Looking for fun and exciting activities? There are plenty of things to do in Ho Chi Minh that will keep you entertained throughout your visit. From exploring historical landmarks to indulging in delicious street food, the city offers a wide range of experiences for every traveler. Let’s explore with VTJ the list of these activities right in this article!
22+ BEST Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City Travel Tips
1. Vietnam uses Vietnamese Dong (VND) for money.
2. Remember to buy a local SIM card when you arrive. It’s cheap and helpful for using Google Maps and Grab to get around. You can buy one at the airport.
3. Instead of taxis, use Grab. It’s like Uber in Southeast Asia! Just type your address into the app, no need to explain to the driver or negotiate the price.
4. Saigon has different neighborhoods called “Districts”. The expat community is in District 2, and the backpacker area is in District 1. You can live in District 4 because it’s central and not as expensive. Each District has its own special things to offer.
For additional travel tips when visiting Saigon, here is a list of frequently asked questions that you can refer to help make your trip smoother:
- What is Ho Chi Minh City best known for? Ho Chi Minh City is best known for its vibrant street life, historical landmarks, and delicious cuisine.
- How many days is ideal for Ho Chi Minh? Ideally, spending 3 to 4 days in Ho Chi Minh City allows visitors to explore its main attractions and experience its unique culture.
- Is Ho Chi Minh City cheap? Yes, Ho Chi Minh City is generally considered to be affordable for travelers, with reasonable prices for accommodation, food, and transportation.
- What food is Ho Chi Minh known for? Ho Chi Minh City is known for its diverse street food scene, including iconic dishes such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and fresh seafood.
- What is the best month to visit Ho Chi Minh? The best months to visit Ho Chi Minh City are typically from November to April when the weather is cooler and drier, making it more comfortable for sightseeing.
- How much is a meal in Ho Chi Minh City? The cost of a meal in Ho Chi Minh City can vary depending on where you eat and the type of cuisine, but on average, a simple meal at a local eatery can cost around $2 to $5 USD.
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20+ BEST Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Visit the Independence Palace
Exploring the Independence Palace is one of the exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh. The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, used to be called Norodom Palace. General Ngo Dinh Diem stayed there until he died in 1963. His air force bombed the palace in 1962 to try to kill him because he was very unpopular. After that, he built a new house there with a bomb shelter in case it happened again. Sadly, he was killed by his soldiers.
The new house, the Reunification Palace, was where the South Vietnam President lived during the Vietnam War. It looks cool with 1960s-style furniture and decorations. There are meeting rooms downstairs, a fancy bar upstairs, and a bomb shelter and communication center underground.
In 1975, the Vietnam War ended when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through the main gate. Now, everyone who visits Ho Chi Minh City wants to see the Reunification Palace. It’s even on the 200,000 VND bill!
See the War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam, offering a glimpse into the city’s history. It shows you how bad the Vietnam War was and makes you think differently about it. Outside, there are old vehicles and weapons from the war. Inside, there are posters and things against war.
There are pictures of people hurt by a chemical called Agent Orange. Some people are still affected by it today, even though it happened a long time ago. There are also pictures of journalists who died during the war.
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Check out the Ho Chi Minh City Museum
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum is a must-visit attraction for those interested in the city’s cultural heritage. The building looks nice, and inside, there are lots of cool things to see. You can check out old stuff like coins, ceramics, and other ancient things. The museum also talks a lot about how Vietnam became independent.
Go Shopping
Going shopping is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, with markets and malls to explore.
- At Hạnh Thông Tây Market, you can find trendy stuff and try yummy foods like Vietnamese spring rolls and pizza.
- Chợ Minh Phụng, also called Chợ Cây Gõ, is great for bargain shopping for clothes and makeup at wholesale prices.
- Ba Chieu Market has been around since 1942 and offers all sorts of things, from food to clothes.
Enjoy Saigon’s Coffee Culture
Embrace Saigon’s coffee culture by enjoying a cup of local brew at one of the city’s many cafes. For a productive work session, head to The Workshop in District 1. They serve top-notch coffee, have reliable Wi-Fi, and plenty of seats. If you’re into pretty pictures, Padma de Fleur is a coffee shop with flowers where your drink comes with a mini bouquet. And L’Usine is a fancy spot with a tasty American breakfast.
