Ho Chi Minh City’s Instagrammable Highlights
Are you eagerly awaiting the holiday season and looking to travel abroad without spending too much money? Then Vietnam is the perfect destination for you! In particular, Ho Chi Minh City offers affordable prices for food and accommodations. And the best part is… it's incredibly Instagrammable! It’s perfect for those who want high-quality experiences at affordable prices. Let’s take a look at the places below!
1. Notre Dame Cathedral Saigon
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Constructed by French colonists who originally named it the Saigon Opera House (French: Opéra de Saïgon), the building was completed between 1898 and 1900. This opera house was designated a National Relic in 2012 and is one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Vietnam. The name Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City has been used since 1975. It features a grand façade with ornate architectural details and a seating capacity of 468. Since it is located near the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica and the Saigon Central Post Office, it is recommended to visit these attractions together for a comprehensive experience of the city's historical landmarks.
Operating hours : 8 AM - 5 PM
Entrance Fee : Free
2. Saigon Central Post Office
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The Saigon Central Post Office (Vietnamese: Bưu điện Trung tâm Sài Gòn) is a historic post office in downtown Ho Chi Minh City, near the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. Its history dates back to the late nineteenth century when Vietnam was part of French Indochina. Established by the French after their invasion of Saigon in 1863, the building was designed by Gustave Eiffel, known for the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty, and Long Bien Bridge. The exterior features plaques commemorating important scientists and engineers, including Morse, Ampere, Volta, Ohm, and Faraday.
Operating hours : 7.30 AM - 6 PM
Entrance Fee : Free
3. The Independence Palace
Source : https://www.expatshcmc.com/
The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Convention Hall, is a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), Vietnam. Designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ, it served as the home and workplace of the president of the Republic of Vietnam. It is historically significant as the site of the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, which marked the end of the Vietnam War when a North Vietnamese Army tank crashed through its gates.
Operating Hours : 8 AM - 3.30 PM
Entrance Fee : VND 40000
4. Tan Dinh Church
Source : https://localvietnam.com/
Tân Định Church, formally named the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, is located in District 3 of Ho Chi Minh City and falls under the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. Situated just 3 kilometers from Ben Thanh Market, it is conveniently accessible from the city's major neighborhoods. The church's architecture blends Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, lending a distinctive allure to Saigon's lively ambiance. Construction began in 1870 and was completed over a six-year period.
Operating Hours : 8 AM–12 PM, 2 PM – 5 PM
Entrance Fee : Free
5. Ho Chi Minh Square
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Ho Chi Minh Square, originally named Place Paul Doumer during the French colonial era, was renamed after the revered leader Ho Chi Minh following his death in 1969. It stands as a symbol of Vietnam's struggle for independence and its journey towards unity. The square holds great significance for hosting important national events, celebrations, and rallies, providing a space for Vietnamese people to commemorate their history and express national pride. It is also a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors who seek to learn about Vietnam's past and honor Ho Chi Minh.
Operating Hours : 24 Hours
Entrance Fee : Free
6. Ben Thanh Market
Source : https://localvietnam.com/
Ben Thanh Market, covering 13,056 m², features a unique French Indochinese design that contrasts with Saigon's modern buildings. Despite major renovations, its iconic bell tower remains. Originating from informal 17th-century street vendor gatherings, the market was formalized by the French in 1859. After a fire in 1870, it was rebuilt as Saigon's largest market and moved to a new building in 1912, renamed "New Bến Thành Market" to differentiate from its predecessor. The old building became a wholesale market, Chợ Cũ, while the new one retained the name Ben Thanh Market, derived from "harbor" (Ben) and "citadel" (Thanh).
Operating Hours : 7 AM - 11 PM
Entrance Fee : Free
