15 Best Places for Photography in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025: A Local Photographer's Guide - Xplrverse

Introduction: Why Ho Chi Minh City Is a Photographer’s Paradise

The first time I visited Ho Chi Minh City in 2018, I nearly gave up on photography altogether. I was overwhelmed by the chaos, the endless motorbikes, and the seemingly impenetrable wall of activity everywhere I looked. Three days in, with a memory card full of blurry, uninspiring shots, I sat dejected in a small café on Bui Vien Street, wondering if I’d wasted my trip. That’s when a local photographer named Minh spotted my camera and struck up a conversation that would completely transform how I saw this magnificent city.

Seven years and countless visits later, Ho Chi Minh City (still lovingly called Saigon by locals) has become my favorite urban photography playground in Southeast Asia. The city presents a rare visual tapestry where colonial architecture stands alongside sleek skyscrapers, where ancient traditions unfold just steps away from modern luxury, and where the light—oh, the light!—creates magic hours that seem to stretch beyond what’s physically possible.

In 2025, Ho Chi Minh City continues to evolve dramatically, with new developments reshaping the skyline while traditional neighborhoods retain their timeless charm. This guide reveals my carefully curated list of photography locations, from iconic landmarks to hidden spots known only to locals, along with practical advice on timing, equipment, and cultural considerations that I’ve learned (often the hard way) over years of shooting in this dynamic metropolis.

Urban Landscapes: Capturing the City’s Skyline

Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline has transformed dramatically over the past few years, with 2025 featuring some incredible new additions. These spots offer breathtaking views that showcase the perfect blend of colonial heritage and futuristic architecture.

1. Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

The iconic 68-story Bitexco Tower remains a photographer’s dream in 2025, despite newer buildings around it. Its helipad-like observation deck provides 360-degree views of the sprawling city.

Insider Tip: Skip the official observation deck and instead visit the café on the 50th floor (EON Café). You’ll pay just the cost of a drink (around 90,000 VND or $3.50) rather than the 230,000 VND observation deck ticket, and you’ll enjoy nearly identical views!

For golden hour shots, arrive at least 90 minutes before sunset to secure a window seat. I once made the mistake of arriving just 30 minutes early and ended up crammed in a corner with terrible reflections in all my photos.

2. Thu Thiem Bridge

Following the completion of the new Thu Thiem Urban Area in 2024, this bridge now offers some of the most spectacular cityscape views. I prefer shooting from the District 2 side looking back toward District 1.

The blue hour (about 20-30 minutes after sunset) creates magical reflections on the Saigon River. Bring a tripod and a neutral density filter if you want those silky-smooth water effects with the city lights.

Most tourists don’t venture here, making it perfect for unobstructed shots. A xe ôm (motorcycle taxi) should cost around 70,000 VND from District 1, but be sure to negotiate before getting on!

3. The View Rooftop Bar

Located on the 9th floor of the Duc Vuong Hotel on Bui Vien Street, this hidden gem offers spectacular views of District 1 for the price of a beer (around 60,000 VND).

What makes this spot special is the perfect vantage point of the chaotic West-meets-East architecture—colonial buildings juxtaposed against modern developments. The hotel staff are used to photographers and won’t rush you if you order a drink.

Street Photography: Capturing Daily Life

1. Chợ Bến Thành (Ben Thanh Market)

The iconic Ben Thanh Market remains a photography hotspot in 2025, though it’s undergone some renovations since the post-pandemic tourism boom. The market’s interior provides endless opportunities to capture authentic daily life, colorful produce, and fascinating vendor portraits.

Money-saving tip: Skip the overpriced souvenirs here and instead photograph them. Then head to Chợ Bình Tây in Cholon (Chinatown) where the same items cost 40-60% less. I once paid 350,000 VND for a lacquer bowl at Ben Thanh only to find the identical item for 150,000 VND in Cholon the next day!

Early morning (6-7am) offers the best light and authenticity, as locals shop before the tourist crowds arrive. Ask permission before photographing vendors with a simple “Chụp hình được không?” (Choop heen dur-uhc khome?) meaning “Can I take a photo?” A smile and a small purchase often gets an enthusiastic yes.

2. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Since its completion in 2015, Nguyen Hue has evolved into a photographer’s paradise, especially in 2025 with the new art installations that change seasonally. The pedestrian-only boulevard stretches from City Hall to the Saigon River.

Visit on weekend evenings (after 6pm) when street performers, musicians, and local youth converge, creating a vibrant atmosphere. The light trails from passing motorbikes on the cross streets make for compelling long-exposure photographs.

