Explore Ho Chi Minh City: 13 Best Things to Do & Places to Visit

Explore Ho Chi Minh City: 13 Best Things to Do and Places to Visit

1. Visit Cu Chi Tunnel ☀️ Great Day Trip

One of the most unique places you can visit in Ho Chi Minh City is the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast 250+ kilometer network of tunnels located around 60 km away from Ho Chi Minh City that were used by the Viet Cong for military operations during the Vietnam War.

It was hand-dug and consisted of a wide network of extremely small tunnels that can barely fit a full-grown man. Now, imagine people living in these small, dark, and damp tunnels amidst the extremely humid weather of Vietnam for months on end, and you will see why the Cu Chi Tunnel is such an interesting place to visit.

There are many organized day trips you can take from Ho Chi Minh City, and it usually takes about half a day to walk around the area. You can also visit the Cu Chi Tunnels together with the Mekong Delta in a one-day organized trip to save time.

It is a great place to also learn about the history of the Vietnam War and how the Viet Cong used these tunnels to communicate, resupply, and simply hide from the US military, eventually driving them out.

I highly recommend that you go in the morning so that the heat is a little more bearable. If you want to crawl into these tunnels, which I recommend you do as long as you do not have claustrophobia, the deeper you crawl, the more humid and damp it gets. The midday heat won't help make it any more comfortable. You can book the tour here.

2. Learn about the Vietnam War at The War Remnants Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

To understand where the Vietnamese people are coming from, we first have to learn about the history of the country, and there is no better place to learn about the atrocities committed during the Vietnam War than at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City.

The museum consisted of 2 floors and a courtyard filled with old relics of war, such as American tanks and choppers, that were abandoned after the US military left the country hastily at the end of the Vietnam War.

Inside, you will find a single room on the second floor dedicated to the Vietnamese version of the war, its motives, and how it unfolded from the perspective of the locals. It paints quite a picture of how different the perspective was between the two sides.

Most of the reasons revolved around the fact that they wanted to get rid of the colonial power and become independent. All the other rooms are based on the history from the American perspective that matches what we learned in school. You will find all kinds of unsettling photos of wars captured by Western journalists.

They also have a section dedicated to the horrors of Agent Orange, a chemical weapon that was used during the war and how it affected children and many generations that came afterward. The place really captures the brutality of war very well, and you will find yourself completely exhausted by the images you see inside.

Sure, it will be pretty taxing to go through the museum, but I think it is extremely important for everyone to visit the museum so that history will not repeat itself again. The museum opens daily from 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM, and the entrance fee is 40,000 VND (1.57 USD). You can get the museum ticket there or from here.

3. Explore Nguyen Hue Square

Nguyen Hue Square is a lively and vibrant pedestrian boulevard stretching 800 meters from the Saigon River to City Hall, right in the heart of the city center. Throughout the year, it hosts various city events, from food festivals to concerts and more. It also connects to several other tourist attractions on this list, making it a great place to relax while exploring the city.

At the northern end of the square, you'll find a massive and stunning French colonial building. That is Ho Chi Minh City Town Hall, one of the city's most prominent and beautiful landmarks. This is definitely one of my favorite pieces of architecture here, with its breathtaking French colonial architecture, complete with a central clock tower and ornate embellishments.

Constructed in the 19th century during the French colonial period as a hotel, this building is one of the few that survived the bombings of the Vietnam War. Today, it remains one of the finest examples of French Indochinese architecture in the city, and you can admire its exterior as you explore the square. Unfortunately, entry into the building is prohibited as of this writing.

From there, you can stroll down the beautifully paved boulevard, lined with green trees, and explore the statues, restaurants, and cafes that line both sides of the square. This area is especially lively at night, with crowds gathering to enjoy street performances, live music, and the vibrant nightlife. Be sure to visit Nguyen Hue Square while you're here!

4. Drop By Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Located right next to Nguyen Hue Square, you'll find the Ho Chi Minh City Opera House, another stunning example of architecture that showcases the significant influence the French had on the city's design.

The structure was built in the 19th century in beautiful French colonial-style architecture, resembling the opera houses found across Europe. Unfortunately, the only way to see the interior is by booking a ticket for one of the many opera shows and attending it.

That said, you can also just admire its stunning exterior from the outside as you explore Nguyen Hue Square, or you can join a walking tour so that a local guide can help explain more about the history of this structure and many other awesome buildings around the square.

