The bustling metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City is located in southern Vietnam. This vibrant, bustling Vietnamese city offers a wide range of activities. Ho Chi Minh City, once a French colony, is dotted with numerous French colonial sites that allow visitors to experience Vietnam’s fascinating past.
This city, like any other, has a past that the Vietnamese people are still aware of! Here, life moves quickly even if each person has their own pace. In this city, you will learn how to remain quiet amidst the chaos. Now let’s explore some thrilling things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for an enjoyable vacation.
Why Ho Chi Minh City Is a Must-Visit in Vietnam
Do you have plans for the next three or more days in Ho Chi Minh City? Ho Chi Minh City has all the characteristics of a city, but with a uniquely Vietnamese twist. Here are a few things to do in Ho Chi Minh you should not miss.
Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
For those who are interested in history and adventure, this is an important trip. Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, a massive subterranean network utilised by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War, is one of the most famous experiences.
It is possible for tourists to crawl through confined areas and discover the strategies and tenacity of the Vietnamese soldiers. The tunnels also have living quarters, traps, and secret passageways that offer a fascinating look into life during the time of war.
Visit the War Remnants Museum
An important destination for tourists visiting Ho Chi Minh City is the War Remnants Museum, formerly the Vietnam War Museum. Conveniently situated in the heart of the city, this museum offers an intense and profound look into the Vietnam War.
The displays and exhibitions of weapons, photos, and other artefacts provide thorough knowledge of the effects of the conflict on the Vietnamese people and the country as a whole. Anyone interested in learning more about Vietnam’s history should not miss the War Remnants Museum.
Walk Around Notre Dame Cathedral and Saigon Central Post Office
Two of Ho Chi Minh City’s most recognisable sights are the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office. A stroll around these historic sites provides an insight into the past of French colonisation in the city. The Notre Dame Cathedral stands in stark contrast to the vibrant energy of the city with its spectacular red brick façade and twin towers.
Situated nearby is the Saigon Central Post Office, which features a spacious interior and superb French architecture designed by Gustave Eiffel. This district is great for strollers because it combines history and culture.
Discover the Reunification Palace
Anyone who wishes to understand more about the history and culture of Vietnam must visit the Reunification Palace. A lovely and serene haven in the middle of the busy metropolis is the area around the Reunification Palace. You may stroll through the park, snap pictures of the palace, marvel at the fountain, and observe the squirrels. These are some of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
The two tanks that attacked the palace on April 30, 1975, are on display in the tank exhibit. One of these, tank 843, broke through the main gate to signal the end of the conflict. Tank 390, which entered the palace subsequent to Tank 843, is the second, and the exact replicas of the original tanks are kept in Hanoi’s Military Museum.
Take a Trip to the Mekong Delta
There’s something peaceful about Vietnam’s Mekong Delta. The Delta’s riverbank communities, verdant islets, and meandering rivers are just a short drive from Ho Chi Minh City and will surely put you at ease.
If you have just one day to spare, consider taking a day trip to the picturesque countryside of the Mekong Delta. You could easily spend weeks exploring the Delta, which is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The most important way to see some local life and see the Delta’s top attractions without having to deal with the crowds is to go on an eco-tour or go on a bicycle trip.
Explore Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is well-known for its varied goods, lively atmosphere, and rich history. Ben Thanh Market is renowned for its unique architecture, which blends aspects of Indochinese and French design.
It’s a rectangular, open-sided structure with a wood vaulted ceiling and a big clock tower in front. Despite numerous renovations, the market’s facade and clock tower are still in place, giving guests the impression that they are travelling back in time.
Enjoy the Street Food Scene in Ho Chi Minh City
Street food exploration is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh. It’s easy and fascinating to fully immerse in the native cuisine culture, as there are food vendors on every street at all hours. Without question, it’s among the most effective ways to get a true sense of the city. Street food is usually safe, but you should still take some safety precautions. Look for locations crowded with locals; this is a good sign of freshness and food quality.
Choosing freshly made food reduces the risk of food contamination. Furthermore, remember that every part of Vietnam has unique flavours, so be open to trying out some new Ho Chi Minh City-specific cuisine.
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
Indulge in the calm atmosphere of this exquisite pagoda, surrounded by ponds with fish and turtles, ornate construction, and the scent of burning incense. Discover the temple’s chambers and the serene ambience of meditation and prayer. Discover the intricate Chinese religious architecture of the pagoda, which is embellished with exquisite wood carvings, statues, and paintings.
Colourful yin-yang tiles and statues adorn its front, while its interior houses approximately 300 figurines and three magnificently designed ancient halls. Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda and participate in the sacred rites where people pray for health, peace, love, and children.
