54 places to discover
Bach Dinh, also known as White Palace or Villa Blanche, is a historic French colonial villa on the slope of Big Mountain (Nui Lon) in Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1898 and 1916 as a summer retreat for French Governor-General Paul Doumer, the whitewashed mansion features European architecture with panoramic sea views. Now preserved as a national historic relic and museum, it displays antiques and ceramics and illustrates colonial-era history.
Back Beach (Bai Sau) is the largest and most popular beach in Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, stretching about 8 kilometers along the southeastern coast of the Vung Tau Peninsula from Nghinh Phong Cape. Known for its wide sandy shoreline, gentle slope and relatively calm waves, it is lined with Thuy Van Street, hotels, restaurants and parks. The beach is a central recreational area for swimming, walking and seaside leisure for residents and visitors.
Ben Thanh Market is a historic indoor market located in Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, central Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Established in its current French colonial building in 1914, it is one of the city's most iconic landmarks and busiest commercial centers. The market houses over 1,500 stalls selling food, produce, handicrafts, textiles and souvenirs, and is notable for its distinctive clock tower entrance and vibrant daily trading activity.
Binh Chau Hot Springs is a natural thermal spring system in Binh Chau Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province), about 150 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City. It features more than 70 open wells with mineral water up to 82°C, set within the Binh Chau - Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve. Notable for therapeutic mineral mud and water baths, spa services and forest surroundings.
Binh Tay Market is a large wholesale market located in Cho Lon, the Chinatown area of District 6, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1928 and 1930 with funding from Chinese businessman Quach Dam, it serves as the central market of Cho Lon. Notable for its Chinese-influenced architecture with a central courtyard and clock tower, it offers wholesale and retail goods, dried foods, fabrics, and local specialties.
Bitexco Financial Tower is a 68-storey skyscraper in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, located at 2 Hai Trieu Street near the Saigon River. Completed in 2010 and inspired by the Vietnamese lotus bud, it rises 262.5 metres and was Vietnam's tallest building until 2011. Its main tourist attraction is the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor, offering 360-degree panoramic views of the city, along with restaurants and a distinctive helipad.
Bui Vien Walking Street is a 1,400-meter pedestrian street in Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the city's backpacker district, it is known as the central nightlife and entertainment hub for domestic and international visitors. The street is lined with bars, restaurants, street food stalls, hotels and live music venues, and becomes vehicle-free on weekend evenings.
Can Gio Mangrove Forest is a vast mangrove ecosystem in Can Gio District, about 50-60 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2000, it covers over 75,000 hectares of mangroves, waterways and mudflats at the confluence of the Saigon and Dong Nai rivers. Notable for its biodiversity, restored forest, and ecological tourism sites such as Vam Sat, it serves as the city's green lung and a protected natural attraction.
Can Gio Monkey Island is a wildlife tourism area located in Long Hoa Commune, Can Gio District, about 50 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City. Situated within the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is home to over 1,000 long-tailed macaques living in a semi-wild mangrove environment. The site combines wildlife viewing, mangrove forest scenery and family-friendly attractions.
Cha Tam Church, also known as St. Francis Xavier Church, is a Roman Catholic church located in Cho Lon, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1900 and 1902 in Gothic style, it is one of the oldest churches serving the city's Chinese Catholic community. Notable for its stained-glass windows, pointed arches, and ornate interior, the church remains an active place of worship and a distinctive architectural landmark in the historic Cho Lon area.
The Christ the King Statue is a 32-metre concrete statue of Jesus Christ standing atop Nui Nho (Small Mountain) in Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1974 and 1993, it is one of the tallest Jesus statues in Asia with an 18.3-metre arm span. Reached by climbing about 800 steps, the statue is a major Catholic pilgrimage site and viewpoint offering panoramic views of Vung Tau city and coastline.
The Con Dao Islands are an archipelago of 16 islands off the southeastern coast of Vietnam, about 230 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, administered as Con Dao District of Ho Chi Minh City. Centered on Con Son Island, the archipelago is known for Con Dao National Park, pristine beaches, coral reefs, and well-preserved French-era prison sites. It combines marine nature reserve, historical memorials, and beach tourism within a protected island environment.
