I. Introduction: Why Ho Chi Minh City is a Must-Visit in 2026
The city formerly known as Saigon pulses with a relentless energy, offering a vibrant mix of tragic history, colonial French charm, and a hyper-modern, dynamic future. For travelers in 2026, Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) presents a matured travel experience, blending essential iconic landmarks with a thriving local culture that often gets overlooked.
This guide is your curated list of the Top 10 Ho Chi Minh City Attractions in 2026. Whether you’re a history buff, a devoted foodie, or someone hunting for the city’s hidden, photogenic corners, use this itinerary to maximize your time in Vietnam’s economic powerhouse.
II. Iconic Landmarks & History (The Essentials)
1. War Remnants Museum
A visit to the War Remnants Museum is less a tourist activity and more a powerful, essential pilgrimage. It offers an unflinching, detailed look at the severity and human cost of the Vietnam War (or, the American War, as it is known locally). The museum presents the Vietnamese perspective, showcasing graphic photography, military hardware, and chilling artifacts like the “Tiger Cages.”
Why It Matters in 2026: While emotionally taxing, this museum provides crucial context for understanding modern Vietnam’s resilient spirit and rapid development.
What to Expect: The outdoor exhibit features U.S. aircraft, tanks, and artillery. The indoor galleries display thematic exhibitions, with the Agent Orange floor often being the most impactful.
Pro Tip: Allocate 2 to 3 hours. It’s highly recommended to visit early in the morning (right at the 7:30 AM opening) to avoid the midday crowds and allow yourself time to process the emotional exhibits afterward. Dress respectfully.
2. Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)
Standing proudly in District 1, the Reunification Palace is frozen in time. This modernist structure was the former home and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the war. It remains famous as the spot where a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the gates on April 30, 1975, marking the end of the war.
The Experience: You can tour the state rooms, reception areas, and, most fascinatingly, the underground war bunker and command centre, complete with original 1960s communication equipment and war maps.
Hidden Detail: Don’t miss the rooftop, where a UH-1 Huey helicopter—used by the palace’s last occupant—is on display.
Visitor Info: The palace is centrally located and easily walkable from other major attractions.
3. Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
These two French colonial masterpieces stand side-by-side, perfectly demonstrating Saigon’s Parisian architectural heritage.
The 2026 Reality Check (Crucial Update): The Notre Dame Cathedral has been undergoing an extensive restoration since 2017, which is now projected for completion in late 2027. In 2026, visitors should expect scaffolding to cover major parts of the exterior. The interior is generally inaccessible, except sometimes during Sunday English Mass.
The Workaround: Focus your visit on the stunning Central Post Office next door. Designed by Gustave Eiffel (who designed the Eiffel Tower), this still-functioning post office features a gorgeous vaulted ceiling, vintage map walls, and antique phone booths. It’s the perfect spot to buy and mail a postcard home.
III. Modern Skyscrapers & Urban Culture (The View and The Vibe)
4. Bitexco Financial Tower & Skydeck
Before the arrival of its taller rival, the Bitexco Tower—shaped like a lotus bud with a protruding helipad—was the defining structure of the HCMC skyline.
The View: The Saigon Skydeck on the 49th floor (178m) offers a superb 360-degree perspective of the compact District 1, the Saigon River, and major landmarks like the Ben Thanh Market.
The Alternative: For a similar view without the ticket fee, head to the EON51 Heli Bar near the top floors to enjoy a cocktail as the city lights up.
5. Landmark 81
Vietnam’s tallest skyscraper (461m) dominates the eastern skyline. Located in the developing Vinhomes Central Park complex, this glass tower symbolizes Vietnam’s skyrocketing economic growth.
Skydeck Rivalry: Landmark 81’s observation deck is significantly higher than Bitexco’s, offering a different, more expansive view over the Saigon River and the surrounding Binh Thanh and District 2 areas.
More than a View: The base of the tower is the high-end Vincom Center shopping mall, offering luxury brands, cinemas, and world-class dining. It’s a great spot for Western amenities.
6. Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street & The Café Apartment
This central pedestrian boulevard is the modern heart of the city’s social scene and a must-visit in the evening.
