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Ho Chi Minh City attractions: opening hours, admission fees, and how to get there at a glance
Find visitor information and directions for Ho Chi Minh City's main attractions. Check official sources again before your visit for current hours and fees.
Admission fees and opening hours at a glance
Prices are for adults. Attractions that are free or have no separate admission fee are marked free.
| Attraction | Admission fee | Opening hours |
|---|---|---|
| Independence Palace · Independence Palace · Dinh Độc Lập | 80,000 VND | Daily 07:00–18:00 |
| War Remnants Museum · War Remnants Museum · Bảo tàng Chứng tích Chiến tranh | 60,000 VND | Daily 07:30–17:30 (ticket sales and entry close at 17:00) |
| Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon · Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon · Vương cung thánh đường Chính tòa Đức Bà Sài Gòn | — | — |
| Saigon Central Post Office · Saigon Central Post Office · Bưu điện Trung tâm Sài Gòn | — | — |
| Ben Thanh Market · Ben Thanh Market · Chợ Bến Thành | Free | Daily 07:00–19:00; night market 19:00–24:00 |
| Nguyen Hue Walking Street and The Cafe Apartment · Nguyen Hue Walking Street and The Cafe Apartment · Phố đi bộ Nguyễn Huệ; Chung cư 42 Nguyễn Huệ | — | — |
| Saigon Skydeck · Saigon Skydeck · Saigon Skydeck; Tòa nhà Bitexco Financial Tower | 240,000 VND | — |
| Jade Emperor Pagoda · Jade Emperor Pagoda · Chùa Ngọc Hoàng (Phước Hải Tự) | — | Daily 07:00–17:30; lunar days 1 and 15, 05:00–19:00 |
| Cho Lon (Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple) · Cho Lon (Binh Tay Market, Thien Hau Temple) · Chợ Lớn (Chợ Bình Tây, Miếu Bà Thiên Hậu / Hội quán Tuệ Thành) | Free | Binh Tay Market shops approximately 06:00–18:00; Thien Hau Temple daily 06:00–17:30 |
| Saigon River and Saigon Waterbus · Saigon River and Saigon Waterbus · Sông Sài Gòn; Tàu buýt sông Sài Gòn | 15,000 VND one way; 30,000 VND round trip | Weekdays 07:00–21:00; weekends and public holidays 07:00–23:00 |
| Landmark 81 SkyView · Landmark 81 SkyView · Đài quan sát Landmark 81 SkyView | 300,000 VND weekdays; 500,000 VND weekends and public holidays | Daily approximately 10:00–22:00 (another 2026 guide lists weekday closing at 21:30) |
| Thao Dien · Thao Dien · Thảo Điền | Free | — |
| Cu Chi Tunnels day trip · Cu Chi Tunnels day trip · Địa đạo Củ Chi | 135,000 VND | Daily 07:00–17:00 |
| Mekong Delta day trip · Mekong Delta day trip · Đồng bằng sông Cửu Long | Varies by tour | — |
What are the admission fee and dress code for Independence Palace?
Independence Palace, formerly the Presidential Palace, is known as a symbol of the end of the Vietnam War. This historic site lets you see the offices and underground bunker used at the time.
You can explore the palace building and related exhibition halls, making it a good place to learn about modern Vietnamese history.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily 07:00–18:00 |
| Admission fee | Standard adult admission 80,000 VND |
| Dress code | Modest clothing is recommended; avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. |
| How to get there | In central District 1, the palace is easy to reach on foot or by Grab. Entrance addresses are 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia and 106 Nguyen Du. |
- Choose a standard admission ticket if you plan to visit both the palace and exhibition halls.
- Visits may be restricted during special events or meetings. From May 1, 2026, ticketing and entrance hours may vary by entrance, so check official information before visiting.
What are the War Remnants Museum's opening hours and admission fee?
The War Remnants Museum presents the history of the Vietnam War and its impact on civilians through photographs, documents, and military equipment.
Indoor and outdoor exhibits include images and material about the horrors of war, offering historical context for your visit.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily 07:30–17:30 |
| Admission fee | Standard foreign adult admission 60,000 VND (effective October 1, 2026) |
| How to get there | Take a Grab from near Ben Thanh Market, or head toward Independence Palace and walk from there. |
- The subject matter is serious and some images may be graphic, so consider the age and sensitivities of anyone in your group.