The smell of street food, the sounds of amateur musicians, and the sight of families enjoying the evening create a sensory experience that’s distinctly Saigon. Look for reflections in the puddles after a typical afternoon rain shower for artistic compositions.

3. Tan Dinh Church (Pink Church)

This candy-pink church in District 3 has become increasingly popular with photographers since 2020, but remains less crowded than Notre Dame Cathedral. The bright pink exterior against blue skies makes for eye-catching compositions that perform extremely well on social media.

The interior’s stained glass windows create beautiful light beams during morning services. I recommend visiting between 7-9am on weekdays to avoid crowds and capture the soft morning light on the façade.

Remember this is an active place of worship; dress modestly and be respectful. Mass times are typically 5:30am and 5:30pm daily.

Hidden Gems: Off-the-Beaten-Path Photo Spots

1. The Cafe Apartments at 42 Nguyen Hue

This unassuming apartment building transformed into a vertical mall of indie cafes and boutiques is a photographer’s paradise. Each balcony and storefront offers unique compositions, while the interior courtyard feels like something from a Wes Anderson film.

Visit multiple floors for different perspectives. The most photogenic cafes are The Letter Cafe on the 5th floor and Kujuz on the 2nd floor. A coffee costs around 45,000-65,000 VND, but the photo opportunities are worth every đồng.

Insider Secret: Head to the 9th floor around 5pm for a rarely-discovered view across to the City Hall. The sunset light bathes the colonial architecture in golden hues, and very few visitors make it up this far!

2. Binh Quoi Tourist Village

Located about 8km from District 1, this recreated Mekong Delta village offers stunning photography opportunities without leaving the city. Think peaceful waterways, bamboo bridges, and traditional thatched-roof huts without the 4-hour drive to the actual Delta.

The entrance fee is just 30,000 VND (about $1.20), making it one of the best photography values in the city. I arrive around 3pm to catch the afternoon light filtering through the bamboo groves, then stay until sunset when lanterns illuminate the village.

A Grab car from District 1 costs around 120,000 VND each way. Be prepared for humidity—bring lens cloths to combat condensation!

3. Bui Vien Street at Dawn

Yes, everyone knows Bui Vien as the backpacker party street, but at 5:30am, it transforms into something else entirely. The famous nightlife strip becomes a temporary morning market, with vendors setting up food stalls and locals shopping before work.

The juxtaposition of the sleeping party district with the awakening local market creates fascinating visual stories. The morning light cutting between buildings creates dramatic shadows and light beams that disappear by 7am.

The smell of bánh mì sandwiches and fresh coffee permeates the air, while street cleaners wash away evidence of the previous night’s revelry. It’s a sensory experience that very few tourists ever witness.

Architectural Photography: Colonial and Modern Contrasts

Ho Chi Minh City offers a fascinating architectural timeline spanning French colonial buildings, post-independence modernism, and contemporary skyscrapers—all within walking distance of each other.

1. Saigon Central Post Office

Designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, that Eiffel), this 130-year-old building remains a working post office with stunning interior arches and original phone booths. The vintage maps on the walls and intricate tile work make for gorgeous detail shots.

Visit between 8-9am to catch the morning light streaming through the windows before tour groups arrive. For interior shots, a wide-angle lens (16-24mm) works best to capture the grand vaulted ceiling.

When I visited in July 2024, I made the mistake of using my tripod without permission, which quickly attracted security attention. Instead, stabilize your camera on a post or bench for low-light shots.

2. Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)

This perfectly preserved 1960s building offers a time capsule of mid-century modernist architecture. The 2023-2024 restoration has been completed, revealing refreshed interiors while maintaining historical authenticity.

The rooftop offers rarely-photographed views of the surrounding city. The basement war rooms with original maps and equipment provide unique historical photography opportunities.

The entrance fee is 65,000 VND in 2025. Bring ID as it’s required for entry. Photography is permitted throughout most areas, but not in certain restricted historical rooms.

3. Landmark 81

Vietnam’s tallest building (and one of Southeast Asia’s tallest) offers an observation deck on the 81st floor with breathtaking views. While tickets are pricey at 500,000 VND, the photography opportunities are unmatched.

For an alternative view, head to the nearby Binh Thanh District parks along the Saigon River for spectacular shots of the tower itself, especially at sunset when the glass façade catches the golden light.

Money-saving secret: Instead of paying for the observation deck, visit the Blank Lounge on the 72nd floor. Order a drink (around 220,000 VND) and enjoy nearly the same view for less than half the price of the observation deck ticket!

Cultural Photography: Temples and Traditional Life

1. Jade Emperor Pagoda (Chùa Ngọc Hoàng)

This 100-year-old Taoist temple offers atmospheric photography opportunities with its intricate woodcarvings, ancient statues, and ever-present candle and incense smoke creating light beams. The 2024 restoration has preserved its authenticity while making it more accessible.

