Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam 2024

When thinking about things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, many thoughts turn to the Vietnam War. Saigon or Ho Chi Minh City as it is now known featured heavily during this conflict and you will find many historical places in Ho Chi Minh City that will give insight into these tragic events.

Although the Vietnam War played a part in Ho Chi Minh City’s past, today you will find a vibrant and modern metropolis. Here French colonial buildings stand side by side sleek futuristic skyscrapers, a city that looks firmly to the future.

We enjoyed our time exploring Ho Chi Minh City and were impressed with the nightlife, shopping, attractions and day to day life of this exciting city. Here are the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.

Where is Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City sits on the banks of the busy Saigon River in Southern Vietnam. The city was named in honour of the late President Ho Chi Minh in 1976 and is the largest city and commercial hub of Vietnam. While visiting Ho Chi Minh City’s places of interest you will discover that many locals still refer to the city as Saigon and that both are accepted as the city’s name.

First Impressions

The first thing you will notice when you arrive is that it is full of energy. Motorbikes weave their way in and out of traffic, sometimes carrying the whole family to destinations unknown.

As you drive from the airport you will see time worn buildings mixed with modern facades. Locals go about their day, pulling up a stool at one of the busy street food carts or relaxing in chic restaurants and coffee shops. Along the way you may see a colourful temple or catch a glimpse of history as you pass the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace on your way to your hotel in District 1.

It is easy to get swept up by the energetic thrill of the city. Whether you choose to visit independently or by taking a tour you will quickly understand why Ho Chi Minh City is one of the top places to visit in Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City Tours

With such a short visit, deciding where to go may seem daunting. For those unsure of what to see in Ho Chi Minh City the choice couldn’t be easier as there are an impressive range of Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing tours on offer.

To get the most out of your time in this exciting city, you can choose to explore the range of Ho Chi Minh City points of interest highlighted in this fabulous selection of Ho Chi Minh City day tours. Here are just a few of the best tours in Ho Chi Minh City, including walking tours and motorbike tours.

Ho Chi Minh City Food Tours

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a culture is to sample their cuisine. The history of Vietnam can be found in its food, and you will find French, Chinese, Khmer and Cham influences.

Vietnamese dishes are well known for being delicious and nutritious with the liberal use of herbs imparting fresh clean flavours. One of the most interesting and informative ways to learn about Vietnamese cuisine is to take either a food tour, dinner cruise or learn the secrets of Vietnamese cooking with a cooking class tour.

Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels Tours

For those wanting to escape the city to explore further afield, you will find a great range of tours to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels tours from Ho Chi Minh City. Take a boat ride along the mighty Mekong Delta, visit the famous Cai Rang floating market or see the Happy Buddha at Vinh Trang Pagoda. Take a sampan ride through shady canals and visit a typical village to see the daily activities of the local people.

Learn more about the Vietnam War (the American War) at the Cu Chi Tunnels. Be astounded by the ingenuity of the 200kms of underground tunnels that were dug by Viet Cong fighters during the Vietnam War.

Places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City – District 1

Those who like to explore independently will find an assortment of fascinating places to visit in District 1, the heart of the city. Here are 10 of the best things to see in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam.

• War Remnants Museum
• Ho Chi Minh City Hall
• The Rex Hotel
• Independence Palace
• Bitexco Financial Tower
• Saigon Skydeck
• Saigon Opera House
• Ben Thanh Market
• Visit Bui Vien Street
• Take a Saigon Waterbus

When you visit Ho Chi Minh City you will marvel at the exquisite French Colonial architecture of Ho Chi Minh City Hall and Saigon Opera House, buildings that pay tribute to the past. Nearby you will find ultramodern skyscrapers such as the Bitexco Financial Tower, which stretch high into the sky to embrace Vietnam’s future.

For shoppers, the contrast continues as you have the choice of looking for trinkets in traditional covered markets or browsing for bargains in sleek modern malls that sell the top designer brands.

