Looking to observe everyday life in Saigon? Head to Cho Lon, which spans three districts in Saigon and is said to be the world's largest Chinatown. Here, you'll find crowded alleys and markets that are bursting with local flavour—residents in traditional garb going about their day, ethnic Chinese street foods, and makeshift stalls jostling for space to display everyday items and curios. Begin at the lively (and very local) Binh Tay Market, which is usually the first stop for visitors to Cho Lon. If you’re shopping for souvenirs, head to the Ben Thanh Market, which has more tourist-friendly items and is a great place for shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.

This amusement park promises thrills and spills—bring along a swimsuit—served up with a splash of Vietnamese culture and Buddhist mythology. Here, you can even experience a journey through Buddhist hell.! Despite the occasionally grim reminder about morality and the afterlife, the Suoi Tien Theme Park is the perfect place to capture smiles in Saigon. For keepsake photos, choose from a variety of whimsical backdrops, including a man-made mountain bearing the head of an ancient emperor, or a serene Buddha statue perched atop a brightly coloured globe. 

Get directions to Saigon Central Post Office

Get directions to Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Get directions to Tan Dinh Church

Get directions to Cho Lon

Get directions to Suoi Tien Theme Park

For much of his life, North Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh fought passionately for Vietnamese independence and unity, through the country’s bitter struggles with France and the US. Affectionately known as Uncle Ho, he also served as president of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam from 1945 until his death in 1969. You can pay your respects to this national icon at the Ho Chi Minh City Hall, which was renamed in his honour in 1975. As entry to the building is prohibited, photos of the impressive building should be captured at the neighbouring Union Square, which provides a better vantage point. Across the road, a park sculpture of Ho Chi Minh with a small child marks a popular gathering spot.

It’s been hailed as a time capsule of the moment when the Vietnam War was officially declared over. In 1975, a North Vietnamese army tank crashed through the gates of the Reunification Palace (formerly known as the “Independence Palace”)—an event that signalled the capture of Saigon by North Vietnamese forces. The US was forced to withdraw from Vietnam then, and this kickstarted the process of reunifying a divided nation under communist rule. Purchase an admission ticket at the palace’s main entrance, and you can explore its sprawling and intriguing compound. Highlights include secret rooms with retro telecommunication devices, basement tunnels, a casino, and a rooftop heliport.

The War Remnants Museum is not for the faint-hearted, as it depicts the horrific tale of the My Lai Massacre, during which Vietnamese civilians were tortured and slain by the US army. On display too are US military vehicles and weapons, some of which have been installed as artefacts around the museum’s garden. The museum was once named "The House for Displaying War Crimes of American Imperialism and the Puppet Government," and time has done little to ease its pain.

Designed by distinguished French architects, the regal Saigon Opera House dates back to 1897. Its facade is a more modest version of the Petit Palais art museum in Paris, which was built in the same year. Today, the Saigon Opera House is a popular venue for high-profile events and cultural performances. The best way to experience the grandeur of this building is to buy a ticket to a “live” musical or performance.

Too busy to plan your own photography trek around Saigon? This Saigon photo tour will take you to Saigon’s best photography spots, including the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, the Mong Bridge (one of the oldest bridges in Saigon), and the Thu Thiem Bridge (a popular spot for sundown shots).

What are the best eats in Saigon by night? Join the “Taste of the Night” tour to discover Saigon’s nocturnal culinary secrets, such as the best places to try Vietnamese noodles, pancakes, barbequed meats, and of course, desserts and drinks.

A crunchy baguette stuffed with layers of luncheon meat, and topped with mayonnaise and herbs—this is banh mi, the local Vietnamese sandwich. Banh Mi Huynh Hoa is one of the more expensive sandwich shops in Saigon, but it’s said to serve the best sandwiches in the city, and continues to draw crowds day and night.

If you fancy variety, you’ll love the collection of coffee shops in this historic apartment. Each cafe at The Cafe Apartment has its own unique decor, and a balcony overlooking Walking Street, downtown Saigon, and the Saigon River. Wander from floor to floor, up the spiral stone staircase and along the tiled corridors, and duck into any cafe that catches your fancy. Trendy and fuelled by the spirit of Vietnamese youth, this is one of the best places in Saigon to get your caffeine fix.