Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of destinations to explore Vietnam’s cultural heritage on November 24. Photo: Hoang Bich Nhung
Beyond its bustling streets and modern skyline, Ho Chi Minh City holds a rich cultural legacy reflected in its historical landmarks, traditional arts and vibrant creative spaces.
As Vietnam marks its first national Culture Day on November 24, following the National Assembly's approval of the annual observance earlier this year, the occasion offers a chance to discover the city's cultural landmarks and creative spaces.
A city rich in history and culture
Each museum offers a window into the history and culture of Saigon and present-day Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Do Dat / Tuoi Tre
The Ho Chi Minh City History Museum, located on Nguyen Binh Khiem Street in Saigon Ward, is an ideal destination for those interested in exploring the country's history and development.
Its collections include archaeological finds, bronze objects, ceramics, sculptures and artifacts showcasing Oc Eo, Champa and Southeast Asian cultures.
For those interested in modern history, the Independence Palace is another worthwhile stop. The landmark is closely associated with April 30, 1975, when the liberation of southern Vietnam and national reunification took place.
Today, it preserves its former offices, meeting rooms, historical artifacts and documents.
Visitors can also include the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts and the War Remnants Museum in their itinerary.
Each offers a different perspective on the city's urban history, artistic heritage and the lasting impact of war.
Historical sites do more than preserve the past; they also offer visitors a deeper understanding of the events that shaped the city. Photo: Lam Uy Huynh
The Ao Dai Museum, located in Long Phuoc Ward, is a cultural and ecological destination inspired by the traditional rural landscapes of southern Vietnam. It preserves and showcases the beauty of the country's iconic traditional dress, the ao dai. Photo: Do Dat / Tuoi Tre
The Ao Dai Museum in Long Phuoc Ward traces the history and evolution of Vietnam's traditional ao dai through different periods, featuring collections of garments and archival materials documenting the country's traditional dress.
Back in the city center, the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater at 55B Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in Ben Thanh Ward offers performances inspired by rural life, agricultural activities and Vietnamese folk tales.
Visitors are advised to check the show schedule and book tickets in advance.
Water puppetry is a traditional cultural experience worth trying on Vietnam Culture Day. Photo: Do Dat / Tuoi Tre
Enjoying a water puppet show offers insights into the beauty of Vietnam's traditional performing arts. Photo: Do Dat / Tuoi Tre
For those with a full day to spare, the Cu Chi Tunnels Historical Site, located about 70km northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City, offers a chance to learn about the history of southern Vietnam.
Visitors can explore sections of the underground tunnel network used during wartime and learn about Hoang Cam stoves, specially designed cooking stoves that concealed smoke to avoid detection.
They can also see underground bunkers that once served as living quarters, meeting rooms and medical facilities.
The site also offers documentary screenings and guided tours. Visitors in suitable physical condition can try crawling through a section of the tunnels open to the public.
A cultural stroll through downtown
A visit to Book Street on November 24 offers a chance to explore Vietnamese culture through book displays and cultural exchange activities. Photo: Do Dat / Tuoi Tre
In addition to year-round attractions, Ho Chi Minh City will host a range of art events in public parks and along central streets around Vietnam Culture Day on November 24.
From November 18 to 25, a propaganda poster exhibition will take place at Chi Lang Park, along Dong Khoi Street between Nguyen Du and Le Thanh Ton streets, and at exhibition venues at 158D and 158E.
From November 19 to 24, the Ho Chi Minh City International Photography Festival will feature exhibitions at Le Van Tam Park, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street, Dong Khoi Street and other cultural and artistic venues.
Alongside photo displays, the festival will include a photography contest, a Photomarathon, panel discussions and workshops.
The fine arts exhibition 'Ho Chi Minh City - Creative Culture, Shaping the Future,' will run from November 20 to 24 at the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts and Lam Son Park, showcasing painting, sculpture, installation art and video art.
Also from November 20 to 24, the book fair Vietnamese Culture Through Books will be held at Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, featuring publications on the country's history, culture and people.
Visitors can combine the trip with visits to the Saigon Central Post Office and Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon.
From November 18 to 24, Nguyen Hue Walking Street will host the city-level 'Great National Unity Festival - Colors of Vietnamese Culture', featuring performances, cultural exchanges and regional cultural experiences.
The opening ceremony is scheduled for the evening of November 22.
From November 22 to 24, the venue will also host displays highlighting cultural industries, including performing arts, design and cinema.
A 3D mapping show is also scheduled to take place from November 21 to 24 in front of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee headquarters at 86 Le Thanh Ton Street in Saigon Ward and the nearby Rex Hotel.
Combining sound and visuals, the show will tell stories about the city's culture, history and development.
More cultural experiences to explore through end of year
Beyond the November 24 celebrations, residents and visitors can enjoy a range of artistic performances scheduled through the end of the year.
The 'Mo Show' at Phu Tho Circus and Multi-purpose Performance Center combines circus acts, puppetry and projection mapping to tell the coming-of-age story of a child through light, color and emotion. The show runs from June 27 to December 26, 2026.
Meanwhile, The 'Mysterious Land' at Gia Dinh Park Circus combines circus performances with 3D lighting technology to tell a story about harmony among the five elements: metal, wood, water, fire and earth. The show runs through December 26, 2026.
For traditional arts, the 2026 Giai Dieu Phuong Nam (Melodies of the South) amateur music festival in Tan An Hoi Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, will hold preliminary rounds on November 19, 20 and 23. The final is scheduled for 6:00 pm on November 24 at the Tre Xanh Stage, located at the commune's Public Service Center.
Notably, an artistic performance accompanied by fireworks is scheduled for 8:00 pm on November 24 at three locations: Nguyen Hue Walking Street, the Central Park in the New City area of Binh Duong Ward, and Thap Tam Thang Square in Vung Tau Ward.
From museums and historical sites to performance venues and outdoor events, visitors can choose their own itineraries to experience the many cultural facets of Ho Chi Minh City.
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