5. Check Out Cafe Apartment

While exploring Nguyen Hue Square, be sure to check out the Cafe Apartment, an old residential building that has been converted into a popular tourist attraction, filled with hip cafes, bars, and restaurants with balconies offering great views of the square from above.

It’s a popular hangout spot for both locals and tourists, offering a great way to view Nguyen Hue Square from above while enjoying some of Vietnam’s best coffee offerings, from the classic "cà phê sữa đá" to the unique and delicious egg coffee. As strange as it may sound, it’s actually quite tasty, and you should definitely give it a try while you are here!

A café I recommend checking out here is Meraki Cafe, located on the fifth floor of the building. You’ll have access to the balcony area, perfect for taking photos and relaxing. They serve delicious egg coffee, so be sure to try it.

For bars, you can visit one of the many cocktail spots, such as Krystalini Hidden Cocktail Bar or Bar Midas, among others. The area is incredibly lively at night, so you can't go wrong with any of the bars in this vibrant part of the city.

6. Visit Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica is another important landmark in the city, known for its stunning French colonial architectural style and its unique pink-colored exterior, an unusual hue for churches and basilicas.

The basilica was constructed in the late 19th century by the French and features a beautiful Neo-Romanesque architectural style, with two iconic spires and a clock tower in the center. The entire structure is made from red bricks imported from Marseille, France, which I think is pretty cool and highlights the significant influence the French had on both the city and the local religion.

You can enter the premises for free, but only devotees are allowed to walk around freely, whereas tourists are often limited to the viewing area. The basilica is open from 8 AM to 5 PM every day except during religious services. At the moment of writing, the basilica is closed for renovation with the target completion date set to late 2027, so I'm afraid you won't be able to see much of it at the moment.

7. Admire the Beauty of Saigon Post Office

Located not too far from Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, you will find Saigon Post Office, another impressive colonial piece of architecture that still retains its beauty both from the outside and inside. It was built in the 19th Century during the French colonial era, featuring a beautiful blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and French influences.

The post office is still in use to this day, and you can go inside and admire all of its ornate decor that is still stuck in the 19th Century. You can even write a postcard, get it stamped, and send them to your loved ones at home from here. A lovely souvenir from Vietnam. 😉

Stepping inside almost feels like traveling back in time. The open hall, with its grand colonial architecture, a central clock, and a portrait of Uncle Ho above it, beautifully showcases just how much the city has retained its identity through the years. It’s truly a sight to behold. The post office is open from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, Monday to Saturday, and from 8 AM to 5 PM on Sundays.

8. Stroll Around the Book Market Behind Saigon Post Office 💎 Hidden Gem

After you are done at Saigon Post Office, be sure to walk around the building a bit and check out the lovely Ho Chi Minh City Book Street, full of shops, fun activities, and a cafe to enjoy. I didn't see this market the last time I was here, and I stumbled upon it accidentally while I was exploring this part of Ho Chi Minh City.

I’m so glad I found this buzzing, pedestrian-only street full of bookstores, both in English and Vietnamese. During my first trip, the city was nice, but I felt it still had a long way to go in terms of attracting more tourists. Now, just a decade later, the city has changed so much, and this street truly represents its rapid development.

Walking along this pedestrian street, you might mistake it for a street in Singapore or elsewhere because of how lovely the whole area is. Big trees line the street, bookstores fill the area, and tables are set up for people to come and paint, all with the beautiful Notre-Dame Basilica hovering in the background.

I really adore this little pocket of peace in the midst of the bustling Ho Chi Minh City. If you're visiting the Saigon Post Office and looking for a place to unwind, you can check out this street and relax at one of the many book cafes here.

9. Learn More About the History at The Independence Palace

Another awesome place to visit here, especially if you are into history, is the Independence Palace, an important landmark that played a crucial role during the Vietnam War as the presidential residence and workplace during the Republic of Vietnam (southern Vietnam) era.

It was here that 2 bombs were dropped during the conflict, and a North Vietnamese Army tank famously crashed through the palace gates, marking the end of the Vietnam War and the reunification of Vietnam. Today, it is a lovely museum you can roam around freely and explore the rooms inside.

The palace has more than 100 rooms, all of which are beautifully decorated and adorned with period furnishings. Some of the rooms you might want to check out here are the presidential office, cabinet meeting rooms, and a basement command center equipped with telecommunications equipment and strategic maps.

