Ho Chi Minh City is one of the largest and most developed cities in Vietnam. This place not only has a vibrant economy but also many free tourist attractions to attract visitors. This article will introduce you to the top 10 free tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, giving you interesting experiences exploring Ho Chi Minh city at no cost.
1. Notre Dame Cathedral
Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the most famous and oldest architectural works in Ho Chi Minh City. Designed in classical French architecture and located in a prime central location, this church attracts a large number of tourists to visit daily. You are free to visit and admire the beauty of the church about its rich history.
- Address: 01 Paris Commune, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 5:30 am - 5:00 pm [To be able to enjoy the fullest, visitors should avoid the hours of worship at the church]
2. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is a destination that tourists should visit when you arrive in Ho Chi Minh City. This is one of the biggest and most famous markets in the city, where you can experience the unique culture of the locals. Walking around the stalls at the market, you will be able to visit, shop for a variety of goods, enjoy specialty dishes and feel the bustle and hustle of the people.
Ben Thanh Market was established in 1914 with a total area of 13,056 m2 with four large doors in four directions, all with ceramic reliefs showing local products. The South Gate has the shape of rays, catfish, cows and fish and pigs. The North Gate is shaped like a banana and a goose. The East Gate is shaped like a cow and a pig. West gate shaped like rays, bananas. In addition to the four main doors, there are many side doors to enter and exit the market. Prominent on the roof of the market is a three-sided clock tower at the South gate, facing Quach Thi Trang construction site. Currently, the market gathers about 3,000 business households selling many essential and rare items domestically and internationally. The South gate area is where fabrics and dried foods are sold, the North gate area is vibrant with fresh flower and fruit stalls, the East gate area is attractive with cosmetics and confectionery and the West Gate area has a wide variety of footwear, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Ben Thanh Market is not only an attraction for tourists to visit and shop, but is also considered by many people to be a symbol of Saigon.
- Address: Quach Thi Trang Construction Site [main door], Le Thanh Ton Street [North Gate], Phan Boi Chau Street [East Gate], Phan Chu Trinh Street [West Gate].
- Phone: [+8428] 6650 4545
- Official Website/Fanpage: www.chobenthanh.org.vn
- Sightseeing and activity time: 7:00 – 19:00 [every day]
Night Market: 19:00 - 24:00 [every day]
- Entrance fee: Free
3. Nguyen Hue walking street
Nguyen Hue walking street is a route that residents and visitors often come to relax and enjoy public space. Located in a central location, Nguyen Hue walking street was built with wide sidewalks, beautiful green trees and flowers and interesting entertainment spots. On both sides of the road, there are many restaurants and coffee shops serving the needs of all everyone, so it's the perfect place to roam, sightsee and participate in free leisure activities.
- Address: 75 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Open all day
*Image source: People's Committee of District 1
4. Bui Vien Street
Nguyen Hue Street was formerly known as Kenh Lon [or Cho Vai canal], where the fabric trading activities of Chinese merchants took place. Experiencing many stages of formation and development, on April 30, 2015, Nguyen Hue Street was upgraded and renovated the first pedestrian city of the City where there is a pedestrian square and artistic lighting system. Especially at the intersection of Nguyen Hue - Le Loi and Nguyen Hue - Mac Thi Buoi, there are two lakes of water music combined with concentrated artistic light shows.
Here, regularly organize parades, rallies, street festivals, flower streets, cultural exhibitions, sports, art performances, ... Nguyen Hue Walking Street has free wifi 24/24 to serve visitors with high transmission speed to ensure that many people can access at the same time. And this is also the weekend meeting place of the city people and the entertainment place of the city people and tourists.
- Address: Bui Vien – Pham Ngu Lao – De Tham, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Saturday, Sunday: 19h - 2am the next day.
5. Temple of the Jade Emperor
The Jade Emperor Pagoda, commonly known as the Jade Emperor Palace or Phuoc Hai Tu Pagoda, is a famous spiritual place that visitors should not miss when coming to Saigon. This temple is known as the ancient temple that hosted US President Barack Obama. Every day, a large number of Buddhists as well as domestic and foreign tourists come here to visit and worship. Because this place is said by many people to be very sacred, people often come here to pray for love, children and peace.
This temple was built in the early 20th century with Chinese-style architecture, undergone many restorations, but Ngoc Hoang Pagoda still retains its ancient features and unique designs in the past.
If you want to feel the festive atmosphere, come here on the occasion of the Jade Emperor's event, which is usually held on the 9th day of the lunar calendar every year. On these days, tourists flock here to offer incense, pray for fortune, luck and peace for the coming year. Note that the number of visitors is very large, so the scene of jostling is inevitable. In addition, if you want to come here to admire the scenery and pray, you should come on weekdays because you will feel the idyllic and full beauty of nature here.
