Reunification Palace

Of all Vietnam's tourist attractions, the one you should not drop is the iconic Reunification Palace. It was first designed as the residence and workplace of the U.S.-backed former Vietnam President Ngo Dinh Diem until his death. On April 30, 1975, during the Saigon Fall, the North Vietnamese Army maneuvered a tank that crashed through the main gate of the palace, signifying the end of the Vietnam War. 

The place was designed by an award-winning French architect and is said to be in harmony with Feng Shui principles. Lush tropical gardens surround this five-level building, which hides secret rooms, entertainment lounges, a telecommunications center, and a basement housing a warren of tunnels. Interestingly, the war command room still has huge maps and old communication equipment intact, along with the basement labyrinth. To date, the conference room still hosts important national events, such as the recent APEC summit and the signing of the WTO accord. The building has been left largely as it was, so history buffs can have a deep exploration of the global history here. 
Ho Chi Minh City always has many more to offer. Within the short distance are Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Jade Emperor Pagoda, and History Museum. 

If you want to see the essence of Vietnam as a whole, check out this 10-Day Best of Vietnam.