Ho Chi Minh City: 10 Places to See - Colonial to Modern

Explore Ho Chi Minh City's 10 major landmarks across 61.3 km, from colonial heritage sites like Notre-Dame Cathedral and Independence Palace to modern icons such as Landmark 81 and Biteco Financial Tower. This route covers the city's economic hub, cultural districts, and recreational attractions including Vinwonders Theme Park and Mỹ Khê Beach.

Distance
61.3 km
Duration
12 h 16 min
Mode
route
Start
Saigon – Southern Metropolis
End
Landmark 81
Stops
9
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Saigon – Southern Metropolis — Vietnam's energetic southern hub; starting point of the 14-day journey.
  2. Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office — Colonial landmarks built with materials from France; icons of Saigon's heritage.
  3. Independence Palace — Historic landmark marking the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.
  4. War Remnants Museum — Sobering documentation of the Vietnam War era with photographs, military equipment, and survivor accounts.
  5. Modern Landmarks: Biteco Financial Tower — Contemporary 68-story skyscraper dominating Ho Chi Minh City's skyline, symbolizing Vietnam's rapid modernization and economic development since the 1990s.
  6. Vinwonders Theme Park — Island's largest theme park with roller coasters, shows, and attractions.
  7. Mỹ Khê Beach — Renowned 2 km stretch of sand ranked among Asia's best beaches.
  8. Local Market — Maze of souvenirs, spices, street food, and scooters; pulses with local life.
  9. Landmark 81 — Vietnam's tallest building at 461 meters; among world's top 20 tallest structures.

Useful for your trip

Transport
Fly Vietnam Airlines instead of VietJet for reliability; VietJet flights are notorious for delays (40+ minutes common). Vietnam Airlines costs twice as much but is more punctual.
Where to stay
Foreign visitors can stay visa-free for 30 days in Vietnam. Luxury resorts and private villas are available on Phú Quốc island.
Save money
Rent a scooter for $6/day or a car for $40/day to explore Phú Quốc island. Taxis are also available.
Food
Visit local seafood spots instead of flashy beachfront restaurants to pay a third of the price. Try snails, oysters, crab, and lobster.
Tip
Vinpearl Safari ticket costs $29 and includes a coupon for free lunch up to $6 value. The safari spans 380 hectares with 3,000+ exotic animals.
Timing
Watch the Dragon Bridge roar to life every weekend at 9:00 p.m. when it shoots flames and mist into the night sky.
Timing
Kiss of the Sea show at Sunset Town runs every night at 9:00 p.m., featuring the world's largest water-based multimedia performance with 1,000 sq meter seawater stage.
Food
Try durian avocado ice cream at Han Market, a two-story market that's been a city staple since the French colonial era.
Food
Sample special Huế salty coffee: drink the cream first, then mix with coffee for a melted ice cream-like texture.
Transport
The Hàm Rồng train aqueduct features the reunification express train snaking along a narrow bridge above the sea on the route to Huế.
Tip
Starfish Beach on Phú Quốc is difficult to access but worth it; hire a local fisherman to take you by boat for $20.
Transport
Hàm Rồng cable car spans 7,899.9 meters, holding the world's record for longest non-stop three-rope cable car. 15-minute journey reaches Hòn Thơm Island.

Video on this route

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