Open Travel Guide
Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City Attractions Guide 2026

Ho Chi Minh City's essential sights and the lesser-known places locals would rather you found.

This guide covers 21+ attractions in Ho Chi Minh City — War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace and Ben Thanh Market top the list. Every recommendation carries its practical details: typical costs, the best time to visit, and what to know before you commit.

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Ho Chi Minh City travel guide — where to stay, what to do, and where to eat in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

Top attractions

The most popular and significant attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

  1. 1

    War Remnants Museum

    Museum₫40,000 (~$1.50) adult; free for children under 62-3 hours

    Tip: Arrive at opening (7:30am) to avoid tour bus crowds · Allow at least 2 hours; the third floor is frequently rushed by first-time visitors · Content is graphic; consider whether it is appropriate for young children · Combine with the Reunification Palace, a 10-minute walk away

  2. 2

    Reunification Palace

    Historic Landmark₫65,000 (~$2.50) adult; ₫15,000 (~$0.60) child1.5-2 hours

    Tip: Closed midday from 11:00am to 1:00pm; plan around the break · Buy a combined ticket with the War Remnants Museum if visiting both the same day · The basement bunker level is cooler and a good escape from midday heat · English-speaking guides can sometimes be hired at the entrance for a small fee

  3. 3

    Ben Thanh Market

    MarketFree to enter1-2 hours

    Tip: Bargain hard on clothing and souvenirs; starting at 40-50% of the asking price is normal · Food stalls inside the market tend to overcharge tourists; prices are lower one block away · Watch belongings closely; pickpocketing is a known issue in the crowded aisles · Visit in the early morning for the freshest produce and fewer crowds

  4. 4

    Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

    Religious SiteFree20-30 minutes

    Tip: Check current restoration status before visiting, as the interior has been closed periodically since 2017 · Photograph the facade from across the plaza for the full twin-tower view · Visit early morning for the best light and fewer people in front of the towers · Combine with the Central Post Office and Nguyen Hue Walking Street, both a short walk away

  5. 5

    Jade Emperor Pagoda

    Religious SiteFree (donations welcome)45 minutes-1 hour

    Tip: Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered · The interior is thick with incense smoke, which can bother those sensitive to smoke · Visit mid-morning on a weekday to avoid the busiest worship times · A small donation is appropriate but not required for entry

  6. 6

    Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

    Observation Deck₫250,000 (~$9.60) adult; ₫170,000 (~$6.50) child45 minutes-1 hour

    Tip: Visit near sunset for the best light over the river and skyline · Buy tickets in advance online for a small discount and to skip the ticket line · The deck can get crowded with tour groups in the late afternoon · Landmark 81's SkyView offers a higher and more modern alternative if comparing the two

  7. 7

    Cu Chi Tunnels (Ben Dinh site)

    Historic Site₫110,000 (~$4.25) adultHalf day (3-4 hours including travel)

    Tip: Wear light, breathable clothing; the tunnels and surrounding forest are hot and humid · Skip the longer 100-meter tunnel crawl option if claustrophobic; shorter sections are available · Book a small-group tour rather than a large bus tour for a better guide experience · The firing range is loud and optional; ammunition is purchased per bullet separately

  8. 8

    Cao Dai Holy See Temple

    Religious SiteFreeHalf to full day (including travel)

    Tip: Dress modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered · Arrive before noon to secure a spot in the visitor gallery for the main ceremony · Remove shoes before entering the temple hall · Most visitors combine this with Cu Chi Tunnels in one long day tour

  9. 9

    My Tho and Mekong Delta River Tour

    Nature/RiverTour packages from ₫700,000-₫1,500,000 (~$27-$58) per person including boat and lunchFull day

    Tip: Book a smaller-group tour to avoid large bus-tour crowds at the boat docks · Bring sun protection; most of the day is spent outdoors on the water · Combine with Ben Tre for a longer, less touristed version of the same delta scenery · Wear comfortable sandals that can get wet during boat transfers

  10. 10

    Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

    Nature Reserve₫80,000-₫150,000 (~$3-$6) depending on area visited; boat and monkey island add-ons cost extraFull day

    Tip: Keep bags zipped and food out of sight around Monkey Island; macaques will grab items · Bring insect repellent; mosquitoes are common in the mangrove areas · The Binh Khanh ferry crossing can have long queues on weekends · Start early to allow enough daylight for the full loop

Practical information

What you need to know before you go.

Tips for visiting attractions

Make the most of your sightseeing time.

Tip

Book Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta day tours a day in advance during peak season (December-February)

Tip

Carry small denomination Vietnamese Dong for market purchases and temple donations

Tip

Many historic sites (Reunification Palace, museums) close for a midday break; check hours before planning back-to-back visits

Tip

Dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered) when visiting active pagodas and temples

Tip

Download the Grab app before arrival for reliable, metered transport between sights

Tip

Wet season (May-October) brings sudden afternoon downpours; carry a light rain poncho

Tip

District 1 sights can mostly be covered on foot in cooler months, but midday heat makes short taxi hops more comfortable

Frequently asked questions