At the very top of Nguyen Hue walking street is the Saigon People’s Committee building. Often referred to as City Hall it is a lovely bit of architecture. It is located at 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Built between 1902 and 1908 during the French colonial period, this cream-colored building was originally called the Hotel de Ville (City Hall of Saigon) and was modeled after the City Hall in Paris, France.
The architectural style exemplifies French colonial design, featuring distinct European elements blended with subtle Asian influences. The building’s facade showcases elegant Baroque architecture with intricate decorative details, including ornate windows, sculptured reliefs, and classical columns. The most striking feature is its central section, which rises higher than the flanking wings and is topped by a tall clock tower. The clock, installed in the early 20th century, remains functional and illuminated at night.
The exterior is adorned with classical French decorative elements, including wrought-iron gates, detailed cornices, and window shutters. The building’s symmetrical design emphasizes its splendor, with two matching wings extending from the central portion. The front courtyard features well-manicured gardens, adding to the building’s stately appearance. A statue of Ho Chi Minh sits in front of the main entrance, added after 1975 when Saigon became Ho Chi Minh City.
The interior matches the exterior’s magnificence with grand staircases, crystal chandeliers, and high ceilings adorned with intricate moldings. The main hall features marble floors, while the walls are decorated with murals depicting scenes from Vietnam’s history. The building contains numerous meeting rooms, administrative offices, and ceremonial spaces, all maintaining their original colonial character while serving modern governmental functions.
The building spans three stories and approximately 1,700 square meters. The ground floor traditionally housed administrative offices, while the upper floors contained meeting rooms and reception halls. The internal layout follows a symmetrical plan, with a central corridor running the length of the building, connecting various departments and offices.
Notable architectural features include:
- Double-height ceilings in main ceremonial spaces
- Original hardwood flooring in select areas
- Period-appropriate light fixtures and hardware
- Curved balconies with ornate iron railings
- Arched doorways and windows with detailed moldings
- Traditional French colonial shutters on all windows
- Decorative roof tiles and finials
- Geometric patterns in floor tiling
The building has undergone several renovations throughout its history, most significantly in the 1990s, which helped preserve its historical integrity while updating necessary infrastructure. The most recent restoration work focused on maintaining the original color scheme and architectural details while ensuring the building meets modern administrative needs.
While the building primarily serves as the headquarters for the city’s People’s Committee, it has become one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most photographed landmarks, particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. The building and its surrounding area are especially popular during national holidays when decorative lights and flags adorn the facade.
Access to the interior is restricted as it remains a functioning government building. However, visitors can admire the exterior and take photographs from the plaza in front of the building. The best times for photography are early morning or late afternoon when the lighting accentuates the architectural details.
Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hours of Operation:
- Exterior viewing: 24/7
- Interior: Closed to general public
- Photography of exterior: Permitted at all times
- Plaza access: 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM daily
The building is easily accessible via public transportation, with several bus stops nearby and walking distance from major hotels in District 1. The nearest landmarks include the Rex Hotel, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and the Opera House.
