TOP 50 attractions in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
I lived in Ho Chi Minh City for 5 years. During this time, I managed to visit not only "must see" places, but also find dozens of "secret" attractions that are not mentioned anywhere else on the Internet.
The purpose of this article: to create the most complete list of interesting places in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City) that you can find. The list is updated, it contains both "pop" attractions and places that even many locals do not know about. I hope this page can become your personal guide to Saigon.
Organization of excursions in Ho Chi Minh City
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"It is my pleasure to help people around the world to get better understanding about Sri-Lanka and Vietnam" |
Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City that I will tell you about:
My personal top 5 places in Ho Chi Minh City
1. Golden Temple Buu Long
2. Rock Monastery Chau Thoi
3. Black Virgin Mountain
4. Guerrilla Base and Nature Reserve Can Gio
5. Amusement Park "Suoi Tien"
Popular tourist attractions
1. Cu Chi Tunnels
2. War Crimes Museum
3. Opera House and Acrobatic Show
4. Ben Thanh Market
5. Bui Vien Street
6. Main Post Office
7. Notre Dame Cathedral de Saigon
Amusement Parks
1. Suoi Tien
2. Dai Nam
3. Dam Sen
4. Mango Garden
Skyscrapers and Observation Decks
1. Landmark 81
2. Bitexco Sky Cafe
Where to go in the vicinity Ho Chi Minh
1. Black Virgin Mountain
2. Tay Ninh Sacred Eye Temple
3. Mekong Delta: My Tho
4. Can Tho Floating Market
5. Cat Tien National Park
6. Vam Ho Mekong Delta Bird Sanctuary
Museums and Monuments
1. Reunification Palace
See other museums and monuments
Temples and Pagodas
1. Jade Emperor Pagoda
See other temples and pagodas
Active Recreation Areas
1. Golden Scorpion Lake
Other Active Recreation Areas
Natural Attractions
1. Vam Sat Nature Reserve
Other Natural Attractions in Saigon
TOP Beaches Near Ho Chi Minh
1. Con Dao Archipelago
See other beaches near Saigon
Parks for Walking, Photographing and Relaxing
1. Historical Ethnic Cultural Park
Other Walking Areas in Ho Chi Minh
My personal TOP places in Saigon
Golden Temple Buu Long
Buu Long Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City is considered by many to be the most beautiful pagoda in Vietnam. This pagoda is distinguished by its unique eclectic style. There are few tourists here as it is located in District 9, far from the city center, away from the popular tourist routes.
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Location/Address: 81 Nguyen Xien, Long Binh, Thu Duc, Ho Chi Minh 70000 |
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Opening hours: Mon-Sun 08:00 - 18:00 |
Chau Thoi Monastery
Chau Thoi Temple is located on top of a hill 82 meters high, from here you can see a picturesque panorama of the surrounding area.
Why you should visit Chau Thoi Temple:
- You can feed a lot of monkeys
- You can get a fortune at the temple
- Beautiful view
- No tourists
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Location/Address: Binh An, Di An, Binh Duong |
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Opening hours: 24 hours |
Black Virgin Mountain
Nui Ba Den (Black Lady or Black Maiden) is only 996 meters high, but it is the highest mountain in Southern Vietnam. For many Vietnamese, the mountain is sacred. You can get to the top by cable car. Although this attraction is not located in Ho Chi Minh City itself (2 hours away), we decided to include it in our list.
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Location/Address: Thanh Tan, Tay Ninh |
Can Gio
The Can Gio Mangrove Forest Reserve is a natural and historical complex where you can visit a crocodile farm, feed monkeys, visit a partisan base, and ride a motorboat.
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Location/Address: An Thoi Dong, Can Gio, Ho Chi Minh |
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Opening hours: 24 hours |
Suoi Tien Fairy Stream Theme Park
Suoi Tien Theme Park. Suoi Tien covers an area of 105 hectares and is located away from the city noise. This park is perfect for a day of relaxation.