- Ticket sales and entry close at 17:00.
Can you see Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral while it is being restored?
Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is a Catholic cathedral known for its red-brick facade and twin spires.
Restoration updates continue to appear, so check on the day of your visit whether the exterior is accessible and whether the cathedral has posted any notices.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dress code | For a cathedral visit, wear modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees. |
| How to get there | The cathedral is right next to Saigon Central Post Office, so the two are easy to visit on foot together. From the Ben Thanh Market area, walk or take a Grab through central District 1. |
- During restoration, scaffolding may cover the exterior or access to the interior may be restricted. Check official notices and on-site information on the day of your visit.
What are Saigon Central Post Office's opening hours and admission fee?
Saigon Central Post Office is a historic post office with architecture from the French colonial era.
See the high arched ceiling and interior maps. It stands beside Notre-Dame Cathedral, making the two easy to visit together.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get there | The post office is right next to the cathedral and within walking distance of major attractions in central District 1. From Ben Thanh Market, walk or take a Grab. |
- Groups of tourists can gather here, so try to visit at a quieter time.
- Be considerate of visitors using the post office's services, and note that the main entrance may be restricted during official events.
What are Ben Thanh Market's opening hours and night market hours?
Ben Thanh Market is a landmark indoor traditional market in central Ho Chi Minh City, with food, souvenirs, clothing, and places to eat.
In the evening, night market stalls may set up outside the market, creating a different atmosphere from the daytime.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | According to official Ho Chi Minh City tourism information, daily 07:00–19:00; night market 19:00–24:00 |
| Admission fee | Free |
| How to get there | The market is next to Ben Thanh metro station and can be reached on Metro Line 1. It is also easy to get there on foot or by Grab from central District 1. |
- For goods without fixed prices, confirm the price and payment currency before buying, and bargain.
- Market and night market hours vary across sources, so check on the day of your visit.
How should you explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street and The Cafe Apartment?
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a city-center promenade stretching from City Hall toward the Saigon River. Locals and visitors gather here in the evening.
Across the street, cafes and shops fill the floors of The Cafe Apartment at 42 Nguyễn Huệ, with a variety of spaces to explore.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| How to get there | Both are in central District 1, near Ben Thanh Market, and can be reached on foot or by Grab. The building at 42 Nguyễn Huệ faces the pedestrian street. |
- Hours and payment methods vary by cafe, so check the day's information for the places you want to visit.
- Check on-site for any elevator fee or conditions when moving around the building.
What is the admission fee for Saigon Skydeck, and what can you see?
Saigon Skydeck is an observation deck in Bitexco Financial Tower, with views over central Ho Chi Minh City and toward the Saigon River.
If the view is your priority, check the weather and visibility before you go.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission fee | Adult 240,000 VND |
| How to get there | In central District 1 near Ben Thanh Market, it is easy to reach on foot or by Grab. You can also walk from Opera House station on Metro Line 1. |
- Check the official website or on-site information for current opening status and tickets.
What are the dress code and opening hours at Jade Emperor Pagoda?
Jade Emperor Pagoda is a city temple blending Taoist and Buddhist traditions. Its ornate altars, sculptures, and incense are striking.
This is an active place of worship, so explore quietly and respectfully.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Daily 07:00–17:30; lunar days 1 and 15, 05:00–19:00 |
| Dress code | Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended. |
| How to get there | Take a Grab or taxi from Ben Thanh Market. Official tourism information lists buses 18, 93, and 150. |
- Avoid taking photos or talking during prayers, and follow instructions in areas where shoes must be removed.
- Hours may vary on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month.
How do you get to Binh Tay Market and Thien Hau Temple in Cho Lon?
Cho Lon is a residential and commercial area for ethnic Chinese Vietnamese, with wholesale markets, temples, and assembly halls.