Con Dao National Park is a protected area covering most of Con Son Island and surrounding islets and marine waters in the Con Dao archipelago, Con Dao District, Ho Chi Minh City, about 230 km southeast of mainland Vietnam. Established in 1993, it protects primary evergreen forest, mangroves, coral reefs, seagrass beds and nesting beaches for green sea turtles. The park is notable for its biodiversity, endemic species and well-preserved island ecosystems.
Con Dao Prison is a historic prison complex on Con Son Island in Con Dao District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Built in 1862 during the French colonial period, it comprises several detention sites including Phu Hai Prison and the Tiger Cages. Designated a Special National Relic in 2012, it preserves cells, isolation blocks and exhibits documenting its use as a detention facility. Located near Con Son town centre, it is a central heritage attraction within the Con Dao Islands.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an extensive underground network located in Cu Chi District, about 35-55 km northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City. The system stretches over 250 km and includes tunnels, trapdoors, living quarters, kitchens, and meeting rooms. Preserved as a historic site with two main visitor areas at Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, it is notable for its scale, engineering, and role in 20th-century history.
Dai Nam Park, also known as Dai Nam Tourist Complex or Dai Nam Van Hien, is a large integrated tourist complex in Hiep An Ward, Thu Dau Mot, Ho Chi Minh City. Opened in 2008 and covering about 450 hectares, it combines a temple complex, zoo, artificial sea, water park and amusement park. It is notable for the Dai Nam Van Hien Temple, extensive landscaped grounds and as one of southern Vietnam's largest entertainment and cultural tourism destinations.
Dam Sen Water Park is a large water park within Dam Sen Cultural Park in District 11, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Opened in 1999, it covers about 3 hectares and features numerous water slides, wave pools, and river attractions. Located at 3 Hoa Binh Street, it is one of the city's most popular family recreational destinations, offering aquatic entertainment alongside landscaped gardens and adjacent amusement facilities within the broader Dam Sen complex.
Dam Trau Beach is a sandy beach on Con Son Island in the Con Dao archipelago, located just north of Con Dao town near Co Ong and adjacent to Con Dao Airport. Known for its golden sand, clear turquoise water, and forested backdrop, it is notable as one of Con Dao's most scenic beaches and a popular spot for watching aircraft land directly overhead. The beach offers a natural, relatively undeveloped setting within the Con Dao Islands.
FITO Museum, also known as the Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, is a private museum in District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. Located at 41 Hoang Du Khuong Street, it is Vietnam's first museum dedicated to traditional medicine. Housed in a traditional Vietnamese wooden building, it displays nearly 3,000 artifacts related to herbal medicine, pharmacy tools, and medical manuscripts, illustrating the history and development of Vietnamese traditional medicine from ancient times to the present.
Front Beach (Bai Truoc) is an urban bay beach in central Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, located between Big Mountain (Nui Lon) and Small Mountain (Nui Nho) along Quang Trung and Ha Long streets. Facing west into the bay, it is known for calm waters, sunset views, fishing boats and a palm-lined promenade. Unlike the larger Back Beach, it serves as a sheltered anchorage and evening leisure area close to Bach Dinh and the city centre.
Giac Lam Pagoda is the oldest Buddhist temple in Ho Chi Minh City, located at 118 Lac Long Quan in Tan Binh District. Originally built in 1744 as Cam Son Pagoda and renamed in 1774, it is recognized as a national historical relic. The pagoda is notable for its traditional southern Vietnamese architecture, ancient Bodhi tree, 118-year-old bronze bell, and extensive collection of Buddha statues and wood carvings.
Hang Duong Cemetery is the largest cemetery on Con Son Island in Con Dao, Ho Chi Minh City. Located near the centre of Con Son town, it is the burial place of nearly 20,000 prisoners who died at Con Dao Prison between 1862 and 1975. The cemetery is notable for its rows of white tombstones, central memorial monument, and the grave of Vo Thi Sau, and is a major site of remembrance and pilgrimage.
