Cheap Flights to Ho Chi Minh City | Tourist Attractions in 2024

Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis that encapsulates the heart and soul of Vietnam. With its rich history, captivating culture, and bustling energy, the city offers an array of attractions that cater to travelers from around the world. From historic landmarks to bustling markets, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll delve into the top 10 tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City that make this city a captivating destination.

1. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral, also known as the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the most famous landmark in the city and one of the most iconic cathedrals in Southeast Asia.

The cathedral was built between 1863 and 1880 by French colonists. It is made of red bricks and stone, and its architecture is a mix of Romanesque and Gothic styles. The cathedral has two bell towers, each 60 meters tall. The main entrance is topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary.

The cathedral is a popular tourist destination and a place of worship for many Catholics in Ho Chi Minh City. It is also a symbol of the city’s French colonial past.

Here are some other things to know about Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral:

It is open to the public for free.
Mass is held daily at 6:00 AM, 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, 11:00 AM, and 5:30 PM.
The cathedral is currently undergoing restoration, but it is still open to the public.
There are many souvenir shops and cafes located near the cathedral.

2. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a large, covered market located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It is one of the oldest and most popular markets in the city, and is a must-visit for any tourist. The market is divided into several sections, selling everything from souvenirs and clothes to food and electronics.

The souvenirs section is a great place to find traditional Vietnamese handicrafts, such as silk scarves, conical hats, and lacquerware. There are also many stalls selling clothes, shoes, and bags. If you are looking for a bargain, be sure to haggle with the vendors.

The food section is a great place to try local delicacies, such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (sandwiches), and com tam (broken rice). There are also many stalls selling fresh fruits and vegetables.

In addition to shopping, Ben Thanh Market is also a great place to simply wander around and experience the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City. The market is always crowded, and it is a great place to people-watch.

Ben Thanh Market is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. It is located at 74 Nguyen Hue Street, Ho Chi Minh City.

Here are some tips for visiting Ben Thanh Market:

Be prepared to haggle. This is the norm in Vietnamese markets, and you can often get a good deal if you are willing to bargain.
Be aware of your surroundings. The market can be crowded and chaotic, so it is important to be aware of your belongings.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you get lost or confused, don’t be afraid to ask a vendor for help.
Enjoy the experience! Ben Thanh Market is a great place to experience the local culture and to find some unique souvenirs.

3. War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum (also known as the Museum of American War Crimes) is a museum in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is dedicated to documenting the effects of the Vietnam War on the Vietnamese people. The museum houses a collection of photographs, documents, and artifacts that depict the war’s brutality.

Some of the exhibits at the War Remnants Museum include:

A collection of photographs of the My Lai Massacre, in which American soldiers killed hundreds of unarmed Vietnamese civilians.
A guillotine used by the French colonial government to execute Vietnamese prisoners.
A B-52 bomber, used by the United States to drop bombs on Vietnamese villages.
A napalm canister, used by the United States to burn Vietnamese villages.

The War Remnants Museum is a sobering reminder of the horrors of war. It is a must-visit for anyone who wants to learn more about the Vietnam War.

Here are some additional details about the museum:

It was opened in 1975, shortly after the end of the Vietnam War.
The museum is located in the city center, near the Ben Thanh Market.
Admission is 40,000 VND (about $2).
The museum is open from 7:30am to 5pm, every day.

If you are planning to visit the War Remnants Museum, We recommend that you come prepared. The exhibits can be very graphic and upsetting. However, we believe that it is important to learn about the history of the Vietnam War, even if it is difficult.

4. Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground tunnels located in Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. They were used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War as a base of operations and a means of transportation and communication. The tunnels are a complex system of interconnected passages, some of which are as deep as 20 meters and extend for several kilometers. They are narrow and cramped, and many of them are only accessible by crawling.

The tunnels were dug by hand by the Viet Cong, and they were used for a variety of purposes, including housing, storage, weapons manufacturing, and ambushes. The tunnels were also used to transport food, supplies, and ammunition. The Viet Cong were able to use the tunnels to great advantage, as they were able to move undetected by the US and South Vietnamese forces.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a popular tourist destination, and they offer a unique glimpse into the Vietnam War. Visitors can learn about the history of the tunnels and see firsthand how they were used by the Viet Cong. Visitors can also crawl through some of the tunnels, although this is not recommended for people with claustrophobia.

