Get your camera ready — because Ho Chi Minh City is bursting with color, character, and endless frames that every traveler dreams of capturing! From the majestic Notre Dame Cathedral to the riverside glow of the Saigon River, this city offers a vibrant mix of history, style, and soul. In this guide, we’ll reveal the most iconic and hidden Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots to help you snap unforgettable shots. Along the way, discover the heart of Vietnamese culture, buzzing street life, and awe-inspiring architectural beauty — and don’t miss the highlights Ho Chi Minh City for even more can’t-miss experiences!
Right in the beating heart of Ho Chi Minh City, the Notre-Dame Cathedral stands tall as a symbol of history and harmony — and one of the most breathtaking Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots you’ll ever frame! Built between 1863 and 1880 entirely from red bricks shipped from Marseille, this Neo-Romanesque masterpiece is a living testament to architectural beauty and French-Vietnamese heritage.
Come early in the morning to soak in the golden rays of sunrise touching its iconic twin bell towers, or swing by during golden hour for the kind of soft light that turns your photos into visual poetry. Paris Square, directly in front of the cathedral, offers the perfect vantage point for wide-angle shots. Don’t miss capturing its finely carved doorways or zooming in on the architectural details that make this cathedral an eternal favorite among photography enthusiasts.
Pro tip: On weekends, especially in wedding season, the cathedral becomes a backdrop for couples dressed in Ao Dai — perfect for authentic, candid shots of Vietnamese culture and romance in the city.
And if you’re looking for more gems like this, be sure to browse our highlights Ho Chi Minh City guide for other remarkable photo locations just a few steps away!
Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon (Sours: daytripvietnam)
This is the definition of urban cool in the middle of a bustling metropolis! The Nguyen Hue Café Apartment — once a functional apartment block — is now a legendary multi-floor hub of vintage cafes, boutique shops, and creative studios. And yes, it’s also one of the most unique Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots in the city.
Photographers flock here to capture its quirky balconies, glowing signboards, and contrasting textures of old Saigon. For the best elevated shots of Nguyen Hue Walking Street — one of the highlights Ho Chi Minh City — head to Saigon Oi Café or Thinker & Dreamer on the upper floors. Their balconies offer unbeatable views of the vibrant street below.
At night, the building transforms into a glowing patchwork of lights and colors, perfect for handheld long-exposure shots or that dazzling Instagram reel. The combination of traditional and modern energy makes this a perfect stop to capture the rhythm of daily life in the city’s center.
Nguyen Hue Café Apartment (Sours: localvietnam)
Just a short walk from the cathedral stands one of the most photographed historical sites in Vietnam — the Saigon Central Post Office. Often mistaken as the work of Gustave Eiffel, this grand post office was actually designed by Marie-Alfred Foulhoux in the late 19th century. And trust us, it deserves its title as one of the most timeless Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots.
Step inside and you’re greeted by vaulted ceilings, antique phone booths, mosaic floor tiles, and a stunning arched hallway that leads straight to a portrait of Ho Chi Minh — all elements that call out to your inner visual storyteller. The natural symmetry here makes it a dream location for centered compositions, while the soft indoor lighting provides a magical glow for portraits and architectural shots.
Outside, the building’s brilliant yellow facade, green shutters, and marble plaques of global intellectuals create the perfect balance of colonial charm and cultural identity. Whether you’re using a DSLR or just your phone, every angle offers a window into Saigon’s rich past.
Want more places with the same timeless energy? Take a look at our full collection of highlights Ho Chi Minh City to plan your next photo adventure!
Saigon Central Post Office (Sours: visithcmc)
No list of top Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots would be complete without the legendary Ben Thanh Market Sai Gon. This bustling icon has been serving the people of Ho Chi Minh City for over 100 years — and its blend of color, culture, and chaos makes it a goldmine for photography enthusiasts.
Head straight to the South Gate clock tower for that classic façade shot, then step inside to capture scenes of daily life: vendors arranging spices, tourists haggling for souvenirs, and steaming trays of street food ready to be devoured. It’s a symphony of color and movement — ideal for tight-framed portraits or moody street shots.
Pro tip: Arrive by 7:00 AM to beat the crowds and capture vendors setting up under the soft, golden light. Bring a prime lens if you want low-light shots with strong contrast — and be ready to shoot fast on these bustling streets.
When you’re done shooting, don’t forget to grab a banh mi or fresh coconut for that classic Saigon energy boost. For more vivid markets and must-see sights, check out our guide to the best highlights Ho Chi Minh City!
Ben Thanh Market (Sours: localvietnam)
Step into one of Ho Chi Minh City’s oldest and most sacred temples — Ba Thien Hau Temple, located in the heart of Cho Lon (Chinatown). This serene yet powerful space is a sanctuary of heritage and prayer, making it one of the most spiritually rich Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots.
You’ll be mesmerized by its rooftop carvings, colorful bas-reliefs, and iconic spiral incense coils hanging from the ceiling. The best moment? When sunlight pours through the rooftop vents, highlighting rising incense smoke in dramatic, cinematic layers. The result? A scene that perfectly embodies Vietnamese culture and spiritual tradition.
A gentle reminder to fellow photography enthusiasts — no flash, and handheld only. This historical site is a functioning place of worship, so respect and silence go hand in hand with every shutter click.
If this kind of cultural immersion speaks to you, continue your journey with our full list of highlights Ho Chi Minh City for more photo-worthy heritage spots across the city.
Ba Thien Hau Temple (Sours: antoursvietnam)
You’ve seen it on Instagram — now it’s time to experience it in person! The dazzling salmon-pink façade of Tan Dinh Church makes it one of the most instantly recognizable Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots.
Built in 1876 with a bold blend of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, this church doesn’t just pop in your photos — it glows. For the best angle, head across the street to Cong Cafe and shoot from the upper balcony while sipping their signature coconut coffee. The contrast between the bright façade and the street below creates the perfect urban postcard.
And if you’re planning a fashion shoot? This is the place to bring out the pastel tones or flowing white Ao Dai. It’s where architectural beauty meets style and story in one seamless frame.
Tan Dinh Church (Sours: historicvietnam)
Welcome to skyline paradise! The Thu Thiem Bridge is one of the newer stars in the city’s growing collection of Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots, offering panoramic views of the Saigon River, Landmark 81, and the glistening skyscrapers of central Ho Chi Minh City.
As the sun sets, the city lights begin to shimmer, and you’ll find locals perched along the railing with iced coffee, snacks, or even guitars. It’s an unforgettable scene of daily life and urban poetry, waiting to be captured.
Set up your tripod at the center of the bridge for an ultra-wide shot that includes both the riverbanks and skyline. The blue hour reflections on the water are nothing short of magic — especially for those chasing the perfect twilight Instagram shot.
For those who want to see more skyline perspectives, don’t forget to check out our full roundup of highlights Ho Chi Minh City!
Thu Thiem Bridge (Sours: evnexpress)
A double dose of French colonial splendor awaits at the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House and City Hall, two masterpieces that define the city’s timeless elegance. These are without doubt two of the most photogenic Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots — especially for lovers of European architecture.
The Opera House, with its elaborate balustrades, white columns, and rich ornamentation, is a showcase of French Third Republic style. Just a few steps away, City Hall stuns with its intricate architectural details and glowing yellow facade — a structure so stunning that it feels like a miniature European palace right in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.
For the ultimate night shot, cross over to Dong Khoi Street or the garden area near the Uncle Ho Statue. That’s where you’ll capture both buildings beautifully lit, glowing against the night sky. Long exposure? Absolutely. These are frame-worthy moments that belong in any serious guide to the best Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots.
Want to explore more dazzling facades, colonial charm, and vibrant streets? Dive into our list of highlights Ho Chi Minh City to uncover even more city gems!
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House (Sours: luneproduction)
Few places combine modernity and nature quite like Bach Dang Wharf Park, a rising star among Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots. Located right on the Saigon River, this waterfront gem offers clear panoramic views of Bitexco Tower, Landmark 81, and the glass skyline that defines the city’s modern identity.
In the early morning, you’ll see locals jogging, practicing Tai Chi, or sipping coffee while gazing over the river. In the evening, the atmosphere turns romantic with pastel skies and golden water reflections. These moments are a dream for photography enthusiasts — soft light, lively backdrops, and still water that mirrors the skyline perfectly.
Feeling adventurous? Hop on the nearby Saigon Waterbus to shoot from the river itself. You’ll gain a unique angle that captures both old-world riverside charm and futuristic towers — perfect for showcasing the city’s traditional and modern sides.
Looking for more outdoor elegance and scenic contrasts? We’ve handpicked more spots like this in our full highlights Ho Chi Minh City guide!
Bach Dang Wharf Park (Sours: themystdongkhoihotel)
Let’s wrap up our adventure with one of the most dazzling Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots: the enchanting Starlight Bridge, or Cau Anh Sao. Nestled in the tranquil Crescent Lake area of District 7, this bridge lights up with thousands of LED lights underfoot, creating the illusion of walking on a glowing galaxy.
It’s a favorite for couples, night owls, and long-exposure addicts alike. Set your camera low to the ground to capture the illuminated walkway with mirrored reflections on the water. Nearby, the Lotus Lake, fountains, and crescent-shaped promenade add even more elegance to your compositions.
Start with a peaceful walk around the lake at sunset, then stay as darkness falls and the lights come alive — it’s a magical moment where vibrant city life feels like a scene from a movie. And yes, it’s one of the most Instagram-worthy Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots you’ll ever capture.
Starlight Bridge (Sours: tripadvisor)
Like any big city, Ho Chi Minh City is full of energy — and with it comes the occasional risk of petty theft. Whether you’re shooting the buzzing scene at Ben Thanh Market or snapping daily life in Cho Lon, always use a neck or wrist strap for your camera. If you’re using a smartphone, avoid holding it loosely near the street or while walking through bustling streets.
A discreet backpack or crossbody sling with secure zippers is highly recommended. Want to keep shooting worry-free? Bring a microfiber cloth for tropical humidity and zip your gear away between stops at your favorite Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots.
Timing is everything. The best light for most Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots comes during:
DSLRs and mirrorless cameras are excellent for capturing architectural details and wide urban scenes. Bring a fast prime lens (35mm or 50mm) for low-light portraits or narrow alleys in Cho Lon. For mobile shooters, apps like Lightroom Mobile or VSCO with filters tuned to warm tones and high contrast work beautifully for Vietnamese culture shots and food photos (especially that late-night street food!).
Photography enthusiasts should also consider a lightweight tripod for blue hour long-exposures — especially on the banks of the Saigon River.
When shooting inside historical sites like Ba Thien Hau Temple or near religious spaces such as Tan Dinh or Notre Dame Cathedral, always ask permission if unsure. Turn off your flash, dress respectfully (covered shoulders and knees), and avoid blocking walkways or photographing during ceremonies.
This kind of mindfulness not only elevates your travel experience — it aligns your lens with the deeper layers of Vietnamese culture and tradition, which is what makes Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots truly meaningful.
07:30 AM – Hotel Pickup (District 1 or nearby)
Your friendly photography guide will meet you at your hotel and brief you on the tour. Get helpful tips for street photography, safety, and how to dress appropriately for cultural sites.
08:00 AM – Ben Thanh Market
Capture the vibrant early morning life of Saigon! From colorful stalls to busy vendors and food displays — it’s perfect for action shots and street portraits. Don’t miss the iconic South Gate clock tower!
08:45 AM – Central Post Office & Notre Dame Cathedral
Walk over to two of Saigon’s most beloved landmarks. Photograph the French-colonial interior arches of the Central Post Office, then cross the square for wide-angle shots of the Notre Dame Cathedral, built from bricks imported from Marseille.
09:30 AM – Nguyen Van Binh Book Street
Relax under tree-lined walkways filled with books, cafes, and charming corners. Ideal for lifestyle or candid café shots. Grab a postcard or a Vietnamese iced coffee for the road!
10:30 AM – Tan Dinh Church (The Pink Church)
This pastel-pink masterpiece shines in the late morning sun. Shoot from across the street at Cong Cafe for the perfect wide shot, or capture close-ups of its Gothic and Renaissance details.
12:00 PM – Local Lunch (Vietnamese cuisine)
Enjoy classic southern Vietnamese dishes like cơm tấm or bún thịt nướng at a cozy restaurant nearby.
01:30 PM – Ba Thien Hau Temple (District 5)
Step into spiritual serenity in Chinatown. With incense coils hanging from the ceiling, sunlight streaming in, and intricate roof carvings, this is a must for cultural photography. Please shoot respectfully — no flash, handheld only.
03:00 PM – Hotel Check-in & Rest (District 1)
Take a break, back up your photos, and freshen up for the golden hour session.
05:00 PM – Sunset at Thu Thiem Bridge
Join locals on the bridge with views of the Saigon River and Landmark 81. Capture silhouettes, skyline reflections, and romantic twilight shots. Bring your tripod for long exposures and stay until the sky turns deep blue.
Sunset by the River (Sours: flickr)
05:30 AM – Sunrise at Bach Dang Wharf Park
Start your day along the riverbank as Ho Chi Minh City wakes up. Capture runners, peaceful waters, and the skyline bathed in golden morning light — with Bitexco Tower and Landmark 81 glowing in the background.
07:00 AM – Waterbus Experience on the Saigon River
Hop aboard the Saigon Waterbus from Bach Dang to Binh An and back (approx. 45 mins round trip). Great for rare river-level photos of the modern cityscape.
08:30 AM – Breakfast & Coffee at Nguyen Hue Café Apartment (No. 42 Nguyen Hue)
Explore this retro 9-story apartment building packed with quirky cafés and shops. Head to the 4th or 5th floor (Saigon Ơi, The Letter) for views over the lively pedestrian street — perfect for café lifestyle shots!
09:30 AM – Saigon Opera House & City Hall
These neighboring colonial buildings are architectural gems. Position yourself in the flower park near Uncle Ho’s statue to get full panoramic shots with clean angles and historic flair.
11:00 AM – End of Tour
We’ll drop you off at your hotel or the airport, depending on your onward travel. You’ll leave with stunning photos, rich stories, and a deep appreciation of the highlights Ho Chi Minh City has to offer.
Sunrise at Bach Dang Wharf Park (Sours: jackfruitadventure)
From vibrant streets to timeless landmarks, Ho Chi Minh Photography Spots offer endless inspiration for every shutter click. Whether you’re drawn to the charm of Tan Dinh, the energy of Ben Thanh Market, or the calm of the Saigon River, this vibrant city never fails to impress. Don’t forget to tag your best shots and explore more highlights Ho Chi Minh City to keep your photo journey going. Subscribe now for hidden gems and exclusive photo tour updates — your next iconic shot is waiting!
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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