9 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City or Saigon is a vibrant city with a modern pace of life but also preserves the unique culture and long history of the Vietnamese people. When coming to the city, you may feel confused as you might not know what to do, where to go out, or what to eat to fully explore this colorful city. So let's take a look at our suggestions of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City to have a memorable trip!

Historical and Cultural Exploration

Ho Chi Minh City is a city rich in cultural and historical traditions with many places worth visiting and learning about the heroic history and diverse and unique culture of Vietnam.

1. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels 

• Address: Phu Hiep, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 07:00–17:00 weekdays.

Cu Chi Tunnels 

This historical site is associated with the life of Vietnamese soldiers during the war years. Cu Chi Tunnels is the largest system of underground tunnels that still exists in Vietnam today. The unique and sophisticated architecture helped Vietnamese soldiers have a safe place to hide and operate to plan to defeat the invaders.

1. Discover the Notre-Dame Cathedral of Saigon 

• Location: 01 Paris Commune, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 05:30 - 17:30 weekdays.

Notre Dame Cathedral was built according to ancient French architecture more than 100 years ago. This place has long become one of the symbols of Ho Chi Minh City.

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon

Notre Dame Cathedral is also a favorite place for tourists, you should visit this place at least once to see this architectural masterpiece and take memorable pictures.

1. Explore Independence Palace 

• Address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Opening hours: 08:00–15:30 on weekdays.

The Independence Palace was built in 1868 under the authority of the French governor in South Vietnam at that time, La Grandière. This work has witnessed many important historical events in Vietnam through the war periods. 

Check-in at Independence Palace

Currently, the Independence Palace still preserves many precious artifacts associated with the development of Vietnam. Come here to learn more about history and feel the spirit of solidarity of Vietnamese people through the ages.

Culinary Adventures

Wander around Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is the most famous and largest market in Saigon with an area of up to 13,000 m2. Here you can shop for all kinds of goods from shoes, clothes, fruits to fresh foods. In particular, the market also has stalls specializing in Southern snacks and specialties such as cơm tam, ban mam, bun rieu, goi cuon, bun thit nuong. If you want to explore Saigon cuisine, Ben Thanh market is a place not to be missed.

Food at Ben Thanh Market

Try Vietnamese street food 

Saigon has many attractive street foods that you definitely should not miss. There are many shops here selling dishes that have become trademarks of this city such as banh mi, hu tieu, banh trang tron, banh cuon or oc dishes. To experience street food to the fullest, you can choose a street food discovery tour from travel agencies for only 600,000 VND/person.

Enjoy a variety of dining experiences in Bui Vien Street

Hanoi has Hoan Kiem Lake walking street, Da Nang has Bach Dang street and Bui Vien is a famous walking street in Saigon. This is the most crowded and bustling street in Saigon. Not only is it an entertainment place for city residents, but Bui Vien is also a favorite destination for many tourists. To attract such a large number of visitors at the end of the day, this street cannot lack delicious restaurants. The food here stretches across the street including street vendors and large stores. Bui Vien is an ideal destination for both fun and culinary exploration that you should definitely visit once.

Entertainment and Relaxation 

Take a Saigon River Cruise 

Cruising on the Saigon River with canoes, boats or yachts is increasingly popular and loved by many tourists. This poetic river has witnessed the city's development stages and accompanied Saigon people through many ups and downs. River cruises help you relax, enjoy the fresh air and see the beauty of the city from a new perspective. If there are days when you feel a bit tired by the noise and bustle of the streets and don't know what things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, choosing a tour on the Saigon River is a great way to go.

The cost of traveling on the Saigon River for each person will range from 300,000 - 1,300,000 VND with two hours of floating on the river, enjoying great cuisine and exciting entertainment activities.

Attend a Water Puppet Show 

Water puppetry, more than 10 centuries old, has become a unique form of Vietnamese folk art. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has implemented many water puppetry programs to widely introduce this special art form to people and international tourists. Ticket prices for each performance range around 290,000 VND/person.

Visit the Bitexco Financial Tower SkyDeck for panoramic views 

Bitexco has a height of 269m with 3 basements and 68 floors. Especially on the 49th floor is the Saigon Skydeck observatory and helipad with a length of 40m. Come to Bitexco to see the panoramic view of the city from above and feel the hustle and bustle of life here. The ticket price to the 49th floor to visit and see the city is 200,000 VND/person.

Survival Tips for Visitors

Transportation options within the city 

• Taxi: Taxi is the top choice for traveling in Saigon. Traveling by taxi is both safe and helps you avoid the hot weather and dust of the streets. Moreover, taxi services here also have very reasonable costs. If changing directions only in the central area of District 1, the value does not exceed 100,000 VND/turn.
• Rent a motorbike: If you are young and passionate about experience, a motorbike will be the number 1 choice. You will be able to actively and freely move, going to the addresses you desire in the alleys. Motorbike rental prices in Saigon range from 80,000 - 100,000 VND/day for manual motorbikes and 120,000 - 150,000 VND/day for scooters.
• Bus: Bus is the lowest cost means of transport, starting from only 7,000 VND/trip. This is a suitable vehicle for people with a low budget or not being in a rush. However, please note that the bus will be very crowded during rush hours.
• Xich lo: Not only is it popular with foreign tourists, but even domestic tourists are extremely interested in this extremely convenient means of transportation in Saigon. Xich lo is suitable for exploring the central area of District 1, around Notre Dame Cathedral, Independence Palace and Ben Thanh market. The price of a Xich lo is about 50,000 - 80,000 VND for 2 people.

Best times to visit Saigon

The best time to visit Saigon is from December to March when the weather is most stable. This is the time when Saigon is in the dry season, so the weather is quite pleasant and you can comfortably walk on the streets or participate in outdoor activities without being affected by sudden rains. However, coming to Ho Chi Minh City in the rainy season will also bring quite unique and romantic experiences when seeing the city in the rain to dispel the heat of summer days. The best time to visit Saigon would be the time that best suits your interests!

Ho Chi Minh City offers an unforgettable experience with its blend of history, culture and vibrant energy. Hopefully, you will have many unforgettable memories and can create for yourself an ideal list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City after walking through famous tourist destinations and enjoying the delicious dishes here.