Acquire an understanding of the pagoda’s spiritual importance as a site of blessings and marvels that draws followers seeking divine intervention.
Take a Saigon River Cruise
A river trip along the Saigon provides a lifelong chance to see the energetic city of Ho Chi Minh from another viewpoint. Glide along the river and witness the breathtaking cityscapes, iconic sites, and vibrant local culture. It’s a soothing and enlightening experience, whether you go for a nighttime expedition or a sunset sail.
It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the city’s charm while relaxing on the water because some cruises also have live entertainment and traditional Vietnamese food.
Explore Binh Tay Market in Cholon (Chinatown)
One of Saigon’s most renowned and oldest marketplaces, Binh Tay Market, has been there for about a century. People often refer to it as Cho Lon due to its location in the Cho Lon neighbourhood. The outdoor street behind and next to Binh Tay Market is a paradise for those who enjoy visiting new markets.
Fresh ingredients that are often used in Vietnamese and Chinese cooking can be found on Phan Van Khoe Street. Fresh produce, seafood, and meats are among the goods sold by street vendors. A few people use tables for their business, while others use tarps.
Visit the Saigon Opera House
The Municipal Theatre, often called the Saigon Opera House, is a magnificent example of French architecture in Vietnam. You will find its unique arrangements and unique Vietnamese art performances here. The Saigon Opera House is an example of French Third Public’s “flamboyant” style.
Every nook and cranny of this treasure is embellished with statues and ornaments cut out of stone, a granite floor, and crystal chandeliers. Because of this, the home maintains its rich and elegant attractiveness over time. The theatre’s unique two-door design and two metres above the main roadway make it a well-recognised noise-cancelling design. This also ensures that outside noise won’t distract viewers during a show at the Saigon Opera House.
Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street
The most notable attraction, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, is located in the heart of District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City and is popular with locals and visitors. There are many crazy things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Nguyen Hue Walking Street offers a distinct fusion of history, culture, and modernity. It was once a canal, then transformed into an avenue, and is currently a pedestrian area in the city centre.
Its distinct atmosphere makes this pedestrian street stand out from other Ho Chi Minh City nightlife hotspots. Numerous genres of street performers, such as pop art, B-boys, acoustic bands, and magicians, keep the street lively.
Explore the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
Saigon Skydeck, located on the 49th level, offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings in all directions. Feel the adrenaline rush when you ride a lift at seven metres per second. The interactive panels and boards will allow you to learn more about the numerous landmarks in the city.
To capture a picture with the breathtaking scenery as the backdrop or to gaze across the skyline, use the binoculars located on the Skydeck. Before you depart, shop for souvenirs at the gift store and enjoy some beverages at the bar or restaurant.
Enjoy Coffee at a Rooftop Café
Enjoying a cup of coffee at a rooftop café is one of the best ways to view Ho Chi Minh City. There are a lot of cafés at tall buildings that provide excellent views of the busy streets below, as well as famous sites like the Bitexco Tower.
The Cafe Apartments on Nguyen Hue and Saigon Rooftop Café are well-liked locations where you can unwind calmly and sip traditional Vietnamese coffee. These rooftop cafés offer an ideal environment for relaxing in the energetic metropolis, regardless of the time of day.
Visit the Fine Arts Museum
The Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts is 3,514 square metres and divided into several sections, each with a unique purpose. Office work takes place in the basement, fine arts paintings occupy the second floor, antique sculptures and traditional handicrafts made by South Vietnam’s older citizens occupy the third floor, and galleries, exhibitions, and commercial activities occupy the first floor.
The Fine Arts Museum’s aims include researching, gathering, preserving, displaying, and documenting standard museum pieces and fine arts, as well as presenting the distinctive qualities of widely collected artworks in the South and historic Vietnamese handicrafts.
A Day Trip to the Cao Dai Temple
About ninety kilometres northwest of Ho Chi Minh City is Tay Ninh, home to one of Vietnam’s most unique temples. One of the most sacred buildings in a relatively recent religion is the Cao Dai temple complex. Founded in Tay Ninh in 1926, the religion primarily drew followers from South Vietnam. It’s also worthwhile to explore the complex that houses the temple.
The area has a few small holy buildings, accommodation for devotees, and a unique homoeopathic hospital that attracts people from all across Vietnam. If you stay in the corridors and steer clear of the rows of pink Corinthian pillars adorned with green dragons, you’ll probably navigate the Cao Dai Temple as a visitor.