Take in the historic architecture and commercial atmosphere of Binh Tay Market, then visit Thien Hau Temple to learn about the worship of Mazu, goddess of the sea.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Binh Tay Market indoor shops approximately 06:00–18:00 (varies by shop); Thien Hau Temple daily 06:00–17:30 |
| Admission fee | Binh Tay Market free; Thien Hau Temple free |
| Dress code | Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended at the temple. |
| How to get there | Bus 1 takes about 25 minutes from Ben Thanh to Binh Tay Market and costs 7,000 VND. You can include Thien Hau Temple in a walking itinerary around the neighborhood. |
- Binh Tay Market is geared toward wholesale, and some shops may not sell individual items. Visit in the morning to see the market in action.
- Many market shops close for several days during Tet, so check individual holiday notices.
What are the Saigon Waterbus fares and operating hours?
Enjoy a riverside walk along the Saigon River or take a water bus. Waterbus Line 1 connects Bach Dang and Linh Dong.
Dinner cruises operate separately, with their own operators, schedules, and fares.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating hours | Service runs daily; weekdays 07:00–21:00, weekends and public holidays 07:00–23:00 |
| Admission fee | 15,000 VND one way; 30,000 VND round trip |
| How to get there | Travel from Ben Thanh Market to Bach Dang pier, then board the water bus. |
- Seats may sell out, so check the official timetable and online availability in advance.
- Check departure times separately; services may vary according to the timetable and operating conditions.
What are the fares and opening hours for Landmark 81 SkyView?
Landmark 81 SkyView is an observation deck with high-level views over Ho Chi Minh City and the Saigon River.
Recent information lists different admission fees for weekdays and weekends or public holidays, so check the rate for your visit date.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Recent guides list daily hours of approximately 10:00–22:00; another 2026 guide lists weekday closing at 21:30 |
| Admission fee | Standard foreign adult admission: 300,000 VND weekdays; 500,000 VND weekends and public holidays |
| How to get there | From Ben Thanh, take Metro Line 1 to Tan Cang station, then walk or take a taxi. |
- Tickets are listed as available at the SkyView ticket counter on B1 of Vincom Center Landmark 81 or online.
- Hours may change on holidays and during events, so check before visiting.
Is there an admission fee for Thao Dien?
Thao Dien is a residential and commercial area east of the Saigon River, with cafes, international restaurants, and shops.
Rather than a single paid attraction, it is a neighborhood to explore on foot for its food and cafe culture.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission fee | Free |
| How to get there | Take Metro Line 1 from Ben Thanh station to Thao Dien station. Cash fares for a single metro ride range from 7,000–20,000 VND, depending on the distance. |
- Your destination may be some distance from Thao Dien station, so choose the address of the place you want to visit and plan to walk or take a vehicle from the station.
- Check opening days and hours with each shop or restaurant.
What are the Cu Chi Tunnels day trip fee and opening hours?
The Cu Chi Tunnels are a historic site preserving underground passageways and living and military facilities built during wartime.
At the Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc sites, exhibition spaces and sections open for exploration offer a glimpse of daily life at the time.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc: daily 07:00–17:00 |
| Admission fee | Total for foreign adults 135,000 VND (site admission 35,000 VND + services and guidance 100,000 VND) |
| Dress code | Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are recommended. Some sections of the tunnels are narrow and low. |
| How to get there | The easiest option is to travel from Ben Thanh by day tour vehicle or pre-booked car. |
- When booking, confirm which site you will visit, Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc, the return pickup time, and whether admission is included.
- If narrow spaces make you uncomfortable, you can visit the above-ground exhibits only.
How do you choose a Mekong Delta day trip?
The Mekong Delta is a vast delta of waterways, rural villages, orchards, and islands in the lower reaches of the Mekong River.
Day tours from Ho Chi Minh City typically visit My Tho and Ben Tre, with boat rides and experiences in local villages.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission fee | There is no single admission fee for the entire region; prices vary by tour. A reference price for an adult on a group day tour is 800,000–1,190,000 VND per person. |
| Dress code | Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended for boat rides and outdoor activities. |
| How to get there | A common option is to book a day tour vehicle from Ho Chi Minh City to My Tho and Ben Tre. |
- “Mekong Delta” refers to a large region, so confirm the destinations, boat rides, and whether meals and admission fees are included before booking.
