culture and traditions of Vietnam. Its building has a long history, starting with the fact that it was once the residence of the French governor of the province of Cochin, then the office of the French High Commissioner in Saigon, then the Supreme Court and the revolutionary museum. It was later renamed the City Museum.

South Vietnamese Women's Museum

Vietnam History Museum

Vietnamese history is inextricably linked with the evolution of cultures throughout Southeast Asia. The most ancient valuable relics and artifacts date back to the Dong Son culture of the second millennium BC. e. The following presents the development of the early states of Bapnom and Champa, the Khmer and Vietnamese small nations. There are exhibits from Cambodia's Angkor Wat, Buddha statues, and the mummy of a Vietnamese woman who died in 1869. Many exhibits are related to China. Here you can watch traditional water puppet theater performances and buy souvenirs.

In terms of the richness of its exhibition, it is hardly inferior to the National Museum of Fine Arts in Hanoi. The museum building itself is noteworthy. This is a colonial mansion, pierced by many arches, with balconies opening onto cozy courtyards. There are 16 exhibition halls on 4 floors. Works of art include painting, ceramics, lacquer painting, sculpture, ancient Buddhist works, woodblock prints.

The first floor is dedicated to the exhibition and sale of works by Vietnamese and foreign artists. The second is dedicated to contemporary art, which largely reflects the events of the struggle against French colonialists and the American War. The third floor contains works dating from the 1st to the 20th century.

Ho Chi Minh Museum

Uncle Ho is the most legendary historical figure of the 20th century. And the most revered. It was under his leadership that the reunification of two irreconcilable republics on the territory of Vietnam took place. It is to him that the country owes its socialist system. His portraits are on all Vietnamese banknotes.

The museum is divided into two parts. The first floor is a collection of the leader's personal belongings. The second is a gallery where his photographs from different periods of his life are exhibited.

This is a remembrance of the war crimes committed against the Vietnamese people. The exhibits, full of tragedy, do not leave anyone indifferent. It used to be called the Museum of Chinese and American War Crimes. The naturalism of the exhibition clearly demonstrates the cruelty with which they were committed. Here are presented the instruments of murder and torture to which the Vietnamese communists were subjected, documents, including photographs and videos.

Tim Page is a legendary war photographer. He compiled a large selection of photographs of victims of the American-Vietnamese War on both sides. Here are adults and children mutilated by napalm and phosphorus bombs, the consequences of the use of poisons and toxic substances with a description of their effects.

Religious sites

Vietnam is a country of three religions and many beliefs. The metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City has absorbed them all and provides the opportunity for each of its residents to practice their faith in temples and pagodas, cathedrals and houses of worship.

Notre Dame de Saigon or Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

The hallmark of old Saigon is the Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral. It was built by the French according to the design of their architect J. Bourg. An exact copy of Notre Dame Cathedral was built in just 6 years - from 1877 to 1983. Every last stone and nail was delivered from Europe. The architectural style is neo-Romanesque with Gothic elements. The temple is decorated with traditional stained glass windows. The interior space is organized as in an ordinary Catholic cathedral. Stained glass windows and a marble altar with figures of angels give it extraordinary beauty. The bell tower has six bells, which ring simultaneously only on the feast of the Nativity of Christ.

It was built at the end of the 19th century on the ruins of an ancient temple discovered as a result of excavations. Its foundation dates back to the beginning of our era - the era of Funan, a state that was then in the territory later inhabited by the Vietnamese. The temple is active, services are held here three times a day. Many temples in Vietnam are associated with animal legends. This one is dedicated to the white elephant.

Legend has it that one day it was decided to move the temple to another location. And all the relics and treasures, including the bell, were loaded onto the back of a white elephant. After walking a few steps, the elephant stumbled, and the entire load scattered at the temple gate and into the lake. The superstitious monks took this as a sign that the temple should remain in its old location. All the relics were picked up, but only the bell could not be recovered from the bottom of the lake. And now local residents claim that bells can be heard from there every full moon.

Mariamman Temple

This is a Hindu temple, the only one functioning in the city. The Mariamman Temple is a place of pilgrimage for followers of Hinduism in Vietnam, where they come on major religious holidays from all over the country. Legend says that this place is endowed with magical powers - anyone who crosses its threshold is healed of illnesses.

The initiator of the construction of the temple dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess, mother of all living things, was the Tamil community living in the suburbs of Saigon. The temple was built with their donations at the end of the 19th century. The Tamils ​​are still a large part of his flock. The temple is small, but very cozy and beautiful. Built in traditional Indian style, it attracts not only tourists, but also local residents.