Visit the Vietnamese History Museum
The Museum of Vietnamese History, located in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is an intriguing museum. It is committed to maintaining and showcasing Vietnam’s rich cultural history. With almost 4,000 years of artefacts spanning from prehistoric times to the present, the museum offers visitors a thorough grasp of Vietnam’s past.
The museum has a collection of historical records, religious sculptures, antique relics, and archaeological items. You’ll get the chance to discover more about the history of Vietnam, including the Dong Son culture, the Cham civilization, and the numerous dynasties. Exhibits in the museum also highlight Vietnam’s contemporary growth and independence struggle.
Go on a Motorbike Tour of Saigon
Enjoy an exhilarating motorbike tour through the lively streets of Saigon to get a close-up look at the city’s dynamic energy. Explore thriving marketplaces, well-known sites like Independence Palace and the Notre Dame Cathedral, and little lanes that provide a window into everyday life.
Make stops to try the street food, sip Vietnamese coffee, and mingle with friendly people. It is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night. A motorbike trip is an excellent opportunity to experience the thrill of the open road and the city’s blend of traditional and modern culture.
Experience the Nightlife in District 1
Vietnam has a vibrant nightlife with various places to amuse oneself with drinks, music, and people from other countries. The wide range of nightlife alternatives available caters to everyone’s taste in music, age, and preferred beverage. The nation’s diversity makes all of this possible in many cases.
You can sip a beverage at one of the many pool parties, dance on a rooftop bar overlooking the city, or lounge in the sun on the beach or in the mountains. There are many things to do in Ho Chi Minh District 1, like go ballroom dancing with the rich and famous, enjoy an exceptional beer while smoking a cigar and sipping a whisky at a social club, or spend the evening dancing in a club with tourists and local hipsters.
Explore the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens
Nestled among beautiful vegetation and diverse species, the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is one of the oldest zoos in the world, providing visitors with a peaceful haven. It is a cultural and natural heritage site with over 100 animal species and many plants.
In addition to admiring unique plants and seeing various animals, such as tigers, elephants, and reptiles, visitors can enjoy meandering through the stunning botanical garden. Ho Chi Minh City’s zoo is a must-see for families and anyone who enjoys the outdoors.
Conclusion
There are many historical, cultural, and modern attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. Visitors can fully immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture by visiting the War Remnants Museum and the ancient Cu Chi Tunnels or just hanging out and eating delicious street food. Whether determining the lively atmosphere of the city by strolling through bustling marketplaces or admiring the breathtaking French colonial architecture, every visitor will have an amazing time.
With Dimaak Tours, explore the dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh! Visit well-known locations like Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, and the Cu Chi Tunnels. Savour delicious Vietnamese food, take in the energy of the city’s busy streets and become engrossed in its rich history. Plan your journey right now!
FAQs: Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
What is the best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
The dry season, which runs from December through April and features warm, sunny weather, is the ideal time to visit Ho Chi Minh City.
How many days should I spend in Ho Chi Minh City?
Due to its proximity, the city’s primary historically and culturally significant sites don’t require you to worry about travel time. Spending two full days exploring and seeing the sights would be more than enough.
How do I get around in Ho Chi Minh City?
Although taxis are widely available, users with a Vietnamese SIM card can utilise ride-hailing services like Grab. The city’s local buses service a large part of it. Alternatively, visitors can take a boat down the river for a day trip to the Mekong Delta or the Củ Chi Tunnels.
Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for tourists?
The city is considered one of the safest in Southeast Asia due to its low rates of crime and traffic accidents. Visitors can enjoy the city’s attractions and unique culture without worrying about security.
What should I buy at Ben Thanh Market?
Discover various colourful gifts at Ben Thanh Market, including handcrafted traditional Vietnamese items, silk goods, and distinctive lacquerware. Savour the local specialities, such as Vietnamese coffee and dried fruits, without fail. While searching for one-of-a-kind presents and delectable food, take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere as bargaining is expected.
What are the must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City?
The must-try dishes in Ho Chi Minh City are crispy pancakes, sticky rice, broken rice, Banh mi, rice noodle soup, and more.
Can I visit the Cu Chi Tunnels on my own?
Yes, you can visit the Cu Chi Tunnels on your own.
Is it worth taking a Mekong Delta tour?
There’s always more to the Mekong Delta region than just many boats and floating markets. Vibrant flower meadows and fruit gardens are the area’s main attractions.
What is the best rooftop bar in Ho Chi Minh City?
The best rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City are Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar, Rooftop Garden Bar, Glow Rooftop Lounge, View Rooftop Bar, and many more.
Is Ho Chi Minh City suitable for families?
Yes, Ho Chi Minh City is a family-friendly city. It enables families to enjoy a comfortable, modern exploration of its rich heritage.