Discover What to See in Saigon: 27+ Places to See in the City

Beyond being one of Vietnam’s leading economic and cultural hubs, Saigon is a must-visit destination for international travelers. If you're wondering what to see in Saigon, the city offers a captivating mix of significant historical landmarks, fascinating museums, and attractions that preserve the nation’s rich traditions. Let Joytime take you on a journey through Saigon’s must-see sights!

1. What to See in Saigon?

Saigon is home to numerous cultural heritage sites and famous attractions, embodying the city's vibrant diversity. Visitors can explore various aspects of the city, including:

• Historical Landmarks: Discover important historical sites that offer insights into Vietnam’s past, culture, and traditions.

• Museums: Saigon houses many museums that preserve the nation’s memories and historical artifacts, allowing visitors to explore art and history.

• Entertainment Areas: More than just a cultural hub, Saigon is also one of Vietnam’s top entertainment destinations. Dubbed the “city that never sleeps,” it offers a variety of fun-filled locations where visitors can immerse themselves in creative and exciting activities.

• Other Attractions: Besides historical and cultural sites, visitors can explore bustling walking streets, traditional markets, famous bridges, and grand theaters to fully experience local life.

When planning your trip, consider how many days do you need in Saigon to fully experience the city's diverse offerings, from historical landmarks to vibrant entertainment areas.

A corner in Saigon shows the rapid development of the city - Photo source: Pixabay

2. Discover the Rich History of the Nation Through 8+ Famous Landmarks

Saigon is home to numerous historical landmarks that preserve the heroic past of Vietnam. If you're wondering what to see in Saigon, here are 8 must-visit historical sites that offer a glimpse into the city's rich and storied history:

2.1. Independence Palace

Overview: One of Vietnam’s first ten special national heritage sites, Independence Palace is an iconic landmark known for its historical significance and unique architecture, making it a top attraction for both local and international tourists.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon: 

• Tickets are only available for purchase at the main gate (Nam Ky Khoi Nghia) or the side gate (Nguyễn Du) from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.

• Dress modestly and avoid wearing overly short or revealing clothing.

• Do not bring large luggage, food, drinks, pets, weapons, or flammable items.

• Avoid touching artifacts to prevent damage.

• Follow the instructions of staff and signage during your visit. 

Independence Palace is a famous tourist attraction, marking the nation's history - Photo source: Doc Lap Palace - Independence Palace 

2.2. Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Overview: Officially named Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, this grand French colonial-era church is renowned for its red brick façade from Marseille and stunning stained-glass windows, exuding timeless beauty. Visitors can admire its unique architecture and, if interested, participate in religious services for a solemn experience.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• If you do not attend mass, you can visit outside the church at any time of the day

• You should dress politely, discreetly and keep order during the visit

• Limit making noise so as not to affect the sacred space

• Keep clean and do not litter the church grounds to protect the environment and maintain the beauty of the building.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is located right on the main street, splendid and majestic - Photo source: Pixabay 

Another view of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Photo source: Pixabay 

2.3. With Chi Tunnels

Overview: Nestled in a lush green forest, Cu Chi Tunnels showcase the ingenuity and resilience of Vietnamese soldiers during the war. Spanning approximately 250 km, these underground tunnels served as a crucial military base, providing shelter, living quarters, and escape routes during wartime.

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Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes to easily move in the narrow and rugged tunnels.

• The tunnels are quite tight and dark, not suitable for people who are afraid of enclosed spaces or have heart disease.

• Follow your tour guide's instructions to ensure safety and avoid getting lost in the tunnel system.

• Preserve the landscape, do not touch monuments or reconstructions.

Experiencing the tunnel system is certainly an unforgettable experience for many visitors when coming to Cu Chi Tunnels 

2.4. Saigon Central Post Office

Overview: Built between 1886 and 1891, the Saigon Central Post Office is a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. Its striking yellow façade, arched windows, and intricate decorative details blend European and Asian influences, making it a significant historical and cultural site.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should wear appropriate clothing as this is a historical and cultural site

• Do not make noise, especially in the post office working area

• Avoid touching ancient maps and exhibits to protect heritage

• Because it is a tourist destination that attracts many tourists, you need to pay attention to preserving personal property

• Check prices before buying souvenirs.

Unique and outstanding architecture of the post office building - Photo source: Saigon 

2.5. Secret Weapon Bunker

Overview: A nationally recognized historic site, the Secret Weapon Bunker played a pivotal role during the 1968 Tet Offensive. Ingeniously designed, this hidden bunker stored nearly two tons of weapons beneath an ordinary home, eluding enemy detection for years.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Do not make noise to respect the solemn and historical space.

• The weapons and documents on display are of great value and need to be preserved carefully.

