This is the place to be when in Ho Chi Minh City! Seven of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City, where the SOTETSU GRAND FRESA SAIGON is located, is the largest commercial city in Vietnam, and 'Saigon' is the old name for the city centre. The city is lined with skyscrapers, hotels and restaurants, and is bustling with residents and tourists.
In this article, we introduce some of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.

For sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City, the SOTETSU GRAND FRESA SAIGON (Opening July 6, 2023)is a good choice!

■Le Thanh ton Street

One of the most famous Japanese streets in Vietnam is Le Thanh ton Street in Ho Chi Minh District 1. The area offers a comfortable living environment not only for Japanese tourists but also for local Japanese residents. Many familiar Japanese shops and restaurants have opened in the area, and there is a wide range of convenience stores, restaurants, cafés and massage parlours. Furthermore, there are also Japanese hospitals and beauty salons, making it a very convenient and safe popular spot.
If you have a craving for Japanese food during your trip, why not visit Le Thanh ton Street?
The Japanese restaurant “SHARAKU” is also located on the second floor of the SOTETSU GRAND FRESA SAIGON, so be sure to drop by.
Official website of SHARAKU is here >>

Address: Le Thanh Ton
Access: A short walk from Opera House

■Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is probably the one sightseeing spot that you cannot miss when you come to Ho Chi Minh City. This beautiful brick-built Catholic church in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1 is also known as the Cathedral of St Mary. It is said to have been built at the end of the 19th century during the French occupation, with all materials from cement to screws imported from France. The red bricks and two spires are distinctive and are considered a symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. The building is currently undergoing restoration work and cannot be seen in its entirety, but it has a stately appearance and a majestic atmosphere.
Restoration work is scheduled to be completed in 2027 (information as of July 2023).

Address: 1 Cong Xa Paris.
Access: A 7 minute walk from Opera House.

■Dong Khoi Street

Dong Khoi Street in central Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most popular tourist spots in Ho Chi Minh City.
It is a fashionable shopping street lined with department stores, luxury brand shops, restaurants and cafés. In addition to a wide range of shops, the area is also home to the Opera House, a tourist hub, as well as buildings and museums from the French colonial period, allowing visitors to experience the history of Vietnam. Enjoy sightseeing and dining while experiencing history and culture first-hand.

Address: Ben Nghe, Quan 1
Access: One minute walk from Opera House.

■Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Central Post Office is a popular tourist attraction located at the northern end of Dong Khoi Street.
Built at the end of the 19th century during the French colonial period, it is a colonial building with a distinctive pastel yellow exterior. The arched ceilings give a sense of depth thanks to an architectural technique designed to make the building appear wider. There is a souvenir shop selling a wide variety of Vietnamese goods, including jewellery, figurines, fabrics, musical instruments and cloth bags. The post office also offers postcards, coin collections, old stamps from the former North Vietnam and other souvenir items that are typical of a post office, making it a must-visit place.

Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris.
Access: One minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.

■Independence Palace

This former presidential palace, known as the Independence Palace during the South Vietnamese regime, was the scene of the end of the Vietnam War. Now open to the public, many rooms can be visited, including the luxurious furnishings and the commander's quarters, which was used as a military base. The rooftop helipad used for emergency evacuation and the tanks on display on the grounds give a vivid impression of those days, making it one of the most important places to visit to learn about Vietnam's history.

Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghĩa.
Access: A 6 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.

■Ben Thanh Market

Completed in 1914, the market was renovated in 1950 after being damaged in World War II. It is one of Ho Chi Minh City's largest and largest markets, and is a must-visit for many travellers. The sheer number of shops and the enthusiastic atmosphere give it a uniquely Southeast Asian feel. These days, the market is also home to many cute general stores, making it a great place to look for souvenirs. The market is also characterised by its categorisation into food, clothing, daily necessities and accessories, each with its own unique atmosphere. In the evening, the 'night market' is held, and the attached food stalls and eateries are busy until late at night. The night market is a great place to enjoy excellent seafood food with a drink.

Address: Ben Thanh, District 1
Access: A 10 minute walk from Opera House.

■Saigon Opera House

Located in the city centre amidst skyscrapers, the Saigon Opera House is a concert hall built during the French occupation. The beautiful, delicately decorated exterior is said to have been built to resemble the Garnier opera house in Paris, France. The interior is very sparkling and elegant, making you feel a bit rich.
The Opera House also offers a range of goods that can only be bought in the Opera House, many of which are reasonably priced, making it the perfect place to look for souvenirs. At night, the Opera House is illuminated, making it an even more elegant sight to behold.

Address: 7 Cong Truong Lam Son.
Access: A 7 minute walk from Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon.


How was it?In this article, we have introduced some of the recommended sightseeing spots in Ho Chi Minh City, a city with a rich historical past.
We hope you will find them useful when you travel to Ho Chi Minh City.

For sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City, the SOTETSU GRAND FRESA SAIGON (Opening July 6, 2023) is a good choice!

*Information as of July 2023.
 

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