1. Tourism in Ho Chi Minh City

Dubbed as the "Far Eastern Pearl," Ho Chi Minh City has long been the cultural, economic, and political center of Vietnam. It is a place where various cultures converge, offering diverse tourist products. It is known as the "city that never sleeps," with vibrant entertainment activities both day and night.

In Ho Chi Minh City, tourists can encounter towering skyscrapers, lively entertainment areas, and bustling shopping centers. However, the city also preserves ancient villas and traditional markets that have existed for centuries.

2. Interesting Places for Foreign Visitors in Ho Chi Minh City

2.1. Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

When exploring District 1, you shouldn't miss Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica. Also known as Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica or the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica, this architectural marvel combines Roman and Gothic styles beautifully. For the Saigon parishioners, this structure is a symbol of pride. Adjacent to the Notre-Dame Cathedral is a large park with plenty of green trees, providing a relaxing atmosphere for socializing or taking Instagram-worthy photos.

2.2. Independence Palace

For a relaxing and educational experience, Independence Palace is an excellent choice. It offers visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the culture and history of the nation. The feng shui-inspired architecture of the Independence Palace exudes an Eastern vibe while incorporating unique modern elements. Here, you can witness artifacts from past regimes preserved over time.

2.3. Ben Thanh Market

Located in the city center with convenient access from all four sides, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit destination, especially for shopping enthusiasts. You can choose from a wide range of products, from traditional to modern items. Additionally, Ben Thanh Market is a culinary hotspot where you can indulge in authentic local cuisine at affordable prices.

2.4. Saigon Central Post Office

This structure was built over 5 years, from 1886 to 1891. The renowned architect behind this post office is Gustave Eiffel from France.

The distinctive yellow paint of this landmark allows you to capture stunning check-in photos. Visiting here, you'll have the opportunity to capture exquisite photos and immerse yourself in the beauty of the past.

2.6. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History

The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History is a famous tourist destination in Saigon, built in 1929. Its predecessor was the Blanchard de la Brosse Museum.

Visitors can comfortably admire valuable historical artifacts here. The museum currently preserves tens of thousands of artifacts, 25,000 newspapers, and many precious documents. Besides sightseeing, many tourists come here to gain more knowledge about archaeology, history, and ethnography.

2.7. Ben Nghe Port - Ho Chi Minh Museum

Ben Nghe Port houses the Ho Chi Minh Museum, one of the branches of the nationwide system of museums and memorials dedicated to Ho Chi Minh, with 3 exhibition rooms (250 square meters). After two adjustments (1990, 1995), there are now 09 rooms with a total exhibition area of 1482.62 square meters; 02 storage areas with 10,927 documents, artifacts, and hundreds of outdoor displayed artifacts.

The museum regularly organizes extensive educational activities such as scientific conferences, intergenerational discussions, lectures on President Ho Chi Minh, documentary screenings; preserving memoirs, publications about President Ho Chi Minh and the museum; printing calendars; organizing party, youth union, and team admission ceremonies; organizing competitions to learn about the biography and revolutionary career of President Ho Chi Minh.

2.8. Cu Chi Tunnels

The historical site of the Cu Chi Tunnels is closely associated with the resistance war against the French from 1946 to 1948. The project was carried out by the soldiers and people of Tan Phu Trung and Phuoc Vinh An communes to hide, store weapons, and military supplies.

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels would be incomplete without exploring the inside of the deep underground tunnels. Visitors can admire the tunnel passages, where our soldiers and people operated during the wartime. Additionally, there are areas to explore such as the war zone reenactment area, shooting area, and simulated East Sea bathing area, which are extremely exciting.

2.9. Bu Long Pagoda

One of the impressive temples in Saigon due to its unique architecture, Buu Long Pagoda is located on Nguyen Xien Street, District 9, built in 1942. The temple is situated on an 11-hectare area, specifically on the hill west of the Dong Nai River, about 25km from the city center.

This place evokes memories with a peaceful and serene atmosphere, and its architecture is always captivating. The highlight of the temple is the Gotama Cetiya stupa built in 2007, completed after 6 years.

The stupa is where Buddha relics and venerable monks are worshiped. The stupa covers an area of over 2,000 square meters and is 70m high. It is built in the style of Phu Nam culture, surrounded by smaller copper towers, all in shiny gold.