Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide

Famous Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City

The Independence Palace

Located at 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Independence Palace is one of the city's most important historical landmarks. Recognized as one of the first ten Special National Monuments of Vietnam, the site symbolizes the country’s victory, peace, and territorial integrity.

The palace has witnessed many pivotal moments in Vietnamese history. Originally built during the French colonial period as Norodom Palace, it later became the headquarters of the South Vietnamese government. After a bombing in 1962 severely damaged the building, the palace was redesigned by renowned architect Ngo Viet Thu, resulting in the modern architectural structure seen today.

On April 30, 1975, tanks broke through the gates of the palace, marking the end of the war and the reunification of Vietnam. This historic moment turned the Independence Palace into a powerful symbol of national history.

Today, visitors can explore many rooms with preserved furniture, historical artifacts, and artworks, as well as underground command bunkers used during wartime. Outside the palace, the famous Independence Palace tanks remain on display. For international visitors, audio guides are available, helping travelers better understand the remarkable stories behind this iconic landmark.

Ben Thanh Market

Located on Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market is one of the busiest and most iconic markets in the city. Thanks to its central location, the market is extremely convenient for travelers exploring nearby attractions and is often included in many Ho Chi Minh City travel guide itineraries.

More than just a shopping destination, Ben Thanh Market is also a food paradise and cultural symbol of Saigon. Inside the market, visitors can browse hundreds of stalls selling souvenirs, handicrafts, textiles, clothing, and local specialties. The lively atmosphere, colorful displays of goods, and friendly bargaining culture make shopping here a unique experience for international visitors.

Food lovers will also find plenty to enjoy. The market is famous for its local Vietnamese dishes and street food, allowing travelers to taste authentic flavors while exploring the bustling aisles. From traditional snacks to full meals, the food section offers a delicious introduction to the culinary culture of Ho Chi Minh City.

Ben Thanh Market operates both day and night, creating two distinct experiences for visitors.

• Day market: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Night market: 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

During the evening, the surrounding streets transform into a vibrant night market filled with street food stalls and souvenir vendors, making it a perfect place to shop, eat, and soak up the lively energy of the city

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Located at No.1 Cong Xa Paris Street, Sai Gon Ward, in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is one of the city’s most recognizable architectural landmarks. Built during the French colonial period in the late 19th century, the cathedral stands as a striking symbol of the city’s historical and cultural heritage.

Often praised for its impressive design, the cathedral has even been listed among the world’s 19 most majestic cathedrals, and notably remains the only representative from Southeast Asia on the list. Constructed entirely with materials imported from France, the building features distinctive red brick walls, Romanesque architecture, and twin bell towers rising nearly 60 meters high, creating a timeless European atmosphere in the middle of bustling Saigon.

Surrounded by leafy boulevards and the famous Cong Xa Paris Square, the cathedral is also located near several other well-known landmarks, making it a popular stop in many Ho Chi Minh City travel guide itineraries. Visitors often come here not only to admire the architecture but also to relax, take photos, and experience a quieter moment amid the energetic rhythm of the city.

Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien Walking Street

When the sun sets, Ho Chi Minh City reveals another side of its vibrant personality through its lively pedestrian streets. Among the most popular places to experience the city’s nightlife and social energy are Nguyen Hue Walking Street and Bui Vien Walking Street, two destinations that attract both locals and international travelers.

Located in the heart of District 1, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a modern pedestrian boulevard surrounded by impressive architecture, luxury hotels, cafés, and shopping centers. The wide promenade is often filled with street performers, music shows, and young locals gathering in the evenings. With its lively atmosphere and beautiful city lights, Nguyen Hue has become one of the most iconic public spaces in Ho Chi Minh City.

Not far away, Bui Vien Walking Street offers a completely different but equally exciting vibe. Often called the “backpacker street” of Saigon, Bui Vien is famous for its bustling nightlife scene with bars, street food stalls, live music venues, and international restaurants. The street comes alive after dark, creating a dynamic environment where travelers from around the world meet, eat, and celebrate the energetic spirit of the city.

Together, Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien Walking Streets perfectly capture the modern, youthful energy of Ho Chi Minh City, making them must-visit destinations for anyone looking to experience the city’s nightlife and vibrant urban culture.

