Also known as Independence Palace (Dinh Độc Lập), this historic site is characterised by two of the original North Vietnamese tanks which stormed its gates during the Vietnam War.

Built in 1966 and made famous by press photos at the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, it was once the site of Norodom Palace (Palais Norodom). Here, the former French Governor of Cochinchina lived and worked before it was occupied by the North Vietnamese.

Admission tickets are 40,000 VND (less than 2 USD) for the palace alone, and 65,000 VND (less than 3 USD) for entry and the“From Norodom Palace to Independence Palace” exhibit, where you can uncover the building’s rich history. Venture deeper to discover hidden chambers, including secret rooms equipped with vintage technology, underground tunnels, a former casino, and even a rooftop helipad.

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Learn about the tragedy of the My Lai Massacre at the War Remnants Museum (Bảo tàng chứng tích chiến tranh). Not for the faint-hearted, the unvarnished tale of US military action on civilian Vietnamese victims is documented in graphic photos and videos.

On display too are US military relics, vehicles, and weapons—some of which are planted as life-sized artefacts around the museum’s garden. At various galleries in the museum, once named "The House for Displaying War Crimes of American Imperialism and the Puppet Government", you will come face-to-face with exhibits of weapons used in the Vietnam War, as well as the works of news photographers who lived and died during that tumultuous era.

Captions in English are available, and admission tickets are 40,000 VND (less than 2 USD) for adults and 20,000 VND (less than 1 USD) for children aged 6 to 16.

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The brainchild of renowned French architect Eugene Ferret, the magnificent Saigon Opera House also known as the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Theater (Nhà hát Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh), dates back to 1898. Close to Ben Thanh market, the structure is resplendent in stone statues and chandelier lighting made with materials imported from faraway France.

Classified as a national relic in 2012, the theatre in Saigon's District 1 is a popular venue for high-profile events and cultural performances. Its 468-seat auditorium is notable for its clear acoustics—the best way to experience it is to buy a ticket to a live musical or performance.

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Saigon's only Hindu place of worship, Mariamman Temple was constructed by Indian traders during the late 1800s. Considered sacred by local Vietnamese and Sino-Vietnamese residents, the beautifully ornate temple offers visitors a unique glimpse into the religious life of the Hindu minority in Ho Chi Minh City.

Spot Hindu deities such as Mariamman (goddess of rain and fertility), Ganesha (god of wisdom and remover of obstacles), and Vishnu (god of preservation and protector of dharma) on the outer walls, as well as a 12-metre-tall statue of Mariamman in the inner hall. Joss sticks and jasmine garlands are sold at the entrance for those who wish to place offerings while entry to the temple is complimentary. Do remember to leave your footwear outside before entering.

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Pay your respects to the founder of modern-day Vietnam at this regal building named in his honour. Completed in 1908, colonial-style Ho Chi Minh City Hall (Trụ sở Ủy ban Nhân dân Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh) was modelled after the original Hôtel de Ville in Paris and renamed Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Building in 1975.

Lending itself well to day or night photography, its exterior features a 7.2 metre bronze sculpture of Ho Chi Minh installed in 2015. Though entry is prohibited, you can take photos from neighbouring Union Square. 

Come in the afternoon when the sky is bright blue to provide a nice contrast with the pastel beige exterior of the building. A park sculpture of the national hero with a small child is a popular gathering spot across the road, and you can stop for food or souvenirs in nearby shopping outlets such as Lucky Plaza.

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You’ll never find any religious ceremony quite like that of a Cao Dai (Đạo Cao Đài) temple.

Founded as recently as 1926, active congregations of the unique monotheistic religion born in Vietnam can be found in Tay Ninh. Two hours away from Saigon by car, Tay Ninh is home to a particularly magnificent temple.

The structure was completed in 1955 after the Japanese occupation, and noontime worship sessions are hosted daily to symbolise the religion's belief in nonviolence, union with God, the salvation of living beings, and universal harmony. Adorned with multi-coloured sculptures and images of saints and dragons, the Tay Ninh temple bears many architectural similarities to Christian churches.

Lay followers of Caodaism pray in long white robes while priests and bishops are bedecked in coloured robes denoting their status. Cao Dai services are held every six hours throughout the day and night, and visitors are requested to dress modestly and watch from the upper galleries.

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If you're planning a visit to Saigon, PARKROYAL Saigon offers a convenient and comfortable stay with its prime location. For recommendations and insights about the city, check out our Destination Insights Guide.