SAI GON

SAIGON INDEPENDENCE PALACE


Saigon Independence Palace is a landmark in Saigon that has both historical and architectural importances. It has an area of 120.000m² (300m x 400m), with an imposing presence, trees on all sides.

It is a landmark with historical importance. The Palace has been used, over different periods in Vietnam history, as a working place for the governance. In 1868, it was used by the French, in 1940, when Japan took over, it was used by the Japanese, in 1945, it was used by the French, in 1954 it was used by the South Vietnam government, and in 1975, it was used by the North Vietnam government. This series of events and transitions are still reflected in various archives, documents and artifacts that are well preserved in the inner and outer area of the Independence Palace.

It is a landmark with architectural importance. The Palace was designed by Ngo Viet Thu. His education and architecture philosophy is a blend of Chinese, Vietnamese and French, and Independence Palace reflects this hybrid influence - a blend of modern and traditional functions and forms.

WAR REMNANT MUSEUM


In Vietnam, there are many war-related museums, but the War Remnant Museum in Ho Chi Minh City is the one that has the most comprehensive documents, photos and statistics about the effects of wars on Vietnam.

The museum was founded in 1975 when North and South Vietnam were united, and in 1995 it was renamed “War Remnant Museum”. It has more than 20,000 artifacts, and the space is classified into 8 frequent fixed archives. By diving directly and deeply into the human costs of war, the museum is actually a facilitation for understanding, healing, and peace promotion.

NOTRE DAME CATHEDRAL OF SAIGON
Built in the 19th century when France took over Saigon, the Notre Dame Cathedral has a history of more than 140 years. At first, the church was named a National Church since it was invested by French at the time from their national fund. Later, in 1959, when the Our lady of Peace statue was erected in Italy then moved to this church in Ho Chi Minh City, it was named Notre Dame Cathedral.

The architecture of this church is a blend of Roman and Gothic architecture elements. Roman features bring out functionality, while Gothic elements add edges, colors, and ornaments to the building. The church is located in a central, airy location, with striking red color and is one of symbols of Ho Chi Minh City.

JADE EMPEROR PAGODA


Located in the central area of Ho Chi Minh City, Jade Emperor Pagoda is a religious structure with striking color and architecture.

The Pagoda was built in 1906 by a Chinese who lived in HCMC at the time, to worship the Jade Emperor. 80 years later, it was added into the Vietnam Buddhist Association, and attracted more buddhist followers.

The architecture follows some features of Chinese: with bold, striking colors, meticulous ornaments. There are complex embellishments in all corners, and pottery statues are erected in various corners.

Visitors to Jade Emperor Pagoda often come to wish for good luck in love or in childbearing.

HO CHI MINH CITY MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS
Ho Chi Minh Museum of Fine Arts was built in 1987. Different from other buildings, this one was a private investment by a wealthy Chinese man in Ho Chi Minh city at the time. He used his wealth to build not only private but also civic buildings, and this is one of those. It is estimated that he invested in about 20.000 street-facing buildings in Ho Chi Minh City.

The museum is built in Baroque architectural style, in an area of about 4000 square meters. This style exudes a sense of ornamentation, contrast, and sophistication. The floor is tilted with different patterns. Aside from the baroque style, the museum also has additional Asian features, such as some details on the roof, and the skylight in the middle.

Ho Chi Minh museum of fine arts has a wide collection of artworks and artifacts in 3 floors: including paintings, sculptures, and works imbued with Vietnamese traditional spirits.

HO CHI MINH CENTRAL POST OFFICE


Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office was built in 1886 by the designer who designed the Eiffel Tower. In 1886, it was reconstructed to be more comprehensive in designs and functions. Currently, it still plays an important role in the architecture, history, and culture of this cosmopolitan city.

The Post Office was designed in a combination of Roman, Gothic and Renaissance architectural features. The dome is designed to be grand and meticulous. The lightning system is complex and allows the whole building to have a sense of spaciousness and airiness.

The unique dome design combined with the meticulously calculated lighting system has created a spacious, airy space for the building. On both sides of the building, visitors can see two history maps, the Saigon et ses environs 1892" and "Lignes téléraphiques du Sud Vietnam et du Cambodge 1936".

The Post Office is still functional and still provides normal post office services, aside from its values as a history and culture destination.

BACH DANG WHARF - SAIGON RIVER

The image of Saigon river is almost inseparable from the image of Ho Chi Minh City. It is a place of charm, dynamism, and connection.

In the 17th century, the river was the main gateway to Ho Chi Minh. Later, in the 18th century then in the first half of the 20th century, under French colonial time, the city became a more vibrant trade port. So many ships used to come to Saigon port, bringing lots of goods and people to the pearl of Indochina.

Currently, the river is a symbol of culture and dynamism. When you come here, you can explore riverside cafes, restaurants, and experience gliding on the river by various types of big and small boats.

HO CHI MINH BOTANICAL GARDEN

In 1864, Ho Chi Minh Botanical Garden was built. In 1865, who was in charge of fauna care of the Calcutta Botanical garden in India was invited to be in charge of the one in Saigon. He had great contributions to the biodiversity of the garden then and now, and until now, a statue of him is still kept at the entrance to the site.

HCMC Botanical Garden is considered a biodiversity museum thanks to its wide array of fauna and flora of both Vietnam and the world. Currently, there is a big collection of about 4000 plants and over 600 rare animals. The most notable plant is the Acacia Tree with 40m height and 4m diameter.

In HCMC, there are not many structures that are an integral part of this dynamic city for such a long time, and the Botanical Garden is definitely one of them.

CU CHI TUNNELS


Cu Chi tunnels is a site that carries historical and military importances: it is an elaborate system of underground tunnels, used by the Vietnamese in anti-France war and anti-America war. The system was built in 1946 and later expanded when anti-American war escalated. The site is located at the end of the Ho Chi Minh trail.

The tunnel is more than 200 km long, divided into 3 layers: 3m deep, 6m deep, and 12m deep.
The whole area is 38,5ha. At first, the tunnel had simple architecture, and later it was expanded.
When you come here, you will have the chance to watch videos, see images of the war resistance efforts, experience going under the tunnels, and see the artifacts left from that historical period.

The site was recognized as a national relic, with both educational and experiential values.