Top 5 places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

1 INDEPENDENCE PALACE

This historically- significant landmark is where on the morning of 30 April 1975, a tank belonging to the North Vietnamese Army crashed through its main gate – signifying the end of the Vietnam War. Today, visitors can enter the palace to see its ornate meeting rooms, 1970s architecture and helipad on the rooftop.

2 WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM

One of the most popular museums in Vietnam attracting half a million tourists every year, this is a must-visit to understand the history of the country. The 4-storey building documents the cruelty inflicted during the Vietnam War of the 1970s, with plenty of pictures, real life accounts, film footages and military hardware on display.

3 BEN THANH MARKET

Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous and most central market is a hive of activity, unmistakably prominent thanks to its clock tower façade. Located in District 1, this market popular with tourists is where you’ll find a variety of food, fruits, dried goods, clothing, textiles, jewellery, local handicrafts and souvenirs.

4 CU CHI TUNNELS

Located 40km north west of Ho Chi Minh City, take a day trip out to discover the Cu Chi Tunnels, an elaborate underground community made up of 250km of tunnels and chambers below the city. Now a popular tourist attraction, this was the Viet Cong’s base of operations in their resistance to American forces.

5 MEKONG DELTA RIVER CRUISE

Take a day trip out on a traditional long boat to experience life along the Mekong River canals, visit a floating market and enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine. Ranging from day trips to multiple night stays, tours can be bought from agencies in the city centre and will include shuttle pick- ups from hotels.