The Top 5 Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh

Southeast Asia is HOT right now. Not only weather-wise but travel-wise as well! 

Vietnam, in particular, has been breaking records with each passing year regarding tourism. Despite the pandemic’s havoc on the country’s tourism, Vietnam remains on top of the popular Southeast Asian destinations. 

Vietnam is expecting to house 5.2 million international tourists this year. To continue this rise, Ho Chi Minh City is looking to diversify its tourism. New festivals, art exhibitions, and events are taking place in the city, for tourists to enjoy! 

If you are planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, here are 5 places we absolutely recommend you go see! 

War Remnants Museum

This museum is top-rated among the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh because of the amount of history it provides. Inside, you will get an honest display of the civilian victims of war.  

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

While many museums offer a one-sided perspective, The War Remnants Museum is particularly interesting as it portrays the details that one doesn’t see in history books. They range from somewhat disturbing photos of victims to the atrocities of the My Lai Massacre.

As a tourist, and in order to understand the deep history of Ho Chi Minh City, this museum is a must-go.  

Outdoor exhibitions of the War Remnants Museum

The Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace is encompassed by gorgeous palm trees with 1960s architecture, which will give off an intriguing atmosphere that reminds us of the days when Ho Chi Minh City was communist-ruled. 

The palace is a witness of the wartorn past and a testimony of the victory and reunification of Vietnam

This building, in particular, is largely associated with the city’s fall in 1975. Be sure to enjoy the explicit details laid out in the palace’s design. 

The palace lies in the most strategic location in Ho Chi Minh City, with a myriad of other famous attractions to visit while you’re in the city center.

The Notre Dame Cathedral is regarded as the most beautiful and prominent Catholic church in Ho Chi Minh City

The Central Post Office (which is right beside the Notre Dame Cathedral) is a historical witness, the oldest post office in the city, and an architectural piece of art

Binh Tay Market

Before you head to the market, make sure you remember that everything (or at least almost everything) can be bargained in Asia!

Read more on bargaining tips here.

With that in your head, head over for a meal at the traditional market of Ho Chi Minh City. Not only will the atmosphere stimulate all your senses, but you will also find gardens and a remarkable clock tower. Great views to accompany your treats.

Observe up close the local life

And taste exquisite local cuisines at Binh Tay Market

The Bitexco Financial Tower

Out with the old, in with the new. The Bitexco Financial Tower is as new as it gets. 

It spans 68 stories high, 262m-high and was completed in 2010. 

It’s no secret that the best view of the city is to be had from the top of this tower! Choose a clear day and a sunset for optimal enjoyment. 

Bitexco Tower is the heart of Ho Chi Minh’s economic center

Get Your Cup of Joe 

Vietnam is surprisingly the second largest coffee exporter in the world. Vietnamese coffee can be found almost anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City, ranging in price from $0.33 to $3 in really touristy areas.

Recharge your batteries with a cup of ca phe sua da

Tip: ice coffee is “ca phe sua da” and drip-filtered is “ca phe phin.” 

Before you go pack your bags… 

Tourism has become an incredible source of revenue for southeast Asian countries with people flocking from all over the world to visit these beautiful landscapes every year. 

It’s no surprise that you want to have your share of the beauty!

Travel with a local tour guide for more insightful adventures

However, before you leave, make sure you are well-versed in our guide to packing and certain visa requirements for Vietnam. Make sure you can enter the country before buying your plane ticket! 

Any questions? Let me know in the comments!