10 famous architecture projects in Saigon

The Independence Palace, Duc Ba church and Nha Rong wharf not only attracted visitors by historical significance but also a unique and long-standing architecture.

1. Independence Palace

The Independence Palace formerly known as Norodom Palace was started on February 23, 1868 by architect Hermite, and completed in 1871. The building is built on an area of ​​12 hectares, including a large mansion with an 80m-wide front, inside has a living room containing 800 people, and a large campus with lots of trees and lawns. Most of the construction materials are transported from France. In 1962 after the new main island was rebuilt on the old ground according to the design project of architect Ngo Viet Thu. Today, the Independence Palace is the destination of many domestic and foreign tourists.

2. Opera House

HCMC Opera House.(Photo: edensaigonhotel)

The Opera House The city is located on Dong Khoi Street, District 1, is considered a central and versatile theater specialized in organizing performances of art theater, and is also used to organize a number of major events. Completed on January 1, 1900, the theater is a long-standing type of Western European architecture and is considered a tourist destination of the city.

3. Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Cathedral of Notre Dame Saigon.(Photo: tour-asia)

This is a large and unique Catholic church, belonging to the HCM City Archdiocese. In August 1876, the church was formally built by the architect J. Bourard in charge of design and construction. On October 7, 1877, it was completed. Cathedral of Notre Dame Saigon is a tourist attraction that attracts many domestic and foreign tourists.

4. Vietnam Quoc Tu

Vietnam Quoc Tu.(Photo: panoramio)

On April 26, 1964, Vietnam Quoc Tu was started under the supervision of architect Ngo Viet Thu. The pagoda was built with a 7-storey curved roof tower, sophisticated sculptures in a spacious natural space, with unique harmonious landscapes bearing bold Vietnamese architectural style. Up to now, Vietnam Tu Pagoda is still a destination for Buddhist followers who are near and crowded with tourists when coming to HCMC.

5. Saigon Central Post Office

Sai Gon center Post Office.(Photo: panoramio)

Saigon Central Post Office is located at No.2, Cong Xa Paris Street, District 1. This is a building built by the French with eclectic style in 1886–1891 according to the design project of architect Villedieu. Assistant Foulhoux. This is a European-style architecture combined with Asian decorative features. Located next to Notre Dame Cathedral and near Diamond Plaza shopping center, the architectural building creates a lively and beautiful interaction and becomes the focus of Saigon today.

6. Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh market.(Photo: tapchinhadep)

Ben Thanh Market is considered a symbol of the city. After many changes in construction site and name, in 1912, the market was constructed and completed in March 1914 with the name Ben Thanh to this day. Ben Thanh Market has 4 doorways and 4 gate towers with clockwork overlooking 4 central streets in District 1, respectively in the north, south and east directions, Le Loi, Phan Boi Chau, Phan Chu Trinh and The main gate has a high tower overlooking Quach Thi Trang square.

7. Saigon river tunnel

Saigon river tunnel at night.(Photo: SGTT)

Saigon River Tunnel (also known as Thu Thiem Tunnel) is the most modern tunnel in Southeast Asia. After nearly 7 years of construction, on November 21, 2011, Thu Thiem Tunnel was officially opened. The completed tunnel helped connect the two banks of the river and reduce the load for the Saigon Bridge, and as a driving force for the city's development.

8. Headquarters of HCMC People's Committee

City People's Committee headquarters.Ho Chi Minh.(Photo: didau.org)

The headquarter of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on Nguyen Hue Boulevard, District 1 is a building built from 1898 to 1909 designed by architect Gardès, simulating the style of the bell tower in the North of France. The workplace of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the building named Tay Xa Palace, later changed to Saigon Citadel. This is considered one of the most beautiful architectural works in HCMC.

9. Nha Rong Wharf

Nha Rong Harbor.(Photo: panoramio)

Nha Rong Wharf was started construction on March 4, 1863 with the purpose of being a residence for the General Manager and a place to sell train tickets. It was here, on June 5, 1911, that the young Nguyen Tat Thanh took the Amiral Latouche Tréville to find a way to save the country. Nha Rong Wharf is now Ho Chi Minh Museum - one of the Museum's branches and a memorial monument to President Ho Chi Minh across the country.

10. Vietnam History Museum

Vietnam History Museum.(Photo: SGTT)

The Museum of Vietnamese History in Ho Chi Minh City is a place to preserve and display tens of thousands of precious objects collected at home and abroad. On November 28, 1927, the museum was formally built according to the design department of architect Delaval with the 'innovative Indochina' architecture. After April 30, 1975, the Museum was completely taken over by the Revolutionary Government. On August 26, 1979, the functional industry changed its name to Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History, after that it was changed to Vietnam History Museum - Ho Chi Minh City so far.