The Enduring Legacy of the Vietnam War

While the go-go backpacker-friendly side of Saigon has emerged in recent years, the tragedy of the Vietnam War is ever-present in the psyche of locals and tourists alike. History buffs flock to Saigon to expose themselves to the three main Vietnam War attractions: The Reunification Palace, the War Remnants Museum, and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

1. The Reunification Palace. This building was the epicenter of the Fall of Saigon in 1975, when tanks crashed through the gates which signified the end of the war. The Palace is now one of the most sought after attractions in Saigon, with each room kept in the same state that it had been in two days after it was overtaken by troops from Northern Vietnam. Historically significant? Absolutely. Tourist-draw? Maybe for some, but not for us. Each floor is a series of empty boardrooms in 1970s décor – which explains why we’ve come to affectionately refer to it as the “chair museum.” While a guidebook will tell you this is a “must-see,” we would give it a pass.

Reunification Palace

 2. The War Remnants Museum. While the museum over-emphasizes American atrocities, and seems to downplay those committed by the Vietnamese themselves, the exhibits portray the horrors of the Vietnam War. In front of the museum are old American tanks and planes, and inside, there are several levels of photo exhibits. They track the roots of the war, acts of aggression by both parties (somewhat one-sidedly), the role of foreign correspondents, and atrocities such as Agent Orange and the My Lai Massacre. The photos and captions are well-done (though are sometimes graphic and upsetting), which makes this museum a definite must-see on a trip to Saigon.

3. The Cu Chi Tunnels. This underground networks of tunnels used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War are an impressive engineering feet, especially considering they spanned over 200 km. Visiting Cu Chi is essential when visiting Southern Vietnam, and allows travellers to see hidden tunnel entrances, ventilation, “jungle traps” for American soldiers, and to crawl through a section of the tunnels themselves. This was one of the coolest things we did in Vietnam, and is an easy-half day trip out of Saigon.

Inside the Cu Chi Tunnels

Secret Entrance