The latest Doraemon trailer has gone viral on social media — and for good reason. For the first time ever, iconic Vietnamese landmarks have appeared on the big screen, putting Ho Chi Minh City in the global spotlight. Among them, the Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office — a 130-year-old French colonial masterpiece — emerged as a stunning cultural symbol, captivating millions of international viewers worldwide.

Almost immediately, travel forums lit up with questions: "Which city appeared in the Doraemon movie?", "How do I experience Saigon to the fullest?", "Where should I start a Ho Chi Minh City tour?" This is far more than a marketing moment — it's the instant Saigon stepped onto the world tourism stage like never before.

The group also had the experience of riding in a cyclo to admire the bustling streets.

International travelers don't just want to check in at famous landmarks. They want to wear an áo dài, don a traditional conical hat, savor authentic Vietnamese street food, and immerse themselves in the electric pulse of the city.

Doraemon and his friends are enjoying Vietnamese cuisine.

If you've ever dreamed of stepping into those images, a Saigon city tour is the experience you simply cannot miss.

Doraemon and his friends looked very charming in their Vietnamese ao dai dresses and conical hats.

Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office — The Historic Landmark Featured in the Doraemon Trailer

Of all the Vietnamese landmarks that appeared in the Doraemon trailer, the Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office made the strongest impression on international audiences — and it's easy to understand why.

Over 130 Years of History

Built between 1886 and 1891 during the French colonial period, the Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office is one of the most intact examples of French colonial architecture remaining in Southeast Asia. Blending Gothic and Renaissance styles, the building was designed by French architect Gustave Eiffel — the same visionary behind the legendary Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Situated in the heart of District 1, directly facing Notre-Dame Cathedral, the Post Office sits at a perfect crossroads of history and modernity. Inside, soaring vaulted ceilings, original mosaic tile floors, and aged telecommunications maps still adorn the walls — silent witnesses to the city's golden past.

Today, the Post Office remains fully operational while also serving as an unmissable stop on every Saigon city tour itinerary. This isn't just a photo opportunity — it's a place where travelers can feel the weight of history in every brick and weathered wooden door.

Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office

See More: Late Night Dining in District 1: Fresh Seafood 24/7 at Dai Viet Restaurant on Bui Vien Street

Saigon City Tour — A Complete Journey into the Soul of the City with The Rice Travel Group

What makes a Saigon city tour truly special isn't just the ancient buildings — it's the story of a city that never stops moving, yet never forgets its past. Every street, every landmark carries a different layer of memory: French colonialism, wartime resilience, the reform era, and global integration.

Must-Visit Attractions on a Ho Chi Minh City Tour

Notre-Dame Cathedral — A Symbol of French Colonial Architecture

Just steps from the Post Office, Notre-Dame Cathedral (Basilica of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception) is one of the most iconic Catholic structures in Southeast Asia. Built between 1863 and 1880 in a Romanesque-Gothic style with building materials shipped directly from France, its twin bell towers soaring 57.6 meters high create the perfect backdrop for iconic Saigon photography.

Notre-Dame Cathedral - A popular check-in spot for young people in Saigon.

Independence Palace — A Witness to History

No stop on a Saigon city tour carries more historical weight than the Independence Palace. This was the site of some of the most pivotal moments in 20th-century Vietnamese history. Designed by architect Ngô Viết Thụ — the first Vietnamese winner of France's prestigious Prix de Rome — the building harmoniously blends modern Western design with Asian cultural elements. Inside, original meeting rooms, underground bunkers, and rare historical artifacts remain perfectly preserved.

Independence palace

War Remnants Museum — Memories That Must Not Be Forgotten

One of the most visited museums in Southeast Asia, the War Remnants Museum houses over 20,000 documents, photographs, and artifacts from the Vietnam War. This is an essential destination for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of Vietnam's history and the indomitable spirit of its people. Many visitors say their time at this museum completely transformed their perspective on Vietnam.

Ben Thanh Market — The Culinary Heart of Saigon

For over 100 years, Ben Thanh Market has remained the vibrant center of Saigon life. Here, you can discover the full range of Vietnamese cuisine: Saigon-style bánh mì, phở, bún bò Huế, and fresh tropical fruits. The market is also a shopping haven with hundreds of stalls selling clothing, souvenirs, and handicrafts — an ideal place for international travelers to experience authentic Saigon culture firsthand.

Bui Vien Walking Street — Where Cultures Collide

Cap off your Ho Chi Minh City tour at Bui Vien Walking Street — the beating heart of backpacker culture and international nightlife. This is where Vietnamese and global cultures blend most naturally and vibrantly. From hip-hop bars and street food stalls to unique souvenir shops, Bui Vien delivers a colorful, high-energy after-dark Saigon experience.

Bui Vien Street at night - an attractive destination for those with a youthful and vibrant spirit

The Irresistible Pull of Vietnamese Culture for International Travelers

If you only come to take photos, you haven't truly experienced Saigon. What sets a city tour in Saigon apart from other Asian destinations is the cultural depth this city delivers.

Touch the Beauty of Vietnam Through the Áo Dài Experience

Nothing is more quintessentially Vietnamese than slipping into a traditional áo dài and strolling through Saigon's historic streets in a conical hat. Many international travelers describe this as the moment they felt closest to Vietnamese culture. The áo dài isn't just clothing — it's an entire aesthetic philosophy embodying the elegance, modesty, and femininity of Vietnamese women.

Street Food Adventures Loved by Travelers Around the World

Saigon is rightfully known as Vietnam's street food capital. No city tour is complete without authentic street food experiences: perching on a tiny plastic stool at dawn for a steaming bowl of phở, sipping an iced cà phê sữa đá in the afternoon heat, or exploring the eclectic food carts that line the streets at dusk. Every dish carries a story about history, culture, and the Saigon spirit.