This pagoda is a symbol of the “Buddhist revival”. It was built in the 70s of the last century, when the persecution of the Buddhist faith ended. The temple was built jointly by the Japanese and Vietnamese, so its architecture exhibits the simplicity and harmony of traditional Japanese religious architecture. The multi-tiered 40-meter tower is a chapel. There is a bell with a diameter of 2 meters.

The adjacent squat structure is the main building, in the depths of which there is an altar with a statue of Buddha surrounded by disciples. The smaller tower is a kind of columbarium where urns with ashes are located. At the pagoda you can buy souvenirs and admire an exhibition of works by Vietnamese artists.

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon is the main city of southern Vietnam due to its favorable location. A unique atmosphere reigns here, where historical monuments, magnificent nature, ancient temples and vibrant nightlife are intertwined. The colonial architecture is sure to impress holidaymakers interested in tourism. The city is equally good as a separate location or the final destination of a trip to Vietnam.
The sights of Ho Chi Minh City are very diverse in their specificity. There are military monuments, exhibition spaces, cathedrals, and much more. The modern part of the city contrasts brightly with the historical component. The main advantage is that the average temperature, thanks to the subequatorial climate, remains within 28 degrees throughout the year. All of the above advantages affect the popularity of Ho Chi Minh City.

What sights of Ho Chi Minh City to see first?

The sights of Ho Chi Minh City amaze with their diversity even during preliminary familiarization with the information. The long historical past influenced the creation of various architectural, cultural and natural monuments, which people from all over the world come to see.
The best attractions of Ho Chi Minh City are listed below so that vacationers can plan their trip in advance, even if it is limited in time.

Top 10 main attractions of Ho Chi Minh City

Excursions to the sights of Ho Chi Minh City

You can see the sights of Ho Chi Minh City on your own only if you have a pre-planned itinerary. Especially if there is not much time for this. Although even in this case, tourists have the opportunity to get an amazing experience of becoming familiar with Vietnamese culture. An online service is ready to help with this, specializing in preparing and conducting information walks in various cities of Vietnam, including Ho Chi Minh City.
Each participant has the opportunity to first communicate with a Russian-speaking guide and learn the nuances of interest. In addition, you can get by with an advance payment of 20% of the cost of the excursion.

Sights of Ho Chi Minh City and its surroundings with photos and descriptions

Saigon, located on the banks of the river of the same name, remains an industrial active city where you can spend carefree days. But tourists who are looking for passive relaxation are unlikely to find it comfortable. It’s worth being on the same wavelength with the city in order to experience it over a certain period of time and enjoy this fusion of famous places, cafes with original local cuisine, music, shopping centers and Vietnamese exotica.
The main attractions of Ho Chi Minh City can be seen in a few days with proper planning of a tourist route. For convenience, they are listed below.

Top 30 attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Cuchi Tunnels

This is an underground manhole system that was built during the Vietnam War. The network was intended to carry out covert attacks on US troops by the Viet Cong. The Cu Chi Tunnels, as this man-made historical monument is also called, today is practically a museum where everyone can come to get acquainted with the underground life of the Vietnamese partisans. In addition to the museum complex, there are huts with video footage and the opportunity to shoot with a machine gun for an additional fee.

2. Museum of War Victims

One of the most important attractions of Vietnam in Ho Chi Minh City, thanks to which you can look at the military operations through the eyes of the affected side. The exhibition is dedicated to the main phase of the participation of US soldiers in the Vietnam War. The exhibition is divided into eight thematic zones, where even real equipment is present. You can view archival photos and documents. The exhibits are accompanied by descriptions in English.
You can visit the museum for only 115 rubles daily from 7-30 to 17-00 (break from 12-00 to 13-30).

3. Central Post Office

This architectural landmark of Ho Chi Minh City is a reminder of the time when the city was part of the French colonial empire. The traditional building is designed with arched windows and wooden shutters, marble shelves, telephone booths. Today, the structure allows you to imagine what the city looked like during its heyday at the end of the 19th century. There is a functioning post office inside, and next to the entrance there are two souvenir shops. This is a good place as a background for photography.
The department is open daily from 7-00 to 19-00.

4. Reunification Palace

Architecture and history lovers will definitely love this location. The Palace of Independence is a symbol of the unity of a country that has experienced frequent changes of political regimes. Near the building there is a cozy park where there is a tank on which the North Vietnamese army stormed the palace during the final stage of the war. It’s worth visiting the building to see with your own eyes the hundred rooms with numerous exhibitions, as well as the tunnels under the building.
Children can visit the museum complex for free, adults will pay about 115 rubles.
Working hours: from 7-30 to 16-00 (break from 11-30 to 13-00).

