Formerly known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is one of Asia’s most historic and cultural (yet beautifully vibrant and modern) cities. Steeped in some of the most important histories in the world and post-Vietnam war memories, you’ll be sure to find references on every street corner.
From exploring the famous Chu Chi Tunnels to cruising down the picturesque Mekong Delta, and Buddhist-themed waterparks to some of the best rooftop bars in Vietnam, be prepared to fall in love with the addictive hustle of Vietnam’s biggest city. Not to mention, it’s home to one of the best street food scenes in the country, too.
So. whether you’re just here for the inspo, or deciding what free time options to add on whilst you’re in Ho Chi Minh, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the 25 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City…
MUST-DO
Tour The Reunification Palace
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When in Ho Chi Minh, be sure to visit one of the most significant must-see sites that played an important part in shaping Vietnam’s history, The Reunification Palace. The former home and workplace of the president of South Vietnam during the Vietnam War, this site are where an assassination bomb attempt on President Ngo Dinh Diem took place. During the fall of Saigon on 20th April 1975, a North Vietnamese tank also famously crashed through its gates, marking the end of the Vietnam War. There are tunnels, war command rooms with original maps, government rooms, and artifacts.
Included on Day 2 of the South Vietnam Tour
Visit The Central Post Office
A post office may not sound like something you’d want to pop on your to-do list whilst in Ho Chi Minh, but this one is definitely an exception to the rule.
The Central Post Office of Ho Chi Minh dates back to 1886 and is still one of the most famous monuments in the city. Designed in an admirable Gothic style, it is still in use today and is open to tourists for a more in-depth look at the history and culture of Vietnam. Inside, you will find a huge domed roof and grand walls which are filled with maps from the French colonial period.
Included on Day 2 of the South Vietnam Tour
Visit Notre Dame Cathedral
The stunning Notre Dame Cathedral is sure to take your eye when in Ho Chi Minh. Established by French colonists between 1863-1880, this church is famous for its beautiful neo-Romanesque architecture. Its two towering bell towers reach 58 metres tall. it’s truly a sight to behold. All of the original building materials were imported from France and the statue of the Virgin Mary outside once reportedly shed a single tear.
Included on Day 2 of the South Vietnam Tour
HISTORY
Visit the War Remnants Museum
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For a sobering but important look into Ho Chi Minh’s past, be sure to visit the War Remnants Museum. Here, you’ll find exhibits relating to the Vietnam War and the First Indochina War against the French colonialists in 1946-54. It features military vehicles, photographs, and various weapons.
Included on Day 2 of the South Vietnam Tour
Take A Step Back In Time At The History Museum
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Located in a beautiful botanical garden alongside Saigon Zoo, the History Museum illustrates the evolution of the cultures of Vietnam – from the Bronze Age to the Nguyễn Dynasty. Built in 1929, the museum was once a French colonial villa that now showcases artifacts dating back almost 4,000 years. These include collections of weaponry as well as art pieces and gifts that would have been offered to Ho Chi Minh by visiting dignitaries.
Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine
The Museum of Traditional Vietnamese Medicine, also called FITO, offers a unique insight into the traditional methods of Vietnamese medicine. The museum boasts an impressive 6 floors & 18 exhibition rooms, showcasing over 3000 items, including prehistoric instruments, and local medical practices which China heavily influenced.
SIGHTSEEING
Take The City Waterbus
Ho Chi Minh is a city of mopeds. Escape the bustle and beeping and sit back and relax on a cruise down the riverbank on the city’s main form of transport, the Saigon Waterbus. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local Ho Chi Minh lifestyle. A full round trip up and down the river takes around 3 hours.
Enjoy A Bonsai River Cruise
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If you want to do something extra special whilst in Ho Chi Minh, book the Bonsai River Cruise. You’ll start your evening with a cruise down the Saigon River whilst enjoying an east-meets-west buffet dinner with interactive cooking and a live band.
TOURS
Cruise Down The Famous Mekong Delta
Even if you have limited time in Ho Chi Minh, it’s still possible to explore the beauty of Vietnam’s picturesque Mekong Delta on a full-day tour. Made up of 39,000 square kilometres of waterways, hop on a boat for a relaxing cruise along the river, passing by stilt houses, schools, rice paddies, fruit plantations, and floating fishing villages. By far one of the most unique sights in all of Vietnam.
Included on Day 3 of the South Vietnam Tour
Explore The Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are by far one of Ho Chi Minh’s most popular attractions. The 250km network of tunnels was dug by hand by Vietnamese resistance fighters in the 1940s as protection from French air raids. Book a full-day tour for a sneak peek at the underground life of Vietnamese soldiers and local residents back in 1948.
Included on Day 3 of the South Vietnam Tour
MARKETS AND SHOPPING
Take A Stroll Through Binh Tay Market
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Also known as Cho Lon Market, this bustling market dates back to the 1880s and is located in the centre of Vietnam’s largest Chinatown district. Its main purpose is to serve local people with food and household items, but with over two stories and more than 2,300 stalls, it’s become popular amongst tourists for buying traditional souvenirs, tasting local food, and watching the locals trade.