- The world's largest Buddhist amusement park
- The largest crocodile farm with thousands of crocodiles
- A park dedicated to the history and mythology of Vietnam
- Acrobatic performance on the water based on Vietnamese myths
- Giant water park
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Location/Address: 120 Hanoi Highway, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City |
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Opening hours: Mon-Sun 08:00 - 17:00 |
What else to see in Ho Chi Minh City
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Standard tourist "must see" attractions in Saigon
Where to go in Ho Chi Minh City/Saigon? Usually, tourist guides recommend visiting the following popular attractions in Ho Chi Minh City:
Cu Chi Tunnels
The legendary tunnels of Vietnamese guerrillas, preserved since the Vietnam War with the United States. Tall American soldiers could not penetrate the labyrinths, and those who did succeed were met with numerous traps. Today, the Cu Chi Tunnels have become a major tourist attraction, providing a unique opportunity to get acquainted with the underground life of Vietnamese guerrillas.
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South Vietnam - Saigon, Cu Chi Tunnels, Mekong Delta (3 days)
- Floating markets and the Mekong Delta
- Cu Chi tunnels - underground cities of partisans
- Saigon is the largest city in Vietnam
- And much more
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Location/Address: Phu Hiep, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City |
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Opening hours: Mon-Sun 08:00 - 17:00 |
Opening hours: Mon-Sun
The museum exhibition consists of eight themes and is housed in several buildings. It displays captured US equipment, as well as various evidence of war crimes committed during the Vietnam War.
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Ho Chi Minh City Municipal Theatre (Saigon Opera House)
This is a historical theatre in the center of Ho Chi Minh City that hosts various cultural events, including theatre performances, concerts and exhibitions. A visit to the theatre allows you to immerse yourself in the world of art and enjoy large-scale cultural events.
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We recommend that you visit A O Show while you are in Saigon |
A O Show - is an acrobatic cultural and historical musical show based on the village life of Vietnam.
Bui Vien Street
This street is the center of Saigon's nightlife. This is the place where all tourists first come. There is a large concentration of street vendors, bars, cheap hotels, massage parlors. Here you can feel the flavor of real Southeast Asia.
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Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is one of the most popular markets in Ho Chi Minh City, where you can find a wide variety of goods, from souvenirs to clothes and food. The atmosphere of trade and local cuisine reigns here, which makes it a great place to immerse yourself in the local life and culture.
2 Day Saigon Tour (Sightseeing Tour + Cu Chi Tunnels)
- Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) - the southern capital of Vietnam
- Main Attractions: Ben Tanh Market, Independence Palace, Main Post Office
- Famous guerrilla tunnels from the Vietnam War
Central Post Office
The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City is a beautiful example of French colonial architecture and a historical site of the city. This post office was built in the 19th century and is still a functioning postal institution. Visit it to enjoy the unique architecture of the Post Office.
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Notre Dame de Saigon
Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral is a Catholic church built in the Gothic style and impressive in its architecture. This cathedral has become one of the symbols of Saigon and attracts tourists with its beauty and mystical atmosphere. A visit to Notre Dame de Saigon is worth including in the program of sightseeing in the city.
Amusement Parks
We have already mentioned the largest Buddhist amusement park Suoi Tien at the beginning of the article
Dai Nam Park
This is a multi-profile complex that includes a zoo, a temple, an amusement area, an artificial sea, a rope park and even a hippodrome.
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Location/Address: Xa Hiep An, Thu Dau Mot, Binh Duong |
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Opening hours: Mon-Sun 08:00 - 17:00 |
Dam Sen Amusement Park
Dam Sen Park offers a variety of rides, water slides, pools and entertainment for visitors of all ages. This is a great place for active recreation and a pleasant pastime in the hot climate of Ho Chi Minh City.
