Independence Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Dragon Wharf not only attract tourists for their historical significance but also for their unique and ancient architecture.
1. Independence Palace
Independence Palace, formerly known as Norodom Palace, was initiated on February 23, 1868, based on the design by architect Hermite, and was completed in 1871. The structure spans an area of 12 hectares, featuring a large mansion with an 80-meter wide facade, an interior reception room that can accommodate 800 people, and a spacious garden adorned with numerous trees and lawns. Most of the construction materials were transported from France. After a coup in 1962, the palace was rebuilt on the original site according to the design by architect Ngô Viết Thụ. Today, Independence Palace is a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.
2. Saigon Opera House
Saigon Opera House. (Photo: edensaigonhotel)
The Saigon Opera House, located on Dong Khoi Street in District 1, is considered the central multifunctional theater specializing in performing arts, as well as hosting several major events. Completed on January 1, 1900, the opera house is one of the oldest structures designed in Western architectural style and is regarded as a tourist attraction in the city.
3. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. (Photo: tour-asia)
This is a large and distinctive Catholic church belonging to the Archdiocese of Ho Chi Minh City. Construction officially began in August 1876, overseen by architect J. Bourard, and was completed on October 7, 1877. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica attracts numerous visitors both domestically and internationally.
4. Vietnam Quoc Tu
Vietnam Quoc Tu. (Photo: panoramio)
On April 26, 1964, Vietnam Quoc Tu was initiated under the supervision of architect Ngô Viết Thụ. The pagoda features a 7-story tower with a curved roof, intricately carved, set in a spacious natural environment with distinctive landscapes that embody the essence of Vietnamese architectural style. To this day, Vietnam Quoc Tu remains a destination for Buddhist followers from afar and a large number of tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
5. Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Central Post Office. (Photo: panoramio)
The Saigon Central Post Office is located at 2 Cong Xa Paris Street in District 1. This building was constructed by the French in an eclectic style between 1886 and 1891, designed by architect Villedieu with assistant Foulhoux. It features a European architectural style combined with Asian decorative elements. Situated next to the Notre-Dame Cathedral and near the Diamond Plaza shopping center, this architectural structure creates a vibrant and beautiful interaction, becoming a focal point of modern Saigon.
6. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market. (Photo: tapchinhadep)
Ben Thanh Market is considered the symbol of the city. After several relocations and name changes, the market construction began in 1912 and was completed in March 1914, retaining the name Ben Thanh to this day. Ben Thanh Market has four gates and four clock towers facing four main streets in District 1, namely Le Loi Street, Phan Bội Châu Street, Phan Chu Trinh Street, and the main gate features a tall tower overlooking Quach Thi Trang Square.
7. Saigon River Tunnel
Saigon River Tunnel at night. (Photo: SGTT)
The Saigon River Tunnel (also known as the Thu Thiem Tunnel) is the most modern tunnel in Southeast Asia. After nearly seven years of construction, the Thu Thiem Tunnel was officially opened on November 21, 2011. The completed tunnel connects both riverbanks and alleviates traffic on the Saigon Bridge while serving as a catalyst for the city’s development.
8. Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Headquarters
Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Headquarters. (Photo: didau.org)
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Headquarters, located on Nguyen Hue Boulevard in District 1, is a building constructed from 1898 to 1909, designed by architect Gardès, modeled after the bell towers in northern France. Before becoming the workplace of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the building was known as Dinh Xa Tay, later renamed Saigon City Hall. This is considered one of the most beautiful architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City.
9. Dragon Wharf
Dragon Wharf. (Photo: panoramio)
The Dragon Wharf was initiated on March 4, 1863, intended to serve as the residence for the chief administrator and ticket sales for ships. It is also here that on June 5, 1911, the young man Nguyen Tat Thanh boarded the ship Amiral Latouche Tréville to seek a path to save the country. Today, the Dragon Wharf is home to the Ho Chi Minh Museum, one of the branches dedicated to the life and legacy of President Ho Chi Minh across the country.
10. Vietnam History Museum
Vietnam History Museum. (Photo: SGTT)
The Vietnam History Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is dedicated to preserving and showcasing tens of thousands of valuable artifacts collected from both domestic and international sources. Officially opened on November 28, 1927, the museum was designed by architect Delaval in a “Indochine Modern” architectural style. After April 30, 1975, the museum was taken over by the Revolutionary Government intact. On August 26, 1979, it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City History Museum, and later changed to Vietnam History Museum – Ho Chi Minh City, which remains its name today.
