Our first stop is Turtle Lake, a unique structure shrouded in mystery. This mysterious architectural marvel is more than meets the eye. Blending ancient feng shui with French colonial history, it once marked a citadel gate and later became Saigon’s first roundabout. The lake's design reflects yin-yang balance and features the sacred turtle, symbolising stability. Once a political symbol, it’s now a vibrant spot for street food and local life.

Continue to Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon, an architectural masterpiece built by the French. It was regarded as a replica of the Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Featuring Romanesque and Gothic styles, it once symbolized colonial power, but now reflects Saigon’s evolving spirituality. The marble Virgin Mary statue out front stands as a symbol of peace and hope. Over a century old, this cathedral stands as a symbol of Saigon and holds cultural significance for the locals.

Across the way, the Saigon Opera House beckons. Built-in 1898 by the French, the City Opera House once catered exclusively to colonial elites. Over time, it opened to Vietnamese audiences, symbolizing a shift in cultural inclusion. Its design evolved from Flamboyant Gothic to Art Deco, mirroring Saigon’s changing tastes. The building withstood wars, political changes, and modernization, yet retains strong French architectural elements. Alongside it, Le Thanh Opera House and the emergence of Cai Luong - a modernized Southern folk art, reflect Vietnam’s adaptation of Western culture and performance arts.

Originally named Hôtel de Ville, this French colonial building once housed the French administration in Saigon. Featuring French architecture with Italian Renaissance influences, it showcases reliefs symbolizing liberty, equality, and fraternity. Modelled after Paris City Hall, it now serves as the People’s Committee headquarters and is a National Architectural Monument. Across from it stands a statue of President Ho Chi Minh, symbolizing unity and remembrance. Nearby, Idecaf Theater continues its legacy of children’s fairy tale plays, reflecting Saigon’s deep cultural roots and evolving artistic life.

Built-in the early 1960s, this was Saigon’s first apartment building, once home to political elites, U.S. officials, and later Ba Son Shipyard workers. Its mix of Western and Vietnamese influences reflects the city’s shifting identity. Marcelino Truong’s memoir captures its past during wartime. Since Nguyen Hue became a pedestrian street in 2015, the building has transformed into the Café Apartment—a vibrant hub of local cafés and boutiques. Today, this mid-century structure has been transformed into a vertical maze of indie coffee shops, local fashion boutiques, co-working spaces, and art studios.

The journey ends at this historic riverside park in District 1 offers a scenic and cultural walk along the Saigon River. Once a colonial-era port, it now features lush gardens, walking paths, and panoramic city views. Key landmarks include the Thu Ngu Flagpole, Ba Son Shipyard, and the Tran Hung Dao Statue honouring Vietnam’s legendary general. The area played a vital role in wartime history and now symbolizes Saigon’s urban renewal. Perfect for a Ho Chi Minh City free walking tour, it links the city’s revolutionary past with its dynamic, modern spirit.