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Location/Address: 3 Hoa Binh, Phuong 3, Quan 11, Ho Chi Minh |
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Opening hours: Mon-Sat 08:30 - 18:00; Sun 08:00 - 18:00 |
Dong Nai Mango Garden
Mango Garden, Dong Nai (Vuon Xoai Resort) is an entertainment and hotel complex that has a park, an active recreation area, and a zoo.
Here you can:
- Feed the deer
- Ride a sleigh on the grass
- Ride an ostrich and an elephant
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Location/Address: 537 Dinh Quang An, Phuoc Tan, Tan Cang, Dong Nai |
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden
Saigon Zoo is one of the oldest zoos and botanical gardens in the world. It contains a collection of over 600 rare animals and about 4,000 species of plants, some of which are over 100 years old.
Please note that amusement parks such as Dai Nam have their own, more interesting zoos. Therefore, we recommend visiting them first.
Skyscrapers and observation decks
Landmark 81 Tower
The tallest building in Vietnam with an observation deck and a bar on the 75th floor. The height of the tower is 461 meters. The tower was built in 2014-2016.
Sky Cafe on top of Bitexco with a view of the city
Located in the Bitexco financial center, which is a modern building in the center of Ho Chi Minh City and has become one of the symbols of the city. The tower offers stunning views of the city and its surroundings, making it a popular place to visit and take photos.
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Active recreation areas
Golden Scorpion Ecological Tourist Area
The eco-tourism and active recreation area includes a water park on the lake, various extreme attractions, a rope park and much more. This place is suitable not only for extreme sports enthusiasts, but also for lovers of outdoor recreation, because it is located in the middle of greenery, on an area of 8 hectares.
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Location/address: so 203 Ap 3, Phuoc Khanh, Nhon Trach, Dong Nai 76263 |
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Opening hours: 24 hours |
Temples and pagodas
I already mentioned my two favorite temples at the very beginning:
Buu Long Golden Temple
Chau Thoi Rock Monastery
Let's continue our list with more famous, but less remarkable, in my opinion, temples:
Ngoc Hoang Pagoda
The pagoda was built in the early 20th century to honor the supreme Taoist deity, the Jade Emperor or Ngog Hoang. The temple also houses an altar to the goddess of fertility, Kim Hua, and the Hall of the Ten Hells.
Phap vien Minh Dang Quang Pagoda
A Buddhist temple complex consisting of several pagodas was recently built in the new district of Ho Chi Minh City. The most monumental Buddhist temple in Saigon.
Pho Hien Buddhist Meditation Temple
Pho Hien Temple, also known as Pho Hien, is one of the centers of Saigon's spiritual life, where visitors can take a break from the bustle of the city and reflect on the eternal. Here you can enjoy silence and harmony, as well as learn more about Buddhism and the local religious tradition.
MieU Thien HaU Temple
A temple in the Chinese style. Its unique architecture, tranquil atmosphere and religious significance attract both locals and tourists who want to experience the spiritual life of the city.
This traditional Chinese temple is one of the most beautiful temples in Ho Chi Minh City. A visit to it will allow you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of traditional Chinese religious practice, enjoy the unique architecture and see the intricate carvings and frescoes that adorn its walls.
Phu Cuong Church
Phu Cuong Church was built in 1864. It is located in Thu Dau Mot City in Binh Duong Province, 20 kilometers north of Ho Chi Minh City.
St. John the Baptist Cathedral
St. John the Baptist Cathedral is one of the oldest Christian churches in Ho Chi Minh City. With its original architecture and historical significance, the cathedral is of particular interest to visitors who want to learn about the Christian history of Vietnam.
Mariamman Hindu Temple
This colourful complex is just a few steps from Ben Thanh Market and is the main Hindu temple in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the late 19th century to honour the Hindu goddess Mariamman, many of the materials and statues were brought from India, and most were built by the Tamil community.
