Ho Chi Minh City, often still affectionately referred to as Saigon, offers a stunning blend of architectural styles. For architecture enthusiasts, District 1 is the perfect starting point.

Begin your tour at the Saigon Opera House (Municipal Theatre). This century-old French building is a masterpiece of the era. Built in 1900, it features a Gothic style with beige stone construction. The exterior is adorned with intricate reliefs and patterns that showcase the craftsmanship of the time. While the building is beautiful by day, it transforms at night. Warm yellow spotlights cover the building's facade, giving it a magnificent gilded texture that is perfect for photography. If you want to see the interior, consider booking a ticket for the AO Show, a cultural performance often held here. The theater's classic architecture provides a stunning backdrop for the show, which utilizes bamboo props to tell the story of Vietnam's transition from countryside to city.

Directly across from the Opera House stands the Hotel Continental Saigon. This is not just a hotel but a piece of literary history. It is famously associated with the author Graham Greene, who wrote The Quiet American here. The hotel retains a sense of history, with rooms like "The Graham Greene Suite" preserving traces of the past. The interior is simple yet evocative, with balcony doors that open to the bustling street scenes below—a view that Greene himself once described as capturing the "brand of Saigon" with the scents of jasmine and street life drifting in.

Just a short walk away is the Ho Chi Minh City Hall (People's Committee Building). This is another stunning example of French architecture that anchors the city center. Like the Opera House, it is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night, making the square in front of it a popular spot for an evening stroll.

• Key Stop: Saigon Opera House (Gothic style, built 1900)
• Key Stop: Hotel Continental Saigon (Colonial style, literary history)
• Key Stop: City Hall (French colonial, best viewed at night)

Continuing the exploration of colonial influence, head towards the Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon, locally known as the "Red Church." This architectural landmark is a must-visit for any itinerary. Its distinct red brick facade makes it one of the most recognizable structures in the city. Located in a prime spot in District 1, it is often included in day tours alongside other major historic sites.

Right next to the cathedral is the Saigon Central Post Office. This grand building is a functioning post office but doubles as a major tourist attraction due to its beautiful colonial design. It is often grouped with the cathedral for a quick but culturally rich sightseeing stop.

For a splash of color that contrasts with the red bricks of the cathedral, venture into District 3 to see the Tan Dinh Church, famous as the "Pink Church." This vibrant structure is a favorite for photographers due to its unique bright pink exterior. It is located near other interesting spots, making it a convenient addition to your architectural tour. While in the area, you might also pass by the Reunification Palace (Independence Palace), a significant historical site that marks a different era of Vietnamese history.

• Key Stop: Notre Dame Cathedral (The Red Church)
• Key Stop: Central Post Office (Colonial grandeur)
• Key Stop: Tan Dinh Church (The Pink Church)
• Key Stop: Reunification Palace (Historical significance)

Transitioning from religious sites to cultural hubs, the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum is a stunning example of yellow colonial architecture. It served as a filming location for the movie The Lover. The building itself is a work of art, featuring corridors and windows that transport visitors back in time. It is a highly recommended stop for those who appreciate atmospheric architecture and photography.

No architectural tour of Saigon is complete without visiting Ben Thanh Market. As the largest market in the area, it is a bustling hub of commerce and culture. The structure itself is an iconic symbol of the city. It can be crowded, smoky, and filled with the energy of daily life, offering a stark contrast to the quiet elegance of the museums.

For a look at Saigon's modern evolution and unique adaptive reuse of architecture, visit The Cafe Apartment on Nguyen Hue Walking Street. This building is a former apartment block turned into a vertical collection of cafes and boutiques. It is a visual delight and a testament to the city's creative spirit. Nearby, you can see the Bitexco Financial Tower, which offers a modern counterpoint to the city's historic skyline. You can enjoy views of the city from the sky deck or admire its lotus-bud inspired shape from the ground.

• Key Stop: Fine Arts Museum (Yellow colonial style, cinematic history)
• Key Stop: Ben Thanh Market (Traditional market architecture)
• Key Stop: The Cafe Apartment (Adaptive reuse)
• Key Stop: Bitexco Financial Tower (Modern skyscraper)

To fully immerse yourself in Saigon's architectural vibe, choose accommodation that reflects the city's diverse styles. There are several standout options ranging from French colonial to modern industrial.

Mai House Saigon Hotel is a perfect choice for those who love the French colonial aesthetic. The decoration is distinctly French, offering a clean and elegant atmosphere. It is located in a convenient area, making it a great base for exploring the city's historic districts.

For a more contemporary feel, consider the Anima Boutique Hotel. This property features a minimalist industrial style that feels more like an art exhibition than a standard hotel. With seven floors of design-forward spaces, it is located just a 5-minute walk from Nguyen Hue Walking Street and close to the Notre Dame Cathedral.

If you prefer a "Nanyang" (South Seas) vintage style, look for boutique hotels in District 2 (Thao Dien), such as the properties managed by Amanaki. Some of these hotels feature lobbies filled with old objects, antique decorations, oil paintings, and wooden furniture, creating a warm, nostalgic atmosphere. The rooms often feature unique touches like natural plant fragrances (lemongrass, pineapple, lychee) and exquisite tableware.

Finally, for a taste of modern luxury, the Vinpearl Landmark 81, Autograph Collection offers a high-end experience within Vietnam's tallest building. The executive lounge and breakfast service here are noted for their high specifications, rivaling luxury standards in other major Asian cities.

• Mai House Saigon Hotel (French Colonial style)
• Anima Boutique Hotel (Industrial Art style)
• Amanaki Thao Dien (Nanyang Vintage style)
• Landmark 81 (Modern Luxury skyscraper)