Immerse yourself in the blossomed French colonial enclave at the French Quarters of Ho Chi Minh that pulsates with the local Vietnamese effervescence on the local streets. This historical neighborhood, featuring landmarks such as the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office and the Reunification Palace, welcomes you to discover classic architecture, quaint cafés, and under-the-radar cultural treasures all without leaving your feet. On this walking best things to do in Ho Chi Minh, perfect for history buffs or travelers simply seeking a taste of the past, enjoy urban tales and unmissable highlights at every twist and turn in the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh.
The French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh is the city’s chic and historic neighborhood, situated in District 1. Called the colonial district or downtown, it was the hub of French administration in the Indochina period, and today, where classic architecture meets the modern rhythm of the city.
Here, you’ll find iconic sights such as the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the Opera House. These buildings are not only beautiful, but they have so much history about Vietnam, which makes this walk one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh.
In contrast to Hanoi’s French Quarter, which is more like, well, a regular mankind colony, Ho Chi Minh’s is active and full of life. Street food, old villas, and buzzing cafes make a mixed vibe of old and new that you can only find here. Not worthy of the Saigon trip, you should have overlooked the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh!
An architectural jewel of the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh, the Notre-Dame Cathedral was constructed from 1877 to 1880 with materials such as red bricks imported from Marseille. Its twin 58-meter bell towers once loomed over the city and stood as a symbol of Catholic presence under French rule. While access to the interior is limited at the moment by a large restoration project here, the striking facade and peaceful square still mark it as one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh for historians, photographers, and spiritual seekers.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (Sours: sherwoodsuites)
A cherished symbol of the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh, the building of the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office was made by none other than Gustave Eiffel. Step inside and you’ll be welcomed by the old-world grandeur, arched ceilings, patterned marble floors, and antique phone booths, haunted with past chatter. Beautiful hand-drawn maps of colonial Vietnam are mounted on the walls of the central hallway, and photos of President Ho Chi Minh are at one end. It’s not just a working post office but a historical part of the city which allows old to blend with new, the shining example of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh.
Ho Chi Minh City Post Office (Sours: reflectionsenroute)
Located in the French-influenced Ho Chi Minh, the Reunification Palace- known before as the Presidential Palace of South Vietnam is a monument to modern Vietnamese history. This is where the Vietnam War ended, on April 30, 1975, tanks rolling through its gates. There are preserved war rooms and opulent reception halls, secret tunnels, and even a rooftop helipad for visitors to tour. The building itself is a mid-20th-century wonder and a fascinating dive into 20th-century Vietnamese politics.
Reunification Palace (Sours: independencepalace)
Construction of the City Hall occurred from 1902 to 1908, and it remains one of the French Renaissance-style buildings in Vietnam. Though tourists are not allowed inside the building, its immaculate cream facade and decorative style make it one of the most photographed in the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh City. Visit at sunset or after dark to see the whole building gilded by golden lights, a picture-perfect moment if ever there was one.
Ho Chi Minh City Hall (Sours: wikipedia)
Established in 1900, this colonial building has long served as a cultural entertainment center of Ho Chi Minh City (or Saigon). Flamboyantly French Baroque, it’s the regular host of ballets, traditional Vietnamese music shows, and cultural events such as the popular A O Show. Even if you don’t see a performance, the sculptured facade, ornate balconies are a “must do” for architecture lovers.
Saigon Opera House (Sours: luneproduction)
Once, Rue Catinat, Dong Khoi Street, was the heart and soul of colonial Saigon. Today, it’s still busy; there are upscale brands, small hotels, fine art galleries, and chic cafes in restored colonials. It’s here that you’ll finally get a real sense of the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh, where the past resonates through to the beat of today.
Dong Khoi Street (Sours: asiamystika)
Start at one of Saigon’s most iconic cathedrals. This brick red basilica with its castellated towers looks lovely in the early morning light against the blue sky -great for photographs. Across the square, the interior is closed for restoration, but it’s very much awake outside, with birds, a light breeze, and coffee vendors.