Ben Duoc Memorial Temple
The memorial temple is a cultural and historical project of the Communist Party and People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City. It was built to commemorate the significant contributions of people who died in the region during the anti-American and anti-French battles.
Chua Van Phat Thousand Buddha Temple
This is an important spiritual site for the city's Chinese community. The temple is famous for the 10,000 small Buddha statues that line the perimeter of the main hall.
Museums and Monuments
Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)
Also known as the former Presidential Palace, it is a historical symbol of Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam as a whole. This famous palace was the site of key events during the Vietnam War and played an important role in the history of the country. Today, the Independence Palace is open to tourists who can admire its unique architecture and learn about its history.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts features a rich collection of Vietnamese art from various historical periods. Here you can see paintings, sculptures, prints, ceramics and other works of art that reveal the beauty and diversity of Vietnamese culture.
Ho Chi Minh Statue in Revolution Square
This majestic bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of the Vietnamese nation and one of the country's national heroes, is one of the significant and symbolic landmarks of Ho Chi Minh City.
Alley of Heroes
This alley is dedicated to the memory of heroes and soldiers who gave their lives for the freedom and independence of the country. There are monuments and memorials here, reminding us of the selfless struggle of the fallen heroes.
Ao Dai Museum
This is a small specialized museum of national men's and women's clothing, created with the aim of preserving and popularizing national culture. The Ao Dai Museum in Ho Chi Minh City was officially opened on January 22, 2014, which was the culmination of 10 years of work by designer and artist Le Si Hoang to recognize the significance of the ao dai. Around the museum there is a large area with houses, pavilions, and a well-kept park.
Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum
The Ho Chi Minh Campaign Museum is dedicated to the history of the struggle for independence and freedom of Vietnam. It contains exhibits, documents and artifacts reflecting important events that influenced the development of the country. A visit to the museum allows you to better understand the history of Vietnam and its people.
Viet Cong Monument
The Viet Cong Monument is a historical monument dedicated to the Viet Cong, the National United Front for the National Independence of Vietnam. This monument is a symbol of the struggle and patriotism of the Vietnamese people, and visiting it allows you to touch the historical heritage of the country.
Turtle Lake (Ho Con Rua)
Turtle Lake is a lake surrounded by a roundabout. It is decorated with a modernist monument designed by architect Nguyen Cu opened in 1969.
Natural attractions
Vam Sat Nature Reserve
Unique mangrove forest Vam Sat. There is a bird protection zone here during the nesting season of wild birds: more than 10,000 species of birds of 26 different species. Vam Sat is located in the same place as Can Gio
Phu an bamboo village
Phu An bamboo village is the largest bamboo reserve not only in Vietnam, but also in all of Southeast Asia. The reserve was founded in 1999, on its territory there grow 17 varieties of bamboo. Phu An is located in Binh Dong province in close proximity to the administrative border of Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon River
The Saigon River (after which the city was named) within Ho Chi Minh City has a complex system of channels. In the southeastern district of the city, Nha Be flows into the Nha Be River (Dong Nai). The Saigon River plays an important transport function, as the port of Ho Chi Minh City is located on the river, the cargo turnover of which is 35 million tons per year. You can enjoy a cruise on the Saigon River, as well as dine in floating restaurants, watching the lights of the big city.
Floating city of Co on the Dong Nai River
Here, for several centuries, thousands of people have lived right on the water. You will be able to get acquainted with their way of life. But you can get here only as part of our excursion, so that we book a boat and arrange to go to the village.
In general, in Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding area (mainly on the Dong Nai River) there is a developed network of water transport and ferries. From water trams and giant ferries to illegal small village ferries.
