|
Key Takeaways:
|
Ho Chi Minh City, once known as Saigon, is impossible to ignore, with ancient pagodas, modern skyscrapers, war tunnels, and every corner offering a new experience.
If you’re visiting Vietnam, don’t limit yourself to Hanoi. Extend your trip by a few more days and travel to Ho Chi Minh City to explore its war history and colonial architecture.
You have various things you can do in Ho Chi Minh City. This guide covers the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s economic powerhouse. It offers historical depth through places like Cu Chi Tunnels and the War Remnants Museum. You get a contemporary energy in places like Bui Vien Street and the Saigon River Area.
Visiting underground tunnel networks and shopping in busy night markets help you capture the city’s authenticity. So, if you are planning a Vietnam itinerary, these top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City can help you plan better.
1. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
- Cost: Guided tours cost approximately 1,500 INR per person.
- Time: 07:00 AM – 05:00 PM.
- Location: Cu Chi District, Ho Chi Minh City.
The Cu Chi Tunnels are among the most remarkable engineering achievements of the Vietnam War.
This underground network includes living quarters, hospitals, command centres, and weapon factories, all built by hand.
When you visit, you will crawl through sections of the tunnels, witness booby traps that defend the area, and gain insight into the resourcefulness required for survival.
Experiences in Cu Chi Tunnels
- Watching a documentary.
- Exploring the tunnel system.
- Get insights on how soldiers lived underground for months.
- Firing an M16 or an AK-47 at the shooting range.
2. Visit the War Remnants Museum
- Cost: Approx.140 INR per person.
- Time: 07:30 AM – 05:30 PM.
- Location: District 3, Ho Chi Minh City.
The War Remnants Museum houses the largest collection of Vietnam War artefacts and documentation, presenting a Vietnamese perspective on the American War.
Highlights of the Remnants Museum
- See military equipment, including helicopters, tanks, and fighter jets, in the courtyard.
- Graphic content displays the effects of Agent Orange, the My Lai Massacre, and prisoner torture. (Agent Orange was a chemical defoliant; the My Lai Massacre was a 1968 civilian killing.)
- The “Requiem” exhibition features photographs by war journalists who died during the conflict.
3. Wander Through Ben Thanh Market
- Time: Day Market: 07:30 AM – 06:00 PM & Night Market: 06:00 – 10:00 PM
- Location: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Ben Thanh Market is Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic marketplace and also a symbol featured on Vietnamese currency in the past.
The market was established by the French colonial authorities in 1859, in a wooden structure. Later in 1870, the whole place was destroyed by fire and reconstructed as a metal structure.
In 1912, the market moved to its current location under the massive clock tower entrance. Then, in 1914, it was finally named Ben Thanh Market.
There are over 1,500 vendors in this market now, selling Vietnamese street food, silk scarves, lacquerware, tropical fruits and spices.
Things to buy in Ben Thanh Market
- South Gate: Clothes and dry fruits.
- North Gate: Local food, flowers, and fruits.
- East Gate: Cosmetics.
- West Gate: Souvenirs.
4. Tour the Independence Palace
- Cost: Approx. 140 INR per person
- Time: 08:00 AM – 03:30 PM
- Location: Ben Thanh, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
The Independence Palace became a symbol of war’s end when North Vietnamese tanks crashed through its gates on April 30, 1975. It now stands as a memorial marking the war’s conclusion.
What is inside Vietnam’s Independence Palace?
- Original 1960s-70s furnishings
- Telecommunications equipment
- War rooms
- Gardens
- The presidential office where South Vietnam’s leader worked
- The basement command bunker with vintage radio equipment
- Military maps
- Rooftop helipad used for evacuations
5. Marvel at Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
- Cost: Free.
- Time: 08:00 AM – 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM (Currently undergoing renovation).
- Location: 01 Cong Truong Cong Xa Paris Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Built between 1877 and 1880, the Neo-Romanesque cathedral used imported materials from France, including the red bricks.
The cathedral, standing in the heart of the city, has twin bell towers, which are over 58 metres high. Locals and tourists gather for photos outside the Cathedral. On weekends, it’s crowded, so getting there early helps you enjoy a calmer atmosphere.
Top highlights of Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
- The cathedral’s exterior showcases architectural precision with its symmetrical facade and intricate brickwork
- The interior features stained glass windows, marble altars, and a serene atmosphere that contrasts with the bustling streets outside.
- The statue of the Virgin Mary in the square apparently shed tears in 2005, drawing pilgrims and curious visitors.
Note: The cathedral has been under renovation since 2017. So, there is limited interior access, but the exterior remains one of the city’s most photographed landmarks.
6. Discover Saigon Central Post Office
- Cost: Free to visit.
- Time: 07:30 AM – 06:00 PM (Sundays: 08:00 AM – 05:00 PM).
- Location: 2 Cong Xa Paris, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon Central Post Office was designed by Alfred Foulhoux, and the construction was completed in 1891. It is still a working post office that showcases French colonial architecture.
Notable features of the Saigon Central Post Office
- The interior is vast with arched ceilings, ornate tile floors, and hand-painted maps showing 19th-century Saigon and southern Vietnam telegraph lines.
- Green-framed windows that beautifully fill the space with natural light.
- See wooden phone booths and vintage writing desks on the right side of the hall.
- Locals mail packages, and for tourists, it’s a place to purchase vintage-style postcards and stamps as souvenirs.
- A large portrait of Ho Chi Minh overlooks the main hall, which was added after reunification.
7. Experience the Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Cost: Free to enter (donations are accepted).
- Time: 07:00 AM – 06:00 PM.
- Location: 73 Mai Thị Lựu, Đa Kao, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City.
