Must-see places in HCM City

Independence Palace is also known as Reunification Palace on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1. It was designed by architect Ngo Viet Thu and was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. It was the site of the end of the Vietnam War during the Fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975.

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica was constructed in 1877 and completed in 1880. It has two bell towers, reaching a height of 58 meters (190 feet).

Saigon Central Post Office is in the downtown of HCM City near Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century. It counts with Gothic, Renaissance and French influences. It was built between 1886-1891 and is now a tourist attraction.

Ben Thanh is one of the oldest markets in HCM City.

Nha Rong Whalf is considered a major icon of the city alongside Ben Thanh Market, Reunification Palace and others. It is associated with late President Ho Chi Minh. The young man Nguyen Tat Thanh, the late president’s name then, left the country on June 5, 1911 to get on board the French ship Admiral Latouche Treville, starting his 30-year journey around the world for national salvation.

The Museum of Vietnam History was built from 1926 to 1928. It showcases Vietnam's history with exhibits from all periods.

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden was constructed in 1864. It is Vietnam's largest zoo and botanical garden. Located on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street in District 1, it is home to over a hundred species of mammals, reptiles and birds, as well as many rare orchids and ornamental plants.

Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts on Pho Duc Chinh St in District 1 is the major art museum in HCM City. Its three floors house a collection featuring Vietnamese art works in sculpture, oil, silk and lacquer paintings as well as traditional styles including woodcut paintings as well as Vietnamese ceramics and a collection of ancient Buddhist art.

The War Remnants Museum is a war museum at 28 Vo Van Tan, in District 3. It primarily contains exhibits relating to the Vietnam War, but also includes many exhibits relating to the first Indochina War involving the French colonialists.