1. CITY HALL
At the end of Nguyen Hue in District 1 sits the magnificent office of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.Completed in 1908, the design of the former Hotel de Ville ( City Hall) is based on the original in Paris. It remains one of the most stunning colonial monuments in the city, especially when floodlit at night. Unfortunately , the interior isn't open to public, but you can still visit the statue of Ho Chi Minh on the median strip.
2. THE OPERA HOUSE
Great photo opportunities await those who seek out one of the city's most prominent landmarks. The opera house was built in 1897 by French architect Eugene Ferret. In 1955, it was transformed into South Vietnam's Assembly House and has since undergone several refurbishments. It is only open to the public during events.
3. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL
This twin towered cathedral is one of the most prominent architectural marvels in the city. It was built in 1877 with materials imported from France. It sits between 2 busy streams of traffic and the streets outside are always bustling with tourist , locals and street vendors. Inside, the decor is austere , but the church is lively during service.
Sunday Mass is held at 9.30 am. On weekends, the cathedral is a favourite spot for wedding photographers.
4. SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE
This was designed by renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel and built between 1886 and 1891. The vaulted roof and arched windows lend a classic look, reminiscent of early European railway stations. Generally filled with tourists and kioks hawking tourist fare, it's important to remember that is in fact a working post office.
5. SAIGON BOTANICAL & ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
The Gardens feature a wide range of animals including rare snakes and birds, but beware , some of the living conditions are cramped. If you want to avoid the most severely confined creatures, stroll through the garden or catch a theatre performance.
Inside the main gate is the Temple of King Hung Vuong and the National History Museum
6. 30-4 PARK
The small , shaded park takes its name from Vietnam's Reunification Day, 30 April 1975. Connecting the Unification Palace with the Notre Dame Cathedral , it is a hub of activity and a popular meeting place for young and old Saigonese alike. The park is perfect for people watching as the park is a popular place for people to chat with friends or to grab some shade and sip a drink.
7. REUNIFICATION PALACE
This grand building was designed by Ngo Viet Thu for South Vietnam's former President, Ngo Dinh Diem, during the American War. The official handover of power tool place here on 30 Paril 1975 and the palace became a monument to that historic date. A highlight of the building is the basement which is something out of a wartime movie set. Before the renovations of the Diem era, the buildings facade was Rococo styled. There are a entrance fee charges.
8. HO CHI MINH CITY MUSEUM
Built around 1885 , this elegant , yet understand , building has been called at various time, the French High Commissioner's Office, Gia Long Palace , the Supreme Court , the Revolutionary Museum and finally the Museum of Ho Chi Minh. Now it houses a photographic record of the revolutionary struggle against the French and Americans as well as display of archaeological relics.
Beneath the museum is a network of tunnels that reach as far as Reunification Palace.
9. NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Established in 1920 s , as the Musee Louis Finot, the National History Museum is devoted to Indochinese architecture. Trace the history of the Vietnamese people with displays of cultural significance that cover an area of more than 2000 square metres. Outside the rear entrance, enormous bronze panels details Vietnam's history
10. DONG KHOI STREET
Known as Rue Catinat during the French colonial days and Tu Do in the 1960 s, this street was reborn during Doi Moi ( the economic reforms of 1986) as the heart of Saigon's commercial and shopping district
11. LE LOI STREET
No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without a stroll down this busy , tree -lined street named after the founder of the Le dynasty. Small boutique shops selling art and high end fashion brush shoulders with street vendors selling fashion brush shoulders with street vendors selling all sorts of tourist knick knacks.If shopping isn't your bag , head to one of many chic cafes and international food chains that serve as an oasis of relative calm from the commotion of daily life on this busy street.
The shops get more upscale the farther you go from Ben Thanh Market.
12. BEN THANH MARKET
It can be a bit daunting to make sense of this market with its more than 3000 vendor stalls . Luckily everything is laid out in an organised grid. Clothes and fabric in front give way to kitchenware and souvenirs , lading on to food and produce. Be prepared as sellers here are particularly ferocious. It is also a prime spot for watching the city 's dizzying traffic.
