10 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh (part 2)

6. Cao Dai Temple

Cao Dai Temple is the center of the Cao Dai faith, a religion that has taken bits of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Taoism, and Confucianism. Tourists are welcome to visit the temple and learn more about this faith that is practiced by a few dedicated followers. Each Cao Dai practitioner wears a white robe to enter the temple with an additional sash to signify their previous religion. The temple itself is very bright and colorful with dragons flying up banisters and a cloud mural decorating the ceiling.

Opening Hours: Daily 06:00 - 17:00

Location: 60 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City.

7. Jade Emperor Pagoda

Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most revered temples in Ho Chi Minh. Originally built in 1909 by Chinese immigrants this Taoist temple now welcomes Buddhist worshipping and is incredibly atmospheric with incense smoke hanging heavy in the air. Intricate architecture, carvings, statues of Gods and Goddesses and Chinese characters create an exotic and timeless ambiance.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00

Address: 73 Mai Thi Luu, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City

8. Bitexco Tower and Sky Deck

Bitexco Tower is an ultra-modern office tower in Ho Chi Minh, with a characteristic oval extension which acts as a helicopter landing pad. Standing at 262 meters tall, this 68 story building is the highest in all of Vietnam with a sky deck offering 360-degree views of the city and surrounding area as well as a fantastic sky bar called Alto where you can see all of Ho Chi Minh while enjoying a cocktail and some tapas style international dishes. Head up here for sunset and don’t forget your camera!

Opening Hours: Daily 09:30 - 21:30

Address: 36 Ho Tung Mau Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

9. Mariamman Hindu Temple

Mariamman Hindu Temple is a beautiful example of the bright and vibrant architecture of Hindu places of worship. As the only active Hindu temple in Ho Chi Minh, it acts as a community base for the small community of Hindus living in the city. Open every day from 07:00 to 19:00, non-Hindus are also welcome to visit, just remember to dress conservatively and take off your shoes before entering the inner temple.

Opening Hours: Daily 07:00 - 19:00

Address: 45 Truong Dinh, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

10. Notre Dame Cathedral

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, built in the late 1880s by French colonists, is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam. Located in Paris Square, the name Notre Dame was given after the installation of the statue ‘Peaceful Notre Dame’ in 1959. A Virgin Mary statue also stands in front of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, which locals claimed to have shed tears in October 2005. While this incident was refuted by the Catholic Church of Vietnam, thousands of visitors still flock to this statue in hopes of witnessing a miracle.

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 - 17:00

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