Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), formerly known as Saigon, is Vietnam’s largest and most vibrant metropolis. A city of contrasts, it blends colonial-era landmarks, bustling markets, modern skyscrapers, and some of the best street food in the world. If you’re interested in history, culture, nightlife, or food, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone.

In this extensive guide, we’ll cover the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, including must-visit landmarks, unique experiences, and hidden gems.

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

1. Explore Ben Thanh Market – A Shopper’s Paradise

One of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic landmarks, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit for travelers looking to experience the city’s shopping culture.

What to Do at Ben Thanh Market:

• Shop for souvenirs – From handicrafts to silk garments and coffee beans, this market has it all.
• Try authentic Vietnamese street food – Grab a bowl of Pho, fresh spring rolls, or Vietnamese coffee.
• Bargain with vendors – Prices are negotiable, so don’t be afraid to haggle.

Location: District 1

Best time to visit: Morning for fresh produce, evening for the lively night market.

2. Visit the War Remnants Museum – A Look at Vietnam’s Past

For a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s history, visit the War Remnants Museum. It provides a raw and emotional look at the Vietnam War through photographs, military equipment, and personal accounts.

Why Visit?

• See real war artifacts like U.S. tanks, helicopters, and fighter jets.
• Learn about the effects of Agent Orange and war crimes.
• Gain a local perspective on Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

Location: District 3

Entry Fee: Approximately 40,000 VND

Opening Hours: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

3. Admire the Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office

A reminder of Vietnam’s French colonial past, the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Saigon Central Post Office stand as architectural marvels in the city center.

What to Do:

• Take photos of Notre-Dame Cathedral – Built with materials imported from France.
• Step inside the Saigon Central Post Office – Designed by Gustave Eiffel, it’s still an operational post office.
• Send a postcard home from this historic building.

Location: District 1

Best time to visit: Early morning to avoid crowds.

4. Wander Down Bui Vien Street – The Backpacker’s Hub

If you’re looking for nightlife, cheap drinks, and non-stop action, Bui Vien Street is the place to be. It’s Ho Chi Minh City’s answer to Bangkok’s Khao San Road—a chaotic but exciting nightlife hub.

What to Do on Bui Vien Street:

• Sip on fresh draft beer at one of the open-air bars.
• Enjoy live music and street performances.
• Try street food like grilled meat skewers and Vietnamese pancakes.

Location: District 1

Best time to visit: 9 PM – Late night

5. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels – A Historic Underground Network

For an eye-opening experience, take a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels, a massive underground network used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

What to Expect:

• Crawl through the tunnels – Some sections are open to tourists.
• See hidden trapdoors, booby traps, and war relics.
• Try shooting a real AK-47 rifle at the onsite shooting range.

Location: 1.5 hours from the city

Entry Fee: Approximately 90,000 VND

Tour Duration: Half-day tours available

6. Enjoy a Sunset View at Saigon Skydeck

For the best panoramic views of Ho Chi Minh City, visit Saigon Skydeck at the Bitexco Financial Tower.

Why Visit?

• Stunning 360-degree views of the city skyline.
• Great for sunset and night photography.
• Enjoy a drink at the EON Heli Bar on the 52nd floor.

Location: District 1

Entry Fee: Approximately 200,000 VND

Best time to visit: Sunset (5:30 PM – 6:30 PM)

7. Try Ho Chi Minh City’s Famous Street Food

Food in Ho Chi Minh City is vibrant, flavorful, and affordable. Make sure to sample these must-try dishes:

• Pho (Vietnamese Noodle Soup) – The most famous Vietnamese dish.
• Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich) – Crispy baguette filled with meat, pâté, and fresh herbs.
• Bún Thịt Nướng – Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles and fresh vegetables.
• Bánh Xèo – Savory Vietnamese pancake with shrimp, pork, and bean sprouts.
• Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Cà Phê Sữa Đá) – Strong, sweet coffee with condensed milk.

Best places to eat: Ben Thanh Market, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, and District 4 food stalls.

8. Take a Boat Trip on the Mekong Delta

Escape the city and explore the Mekong Delta, known for its floating markets, lush rice fields, and peaceful villages.

Top Experiences in the Mekong Delta:

• Take a boat ride through coconut groves.
• Visit Cai Rang Floating Market, a famous wholesale market on the water.
• Try fresh tropical fruits and coconut candy at a local farm.

Location: 2-3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City

Best time to visit: Morning for the floating markets

9. Discover Chinatown (Chợ Lớn) and Thien Hau Temple

Ho Chi Minh City has a large Chinese-Vietnamese community, and Chinatown (Chợ Lớn) is a great place to experience it.

What to See:

• Thien Hau Temple – A stunning temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu.
• Binh Tay Market – A bustling market with Chinese herbal medicine, fabrics, and food.
• Sample Dim Sum and Chinese-Vietnamese fusion dishes.

Location: District 5

10. Watch the A O Show – A Cultural Performance

For a unique cultural experience, don’t miss the A O Show at the Saigon Opera House. This performance blends bamboo acrobatics, dance, and Vietnamese storytelling.

Location: Saigon Opera House, District 1

Entry Fee: Starts at 700,000 VND

Show Times: Evening performances

Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

1. What Are the Must-Visit Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has several iconic landmarks and attractions that every visitor should see:

• Ben Thanh Market – A great place for shopping and trying local street food.
• War Remnants Museum – Offers a deep dive into the history of the Vietnam War.
• Notre-Dame Cathedral & Saigon Central Post Office – Beautiful French colonial architecture.
• Cu Chi Tunnels – An underground tunnel system used during the Vietnam War.
• Bitexco Financial Tower (Saigon Skydeck) – Best place for panoramic views of the city.

2. What Are the Best Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City?

If you have extra time, consider taking a day trip to explore the surrounding areas:

• Cu Chi Tunnels – A must-visit for history lovers.
• Mekong Delta – A scenic trip featuring floating markets and boat rides.
• Vung Tau Beach – A coastal getaway just two hours from the city.

3. What Is the Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate, with two main seasons:

• Dry Season (December to April): The best time to visit, with lower humidity and pleasant temperatures.
• Rainy Season (May to November): Expect frequent rain showers, but the city remains lively.

4. What Are Some Unique Experiences in Ho Chi Minh City?

Aside from the major attractions, here are some unique activities to try:

• Street food tour – Explore local markets and eat authentic Vietnamese dishes.
• Motorbike tour – Ride through the city’s busy streets with a local guide.
• A O Show at Saigon Opera House – A cultural performance featuring traditional Vietnamese acrobatics.
• Dinner cruise on the Saigon River – Enjoy a meal with stunning nighttime views of the skyline.

5. What Are the Best Places to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City is known for its delicious and affordable food. Some must-visit spots include:

• Ben Thanh Street Food Market – A great introduction to Vietnamese cuisine.
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street – Lined with cafes and restaurants.
• District 4 – Known for amazing seafood.
• Popular street food dishes to try: Pho (noodle soup), Bánh Mì (Vietnamese sandwich), Bún Thịt Nướng (grilled pork with vermicelli), and Bánh Xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancake).

6. Is Ho Chi Minh City Safe for Tourists?

Yes, Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for tourists, but be mindful of the following:

• Pickpocketing – Be cautious in crowded areas and keep valuables secure.
• Traffic safety – Crossing the street can be overwhelming; move slowly and let motorbikes maneuver around you.
• Scams – Avoid overpaying for taxis or street vendor items by using ride-hailing apps like Grab.

Final Thoughts

Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant, chaotic, and endlessly fascinating place. If you’re exploring history, indulging in street food, or enjoying the nightlife, there’s always something exciting happening.