How long does it take to walk around Saigon's historic center?

The typical walking route through the colonial heart of District 1 takes about 90 to 120 minutes. This includes time to take photos at the Post Office and admire the facade of the People's Committee Building. The distance is roughly 1.5 to 2 kilometers of easy, flat walking.

Is it worth visiting the Saigon Central Post Office?

Yes, it is one of the most iconic landmarks in Vietnam. The architecture features a unique blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences with a spectacular vaulted interior. It is free to enter and remains a working post office where you can send international mail.

Can I go inside the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Building?

Generally, no, as it is a working government administrative building. However, the exterior is a masterpiece of French colonial design and the surrounding gardens are open to the public. It is especially beautiful when lit up at night.

When is the best time to do a walking tour in Ho Chi Minh City?

The best time is early morning, between 7:30 AM and 10:00 AM, to avoid the peak tropical heat and humidity. Alternatively, a late afternoon walk starting around 4:30 PM allows you to see the buildings during 'golden hour' and stay for the evening lights.

Are the historic sites in District 1 accessible for wheelchairs?

Most of the route follows major city sidewalks which are paved, but they can be uneven or obstructed by motorbikes. The Central Post Office has ramp access, but the Notre Dame Cathedral and older hotels may have steps. It is manageable but requires some navigation.

Is the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon open to tourists?

The cathedral is currently undergoing a massive multi-year renovation project. While the exterior remains a must-see, interior access is often restricted to mass times for worshippers only. Always check the latest local signage for visiting hours.

What should I wear for a walking route in District 1?

Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and walking shoes. While there is no strict dress code for the streets, if you plan to enter the Cathedral during a service, you should ensure your shoulders and knees are covered as a sign of respect.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 40 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Step into the 'Paris of the East' with this self-guided walk through the architectural heart of Ho Chi Minh City. District 1 serves as a living museum, where the grand ambitions of French colonial planners meet the vibrant energy of modern Vietnam. This walking route focuses on the late 19th and early 20th-century landmarks that defined the city’s skyline long before the glass towers of today arrived. You will explore a concentrated area of heritage sites, each telling a story of cultural fusion, wartime intrigue, and architectural mastery. Starting at the iconic red-brick Notre Dame Cathedral, the route leads you past the wrought-iron elegance of the Central Post Office and toward the stately People's Committee Building. Along the way, you’ll encounter historic hotels like the Rex and the Continental, which served as hubs for international journalists and diplomats during the Vietnam War. The journey concludes at the opulent Saigon Opera House, a masterpiece of the Belle Époque. This neighborhood stroll is perfect for those who want to appreciate history at their own pace, offering plenty of opportunities to stop for a traditional Vietnamese iced coffee while admiring the intricate facades. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or a first-time visitor, this self-guided walking tour Ho Chi Minh City provides the historical context needed to understand the city's unique identity. By following this route, you experience the transition from the colonial era to the modern day, seeing how these historic structures have been preserved and repurposed within a rapidly evolving metropolis. This self-guided walk is an essential experience for anyone looking to discover the soul of Saigon beyond the bustling markets.

Highlights

The Marseille-imported red bricks of Notre Dame Cathedral
The stunning metal vaulted ceiling of the Central Post Office
The Beaux-Arts splendor of the People's Committee Building
War-era history at the legendary Rex Hotel and Hotel Continental
The ornate Belle Époque facade of the Saigon Opera House

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

Begin your self-guided adventure at the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, established by French colonists in the late 1880s. Notice the distinct red bricks; these were actually imported directly from Marseille, giving the cathedral a color that has resisted fading for over a century. The twin bell towers, reaching 58 meters, were once the highest points in the city. While the building is currently undergoing extensive restoration, its Neo-Romanesque silhouette remains a symbol of the city. In front stands the statue of the Virgin Mary, which locals claimed shed tears in 2005, drawing thousands of witnesses. This site marks the spiritual and geographical center of French colonial Saigon.

2

Saigon Central Post Office

Just across from the cathedral is the Saigon Central Post Office, one of the most beautiful examples of French colonial architecture in Asia. Completed in 1891, its design is often mistakenly attributed to Gustave Eiffel, but it was actually the work of architect Alfred Villedieu. Inside, the grand vaulted ceiling and polished wooden phone booths transport you back to the 19th century. Look for the two hand-painted maps on the walls: one showing Saigon in 1892 and another detailing the telegraph lines of Cambodia and Vietnam. It remains a fully functioning post office, so feel free to send a postcard home from this historic landmark.

3

Ho Chí Minh City People's Committee

A short walk down Dong Khoi street brings you to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Building, formerly known as the Hôtel de Ville. Built in 1908, this is a prime example of French Beaux-Arts style, featuring ornate reliefs of figures and floral motifs. While the interior is not open to the public as it serves as a government office, the exterior and the manicured gardens of the Nguyen Hue walking street offer the best photo opportunities. At the head of the square stands the statue of President Ho Chi Minh, a central gathering point for locals during festivals and national celebrations.

4

Rex Hotel

Standing at the corner of Le Loi and Nguyen Hue, the Rex Hotel is a landmark of wartime history. Originally built as a garage and retail center in the 1920s, it became a hotel in 1959. During the Vietnam War, its rooftop bar became famous as the site of the 'Five O'Clock Follies'—the daily press briefings given by the US military that were often met with skepticism by the international press corps. Today, it remains a symbol of luxury and a witness to the city's transition. Its rooftop still offers one of the most iconic views over the bustling heart of District 1.

5

Hotel Continental Saigon

Cross the street to the Hotel Continental Saigon, the city's oldest hotel, established in 1880. This building has hosted famous figures ranging from Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore to novelist Graham Greene, who reportedly wrote parts of 'The Quiet American' here. The hotel’s courtyard was a famous 'listening post' for spies and journalists during the mid-20th century. Its thick masonry walls and high ceilings were designed to provide natural cooling in the tropical heat, long before air conditioning. The Continental maintains a sense of old-world elegance that contrasts sharply with the modern skyscrapers surrounding it.

6

Saigon Opera House

Finish your walk at the Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theater. Built in 1897 by architect Eugène Ferret, its design was inspired by the Petit Palais in Paris. The building's ornate facade, featuring stone-carved ornaments and statues, was actually removed in 1943 to make it look 'more modern' but was meticulously restored for the city's 300th anniversary in 1998. During the mid-1950s, it briefly served as the lower house of the State of Vietnam. Today, it is the premier venue for cultural performances and stands as a testament to the enduring influence of French aesthetic traditions in the heart of Saigon.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through the French Colonial quarter is the best way to see the city's highlights. This route covers the Notre Dame Cathedral, Central Post Office, and the Opera House, all within a 1.5-kilometer radius. It allows you to explore at your own pace without the pressure of a group.