Here are some of the things you can expect to see and do at the Cu Chi Tunnels:

Learn about the history of the tunnels and the Vietnam War from a guide.
See exhibits on the tunnels, including weapons, booby traps, and other artifacts.
Crawl through some of the tunnels (optional).
Visit a mock village that was used by the Viet Cong.
See a B-52 bomb crater.
Fire an AK-47 rifle (optional).

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a fascinating and important historical site, and they are a must-visit for anyone interested in the Vietnam War.

Here are some tips for visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels:

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Bring a flashlight, as it can be dark in the tunnels.
Be prepared to crawl through some of the tunnels.
If you have claustrophobia, you may want to skip crawling through the tunnels.
Take plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities inside the tunnels.
Allow at least 2 hours to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.

5. Independence Palace

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is a historical landmark in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It was built in 1962-1966 and served as the seat of government of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. On April 30, 1975, a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates of the palace, effectively ending the war.

The palace is a large, five-story building with a French colonial style. It has a spacious courtyard, a swimming pool, and a bunker. The interior of the palace is decorated with marble floors, chandeliers, and wooden furniture.

The Independence Palace is now a museum that tells the story of the Vietnam War. Visitors can see the rooms where the South Vietnamese presidents lived and worked, as well as the bunker where they took shelter during air raids. There is also an exhibition on the history of the palace and the Vietnam War.

The Independence Palace is a popular tourist destination in Ho Chi Minh City. It is a reminder of the country’s turbulent past and its hard-won independence.

Here are some other things to know about the Independence Palace:

The palace is located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, on Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa Street.
It is open to the public from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM daily.
Admission is 40,000 VND (about $1.70) for adults and 20,000 VND (about $0.85) for children.
There is an audio guide available in English, French, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.
The palace is wheelchair accessible.

6. Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, is a neo-classical building located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon). It was built in 1898 by French architect Eugène Ferret and is considered one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. The opera house has a seating capacity of 1,700 people and is used for a variety of performances, including opera, ballet, symphony concerts, and theater productions.

The opera house is a four-storey building with a Mansard roof. The facade is decorated with Corinthian columns and statues of famous composers and musicians. The interior of the opera house is lavishly decorated with gold leaf, crystal chandeliers, and red velvet curtains.

The Saigon Opera House was closed for renovations from 2009 to 2014. It reopened in 2014 and is now a popular tourist destination.

Here are some additional facts about the Saigon Opera House:

It is a National Relic of Vietnam.
It was the site of the first performance of the Vietnamese National Opera in 1975.
It has hosted performances by many famous artists, including Luciano Pavarotti, Plácido Domingo, and Yo-Yo Ma.
It is a popular filming location for movies and TV shows.

7. Bitexco Financial Tower

The Bitexco Financial Tower is a 68-story skyscraper in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is the second tallest building in the city, after the Landmark 81. The tower was designed by Carlos Zapata and was completed in 2010. It is named after the Bitexco Group, a Vietnamese multi-industry corporation that owns the tower.

The tower has a lotus bud shape, which is the national flower of Vietnam. It is made of glass and steel and has a total height of 262.5 meters (861 feet). The tower has 38,000 square meters of office space, a five-story retail podium, and a seven-screen multiplex cinema.

The highlight of the tower is the Saigon Skydeck, an observation deck on the 49th floor. The Skydeck offers panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City and the surrounding area. It is open to the public from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily.

Here are some other interesting facts about the Bitexco Financial Tower:

The tower has a helipad on the 50th floor.
The tower is home to the Bitexco Group’s headquarters.
The tower was featured in the 2011 Hollywood movie “Transformers: Dark of the Moon”.