Foodies can enjoy a vast array of international cuisines or sample local Vietnamese favourites. There is something for every budget, from small family run restaurants, street food cart to fine dining restaurants, Ho Chi Minh City will make your mouth water with delight. Here are just a few of our favourite things to see.

War Remnants Museum

When walking the streets, it is easy to forget that the city was once a battleground. The fall of Saigon was a victory for the Vietnamese people and the Vietnam War (American War) is very much part of the city’s history.

For those interested in learning more about the Vietnam War one of the top things to see in Ho Chi Minh City is the War Remnants Museum. Told from a Vietnamese point of view, the War Remnants Museum is a legacy to all those whose lives were affected by this conflict.

The museum has an array of aircraft, helicopters and tanks on display as well as photographs that tell the story of the horrors of war. A visit to this museum is an emotional and thought-provoking journey and one that shouldn’t be missed when visiting.

Travel Tip – Taxi Scam at War Remnants Museum

Beware of taxi scammers outside the War Remnants Museum, especially the fake silver ‘taxi’ with Vinasun logo and light. Trusted taxi companies are Vinasun and Mai Linh, both have taxi meters that should be turned on as soon as you start your journey. Vinasun taxis are white with green and red logo, Mai Linh taxis have a green with white logo.

Independence Palace

A short walk from the War Remnants Museum is the Independence Palace or Reunification Palace as it is sometimes known. The Reunification Palace was built in the 1960’s and was the residence of South Vietnamese President Nguyen Van Thieu until the fall of Saigon on the 30th of April 1975.

The Reunification Palace is a unique time capsule to this period and a tribute to 1960’s architecture and 1970’s style. The basement bunker is set up as a war room complete with radio transmitters and gives insight into wartime intelligence and communications during the Vietnamese War. The Reunification Palace should be on everyone’s list of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh District 1.

Ho Chi Minh City Hall (Saigon City Hall)

Taking pride and place at the top of Nguyen Hue walking avenue is Ho Chi Minh City Hall. This stunning example of French Colonial architecture features classical columns, statues, lace work and clock tower. Also known as the People’s Committee Building, this elaborate confection overlooks a statue honouring President Ho Chi Minh, the Rex Hotel and the gardens of the pedestrian avenue which stretches down to the Saigon River.

The Rex Hotel Saigon

The Rex Hotel is a landmark that has its roots steeped in history. Starting out as a French garage and dealership, the Rex Hotel has undergone a string of transformations since it was first constructed in 1927.

During the Vietnam War, the hotel was home to the American Military Command and a popular watering hole for war correspondents. The Rex Hotels Rooftop Bar became famous or infamous for the war briefings or 5 O’clock Follies as the journalists of the time cynically dubbed them.

Today the Rooftop Garden Bar is still a much loved meeting place and shouldn’t be missed when visiting. During happy hour you can celebrate your own 5 O’clock Follies with a cocktail or beer while admiring views of City Hall, Saigon Opera House and the pedestrian avenue.

Click here to Book a stay at the Rex Hotel

Saigon Opera House

The Saigon Municipal Opera House or the Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City as it is also known is a short walk from Ho Chi Minh City Hall and the Rex Hotel. This beautiful French colonial building welcomed in a new century when it opened on the 1st of January 1900.

The Opera House gets its inspiration from the Opéra Garnier in Paris and is an ornate creation of Art Nouveau plasterwork, decorative columns and angels. The Saigon Opera House is across the road from Hotel Continental Saigon and walking distance to Parkson Saigon Tourist Plaza and Vincom Center department stores.

Bitexco Financial Tower

Although now surpassed in height by Landmark 81, the Bitexco Financial Tower will still impress you. This stunning architectural masterpiece gently curves creating a pedestal for the uniquely designed helipad adding an ultra-modern air to the city skyline.

The Bitexco Financial Tower is one of the best places to see 360 degree views of the city, Saigon River and the needle like spire of Landmark 81. The Saigon Skydeck is located on the 49th floor of the tower.

