Place to visit in Independence Palace

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Historic Sites

Independence Palace

0 From Independence Palace

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is a historic landmark in Ho Chi Minh City that symbolizes the end of the Vietnam War when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates in 1975. Once the presidential residence of South Vietnam, the palace now serves as a museum with well-preserved rooms, war command bunkers, and a rooftop helipad. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, the last ticket is sold 45 minutes before closing. The entry fee is 40,000 VND for adults, with optional guided tours and multimedia kits available at an extra cost. Its striking 1960s architecture and historical significance make it a top attraction for travelers exploring Vietnam's modern history.

Museum

War Remnants Museum

0.45 From Independence Palace

The War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-visit historical attraction that offers a powerful insight into the Vietnam War through graphic photo exhibits, military vehicles, and preserved artifacts. Located at 28 Võ Văn Tần, District 3, the museum is open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, with the last ticket issued at 5:00 PM. It highlights the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the harsh realities of war, making it both educational and emotionally impactful. The entry fee is 40,000 VND per adult, with free entry for children under 6 and discounts for students, seniors, and war veterans.

Historic Sites

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

0.51 From Independence Palace

The Notre‑Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (Cathédrale Notre‑Dame de Saïgon), officially the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, is a stunning neo‑Romanesque landmark built between 1863 and 1880 with imported red bricks and stained‑glass from France, topped by twin bell towers reaching nearly 58 m . After renovations completed in 2023, the façade remains under scaffolding while the square and exterior remain open to visitors; entrance to the basilica is free . Typical visiting hours are early morning and evening: roughly 5:00–6:15 AM daily, with extended afternoon/evening hours varying by day (e.g. until 7 PM on Saturday, 8:30 PM on Sunday) . This iconic cathedral—right in District 1 facing the historic Independence Palace—is best visited at sunrise or sunset to admire its majestic architecture and soak in the peaceful ambience, making it a must‑see spiritual and photo‑worthy stop in Ho Chi Minh City.

tourist attractions

Ben Thanh Market

0.58 From Independence Palace

Ben Thanh Market, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, is one of the city's most iconic and bustling shopping destinations, ideal for experiencing local culture, cuisine, and souvenirs. From traditional handicrafts, textiles, and Ao Dai to fresh produce and famous Vietnamese street food like pho and banh mi, this market is a lively blend of sights, sounds, and flavors. Open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with a vibrant night market operating until around 10:00 PM, Ben Thanh Market is free to enter and welcomes both locals and tourists looking for authentic shopping and cultural experiences in Vietnam.

tourist attractions

Saigon Central Post Office

0.6 From Independence Palace

Discover the Saigon Central Post Office, a stunning architectural masterpiece in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City at 2 Công xã Paris Street, District 1—just opposite Notre-Dame Cathedral. Built between 1886–1891 by Alfred‑Foulhoux and Auguste‑Henri Vildieu, this colonial gem blends Gothic, Renaissance, and French design with elegant Asian-inspired details such as green shutters, ornate ironwork, and a signature clock above the entrance. Inside, you’ll find a vaulted iron‑arched ceiling, wooden teller counters, vintage phone booths, two beautiful historic maps from the 1890s and 1930s, and a large portrait of President Ho Chi Minh. It remains a working post office offering services like postcard mailing, stamp and souvenir sales, and letter‑writing assistance by the famed public letter writer Duong Van Ngo . Open daily: Monday–Saturday 7:30 AM–6:00 PM, Sunday 8:00 AM–5:00 PM . Admission is free, so you can explore this historical landmark and send a postcard without charge .

tourist attractions

Bui Vien Street

1.12 From Independence Palace

Bui Vien Street, located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, is a vibrant nightlife hub famously known as the city’s “Backpacker Street.” Lined with buzzing bars, nightclubs, restaurants, street food vendors, and budget hostels, it’s a favorite spot for tourists and locals seeking entertainment, music, and social vibes late into the night. The street comes alive especially on weekends, when it becomes a walking-only zone from 7:00 PM to 2:00 AM, filled with live performances, dance shows, and street artists. There is no entry fee to visit Bui Vien Street—visitors simply pay for what they eat, drink, or enjoy, making it a free-spirited and affordable destination for nightlife and cultural exploration in Ho Chi Minh City.

tourist attractions

Bitexco Financial Tower

1.14 From Independence Palace

The Bitexco Financial Tower, an iconic lotus-bud–inspired skyscraper rising 262.5 m in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, houses the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor—a panoramic observation deck offering sweeping 360° views over the Mekong Delta, Saigon River and urban skyline. Open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM (last entry around 8:45 PM), general admission costs approximately 240,000 VND (~$10 USD) per adult, with children under 4 free, and discounted rates for children aged 4–12 and seniors over 65 . A top destination for both international and local visitors, it combines strategic city views with interactive displays—a memorable stop for travelers in Ho Chi Minh City .

tourist attractions

Jade Emperor Pagoda

1.7 From Independence Palace

The Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng or Phước Hải Tự), located at 73 Mai Thị Lựu Street in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City, is a striking Taoist–Buddhist shrine built in 1909 by Cantonese migrants, famous for its richly detailed interior, nearly 300 statues (including a hundred papier-mâché figures), and vivid depictions of heavenly realms and the ten tortures of hell . There is no formal entry fee, but visitors may leave a small donation as a gesture of respect . It is open daily, though exact opening hours are not always published—most guides list routine access during daylight (approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM), though special ceremonies (like the 9th day of the 1st lunar month) can affect visiting times

tourist attractions

Cu Chi Tunnels

4.72 From Independence Palace

The Cu Chi Tunnels, located about 35 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, are a must-visit historical site showcasing Vietnam's underground resistance during the Vietnam War. These intricate tunnels stretch over 200 km and were used by the Viet Cong for shelter, communication, and surprise attacks. Visitors can explore restored sections, crawl through tight passageways, and view wartime traps and relics. Open daily from 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, the tunnels offer guided tours at both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sites. The entry fee is approximately 110,000 VND for Ben Dinh and 90,000 VND for Ben Duoc, with additional charges for guides or activities like shooting ranges. A perfect blend of education and adventure, the Cu Chi Tunnels provide a gripping look into Vietnam’s wartime resilience and ingenuity.