5. Cathedral of Our Lady of Saigon

The temple can easily be called one of the main attractions of Ho Chi Minh City, because it is an almost complete copy of Notre Dame de Paris. It was built in the period 1877-1883. The neo-Romanesque style, popular in Europe at that time, was chosen for decoration. The structure was built from European materials, including red brick from Marseilles and stained glass from Chartres. The pink walls of the cathedral attract thousands of tourists. At 17-30 you can listen to the bell here.
During opening hours, visiting the temple is free: from 4-00 to 9-00 and from 14-00 to 18-00. Weekends are Saturday and Sunday.

6. Observation deck of the Biteksko tower

The Bitexco Financial Tower is used as space to house a shopping mall, offices, restaurant, helipad and other premises. The design was a reinterpretation of the Vietnamese symbol - the lotus flower. The building consists of 68 floors (262.5 meters), on the 49th floor there is a panoramic observation deck Saigon Skydeck. The view of the city from here is provided from all angles. It is definitely worth visiting this business center to get a bird's eye view of Saigon.
Opening hours: from 9-30 to 21-30.

7. Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theater

In the center of the city there is a beautiful building of the Municipal Theater, formerly called the Opera House. The French colonial style was chosen for decoration, construction lasted from 1895 to 1897. The structure was repeatedly destroyed, but in 1998 it was reconstructed and replenished with modern lighting and audio equipment. The hall is designed for 800 people to attend a music festival or opera and ballet performances at the same time. The building looks especially beautiful at night, when the external lighting is turned on.

8. Central square of Ho Chi Minh City

The city center is home to many of Ho Chi Minh City's attractions. In particular, the aforementioned Reunification Palace and Notre Dame Cathedral are located within the square. In addition, it is abundantly surrounded by greenery and cozy establishments where you can enjoy the delights of Vietnamese cuisine. There are also shopping centers with brand stores nearby. There is also a monument to the main leader of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh. It’s definitely worth visiting this location during your Saigon tourist route.

Another pearl of French architecture in the city, which was built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. There is a wide and clean pedestrian area with fountains. The openness of this space makes for great views. On the roof of the structure there is a bell tower, the towers of which are made in the Renaissance style. This makes the city council similar to European architecture. Unfortunately, tourists will not be able to get inside the building. But examining the excellent straight and curved lines of the facade is a pleasure.

10. Ben Thanh Market

The trading space was officially introduced in 1859 and today remains the largest and oldest market in Ho Chi Minh City. The building's clock tower is a popular symbol of the city. This is a typical Vietnamese market with an abundance of various goods, ranging from food to jewelry and souvenirs. Tourists here will definitely be able to bargain for a more pleasant amount for the goods.
The market operates almost around the clock, starting trading at 7 am and ending at 24-00.

11. Water puppet theater

The original Vietnamese tradition dates back to the 9th century BC. Ancient national art for a long time remained a cultural achievement only within the country, after which it spread throughout the world. The creation of the theater became a kind of initiative to revive interest in national culture. Water puppet theater requires skill, so the training of puppeteers lasts at least three years.

12. Zoo and Botanical Garden

An attraction in Ho Chi Minh City that is perfect for visiting with children. The botanical garden includes plants that have grown in this area since its founding in 1864. In the same space there is a zoo, which fits perfectly into the landscape. Here you can see exotic animals, predators and a large number of birds. The territory is carefully and carefully looked after.

13. Bui Vien Street

The lively, vibrant and vibrant space is filled with a variety of bars and shops. The street officially became a pedestrian street not long ago, so there is no need to carefully monitor the road. There are several cozy cafes where you can have a snack on national food. The street looks especially beautiful at night, illuminated by the luminescence of various establishments and street lamps.

14. Jade Emperor Pagoda

The city's most famous pagoda is dedicated to the Lord of the Heavens, Ngoc Hoang. It appeared here in 1909, decorated in accordance with Chinese traditions. There are always candles and incense sticks burning in the building. In the center is a gilded sculpture of the supreme side, surrounded by four guards. The pagoda is divided into two halls: the gloomy underground world and the peaceful heavenly one.

15. Museum of Fine Arts

A small but very cozy exhibition space is located in the city center. There are both modern creations by Vietnamese masters and older works. In addition to enjoying art in silence, you can spend time in the cafeteria located in the courtyard area. The museum building itself also deserves your attention.

16. Nguyen Hue Street

An excellent place to take an afternoon stroll and enjoy live music and dancing. The street is located in the central part of the city, all the main attractions are nearby. There are usually a lot of tourists and locals here, peacefully strolling along the beautiful buildings. In the evening, the atmosphere of fun and abundant illumination will delight the eye.

17. Vietnam History Museum

An educational center for those people who are interested in the history of the country. The exhibition contains unique exhibits, including everyday and cultural items. Attention is paid here to both historical data about Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City itself. The museum is located within walking distance from the Botanical Garden.