Book Now for Saigon Skydeck tickets

Saigon Waterbus

The Saigon River flows through Ho Chi Minh City and one of the best ways to see it is by catching a Saigon Waterbus. The Saigon Waterbus route begins at Bach Dang Wharf which is located along the waterfront between Nguyen Hue pedestrian avenue and the striking Tran Hung Dao Statue.

When you take the waterbus, you can explore the river and see such sights as small boats and large barges, neighbourhoods and Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam. Tickets for the Saigon Waterbus are available at the Bach Dang station.

Ho Chi Minh City Shopping

Shopping in Ho Chi Minh City is a dream, small boutiques and curios shops can be found all over District 1, hidden gems just waiting to be explored. You will also find modern shopping malls and markets selling a range of merchandise to suit every budget. Here are some of the places we discovered while visiting Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City Department Stores

We had the pleasure of visiting three shopping malls and department stores in District 1, all of which were a short walk from Nguyen Hue pedestrian avenue. The Vincom Center is a massive mall which is just steps away from City Hall. The Vincom Center features a large selection of designer brand clothing, boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants.

Across the road from the Vincom Center is Parkson Plaza, a department store that sells a good selection of perfumes, cosmetics, clothing and jewellery. If you are hungry make sure to stop off at the food court on the upper levels.

The Saigon Centre is an upmarket department store with a wonderful assortment of shops and a large food court with a massive range of restaurants serving a choice of Vietnamese and international cuisines.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a massive market and a much loved Ho Chi Minh City tourist attraction. The market sells a wide range of items including ‘antique’ porcelain, ‘designer bags,’ clothing, sumptuous textiles, luggage, souvenirs and much more. There is also a street food section, the place to try cheap but delicious local Vietnamese cuisine. Ben Thanh Market is lively and a fun place to soak up a little local colour. A visit to Ben Thanh Market is one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Chi Minh City Restaurants and Bars

Ho Chi Minh City is an international dining capital and a delight for any food lover. Vietnamese cuisine is world famous and one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to get out and discover the tastes of Vietnam.

When you visit you will be spoilt for choice as there are a range of dining options that will take you from street cart, small family run restaurants to a fine dining experience that will have you sampling dishes from all over the world. Here are some of our favourite dining options in Ho Chi Minh City.

Dinner Cruise in Ho Chi Minh City

If you are planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh City, make sure to consider a dinner cruise tour. During our visit, we decided to take a Viator dinner cruise, and we found it to be a fun way to discover the city, its culture and cuisine. Here is a glimpse our dinner cruise experience.

Boarding our cruise, we set sail on our journey along the Saigon River. On deck we admired the colourfully lit buildings and watched boats make their way down river. In the distance Landmark 81, the tallest building in Vietnam, shone bright white against the evening sky.

Soon it was time for the entertainment to begin. Performers dressed in Vietnamese costume sang and danced to the rhythmic twang of traditional Vietnamese music, setting the mood for the evening. While watching the show we ate a delicious range of dishes which were served at intervals throughout the show. Between courses we watched the bright lights of the city recede and soon we were dwarfed by large cargo ships. The meals were generous, standout dishes were the Steamed Dieu Hon Fish which was perfectly cooked and expertly deboned by our server.

Our Ho Chi Minh City Dinner Cruise Menu

• Spring Rolls with Seafood
• Fried Pasted Fish with Bread
• Seafood Soup with Enoki and Quail Egg
• Fried Shrimp with Black Pepper
• Steamed Dieu Hong Fish Teochew Style
• Roasted Chicken Legs and Fried Sticky Rice
• Sautéed Noodle with Mixed Vegetable & Mushroom
• Crepe with Lemon Sugar

After dinner, the real fun began as we danced the night away to a fabulous selection of rock classics, the perfect end to an unforgettable night.