Ho Chi Minh’s most famous dishes

Cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork)

Among the iconic dishes of Ho Chi Minh City, Com Tam is perhaps the one that best captures the spirit of Saigon’s street food culture. The dish dates back to the 1930s during the French colonial period, when broken rice grains left over from the milling process were considered inexpensive and mainly eaten by workers. Over time, this humble meal evolved into a beloved culinary symbol of the city. Many locals even say that if you have not tried Com Tam, you have not truly experienced Saigon.

A typical plate of Com Tam features fragrant broken rice served with grilled pork ribs, marinated with lemongrass, garlic, sugar, and fish sauce before being cooked over charcoal until beautifully caramelized. The dish is often accompanied by shredded pork skin, steamed egg meatloaf, scallion oil, and pickled vegetables, creating a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and slightly tangy flavors. Served with a light drizzle of sweet fish sauce, this simple yet flavorful dish has become one of the most unforgettable food experiences in Ho Chi Minh City.

Bánh mì Sài Gòn

Another must-try dish in Ho Chi Minh City is the famous Banh Mi Sai Gon, often considered one of the most delicious sandwiches in the world. Although banh mi can be found across Vietnam, Saigon is widely regarded as the place where this dish developed its most vibrant and diverse style, becoming an essential part of the city’s street food culture.

The magic of Saigon banh mi lies in its rich and flavorful fillings. A classic sandwich usually includes pâté, Vietnamese pork sausage, cold cuts, grilled pork, or char siu, layered inside a crispy baguette. To balance the richness of the meat, vendors add fresh cucumber, coriander, scallions, and tangy pickled carrots and daikon. A touch of butter, soy sauce, and sometimes fresh chili completes the flavor, creating a perfect combination of savory, fresh, and slightly spicy tastes.

Loved for its convenience and affordability, banh mi has become a kind of Vietnamese-style fast food. It is prepared quickly and sold on countless street corners across Ho Chi Minh City, making it an easy meal for busy locals and curious travelers alike. Whether enjoyed as a quick breakfast, a convenient lunch, or a late-night snack while exploring the city, a warm and crispy banh mi is a simple yet unforgettable taste of Saigon.

Hủ Tiếu Nam Vang

Another famous dish you should try in Ho Chi Minh City is Hu Tieu Nam Vang, a flavorful noodle soup that reflects the multicultural roots of southern Vietnamese cuisine. The dish originally comes from Cambodia, where “Nam Vang” is the former Vietnamese name for Phnom Penh. It was first created by Chinese communities living there and later brought to Vietnam, where Saigon’s cooks refined the recipe to suit local tastes.

Compared to the Cambodian version, Hu Tieu Nam Vang in Ho Chi Minh City is known for its clear and naturally sweet broth, often simmered with pork bones, dried squid, and dried shrimp. The dish typically uses chewy rice noodles served with a generous assortment of toppings such as minced pork, fresh shrimp, sliced pork liver, quail eggs, and char siu. Crispy fried garlic and scallion oil are added on top, giving the bowl its irresistible aroma.

One of the most interesting things about Hu Tieu Nam Vang is that it can be enjoyed in two different styles. The classic version is served as a soup with the rich broth poured over the noodles. Many locals, however, prefer Hu Tieu Kho (dry noodles), where the noodles are mixed with a savory sauce made from soy sauce and oyster sauce, accompanied by a separate bowl of broth on the side. Fresh herbs such as chives, bean sprouts, and chrysanthemum greens are often served alongside, along with chili and pickled garlic to enhance the flavor.

If you are planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, from discovering its vibrant street food culture and dynamic shopping scene to exploring the waterways of the Mekong Delta, choosing the right itinerary can make your journey even more rewarding. A well-designed Ho Chi Minh City tour allows travelers to experience the city’s iconic attractions, local cuisine, and nearby destinations in the most convenient and memorable way.

To plan a personalized Ho Chi Minh City travel experience or join exciting Mekong Delta tours from Ho Chi Minh City, contact ACT Travel. With local expertise and carefully designed itineraries, ACT Travel helps international visitors discover the best of Ho Chi Minh City and southern Vietnam.