Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do & Best City Experiences

Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most energetic metropolis. Once the capital of French Indochina and later South Vietnam, the city blends colonial architecture, war-era history, and rapid modern development into a fast-moving urban experience.

Unlike Hanoi’s slower rhythm, Saigon feels entrepreneurial and outward-looking. Glass towers rise beside colonial landmarks, cafés spill onto sidewalks, and scooters dominate every street. Understanding its districts and pacing visits carefully makes the city far more approachable.

The attractions below are ordered by popularity first, then grouped by proximity to help visitors explore on foot where possible. Each stop focuses on context, logistics, and how much time to plan for a balanced city experience.

Top Attractions & Experiences

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Notre Dame Cathedral is one of Saigon’s most recognizable landmarks and a strong reminder of its French colonial past. Built in the late 19th century using imported materials from France, the red-brick basilica stands out amid modern surroundings. While access to the interior may be limited at times, the exterior remains an important stop for understanding the city’s layered history.

• Things to do or see there
  • Admire the red-brick façade and twin bell towers
  • Photograph the cathedral from surrounding squares
  • Observe daily life around a historic landmark
• How to get there Walkable from central District 1.
• How much time to spend there 30–45 minutes.
• Address Cong Xa Paris Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Google map
• Notes Best combined with nearby colonial buildings.

Central Post Office

The Central Post Office sits directly opposite Notre Dame Cathedral and is one of the city’s most impressive colonial buildings. Designed during the French period, its grand interior features arched ceilings, vintage maps, and original counters. Despite its tourist appeal, it still functions as a working post office, offering a glimpse into everyday city life.

• Things to do or see there
  • Explore the historic interior hall
  • View old maps of Saigon and Indochina
  • Send postcards or browse souvenir stalls
• How to get there Located in District 1, opposite the cathedral.
• How much time to spend there 30–60 minutes.
• Address 2 Cong Xa Paris, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Google map
• Notes Quick visit but visually memorable.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of Saigon’s busiest and most famous markets, selling everything from street food to textiles and souvenirs. It’s chaotic, colorful, and very central to the city’s identity. While prices can be higher than smaller markets, the experience offers insight into local commerce and daily routines.

• Things to do or see there
  • Browse food and souvenir stalls
  • Sample Vietnamese snacks
  • Observe bargaining culture
• How to get there Walk or taxi to central District 1.
• How much time to spend there 1–1.5 hours.
• Address Le Loi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Google map
• Notes Morning visits are less crowded.

Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House is an elegant example of French colonial architecture and a cultural landmark in the city center. Its ornate façade contrasts with nearby modern buildings, symbolizing Saigon’s blend of old and new. Even without attending a performance, the area around the opera house is worth exploring.

• Things to do or see there
  • Admire the exterior architecture
  • Attend a cultural performance if available
  • Walk the surrounding boulevard
• How to get there Walkable from Nguyen Hue Street.
• How much time to spend there 30–60 minutes.
• Address Lam Son Square, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Google map
• Notes Evening lighting enhances photos.

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is Saigon’s main pedestrian boulevard, especially lively in the evenings. Lined with cafés, modern buildings, and public spaces, it reflects the city’s youthful, social energy. Families, couples, and street performers gather here after sunset.

• Things to do or see there
  • Walk the length of the boulevard
  • Watch street performances
  • Relax at nearby cafés
• How to get there Central District 1, near the river.
• How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.
• Address Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Google map
• Notes Most vibrant after sunset.

Pham Ngu Lao area

The Pham Ngu Lao area is Saigon’s backpacker and budget travel hub, known for its lively nightlife and constant movement. Beyond hostels and bars, it offers tour agencies, street food, and easy transport connections. It’s a useful base for meeting other travelers and arranging onward trips.

• Things to do or see there
  • Explore lively streets
  • Try casual street food
  • Arrange tours and transport
• How to get there Taxi or walk from central District 1.
• How much time to spend there 1–2 hours.
• Address Pham Ngu Lao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Google map
• Notes Best experienced in the evening.

Hidden Gems & Local Favorites

Side-Street Cafés & Colonial Alleys

Some of Saigon’s most rewarding moments come from ducking into side streets for coffee or exploring quiet colonial lanes. These pockets offer a slower pace and reveal everyday city life beyond main attractions.

• Things to do or see there
  • Drink Vietnamese iced coffee
  • Explore quiet alleys
  • Observe daily routines
• How to get there Walk around District 1.
• How much time to spend there Flexible.
• Address District 1 side streets, Ho Chi Minh City. {gmap(“District 1 Ho Chi Minh City”)}
• Notes Mid-morning is ideal.

Photography Hotspots

• Notre Dame Cathedral square
• Central Post Office interior
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street at night
• Saigon Opera House façade
• Ben Thanh Market exterior

Pro Tips & Local Secrets

• Walk central sights. District 1 is compact.
• Cross streets steadily. Traffic flows around pedestrians.
• Plan indoor breaks. Heat and humidity add up.
• Visit markets early. Less crowded and calmer.
• Use ride-hailing apps. Efficient and reliable.

Ho Chi Minh City rewards travelers who balance sightseeing with observation. Colonial landmarks, markets, and pedestrian streets offer insight into its past and present, while cafés and side streets reveal daily rhythms. For those searching for the best things to do in Saigon, focusing on central districts and pacing the day carefully creates a more enjoyable and insightful visit.