Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam’s largest city, and it’s packed with energy, history, and amazing food. This bustling metropolis (formerly called Saigon) offers something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re into history, food, shopping, or nightlife, you’ll find plenty of exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

In this guide, we’re sharing the 10 best activities you absolutely can’t miss. Let’s dive in!

1. Explore the War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum

What It Is: This powerful museum tells the story of the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective.

The War Remnants Museum is one of the most important stops in Ho Chi Minh City. Inside, you’ll find photographs, military equipment, and exhibits that show the harsh realities of war. It’s emotional and eye-opening, but it’s essential for understanding Vietnam’s history.

What to Expect:

• Military vehicles and helicopters outside
• Indoor galleries with photos and artifacts
• The “Requiem” photography exhibit
• Stories from Vietnamese civilians

Practical Info:

• Location: District 3
• Hours: Daily 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
• Cost: About 40,000 VND ($1.70 USD)
• Time needed: 2-3 hours

Pro Tip: Visit in the morning when you’re fresh. The content can be heavy and confronting, so take your time processing what you see.

Learn More About the Museum

2. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels

What It Is: An incredible underground tunnel network used by Vietnamese soldiers during the war.

The Cu Chi Tunnels stretch for over 250 kilometers underground! Soldiers lived, worked, and fought from these narrow passages. Today, you can crawl through sections of the tunnels yourself and see how people survived in these tight spaces.

What You’ll Do:

• Crawl through actual tunnels (they’ve been widened for tourists)
• See hidden trap doors and booby traps
• Watch demonstrations of tunnel life
• Try shooting at a rifle range (optional)
• Learn about guerrilla warfare tactics

Getting There: Most people book a half-day tour from the city center. The tunnels are about 1.5 hours away, and tours typically last 4-5 hours total.

Pro Tip: Wear comfortable, fitted clothes. The tunnels are tight! Skip this if you’re claustrophobic. Also, the rifle range is loud, so you might want ear protection.

3. Tour the Reunification Palace

Reunification Palace

What It Is: The historic palace where the Vietnam War officially ended in 1975.

Also called Independence Palace, this building is famous for the moment when North Vietnamese tanks crashed through its gates, ending the war. Inside, everything looks frozen in time—you can see the war rooms, vintage 1960s furniture, and even a rooftop helicopter pad.

Don’t Miss:

• The war command bunker underneath
• Vintage 1970s decor and technology
• The original tanks outside
• Beautiful French colonial architecture

Practical Info:

• Location: Central District 1
• Cost: About 65,000 VND ($2.75 USD)
• Time needed: 1-2 hours

Pro Tip: Combine this with the War Remnants Museum for a complete history lesson. They’re close to each other!

4. Experience Vietnamese Street Food

Bot chien- A Vietnamese Street food

What It Is: Some of the best food you’ll ever eat—served from tiny plastic stools on the sidewalk!

Vietnamese street food is legendary, and Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best places to try it. The food is fresh, delicious, and incredibly cheap. Plus, eating street food is the best way to experience local culture.

Must-Try Dishes:

• Pho: Vietnam’s famous noodle soup
• Banh Mi: Crispy baguette sandwich with savory fillings
• Banh Xeo: Crispy Vietnamese pancake
• Bun Thit Nuong: Grilled pork with rice noodles
• Goi Cuon: Fresh spring rolls

Where to Go:

• District 1 for tourist-friendly options
• District 4 for authentic seafood
• Ben Thanh Night Market for variety

Coffee Culture: Don’t skip Vietnamese coffee! Try “ca phe sua da” (iced coffee with condensed milk) or adventurous “egg coffee.”

Pro Tip: Book a street food tour for your first night. Guides know the best spots and can explain what you’re eating. Most tours cost $15-30 per person.

5. Shop at Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market

What It Is: Ho Chi Minh City’s most famous market—over 100 years old!

Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit for shopping and people-watching. Inside this massive covered market, you’ll find everything from souvenirs and clothes to fresh food and spices. At night, the area transforms into a busy night market with food stalls.

What to Buy:

• Vietnamese coffee and tea
• Handmade silk products
• Lacquerware and handicrafts
• Traditional conical hats
• Snacks and dried fruit

Shopping Tips:

• Prices are marked up for tourists—always bargain!
• Start at 50-60% of the asking price
• Be firm but friendly when negotiating
• Watch your belongings (pickpockets target tourists)

Time needed: 1-2 hours for browsing

6. Marvel at French Colonial Architecture

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

What It Is: Beautiful buildings left over from when France controlled Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City has some stunning French colonial architecture. You can see European-style buildings right alongside Vietnamese temples and modern skyscrapers. It’s perfect for architecture lovers and photographers!

