Ho Chi Minh City in one day

Urban energy and cultural heritage in Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam's largest metropolis, is a vibrant mix of historic landmarks, bustling markets, and dynamic street food. With its rich cultural heritage and modern urban energy, it’s a must-visit destination for travelers seeking both tradition and adventure. Chi Minh City or Saigon is best seen by walking around looking at everything from beautiful temples, great classic French architecture and perfectly maintained American war planes. Spending 24 hours in Ho Chi Minh City is an exciting whirlwind of culture, history, and vibrant city life. Here are some of the attractions I managed to see on my one full day of exporing Hon Chi Minh City.

The traditional Vietnamese hats, known as non la, are handmade and have a long history. Photo: Merete Moen

Saigon Opera House

Start your day early with a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, like a steaming bowl of pho or banh mi from a local vendor. Then, head to the War Remnants Museum, a sobering but important stop to learn about Vietnam's history. Afterward, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office, two iconic French colonial landmarks located nearby. Located right next to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, it is a popular stop for travelers exploring the historic center of Ho Chi Minh City.

Detail from the opera house of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Merete Moen

The leaf conical hat or non la in Vietnamese, has become a symbol of Vietnamese culture and so have the silk dresses. Photo: Merete Moen

Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office

The Saigon Central Post Office is one of the most iconic buildings in Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1886 and 1891during the French colonial period, it is a stunning example of French Gothic architecture combined with Renaissance and colonial elements. The exterior of the post office features large arched windows, intricate ironwork, and a grand clock at the entrance. Inside, the spacious hall has vaulted ceilings supported by iron pillars, evoking the feeling of a 19th-century European railway station. Visitors will find an array of historical maps and portraits, including a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh, a nod to the country’s modern history.

Despite being over 130 years old, the post office is still fully functional, and tourists can send postcards from one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

The famous post office. Photo: Merete Moen

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

The cathedral is the neighbor of the Saigon Central Postoffice. Like the name indicates, it was built by French colonists in the late 1880s and is one of the few remaining strongholds of Catholicism in the largely Buddhist Vietnam. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, officially known as Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, is one of the most important landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Constructed between 1877 and 1880 during the French colonial period, it is a striking example of Romanesque and neo-Gothic architecture. The cathedral was built using materials entirely imported from France, including red bricks from Marseille, which give the building its iconic color.

Notre Dame of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Merete Moen

Vietnams largest Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City´s district Cholon is Vietnam´s largest Chinatown with roots dating back to 1778 and is a place of great historical and cultural importance. Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City, known as Cholon, is a vibrant district filled with history, culture, and bustling commerce. Located in District 5, Cholon has been a key part of the city’s heritage since the late 18th century, when Chinese immigrants settled in the area. Today, it remains a hub for the city's Chinese-Vietnamese community.

What to see in Cholon Ho Chi Minh

Thien Hau Temple: One of the oldest and most important temples in the city, this 18th-century temple is dedicated to Thien Hau, the Goddess of the Sea, who is believed to protect sailors and fishermen. The temple's intricate details, including porcelain dioramas and incense coils, make it a must-visit for those interested in Vietnamese and Chinese religious traditions.

Binh Tay Market: Cholon is also famous for its massive Binh Tay Market, a bustling wholesale market offering everything from fresh produce and street food to textiles and souvenirs. While it’s more for locals, tourists will enjoy exploring its maze-like alleys filled with vendors.

Traditional Medicine Street: Known as Lan Ong Street, this area is dedicated to traditional Chinese medicine shops where you can find herbal remedies, medicinal herbs, and roots used in centuries-old treatments.

Cholon offers a blend of Vietnamese and Chinese culture, from its architecture to its cuisine. Walking through the streets, you’ll notice Chinese characters on signs, and many of the shops and restaurants offer Chinese dishes like dim sum and noodle soups. The area is especially lively during Chinese New Year, with colorful celebrations, dragon dances, and street festivities. Cholon is a fascinating district for those wanting to explore the multi-ethnic layers of Ho Chi Minh City and experience a unique blend of commerce, culture, and spirituality.

Ba Thien Hau Temple is the top famous Saigon temple built in XVIII century by Guangzhou immigrants from China. Photo: Merete Moen

Ho Chi Minh City is a mix of old and new. Photo: Merete Moen

Mariamman Hindu Temple Ho Chi Minh

This temple is dedicated to the goddess of Rain Mariamman. It was built in the late 19th century of traders coming from India. It is the only Hindu temple in Saignon and is believed to have miraculous powers giving luck and wealth to its visitors. The outer wall of the Temple stands twelve meters tall and has a collection of interesting statues of different gods and goddesses like Mariamman, Vishnu, Brahma and Genesha.

Mariamman Hindu Temple in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Merete Moen

Start dagen med en tradisjonell vietnamesisk frokost, som pho eller banh mi, og ta deretter turen til War Remnants Museum for innsikt i landets historie. Fortsett til de franske koloniale ikonene Notre-Dame Basilica og Saigon Central Post Office. Besøk Ben Thanh Market for shopping og street food, før Independence Palace på ettermiddagen.