Visit Ben Thanh Market
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End your evening in Ho Chi Minh with a stroll through the bustling Ben Thanh Markets. Offering the freshest traditional Bánh mì and Pho dishes, as well as traditional Vietnamese souvenirs from Lanterns to Lucky Cats. The market sees around 15,000 customers visit each day, a large proportions are tourists but locals are known to love the street food served here, too.
RELIGIOUS
Giac Lam Pagoda
Start your day with a visit to Giac Lam Pagoda. This 18th-century Buddhist temple is one of the oldest in Ho Chi Minh City. Climb to the top of this 32 metres tall, 7-story stupa for amazing panoramic views of the city.
Tan Dinh Church
Built in 1876, the Tan Dinh Church is the second biggest church in the city after The Notre Dame Cathedral. Otherwise known as the Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, it stands 60 metres tall and has become an Instagram hotspot amongst tourists due to it being painted a perfectly-pink hue. Definitely not one to miss!
Mariamman Hindu Temple
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Dedicated to the goddess of rain, the vibrant Temple of Goddess Mariamma is the only Hindu Temple in Ho Chi Minh City. It was built in the late 19th century by traders from India and remained one of the most visited and sacred attractions in the City.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
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Built in 1909 by a community of Chinese immigrants, the Jade Emperor Pagoda (also known as the Ngoc Hoang Pagoda or the Tortoise Pagoda) is without a doubt one of the most beautiful and atmospheric temples in Ho Chi Minh. This pagoda is a fine representation of the Mahayanist branch of Buddhism that is practised widely in Vietnam. Fun fact: Barack Obama even visited in 2016!
Cha Tam Church
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Whilst in Ho Chi Minh, be sure to check out the Cha Tam Church in district six. This spot was where President Ngo Dinh Diem was once famously seized after fleeing the presidential palace and taking refuge here.
DAYS OUT
Suoi Tien Amusement Park
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Another top thing to do whilst in Ho Chi Minh is spending the day at Suoi Tien Park – the world’s first Buddhist-themed amusement park. You’ll find colourful statues of mythical creatures such as dragons, tortoises, and phoenixes, as well as edifices and shrines of Buddha. Enjoy waterslides at the man-made Tien Dong Beach, roller coaster rides, parades, a 4D theatre, and an aquarium. The staff is often known to dress as golden monkeys!
Đầm Sen Cultural Park
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If you fancy a full day out, Dam Sen Cultural Park is not one to be missed. It houses 30 types of attractions, including a botanical garden, roller coasters, electronic games, a mini zoo, a monorail train, miniature lakes, and a butterfly farm.
A standout feature is the huge Roman square with a water and light theatre that fits up to 3,000 people. It’s also a safe sanctuary for more than 80 species of birds and 30 species of animals, including tigers, leopards, elephants, hundreds of snakes & crocodiles. Whilst you’re there, be sure to check out Giac Vien Pagoda!
CULTURAL
Saigon Opera House
Built between 1898-1900, this national relic was restored in 1995 and holds a number of shows, including traditional Vietnamese music, tribe instruments, and circus-like shows.
Nguyen Hue Boulevard
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Escape the bustle of the streets and motorbikes by wandering down Nguyen Hue Boulevard. This wide pedestrian promenade in the middle of French buildings holds a mesmerising nighttime fountain show, and on the weekends is lively with music and dancing shows.
Fine Arts Museum
One of the largest fine art centres in Vietnam, the Fine Arts Museum is a must-visit for those who are interested in Vietnamese arts and culture. The mansion originally belonged to the wealthiest man of Saigon during the colonial period, Mr. Hoa. Thee three-floored museum features Vietnamese artworks in sculpture, oil, silk painting & lacquer painting, as well as traditional styles and a collection of ancient Buddhist art.
NATURE
Tao Dan Park
Catch the Water Bus to Ben Thanh for a stroll in Tao Dan Park. Also known as ‘the green lungs of the city’, this leafy park boasts large plants, unique animal sculptures, and a Buddhist temple. Perfect for escaping the bustle of the city!
FOOD & DRINK
Try a bowl of Pho
No trip to Ho Chi Minh (or Vietnam for that matter) would be complete without trying the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup known as Pho. Pronounced “fuh”, it’s made with stock, noodles, a variety of vegetable toppings, and your choice of meats (or tofu if you’re veggie!).
For the most authentic Pho in Ho Chi Minh, head to the street food stalls. Or, you could try one of the popular chains such as Pho 24 and Pho 2000.
Eat a Banh Mi (Vietnamese Sandwich)
A Banh Mi ingeniously combines French baguettes with Vietnamese flavours to create the favourite local dish. A hidden gem is the An Cafe. Be sure to try one of their signature milkshakes too. Trust us, you’ll be back for more!
Enjoy A Drink From A Rooftop Bar
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Be sure to end an evening in one of the many amazing rooftop bars in the city. The Saigon Skydeck in District 1 boasts unreal 360-degree views at 230m from the bar on the 50th floor. Skyloft by Glow is another one of our personal favourites. Some other great choices are Chill Skybar, Bar Eon 52 Heli, and The View.
