Ho Chi Minh City was not my favorite place when I first went to Vietnam, and I think there are better cities to visit. However, there are things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that make the city unique, authentic, and special.
Despite my experience, Ho Chi Minh City, also known as the historical Saigon, is a modern yet authentic city with many attractions and markets to visit. I’d certainly recommend spending a few days if you want to live the local Vietnamese craziness.
Of course, if you’re traveling to Southeast Asia, that must definitely be on your itinerary.
One of the Vietnam sights that has to be on your itinerary is Ho Chi Minh City. Named after Ho Chi Minh, this city has everything a traveler could want, from historical temples and palaces to river cruises and food tours.
Whether you’re on a long trip around Vietnam visiting Hanoi or Sapa, or an Asian expat on a long weekend, we’ve got you covered. From authentic Vietnamese experiences, nightlife, and monuments to visit, you’ll discover the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City here.
1 USD = 23,000 VND
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Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
While there are 24 districts in Ho Chi Minh City, I would recommend to only stay in specific areas. The best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City is without a doubt District 1. In fact, you’ll be able to reach most of the attractions below in 15 minutes max. Also, there are plenty of restaurants of lots of nightlife activities from clubs to street food. While it is a more premium area, I’d recommend staying here to guarantee a better experience.
Also, District 3 is a good place to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. It will allow you to stay close to the city center and it is cheaper but still has many unique attractions.
Lastly, another good area to stay is in the District 2 of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City Central Post Office
The Central Post Office is one of the most authentic and popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. While it can be overlooked by many (myself to start with), it is actually very beautiful and really well preserved. It is yellow both inside and outside with a painting of Ho Chi Minh inside.
Visiting the Central Post Office is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City and some of the best Saigon landmarks. It is a must when traveling to HCMC.
I was stopped by young students inside who all asked me basic questions in English to practice what they had been studying (so cute, I’ll always remember them). That definitely added a nice touch to my visit.
Lastly, it is right in front of the Cathedral of Notre Dame de Saigon and near the War Remnant Museum.
Opening Times: From Monday to Friday: 7AM to 7PM / Saturday and Sunday: 8AM to 6PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Saigon Cathedral of Notre Dame
The Notre Dame de Saigon Cathedral, located just a minute away from the Central post office, is a very beautiful thing to see in Ho Chi Minh City. For that reason, it should be one of the first attractions to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. Notre Dame de Saigon is not as big as the one in Paris, but it certainly is impressive with its 2,40 meters towers and its statue of Virgin Marie.
When I visited the city, no one was allowed to get in, however, the official opening times are from 6am till 8 pm. I heard from other bloggers that gates are closed for lunch at noon so I was probably unlucky to get there at that time.
Opening Times: 6 am – 11 am and 3 pm to 6 pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Shop at Ben Thanh Market
When in Saigon, you have to visit the local markets. In fact, markets are one of the most authentic, buzzing, and amazing things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for shopping lovers. There are many things to shop for inside from shoes, food, candies, and about everything made in Vietnam.
Opening Times: From Monday to Sunday – 7am to 7pm
Entrance Fee: Free
War Remnants Museum (Best thing to do in Ho Chi Minh for history lovers)
The War Remnant Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh and you should certainly pay it a visit, history lover or not. The museum is filled with photography, displayed exhibitions, and various pieces of history from the bloody Vietnamese past.
While the inside part of the museum has to be visited, you should also pay a visit to the outside. In fact, you’ll find authentic military aircraft and hardware that was used during the war. Also, be prepared to see replicas of prisoner rooms and torturing devices for prisoners of war.
Lastly, while it is a very interesting place to learn more about Vietnam’s history, it is definitely heartbreaking and saddening to see, so be prepared for that.
Opening Times: 7:30 am to 12 pm and 1:30 pm – 5 pm – Daily
Entrance Fee: 15.000VND/$0.65
Pray at Thien Hau Temple
Built by Chinese immigrants in the 18th century, Thien Hau Temple is one of the oldest examples of Chinese architecture in Vietnam. The temple is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, lovingly called “Lady of the Sea”, that protects people on long sea journeys.
Here, you’ll have more peaceful moment and is a great escape from Saigon’s streets’ chaos. Whether you come to pray or to discover a more unique sight, you’ll definitely like it.
Opening Times: 6:00 am to 11:30 am – 1:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Entrance Fee: Free
See the View at Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
The Bitexco Financial Tower is the highest building in Saigon and you should definitely go inside to admire the view above Saigon at the 49th floor with a 360 degree Skydeck.
The price is 200,000VND which is a little expensive for Vietnam, but you won’t regret it. You’ll see the city from another viewpoint with the river separating one side from the other. The huge skyscrapers will look very tiny from there.
I’d recommend going before sunset to enjoy the view before making your way to the bar upstairs to have a drink. Don’t forget to take some shots of Saigon by night. It will definitely be a nice memory to take back home.
