Saigon Central Post Office
The Saigon Central Post Office stands as one of the most famous architectural landmarks in the city, embodying a harmonious blend of European and Asian architectural styles. As you approach the main entrance, you’ll notice a large clock with the construction dates “1886 – 1891” displayed beneath it. Inside, above the international telephone booths, two large maps are showcased. At the end of the grand hall, a portrait of President Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam’s revered leader, graces the wall, further emphasizing the building’s historical significance.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a stunning example of Gothic architecture located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. Adorned with a statue of the Virgin Mary and beautifully crafted columns decorated with water-colored paintings, the cathedral’s spacious and lofty interior offers a serene atmosphere. This iconic site is a must-visit for tourists, providing a window into the city’s rich history, culture, and architectural heritage.
Hotel Continental Saigon
The Hotel Continental Saigon, an ancient hotel on Đồng Khởi Street, is a significant historical symbol of the city with a history spanning over 140 years. The hotel offers luxurious accommodations with modern amenities such as a restaurant, fitness center, and conference facilities. Additionally, the Gallery Continental exhibits works by Vietnamese artists. This hotel is a perfect destination for visitors looking to explore Saigon’s history and culture.
Saigon Opera House
Constructed in 1897 and opened in 1900, the Saigon Opera House is a premier venue for cultural, artistic, and entertainment events. The building features classic French architecture with intricate decorative details and a seating capacity of up to 1,800, making it one of the largest and most beautiful theaters in Southeast Asia. It regularly hosts music performances, plays, conferences, and exhibitions, making it a key cultural hub in the city.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum focuses on preserving and displaying the historical, cultural, and artistic heritage of Ho Chi Minh City. The museum houses around 300,000 documents, artifacts, images, and materials, with collections covering various themes such as the city’s development, ethnic culture, architecture, and contemporary art. It serves as a vital resource for those interested in exploring the city’s rich past.
Museum of Vietnamese History – Ho Chi Minh City
The Museum of Vietnamese History offers a comprehensive display of artifacts, documents, and images that chronicle the history of Vietnam from prehistoric times to the establishment of the Communist Party. Established in 1979, the museum is designed in a modern architectural style and contains 18 exhibition rooms featuring over 40,000 items. Visitors can explore the history of Vietnam’s dynasties, wars, the August Revolution, and the country’s renewal and integration over the years.
Bến Thành Market
Bến Thành Market, a bustling trading hub with nearly 6,000 merchants and about 1,500 stalls, is one of the remaining architectural structures from the French colonial period that has become an emblem of the city. The market features four main entrances facing four different streets, with 12 auxiliary gates leading in various directions. Each main entrance hosts a variety of popular goods, making it a prime spot for tourists to experience local cuisine and culture.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
Founded in 1987, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is dedicated to showcasing and preserving fine art. The museum displays a wide range of works by both Vietnamese and international artists, introducing the public to diverse artistic expressions. The museum’s exhibitions range from medieval to modern pieces, offering a rich variety of styles, mediums, and genres.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall (People’s Committee Building)
The Ho Chi Minh City Hall, constructed between 1898 and 1909, was designed by architect Femand Gardès, with initial decorations by artist-sculptor Ruffier. The building, designed in a bell tower style common in northern France, combines various European architectural styles, including Renaissance architecture, Baroque, Rococo reliefs, and Art Nouveau ironwork. In 2020, the building was recognized as a National Monument, attracting numerous visitors interested in its historical and architectural significance.
Independence Palace
The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is a historical site designed as the residence and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. Today, the palace serves as a museum, hosting events and allowing visitors to explore its grand halls, meeting rooms, and the presidential family’s living quarters. The palace’s exhibitions, artifacts, and multimedia presentations offer a deep insight into its historical importance.
St. Joseph Seminary of Saigon
St. Joseph Seminary of Saigon, a French colonial-era architectural structure, was built in 1863 by Father Wilbaux and the Paris Foreign Missions Society. Originally, the complex included the seminary, St. Paul’s Church, St. Paul’s Seminary, a chapel, and a monastery, with the last restoration occurring in 1960. After 1975, much of the St. Paul Monastery land was divided among various institutions.
Chí Hòa Prison
Covering an area of 7 hectares with three stories and 238 cells, Chí Hòa Prison includes two wings dedicated to female prisoners. The prison, which once held political prisoners during the French colonial period, is now used by the Ho Chi Minh City Police to detain suspects. Designed by a Japanese architect, the prison incorporates the five elements theory and the eight trigrams, combining traditional French architectural features with an Eastern mystique.
Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court
The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Court building, constructed between 1881 and 1885, was designed by French architect Bourard. Initially built in an H-shape, the structure blends European and Roman architectural styles. From the entrance, visitors can see four park clusters flanking the central path leading to the main hall, which separates the two courtrooms. The building is adorned with numerous statues, including those of the Goddess of Justice and the Goddess of Unity, as well as many reliefs and decorative patterns on the walls and ceiling. In 1961, due to space constraints, an additional wing was built behind the original structure.
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