Ho Chi Minh City Hall (Building of People's Committee)

History of Ho Chi Minh City Hall (People's Committee Building)

The structure was originally known as the Hotel de Ville de Saigon and was constructed between 1902 and 1908. The building has housed the Peoples Committee's headquarters in Ho Chi Minh City since 1975 and is sadly not open to the general public. Civil servants and cleaners are the only ones who are permitted.

The structure was designed by French architect P.Gardes and is based on the Paris City Hall. It includes a main hall, rectangular wings, and a well-kept façade with trimmed trees. The famed bell tower, which can be found in many European town halls, rests atop a pyramid-like pedestal and adds to the structure's flair and grandeur.

Location of Ho Chi Minh City Hall (People's Committee Building)

Ho Chi Minh City Hall is located on Le Thanh Ton, at the northern end of Nguyen Hue Street. It's right in the heart of the popular District 1 retail district, and the Municipal Theatre is just across the corner. Other important landmarks such as Notre Dame Cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office, the Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck are all within walking distance. Because of its central location, it is an easy addition to any walking tour of Ho Chi Minh City that includes the major attractions.

While it may appear out of place in an Asian metropolis, it blends in with the beauty and charm of the many other structures in the area. It's amazing that it's being utilized rather than sitting idle, and this is likely one of the reasons for its excellent preservation.

The Architecture of Ho Chi Minh City Hall (People's Committee Building)

Three buildings make up Ho Chi Minh City Hall, each featuring embossed figures of animals and people, exquisite bas-reliefs on the walls, and a statue of Ho Chi Minh in front of the main structure. The best time to visit HCM City Hall is in the evening, when the architectural highlights are brilliantly lit up.

A trip down Nguyen Hue Street to see the Saigon Opera House and Notre Dame Cathedral, followed by some retail therapy at the shopping centers, would be an excellent sightseeing expedition. Make your way to the People's Committee Building in the late afternoon for stunning sunset photos before concluding the day with drinks at the Rex Hotel Rooftop Bar.

Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.