Opening Times: 9.30am to 9.30 – Daily
Entrance Fee: 200,000VND
Take a Bonsai River Cruise (Best thing to do in Ho Chi Minh for Couples)
To cater to your inner romantic, take the Bonsai River Cruise. A dinner cruise along the Saigon river, showing you the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City at night. Enjoy a delicious meal, watching the sun slowly dip below the city skyline, and wander around the deck with a glass of wine as the skyscrapers slowly illuminate the city in every color of the neon rainbow. There’s no better way to spend your night than at the Saigon River.
Join a Day Tour to the Mekong Delta
A day tour to the region of Mekong Delta is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the amazing world of Vietnamese culture and nature. You’ll pass fishing villages and fruit plantations, full of hard-working locals, stop at the islands named after tortoises and unicorns, and admire countless orchid gardens and coconut trees scattered around the banks of the Mekong Delta River. Who can say no to exploring such a charming side of Vietnam?
If you want to have some of the best Vietnam sightseeing experiences, cruising the Mekong Delta is the one for you.
Hide in the Cu Chi Tunnels
If you’re looking to learn about the history of Vietnam, one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City is the Cu Chi Tunnels. An enormous maze of underground tunnels, it’s a vivid, tangible memory of the Vietnam War kept alive for people to understand the hardships that the Vietnamese soldiers went through in their fight for freedom. Walking through the tunnels, you’ll see all sorts of living facilities, including kitchens, armouries, and hospitals; it was necessary to resort to practically living underground in order to fight for a chance to survive.
Opening Times: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily
Entrance Fee: 90,000₫
Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Ho Chi Minh City Museum, originally called Gia Long Palace, is another great place to learn the history of Vietnam. While it is less rich than the War Remnant Museum, you’ll find all kinds of historical and cultural exhibitions.
What locals and visitors like the most is probably the architecture of this massive mansion palace and its garden inside. On the other hand, what I didn’t particularly like was that all the indications were in Vietnamese which I couldn’t understand (obviously, uh?) and I had the feeling to miss an important part of the exhibition.
Note that you will be required to pay an extra 10,000VND to bring your camera in. I wasn’t very pleased to hear it when I went, but after talking to some locals, it’s apparently normal in many attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
Opening Times: 8am to 5 pm daily
Entrance Fee: 15,000VND per visitor
Cao Dai Temple
Even if you’re not a believer, it is worth visiting the Cao Dai Temple to hear its philosophy. Caodaists believe that all religions have the same message at their core and aim to celebrate the similarities instead of focusing on the differences.
Every day, monks in colorful robes gather in the temple. Combining the best parts of it, they pay their respects to such religious figures as Jesus Christ, Allah, and Buddha. While you’ll need to travel to get to Cao Dai temple, you’ll get to see the Vietnamese countryside. Needless to say, that definitely adds authenticity to your Vietnam holiday.
Traveling to Cao Dai temple will make you see the countryside and Vietnam points of interest, which is a must on holiday.
Cao Dai Temple Opening Times: From 6 am to 6 pm daily
Jade Emperor Pagoda (Best thing to do in Ho Chi Minh to learn about religion)
The Jade Emperor Pagoda, also known as Ngoc Hoang, was built by the Chinese community in 1909 and that’s one of the important Taoist temples in Ho Chi Minh City.
The temple is peaceful and the city’s madness suddenly drifts away as soon as you get in, which is extremely nice to see.
There are 2 parts inside that are beautiful, full of details and symbols. I, unfortunately, couldn’t understand all of it but it was still worth a visit. All in all, it is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City to get away from the buzzing experience.
Opening Times: 7am to 4pm daily
Entrance Fee: Free
Experience the Madness at Binh Tay Market
Binh Tay Market is another must-do in Ho Chi Minh that you should go to during your vacation. In fact, it’s very nice inside with lots of food, clothes, and gadgets. Overall, Binh Tay Market is known to have better prices and more local experience than other markets in town. Just like in Ben Thanh market, everything that’s sold here is made in Vietnam, and that’s certainly another reason to visit.
I personally went after 5.00 pm and it was dirty with no one around. For this reason, I’d recommend going in the morning or close to lunchtime to taste some delicious food.
Opening Times: 8am to 5pm daily
Entrance Fee: Free
Eat Some Pho and Banh Mi
Once you get hungry, the city of Ho Chi Minh will be ready to offer you some of its best food. If you just want a snack to enjoy before the main course, try banh mi – a special type of crispy sandwich bread filled with pork or ham and various herbs and vegetables. If you want to feel like a true local, start your day with a bowl of pho – a beef or chicken noodle soup, a staple Vietnamese breakfast dish. No matter what you choose, your taste buds will thank you!
Discover Giac Lam Pagoda
For a brief trip back in time, visit the Giac Lam Pagoda, the oldest Buddhist temple in the city of Ho Chi Minh. Hidden behind a walled garden, it towers above most residential buildings, well protected by the statues of the guardian dragons. Once you’re finished with your exploration below, climb to the top floor to enjoy the view of Ho Chi Minh City as if it were laid out at the palm of your hand.