Navigating Saigon's Legendary Traffic — A Thrill in Itself

For many international visitors, crossing one of Saigon's motorbike-filled intersections becomes just as memorable as touring the Independence Palace. With over 8 million motorbikes, the city's traffic creates a one-of-a-kind flow that exists nowhere else on earth. Some tours even offer rides by xích lô (cyclo) or xe ba gác — classic modes of transport that let you absorb the city's rhythm at a slower, more intimate pace.

Historic Landmarks in Saigon — Where Every Wall Tells a Story

Unlike many major Asian cities, Saigon isn't just a rapidly modernizing metropolis. It's a city with rare historical depth — where every building and neighborhood carries its own unique layer of memory.

The Old Quarter and Colonial Architecture

Along the central streets of District 1 — from Lê Duẩn and Nguyễn Du to Đồng Khởi — travelers can easily spot carefully preserved French colonial villas standing alongside gleaming modern towers. This is a vivid testament to Saigon's extraordinary blend of East and West — a city where history isn't erased but woven into everyday modern life.

Pagodas and Temples — Spiritual Sanctuaries in the Urban Heart

Few visitors realize that Saigon is home to hundreds of ancient pagodas right in the midst of its bustling urban landscape. Ngọc Hoàng Pagoda, Bà Thiên Hậu Temple (Tuệ Thành Hội Quán), and Giác Lâm Pagoda offer rare moments of tranquility amid the city's relentless energy. These are ideal stops for travelers who want to understand the rich and diverse spiritual life of the Vietnamese people.

Bà Thiên Hậu Temple 

Let The Rice Travel Group Take You on an Inspiring Saigon City Tour

Rather than rushing through a checklist of attractions, The Rice Travel Group offers a genuine, in-depth journey through Saigon with knowledgeable local guides who bring the city's history and culture to life.

Why Choose The Rice Travel Group?

• Local expert guides: More than just navigators, our guides are storytellers — sharing the tales of the people, the history, and the hidden sides of the city that no guidebook will ever mention.
• Flexible itineraries: From half-day city tours for time-pressed travelers to comprehensive full-day tours covering history, culture, and cuisine — The Rice Travel Group tailors every experience to your needs.
• Authentic cultural experiences: Try on an áo dài, take a cooking class, join a traditional craft workshop — these are the memories that last long after you've returned home, not just photos on a screen.
• Small private groups: Every traveler receives personal attention rather than getting lost in the crowd.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off: Convenient, stress-free transfers so you never have to worry about navigating an unfamiliar city on your own.

Hidden Gems in Saigon — Places Only Locals (and Lucky Travelers) Know

Beyond the famous landmarks, Saigon hides countless extraordinary spots that only locals and travelers with experienced guides ever discover.

Dai Viet Restaurant Specializing in fresh seafood in the heart of Bui Vien Walking Street, Dai Viet offers a full spectrum of Vietnamese and international cuisine alongside an extensive drinks menu — beers, spirits, and handcrafted cocktails — all enjoyed with front-row views of the city's vibrant nightlife.

Bitexco Financial Tower The symbol of a dynamic, modern Saigon, where the Saigon Skydeck observation deck on the 49th floor opens up a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city — perfect for understanding Saigon's scale and energy from a whole new perspective.

Bitexco Financial Tower

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street A poetic pause amid the city's relentless pace, this leafy book street blends reading culture with green open space, offering visitors a glimpse into Saigon's quieter, more reflective side.

When Doraemon Brought Saigon Closer to the World

The appearance of Saigon in the Doraemon trailer was no accident. It reflects a steady rise in Vietnam's global appeal as a travel destination — a place that perfectly combines rich history, diverse culture, extraordinary cuisine, and warm-hearted people.

When a global pop culture icon like Doraemon chooses the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office to represent Vietnam to international audiences, the message is unmistakable: Saigon is ready for the world stage.

For travelers captivated by those images, a Saigon city tour is the opportunity to step off the screen and touch a reality more extraordinary than any movie could capture.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Rice Travel Group's Ho Chi Minh City Tour

How long does a Saigon city tour take? Standard itineraries run between 8 and 10 hours (half-day or full-day options). The Rice Travel Group designs flexible schedules tailored to each group's pace and preferences.

Do I need to speak Vietnamese? Not at all. The Rice Travel Group's guides are fluent in English, Japanese, Korean, and other languages. Major attractions also feature bilingual Vietnamese-English signage throughout.

Is the city tour suitable for children and elderly travelers? Absolutely. Itineraries are designed at a comfortable pace, with air-conditioned transport and well-timed rest stops. Children especially love Ben Thanh Market and traditional games.

What are the opening hours of the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office? The Post Office is open Monday to Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and weekends from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Visit in the early morning for the best natural light and smaller crowds.

Conclusion

From the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office immortalized in the Doraemon trailer to the fragrant, flavor-packed alleyways of Ben Thanh Market — Saigon is a city that never stops telling its story. Every street corner is a new page, every passing face an unwritten chapter.

Let The Rice Travel Group guide you through Saigon's most extraordinary moments — where history, culture, and the pulse of modern city life converge at every turn. A Saigon city tour isn't just a sightseeing trip. It's an encounter with the soul of a great city.

Contact The Rice Travel Group to experience the City Tour to the fullest.

Book Your Tour with The Rice Travel Group

Address: Bui Vien Walking Street, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 

Hotline: +84 962.333.621 (Zalo / WhatsApp)