13. MARIAMMAN HINDU TEMPLE
This Hindu Temple seems out of place with a colourful facade that jumps out among its less ornate neighbours. Inside, the atmosphere is lively and lisence hangs in the air. The temple was built by traders from Tamil Nadu and is named after the goddess Mariamman, worshiped for miraculous powers including curing heat based diseases and helping people find good spouses.
* remembered to take your shoes off before stepping onto the raised platform.
14. TAO DAN PARK
This park covers 10 hectares with over 1000 large trees and plenty of other greenery. Early in the morning , the park is filled with people exercising to booming dance music , walking and practising Tai Chi. Look for the replica of Nha Trang's Cham Tower and the Hung King Temple, while the east side of the park is populated with interesting statues
15. JAMIA AL MUSLIM MOSQUE
One of the 12 mosques serving the city, Jamia Al Muslimin Mosque was constructed for worshippers from southern India, Muslims from all over the world now come here to pray. The shaded veranda makes it an ideal place to sit during the heat of the day. There is a halal restaurant in the compound that offers cheap Indian and Malay food along with several halal food vendors that surround the area.
* remember to dress modestly when visiting the mosque
16. FINE ARTS MUSEUM
Set inside an exquisite colonial villa , this museum is home to art from 7th to 17th centuries along with rotating exhibits of contemporary art by local and international artists. The second floor features a permanent collection of sketches , paintings and statues , many of which focus on the resistance to colonial rule. The third floor shows older works from Vietnam's history.
Check out the wooden elevator , one of the first in Saigon,at the main staircase.
17. PHAM NGU LAO AREA
Saigon's version of the Bangkok backpacker haunt , Khao San Road, this area is a convenient place
to find cheap accommodation , food and nightlife. It is also known for the large amount to tour agencies, clothing shops and tailors that cater to budget tourists . With a plethora of bars and restaurants, this area is popular with tourists and locals alike. Just watch out for your belongings.
18. HUYEN SY CHURCH
At over 100 years old, this church is the oldest and second largest in Saigon . It was named after Huyen Sy, grandfather of Vietnam's last queen who died before the building was completed. You can find the tombs of Mr and Mrs Huyen Sy off to the side of the nave. It is closed during the day , but you can sneak a peek by wandering to the side entrance of the church. At night, the addition of neon lights provides a unique and dazzling exterior.
19. BITEXCO FINANCIAL TOWER
Opened in October 2010, the 262.5m high Bitexco Financial Tower is currently the tallest building in Saigon. The design was inspired by Vietnam's national flower, the lotus. The Saigon skydeck , found on the 49th floor, has breathtaking panoramas of the city. The helipad on the 52nd floor was shipped to Vietnam in once piece from Korea.
20. JADE EMPEROR PAGODA
Built in 1909 by Saigon's Chinese population , the atmospheric Cantonese pagoda houses the Jade Emperor ( heaven's keeper) watching over an incense filled room while hidden chambers harbour woodcarvings and altars/ The pagoda is a photographer's paradise: one of the halls has the finest deity of fertility while the upstairs represent heaven and features the goddess Kwan Ying.
Don't miss the mass of turtles in the pond, said to bring good luck
21. KY DONG CHURCH
Once encompassing an entire city block , Ky Dong Church has been downsized but still boasts a school, religious souvenir shop and garden. The church is packed with wordshippers during mass so make sure to show up a bit early.Bring flowers to the statue of St Mary standing prominently outside.
22.VINH NGHIEM PAGODA
Vinh Nghiem, the largest pagoda in the city, is a blend of modern and traditional Japanese and Vietnamese cultures. It was built between 1964 and 1971 and covers 8000 square metres. It is home to a sanctuary and a seven floor, 40 m tower. People come here to pay homage to Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord of Truth and Manjusri.
