A walk along Đồng Khởi Street and its surroundings offers a fascinating glimpse into Ho Chi Minh City’s colonial past, with some of its most remarkable French-era landmarks still standing proudly today.

Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

One of the most iconic remnants of colonial Saigon is Notre Dame Cathedral, a stunning red-brick church built in the late 19th century (see more on page 86). Just a short stroll southeast of the cathedral lies the Central Post Office, a masterpiece of French colonial architecture. Open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM, this historic post office remains largely unchanged since its completion in the 1880s. Inside, the nave-like hall is adorned with two fascinating map murals—one depicting Saigon and its surroundings in 1892, and the other showcasing the telegraph network of southern Vietnam and Cambodia in 1936.

People’s Committee Building (Former Hôtel de Ville)

Heading further south, you’ll find one of the city’s most photographed landmarks—the former Hôtel de Ville, now the People’s Committee Building. Constructed between 1902 and 1908, this grand colonial structure, with its Corinthian columns, classical statues, and shuttered windows, resembles a wedding cake. Though not open to the public, its elegant façade is a must-see, especially when illuminated at night.

Rex Hotel: From War-Time Headquarters to Rooftop Luxury

Just south of the People’s Committee Building stands the Rex Hotel, a landmark with an intriguing past. Though its colonial charm suggests a longer history, the current structure has only existed since 1976. During the 1960s, it served as a billet for American military officers, while before that, it housed a garage for the French expatriate community’s Renaults and Peugeots. Today, its Rooftop Garden Bar offers spectacular views of the bustling streets below, and at night, its illuminated crown remains a recognizable part of the city’s skyline.

Saigon Opera House: A Century-Old Cultural Treasure

A short walk east across Lam Sơn Square leads to the Saigon Opera House, one of the city’s finest colonial-era buildings. Completed in 1899, this grand, domed structure briefly served as Vietnam’s National Assembly in 1955 before being restored to its original function as a venue for opera, ballet, and live performances. Today, it continues to host a variety of world-class cultural events.

Historic Hotels: Continental & Caravelle

Facing the opera house are two legendary hotels that have played significant roles in Saigon’s colonial and wartime history.

  • To the north, the Hotel Continental was once a hub for French high society. In the 1920s, renowned writer Somerset Maugham frequented the hotel’s terrace, famously describing it as a place filled with “bearded, gesticulating Frenchmen drinking sweet, sickly beverages.” Unfortunately, the original terrace no longer exists, but the hotel remains one of the city’s most distinguished addresses.
  • On the opposite side of the opera house, the Caravelle Hotel has also undergone a lavish transformation. Originally built in 1958, it was a favorite gathering spot for Western journalists covering the war, with many dispatches being written over drinks at its famous rooftop bar.

The Grand & Majestic: Timeless Elegance by the River

Continuing towards the Saigon River, you’ll pass two of the city’s most prestigious colonial-era hotels. First, on the left, stands the beautifully restored Grand Hotel, a stunning reminder of Saigon’s golden age. Just 30 meters further, on the right, you’ll find the luxurious Majestic Hotel, offering an unbeatable riverfront view. Both hotels continue to exude old-world charm, making them prime destinations for history lovers and travelers seeking a taste of colonial-era grandeur.

Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply want to admire Ho Chi Minh City’s French-influenced landmarks, this colonial Saigon walking tour provides a unique window into the city’s rich and layered past.