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is a major art museum located at 97A Pho Duc Chinh Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Housed in a grand French colonial-era villa built in the 1930s, it is one of Vietnam's largest fine arts museums. The museum displays Vietnamese paintings, sculptures, lacquer art and ceramics from ancient to contemporary periods, and is notable for its architecture, art collections and central location near downtown attractions.
The Ho Chi Minh Museum – Ho Chi Minh City Branch is located in the Dragon House Wharf (Ben Nha Rong) at 1 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, District 4, Ho Chi Minh City. Housed in the former Messageries Maritimes headquarters built in 1863, it marks the site where Nguyen Tat Thanh departed Vietnam on 5 June 1911. The museum displays photographs, documents and artifacts related to Ho Chi Minh's life and revolutionary activities, offering insight into modern Vietnamese history.
Hoi Khanh Pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple located at 35 Yersin Street in Phu Cuong Ward, Thu Dau Mot, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Founded in 1741 and rebuilt in 1861, it is one of the oldest pagodas in southeastern Vietnam. Notable for its traditional wooden architecture, ancient Buddha statues, and a 22-meter outdoor reclining Buddha, it was recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1993 and serves as a major religious center.
Ho May Park is a large hilltop culture, ecotourism and amusement park located on the summit of Big Mountain (Nui Lon) in Vung Tau City, Ho Chi Minh City. Accessible by a 500m cable car system, the park combines natural forest landscape with man-made attractions. It is notable for panoramic views of Vung Tau coastline, its amusement and water park facilities, and its development as a major family entertainment destination since opening in the early 2010s.
Ho Tram Beach is a long sandy coastal stretch in Phuoc Thuan Commune, Xuyen Moc District, Ho Chi Minh City, about 120 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City. Known for its wide shoreline, gentle slope, and relatively undeveloped natural setting compared to Vung Tau city beaches, it has become a resort destination with integrated resorts, seafood villages, and proximity to Binh Chau hot springs and Phuoc Buu Nature Reserve.
Independence Palace, also known as Reunification Palace, is a historic landmark in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Built from 1962 to 1966 to designs by architect Ngo Viet Thu, it served as the residence and workplace of the President of South Vietnam. Notable for its 1960s modernist architecture blending Eastern and Western elements, it is preserved as a historic site with original furnishings, war command rooms, and extensive grounds.
Jade Emperor Pagoda is a historic Taoist and Buddhist temple located at 73 Mai Thi Luu Street in Da Kao Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1909 by Cantonese migrant Liu Daoyuan as Phuoc Hai Tu, it is dedicated to the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity in Taoism. Notable for its intricate woodcarvings, elaborate statues, incense-filled halls and turtle pond, it remains an active place of worship and a prominent cultural attraction in central Ho Chi Minh City.
Lai Thieu Fruit Garden is a historic orchard area in Lai Thieu, Thuan An, Ho Chi Minh City, located along the Saigon River about 20 km north of central Ho Chi Minh City. Established over a century ago, it comprises numerous family-run orchards growing mangosteen, rambutan, durian, langsat and mango. Notable for its seasonal fruit harvests and traditional garden houses, it offers visitors an authentic agritourism experience reflecting the region's long-standing horticultural heritage.
Landmark 81 is Vietnam's tallest building at 461.2 meters with 81 floors, located in Vinhomes Central Park along the Saigon River in Binh Thanh District, Ho Chi Minh City. Completed in 2018 and developed by Vinhomes, it houses Vincom Center shopping mall, a luxury hotel, residences and the SkyView observation deck. It is notable as an iconic modern landmark offering panoramic city and river views.
Long Hai Beach is a sandy coastal beach in Long Hai town, Long Dat District, Ho Chi Minh City, about 12 km northeast of Vung Tau city and about 100 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City. Stretching along the South China Sea with fine golden sand, gentle waves and a backdrop of Minh Dam Mountain, it is known for its quieter atmosphere compared to central Vung Tau beaches, traditional fishing village character, and proximity to cultural sites such as Dinh Co Temple.
