Tourist track Saigon – so much to see and do in so little time!  Top 12

Some choose to avoid Ho Chi Minh City, however, I highly recommend at least a short visit to this vibrant, friendly and historical city.  Below you will find my list of the top 12 things to see and do, in no particular order, with map links.  For costs, entrance fees, tour companies, etc. visit my blog Ho Chi Minh City.

Quoc Tu Pagoda:  Seven stories tall, the Buddhist Pagoda offers great city views.  If you are a spiritual person, each level offers reflection and prayer areas. Google Map

Rex Hotel:  The Saigon hotel shot to fame during the Vietnam War with the US Military Officers presence as well as journalists. Home to the Five O’Clock Follies – a controversial military press briefing.  Take the elevator up to the Rooftop Garden and have a drink while taking in the city views.  At night, it is a popular bar.  Google Map

Cu Chi Tunnels:  An informative museum showcasing the intricate and fascinating tunnel system used during the war. Living, cooking, working, fabrication, hiding, hospitals and more – it was an underground world of survival.  It takes around 2 hours to get there from Ho Chi Minh, so plan a full day.  Google Map

Iced Coffee:  A simple pleasure not to be missed.  The coffee is Mark Wiens OMG good – can you picture his happy face?  This cup of pick me up sweetness is a delightful treat to sip away on while watching the buzzing Ho Chi Minh life swirl around you.  The cold coffee brew sweetened with condensed milk  makes a great ice cream substitute!

Independence Palace:  Also known as the Reunification Palace, is a Ho Chi Minh City landmark.  Surrounded by gardens with a few tanks left as the reminder of when the North Vietnamese army rolled through the gates.  Although not all 95 rooms are viewable, the majority are; reception, media, living and more.  Google Map

Foot Massage:  The spa prices are absolutely affordable, and with all the walking you should be doing, you deserve to treat yourself to this time out delight.  Full body massages are also well priced; if you have never tried it, now is the time!

Notre Dame Cathedral: This church with two romanesque bell towers looks completely out of place here in the downtown.  I suppose, that is what makes it such a wonder to see.  Officially titled Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, it was built by French Colonists with all materials imported from France. Make sure to take a walk around inside and out.  Google Map

War Remnants Museum:  Exhibiting all things related to the Vietnam War.  Although one could say it is biased, non the less it offers a horrific and sad insight into the controversial conflict.  Photos, films, equipment, machinery, jail cells and more.  Note:  It literally brought tears to my eyes.  Google Map

Bui Vien Street:  Do not miss at least one night out on this street!  It is so much fun – whether you are young or old (18+), like to party, are looking for a Vietnamese meal, like to sit back and watch the action or want to meet people, this is the place to go.  Google Map

Post Office:  Saigon Central Post Office is a functioning postal building built in the late 1800’s.  The renaissance gothic architecture makes for pretty photos.  If you are visiting the Notre Dame Cathedral, you will spot the building immediately.   Google Map

Ben Thanh Market and Ben Thanh Street Food Market:  Admittedly, not at the top of my list, but still worth a visit as it is very a very popular tourist spot.  Go to browse the wares on offer at the market before entering the food court for a bite to eat.  Google Map

Pho Hai Tien – and last but not least, do not miss out on a chance to eat at this delicious restaurant with photo worthy delectable, foods.  My Review & Map

Links of Possible Interest:
→ Ho Chi Minh, Saigon / Photos
.….⇒ Stay: DDA Hotel
…..⇒ Eat: Ben Thanh Street Food Market
…..⇒ Eat: Pho Hai Thien
…..⇒ Eat: Quan 176 – Cửa Hàng Ăn Uống 176
…..⇒ Eat / Bar: Rex Hotel Rooftop Garden

Location:  Asia  >  Southeast Asia  >  Vietnam  > South Vietnam >  Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon