If you are planning a big sightseeing program, don't forget to buy a map of Ho Chi Minh City with descriptions of sights and their names at the airport or tourist store. It includes:
This map will be a handy companion during your visit to Ho Chi Minh City, helping you navigate the city and explore its rich cultural heritage.
Built in 1962, it survived two brutal wars - against the French and against the Americans - and several bombings. Today, the palace is a symbol of the country's independence. The decoration of the interior halls combines traditional Vietnamese architectural style with the style of the 1960s. Around the palace is a large green park with a beautiful fountain at the main entrance. It costs 30,000 VND to enter the palace.
If you look at the photos of this Ho Chi Minh City landmark, you will notice a striking resemblance to the famous Notre Dame de Paris. The reason is that this architectural monument was built by French colonists in 1880, similar to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Paris. The red bricks imported from France have retained their original appearance without tarnishing in the sun. Saigon's Notre Dame Cathedral became world famous in 2005 when locals noticed tears on the statue of the Virgin Mary. Her lament has brought thousands of pilgrims from all corners of the world to the site.
The pagoda was built in 1909 to honor the god of heaven, Ngoc Hoang. The religious structure is striking in its contrasts. The exterior walls are painted bright pink, but the interior rooms are very gloomy. One of them depicts the ten circles of hell, and in the center is a statue of the devil. But the inner courtyard again pleases the eyes of tourists. Here, among the many flowers and green plants, there is a pond with decorative turtles - favorites of the public. Entrance to the pagoda is free, but you can leave a donation.
This is one of Ho Chi Minh City's 12 mosques. It was built in 1935 for worshippers from India. If you want to go inside, your clothes should cover your whole body (long sleeve shirt, long pants). Shoes must be removed. Entry to the mosque is free of cost.
On the Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing map, you'll find the largest Buddhist temple in District 3. Services are held here regularly and anyone can attend. Women are also allowed into the temple. Entrance is free of charge.
The park, founded back in 1864, covers more than 20 hectares. Here you can see about two thousand exotic plants, including cacti, dwarf trees, and orchids. The botanical garden also has a zoo with 500 species of animals and birds.