Walking tip: Walking tip: From here, you’ll be walking south through the entire French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh, in a bit of a loop.
This working post office is a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. Take in the tiled floors, arched steel frames, antique phone booths, and large wall maps. Sent me a postcard, won’t you!
From the post office, walk straight up Dong Khoi Street (formerly Rue Catinat), the spine of the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh. Gaze at the balconies of colonial-era buildings, drop in to art galleries or boutiques, and sense the rhythm of history and high fashion. Almost all sights on this tour are located along Dong Khoi.
Optional stop (quick photo): Saigon Central Mosque at 66 Dong Du Street, an unexpected mix of Islamic architecture tucked between French colonial structures.
Not just a beautiful sight from every angle, this baroque-style building is also a pleasant and unique shopping experience. It’s the city’s cultural heart, and while it is only open for evening shows, its grand facade and marble steps are worth an outside peek.
Travel note: This location is in the middle of your route, a great place for a brief stop.
Have a coffee or iced tea at the delightful colonial courtyard café of The Continental Hotel, Vietnam’s oldest hotel. During the French colonial era and the Vietnam War, this sex hotel was a hotspot for writers, diplomats, and journalists.
On the right, turning from Dong Khoi to Ly Tu Trong, then left on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, you will come to the Reunification Palace, the old presidential palace of South Vietnam. Wander through its lavish rooms, command control centres, and history displays.
Ticket price: 40,000 VND (basic), 65,000 VND (with museum exhibition)
Estimated visit time: 45 minutes
Double back towards the cathedral area and take a walk down the tranquil Book Street. The tree-lined promenade is bejeweled with the balconied bookshops, cafes, and reading corners. It’s a peaceful place to relax, read, journal, or just have a cold drink in the shade as you wind down your tour.
Walk Along Dong Khoi Street (Sours: asiamystika)
At Impress Travel, we are convinced that the best trips are delivered by way of epic adventures, well-thought-out itineraries, and personalized attention from beginning to end. We don’t just set up tours, we craft experiences. With more than 15 years in Vietnam and Indochina, we are not simply preparing itineraries.
Request your tailor-made trip design your best 6-day tours in the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh more: Hanoi travel guide and best 6-day tours in Hanoi Our enthusiastic local experts both in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh city are happy to help you organize your memorable trip to the French district of Ho Chi Minh from a private walking tour, bespoke city itinerary to an Indochina multi-country journey featuring this cultural delight.
So why wait? Let the lovely things Impress Travel take you on a journey through the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh, an adventure that’s magic, meaningful, and oh-so memorable.
Morning (Recommended): Morning is the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh. From 7:30 to 11:30 AM, the weather is cool, the light is soft for photography, and the streets are buzzing with commuters and café culture. You’ll escape the heat, and quiet time at the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office and Reunification Palace is beyond easier to navigate.
Evening: And for those of you out there who suffer through mornings, between 4:30 and 7 PM is a beautiful stroll as well. At sunset, the City Hall and the Opera House, and various other landmarks are splendidly illuminated. On Dong Khoi Street, boutiques bustle with shoppers, live music spills into the street, while the din of night café patrons fills the air. Just keep in mind that most attractions close at around 5 PM.
Pro Tip: Walk in the morning, march back at night when the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh City sparkles under lights.
French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh (Sours: vnexpress)
The French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh resides in District 1, and is very walkable from most hotels and sights. Here is how to get there easily:
Accessibility Note: Flat, shady sidewalks; wheelchair access can vary depending on precise locations.
It’s in the French Quarter of Ho Chi Minh, where the soul of the city reveals itself behind colonial façades, down quiet alleys, and in stories that stand the test of time. Slow down, open up, and let every corner surprise you. It’s more than just a walk, it’s one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh, and a way to get to know the soul of Saigon. Don’t miss a stop at the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office because here, the past continues to inscribe itself into the present.
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
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