Top Tourist Attractions in Ho Chi Minh

It was a little bit weird when we got to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. I have always known that as a tourist or a foreigner, I should never give away my passport to anyone in any foreign land. But the case is not always the same like in Ho Chi Minh. As you checked in to the hotel, your passport are being held in the reception until you checkout. Even in the travel buses, the conductor gets to keep them while you are on board. It was a bit uneasy like we were held as captives. But it did not stop us to enjoy the Parisian like city of Ho Chi Minh.

Here are my top tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh, the Paris of the Orient.

1. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica



Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception is the official name of Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica. This beautiful cathedral located in the downtown of Ho Chi Minh City was established during the French colonization.

2. Bến Thành Market



Along the downtown area of Ho Chi Minh City is a large marketplace called as Bến Thành Market. You can see plenty of shops here for souvenirs and local goods to explore.

3. Reunification Palace


During the Vietnam War, the Reunification Palace was the home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam. It was also the site of the North Vietnamese tank that bulldozed the main gate and marking the end of the Vietnam War. The event is known as the Fall of Saigon.

4. City Hall


The Ho Chi Minh City Hall is not open for tourists but even its facade only, is just captivating as shown in the picture above. It was also build in the French colonial era for the then city of Saigon.

5. Uncle Ho Statue


Just infront of the City Hall, is a park that lies a statue of Uncle Ho. It was in his honor that the city of Saigon had changed its name to Ho Chi Minh City.

So there you have it. These are just some of the tourist attractions that you must visit and enjoy when in Ho Chi Minh City. There's a lot more to see and please do tell me about it. :)