You can also head up to the top floor and enjoy a beautiful view of the palace courtyard from above. Up there, you'll find a military helicopter parked on the roof, along with two giant markings indicating the exact spots where bombs were dropped on the palace during a failed coup attempt in 1962.

The palace is quite large, so be sure to set aside at least an hour to explore it thoroughly. It is open daily from 8 AM to 3:30 PM, with an entrance fee of 65,000 VND (2.55 USD) per person. You can book your ticket online here or purchase it directly at the entrance. For a deeper dive into the city's rich history, consider joining a walking tour.

10. Stroll Around Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a bustling market located in this old-school brutalist-style structure that is filled to the brim with people and shops selling all kinds of stuff, from coffee beans to t-shirts and more.

It is chaotic, crowded, and full of energy that I think really captures the Vietnamese soul and spirit. They thrive and grow at a neck-breaking speed, very much like this market. It can be a little overwhelming, and some shop owners can be a bit rude if you don't buy from them, but still, it is this chaos that made me fall in love with Vietnam in the first place.

That said, the place is unfortunately known to have many pickpockets, so be sure to secure all your belongings before you enter. The first time I was here, I found the shopkeepers to be pretty aggressive, but now that I was back after almost a decade, it seems to have improved significantly.

There are police present inside, the shops are more organized in an orderly way, and yet it still feels lively and chaotic. The market is open from 6 AM to 6 PM every day. If you want to buy some souvenirs back home or you just want to see just how chaotic Saigon can be, be sure to come and check out Ben Thanh Market.

11. Enjoy the View from the Bitexco Financial Tower's Observation Deck

Bitexco Financial Tower is one of the few modern skyscrapers that truly stands out in the city skyline. Standing at 262 meters (861 ft) high, it’s the second tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City and the fifth tallest in Vietnam. You can literally spot the building from anywhere in the city. Yup, it's that iconic!

With 68 floors, the tower offers one of the best vantage points in Ho Chi Minh City. On the 49th floor, you'll find the Saigon Skydeck, which features a bar where you can sip on a drink while watching the sunset stretch across the city skyline, a truly unforgettable experience.

In order to get to the observation deck on Bitexco Financial Tower, you are going to have to purchase a ticket from here and you will have access to the 360° observation deck as well as an exhibition explaining the history of the tower and how it came to be.

You might also be happy to know that there are often happy hours during sunset time with one free drink for every order, so if you are traveling in groups, you will get your money's worth here in no time 😉. The observation deck is open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM and the ticket is 9.45 USD per person. You can book the ticket online here.

12. Walk Around Saigon Riverside Park ♥️ Must Do

One of the newly developed areas in Ho Chi Minh City that really captures the future of this city is Saigon Riverside Park, a 20-hectare riverside park stretching along the right bank of the Saigon River. Opened in 2023, this park has spacious community spaces with cafes and restaurants, as well as a lovely walking trail along the river, perfect for an evening stroll.

The place is most lively in the evening at sunset when people come out to enjoy recreational activities at one of the many tennis and badminton courts, bike and jog along the beautiful riverside walking path, and eat away at all the delicious street food at the market here.

My favorite thing about this area is its stunning view of Ho Chi Minh City's cityscape seen from across the river. From here, you can see all the iconic skyscrapers in the city like Bitexco Tower and even Landmark 81 building, the tallest building in Saigon, standing over 461.2 meters (1,513 ft) tall.

If you are looking for a nice place to hang out and enjoy a little walk along the river in the evening, be sure to come and check out Saigon Riverside Park. You should be able to reach the park via Grab or Uber.

13. Spend a Day Exploring Mekong Delta

Last but not least, if you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and experience the stunning nature of Vietnam for a day, I highly recommend taking a trip to the Mekong Delta. It’s where the mighty Mekong River, the 12th longest river in the world, flows into the sea, having journeyed across six countries, including China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and finally, Vietnam.

The Mekong Delta is a maze of waterways that teems with life, from beautiful mangrove trees to lush paddy fields. The area is also home to several villages that live off the resource-rich Mekong River, and you will get to see firsthand how they live their lives here, what industries thrive, what types of food they eat, and more.

The tour will begin by picking you up from your accommodation and taking you to Vinh Trang Pagoda on your way to the Mekong Delta. This temple is one of the largest and most famous temples in the Mekong Delta province, featuring the main building full of stunning Buddha images and intricately detailed decorations.

