District 1 Guide

The former Presidential Palace of South Vietnam, where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates on April 30, 1975, marking the fall of Saigon and the end of the Vietnam War. The building is preserved exactly as it was on that day — the war room with its vintage maps, the rooftop helicopter pad, the underground bunker with communication equipment, and the ornate reception rooms. The 1960s architecture is a masterpiece of Vietnamese modernism. Walking through the rooms where some of the most consequential decisions of the 20th century were made is a powerful experience. The palace grounds are a peaceful green oasis in the middle of the city.

Built by French colonists between 1863 and 1880 using materials shipped entirely from France, this neo-Romanesque cathedral with its twin 58-meter bell towers is one of Saigon's most iconic landmarks. The red bricks were imported from Marseille and have retained their original color without any external painting. The interior features beautiful stained-glass windows, though the cathedral has been undergoing restoration since 2017. Even if the interior is closed, the exterior and the surrounding Paris Square (Cong Xa Paris) with its Virgin Mary statue make this a must-visit photo spot. The cathedral is most atmospheric during Sunday morning Mass when the square fills with worshippers and flower vendors.

The most visited museum in Vietnam, and one of the most powerful war museums in the world. The exhibits document the Vietnam War (known locally as the American War) primarily from the Vietnamese perspective, with extensive photographic displays, military hardware in the courtyard (tanks, helicopters, fighter jets), and deeply affecting exhibitions on the effects of Agent Orange and the My Lai massacre. The third-floor photography exhibition, featuring work by war correspondents from both sides, is extraordinary. The exhibits are graphic and emotionally intense — this is not a sanitized museum experience. Allow yourself time to process what you see.

Saigon's most famous market, operating since the early 17th century in various locations and housed in the current building since 1914. The iconic clock tower entrance is one of the city's symbols. Inside, over 1,500 stalls sell everything from lacquerware, silk, and ao dai (traditional dresses) to spices, dried fruits, and street food. The food stalls inside serve excellent pho, banh mi, and fresh juices. Prices are marked up for tourists and bargaining is expected — start at 40-50% of the asking price. The night market outside the building runs from 6 PM and is more relaxed for food browsing. Ben Thanh is touristy but remains an essential Saigon experience.

Saigon's grand pedestrian boulevard, a wide tree-lined promenade that stretches from the People's Committee Building (Saigon's city hall, a stunning French colonial building) down to the Saigon River. In the evenings, Nguyen Hue transforms into a lively gathering place — families strolling, children playing, couples taking photos, and street performers entertaining crowds. The cafes along both sides fill up with people-watchers. The Cafe Apartment building at 42 Nguyen Hue is a converted residential block where each apartment has become an independent cafe, shop, or gallery — ride the elevator to the upper floors for views over the boulevard.

Designed by Gustave Eiffel (of Eiffel Tower fame) and completed in 1891, the Saigon Central Post Office is a stunning example of French colonial architecture and one of the most beautiful post offices in the world. The interior features a soaring vaulted ceiling, hand-painted maps of Saigon and the telegraph network from the colonial era, and a large portrait of Ho Chi Minh at the far end. The post office is still fully operational — you can buy stamps, send postcards home, and watch the old-fashioned telephone booths in action. The building is right next to Notre-Dame Cathedral, so both can be visited together.