Saigon exploiting tourism from Red Addresses
50 years after the National Reunification Day (April 30,
1975 - April 30, 2025), many 'red addresses' in Ho Chi Minh City
such as the Independence Palace, Cu Chi tunnels, War Remnants
Museum... still retain their historical value and become
attractive destinations for tourists. Ho Chi Minh City is trying
to promote the development of return-to-origin tours, introduced
new products and special stimulus programs to attract a large
number of domestic and international tourists.
The attraction of 'red addresses'
Located in the heart of the city named after president Ho, the
Independence Palace (Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1) is an
important historical witness of April 30, 1975. It was here that
on April 30, 1975, a tank pulled down the main gate to enter the
palace, marking the victory of the Ho Chi Minh Campaign and the
complete unification of the country. Today, this building has
become a symbol of peace and independence.
Passing through the historic gate, visitors can see with their
own eyes the offices and reception rooms that have been
preserved intact, along with the underground bunker system,
maps, and communication equipment of the old Saigon government.
All of these take visitors back in time to the turbulent
historical years.
Not far from the Independence Palace, the War Remnants Museum on
Vo Van Tan Street (District 3) is a place to preserve artifacts,
documents, and images of the crimes and devastating consequences
of the Vietnam War. More than 20,000 original images, documents,
and artifacts are preserved and displayed, carrying great
documentary and artistic values, deeply moving many visitors.
Not only a 'red address', the War Remnants Museum is also a
famous global tourist destination, being in the Top 10 most
attractive museums in Asia voted by travel site TripAdvisor in
2012.
Leaving the city center, visitors who want to learn more about
the war can join the journey to the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical
Site - a 'wonder' located in the heroic steel land. This tunnel
system has a total length of 250km, was dug by the army and
people of Cu Chi, used throughout the two wars and was a solid
base for the Southern Liberation Army to attack the center of
Saigon.
Coming to this 'underground city', visitors can hear about the
exploits of the army and people of Cu Chi, and try crawling
inside the tunnels to feel the hardship and resilience of the
soldiers of the past.
The Cu Chi Tunnels historical site is not only an attractive
tourist destination but also a meeting place, a place to revisit
the old battlefield full of emotion for veterans from all over
the country. Thanks to its profound historical significance and
unique appeal, the Cu Chi Tunnels historical site is being
submitted by Ho Chi Minh City to UNESCO for recognition as a
World Cultural Heritage.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the
South and National Reunification Day, the Ho Chi Minh City
Tourism Department launched many new attractive products. This
is an opportunity for the city's tourism industry to honor
historical values, while welcoming visitors with the hospitality
that is a characteristic of the people of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh
City.
Accordingly, the Department of Tourism and local travel agencies
prepared a variety of products to attract tourists during the
April 30 holiday this year. Many historical tours have been
newly designed or have new experiences, combining visits to
relics with hands-on interactive activities, helping visitors
gain a deeper understanding of national history. The products
have also been diversified to suit many audiences, from students
to veterans, the elderly and international tourists.
In addition, hundreds of travel and accommodation businesses
participated in the stimulus program '50 golden days - Discover
the hospitable and vibrant Ho Chi Minh City', offering many
incentive programs for tourists such as discounts on
historical-themed inner-city tours, night museum tickets, hotel
- food combos, souvenirs... This is an effort to create
attraction for Ho Chi Minh City tourism on the occasion of the
50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National
Reunification, while aiming at the goal of sustainable
development of cultural - historical tourism.
Highlighted among the new products are the 'return to the
origin' tours recreating the journey of 50 years of unification,
introduced by leading travel companies in Ho Chi Minh City. For
example, Saigontourist Travel Company launched the '50 years -
Return to the beloved South' tour exclusively for veterans to
revisit the old battlefields combined with a tour of Ho Chi Minh
City. Viet lux Company pioneered the development of
inter-provincial "Return to the origin" tours rich in
experiences.
It is expected tol be one of the city's signature products and
create a meaningful impression on tourists from other provinces,
cities and internationally on this occasion.
Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is a bustling metropolis
in the south of Vietnam, offering a vibrant mix of history,
culture, and modern life. We are doing
Saigon tours and
travel services catering to all types of travelers.
