Ho Chi Minh City
A Glimpse of the "Pearl of the Far East". Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant economic and cultural heart of Vietnam, is a captivating blend of French colonial heritage, traditional Vietnamese culture, and dynamic modern energy. Renowned as the "Pearl of the Far East", it has long attracted global visitors with its charming streetscapes, profound history, and warm local hospitality. As the host city of MHBM 2027, it offers conference participants a perfect chance to explore its unique charm during your stay.
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon (Red Church)
As the most recognizable spiritual landmark of the city, this Romanesque-style cathedral was constructed between 1877 and 1883 during the French colonial era. Uniquely, all the red bricks used to build the church were imported directly from Marseille, France, and they have retained their bright, vivid red tone without fading even after over a century of wind and rain. Its 40-meter-tall twin bell towers, modeled after the Notre-Dame de Paris, stand out against the city skyline. In front of the church stands the statue of the Virgin Mary of Peace, and together with the red-brick architecture, it forms the most classic postcard view of Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon Central Post Office
Right across the street from the Red Church lies the Saigon Central Post Office, a living historic landmark designed by the studio of renowned architect Gustave Eiffel. Built in the late 19th century, this neo-baroque style building features a warm yellow exterior and elegant arched windows, perfectly blending French colonial elegance with local Vietnamese aesthetics. What makes it special is that it is still fully operational as a working post office today. Inside the grand, high-vaulted hall, you can admire the vintage 19th-century map of Indochina, the portrait of Ho Chi Minh, and retro postal counters. Visitors can even buy postcards and stamps here, and send a handwritten postcard to your loved ones from this century-old post office, leaving a unique souvenir of your trip.
Reunification Palace
Reunification Palace, formerly known as Independence Palace, is a critical witness to Vietnam's modern history. Originally built as the office of the French Governor of Indochina, it later served as the presidential palace of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War. The iconic moment of April 30, 1975, when North Vietnamese tanks crashed through its main gate, marked the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of Vietnam, giving the palace its current name. The building perfectly blends modernist architecture with traditional Southeast Asian decorative elements. Visitors can tour the well-preserved former president's office, high-level meeting rooms, and even the underground war command center, walking through the pages of history to understand the country's remarkable journey.