- The drive to My Tho is listed as approximately two hours.
FAQ
Is there a combined ticket for multiple attractions?
The standard Independence Palace ticket includes the palace and exhibition halls. Saigon Waterbus and dinner cruises are separate products. For other combined tickets, check official information from each attraction.
What should I wear when visiting a temple or cathedral?
Modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended at Jade Emperor Pagoda and Thien Hau Temple. The same dress is appropriate for a visit to Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral.
When is a good time to visit an observation deck?
If you want the view from Saigon Skydeck, check the weather and visibility. For Landmark 81 SkyView, check the date-specific fee and same-day opening hours before visiting.
Can I find dinner or nightlife venues along with sightseeing?
After exploring central District 1, choose a place to eat from VietnamTripMap's restaurants around Ben Thanh Market. In the evening, look for rooftop bars, pubs, or live music venues. For a Thao Dien itinerary, you can also include cafes and bars in the neighborhood.
Official sources & check dates
- Independence Palace — Hours of operation and ticket price · 2026-10-28
- War Remnants Museum — Terms and Conditions · 2026-10-28
- War Remnants Museum official site · 2026-10-28
- Nhà thờ Chính tòa Đức Bà Sài Gòn – official site · 2026-10-28
- Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral emerges after nearly a decade of restoration · 2026-10-28
- Central Post Office in Saigon – Vietnam Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Plan your trip – Ho Chi Minh City Tourism official website · 2026-10-28
- Ben Thanh Market official site · 2026-10-28
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street – Ho Chi Minh City Tourism · 2026-10-28
- The Cafe Apartment guide – Vietnam Airlines · 2026-10-28
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street – Vietnam National Authority of Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Saigon Skydeck: Tickets, Hours and Views from Bitexco Tower · 2026-10-28
- Explore Ngoc Hoang Temple (Jade Emperor Pagoda) — Ho Chi Minh City Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Jade Emperor Pagoda: Hours, Dress Code and Visit Guide · 2026-10-28
- Bình Tây Market guide: hours, how to get there, what to eat and whether it is worth it · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Airlines: Binh Tay Market · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Airlines: Thien Hau Temple · 2026-10-28
- Miếu Bà Thiên Hậu Chợ Lớn · 2026-10-28
- Saigon WaterBus — Water Bus · 2026-10-28
- Saigon WaterBus 공식 홈페이지 · 2026-10-28
- Saigon Waterbus online booking and travel time · 2026-10-28
- Cruise the Saigon River, see the whole city at night · 2026-10-28
- Landmark 81 Restaurant & Bar Guide, SkyView Prices · 2026-10-28
- Landmark 81 SkyView 2026: Tickets, Hours & Best Time · 2026-10-28
- Landmark 81 SkyView official site · 2026-10-28
- Landmark 81 SkyView: Tickets, Transport & Views · 2026-10-28
- Thảo Điền, Ho Chi Minh City: Where to Eat, Drink and Stay (2026) · 2026-10-28
- Chốt giá vé đi tàu điện Metro số 1 — Báo Điện tử Chính phủ · 2026-10-28
- Saigon Metro Line 1 one year on: what travelers need to know · 2026-10-28
- Cu Chi Tunnels: Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc, tickets and how to go · 2026-10-28
- Vietnam Airlines: Cu Chi Tunnels · 2026-10-28
- Địa đạo Củ Chi — GoVietnam · 2026-10-28
- Cu Chi Tunnels Visitor Guide: Bến Đình and Bến Dược · 2026-10-28
- Bến Đình or Bến Dược? Which Cu Chi Tunnels Trip to Book · 2026-10-28
- Day-tripping in the Mekong Delta — Vietnam Tourism · 2026-10-28
- Mekong Delta Tours: day tour products and inclusions · 2026-10-28
- Day Tour Prices from Ho Chi Minh City · 2026-10-28
- Mekong Delta Day Trip From Saigon: Tour or Bus · 2026-10-28
- Contact and visitor information – Independence Palace · 2026-10-28
- Nguyen Hue Walking Street guide – Vietnam Tourism · 2026-10-28
Site updated: 2026-10-28