The Mariamman Hindu Temple is a South Indian Hindu temple located at 45 Truong Dinh Street in Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the late 19th century by Tamil immigrants, it is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman. Notable for its colorful gopuram, ornate sculptures of Hindu deities, and vibrant interior shrine, it serves the city's small Tamil Hindu community and is a popular cultural attraction near Ben Thanh Market.
Minh Dam Mountain is a forested mountain range in Dat Do District, Ho Chi Minh City, near Long Hai and Phuoc Hai, about 30 km northeast of Vung Tau. Rising to about 355 meters, it is notable as the Minh Dam Secret Zone, a former revolutionary base during the resistance wars. Today it combines natural scenery, hiking trails, rock caves and preserved war relics, offering panoramic coastal views and historical insight for visitors.
Mui Nghinh Phong, also known as Cape Nghinh Phong, is a scenic coastal cape at the southernmost tip of the Vung Tau Peninsula in Vung Tau City, Ho Chi Minh City. Jutting into the East Sea between Bai Sau (Back Beach) and Bai Truoc (Front Beach), it is notable for its strong sea winds, panoramic ocean views, and distinctive rock formations. The site features Nghinh Phong Park and the popular Cong Troi (Heaven Gate) photo spot.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a 670-meter pedestrian boulevard in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, stretching from the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Building to the Saigon River. Opened on April 30, 2015, it is a central public space featuring wide granite paving, fountains, and the Ho Chi Minh statue. It is notable as the city's main venue for public events, street performances, and seasonal flower displays.
Niet Ban Tinh Xa, also known as Nirvana Monastery, is a Buddhist monastery located on the slope of Small Mountain (Nui Nho) on Ha Long Street in Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1969 and 1974, it is notable for its distinctive architecture, serene coastal setting overlooking Bai Dua and Front Beach, and a large 12-meter reclining Buddha statue representing Buddha entering Nirvana.
The Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is a French colonial Catholic cathedral located on Cong Xa Paris Square in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1877 and 1880 with red bricks imported from Marseille, it features twin 58-metre bell towers, Romanesque architecture and stained-glass windows. A prominent city landmark opposite the Central Post Office, it serves as a major religious and tourist site and has been under extensive restoration since 2017.
Phu Cuong Cathedral is the cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phu Cuong, located in Phu Cuong Ward, Thu Dau Mot, Ho Chi Minh City. Originally built in 1864 and rebuilt between 2009 and 2014, it features modern Gothic Revival architecture with twin bell towers and stained glass. It serves as the central place of worship for Catholics in the region and is a prominent architectural landmark on Cach Mang Thang Tam Street in central Thu Dau Mot.
Saigon Central Post Office is a historic French colonial post office located at 2 Cong Xa Paris Street in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1886 and 1891, it remains a functioning post office and major tourist landmark opposite Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral. Notable for its arched windows, vaulted interior, and large portrait of Ho Chi Minh, it exemplifies late 19th-century colonial architecture and continues to serve postal and souvenir services for visitors.
The Saigon Opera House, officially the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, is a French colonial-era opera house located at Lam Son Square in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1898 and 1900 and designed by architect Eugène Ferret, it features a French Renaissance facade inspired by the Petit Palais in Paris. With about 1,800 seats, it is a prominent cultural venue and historic landmark in central Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens is a historic zoo and botanical garden located in Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Established in 1864 during the French colonial period and opened in 1865, it is one of the oldest zoos in the world. Covering about 20 hectares, it houses over 1,000 animals, extensive plant collections including orchids and bonsai, and serves as a major urban green space for conservation, education and recreation.
Suoi Tien Theme Park is a large cultural amusement park located on Hanoi Highway in Tan Phu Ward, Thu Duc City, Ho Chi Minh City. Opened in 1995, it combines amusement rides and a water park with Vietnamese history and mythology themes. Notable for its man-made Tien Dong Beach, giant sculpted dragons, unicorn palace and Buddhist-inspired architecture, it is one of the city's major family entertainment destinations.