What’s really cool about this temple is that its interior draws inspiration from a blend of Asian and European architectural styles, incorporating elements from French, Roman, Thai, and Cham designs. You can see this influence right from its structural exterior, which closely resembles the colonial buildings found in the city.

Inside, the pagoda houses around 60 Buddha statues crafted from various materials, including wood, bronze, cement, and terracotta, all gilded with gold, scattered around the temple ground. You will have about 45 minutes to explore the temple before you continue your journey to the Mekong Delta.

After the temple, you will then be taken on a boat to explore the Mekong Delta itself. You will stop at the honey shop where you can try the specialty honey there, as well as a coconut candy factory, learn how they make it, and you can buy some as souvenirs for loved ones back home.

At the end of the day, you will be taken on a slow wooden boat ride along the mangrove forest on one of these islands, and enjoy a leisurely ride along the delta itself before concluding the day. I had been spending more than a week in the city already before I made this trip, so it was a much-welcomed change to be able to go outside the city and enjoy some nature.

If you have a day to spare in Ho Chi Minh City, I highly recommend you go on a day trip and explore the Mekong Delta. You can book the tour I did here. If you are short on time, you can also visit the Mekong Delta together with Cu Chi Tunnel in one day by going with this organized tour instead. That way, you get to see both all in one go.

What to Eat and Drink in Ho Chi Minh City?

1. Kiều Bảo Barbecue Rice Noodles

Out of all the restaurants I tried here, Kiều Bảo Barbecue Rice Noodles is hands down my favorite. The local crowd I saw gathering in front of this place every evening really caught my attention, so one day I decided to give it a try.

It’s now the restaurant I frequent the most in Ho Chi Minh City 😂. Their barbecue rice noodles are so incredibly good that I couldn't stop having them for dinner three days straight. Yup, it’s that good! I ordered the "To Day Do", which comes with rice noodles, pieces of grilled pork, a big piece of grilled minced pork, a spring roll, and an unlimited tray of vegetables you can add on as you like.

One of the best things about this restaurant is its sweet fish sauce, which is readily available at every table in a big bucket, so you can season your noodles however you like. And the best part? All of this only costs 30,000 VND (about 1.18 USD)! Yup, with unlimited fish sauce and vegetables, it's an absolute steal!

If you're looking for a truly local place to try authentic Vietnamese food, this is the best spot. Trust me, you're going to love it. The restaurant is open daily from 11 AM to 9 PM.

2. Enjoy Vietnamese Coffee at Cà phê Linh

Of course, you have to try the famous Vietnamese coffee, and the best place to do that while you're in Saigon is at Cà phê Linh, a lovely open-air cafe inside an old wooden building not too far from Ben Thanh Market. The cafe itself is charming, with wooden walls and vintage decor reminiscent of old Asian houses from the '80s. They serve a variety of coffee, including traditional Vietnamese coffee, that you can try.

Vietnamese coffee is extremely thick and sweet, which I love, and you can try a bunch of flavors here, from salted to coconut, which are becoming more and more popular among the youth in Vietnam nowadays. You can find a seat on the second floor's balcony and enjoy the coffee as you explore Saigon's city center.

The cafe is open from 7 AM to 2 AM every day, and it turns into a bar in the evening. So if you are looking for a place to hang out, Cà phê Linh is definitely a great place to be.

3. Eat Bahn Mi at Madam Win Bánh Mì

For the best place to try the French-inspired Vietnamese sandwich of Bahn Mi, you can't go wrong with Madam Win Bánh Mì, one of the most popular Bahn Mi shops in the city, thanks to its generous portions and a variety of options you can choose from.

It’s more of a stand-up shop without seating, so you'll need to order to go. There are often long lines, but trust me, it’s worth the wait, especially if you want to kick off your Vietnamese culinary journey on a high note.

The price of the Bánh Mì starts at around 65,000 VND (2.55 USD), which is considered a bit expensive, but the portion size makes it worth every penny. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth here. The place is open daily from 5:30 AM to 12 AM.

For more places to eat and drink in Ho Chi Minh City, check out:Saigon Street Food: 11 Incredible Places to Eat & Drink

Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City?