What to see in the vicinity of Ho Chi Minh
Where to go from Ho Chi Minh: see the detailed article
Mountains of the Black Virgin, in the city of Tay Ninh, I already mentioned it at the very beginning of the article
Temple of the Sacred Eye
In addition to the mountain of the black virgin, in the city of Tay Ninh there is the main Temple of the Sacred Eye of the Cao Dai religion (Cao Dai) - a unique Vietnamese religion that united all the religions of the world and considers Leo Tolstoy a prophet
Mekong Delta: My Tho
My Tho is located 70 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh. The city has a large seaport. Due to its beauty, the city of My Tho is also known as the "beautiful daughter" of the Mekong Delta.
Mekong Delta (tour for 2 days)
- Floating markets of the Mekong Delta
- Crocodile and snake farm
- Rice paper factory
- Cu Chi tunnels - underground cities of partisans
Floating market in Can Tho
Can Tho is the capital of the Mekong Delta. It is home to the largest floating market in Vietnam.
Cat Tien National Park
Cat Tien is a nature reserve in southern Vietnam, about 160 km north of Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). It is one of the largest nature reserves in Vietnam. The park is one of the 200 global ecological zones of WWF and an important UNESCO biosphere reserve. This reserve contains conservation centers for bears and primates.
Bird Sanctuary in the Mekong Delta Vam Ho
Vam Ho Bird Sanctuary is a unique ecosystem with typical coastal mangrove forests in the Mekong Delta. In the western part of the delta there are dozens of tourist ecozones for observing thousands of rare birds.
TOP beaches near Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)
After a busy excursion program, you will probably want to relax on the beach near Ho Chi Minh City. - beaches near Ho Chi Minh City.
Top 1. Con Dao Archipelago
Con Dao Archipelago is located in the province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau and consists of 16 islands, some of which are a national park of the same name. This archipelago has excellent beaches, so it is an alternative to Phu Quoc.
Top 2. Vung Tau
An excellent resort near Ho Chi Minh City (included in our rating of the TOP-20 beaches of Vietnam). This is the best place to go from Ho Chi Minh City for a beach holiday.
Top 3. Mui Ne
A great resort near Saigon, Phan Thiet area.
Top 4. Can Gio Beach (Bai bien Can Gio)
The beach is relatively unkempt, if you are looking for a good beach, it is better to go to Vung Tau. We included it in our list because it is the only beach within the city.
Parks for walking, photography and recreation
Historical Cultural and Ethnic Park
Historical Cultural and Ethnic Park (History Ethnic & Cultural Park) with free admission. A great place for walking and taking beautiful photos
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Location/Address: Duong 16, Long Binh, Quan 9 |
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Opening hours: Mon-Sun 08:00 - 16:00 |
Cuu Long Park (Cong Vien Cuu Long)
Cuu Long Park is a large public park in the center of Ho Chi Minh City where you can enjoy a calm atmosphere, walk along green alleys and relax under the shade of trees. The park is a popular place for outdoor activities, sports events and picnics.
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Location/Address: Thap Muoi, Phuong 13, Quan 5, Ho Chi Minh |
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Opening hours: 24 hours |
Rin Rin Park
A great place for a walk. Well-kept territory with exotic plants. The landscape design is influenced by Japanese style.
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Location/Address: Xuan Thoi Thuong, 6 Ap Xuan Thoi Dong, Xuan Thoi Dong 1, Hoc Mon, Ho Chi Minh 700000 |
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Opening hours: Mon-Sun 08:00 - 18:00 |
Star Bridge (Anh Sao Bridge)
Star Bridge is a beautiful park with an artificial lake, bridges and fountains. This place has become popular among locals and tourists due to its romantic atmosphere, illuminated by stars and lanterns.
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Tao Dan Park (Cong vien Tao Dan)
Tao Dan Park is a cozy oasis of greenery and peace in the center of Ho Chi Minh City. Here you can stroll along the picturesque alleys, enjoy the beauty of the vegetation and take a break from the bustle of the city. The park is also decorated with sculptures and fountains, creating an atmosphere of peace.
This is only a small part of the most interesting attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, each of which offers a unique look at the history, culture and architecture of this amazing city.