At the end of Nguyen Hue in District 1 sits the magnificent office of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee.Completed in 1908, the design of the former Hotel de Ville ( City Hall) is based on the original in Paris. It remains one of the most stunning colonial monuments in the city, especially when floodlit at night. Unfortunately , the interior isn't open to public, but you can still visit the statue of Ho Chi Minh on the median strip.
2. THE OPERA HOUSE
Great photo opportunities await those who seek out one of the city's most prominent landmarks. The opera house was built in 1897 by French architect Eugene Ferret. In 1955, it was transformed into South Vietnam's Assembly House and has since undergone several refurbishments. It is only open to the public during events.
3. NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL
This twin towered cathedral is one of the most prominent architectural marvels in the city. It was built in 1877 with materials imported from France. It sits between 2 busy streams of traffic and the streets outside are always bustling with tourist , locals and street vendors. Inside, the decor is austere , but the church is lively during service.
Sunday Mass is held at 9.30 am. On weekends, the cathedral is a favourite spot for wedding photographers.
4. SAIGON CENTRAL POST OFFICE
This was designed by renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel and built between 1886 and 1891. The vaulted roof and arched windows lend a classic look, reminiscent of early European railway stations. Generally filled with tourists and kioks hawking tourist fare, it's important to remember that is in fact a working post office.
5. SAIGON BOTANICAL & ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS
The Gardens feature a wide range of animals including rare snakes and birds, but beware , some of the living conditions are cramped. If you want to avoid the most severely confined creatures, stroll through the garden or catch a theatre performance.
Inside the main gate is the Temple of King Hung Vuong and the National History Museum
6. 30-4 PARK
The small , shaded park takes its name from Vietnam's Reunification Day, 30 April 1975. Connecting the Unification Palace with the Notre Dame Cathedral , it is a hub of activity and a popular meeting place for young and old Saigonese alike. The park is perfect for people watching as the park is a popular place for people to chat with friends or to grab some shade and sip a drink.
7. REUNIFICATION PALACE
This grand building was designed by Ngo Viet Thu for South Vietnam's former President, Ngo Dinh Diem, during the American War. The official handover of power tool place here on 30 Paril 1975 and the palace became a monument to that historic date. A highlight of the building is the basement which is something out of a wartime movie set. Before the renovations of the Diem era, the buildings facade was Rococo styled. There are a entrance fee charges.
8. HO CHI MINH CITY MUSEUM
Built around 1885 , this elegant , yet understand , building has been called at various time, the French High Commissioner's Office, Gia Long Palace , the Supreme Court , the Revolutionary Museum and finally the Museum of Ho Chi Minh. Now it houses a photographic record of the revolutionary struggle against the French and Americans as well as display of archaeological relics.
Beneath the museum is a network of tunnels that reach as far as Reunification Palace.
9. NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
Established in 1920 s , as the Musee Louis Finot, the National History Museum is devoted to Indochinese architecture. Trace the history of the Vietnamese people with displays of cultural significance that cover an area of more than 2000 square metres. Outside the rear entrance, enormous bronze panels details Vietnam's history
10. DONG KHOI STREET
Known as Rue Catinat during the French colonial days and Tu Do in the 1960 s, this street was reborn during Doi Moi ( the economic reforms of 1986) as the heart of Saigon's commercial and shopping district
11. LE LOI STREET
No trip to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without a stroll down this busy , tree -lined street named after the founder of the Le dynasty. Small boutique shops selling art and high end fashion brush shoulders with street vendors selling fashion brush shoulders with street vendors selling all sorts of tourist knick knacks.If shopping isn't your bag , head to one of many chic cafes and international food chains that serve as an oasis of relative calm from the commotion of daily life on this busy street.
The shops get more upscale the farther you go from Ben Thanh Market.
12. BEN THANH MARKET
It can be a bit daunting to make sense of this market with its more than 3000 vendor stalls . Luckily everything is laid out in an organised grid. Clothes and fabric in front give way to kitchenware and souvenirs , lading on to food and produce. Be prepared as sellers here are particularly ferocious. It is also a prime spot for watching the city 's dizzying traffic.