Budget

BFF Saigon Hostel

Dorm | $

See Availability

👍 Top Pick

Mid-Range

Cabana Hotel SaiGon

Double Room | $$

See Availability

High-End

Innside by Melia Saigon Central

Double Room | $$$

See Availability

View More Hotels

How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City?

Although Ho Chi Minh City will finally have a metro system launching in late 2024, most of the stations are located quite far apart. It was built so people from the northern part of the city could travel between the city center. Since most of the attractions are concentrated in the center, there's not much need for the metro for us tourists.

You should be able to reach many of the attractions I mentioned here on foot, or you can also use Grab or Uber to hail a moto-taxi or a taxi to get around the city for cheap. Grab is the Southeast Asia version of Uber, and it is often cheaper and works better than Uber. You can also order food through there, which is pretty convenient. You can download Grab here.

How many days to spend in Ho Chi Minh City?

I think 3 days should be enough for Ho Chi Minh City for most people, with plenty of time to explore all that the city has to offer as well as a spare day to go on day trips to places like Cu Chi Tunnel or Mekong Delta.

You can spend the first day visiting all the historical sights and incredible museums to learn more about the city and its dark past. On the second day, you can take it slow and stroll along the modern side of the city like at Ngueyen Hue Square and Saigon Riverside Park, while on your third day, you can go on a day trip to visit Cu Chi Tunnel and Mekong Delta.

For a complete itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City, check out: 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: A Backpacking Itinerary

What to Pack for Ho Chi Minh City?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Now that we have all the information we need, it's time to start planning your trip! Here are some resources to help you get going:

Flights: Skyscanner and Expedia are the best places to start looking for cheap flights and great deals from your home country.

Accommodation: Hostelworld, Booking.com, and Agoda.com are the ultimate go-to platforms to search for amazing hostels and hotels at affordable prices.

Travel Insurance: Heymondo covers theft, medical emergencies, cancellations, and more during your travels. Get a 5% discount if you sign up today.

Transportation: 12go is a great place to look for bus and train schedule and buy tickets online in Southeast Asia that would otherwise not have been available in English online.

Car Rental: DiscoverCars.com is a great and reliable platform to find rental cars.

Internet: Airalo is the best way to get a sim card and has reliable internet access for your trip. All you need is an esim compatible smartphone, install it on your phone prior to your trip, and you are all set.

VPN: To stay connected with people at home, I always make sure to have ProtonVPN, installed before traveling. It's FREE, and I can gain access to services that may be blocked in certain countries.

Day Trips & Tours: Viator, GetYourGuide and TripAdvisor are great platforms to search for trips and tours to join.

Tickets & Deals: Klook is always my go-to website when I want to find cheaper deals for entrance tickets to tourist attractions.

Are you planning to travel independently? Be sure to check out my guide on How To Plan A Backpacking Trip here.

Further Reading for Backpacking in Vietnam

Are you looking for more information about traveling in Vietnam? Here are a few more articles that can help you with your trip to Vietnam:

• Looking for a complete travel guide and itinerary for Vietnam? 2-Week Itinerary for Vietnam.
• First time visiting Vietnam and wondering what the best places you should visit are? Here are the 10 Best Places to Visit in Vietnam.
• Are you planning to travel to Vietnam as part of a big Southeast Asia trip? Check out our 3-month backpacking itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• For a complete itinerary for Ho Chi Minh City, check out: 3 Days in Ho Chi Minh City: A Backpacking Itinerary.
• Looking for the best street food to try in Ho Chi Minh City? Check Out Saigon Street Food: 11 Incredible Places to Eat & Drink.
• Looking for things to do in the ancient port city of Hoi An? Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Hoi An.
• Hoi An is known for its beautiful lanterns that illuminate the entire town at night. If you want to see what it is like in Hoi An at night, check out: The Colorful Lanterns Of Hoi An's Ancient City
• If you are looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in Vietnam, do not miss a chance to go caving in Phong Nha, and there is no better place to do that than Paradise Cave. Here is a complete hiking guide to Paradise Cave and Dark Cave in Phong Nha.
• Ninh Binh is only an hour away from Hanoi, and it is a great place to escape from the bustling city and be among nature. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Ninh Binh.
• If you love mountains, cool breeze, and rice terraces, you are going to love Sapa. Here is the 9 Best Things to Do in Sapa.
• Not convinced by my words about Vietnam? Here are 33 photos that will inspire you to visit Vietnam now.
• You can see all my Vietnam-related articles on my Vietnam Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.