Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: The Essential Sights
The Reunification Palace and the War Remnants Museum are the two essential stops for understanding modern Ho Chi Minh City, and both sit close enough to District 1’s other sights to combine into a single day. One popular older recommendation no longer works, though: the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is currently closed to visitors for renovation; reopening was originally targeted for 2027, though restoration crews have indicated the timeline may run longer, so plan to view it from outside only. Below is a full rundown of what to see, how long each stop takes, and which day trips are worth the drive out of the city.
What Are the Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City?
The Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum give the clearest picture of the city’s modern history and are the two stops most worth prioritizing on a first visit. Add the Bitexco Skydeck or Landmark 81 for a skyline view, the Jade Emperor Pagoda for a quieter cultural stop, and a half-day or full-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels or the Mekong Delta if time allows.
Ho Chi Minh City Attractions at a Glance
| Attraction | What It Is | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| War Remnants Museum | Museum presenting Vietnam War history through exhibits and preserved military equipment | 2–3 hours |
| Reunification Palace | Former South Vietnamese presidential palace, now a history museum | 1.5–2 hours |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica | French colonial cathedral, closed to visitors for renovation, with a target reopening around 2027 — exterior viewing only | 15–20 minutes |
| Saigon Central Post Office | Functioning French colonial post office beside the cathedral, with gift shops | 30–60 minutes |
| Jade Emperor Pagoda | Early 20th-century Taoist and Buddhist temple known for statuary and blessing rituals | About 1 hour |
| Bitexco Skydeck | Observation deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower | 1–2 hours |
| Cu Chi Tunnels (day trip) | Viet Cong tunnel network from the war, with crawl-through sections | 4–5 hours including transit |
TTC Verdict: Prioritize the Reunification Palace and War Remnants Museum if you only have one day — together they cover roughly three to four hours and give the most complete picture of the city’s history. Skip trying to go inside Notre-Dame Cathedral entirely; it has been closed to visitors for renovation, and older guides recommending an interior visit are out of date.
War Remnants Museum: Diego Delso / CC BY-SA 3.0 · Notre-Dame Basilica: Steffen Schmitz / CC BY-SA 4.0
Is Notre-Dame Cathedral Open to Visitors Right Now?
No — the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica is currently closed to public visits while undergoing renovation. Reopening was originally targeted for 2027, though the timeline has already shifted once and may again. Religious services are said to continue for the local congregation, but tourists cannot go inside. It is still worth a stop to view the French colonial facade and twin bell towers from the plaza outside, alongside the neighboring Central Post Office.
Cu Chi Tunnels and the Mekong Delta: Which Day Trip Should You Pick?
The Cu Chi Tunnels suit travelers short on time — it is a half-day trip that fits alongside a morning or afternoon of city sightseeing. A proper Mekong Delta floating-market visit, on the other hand, often works better as an overnight trip to Can Tho, since the Cai Rang floating market is far enough away that a single day trip from Ho Chi Minh City usually means a closer Mytho or Ben Tre river excursion instead. Always check exactly which markets an itinerary covers before assuming it includes Cai Rang.
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Frequently Asked Questions
No, the cathedral is closed to public visits for renovation, with the closure reportedly extended to 2027. You can still view and photograph the exterior facade and bell towers from the surrounding plaza.
Two full days covers the essential city sights — the Reunification Palace, War Remnants Museum, Notre-Dame exterior, and a skyline viewpoint — with a third day recommended if adding a Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta day trip.
It can be intense — the museum includes graphic war photography and preserved weapons of war, so it is worth previewing whether it fits your children’s ages and sensitivities before visiting as a family.
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