Tan Dinh Church, also known as the Pink Church, is a Roman Catholic church on Hai Ba Trung Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1870 and 1876 during the French colonial period, it is the second largest church in the city after Notre-Dame Cathedral. Notable for its distinctive pink exterior painted in 1957, Romanesque and Gothic architectural elements and active parish life, it is a prominent landmark and photography destination in central Ho Chi Minh City.
Tao Dan Park is a 10-hectare public park in central District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, located in Ben Thanh Ward near the Reunification Palace. Established during the French colonial period, it is one of the city's largest and oldest green spaces. The park is notable for its mature trees, landscaped gardens, walking paths, sculptures, and the Hung Kings Temple, serving as a popular recreational and cultural gathering place for locals and visitors.
Tay Tang Pagoda is a Tibetan-influenced Buddhist pagoda located in Chanh Nghia ward, Thu Dau Mot, Ho Chi Minh City. Formerly part of Binh Duong Province before the 2025 administrative merger, it is known for its distinctive Tibetan architectural elements, colorful prayer flags, and serene courtyard. The pagoda serves as an active place of worship and meditation, attracting visitors interested in Buddhist culture, architecture, and quiet contemplation within an urban setting.
Thich Ca Phat Dai is a large Buddhist temple complex on the northern slope of Lon Mountain (Nui Lon) in Vung Tau, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Built between 1961 and 1963, it covers about 6 hectares with landscaped gardens, stupas and sculptures depicting the life of Shakyamuni Buddha. Notable for its hillside setting, octagonal stupa and large seated Buddha statue, it is a major pilgrimage site and visitor attraction in Vung Tau.
Thien Hau Temple is a historic Chinese temple located in Cho Lon, District 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Built around 1760 by the Cantonese community, it is dedicated to Thien Hau (Mazu), the goddess of the sea. Notable for its traditional Chinese architecture, intricate ceramic dioramas, wood carvings, and large hanging incense coils, the temple is one of the oldest and most visited religious sites in the city's Chinatown area.
Vam Sat Ecotourism Site is an ecotourism destination within the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve in Can Gio District, Ho Chi Minh City. Located about 50 km southeast of central Ho Chi Minh City, it protects extensive mangrove forests, wetlands and waterways. Recognized as part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is notable for its biodiversity, bird sanctuary, bat lagoon, crocodile area and observation tower, offering guided boat tours and nature-based visitor experiences.
Van Son Pagoda, also known as Nui Mot Pagoda, is the largest and most prominent Buddhist pagoda on Con Dao Island in Con Dao District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Perched on Nui Mot mountain overlooking An Hai and Con Son Bay, it features traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture with sweeping island and sea views. Built in 1964, it serves as a spiritual center for residents and visitors and is noted for its hillside setting and panoramic viewpoint.
Vinh Nghiem Pagoda is a prominent Mahayana Buddhist temple located on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1964 and 1971, it is one of the largest and most visited pagodas in the city. The pagoda is noted for its traditional northern Vietnamese architectural style inspired by the original Vinh Nghiem Pagoda in Bac Giang Province, featuring a multi-tiered roof, wooden pillars, and a large central Buddha hall.
Vung Tau Lighthouse is a historic coastal lighthouse atop Nui Nho (Small Mountain) in Ward 2, Vung Tau City, Ho Chi Minh City. First built in 1862 during the French colonial period and rebuilt in 1913, it is considered one of the oldest lighthouses in Vietnam. The 18-meter white cylindrical tower stands at about 170 meters above sea level and offers panoramic views of Vung Tau city and coastline.
The War Remnants Museum is a history museum located at 28 Vo Van Tan Street in District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Established in 1975, it documents the Vietnam War period through photographs, artifacts, and outdoor displays of military equipment. The museum is one of the most visited attractions in the city, known for its extensive photographic exhibitions and preserved aircraft, tanks and artillery in its courtyard.
Xa Loi Pagoda is a major Buddhist pagoda located at 89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street in District 3, central Ho Chi Minh City. Built between 1956 and 1958 to enshrine a relic of the Buddha, it was the largest pagoda in the city at the time of completion. Notable for its modern architectural style, seven-storey tower and spacious main hall, it serves as an important centre for Buddhist practice, study and cultural activities.