What Diamond Plaza is
Diamond Plaza is a mixed-use complex at 34 Le Duan Street in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. Completed in 1998, it combines retail, offices, serviced apartments, dining, and leisure facilities. The plaza is close to Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and the Reunification Palace, and attracts local and international visitors with its shopping, dining, and entertainment options (naivietnam.com, maisonoffice.vn, Ahoy Vietnam).
History
Diamond Plaza was developed by IBC Corporation and opened during the period of rapid modernization and foreign investment following Vietnam’s Đổi Mới reforms of the late 1980s. It was among the first large-scale integrated developments in Vietnam, combining retail, offices, and serviced apartments in one complex (naivietnam.com).
The site, at the intersection of Le Duan Boulevard and across from Notre-Dame Cathedral, was once central to colonial administration. Diamond Plaza helped reinforce District 1’s role as the city’s commercial and cultural heart (maisonoffice.vn).
IBC Corporation’s development blended global standards with local cultural heritage. The project helped establish a model for later mixed-use developments in Vietnam (naivietnam.com).
What to see
Architecture and building features
Diamond Plaza combines European architectural influences with modern design. Its clean lines and glass façade sit alongside the surrounding colonial landmarks, while its proportions and materials reflect the city’s architectural heritage (maisonoffice.vn).
It was the first building in Saigon constructed with a steel frame. Its features include advanced fire protection, computerized building management, and international-standard telecommunications systems (maisonoffice.vn).
- Total floors 22 above ground and 2 basements
- Office space 7 floors, levels 6–12, totaling 14,418 sqm
- Floor plate Approximately 2,200 sqm
- Parking Two basements totaling 5,140 sqm
- Elevators 5 passenger elevators and 1 service elevator
- Completion 1998 (naivietnam.com)
The complex includes a retail podium with luxury brands, boutiques, and eateries; a Grade A office tower; serviced apartments with panoramic city views and amenities; and leisure facilities such as cinemas, wellness centers, and entertainment venues (maisonoffice.vn).
Its modern silhouette forms a visual contrast with the neo-Romanesque Notre-Dame Cathedral along Le Duan Boulevard. Diamond Plaza has become a cultural landmark associated with the city’s blend of tradition and progress (maisonoffice.vn, naivietnam.com).
Dining inside Diamond Plaza
Dining options include international chains such as Pizza Hut, Lotteria, and Baskin Robbins; Vietnamese favorites such as Pho 24 and Highlands Coffee; Korean BBQ; Japanese sushi bars; cafés and bakeries serving French pastries; dessert shops; and bubble tea. Local vendors also sell ice cream and treats.
Dining spaces are modern and air-conditioned, and often have views of Le Duan Boulevard or April 30th Park. Prices range from VND 50,000–150,000 for casual dining to VND 500,000+ for premium experiences. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
Practical visiting information
Hours, entry, and location
- Opening hours Daily, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
- Entry Free to retail and dining areas; some entertainment venues may charge separately.
- Location 34 Le Duan Street, District 1
The complex is accessible by taxi, motorbike, public transport, or on foot from nearby landmarks. Ample parking is available in the basement.
Diamond Plaza is wheelchair accessible, with ramps, elevators, and adapted restrooms.
Tours and events
Occasional guided tours and cultural events are hosted at the plaza. Check the official website for updates.
Tips
Lunch is busiest from 12:00–14:00 and dinner from 18:00–20:00; reservations are recommended at upscale venues. Dress ranges from casual to smart-casual. Credit cards and mobile payments are widely accepted, and tipping 5–10% at premium venues is customary.
For exterior photos of Diamond Plaza and Notre-Dame Cathedral, the view from Le Duan Boulevard is a photo spot. City views are also available from nearby rooftop cafés.
Nearby places
Nearby attractions include:
- Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, also known as the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
- Reunification Palace
- April 30th Park
- Saigon Central Post Office
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
The Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, officially the Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of The Immaculate Conception, is a neo-Romanesque church and a landmark of the city’s colonial heritage. Built from 1863–1880 with imported French materials, it remains an active Catholic church.
- Location 01 Công xã Paris, District 1
- Hours Daily, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed during special ceremonies
- Tickets Free entry; donations are appreciated.
The basilica is reachable on foot or by taxi, and has wheelchair ramps and facilities. Guided experiences are available, often combining visits to the Central Post Office and Diamond Plaza.
Nearby restaurants
- Kabin Upscale Chinese cuisine
- Pizza 4P’s Artisanal pizzas
- Hum Vegetarian food and coffee
- Noir. Dining In The Dark A distinctive dining concept
- Banana Mama Rooftop Rooftop fusion and cocktails
- Le Corto French fine dining
- B3 Steakhouse Steaks and craft beer
- Home Saigon Modern Vietnamese classics
Street food stalls around the plaza offer banh mi, pho, and local juices. For more, see this restaurant guide.
FAQ
Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica
When is the best time to visit?
Weekday mornings.
Are guided tours available?
Yes, through local operators.
When is the best time for photos?
Early morning or late afternoon, when photos can emphasize the red brick façade and twin towers. Inside, avoid using flash to preserve artworks.