• Dress politely, avoid clothes that are too revealing or offensive.

• Follow staff instructions for a safe and informative experience.

2.6. Dragon Wharf - Ho Chi Minh Museum

Overview: Nha Rong Wharf - now the Ho Chi Minh Museum, is the place marking the event of President Ho Chi Minh's departure to find a way to save the country in 1911. The building has bold classical French architecture, harmoniously combined with a curved tiled roof in the Asian style, creating a unique and solemn beauty.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should choose neat and appropriate clothes

• Avoid making noise so as not to affect the solemn space of the museum

• Do not use flash or take photos in prohibited areas to protect artifacts

• Read about the history of Nha Rong Wharf in advance to make the tour more meaningful.

2.7. Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Overview: Located in the middle of a large ecological area, Rung Sac - Can Gio Base possesses the wild and majestic beauty of the mangrove ecosystem. The dense canopy of mangrove and cork trees stretch out in the middle of the vast river, creating a vibrant natural picture. Under a layer of immense greenery is a historical relic marking the heroic victories of the 10th Sac Rung Special Forces Group.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes to easily move in the forest

• Bring mosquito and insect repellent because the area has many trees and swamps

• Do not litter, protect the mangrove ecological environment

• Follow the tour guide to ensure safety and better understand the history

• The forest is large, so go in groups to avoid getting lost

• A long journey can make you tired, so prepare drinking water to avoid losing strength.

Simulate the daily life of heroic soldiers - Photo source: Facebook Huynh Van Minh Khang 

2.8. Lang Ong (Ba Chieu) Temple

Overview: Ong Ba Chieu's mausoleum is famous for its ancient beauty, bold Hue royal architecture with a dragon flanking tile roof, exquisitely carved. Each horizontal panel and tureen is elaborately decorated, showing solemnity and respect for the Left Army Le Van Duyet. The most impressive point at the pagoda is the unique decorative art, from dragon and phoenix reliefs to delicate patterns, bearing the mark of Southern culture. 

Coming here, visitors can offer incense to commemorate, admire the unique architecture and learn about the heroic history of the famous general of the Nguyen Dynasty. The experience is an experience imbued with traditional national culture.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should wear discreet clothes, avoid clothes that are too short or revealing

• Limit loud talking, running and jumping to maintain a dignified space

• Do not touch artifacts, diaphragms, tureens, and reliefs that have high historical value and need to be preserved

• When lighting memorial incense, you should follow the instructions of the management board to ensure solemnity.

3. Explore 7+ Must-Visit Museums in Saigon

Preserving important traditions and historical artifacts, Saigon owns many large museums. For those searching for what to see in Saigon, these 7+ famous museums provide an insightful glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant culture:

3.1. Ho Chi Minh City History Museum

Overview: Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History stands out with ancient Indochina architecture, blending delicate Asian and Western features. Each pattern, dome and pillar bears the mark of time, creating a solemn and artistic space.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Limit talking too loudly, running and jumping so as not to affect other people's experience.

• Do not touch artifacts or antiques of great value, need to be carefully preserved, and do not arbitrarily touch or move them.

• Follow the tour route, listen to explanations to better understand the artifacts.

• Do not litter indiscriminately and protect a clean and beautiful environment within the museum grounds.

Space arranged inside the Ho Chi Minh City History Museum - Photo source:  Fanpage Ho Chi Minh City History Museum - History Museum in HCMC

3.2. War Remnants Museum

Overview: The War Remnants Museum is a space that truly recreates the tragic but resilient marks of the nation. With simple but dignified architecture, the museum preserves thousands of valuable artifacts, images and documents about the Vietnam War, clarifying the severity of history.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Maintain a polite, respectful and dignified attitude

• Avoid talking loudly, laughing or acting offensively, especially when standing in front of sensitive objects

• You should wear appropriate clothing to show respect for the cultural and historical space

• The museum is usually open from morning to afternoon, visitors should check the schedule before going to avoid missing their visit time.

The War Remnants Museum is a famous tourist destination when coming to Saigon - Photo source: Fanpage War Remnants Museum - War Remnants Museum 

3.3. Ho Chi Minh Museum

Overview: Ho Chi Minh City Museum attracts visitors at first sight with its ancient architecture, a harmonious blend of Gothic and Baroque styles. Majestic columns, sophisticated domes and elegant yellow colors create a luxurious, nostalgic beauty.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should wear polite clothes, suitable for the cultural and historical space

• Maintain order and do not talk too loudly so as not to affect other visitors

• If possible, visitors can join a guided tour to gain a deeper insight into the stories behind the precious artifacts.

