Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A Complete Guide to Saigon’s Top Attractions, Food, and Experiences
Ho Chi Minh City—still affectionately called Saigon—is Vietnam’s most energetic, chaotic, and fascinating urban center. Known historically as “The Pearl of the Far East,” this city blends French colonial architecture, wartime history, vibrant street food culture, and the fast-paced spirit of modern Vietnam. Whether you are a first-time visitor or returning traveler, the list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is endless, offering a unique mix of history, culture, shopping, nightlife, and culinary experiences.
This comprehensive guide covers the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, including must-see attractions, local markets, cultural sites, and neighborhoods worth exploring. You’ll also find food recommendations, travel tips, and suggested routes to help you make the most of your time in Vietnam’s largest city.
Introduction to Ho Chi Minh City
Located in the southern region of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic metropolis known for its diversity and nonstop energy. The city’s identity is shaped by its French colonial past, the American War, international influences, and local traditions. Today, modern skyscrapers sit next to ancient pagodas, street food vendors operate beside luxury shopping malls, and motorbikes flow through the streets like rivers.
If you are searching for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll quickly discover that Saigon offers something for everyone: vibrant nightlife, historic landmarks, bustling markets, contemporary art, cafés, street food, and fascinating neighborhoods.
The Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Below is the definitive list of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, perfect for first-time travelers.
1. Visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Built between 1863 and 1880 by French architects, the Notre-Dame Cathedral remains one of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks. Its red bricks were imported from Marseille, and its architecture blends Romanesque and Gothic styles. Although the cathedral is under restoration, it remains a stunning backdrop for photography.
2. Explore the Saigon Central Post Office
Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this beautifully preserved post office is another French colonial masterpiece. Inside, visitors can admire arched ceilings, antique maps, and vintage phone booths. It’s one of the easiest and most enjoyable things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, especially if you love photography or architecture.
3. Learn Vietnam’s History at the War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is one of the most impactful historical sites in Vietnam. Exhibits include war photography, military vehicles, weapons, and personal stories. While emotional, it provides essential context for understanding Vietnam’s past and resilience.
4. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
Located about 70 kilometers from the city center, the Cu Chi Tunnels are an incredible reminder of wartime ingenuity. Visitors can walk through expanded tunnel sections and learn about the daily life of Vietnamese soldiers. It’s one of the most popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for history lovers.
5. Shop and Eat at Ben Thanh Market
No visit to Saigon is complete without experiencing Ben Thanh Market. This lively marketplace offers souvenirs, clothing, handicrafts, spices, and some of the best street food in the city. It’s also a great place to practice bargaining.
6. Experience Nightlife on Bui Vien Walking Street
Bui Vien is Saigon’s most famous nightlife street, offering bars, clubs, street food, and live entertainment. It’s loud, chaotic, and vibrant—perfect for those wanting to explore the city after dark.
7. Watch a Performance at the Saigon Opera House
Built in 1897, the Saigon Opera House (Municipal Theatre) is one of the city’s most impressive colonial buildings. It hosts classical concerts, ballet, and cultural shows. The A O Show, combining contemporary dance and acrobatics, is highly recommended.
8. Tour the Independence Palace
Also known as the Reunification Palace, this historic building symbolizes the end of the Vietnam War. Visitors can explore preserved meeting rooms, government offices, subterranean bunkers, and 1970s-era furnishings.
9. Walk Along Nguyen Hue Walking Street
One of the most scenic areas in Ho Chi Minh City, Nguyen Hue Walking Street offers a wide pedestrian boulevard surrounded by French buildings, cafés, shops, and fountains. It is especially lively in the evening, with music, performances, and local families gathering outdoors.
10. Explore Binh Tay Market in Chinatown (Cho Lon)
Located in District 5, Binh Tay Market offers a more local and authentic experience compared to Ben Thanh. This area is known for Chinese-Vietnamese culture, herbal shops, temples, and wholesale goods.
11. Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
A sacred Taoist temple filled with detailed wood carvings, incense smoke, and statues of deities. It gained global attention when former President Barack Obama visited in 2016.
12. Enjoy the View from Landmark 81
Vietnam’s tallest skyscraper offers sweeping views of the city from the observation deck. The building also features restaurants, luxury shops, cafés, and an ice rink.
13. Take a Saigon River Sunset Cruise
A peaceful contrast to the city’s traffic, a river cruise offers sunset views, fresh breezes, and occasionally dinner or live music.
14. Experience Vietnamese Coffee Culture
Ho Chi Minh City is famous for its café scene. Try local favorites such as Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê sữa đá), coconut coffee, and salted coffee. Visiting cafés is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, especially during hot afternoons.
15. Discover Thao Dien in District 2
A stylish neighborhood known for its cafés, boutique shops, international restaurants, and riverside atmosphere. It’s popular among expats and ideal for travelers seeking a quieter escape from the city center.
What to Eat in Ho Chi Minh City
Food is an essential part of Saigon’s identity. Must-try dishes include:
Pho
Banh Mi
Com Tam
Hu Tieu
Banh Xeo
Bo La Lot
Bun Thit Nuong
Goi Cuon
Ca Kho To
Trying these dishes is one of the best cultural things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for food lovers.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ho Chi Minh City
Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Safety: Beware of pickpockets and keep phones secure near traffic
Transportation: Ride-hailing apps like Grab or Be are the most convenient
Dress Code: Light clothing and modest outfits for temples
Language: English is widely spoken in tourist areas
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant blend of history, culture, street life, and modernity. Whether you’re exploring colonial landmarks, tasting street food, navigating chaotic markets, or enjoying rooftop views, this list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City guarantees a memorable experience. With endless attractions and a unique energy found nowhere else in Vietnam, Saigon is a destination worth exploring deeply and slowly.
For a deeper introduction to the city’s history, culture, food, and neighborhoods, explore our full Ho Chi Minh City Travel Guide here:
https://maverickjourneys.com/ho-chi-minh-city-travel-guide/