- Accreditations: National Monument of Architectural Art
- Address: No. 73, Mai Thi Luu Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1,
- Phone: [+8428] 3820 3102
- Visiting and operating time: 08:00 – 19:00 every day of the week
6. City Post Office
City Post Office is one of the famous architectural works of Ho Chi Minh City. You can stop by the post office to admire the special architecture and take beautiful photos, the city post office is also chosen by many couples as a place to take wedding photos to keep happy moments. In addition, you can also come here to use services such as sending parcels or letters to friends and relatives easily.
- Address: 02 Paris Commune, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7:30 am - 6:00 pm
*Image source: People's Committee of District 1
7. Turtle Lake
Located between District 1 and District 3, Turtle Lake, also known as Ho Con Rua in Vietnamese, is a prominent landmark and tranquil oasis nestled amidst the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Situated in the heart of District 3, this circular lake derives its name from a large stone turtle sculpture that graces its center. The lake is a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors alike, providing a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. It's a common sight to see people sitting by the lake's edge, enjoying the gentle breeze and try many type of street food. Surrounded by lush greenery and shaded walkways, Turtle Lake exudes a peaceful ambiance, making it a delightful place for a leisurely stroll or a moment of reflection amidst the urban landscape.
- Address: The intersection of Vo Van Tan, Pham Ngoc Thach, Tran Cao Van streets, Vo Thi Sau ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours : All day
8. Starlight Bridge
Starlight Bridge is one of the famous traffic construction in District 7, Ho Chi Minh City .Designed in a modern and romantic style, Starlight Bridge Park creates a relaxing and romantic space for residents and visitors.. With soft LED lighting scene, smooth curves highlight the beauty of modern architecture, bringing a dreamy and romantic feeling at night. This construction is not only an ordinary bridge, but also a unique work of art.
- Address: Phu My Hung New Urban Area, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Open all day [You should arrive at 17:30 is the best time]
9. Tao Dan Park
Tao Đàn Park, also known as Tao Dan Park, is a popular and vibrant urban park located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City [Saigon], Vietnam. It holds significant cultural and recreational importance within the city and serves as a green oasis amidst the bustling urban environment. The park is named after a Vietnamese poet and intellectual, Nguyen Khoa Diem, who is also known by his pen name Tao Đàn.
Established in 1868 during the French colonial period, Tao Đàn Park spans over 10 acres and is a serene retreat for locals and visitors alike. It's characterized by lush greenery, beautifully landscaped gardens, walking paths, and various sculptures. The park is a hub of activity, offering a variety of amenities and spaces for people to relax, exercise, and socialize.
- Address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: 7am - 10pm
10. Tan Dinh Church [Pink church]
Tan Dinh Church, also known by the lovely name "pink church", is a famous religious building in Ho Chi Minh City. This church is an important destination for Catholics as well as tourists who love architecture and history.
Tan Dinh Church was built in the Gothic architectural style, with delicate and sophisticated lines combined with a unique pink color tone that is extremely impressive and rarely seen in other churches in Vietnam. Inside the church, you will see beautiful murals and sculptures, every detail in the church has a profound meaning, creating solemnity and solemnity for this space.
- Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 8, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 11:30am, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Notes when traveling for free in Ho Chi Minh City
- Always keep the environment clean when visiting tourist attractions.
- Should bring water and snacks to avoid wasting time and money in searching for shop.
- Pay attention to the security and order situation at tourist attractions, ensure the safety of yourself and your family.
- It's a good idea to find out information about the activities and festivals happening in the city for a fun and free experience.
Ho Chi Minh City is not only a vibrant city with a developed economy but also has attractive free tourist attractions. Hopefully, the above list by Visithcmc about 10 free tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City will help you save money in discovering interesting tourist attractions around the city. However, when traveling in Ho Chi Minh City, always remember to follow the rules and advice for safety and respect for the environment.
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Halong Bay Characterised by towering karst limestone pillars and small islets of various shapes and sizes amidst crystal blue waters, Halong Bay's ethereal beauty is a sight to behold. Located in northern Vietnam, it is the most popular tourist spot this side of the country.null47 Places To Visit In Vietnam - Holidifywww.holidify.com › country › vietnam › places-to-visitnull
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What is Ho Chi Minh famous for?
Ho Chi Minh led a long and ultimately successful campaign to make Vietnam independent. He was president of North Vietnam from 1945 to 1969, and he was one of the most influential communist leaders of the 20th century.nullHo Chi Minh | Biography, Presidency, & Facts - Britannicawww.britannica.com › biography › Ho-Chi-Minhnull
What is the main tourist street in Ho Chi Minh City?
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