If you’re in a hurry, you can grab a quick coffee at popular chains like Phuc Long Coffee or Cong Caphe, known for their delicious coconut coffee.
And don’t miss out on egg coffee! Although it’s from Hanoi, you can still find great egg coffee spots in Saigon like Goc Ha Nội or Okkio Cafe.
See the Skyline from the Bitexco Tower
See the city’s skyline from the Bitexco Tower, a popular attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. Head to the Bitexco Financial Tower and skip the Skydeck on the 49th floor. Instead, go straight to the EON Helibar on the 52nd floor. The price is about the same, so it’s an easy choice.
Sip on a fancy drink while you watch the sunset through the big windows. Stick around until nightfall to see the dazzling lights of the city from up high. It’s one of the coolest things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!
Try Saigon’s Craft Beer
Try Saigon’s craft beer scene, which is among the top things to do in Saigon Vietnam. Ho Chi Minh City is getting good at making craft beer. People who are experts at making beer from all over the world are coming here to try making new flavors. The places where you can taste these beers are cool and fun, and they also have tasty snacks to eat with the beer.
Eat Seafood on Vinh Khanh Street
Have you ever imagined eating snails while sitting on a small chair by the road in Saigon? If you have, then Vinh Khanh Street is the place for you! Indulge in delicious seafood on Vinh Khanh Street, one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. There are many restaurants there with lots of delicious seafood.
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Visit Nguyen Hue Walking Street on foot
In Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Hue Street is a lively part of District 1, which is a popular spot for tourists. The street is about 670 meters long and is surrounded by shops, restaurants, and tall buildings. Take a stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street, one of the enjoyable things to do in Ho Chi Minh at night. At night, there’s a fountain with a light show, live performances, and festivals.
You’ll also find a statue of Ho Chi Minh, which is the tallest in Vietnam. Apartment 42 on Nguyen Hue Street is famous for its cafes and unique greenery. During Tet, the street becomes Flower Street, filled with beautiful blossoms, including Sakura trees.
Party on Bui Vien Street
Experience the vibrant nightlife on Bui Vien Street, known for its lively atmosphere and things to do in Saigon Vietnam. Bui Vien is like the backpacker central of Saigon, a bit like Khao San Road but not as wild. It’s packed with bars blasting music, small beer spots with tables outside, eateries, cafes, and shops – perfect for backpackers. Start your night at an outdoor bar to soak in the atmosphere. Then, follow the vibe to the busiest bar!
Send a Letter at the Post Office
Send a letter at the Post Office, a unique activity in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in the late 1800s, the Ho Chi Minh City Post Office has beautiful Gothic architecture. It’s one of the most impressive French-style buildings in the city. Inside, you’ll be amazed by the grand arches, marble floors, and old wooden telephone booths. The post office is still active, so you’ll see lots of people coming and going.
Listen to Live Music
In Ho Chi Minh City, there are many places where local singers perform American songs. One cool spot is at Ben Thanh Street Food Market. Every Tuesday and Saturday night, young artists sing popular hits from 7:30 to 9:30 pm. You can also grab some yummy food and drinks from the vendors there!
Another fun place is Yoko Cafe, which hosts a variety of music acts like blues, pop, and acoustic. It’s a small space, so make sure to come early to get a table. Check their Facebook page to see who’s performing next.
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Explore Chợ Lớn, Ho Chi Minh’s Chinatown
For lunch, go to Binh Tay Market in Cho Lon, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. It’s the city’s biggest wholesale market and a great place to find inexpensive souvenirs. After checking out the various items like lacquered wood and embroidered fabrics, head to the food stalls.
Take a Trip to the Mekong Delta
Taking a trip to the Mekong Delta is a memorable thing to do in Ho Chi Minh. The famous Mekong Delta River flows through Vietnam and Cambodia and has a rich history, especially during the Vietnam War.
From Saigon, you can take a day trip to different parts of the Mekong, which can take from one to 3.5 hours depending on where you want to go.