18. Thien Hau Temple

Another popular pagoda, which was created in 1760. It is dedicated to the goddess Thien Hau, who is the patroness of sailors and protector of travelers. The style in which the design is made is called Indo-Chinese. All materials used were brought from China. The atmosphere here is created by multiple incense and bright decorative elements.

19. Chinatown

This part of Saigon does not have as many tourists as other areas. But this is where trade, traditional cuisine and vibrant life are actively represented. Classic Chinese architecture is also represented here. It has its own temples, market, street food restaurants, nightlife and interesting and healthy shopping opportunities. The amazing surroundings of the quarter deserve special attention.

20. Ho Chi Minh City Museum

The territory of the museum has become a platform for placing a variety of interesting exhibits, including military equipment and cars. The exposition is local history, so it tells about the city in sufficient detail. The building itself is old and very beautiful and is located in the city center. Huge windows overlook the garden, which creates an atmosphere of comfort and luxury.

21. Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine

The outwardly unremarkable building reflects the unique traditional architecture of the Vietnamese regions, while hiding an impressive exhibition within its walls. The contrast of the 6-storey building with 18 exhibition halls can surprise even sophisticated visitors. In addition to the internal halls, it is possible to go up to the roof, where the fertility hall is located.

22. Suoi Tien Amusement Park

The original park is dedicated to the mythology, religion and culture of the area. The colorful and very bizarre design, Buddha sculptures and several dragon statues combine very harmoniously. There are several pagodas, a water park, a zoo, a beach, attractions and even a crocodile farm. An excellent place for an active family holiday. It has expanded regularly since opening in 1955.

23. Monument to President Ho Chi Minh City

The attraction is located on the square of the same name and represents the leader of Vietnam standing in full height. The President smiles, raising his hand in a wave. Previously, the monument was different - Ho Chi Minh City was holding a child in its arms. This is a popular tourist location where people often come to take photos. In addition, there is a green park nearby.

24. Tao Dan Park

The green spaces of this park occupied almost 10 hectares in the city center, so they quickly turned into a popular place for leisure. There is tranquility here, conducive to relaxation or sports. For this purpose, various simulators are installed here. This park is especially popular with the older generation. By the way, there is a legend that at night you can meet the ghost of a murdered young man here.

25. Tan Dinh Church

The cathedral was designed in the style of French colonial rule in 1880. Many tourists consider this structure to be the most beautiful in all of Ho Chi Minh City. And it’s not surprising, because it combines so many amazing elements. Its pleasant pink color, many turrets with spiers, and the multi-layered façade are striking. Definitely worth a look in person.

26. Saigon River

Since the Vietnamese city itself is located on the banks of the Saigon River, it can be considered a natural attraction. This is the main water resource of the city, where the port is also located. Among the interesting services is a river cruise, which allows you to enjoy contrasting pictures of the local way of life. Along the banks there are military underground passages, villages, ancient buildings and modern skyscrapers.

27. Artinus Art Museum 3D

The interactive art gallery will be a real discovery for vacationers in terms of the scale and quality of the exhibition. Many tourists note that this is an excellent way to escape from problems and spend time having fun that can briefly bring back the feeling of childhood. 3D paintings by Vietnamese artists allow visitors to become part of the scene and take wonderful photos.

28. Mariamman Hindu Temple

The only Hindu temple in Saigon is one of the most famous religious monuments. It is located a little further from the tourist area and remains operational to this day. The temple is dedicated to the mother goddess in Hinduism. You can go inside after taking off your shoes. Over its long history, the building was used for other purposes more than once - seafood was dried here and aromatic oils were made. Today it is a classical temple with the same status.

29. Monument to Thich Quang Duc

A Buddhist monk from South Vietnam became famous for his public self-immolation at a busy Saigon intersection in 1963. This was a protest action against the government's persecution of followers of Buddhism. His personality was reflected in the stone, and today it is one of the important landmarks and a silent reminder of freedom of choice.

30. Tran Hung Dao Statue

The monument is dedicated to the Vietnamese commander who repelled the Mongol attacks on Vietnam. His personality remains semi-mythical, since there is not enough evidence about him in history. In addition to military leadership, Tran Hung Dao devoted himself to writing important theoretical works on the art of war.

Sights of Ho Chi Minh City and its surroundings on the map

During preliminary preparations for your trip to Vietnam, you can use a map with the sights of Ho Chi Minh City in Russian. This is a convenient service that allows you to calculate in advance the most successful routes for tourist walks. In addition, the sights of Ho Chi Minh City on the map are available online, and you can always go back and view them to adjust your plans. The city has a well-developed transport infrastructure, so there will be no problems with ways to get to interesting locations.