Overview of Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is one of the most developed cities in the South and across Vietnam. It covers an area of 2,096 km² and has a population of approximately 8.9 million people.

(Ho Chi Minh City at night – the buildings are lit up)

Transportation to Ho Chi Minh City

If you’re an international tourist, you can take a direct flight to Tan Son Nhat Airport. Tan Son Nhat is located within Ho Chi Minh City, making it very convenient for travel. If you’re concerned about getting a Vietnam visa, Vietnam Travel Advisor can assist you with the visa process.

If you’re traveling from nearby cities such as Nha Trang or Vung Tau, taking a coach or limousine bus is both convenient and cost-effective.

For getting around the city, if you’re traveling independently, you can use ride-hailing apps like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM to move between destinations.

Must-Visit Places in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Cu Chi Tunnels

This is one of the most historically significant sites where the Southern Liberation Army built tunnels and fought against the American forces and their allies. At this historic site, you’ll learn about the campaign to liberate the South and reunify Vietnam. You’ll also get to try the traditional wartime dish of cassava with sesame salt. Visitors can view preserved wartime artifacts such as American military equipment, traps, and experience crawling through the Cu Chi tunnels. You can also try shooting various guns like rifles, submachine guns, and pistols here.

(Entrance to the tunnel at Cu Chi tunnels)

(Tourists enjoy shooting at Cu Chi Tunnels)

2. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

This is one of the largest churches in Ho Chi Minh City, built in Romanesque architecture with Gothic elements. The cathedral is 91 meters long, 35.5 meters wide, with a roof vault reaching 21 meters high. The twin bell towers are 36.6 meters tall, and with the spires added in 1885, the total height reaches 57.6 meters.

(Front of Notre Dame Cathedral)

3. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

This was not only an administrative building during the American-backed regime, but also the place where a historic event occurred—President Duong Van Minh (an American ally) declared his surrender to the Southern Liberation Army, marking the reunification of Vietnam.

(Outside the front of the Independence Palace building)

4. Ben Thanh Market

A major central market in Ho Chi Minh City where you can shop and eat like a true local. The food offerings are diverse, ranging from desserts like sweet soups and refreshing drinks to iconic local dishes such as bun rieu (crab noodle soup) and com tam (broken rice). Most vendors here can speak English, so you can shop and dine with confidence.

(Ben Thanh Market Gate)

5. Nha Rong Wharf – Ho Chi Minh Museum

This is the site where President Ho Chi Minh departed on the Amiral Latouche-Tréville ship to seek a way to liberate Vietnam. The museum now displays numerous artifacts and information about his life and revolutionary journey.

(Nha Rong Port seen from above)

6. Landmark 81

One of the tallest skyscrapers in Vietnam. Here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City from the upper floors and dine at 5-star restaurants inside the building.

(Landmark 81 The tallest building in Vietnam)

(Dining experience on the “tallest building in Vietnam” – Landmark 81)

7. 42 Nguyen Hue Apartment Building

A unique check-in spot with a mix of vintage and modern vibes, known for the colorful signs of various cafes within the building. You can pick a café, relax, and enjoy the view of Nguyen Hue Walking Street below.

(Panorama of apartment building 42 with many cafes)

(Space of a coffee shop in Apartment 42 Nguyen Hue)

8. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

In the evening, join the vibrant crowd at this pedestrian street. You’ll find a variety of experiences here—from watching dance performances to tasting local street food.

(Nguyen Hue walking street at night)

If you’re still unsure about your travel destination in Vietnam or don’t know how to plan your itinerary to fit your budget, feel free to contact Vietnam Travel Advisor.

Contact information: WhatsApp/Hotline: +84 363 554 555

You can also explore more tour options HERE.