During the boat tour, you can visit local villages, floating markets, and fruit orchards, and try delicious foods unique to the Mekong Delta region.
Climb Through the Cu Chi Tunnels
Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels is an iconic thing to do in Ho Chi Minh. During the American War, the villages near Cu Chi district were home to many Viet Cong (VC) fighters. To escape American attacks, they dug tunnels underground, creating the famous Cu Chi tunnels.
Today, tourists can visit a part of these tunnels to experience what life was like for the fighters. Some sections are widened for tourists, but it’s still tight and dark inside. It’s not recommended for those who get scared easily.
There are two places to see the tunnels: Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc. Most visitors go to Ben Dinh.
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Visit Cai Be Floating Market in Cái Bè District
Visiting the Cai Be Floating Market in Cái Bè District is an enjoyable thing to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Explore Cái Bè, a floating town on the Mekong Delta River in Vietnam, where half the town is on water and the other half on land.
Take a boat tour to see the Cái Bè Floating Market, where you can buy souvenirs, snacks, and fresh flowers from boats. Try dining in a floating restaurant for a local food experience.
You can also kayak through the market, which is a fun option offered by guided tours from Saigon.
Strike a Pose at the Pink Tan Dinh Church
Tan Dinh Catholic Church in Ho Chi Minh City stands out with its pink-colored exterior, making it a popular spot for Instagram photos.
Built-in 1870 during French colonization, the church showcases unique architecture with a tall bell tower and French influences in its design.
Known as ‘The Pink Church’, it’s one of the oldest churches in the city and is easily recognizable due to its vibrant color.
Snap Photos inside Cao Dai Temple
In the town of Long Hoa, not far from Highway 22, stands the impressive Cao Dai Great Temple. As you approach, you’ll see a grand entrance leading to the temple grounds. The temple’s vibrant colors and elaborate design might remind you of something from a fairy tale.
Despite its bold appearance, the temple’s architecture somehow avoids looking too flashy. Two tall towers frame the front entrance, which features a balcony and a symbol known as the Divine Eye, similar to the one found on the American one-dollar bill.
Visit Pagodas in Ho Chi Minh City
When visiting Ho Chi Minh City, be sure to explore some of its beautiful pagodas. Here are a few notable ones: Jade Emperor Pagoda, Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, Giac Lam Pagoda, Pho Minh Pagoda. These pagodas offer serene atmospheres and stunning architecture, providing visitors with a glimpse into Vietnamese culture and spirituality.
Splash around Dam Sen Water Park
Don’t miss out on the fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam, such as trying Splash around Dam Sen Water Park. This tropical theme park is ideal for beating the heat and capturing some memorable photos. Kids of all ages will love the water park, where they can enjoy thrilling water slides and pedal boats.
Explore the charming village area, complete with colorful umbrellas and beautiful flower gardens, perfect for snapping pictures.
Don’t miss a ride on the giant Ferris wheel, and stick around for the evening when the bridges illuminate and a spectacular fireworks display lights up the sky. It’s a magical experience for everyone!
Go on a Food Tour
Exploring the food tour is one of the exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh. There are so many little vendors and restaurants tucked away in alleyways. It can be overwhelming, but with a tour guide, you’ll learn all about the dishes and ingredients.
Some must-try dishes in Saigon include Bánh canh cua (like a seafood noodle soup), Bò kho (a tasty beef stew with bread), and Bánh xèo (a yummy seafood omelet).
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Watch a Traditional Water Puppet Performance
There are plenty of things to do in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam, including watching a Traditional Water Puppet Performance at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre. The performances happen on a stage with water, and singers and musicians sit on each side.
If you don’t speak Vietnamese, you might not understand everything, but you’ll still enjoy watching the beautifully painted wooden puppets and their clever movements. Each show lasts about 50 minutes, and there are several shows every evening.
So, there you have it – a fantastic array of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Whether you’re exploring historical sites, indulging in delicious cuisine, or immersing yourself in the vibrant culture, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling city! Don’t forget to check out more of VTJ’s articles to discover more about this city!
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