Where To Catch The Best Views Of Ho Chi Minh City's Skyline

In Ho Chi Minh, whole city blocks can transform in a matter of weeks. Modern glass giants burst from the asphalt as ancient stucco relics crumble and fall. This is a city that wants the future, a city whose skyline is becoming as integral to its identity as the madness of the streets. These are the best places to take it all in.

Thu Thiem Bridge

Set between Binh Thanh and the undeveloped section of District 2, Thu Thiem Bridge is one of Saigon’s most popular spots to photograph the vibrant colors that adorn the twists, turns, curves and abrupt angles of downtown’s skyline. From the late afternoon until late into the night, the bridge is full of friends, families and couples marveling at a city in change.

Vinhomes Central Park

The billboards

A series of seven giant billboards cling to the eastern bank of the Saigon River looking back across toward District 1. Most people only view these immense ads from downtown; however, a short motorbike ride either across the Thu Thiem Bridge or through the Saigon River Tunnel will get you 90% of the way there. From the District 2 side, reaching the billboards can be confusing as the riverside streets are constantly closing, opening, being paved or torn up due to the non-stop construction. However, after consulting Google Maps, you should eventually be able to find a street marked Cay Bang which runs in the shadows of the ads. The views toward downtown are some of the best in the city. It’s up close and personal and you’ll be the only one there.

Business Centre of Ho Chi Minh City from the District 2 billboards

The Bitexco Financial Tower

Perhaps the best way to understand the change that Saigon is going through is by having a beer smack dab in the middle of it. The Bitexco Tower was, until recently, Saigon’s tallest structure and the 52nd story Eon Heli Bar is free to visit. What makes it such a special place is the fact you have 360 degree views of the city. The skyline isn’t just growing and evolving in District 1, but in Binh Thanh, District 2, District 4, District 7 and everywhere in-between as well. Nowhere in the city provides views of it all, in the way the Bitexco does.

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