• Do not bring flammable or explosive materials, weapons or pollutants when visiting

• Do not touch artifacts or equipment not intended for sightseeing.

3.4. Ton Duc Thang Museum

Overview: Ton Duc Thang Museum is a memorial museum of famous people, the only place in the country that provides complete documents, images and systems about the life, career and stories of President Ton Duc Thang.

Inside the museum, visitors can easily explore and learn about the President's life with separate themes on each floor. The third floor includes themes about childhood, from worker to leader and 15 years at Con Dao prison. On the 4th floor, visitors can learn in detail about two topics: A core of great national unity and A President.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Choose polite clothing when visiting

• Comply and listen to the tour guide's instructions

• Walk slowly, speak softly, avoid making noise

• Do not bring food, liquids or prohibited substances

• Do not arbitrarily litter or touch artifacts.

A corner of the exhibition space at Ton Duc Thang museum - Photo source: Ton Duc Thang Museum Fanpage - Ton Duc Thang Museum 

3.5. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts

Overview: Home to a huge, diverse collection imbued with cultural and artistic beauty, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is a famous attraction displaying paintings from many centuries and periods in 3 buildings.

With more than 21,000 artifacts divided into two main areas, including ancient fine arts, traditional handicrafts and contemporary fine arts, visitors can admire unique paintings with high artistic value. 

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Send luggage, backpacks or travel bags to the correct place before visiting

• Do not bring food, liquids or prohibited substances into the museum area

• Keep clean and preserve the landscape at the museum

• Park your car in the right place.

Outstanding art space was recently displayed at the museum - Photo source: Fanpage City Museum of Fine Arts. HCM - Fine Arts Museum, HCMC 

3.6. Bao tPhu male female Set

Overview: The Southern Women's Museum is a museum built to preserve and educate about patriotism and the traditions and beauty of Vietnamese women. With 3 floors, 10 rooms, 11 themes permanently displayed at the museum, it helps visitors clearly understand heroic women in many fields, traditional beauties and the belief of worshiping Lady in Saigon, and a collection of 65 ao dai collections. 

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should choose polite and neat clothes

• Avoid taking photos in areas with prohibited signs

• Do not touch the exhibits arbitrarily.

3.7. Ao Dai Museum

Overview: Ao Dai Museum is a place to honor the exquisite beauty of traditional Vietnamese costumes. When entering the museum, visitors will admire the historical journey of ao dai through the ages, from classic to modern models. Each artifact on display tells its own story, reflecting the development and transformation of ao dai in the flow of Vietnamese culture.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should take a personal car or book a technology car for convenient transportation

• Do not touch artifacts, do not litter, and maintain a quiet space to respect the solemn atmosphere of the museum.

Large space inside the Ao Dai museum - Photo source: Fanpage of Vietnam Ao Dai Museum 

4. Experience at X+ Top Entertainment Venues in Saigon

In addition to exploring and learning about Vietnamese culture, traditions, and history, visitors to Saigon also have the opportunity to experience a variety of interesting fun and entertainment activities through the following 7+ tourist attractions:

4.1. Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Overview: Saigon Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. Entering the large campus, visitors have the opportunity to admire more than 1,300 animals of 125 species, along with more than 2,500 trees with more than 900 rare plant species. Wild animals such as Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, golden-cheeked gibbons and many colorful birds create a unique highlight for the Zoo.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Do not litter, protect trees and do not draw graffiti on buildings

• Do not throw food or make loud noises to disturb the animals

• Follow the prescribed path, do not climb fences, and do not enter restricted areas to ensure safety.

Fresh space, filled with greenery at the Zoo - Photo source: Fanpage Botanical Gardens - Saigon Zoo & Botanical Gardens 

4.2. Rin Rin Park

Overview: Rin Rin Park has the beauty of Japanese garden art with a large Koi fish pond of up to 20,000 m2 and rows of meticulously winding bonsai trees. The space here is in harmony between nature and architecture, creating a feeling of relaxation and peace amid the hustle and bustle of life. 

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Avoid feeding fish arbitrarily or touching them with your hands to ensure the health of the fish

• Do not litter, avoid polluting the aquarium and campus to protect a clean, green environment

• Walk softly, speak softly so as not to affect others and keep the quiet of the garden.

Large campus at Rin Rin park - Photo source: Fanpage Japanese Stone Park - Rin Rin Park 

4.3. Dam Sen Water Park

Overview: Dam Sen Water Park attracts visitors with its fresh scenery, combining green nature and clear lakes. The colorful and winding water slides create a vivid picture, both vibrant and poetic. The play areas are designed in a modern, safe manner, bringing a feeling of relaxation and refreshment.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should wear swimsuits or lightweight clothing, avoid wearing clothes with metal buttons to ensure safety when playing water slides.

