Walking Tour In Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s immense sprawl makes it somewhat impractical to see all of it on foot, though a one-day walking tour of the city centre, District 1, is certainly possible (and recommended).

The Pharn Ngu Lao area makes a good starting point. Follow D Nguyen Thai Hoc to the mammoth New World Hotel, turn right and follow D Le Lai a few minutes north to the vast indoor Ben Thanh Market. The market is at its bustling best in the morning.  

After exploring the market, cross the large roundabout where you'll see a statue of Tran Nguyen Han on horseback. One short block south, on D Pho Duc Chinh, is the praiseworthy Fine Arts Museum. After touring the exhibits, zigzag west to DL Ham Nghi and turn north again on D Ton That Dam to stroll through the colourful outdoor street market. At the northern terminus turn west at the 'T' on D Huyen Thuc Khang to D Pasteur and out to DL Le Loi, the large boulevard leading to the grand and thoughtfully restored Municipal Theatre.

From the theatre, head up DL Le Loi, and turn left at the Rex Hotel up DL Nguyen Hue. At the northern end is the old Hotel de Ville. You'll have to admire it from the outside because it's now home to the local People's Committee requests to visit the interior are usually refused. However, a one block walk south on D Le Thanh Ton will bring you to the Museum of Ho Chi Minh City, where visitors are warmly received.

The popular War Remnants Museum (closed 11.45 am to 1.30 pm) is just a few blocks to the north-west (technically in District 3) along D Nam Ky Khoi Nghia then left on D Vo Van Tan. Nearby is Reunification Palace (closed 11 am to 1 pm).

Later in the afternoon you can stroll north along DL Le Duan, stopping to look at Notre Dame Cathedral and the impressive French-style post office. At the end of the boulevard are the zoo & botanical garden, in the grounds of which is the excellent History Museum. Just across from the main gate you'll find the quiet Ho Chi Minh Military Museum.

A few blocks to the north-west along D Nguyen Binh Khiem will bring you to the Jade Emperor Pagoda, a colourful way to end your tour. By this time you will most likely be tired enough to head for your hotel, take a shower, enjoy a cold drink and prepare yourself for tackling the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City.