8. Chinatown

Chinatown, also known as Cholon, is the largest and most historic Chinatown in Vietnam. It is located in District 5 of Ho Chi Minh City, about 11 kilometers west of the city center.
The neighborhood was founded in 1778 by Chinese immigrants who came to Vietnam to escape poverty and political unrest. Over the centuries, Cholon has grown into a vibrant and bustling community, home to over 500,000 people.
The architecture of Cholon is a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese styles. The streets are lined with traditional Chinese shophouses, temples, and pagodas.
One of the most popular attractions in Cholon is the Binh Tay Market. This massive market is a great place to buy souvenirs, clothes, food, and other goods.
Other popular attractions in Cholon include the Chua Quan Am Pagoda, the Thien Hau Pagoda, and the Cho Lon Museum.
Chinatown is a great place to experience Vietnamese culture and cuisine. There are many restaurants in the neighborhood serving traditional Chinese and Vietnamese dishes.
If you are visiting Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to set aside some time to explore Chinatown. It is a fascinating and unique place to learn about the history and culture of Vietnam.

Here are some tips for visiting Chinatown, Ho Chi Minh City:

The best time to visit Chinatown is during the day, when the streets are less crowded.
Wear comfortable shoes as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring your camera to capture the sights and sounds of Chinatown.
Be prepared to bargain when shopping at the markets.
Be respectful of the local culture and customs.

9. Museum of Ho Chi Minh City

The Museum of Ho Chi Minh City is a local history museum located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. It is housed in a French colonial building that was built in 1927.
The museum exhibits a collection of artifacts, miniatures, and various gifts gathered nationally and internationally that tell the story of the city’s history from the prehistoric era to the present day.
Some of the highlights of the museum include:
- A replica of the Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.
- A collection of traditional Vietnamese costumes.
- A display of artifacts from the Champa Kingdom, which ruled the southern part of Vietnam from the 7th to the 15th centuries.
- A gallery of photographs and documents that tell the story of Ho Chi Minh’s life and legacy.
The museum is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily and admission is 30,000 VND (about $1.30).

Here are some additional details about the museum:

The museum is located at 65 Lý Tự Trọng Street, Bến Nghé District, Ho Chi Minh City.
The museum is wheelchair accessible.
There is a small cafe on the ground floor of the museum.
The museum is a popular tourist destination and can get crowded, especially during the weekends.

10. Tao Dan Park

Tao Dan Park is an urban park in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is one of the largest parks in the city, covering 10 hectares (25 acres).
The park was originally built by the French in the 19th century and was called Jardin de la Ville or Parc Maurice Long. After the Vietnamese independence, it was renamed Tao Dan Park.
The park is home to a variety of trees and plants, including banyan trees, palm trees, and rose bushes. It also has a lake, a children’s playground, and a number of open-air cafes and restaurants.
Tao Dan Park is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. It is a great place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The park is also a popular spot for tai chi, yoga, and other outdoor activities.

Here are some of the things you can do at Tao Dan Park:

Take a walk or bike ride through the park.
Visit the lake and feed the ducks.
Play in the children’s playground.
Have a picnic lunch under the trees.
Enjoy a meal at one of the open-air cafes.
Practice tai chi or yoga.
Take a boat ride on the lake.
Visit the Temple of Hung Kings.

Tao Dan Park is a great place to spend a few hours relaxing and enjoying the outdoors. It is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.

In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City, with its captivating blend of history, culture, and modernity, offers a kaleidoscope of experiences for travelers. From delving into the city’s tumultuous past to immersing oneself in its bustling markets and savoring its culinary delights, the attractions mentioned above are just a glimpse of what this vibrant metropolis has to offer. Each site tells a unique story, contributing to the tapestry that is Ho Chi Minh City’s identity. Whether you’re drawn to history, culture, or simply the excitement of exploration, this city is ready to unveil its enchanting charms and leave an indelible mark on your journey.

Cheap Hotels & Cheap Flights to Ho Chi Minh City

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There is only one airport in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, the Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). It is located about 7 kilometers from the city center. SGN is the busiest airport in Vietnam, handling over 37 million passengers in 2022.

Here are the details of the Tan Son Nhat International Airport:

IATA code: SGN
ICAO code: VVTS
Location: Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Opened: 1930
Runways: 2 (07L/25R and 07R/25L)
Terminals: 2 (T1 and T2)
Airlines: Over 60 airlines
Destinations: Over 100 destinations