At the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street in central Ho Chi Minh City, the People’s Committee Building is a working government office and one of the city’s most recognizable French colonial landmarks. Its cream and yellow façade has arched windows, ornate details and a central clock tower; a bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh stands in the small park in front. The interior is not open to the public, so plan to admire the building from outside. Come after dark to see its façade illuminated.
A former Hôtel de Ville
The building was constructed in the early 20th century as Saigon’s Hôtel de Ville, or city hall, and is now the headquarters of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee. Its name and role have changed, but it remains a prominent government building in the city.
Its design draws on Western architectural styles, including Beaux-Arts, Baroque and Renaissance influences. From the street, look for the arched windows, decorative façade and central clock tower. The building’s yellow-and-cream coloring and red roof details distinguish it from the surrounding streets.
What to see outside
The building stands at the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, making it easy to view as part of a walk along the boulevard. A bronze statue of Ho Chi Minh stands in the small park directly in front. The statue and the building make a natural stopping point for photographs.
Public access to the interior is restricted because the building remains in use as a government office. The exterior is the focus of a visit; there is no public interior tour described here.
Daylight and evening views
In daylight, the façade’s architectural details and clock tower are easier to pick out. Early morning is a practical choice if you want fewer people in your photos. After dark, exterior lighting brings attention to the building’s decorative outline and makes it a different stop on an evening walk.
Nguyen Hue Boulevard is nearby, with cafes in the surrounding area. You can continue along the street after viewing the building, or make a short stop for Vietnamese coffee.
FAQ
Can you go inside the People’s Committee Building?
No public interior access is available; it is a functioning government office. Visitors can view the exterior.
Where is the People’s Committee Building?
It is at 86 Lê Thánh Tôn in central Ho Chi Minh City, at the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
When is the best time to photograph the building?
Go early in the morning for a quieter view, or after dark to see the illuminated exterior.
