One Day in Ho Chi Minh City: 5 Must-Visit Spots to Capture Saigon's Essence

Save

Share 0

Ben-Thanh-MarketOpera HouseVietnam travel

【Attraction Tickets】Sai Kung Shooting Club - Da Nang Branch Shooting Experience

Book today before 21:00

HKD 52 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Novotel Living Saigon Hotel Ho Chi Minh City Seafood Weekend Buffet Dinner

Available 2026-09-05

HKD 162 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】Unlimited Sake Drinking Experience in Ho Chi Minh City

Book today before 17:00

HKD 67 Start

Book now

【Attraction Tickets】[Michelin Guide] LAI-Cantonese Restaurant: Luxurious Lunch Set

Book today before 13:30

HKD 92 Start

Book now

One Day in Ho Chi Minh City: 5 Must-Visit Spots to Capture Saigon's Essence

Got just one day in Ho Chi Minh City? From centuries-old French colonial landmarks to buzzing local markets, Saigon packs an astonishing amount into its streets. Here are five essential stops to make the most of your whirlwind visit.

1. Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập)

📍 135 Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, District 1
⏰ 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
💰 40,000 VND (adults), 10,000 VND (students), free for children under 6

A must for history buffs, the Independence Palace stands as a powerful symbol of Vietnam's modern history. Walk through the meticulously preserved state rooms, war command bunkers, and rooftop helipad — the very spot where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates on 30 April 1975, marking the end of the war.

2. Ben Thanh Market (Chợ Bến Thành)

📍 Lê Lợi, District 1
⏰ 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
💰 Free entry

No Saigon visit is complete without diving into the sensory overload of Ben Thanh Market. By day, it's a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from silk scarves to Vietnamese coffee. By late afternoon, the surrounding streets transform into a sizzling night food market — grab a plate of bánh xèo (crispy pancake) or a steaming bowl of bún bò Huế and join the locals.

3. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica (Nhà thờ Đức Bà)

📍 1 Công Xã Paris, District 1
⏰ 8:00 – 11:00 AM & 2:00 – 4:00 PM
💰 Free entry

Nicknamed the 'Red Cathedral' for its distinctive brick façade — every brick shipped from Marseille — this Gothic Revival masterpiece has anchored Saigon's skyline since 1880. Twin bell towers, arched stained-glass windows, and a serene statue of the Virgin Mary out front make it one of the city's most photogenic landmarks.

4. Central Post Office (Bưu điện Trung tâm)

📍 2 Công Xã Paris, District 1
⏰ 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
💰 Free entry

Right next door to the cathedral, the Central Post Office is another French colonial gem — and it's still a fully functioning post office. Step inside to admire Gustave Eiffel-inspired wrought-iron arches, a grand arched ceiling, and two enormous hand-painted maps of historic Saigon. Pick up a vintage postcard and mail it home from one of the old wooden writing desks.

5. Saigon Opera House (Nhà hát Thành phố)

📍 7 Công Trường Lam Sơn, District 1
⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
💰 300,000 – 1,500,000 VND (varies by performance)

Built in 1897, the Municipal Theatre is a jewel of French colonial architecture, with a grand stone façade, ornate balconies, and sculpted angels flanking the entrance. Catch a live performance — from traditional Vietnamese opera to the acclaimed À Ố Show — or simply admire the building's elegance from the plaza outside.