1. Historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City’s central areas
1.1. Independence Palace
The Independence Palace (Reunification Palace) is ground zero for understanding historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City. Built on the grounds of the old Norodom Palace, it became the political nerve center of South Vietnam during the war. Its design is a striking blend of modernist architecture and traditional feng shui principles. Inside, there are grand meeting halls, the president’s office, and an underground war bunker with old maps, radios, and communication devices. Perhaps the most haunting sight here is the rooftop helipad, where the last desperate evacuation took place in April 1975.
1.2. Nha Rong Wharf
Standing proudly by the Saigon River, Nha Rong Wharf in the former District 4 holds a special place in the hearts of Vietnamese people. In 1911, a young man named Nguyen Tat Thanh, later known as Ho Chi Minh, boarded a French ship here to begin a decades-long quest to seek the path to national independence. The building itself was originally constructed by the French shipping company Messageries Maritimes. Its façade is unique, decorated with two stylized dragon heads - hence the name “Nha Rong” (Dragon House).
1.3. Phu Hoa Tunnels
Beneath the former Tan Phu District runs a 10-kilometer web of hand-dug tunnels that predates and complements Cu Chi Tunnels. Low, narrow, and cleverly ventilated, these passages linked homes, pagodas, and even cemetery grounds, letting couriers ghost through the city undetected. You will see chambers for briefings, caches for leaflets and weapons, and escape shafts that open where no patrol expected. As historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City go, Phu Hoa Tunnels are raw and revealing - proof that insurgency did not just live in forests; it breathed under Saigon’s pavements.
1.4. War Remnants Museum
For anyone seeking to understand Vietnam’s modern history, the War Remnants Museum is a must-visit. This powerful institution does not sanitize the past - it confronts visitors with the harsh realities of war. The outdoor display can be shocking at first sight: tanks, fighter planes, and even a section of the notorious “tiger cages” once used in prisons. Inside, photo exhibitions depict the destruction caused by bombings and chemical warfare, including the devastating impact of Agent Orange.
1.5. Saigon Special Forces - Gia Dinh Museum
Tucked into a downtown neighborhood, this compact museum elevates the clandestine past of Ho Chi Minh City. Mannequins wear everyday disguises - cyclo driver, clerk, vendor - while display cases show ingenious toolkits of sabotage and intelligence work. Mission maps, safe-house recreations, and oral histories highlight how urban guerrillas bent the city to their strategy. Saigon Special Forces - Gia Dinh Museum makes you feel intimate; you are not just reading history - you are standing inside the cleverness that made it possible.
>>> Read more: Museums in Ho Chi Minh City: 13 destinations for all
1.6. Weapons Bunker of the Saigon Special Forces
On Nguyen Dinh Chieu Street, there is an ordinary-looking house that hides an extraordinary secret: the Weapons Bunker of the Saigon Special Forces. Beneath its unassuming floorboards lay a chamber that once stored nearly two tons of explosives and firearms. This arsenal supplied the 1968 Tet Offensive, one of the turning points of the war. The bunker’s construction was ingenious - hidden beneath a trapdoor in the kitchen, lined to resist moisture, and camouflaged so well that it remained undetected for years.
1.7. The People’s Committee Building of Ho Chi Minh City
Rising gracefully at the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street in the former District 1, the People’s Committee Building of Ho Chi Minh City is one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Built in 1909, its French colonial design - with cream-colored walls, arched windows, and a bell tower - makes it look more like a European palace than a government office. Although entry is restricted, visitors can admire its beauty from the outside, especially at night when it is dramatically lit. In front of the building stands a bronze statue of President Ho Chi Minh.
1.8. Binh Dong Communal House
Nestled in the former District 8, Binh Dong Communal House is over 200 years old. Traditionally, it served as a place of worship and community gatherings. But during the war, it transformed into a hub for underground meetings led by President Ton Duc Thang and other revolutionaries. It is a different register within historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City: less spectacle, more stillness. You can visit the communal house during a festival occasion to see living heritage animate its old courtyards.
1.9. Museum of Ho Chi Minh City
Formerly known as Gia Long Palace, the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City is a stately French building turned into a treasury of local history. The exhibits here range widely: from prehistoric artifacts to traditional costumes, from colonial maps to photographs of Saigon through the ages. The museum also showcases the city’s role in the war, with displays of weapons, propaganda posters, and personal items from revolutionaries. Its architecture alone - arched corridors, sweeping staircases, and tiled floors - makes the visit worthwhile.