13. MARIAMMAN HINDU TEMPLE
This Hindu Temple seems out of place with a colourful facade that jumps out among its less ornate neighbours. Inside, the atmosphere is lively and lisence hangs in the air. The temple was built by traders from Tamil Nadu and is named after the goddess Mariamman, worshiped for miraculous powers including curing heat based diseases and helping people find good spouses.
* remembered to take your shoes off before stepping onto the raised platform.
14. TAO DAN PARK
This park covers 10 hectares with over 1000 large trees and plenty of other greenery. Early in the morning , the park is filled with people exercising to booming dance music , walking and practising Tai Chi. Look for the replica of Nha Trang's Cham Tower and the Hung King Temple, while the east side of the park is populated with interesting statues
15. JAMIA AL MUSLIM MOSQUE
One of the 12 mosques serving the city, Jamia Al Muslimin Mosque was constructed for worshippers from southern India, Muslims from all over the world now come here to pray. The shaded veranda makes it an ideal place to sit during the heat of the day. There is a halal restaurant in the compound that offers cheap Indian and Malay food along with several halal food vendors that surround the area.
* remember to dress modestly when visiting the mosque
16. FINE ARTS MUSEUM
Set inside an exquisite colonial villa , this museum is home to art from 7th to 17th centuries along with rotating exhibits of contemporary art by local and international artists. The second floor features a permanent collection of sketches , paintings and statues , many of which focus on the resistance to colonial rule. The third floor shows older works from Vietnam's history.
Check out the wooden elevator , one of the first in Saigon,at the main staircase.
17. PHAM NGU LAO AREA
Saigon's version of the Bangkok backpacker haunt , Khao San Road, this area is a convenient place
to find cheap accommodation , food and nightlife. It is also known for the large amount to tour agencies, clothing shops and tailors that cater to budget tourists . With a plethora of bars and restaurants, this area is popular with tourists and locals alike. Just watch out for your belongings.
18. HUYEN SY CHURCH
At over 100 years old, this church is the oldest and second largest in Saigon . It was named after Huyen Sy, grandfather of Vietnam's last queen who died before the building was completed. You can find the tombs of Mr and Mrs Huyen Sy off to the side of the nave. It is closed during the day , but you can sneak a peek by wandering to the side entrance of the church. At night, the addition of neon lights provides a unique and dazzling exterior.
19. BITEXCO FINANCIAL TOWER
Opened in October 2010, the 262.5m high Bitexco Financial Tower is currently the tallest building in Saigon. The design was inspired by Vietnam's national flower, the lotus. The Saigon skydeck , found on the 49th floor, has breathtaking panoramas of the city. The helipad on the 52nd floor was shipped to Vietnam in once piece from Korea.
20. JADE EMPEROR PAGODA
Built in 1909 by Saigon's Chinese population , the atmospheric Cantonese pagoda houses the Jade Emperor ( heaven's keeper) watching over an incense filled room while hidden chambers harbour woodcarvings and altars/ The pagoda is a photographer's paradise: one of the halls has the finest deity of fertility while the upstairs represent heaven and features the goddess Kwan Ying.
Don't miss the mass of turtles in the pond, said to bring good luck
21. KY DONG CHURCH
Once encompassing an entire city block , Ky Dong Church has been downsized but still boasts a school, religious souvenir shop and garden. The church is packed with wordshippers during mass so make sure to show up a bit early.Bring flowers to the statue of St Mary standing prominently outside.
22.VINH NGHIEM PAGODA
Vinh Nghiem, the largest pagoda in the city, is a blend of modern and traditional Japanese and Vietnamese cultures. It was built between 1964 and 1971 and covers 8000 square metres. It is home to a sanctuary and a seven floor, 40 m tower. People come here to pay homage to Siddhartha Gautama, the Lord of Truth and Manjusri.
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