Chanh Bistro Rooftop LLT

The Chanh Bistro Rooftop LLT is located on the top floor at 215 Ly Tu Tong in District 1. The bistro has a relaxed atmosphere with views overlooking a stunning French colonial building and the busy street below.

Chanh Bistro Rooftop LLT has a great selection of international and vegetarian options. Alan tried the salmon which was beautifully cooked, and I tried beef stroganoff which was creamy with a rich beef flavour. The meal and atmosphere were so good we made sure to return before leaving.

Street Food Carts and Markets

For the budget conscious there are street food carts and markets selling delicious Vietnamese favourites such as Pho, a noodle soup with a selection of meats, Banh Mi, a baguette with fillings that are a fusion of Vietnamese and French ingredients and Banh Xeo a crispy Vietnamese crepe filled with your choice of ingredients.

Nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 is famous for its nightlife and the choice of bars and nightclubs are endless. Here is one of the bars we sampled during our stay.

Visit Malt in District 1

Malt sits in the heart of District one and has a relaxed friendly atmosphere. When you visit you will discover a fantastic range of local craft beers and ciders which showcase the taste of Saigon. If you are feeling peckish there is a good selection of bar bites that will satisfy even the largest appetite. Malt is a fun place to relax with a drink and learn the finer points of shuffleboard.

Bui Vien Walking Street

For the night owl no trip to Saigon would be complete without a visit to Bui Vien Walking Street. In the evening, the eateries and bars of Bui Vien Street come alive to the bright lights and the thump of music, making it the perfect place to release your inner party animal.

Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City

There are a good range of interesting day tours from Ho Chi Minh City that give insight into Vietnamese rural life and history. Popular sightseeing tours from Ho Chi Minh City include the Cu Chi Tunnels tour and the Mekong Delta tour. We chose to take a Mekong Delta Tour and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Mekong Delta Tour

We took the one and a half hour journey from Ho Chi Minh City to the Mekong Delta where we boarded a motorboat to the villages of My Tho and Ben Tre. Once at the village we had a busy day learning about bees and sampling honey at a honey farm. We tried coconut candy and a variety of Vietnamese fruits while being entertained with traditional Vietnamese music.

One of the highlights of the day was a sampan ride through palm shaded canals. Our boats were rowed by women wearing traditional Vietnamese clothing and conical bamboo hats called Non La. As we quietly drifted upstream, we caught glimpses of day to day life within the small villages that lined the riverbank.

Soon we returned to the motorboat to continue our ride up the Mekong River where we visited a floating fish farm. After the fish farm we stopped off for a five-course lunch which highlighted an assortment of local delicacies.

On our way back we visited the tranquil gardens of the Vinh Trang Pagoda. This large Buddhist temple complex houses many beautiful effigies of Buddha, our favourite being the seated Happy Buddha.

We really enjoyed our day on the Mekong Delta. You will find a few different variations to the tours that visit this area. Some include a visit to the markets and cooking demonstrations, just pick the one that suits you.

If you have more time in the region you may want to consider taking one of the longer Mekong River cruises between Ho Chi Minh City and Siem Reap in Cambodia. Some of these Mekong River cruises offer side trips to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Click here to book your tour of Mekong Delta

Hotels in Ho Chi Minh City

If you are looking for outstanding hotels in District 1, we can highly recommend several hotels that offer a choice of different styles and budgets. We have stayed at all these hotels and found them to be in good locations across District 1.

Grand Hotel Saigon Review

Built in the 1930’s the Grand Hotel Saigon is divided into luxury and ancient wings. We chose to stay in the ancient wing and were charmed by the old world style. We selected an executive room which gave us access to executive lounge privileges which included free Happy Hour drinks and finger food in the hotels Sky Lounge. The Grand Hotel Saigon is in a great position and is within easy walking distance to many Ho Chi Minh City attractions District 1.

Read our review of the Grand Hotel Saigon click here.