• Follow staff instructions and signs in each area to ensure safety.

• Store items in the locker area to avoid loss and limit bringing valuable items.

Large play space at Dam Sen water park - Photo source: Dam Sen Water Park Fanpage 

4.4. Suoi Tien Theme Park

Overview: Suoi Tien Cultural Park is famous for its unique architecture, combining nature and folk culture. Constructions such as Long Hoa Thien Bao, Tien Dong - Ngoc Nu beach and green landscape are highlights that create a sacred space. This is not only a place for fun but also preserves many traditional values.

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Bring a hat, sunscreen and comfortable clothes because the campus is large and offers many outdoor activities.

• Check the festival schedule and performance program so you don't miss out on special activities.

• You should buy tickets directly at the counter or book in advance to avoid overcrowding during peak times.

Suoi Tien Cultural Park is a famous place for cultural and entertainment experiences - Photo source: Fanpage Suoi Tien Theme Park 

4.5. Jump Arena 

Overview: Jump Arena is a vibrant entertainment space with modern design, large trampoline system and indoor climbing area. This place brings a dynamic feeling, suitable for all ages who love exercise. Coming here, visitors can challenge themselves with trampoline jumping, rock climbing, and dramatic obstacle courses. 

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• You should wear sports clothes and shoes with good traction to easily move and avoid injury

• Helps the body get used to the intensity of exercise, limiting muscle strain or injury

• Follow staff instructions to ensure the safest experience.

4.6. Binh Quoi Tourist Village

Overview: Binh Quoi tourist village has a peaceful beauty with green coconut trees reflecting on the peaceful river, recreating the rustic Southern village scene. The most impressive points are the thatched houses, bamboo bridges and fruit-laden gardens, creating a feeling of closeness and nostalgia. 

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Bring a hat, umbrella, and sunscreen if going during the day to avoid harsh sunlight

• Respect common space, keep order and avoid making noise that affects others.

Experience a peaceful living space in the heart of the city at Binh Quoi tourist village - Photo source: Binh Quoi Tourist Village Fanpage 

4.7. VinWonders Grand Park 

Overview: VinWonders Grand Park offers a modern, colorful entertainment space with many unique themed areas. This place is impressive with monumental works, combining nature and advanced technology. Visitors can experience a series of thrilling games, vibrant water play areas and interactive entertainment activities. 

Tips/advice when visiting this place in Saigon:

• Check the opening schedule in advance to arrange a reasonable time to play

• Read the instructions carefully before participating in adventure games to ensure safety.

5. Unique Attractions to Visit in Saigon

Besides the monuments, museums and amusement parks mentioned above, to fully explore Saigon urban area, visitors can visit the following attractive destinations:

5.1. Sacred Temples

Overview: Visiting sacred temples in Saigon is a journey to discover the spiritual space in the heart of the vibrant city. Visitors not only can admire the ancient and unique architecture but also have the opportunity to find peace and pray for peace for themselves and their families. 

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a sacred temple with a peaceful space - Photo source: Phap Qi Tan Tong Fanpage 

5.2. Bustling Walking Streets

Overview: Walking Street is an ideal destination for visitors to feel the youthful and vibrant life of Saigon. This place hosts many entertainment activities, street art performances and diverse restaurants and cafes. Walking on the street, visitors will be immersed in the bustling yet attractive space of Saigon at night.

Bui Vien Walking Street before entering its busiest time carries the beauty of a miniature Hong Kong - Photo source: Saigon in me 

5.3. Famous Traditional Markets

Overview: Visiting traditional markets in Saigon is an opportunity to discover the typical shopping culture of local people. Here, visitors can find all kinds of goods, from fresh food, handicrafts to clothes, fabrics, and enjoy cuisine...

Brilliant scene of Ben Thanh market at night - Photo source: Pixabay 

5.4. Iconic Bridges

Overview: Visiting the iconic bridges in Saigon is an opportunity to admire the modern beauty combined with the poetic features of the city. This is also an ideal place to stroll and watch the Saigon River at night.

Saigon Bridge is modernly designed and is one of the symbols of Saigon - Photo source: Sai·gon·eer 

5.5. Top Performing Arts Theaters

Overview: Visiting art theaters in Saigon is an opportunity to enjoy unique performances imbued with cultural identity. This is the ideal destination for those who love art and want to explore the cultural beauty of Saigon.

Hopefully this article has provided enough useful information about tourist destinations to help visitors have a complete journey in Saigon. To make the trip more comfortable and complete, visitors can choose to accompany Joytime through services Day Tour in Saigon. Joytime will assist with scheduling and arranging all details for the trip. Contact Joytime now for more details and reservations!