Opening hours: 5:00 am to 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Entrance Fee: Free
Get Lost in Nguyen Hue Walking Street
If you’re still unsure what to do in Ho Chi Minh City, head to the Nguyen Hue walking street. Running all the way down to the Saigon river, it greets you with the statue of Uncle Ho, beloved Vietnamese leader that has given this city its name.
It offers a nice walk past beautiful historical buildings towards the shopping mall during the day and a bright and exciting fountain show at night. It’s guaranteed that you won’t leave the Nguyen Hue street in a bad mood.
Have a Cocktail at a Rooftop Bar
If you want to feel on top of the world, put on your best outfit and go out for a cocktail at a rooftop bar. There are modern places, including a swimming pool and a giant neon martini glass, and smaller historic venues with warm lights and a cozy atmosphere.
To sum up, no matter what mood you’re in, you can always expect a good drink and some pleasant company. A stunning panoramic view of Saigon will certainly make the experience more unique!
Best Rooftop Bars in Ho Chi Minh City to Party and Drink
Chill Skybar – District 1
Glow Skybar Saigon – District 1
Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar – District 1
Rex Rooftop Garden at Rex Hotel Saigon – District 1
Join a Vietnamese Street Food Tour (Best thing to do in Ho Chi Minh for food lovers)
Feeling overwhelmed with new and unfamiliar food options? The street food tour is certainly going to help. Follow a knowledgeable local to the best places in town. You’ll be guided through the maze of names that is Vietnamese street food.
You’ll try rice noodle soup, sour pancakes, special Vietnamese donuts, and maybe even snails if you’re feeling brave. The Vietnamese cuisine is rich and interesting; don’t be afraid to dive in!
See a Show at the Saigon Opera House
Devote one of your evenings to learning about Vietnamese culture by going to the Saigon Opera House. This magnificent white stone building is in the heart of Saigon. It was designed to bring the theatre experience to a new level, and seeing a show there is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Choose between shows exploring the themes of living in the Vietnam countryside of the highlands and sit back, ready to enjoy an evening of world-class cultural entertainment.
Saigon Opera House Opening Times: Shows start at 6.00 pm
Entrance Fee: From $30
Join a Vietnamese Cooking Class in Saigon
Why not bring home a souvenir that’ll stay with you for the rest of your life and help you impress your family and friends? If you join a cooking class, you’ll be able to bring a piece of Vietnam to the table whenever you want. Also, you’ll get to choose the dishes you’ll cook before heading to the market to buy fresh ingredients.
I’d personally recommend taking a class at Saigon Cooking Class. Under the keen eye of the chef, you’ll create a full meal that is all yours to enjoy at the end of the class. Bring out your aprons, and let’s learn something new!
Saigon Vietnamese Cooking Class price: $39.5
Jump on a Grab Bike
This is actually one of the best and most amazing things to do in Vietnam that you can do. Grab is the cheapest and most convenient way to get around Ho Chi Minh City. So why not take things to the next level and call a Grab bike?
Traffic can be overwhelming in Saigon and being taken by a motorbike is quicker, practical, and even cheaper. For less than $1, you’ll be able to get around Ho Chi Minh, how amazing is that?
Saigon Reunification Palace
A historical monument serving as a time capsule from 1975 awaits you in the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. Now a museum, 50 years ago it was the residence of the French governor, and it took a Vietnamese army tank to crash into it to end the Vietnam War.
As you walk inside, you can practically feel yourself taking a step back in time. In fact, the war room, the telecommunications room, and the basement with tunnels. These all remained exactly as they were in the 1970s, all reminders of the time that the Vietnamese spent fighting for their independence.
Opening times: 7:30 am – 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm daily
Entrance fee: 40,000₫ for adults – 20,000₫ for children
Admire the Starlight Bridge
A regular bridge during the day, the Starlight Bridge transforms as soon as dusk falls on the city. The water in every color of the rainbow starts erupting from both sides at night. The bridge itself lights up to resemble the night sky and that only is a good answer to what to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Step on the Starlight Bridge to feel like you’re walking on air.
When to visit: the bridge lights up every Thursday through Sunday between 16:30 and 22:00
Ho Chi Minh City Hall
The Ho Chi Minh City Hall is a stunning example of French architecture. It now houses the People’s Committee, a nod to the foreign invaders who fully intended for that to never happen.
The Vietnamese flag is flying proudly at the top of the building, overlooking a garden with flowers and a statue of Ho Chi Minh waving at people. It is a gorgeous building that is located right at the end of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and seeing both together is recommended.
Assist to a Water Puppet Show
If there was a funny thing to do in Ho Chi Minh city, that would probably be assisting to a water puppet show. Experience this authentic Vietnamese show while visiting the city by night. After that, you’ll get to a boat on the Saigon River for a lovely Vietnamese dinner cruise. Needless to say, that’s a beautiful experience in Saigon that you shouldn’t miss!
The short answer to the question “what to do in Ho Chi Minh City?” is “everything”. No matter what you like, Saigon will have it available for you.
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