Ho Chi Minh City is a paradise for photography lovers, offering a mix of historic landmarks, modern skyscrapers, bustling streets, and charming old neighborhoods. Whether you're a professional photographer or simply looking for the perfect Instagram shot, this guide will take you through the best photo spots in Ho Chi Minh City.
Best Iconic Landmarks To Take Photos in Ho Chi Minh City
Independence Palace
- Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: 7:30 – 11:00 and 13:00 – 16:00 (Monday - Sunday)
The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Steeped in history, this site was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. With its distinctive 1960s architecture, sprawling gardens, and historical significance, the palace offers a range of angles for photographers to capture both interior and exterior shots. The well-maintained gardens are ideal for wide-angle shots, while the historic rooms inside provide a glimpse into the past.
Saigon Central Post Office
- Address: No. 2, Paris Commune Street, District 1
- Opening hours: 7:00 - 19:00 (Daily)
Designed by the famous French architect Gustave Eiffel, the Saigon Central Post Office is an architectural gem that blends French colonial design with local influences. The grand interior, with its high ceilings, intricate mosaics, and antique post boxes, is perfect for both wide-angle and close-up shots. The exterior, framed by the surrounding colonial-era buildings, also provides an excellent backdrop for capturing the beauty of the past merging with the present.
Notre-Dame Cathedral
- Address: Paris Commune Square, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: 8:00 - 16:00 (Monday - Saturday)
A short walk from the Saigon Central Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral is one of the most photographed landmarks in Ho Chi Minh City. Its neo-Romanesque architecture, featuring twin bell towers and a red-brick facade, is a masterpiece of French colonial influence. For those interested in architectural photography, the cathedral’s symmetry and grandeur offer plenty of opportunities for striking shots. Early mornings or late afternoons, when the light is soft and the crowds are fewer, provide the best conditions for photography.
Ho Chi Minh City Opera House
- Address: No. 7 Lam Son Square Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Monday - Friday); 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Saturday and Sunday)
The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is another colonial-era structure that offers excellent photo opportunities. Built in the early 20th century, the Opera House has an elegant, French-style facade with intricate detailing. Photographers will enjoy capturing the building's symmetrical beauty from various angles, especially at night when it is illuminated, giving it a golden glow that contrasts beautifully with the modern elements of the city.
Top Cultural & Historical Photography Spots
Ben Thanh Market
- Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: All day
Ben Thanh Market is one of the most vibrant and bustling locations in Ho Chi Minh City, offering an excellent chance to capture the everyday life of the locals. The market is filled with colorful displays of fresh produce, spices, handicrafts, and textiles. Photographers can take dynamic photos of the busy vendor-stalls, or capture moments of interactions between buyers and sellers. The market is especially lively in the early morning when vendors prepare their stalls.
Saigon ChinaTown
- Address: District 5, Ho Chi Minh City
- Opening hours: Varies by shop and market
Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown, is full of narrow streets, traditional temples, and markets selling a wide array of goods. It offers fantastic opportunities for photographers to capture the blend of Chinese and Vietnamese culture. The streets of Cholon are particularly vibrant, with traditional shops, colorful lanterns, and lively street scenes. One of the must-visit spots here is the Binh Tay Market, where visitors can capture the bustling, authentic atmosphere of a local market.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts
- Address: 97A Pho Duc Chinh, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: 9 AM – 5 PM (Tuesday – Sunday)
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is housed in a beautiful colonial-era building and is a perfect destination for those interested in art and architecture photography. The museum exhibits a wide range of fine arts, from traditional Vietnamese paintings to contemporary works, set against the backdrop of a grand colonial mansion. The intricate details of the building’s architecture—such as its carved wooden railings and beautiful floors—offer photographers the opportunity to capture the blend of art and structure in one frame.
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Most Instagrammable Places in Ho Chi Minh City
The Cafe Apartments
- Address: 42 Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: Varies by cafe
The Cafe Apartments are located in a historic building along Nguyen Hue Street and have been transformed into a multi-level collection of quirky cafés, shops, and boutiques. This unique space provides endless photo opportunities with its stylish décor and retro interiors. From capturing the colorful facades of the building to snapping trendy café shots, this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking that perfect Instagram moment.
Tan Dinh Church
- Address: 289 Hai Ba Trung, Ward 8, District 3
- Opening hours: 5 AM – noon, 2 PM – 7 PM
Known as the "Pink Church" because of its striking pink exterior, Tan Dinh Church is one of the most Instagrammable locations in Ho Chi Minh City. The church’s intricate Gothic architecture and its vibrant color make it stand out against the urban landscape. Photographers can get creative with angles, capturing the contrast between the church’s exterior and the busy street surrounding it.
Bitexco Tower
- Address: 2 Hai Trieu, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Sky Deck hours may vary)
Bitexco Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Ho Chi Minh City and offers a stunning panoramic view of the entire city. The observation deck on the 49th floor is perfect for taking wide-angle shots of the skyline, especially during sunset or at night when the city is illuminated. It’s also a great spot to capture the contrast between modern skyscrapers and traditional Vietnamese buildings.
Landmark 81
- Address: 720A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District
- Opening hours: 9:30 AM – 10:00 PM (Observation Deck)
Standing tall as the tallest building in Vietnam, Landmark 81 offers breathtaking views from its observation deck. For photographers, this building provides the best vantage point to capture stunning panoramic shots of Ho Chi Minh City, especially during golden hour. The modern, sleek design of Landmark 81 stands out against the sprawling city landscape.
Best Night Photography Spots in Ho Chi Minh City
Starlight Bridge
- Address: Phu My Hung, District 7
- Opening hours: Evening hours recommended
Starlight Bridge, located in the Phu My Hung area, is a modern, pedestrian-friendly bridge famous for its illuminated water fountains that change colors at night. It’s a fantastic location for capturing vibrant night shots, with the colors of the fountain providing dynamic reflections on the water below.
Bui Vien Walking Street
- Address: Bui Vien Street, Pham Ngu Lao Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: Evening hours recommended
Bui Vien Street is the heart of Ho Chi Minh City’s nightlife scene. Full of neon signs, vibrant bars, and street performers, it offers a lively atmosphere perfect for street photography. The best shots are taken at night, when the street comes to life with colorful lights, busy crowds, and bustling activity.
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
- Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: All day
Nguyen Hue Street is a lively walking street in the heart of the city. At any time of the day, you can capture the street performances, the elegant architecture of surrounding buildings, and the hustle and bustle of Saigon’s streets. At night, the area comes alive with dazzling lights and festive displays.
Bach Dang Wharf Park
- Address: Ton Duc Thang Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1
- Opening hours: All day
Bach Dang Wharf Park offers scenic views of the Saigon River, making it the perfect location for sunset or cityscape photography. The park is often less crowded than other tourist spots, allowing you to capture serene shots of the river, boats, and the skyline in the background. It is especially beautiful in the early evening, with the golden-hour light reflecting off the water.
Ready to capture unforgettable moments in Saigon? Whether you're an aspiring photographer or just love snapping perfect travel shots, Ho Chi Minh City is full of picture-perfect spots waiting to be explored.
For more Vietnam travel inspiration, unique experiences, and curated itineraries, visit our homepage Saigon Local Tour and start planning your most Instagram adventure yet!