Click here to book Grand Hotel Saigon

Rex Hotel Saigon Review

The Rex Hotel Saigon is an icon that is filled with history. Inside you will find an assortment of room styles and choice of onsite restaurants. The Rex Hotel Saigon is also home to the Rooftop Garden Bar which was famous for hosting the ‘Five O’clock Follies’ during the Vietnam War. The Rooftop Garden Bar is a fabulous place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

Book your stay at the Rex Hotel today

Oscar Saigon Hotel Review

If you are looking for a budget hotel in a great location, you can’t go past the Oscar Saigon Hotel. The hotel is in a fabulous position on Nguyen Hue pedestrian avenue, just steps from Town Hall, The Rex Hotel, Saigon Opera House and the Bitexco Financial Tower.

Click here to book your stay at Oscar Saigon Hotel

Cap Town Hotel Review

For a clean, comfortable and reasonably priced hotel in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 you can’t go past the Cap Town Hotel. Although an older hotel, the rooms are fresh, clean and the staff are always helpful and ready with a smile. The hotel is in a fantastic location, 350 metres from Ben Thanh Market and walking distance to the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace and Town Hall.

Click here to book a stay at the Cap Town Hotel

Do you need a Visa for Vietnam?

Most visitors to Vietnam will require a Visa. There are various options available depending on your length of stay and nationality. Our preferred visa company for is iVisa. They are a well respected company and can easily arrange all your visa requirements worldwide. Our article on Australians visa for Vietnam is an in-depth guide including screen shots of how to ensure you get the right visa for your visit.

Click here or fill in the form below to find if you need a visa for Vietnam and the cost.

Things to do in Ho Chi Minh Airport

Taxis are readily available, there are booths inside the airport selling prepaid taxi vouchers to the main town area. Taxis are cheap and trusted taxi companies include Vinasun and Mai Linh Taxi both use the meter. The airport also has SIM card booths. Alternatively, we recommend purchasing an eSIM prior to arrival so you have Internet access available as soon as you arrive. You can read more about the benefits of an eSIM in our article detailing the pros and cons.

 Do you need travel insurance?

We always ensure we are adequately covered when travelling abroad. We like to think nothing will go wrong, but you just never know. We experienced disruptions to our travel plans when we were delayed as a result of a Hurricane which you can read here.

We are so glad we choose travel insurance cover as our claim was processed quickly and efficiently and they are our preferred travel insurance company.

Check here for a travel insurance quote from our preferred travel Insurance company.

Best time to visit Ho Chi Minh City

When is the best time to visit Vietnam? There are a few things you should consider when planning a Vietnam trip. Like many Southeast Asian countries, Vietnam’s weather is divided into two seasons, the wet and dry season.

Although you can visit at any time of year, to get the most out of Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing it’s advisable to come during the dry season. In the dry season (December to April) the weather is generally cooler and is the most popular time to visit. At this time tourism is at its peak and Ho Chi Minh City attractions and hotels are packed so booking is essential.

In the wet season (May to November) tropical storms and high humidity make the city less comfortable. Visiting during the wet season is an option for the budget conscious as Ho Chi Minh City hotels and Ho Chi Minh City tourist attractions offer great deals during this time. If you choose to travel during the wet season, it is important to take a good quality umbrella to keep dry.

Last Words on things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

There is so much to see and do and it is a shame that many people only use Ho Chi Minh City as a steppingstone to Vietnam travel. Ho Chi Minh City is filled with energy, a vibrant mix of new and old that will both charm and excite visitors to the region. Add a trip to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels and you will discover why this city is a top tourist destination in Vietnam.

Essential Vietnam travel products

Protect your holiday with travel insurance from Cover-More – Click here for quote

Get your Vietnam visa online with our preferred partner – Click here for pricing and more information

Keep in touch and surf the Internet with an eSIM for your mobile devices – Click here to pre-purchase before your travel

Avoid high currency conversion charges with a free Wise card to withdraw local currency at ATMs – Click here for more information

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