10 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh (part 1)

Many of the best attractions in Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) center around the events of 20th-century war and conquest. It sounds somber, and in parts it is, but there are some truly fascinating historical activities suitable for all ages. From classic French architecture to perfectly maintained American warplanes, walking around Ho Chi Minh is like seeing the past come to life with so many famous places of interest scattered throughout the city. Of course, as Vietnam’s biggest city and business capital, times are changing and modern skyscrapers are starting to punctuate the sky combining the new and old in a uniquely Vietnamese way. With our guide to the Top 10 Best Attractions in Ho Chi Minh you can get all of the information you need to ensure you don’t miss anything this fascinating city has to offer.

1. War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum is a sobering and unforgettable museum which details the effects of the 30-year long war between America and Vietnam. There are immaculately preserved tanks, planes and other war machines in the outside grounds, but the really hard-hitting information is found inside. Photographs, exhibits and written documentation show the horrific lengths that the American Army lowered themselves to in order to try and defeat the North Vietnamese Army.

Opening Hours: Daily 07.30 - 12.00 & 13:30 – 17:00

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

This marvelous tourist attraction lets visitors experience what it must have been like for soldiers who used an extensive network of tunnels to move around undetected by their enemies. There is an informative movie to watch, followed by a guided tour of some mock recreations of daily life for the Viet Cong hiding in the jungle. Burnt out tanks make for a great photo prop and then everyone gets to crawl through a small section of the tunnels which has been widened and supported with concrete.

Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 17:00

Location: 70km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City

3. Reunification Palace

The center of the allied command and the place where the North Vietnamese claimed victory in the American War, Reunification Palace has played its part in some incredible scenes. This aging palace has essentially been frozen in time since a North Vietnamese Army tank smashed through its gates in 1975. Visitors will get to discover secret rooms, grand reception halls and the command bunker where General Ngo Dinh Diem conducted his war strategies.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 - 11:00 & 13:00 - 16:00

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

4. Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office

The Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh is a glorious example of French colonial architecture, perfectly preserved with as much style as when it first opened in 1891. The building still functions as the city’s main post office and sending a letter or postcard home is highly recommended for a taste of living history. Beautiful from any angle, this building was designed by Gustave Eiffel, who also designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 19:00

Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

5. Binh Tay Market

Binh Tay Market, constructed by the French in the 1880s, is located in the center of Vietnam’s largest Chinatown district. Unlike Ben Thanh Market in District 1, this market mainly serves the local population with its extensive range of fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry, meat and seafood from regions across Vietnam.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00

Address: 57A Thap Muoi, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City