1.10. Pho Binh
In the former District 3, Pho Binh appears to be just another noodle shop, serving bowls of fragrant beef broth. But upstairs lies history: this was the secret headquarters where the 1968 Tet Offensive was planned. The walls are lined with black-and-white photos of the fighters who once met here. The owner, a former revolutionary, used the guise of a restaurant to mask the high-stakes meetings happening upstairs. Today, visitors can sit where generals once mapped strategies - while savoring a dish that is itself part of Vietnam’s heritage.
>>> Read more: Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City: Unique experiences in 2025
2. Historical places in Ho Chi Minh City’s outskirts
2.1. Cu Chi Tunnels
Among all historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City, none capture the imagination quite like Cu Chi Tunnels. Located about 60 kilometers away from the city center, this massive underground network stretches for more than 200 kilometers and once functioned as a hidden city. Fighters built kitchens, hospitals, workshops, and even living quarters underground, creating a lifeline for resistance during the Second Indochina War. Cu Chi has two main access points, Ben Dinh War Tunnels and Ben Duoc,the former being more popular with visitors.
2.2. Sac Forest War Base Historical Relic
Travel southeast to Can Gio and you will step into a different world - the tangled, saltwater-soaked mangroves of Sac Forest War Base. During the war, this area was a crucial base for Rung Sac Guerrilla Force, who mastered the environment to disrupt enemy supply lines along the rivers. The conditions were brutal. Fighters lived among crocodiles, endured constant bombings, and battled not only enemy troops but also the unforgiving swamp. Today, the base has been restored with bamboo shelters, command posts, and memorials dedicated to those who fought here.
2.3. Giong Junction Martyrs' Memorial
For travelers exploring historical places in Saigon, Giong Junction adds a solemn balance to the more dramatic places like Cu Chi. It was the site of fierce battles during the early years of resistance, where many fighters laid down their lives. The memorial’s towering sculpture - soldiers in motion, faces set with determination - honors those who fell in defense of their homeland. Surrounding it are quiet grounds where visitors can reflect, away from the rush of city life.
>>> Read more: Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City: Top popular attractions
FAQs about Ho Chi Minh City’s historical sites
What are the most famous historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City?
The top historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City include the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Nha Rong Wharf, and Cu Chi Tunnels.
Which historical sites in Saigon are best for a quick half-day visit?
For a compact itinerary, you can combine the Independence Palace, War Remnants Museum, and Turtle Lake. These sites are all in the former District 1 and can be explored within a few hours.
How much time should I spend visiting historical sites in the outskirts?
Plan at least half a day for Cu Chi Tunnels, or opt for day trips from Ho Chi Minh City that combine the tunnels with other attractions such as Sac Forest War Base.
What is the best way to explore historical places in Ho Chi Minh City?
Walking tours are great for the former District 1. For sites further away like Cu Chi or Hoc Mon, consider a guided tour for convenience.
Are there scenic historical sites in Saigon to relax and take photos?
Yes. The Turtle Lake is a popular photography spot with local legends, while the People’s Committee Building impresses with its stunning French colonial architecture. Nha Rong Wharf, located by the river, is also a scenic landmark.
>>> Read more: Map of Ho Chi Minh City: Must-see attractions for tourists
Exploring the many historical sites in Ho Chi Minh City is more than sightseeing - it is stepping into the country’s living memory. From the grand Independence Palace and the solemn War Remnants Museum in the city center to Cu Chi Tunnels on the outskirts, each landmark adds another layer to Vietnam’s story of resilience and renewal.
After immersing yourself in history, balance the trip with modern entertainment. Grand Park in Ho Chi Minh City is a perfect place to switch gears. Spread across hundreds of hectares, this urban mega-park combines green landscapes, lakes, walking trails, and cutting-edge recreational facilities.
Looking beyond Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam’s diversity opens up in every direction: the timeless charm of Hanoi, the tropical vibes of Phu Quoc and Nha Trang, the cultural heritage of Hoi An, and the majestic seascapes of Ha Long.
For comfort wherever you go, consider staying at the hotel and resort system of Vinpearl. Known for its top-tier services, family-friendly amenities, and prime locations, Vinpearl makes relaxation effortless. And if you are after a burst of fun, the entertainment complexes of VinWonders are never far away.
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