Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon) is the most dynamic city in Vietnam. Saigon has a history of ups and downs, and has a special historical imprint that is reflected in the architecture of each neighborhood. This city is famous for its architectural works influenced by French and Chinese architectural styles. Modern buildings are interspersed with ancient architectures that were built in the 19th century, creating a diverse culture unique to HCMC.

Let's explore with PDC the special features only available in HCMC.

Points of interest passed by on this route:

1. The Independence Palace (Dinh Doc Lap)
2. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral - Nhà thờ đức bà
3. Central Post Office - Bưu điện thành phố
4. Ben Thanh Market

The Independence Palace (Dinh Doc Lap)

This used to be the residence and workplace of the President of the Republic of Vietnam.

• Address: No. 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:30 – 11:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 every day of the week
• Ticket price: From 3,000 to 30,000 VND/person/time depending on the type of visitor

Norodom Palace is the symbol of the French colonial government in Cochinchina. During the US-Vietnam war, Norodom Palace was renamed the Independence Palace in 1954 and Independence Palace was the American headquarters located in South Vietnam. It was the place to witness the dramatic formation and collapse of the government of the Republic of Vietnam by President - Ngo Dinh Diem. Today the palace has become a famous historical relic and is also a meeting and reception place of the Government.

The feng shui architecture of the Independence Palace is slightly oriental. However, every detail of the building also shows a unique modernity. This is a harmonious combination between modern architecture and traditional oriental architecture.

If you have a special interest in the Vietnam War then the Independence Palace is exactly a must-see. Coming there, you will feel the historical memories of the past.

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Nha tho Duc Ba)

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the famous tourist attractions that any visitor coming here must visit.

• Address: No. 1 Paris Commune Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 8:30 – 10:30 am and 14:30 – 15:30 pm (Monday to Friday)
• Ticket price: Free

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is also known as “Basilique de Notre-Dame de l'Immaculée-Conception de Lourdes” (in French). 

This church was built by the French as a place for the French to follow Catholicism immediately after capturing the city of Saigon. This is an architectural masterpiece that marked the cultural and architectural exchange between the East and the West in Indochina. It was built in Roman and Gothic architectural styles with solemn and elegant details creating a proud symbol of Saigon people until nowadays.

During the construction process, all construction materials such as cement, steel, screws, etc are brought from France. The capacity of the entire cathedral can be up to 1200 people.

Central Post Office (Buu dien thanh pho)

Notre Dame Cathedral and City Post Office have formed a prominent European architectural cluster right in the heart of Saigon.

• Address: No. 2 Paris Commune Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City (next Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral)
• Opening hours: 7:00 am and 19:00 pm
• Ticket price: Free

After winning at Gia Dinh (Saigon), the French established a communication system. In 1860, they built the Saigon Central Post Office. The designer of this work is Gustave Eiffel who is a famous French architect who designed the Eiffel Tower (Paris). The building was constructed when Vietnam was part of French Indochina in the late 19th century. It has Gothic, Renaissance and French influences. The City Post Office is more than 120 years old. This place still preserves old memorabilia such as postage stamps, mailboxes, and phone booths

Ben Thanh Market (Cho Ben Thanh)

Ben Thanh Market still retains the traditional way of trading of Vietnamese people

• Address: Between the streets of Phan Boi Chau, Le Thanh Ton, Phan Chu Trinh, Quach Thi Trang Square, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 7:00 – 19:00
• Ticket price: Free

Ben Thanh Market has an area of ​​​​over 13,000m2, and is a place to buy, sell and exchange goods of the people of Saigon as well as the surrounding areas, with nearly 6,000 small traders and about 1,500 shops.

Ben Thanh Market has 4 main doors and 12 side doors. Each main door includes many featured items for easy shopping.

• Cua Nam (South Gate - main gate) is located on Le Loi street, and is a place to sell fabrics, clothes, and dry food. In particular, at the South Gate, there is also a 3-sided clock tower that has been preserved since its inception, attracting many people to check-in and take photos.
• Cua Bac (North Gate) is located on Le Thanh Ton street, where people sell mainly fresh food and fruits.
• Cua Dong (East Gate) is located on Phan Boi Chau street. This is the paradise of confectionery and cosmetics.
• Cua Tay (West Gate) located on Phan Chu Trinh street is the stall of shoes, fine art and souvenirs.