Jade Emperor Pagoda was built in 1909 by the city’s Cantonese community. This temple ranks among the most atmospheric and spiritually significant religious sites in the city.
Architecture of Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Designed in traditional Chinese style.
- The mix of Taoist and Buddhist elements is embraced by both Vietnamese and Chinese-Vietnamese worshippers.
- The roofs feature yin-yang tiles decorated with dragons, phoenixes, and mythical figures.
- The exterior courtyard includes shaded trees, a fish pond with lotus blossoms, a turtle sanctuary, incense burners, and a Dharmapala shrine.
- The turtle pond is more than decorative; locals often release turtles here as part of prayers for good luck.
- The pagoda houses around 300 figurines crafted from wood, porcelain, and papier-mâché, representing Taoist, Buddhist, and folk deities.
8. Stroll Through the Saigon Opera House Area
- Cost: Approx. 2,800 INR per person
- Time: 08:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Location: 07 Công trường Lam Sơn, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
The Saigon Opera House was built in 1897 during the French colonial era. The architecture was inspired by European opera houses and Parisian designs. It reflects the elegance and grandeur of late 19th-century French architecture.
Interesting things in the Saigon Opera House
- The building is captivating after sunset, as warm lights highlight its architectural details.
- The facade has ornate columns, sculpted angels, and intricate reliefs inspired by classical European design.
- The staircases are grand, and the symmetrical architecture makes it one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most photographed landmarks.
- You can watch cultural shows such as Vietnamese water puppetry, the A O Show (a contemporary acrobatic version), ballet, and other classical performances.
- The surrounding area is also ideal for street photography, exploring art galleries, and cafes.
9. Book a Dinner Cruise
- Cost: Approx: 3,500 INR
- Operators: Saigon Princess & Indochina Queen
Saigon Dinner Cruise is one of the most romantic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for couples. These evening cruises showcase the city’s skyline from the water while serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine and entertainment.
Experiences in Saigon River Dinner Cruise
- Sail for 2 – 3 hours through the lights of the city, which shimmer on the water.
- Watch the Bitexco Financial Tower’s observation deck glow against the night sky.
- Savour a multi-course Vietnamese dinner.
- Enjoy live traditional music and, sometimes, Ao Dai fashion shows.
10. Explore Cholon (Chinatown)
Cholon is Ho Chi Minh City’s historic Chinatown and one of Southeast Asia’s largest Chinese-settled districts. Established in the late 1700s, it remains one of the most bustling areas in Ho Chi Minh City, filled with narrow streets, shops, and food stalls.
Notable features of Cholon
- Binh Tay Market sits at the heart of Chinatown, a vast covered market where vendors sell everything from dried seafood and spices to fabrics, ceramics, and wholesale goods.
- There is the Thien Hau Pagoda, 500 metres from the market, dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, which is a spiritual highlight.
- Quan Am Pagoda and other temples in the area also display traditional Chinese religious art and architecture.
- The Cha Tam Church offers a unique contrast: a Roman Catholic church with Sino-French architectural influences that reflects the area’s cultural blend.
- Streets here are famous for authentic local food and Chinese-influenced snacks.
- This place is a hub for traditional Chinese medicine stores and herbalists.
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City functions simultaneously as a living war memorial, a French colonial showcase, a Chinese trading hub, and a Vietnamese metropolis.
There are more things to see in Ho Chi Minh City, from underground war tunnels to river cruises, that will make your experience memorable.
It’s better to plan a 3 to 4-day trip, as there are many wonderful places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. You can plan your trip on your own or contact us for assistance.
FAQ’s on Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
1. How many days should you spend in Ho Chi Minh City to see the main attractions?
Plan for 3 – 4 days to comfortably cover the major attractions without rushing.
Here is a short 4-day itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City
- Day 1: Focus on District 1 landmarks (Reunification Palace, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Post Office, Ben Thanh Market).
- Day 2: Explore war history (War Remnants Museum, Cu Chi Tunnels, requiring a full day).
- Day 3: Enjoy a dinner cruise and the Jade Emperor Pagoda.
- Day 4: Visit Cholon (Chinatown) or take day trips based on your flight timings.
2. Is Ho Chi Minh City safe for solo travellers?
Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe, and violent crime against tourists is rare. However, there are a few things you need to be concerned about, which include theft, particularly bag snatching by motorbike riders, and taxi scams.
Precautions for solo travellers
- Keep bags on your shoulder away from the street side.
- Book your transfers only through a reputable taxi app like Grab.
- Avoid displaying expensive electronics in crowded areas, and be cautious of overly friendly strangers in tourist zones.
- Solo female travellers should avoid unlit streets after dark and inform someone of their plans.
3. Where should you stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
District 1 offers a variety of accommodation options. You can find a place to stay within walking distance of some of the major attractions and restaurants, and this area is the best place to enjoy the Ho Chi Minh City nightlife.
While there are many other places, it is suited only for people with business requirements or personal reasons to stay there.
Best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- Pham Ngu Lao: Backpacker area with budget hostels, cheap eats, lively atmosphere, but can be noisy.
- Dong Khoi Street: Upscale shopping, colonial architecture, proximity to the opera house and the river.
- Ben Thanh: Central location, mid-range stays, incredible for food lovers.
- District 3: Quieter residential options with 10 – 15 minutes from main sites with better accommodation.
Note: Avoid Districts 2, 4, and 7 unless you have specific business there. These places require constant taxi use to reach the main attractions.
4. What should I budget per day in Ho Chi Minh City?
Here is a per-day per-person budget estimate for different kinds of travellers
- Budget travellers: 3,300 – 4,500 INR (hostels, transportation, street food, and entry tickets).
- Mid-range visitors: 6,000 – 8,000 INR (3-star hotel, restaurant meals, comfortable transport like Grab, activities & shopping)