Visit between 10-11am when light streams through the roof openings, creating dramatic shafts of light through the incense smoke. The back courtyard with its turtle pond provides a peaceful contrast to the main hall’s intensity.

Remember to remove your shoes before entering and ask permission before photographing worshippers. A small donation (20,000-50,000 VND) in the offering box is appreciated.

2. Chinatown (Chợ Lớn) and Binh Tay Market

District 5’s Chinatown remains one of my favorite photography destinations in the city. The newly renovated Binh Tay Market (completed in 2022) offers endless photo opportunities of wholesale goods, traditional medicine shops, and specialty food vendors.

The nearby temples—particularly Quan Am Pagoda and Thien Hau Temple—feature incredible detail shots of carved woodwork, coiled incense, and devotional offerings.

I prefer to hire a local guide for this area (around 700,000 VND for a half-day) as they can introduce you to shopkeepers and explain cultural contexts that enhance your photography. My go-to guide service is Saigon Photo Tour, run by local photographers who know all the hidden spots.

3. Thi Nghe Canal at Sunrise

The area where Thi Nghe Canal meets the Saigon River provides a glimpse into traditional riverside life that’s rapidly disappearing from modern Ho Chi Minh City. Arrive at 5:30am to photograph fishermen casting nets, morning market vendors setting up along the banks, and commuters crossing the pedestrian bridges in golden morning light.

The Canal Street Food Market near Ward 19 offers incredible breakfast photo opportunities and delicious bún riêu (crab noodle soup) for just 35,000 VND. The steam rising from food stalls in morning light creates atmospheric images.

Bring a zoom lens (70-200mm) to capture candid moments without intruding. A few friendly waves and a “Xin chào!” (hello) goes a long way toward making subjects comfortable with your presence.

Practical Photography Tips for Ho Chi Minh City

Best Equipment for Urban Photography in HCMC

Scenario	Recommended Equipment	Notes
Street Photography	35mm or 50mm prime lens	Fast aperture (f/1.8 or wider) for low light situations
Architecture	Wide angle lens (16-24mm)	Weather sealing recommended for rainy season
Markets & Temples	24-70mm zoom, high ISO capability	Flash photography often prohibited in temples
Skyline Views	Tripod, 24-105mm lens, ND filters	Security may restrict tripods at some locations
Rainy Season	Rain cover, microfiber cloths	Humidity causes lens fogging when moving between AC and outdoors

Safety and Etiquette for Photographers

Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in markets and temples
Keep your camera in a nondescript bag when not shooting to avoid unwanted attention
Be mindful of your surroundings—I once lost a lens cap while backing up for a shot and nearly fell into a canal!
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites (covered shoulders and knees)
The Vietnamese phrase “Chụp hình đẹp quá!” (Choop heen dep qua) meaning “Beautiful photo!” is a great way to break the ice and show people their image on your camera screen

Best Times for Photography

Golden Hour: 5:30-7:00am and 5:00-6:30pm offers the best natural light
Blue Hour: 6:30-7:00pm is perfect for cityscape photography with city lights
Rainy Season (May-November): Challenging but rewarding with dramatic skies and reflections
Dry Season (December-April): Clearer air quality and more reliable shooting conditions
Lunar New Year (Tet): Incredible photo opportunities with decorations and celebrations, but many businesses close

Three Common Photography Mistakes I’ve Made in HCMC

1. Underestimating the humidity: My first DSLR suffered serious fungus damage after I failed to store it properly. Now I always bring silica gel packets and store gear in airtight containers with dehumidifiers overnight.

2. Camera theft vulnerability: In 2022, I had my phone snatched while taking photos from the back of a Grab bike. Now I always use wrist/neck straps and remain aware of my surroundings, especially in crowded areas.

3. Ignoring cultural sensitivities: I once photographed inside a temple during an active prayer ceremony, unintentionally causing offense. Always watch for signs prohibiting photography and when in doubt, ask permission first.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Action Plan for Photographing Ho Chi Minh City

After seven years of photographing this vibrant city, I’ve developed a foolproof system for capturing exceptional images while still enjoying the experience. Here’s your actionable plan for photographic success in Ho Chi Minh City:

