Essential Ho Chi Minh City Free Walking Tour: All Must-see

First, our adventure kicks off at 3:30 P.M. from Vietravel’s headquarters. Here, our guide will brief you on important details for the walking tour. You can also refill your water before we set off.

Our first stop is Turtle Lake, a unique structure shrouded in mystery. This mysterious architectural marvel is more than meets the eye. Its octagonal shape, a masterful blend of yin and yang, whispers ancient secrets of Feng Shui.

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic historical landmarks. Located in the heart of the city, it once served as the presidential residence and workplace of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The building we see today was designed by Vietnamese architect Ngô Viết Thụ and completed in 1966, showcasing a unique blend of modernist architecture and Eastern philosophy. It became globally significant on April 30, 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates, marking the fall of Saigon and the official end of the Vietnam War. Today, the palace stands as a museum, preserving the rooms, war command center, and original furnishings from the era. A visit to the Independence Palace offers an immersive experience into Vietnam’s modern history and a powerful reminder of the country’s journey toward reunification and peace.

Continue to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, an architectural masterpiece built by the French. It was regarded as a replica of the Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. Over a century old, this cathedral stands as a symbol of Saigon and holds cultural significance for the locals.

Next, we’ll walk along Pham Ngoc Thach Street to the Central Post Office. It's where the East met the West in a dance of ideas and traditions. Feel the echoes of letters and telegrams, each weaving into Saigon's rich cultural tapestry.

Across the way, the Saigon Opera House beckons. Once the playground of aristocrats, it tells the story of Saigon's transformation into the "Pearl of the Far East."

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, located in a grand colonial-era building on Lê Thánh Tôn Street in District 1, serves as the executive arm of the city government. Originally constructed in the early 20th century as the Hôtel de Ville (City Hall) during French colonial rule, the building is renowned for its elegant French architecture, ornate facade, and prominent clock tower. Though not open to the public, it remains a key symbol of the city’s administration and a popular spot for photos, especially at night when it is beautifully illuminated. The Committee oversees the implementation of policies, urban planning, and public services across the city, playing a crucial role in the development and management of Vietnam’s largest and most dynamic metropolis.

The Café Apartment is a quirky and beloved gem in Saigon’s urban landscape, offering a layered mix of history, creativity, and charm. Once an old residential building from the 1960s, it has been transformed into a vertical hub of indie cafés, boutique shops, co-working studios, and art-inspired spaces. Each floor reveals a different personality—from minimalist coffee houses to boho-chic tea lounges and concept stores—many with balconies that overlook the bustling streets below. The building’s vintage facade, adorned with colorful signage and neon lights, makes it a favorite photo spot for locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re sipping a latte, browsing handmade goods, or simply enjoying the eclectic atmosphere, every corner offers a sense of discovery.

Lastly, we end our journey at Bach Dang Quay Park, a peaceful stretch along the Saigon River that has quietly witnessed centuries of the city’s rise, fall, and reinvention. Once the site of grand arrivals and historic farewells, this riverfront has been everything from a colonial docking point to a stage for modern celebrations. From here, you’ll catch a sweeping view of Saigon’s skyline—glass towers shimmering beside slow-moving boats and floating lotus lanterns. It’s a place where past and present stand side by side, where skyscrapers grow out of ancient soil, and where the river carries the whispers of empires, war, resilience, and renewal.

This is more than just the end of a tour. It’s the perfect full stop to Saigon’s ongoing story—and now, you’re part of it. You’ll leave with a head full of tales, a phone full of photos, and maybe, just maybe, a little bit of Saigon in your heart.