Must-See Buildings:

Notre Dame Cathedral:

• Iconic red brick cathedral
• Currently closed for renovation until 2027
• Still worth seeing from outside

Saigon Central Post Office:

• Designed by Gustave Eiffel (who built the Eiffel Tower!)
• Still a working post office
• Send a postcard home!

Opera House:

• Elegant French architecture
• Beautiful at night when lit up

People’s Committee Building:

• Cannot go inside (government building)
• Stunning to photograph at night

Pro Tip: All these buildings are in District 1 and walking distance from each other. Perfect for a morning walking tour!

7. Visit Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck

What It Is: The 49th-floor observation deck with amazing 360-degree city views.

Want to see all of Ho Chi Minh City spread out below you? Head up to the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck. This modern tower is designed to look like a lotus flower and offers the best views in the city.

What to Know:

• Height: 178 meters (584 feet)
• Best time: Sunset or after dark when the city lights up
• Cost: About 200,000 VND ($8.50 USD)
• Time needed: 30-45 minutes

Extra Option: For a special treat, visit EON Heli Bar on the 52nd floor. It’s more expensive but includes drinks with your view!

8. Discover Cholon (Chinatown)

Cholon

What It Is: Ho Chi Minh City’s historic Chinatown in District 5.

Most tourists skip Cholon, which means you’ll have a more authentic experience! This area is full of Chinese temples, busy markets, and amazing street food. It feels completely different from the rest of the city.

What to See:

• Thien Hau Temple: Beautiful Chinese temple with spiral incense
• Nghia An Hoi Quan Pagoda: Ornate decorations and peaceful atmosphere
• Binh Tay Market: Huge wholesale market with local goods
• Street food stalls: Try Chinese-Vietnamese fusion dishes

Getting There: Take a Grab (like Uber) from District 1. It’s about 20-30 minutes away.

Time needed: 2-3 hours

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9. Experience the Nightlife at Bui Vien Street

Bui Vien Street

What It Is: The backpacker street—Ho Chi Minh City’s party central!

Bui Vien Street is where travelers from around the world come to hang out, eat, drink, and party. The whole street is closed to traffic, so it’s just crowds of people, street food vendors, and bars with loud music.

What to Expect:

• Super cheap beer (often under $1)
• Live music and DJs
• Street performers
• International crowd
• Lots of energy and noise

If You Want Something Different: Try rooftop bars for a more upscale experience:

• Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar
• Chill Skybar
• Social Club

Safety Note: Bui Vien is generally safe, but watch your belongings in crowds. Stick to the main street and avoid dark side alleys.

10. Take a Mekong Delta Day Trip

Mekong Delta

What It Is: A day trip to Vietnam’s famous river delta region—the “Rice Bowl of Vietnam.”

The Mekong Delta is one of the best day trips from Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll cruise along rivers, visit floating markets, and see how people live in rural Vietnam. It’s completely different from the busy city!

What You’ll Do:

• Take a boat through narrow canals
• Visit local villages and coconut candy workshops
• See floating markets (go early!)
• Try tropical fruits you’ve never heard of
• Watch traditional music performances

Practical Info:

• Full-day tours leave around 7:30 AM
• Tours last 8-10 hours total
• Cost: $20-50 per person depending on group size
• Book through your hotel or online

Pro Tip: Bring sunscreen and a hat! You’ll be on the water for hours. Also, try the local honey tea and fresh fruit.

Make It Happen And Book The Tour

How to Make the Most of Your Visit

How Many Days Do You Need? We recommend spending 2-4 days in Ho Chi Minh City. This gives you time to see the main sights, try the food, and take a day trip.

Best Time to Visit:

• Dry Season: December to April (best weather)
• Rainy Season: May to November (afternoon showers)

Getting Around:

• Download the Grab app (like Uber)
• Xe om (motorbike taxis) are fast but hold on tight!
• Walking is great in District 1

Where to Stay: Most tourists stay in District 1 (central and convenient) or District 3 (quieter and cheaper).

Safety Tips:

• Ho Chi Minh City is generally safe for tourists
• Watch out for bag snatchers on motorbikes
• Keep valuables in your front pockets
• Only use official taxis or Grab

Ready to Explore Ho Chi Minh City?

Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone—powerful history, incredible food, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Whether you’re exploring underground tunnels, eating pho on a plastic stool, or watching the sunset from a skyscraper, this city will leave you with amazing memories.

Start planning your Vietnam adventure today! Book your tours in advance, pack comfortable shoes for walking, and get ready for one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting cities.

Lets Make Vietnam Happen

This Trip is a once in a lifetime experience , don’t miss out and start planning now