5-Step Photography Action Plan

Start with Early Mornings: Begin your first three days with sunrise shoots (5:30-7:30am) to capture the city awakening, enjoy cooler temperatures, and avoid crowds. Focus on Ben Thanh Market, Thi Nghe Canal, and Nguyen Hue Walking Street during these golden hours.
Mix Iconic and Hidden Locations: For every famous site you photograph (Notre Dame, Independence Palace), balance with a lesser-known spot from this guide. This approach will give your portfolio both recognizable landmarks and unique perspectives that stand out.
Schedule Around Light and Weather: Check sunset times and weather forecasts daily. Plan indoor locations (museums, markets, cafés) during harsh midday light or sudden rain showers. Save skyline shots for clear evenings, particularly 1-2 days after rain when air quality improves dramatically.
Connect with Locals: Spend at least one day with a local photography guide or join the free Saigon Shutterbugs meetup (Saturdays at 3pm outside the Opera House). Local knowledge will transform your photography and provide access to locations you’d never find alone.
Edit and Share Daily: End each day by selecting and editing 3-5 of your best images. This practice prevents overwhelming backlogs and helps you identify patterns in what’s working or missing from your collection while you can still reshoot.

Remember that truly exceptional photography in Ho Chi Minh City isn’t just about technical perfection but about capturing the soul of this contradictory, chaotic, and utterly captivating metropolis. Be prepared to embrace unexpected moments, adapt to rapidly changing conditions, and sometimes put the camera down to simply experience the sensory feast that is Saigon.

The city will challenge, frustrate, and ultimately reward you with images that tell authentic stories and evoke the genuine spirit of Vietnam. As we say in Vietnamese: “Chúc may mắn!” (Good luck!) on your photographic journey through one of Southeast Asia’s most visually compelling cities.

FAQ: Photography in Ho Chi Minh City

Is it safe to walk around Ho Chi Minh City with expensive camera equipment?

Generally yes, but with sensible precautions. I’ve been photographing HCMC for years with professional gear and have had only one minor incident. Use a nondescript camera bag rather than branded ones that scream “expensive equipment inside.” Keep your gear on a strap worn across your body, be extra vigilant in crowded areas, and avoid displaying multiple lenses or accessories openly on the street. The biggest risks are snatch-and-grab theft from motorbikes, so keep your camera secured with a strap and avoid photographing near curbs with your back to the street.

Do I need permits to photograph in Ho Chi Minh City?

For personal photography, no permits are required in public spaces. However, commercial photography (advertising, commercial films, etc.) does require permits from local authorities. If you’re using a tripod in popular tourist spots, security might ask questions—I usually explain I’m a tourist and offer to show my photos, which resolves most situations. Avoid photographing government buildings, military installations, or airports, as these are restricted areas in Vietnam.

What’s the best time of year for photography in Ho Chi Minh City?

December through April offers the most reliable weather with clear skies and lower humidity, making it ideal for photography. January and February are particularly good with comfortable temperatures. The rainy season (May-November) presents challenges but also opportunities for dramatic skies and reflections. September typically has the heaviest rainfall with frequent afternoon downpours that can interrupt shooting schedules.

How do locals feel about being photographed?

Vietnamese people in HCMC generally respond well to photography if approached respectfully. Always ask permission with simple gestures or learn the phrase “Chụp hình được không?” (Can I take your photo?). In markets and small businesses, making a small purchase before asking to photograph is both polite and effective. Show people their images on your camera screen afterward—this usually leads to smiles and sometimes even invitations for more photos or conversation.

What’s the most underrated area for photography in Ho Chi Minh City?

District 4, just south of District 1 across the canal, remains wonderfully underrated for photography. Once considered rough, it’s now safe while retaining authentic local character. The narrow streets, seafood markets, and working waterfront offer glimpses of traditional life that’s disappearing elsewhere. The rooftop bars here also provide unique skyline views from a different angle than the usual District 1 vantage points. Few tourists venture here, making for more genuine interactions and unposed scenes.

How should I handle the humidity’s effect on my camera equipment?

The humidity in HCMC is brutal on camera equipment. To protect your gear: store everything in airtight containers with silica gel packets when not in use; let your equipment acclimatize for 15-20 minutes when moving between air-conditioned spaces and the humid outdoors to prevent condensation; carry microfiber cloths to gently wipe condensation from lenses; consider a weather-sealed camera body and lenses for rainy season shooting; and never change lenses outdoors in high humidity if possible.

What’s the biggest challenge for photographers in Ho Chi Minh City?

The biggest challenge is managing the visual overwhelm. There’s so much happening simultaneously—traffic, vendors, signage, people—that finding clean compositions takes practice. I recommend new photographers start with telephoto lenses to isolate subjects before attempting wider environmental shots. Also challenging is the rapid pace of development—locations I photographed just two years ago have sometimes completely transformed, so guides and blogs can quickly become outdated.

15 Best Places for Photography in Ho Chi Minh City in 2025: A Local Photographer’s Guide