Monday, 05/10/2026

Monday, 05/10/2026

Historic landmarks trace Ho Chi Minh City’s long history and transformation

Wednesday, 11:16, 01/07/2026

VOV.VN - As Ho Chi Minh City marks 50 years of bearing the name of President Ho Chi Minh, many historic landmarks continue to highlight the city’s long history and transformation over the centuries.

With more than 300 years of history, Ho Chi Minh City remains home to many historic and architecturally distinctive buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries, marking the city’s urban development and historical transformation.

Closely linked to the formation, development and identity of Ho Chi Minh City, Reunification Hall is one of the city’s most significant historical landmarks.On April 30, 1975, a tank of the Liberation Army broke through the gates of the former Independence Palace, leading to the unconditional surrender of the Saigon administration and marking the liberation of southern Vietnam. The site later served as the headquarters of the Military Administrative Committee of Saigon-Gia Dinh.

On July 2, 1976, at its first session, the 6th National Assembly passed a resolution renaming Saigon-Gia Dinh as Ho Chi Minh City. Reunification Hall is closely linked to the city’s formation, development and identity.

Today, Reunification Hall serves as both a special national monument and a venue for high-level Party and Government events, while also welcoming visitors.

Among Ho Chi Minh City’s historic landmarks, Nha Rong Wharf stands out as one of the most significant. Built by the French in 1863 along the Saigon River, it was originally used as the headquarters and observation station of the French shipping company Messageries Maritimes at Saigon Port.The site is closely associated with the historic departure of young Ho Chi Minh, then known as Nguyen Tat Thanh, on June 5, 1911, as he set out to seek a path for national salvation.The name “Nha Rong” (Dragon House) comes from the pair of dragons on the rooftop surrounding a moon motif.

Today, the site is home to the Ho Chi Minh Museum - Ho Chi Minh City Branch and serves as an important historical and educational destination. It attracts many visitors, organizations and groups who come to pay tribute to Ho Chi Minh, as well as for visits, educational activities and civic events.

One of the oldest surviving bridges in Ho Chi Minh City, Mong Bridge was built in the late 19th century across the Tau Hu-Ben Nghe Canal. The bridge originally connected District 1 and District 4 and now links Ben Thanh and Xom Chieu wards.

Not far away stands Thu Ngu Flagpole, built in 1865 at the junction of the Tau Hu-Ben Nghe Canal and the Saigon River, opposite Nha Rong Wharf. The flagpole served as a signaling point for ships entering and leaving Nha Rong Port.

Many landmarks showcasing French colonial architecture continue to shape the distinctive character of Ho Chi Minh City, including the headquarters of the municipal People’s Council and People’s Committee, the Saigon Central Post Office, the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and Ben Thanh Market.

Completed in 1909, the headquarters of the municipal People’s Council and People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City was originally known as Hôtel de Ville, also called Dinh Xa Tay. Since April 30, 1975, the building has served as the headquarters of the municipal People’s Council and People’s Committee.

Today, the building has preserved much of its original appearance and stands as one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most distinctive architectural landmarks.

In front of the headquarters of the municipal People’s Council and People’s Committee lies Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a popular destination for both residents and visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.

Having witnessed many changes throughout the history of Saigon, Gia Dinh and present-day Ho Chi Minh City, the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City has become one of the city’s notable historical landmarks.

Construction of the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City began in 1898, and the building officially opened in 1900. Originally known as the Saigon Opera House (L’Opéra de Saïgon), it was once regarded as one of the cultural symbols of Saigon, known as the “Pearl of the Far East.”

Located in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Saigon Central Post Office is more than 100 years old and is one of the city’s most notable heritage landmarks.The building features a blend of European classical architecture and local architectural elements.

Today, the site is a popular tourist attraction, drawing both domestic and international visitors to Ho Chi Minh City.

Opposite the Saigon Central Post Office stands Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, an iconic architectural landmark of Catholicism in Vietnam that is currently undergoing restoration.

Although currently under restoration, Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon remains brightly illuminated and beautifully decorated during Christmas and New Year celebrations. It is not only a popular destination for residents and visitors, but also one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic architectural landmarks for more than a century.

Despite its fast-paced urban development, Ho Chi Minh City continues to preserve many historical landmarks and traces of its past.

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