The Vibe: Running from the City Hall to the Saigon River, the street is alive every night with street performers, families, and young couples. It’s the ideal place to watch the city’s pulse.
Hidden Gem Alert: The Café Apartment: One of the most famous buildings here is a nine-story apartment block (Number 42) crammed with trendy, independent cafes, boutiques, and co-working spaces. It’s an Instagram favorite, offering atmospheric views over the walking street. Find the entrance in the alleyway and take the rickety elevator (VND 3,000 fee, often waived if you buy something).
IV. Culinary & Local Gems (The Taste and The Soul)
7. Ben Thanh Market
This is Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic market, recognizable by its clock tower entrance. It’s a sensory explosion, selling everything from Vietnamese coffee filters and silk Ao Dai to counterfeit goods.
Day vs. Night: Visit during the day for souvenir shopping and indoor heat. Crucially, visit at night when the perimeter streets close to traffic, transforming into a vibrant Night Market renowned for seafood and street food dining.
Foodie Focus: Look beyond the main stalls and dive into the food area for local specialties like Bún chả (grilled pork with noodles) and Cơm Tấm (broken rice). Bargaining is mandatory here.
8. The Pink Church (Tân Định Church)
Located slightly north of District 1, this stunning Roman Catholic church is painted entirely in a cheerful bubblegum pink, making it one of the most unique and photogenic religious sites in Asia.
Why It’s a Hidden Gem: It requires a short ride away from the main tourist strip, giving you a glimpse into a more local neighborhood in District 3.
Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning, when the sunlight hits the bright pink facade, creating a spectacular photo opportunity. Remember it is an active place of worship, so visitors should be respectful.
9. Chợ Lớn (Chinatown) & Thiên Hậu Temple
For a deep dive into Ho Chi Minh City’s historical and cultural complexity, head west to District 5, home to the sprawling Chợ Lớn (Big Market) area. This is one of the largest Chinatowns in the world.
Experience the Culture: Visit the incense-filled Thiên Hậu Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, with its intricate carvings and spiraling incense coils hanging from the ceiling.
Local Tip: Skip the tourist buses and explore the area’s huge Bình Tây Market (though often less friendly to bargaining than Ben Thanh) and the surrounding network of herb shops and traditional medicine stalls.
10. The Cu Chi Tunnels (Essential Day Trip)
While technically outside the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an absolute necessity for any HCMC itinerary. This vast network of underground tunnels was used by the Viet Cong soldiers as hiding spots, communication routes, and supply lines during the war.
The Experience: You can crawl through a reconstructed section of the tunnels (slightly enlarged for tourists), view the traps used by the Viet Cong, and witness demonstrations of daily life underground.
Planning Tip: Choose between a half-day bus tour or a faster speedboat tour up the Saigon River. Aim for the Bến Dược site for a slightly less crowded and more authentic experience than the closer Bến Đình site.
V. 2026 Practical Tips: Elevate Your HCMC Trip
Navigating the Chaos (Transportation)
The Grab App: Essential for affordable and hassle-free transport. Use Grab Bike for short, thrilling solo trips, and Grab Car for air-conditioned relief.
Metro Line 1 Update: While delayed, the highly anticipated Metro Line 1 (connecting District 1 to Thu Duc) is expected to be substantially operational in 2026. Keep an eye on local news, as this will change local commuter patterns and access to the eastern districts.
Where to Eat Like a Local (The Food Streets)
Venture beyond District 1 for the real street food scene. Head to Vĩnh Khánh Street in District 4 for seafood (ốc) or Vạn Kiếp Street (Phú Nhuận/Bình Thạnh) for a massive concentration of local eateries and food stalls—this is where the true Vietnamese foodie experience lives.
Safety and Comfort
Stay Hydrated: HCMC is hot year-round. Always carry water.
Motorbike Safety: Be careful of bag snatchers (a rare but persistent issue). Keep your phone and bag secured and close to your body when walking near roads.
VI. Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City in 2026 is a city in motion. It asks you to look back at history at the War Remnants Museum, climb into its future at Landmark 81, and then dive headfirst into the exhilarating, delicious chaos of its street life. By covering the historical icons, modern wonders, and the culinary backstreets, your trip will be a perfect reflection of Vietnam’s enduring, vibrant soul.