Top 10 well-known architectural projects in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City’s Independence Palace, Nha Tho Duc Ba (the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica) and Nha Rong Wharf are renowned for both their historic significance and iconic architecture.
1. Independence Palace
Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City
Built from 1868-1871, the Independence Palace designed by Hermite stretches a total area of 12 hectares. The palace owns an 80m facade, an 800-person capacity hall, together with spacious gardens, arboretums, and lawns. Most of the materials for building the Independence Palace were imported from France. After 1962, the palace was reconstructed basing on its old foundation following the designs of Ngo Viet Thu. Until now, the Independence Palace has remained as one of the HCMC’s popular tourist sites.
2. Opera House
Saigon Opera House at night
Finished on January 1st 1900, the multi-purpose theatre of HCMC Opera House in Dong Khoi Street hosts all kinds of major events together with art and cultural performances. It can be symbolized for Western European architectural style in the Southern city of Vietnam.
3. Nha Tho Duc Ba (the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica)
Notre Dame Cathedral
This unique Catholic Church serves the Ho Chi Minh City Archdiocese. It started construction in August 1876 following J.Bourard’s designs and was completed on October 7, 1877.
4. Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda
Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda
Designer Ngho Viet Thu supervised the beginning of Vietnam Quoc Tu Pagoda’s construction on April 26 1964.
The seven-storey tower, an example of Vietnamese architectural principles, is particularly popular with domestic and international Buddhist visitors.
5. Central post office
Saigon Central Post Office
The post office, on District 1’s Paris Commune Road, was constructed according to Villedieu’s designs from 1886 to 1891.
The project combines European and Asian styles and complements the nearby the Immaculate Conception Cathedral Basilica and Diamon Plaza.
6. Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is widely considered a symbol of HCM City. The most recent iteration of the market, at its current location, was completed in March 1914.
Its four doors and gate towers face outwards toward the city’s cardinal points–Le Loi (north), Phan Boi Chau (south), Phan Chu Trinh (east), and the main gate on Quach Thi Tang Square.
7. Saigon River Tunnel
Saigon River at night
Saigon River Tunnel (or Thu Thiem Tunnel) is one of Southeast Asia’s most modern. After 7 years of construction, the tunnel officially opened to traffic on November 21, 2011. It traverses the Saigon River and reduces traffic burdens on Saigon Bridge, fueling metropolitan development.
8. Municipal People’s Committee headquarters
Sparkling Municipal People’s Committee headquarters
The headquarters occupies a building on District 1’s Nguyen Hue Boulevard built from 1898 to 1909. Gardes’ designs incorporate northern French bell buildings. It was once known as Xa Tay Palace and the Saigon Administration Building. Its architecture is considered one of the city’s most beautiful.
9. Nha Rong Wharf
Nha Rong Wharf at night
Nha Rong Wharf, built on March 4th 1863 and including accommodation for its manager, was the point of the June 5, 1911 departure for young Nguyen Tat Thanh. After years of international travel, Thanh would become known to the world as President Ho Chi Minh. Nha Rong Wharf is now a branch of the Ho Chi Minh Museum.
10. Vietnam History Museum
Vietnamese Museum of History
HCMC’s Vietnam History Museum preserves and displays thousands of valuable domestic and foreign artifacts. It was built on November 28th 1972 following Dalaval’s design and was managed by the Revolutionary Government after April 30th 1975. Its name was changed to HCMC History Museum on August 26th 1979 before assuming its current mantle.
(Source: VOV)
