Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

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Sightseeing

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, is a vibrant and bustling city with many sights to explore. From museums to temples and pagodas, the city has something for everyone.

Let’s take a look at some of the must-see sights in the city:

Cu Chi Tunnels

For those seeking an unforgettable experience, visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-do. Spanning over 200km, this remarkable engineering feat was used by the Viet Cong army during the Vietnam War as practical means of protection and communication. The tunnels are now open to tourists and provide a unique insight into one of the most significant wars in recent history.

Visitors to Cu Chi Tunnels can join guided tours of the huge underground network, learning fascinating facts on their journey, including how topography and engineering ingenuity enabled unwavering support for Vietnamese forces against US-led soldiers. Throughout wartime, tunnels consisted of underground villages, including accommodation areas, kitchens, storages, armories, and even hospitals for wounded troops! It is also possible to fire an AK-46 assault rifle or bazooka at shooting ranges nearby.

For visitors wishing to explore further afield from Ho Chi Minh City, Cu Chi Tunnel day trips can be easily arranged with knowledgeable guides who can assist those eager to gain an insight into this crucial aspect of wartime Vietnam from both sides of history.

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum, located in District 3, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City. Opened in 1975, the museum offers an emotional and reflective look at the Vietnam War. It houses a wide range of artifacts, photographs, and propaganda material gathered from the American military during their occupation of the country. Visitors can expect to be deeply moved by stories about those affected by the war and learn more about its effects on different sides involved in the conflict.

The permanent exhibitions include sections on various aspects of the war, including:

  • A display of anti-war activities that were held around America;
  • Actual weapons used and collections of photographs;
  • A US Air Force F-5A fighter aircraft preserved since its last mission;
  • Captured tanks, artillery pieces, gunboats, and howitzers;
  • Displays on aircraft shot down during operations over South East Asia;
  • Artworks from both Vietnamese and foreign artists demonstrate their outlooks on war through visual art forms.

Visiting this museum is an educational experience and a reminder that war should never be an answer to solving conflicts.

Reunification Palace

The Reunification Palace was the former residence of the President of South Vietnam and has been restored to look exactly how it did when North Vietnamese tanks crashed through its gates in 1975, signaling the end of the Vietnam War. It remains largely intact as a relic from this historical era and is a fascinating visit.

This sprawling palace has corridors, libraries, throne rooms, and fascinating furniture and artifacts. Visitors can tour several sections, including the President’s private rooms, and even check out the command bunker underground. The rooftop terrace also offers panoramic views across Ho Chi Minh City, making it an ideal spot to get your bearings.

Be sure to add it to your list when you explore this fantastic city!

Shopping

Ho Chi Minh City is known for its bustling streets and lively markets, making it the perfect destination for those who love to shop. There are a variety of malls, local markets, and souvenir shops that you can explore. From traditional goods to designer labels, there’s something for everyone in Ho Chi Minh City.

Let’s take a closer look at some of the city’s best shopping spots:

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of the most iconic shopping centers in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the heart of downtown and operating since 1912, it is an essential stop for tourists looking for souvenirs or a variety of items for their everyday use. The market has two stories and covers an area of tens of thousands of square meters, offering nearly everything from garments to food.

Ben Thanh Market is divided into sections dealing with different commodities:

  • Food market: You can find tropical fruits, fresh seafood, and local snacks like banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich) or tra sua (sweetened condensed milk dessert).
  • Garment market: The clothes may look quite similar to each other. However, you can still find some reasonably priced items here.
  • Brocade market: You can pick up artworks made from silk fabric, such as tablecloths, pillowcases, or handbags.
  • Handicraft market: souvenirs like handmade jewelry or silk worms are available here.

At the end of Ben Thanh Market, an array of unique dishes is served at traditional street food stalls – something travelers shouldn’t miss! From bargain hunting to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine – Ben Thanh Market has something for everyone!

Saigon Square

For those looking for a unique shopping experience, Saigon Square is an excellent place in Ho Chi Minh City. Located in the city’s center just off Le Thanh Ton Street, Saigon Square is a bustling market comprising two interconnected buildings with vendors selling various items.

You’ll find merchandise from clothing and jewelry to electronics, souvenirs, and more. Many of these items come directly from China or other Southeast Asian countries, making them well-priced.

Saigon Square’s sheer variety of products allows customers to easily search for whatever they need. Shoppers can find abundant clothing, including shoes, shorts, and accessories like handbags and sunglasses. There are also plenty of souvenirs like trinkets, small statues, and electronics such as MP3 players, cameras, headphones, and more. As with any marketplace, bartering is expected at Saigon Square, so be sure to haggle for good deals!

An Dong Market

An Dong Market is one of the largest shopping districts in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. It is located in District 5, and the market has an array of stalls selling different items, ranging from clothing to local fruits and vegetables. The market is also highly popular with tourists as it offers unique products they can purchase as souvenirs.

The market features indoor and outdoor sections with various goods such as handbags, textiles, spices, and condiments. You can also buy jewelry, electrical items, and traditional Vietnamese handicrafts from the numerous sellers here. On top of that, An Dong Market houses multiple food stalls serving Vietnamese dishes like Pho (rice noodle soup) at affordable prices for all budgets.

Shoppers wishing to haggle for a better price should head to the outdoor area, where vendors are willing to accept negotiations for discounted prices. For tourists without much bargaining experience or knowledge about local prices, discovering and immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere at An Dong Market will be an enjoyable part of your trip to Ho Chi Minh City.

Cultural Experiences

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, celebrates culture and tradition. There is much to explore, from the delicious local cuisine to the vibrant nightlife. Experiencing the local culture can be as simple as walking through the markets or visiting one of the many museums in the city.

In this section, we’ll look at some of the unique cultural experiences you can have while visiting Ho Chi Minh City:

Traditional Vietnamese Cooking Class

Experience culinary and cultural immersion with a traditional Vietnamese cooking class in the dynamic city of Ho Chi Minh City. Vietnam has a long and varied culinary history, consisting of a unique blend of Chinese, Japanese, French, and Western cooking techniques. This class allows visitors to Ho Chi Minh City to explore the country’s flavors and culture while learning how to recreate these classic dishes back home.

During the two-hour course, guests will get an in-depth look at the traditional ingredients used and how they are prepared for authentic Vietnamese dishes. With experienced local cooks leading each session, participants will learn about herbs and spices that give Vietnamese cooking its distinctive flavor. They will also understand how seasonings such as fish sauce, chili oil, limes, and cilantro can create balance in meals.

While this program is designed for all experience levels, from beginner cooks to professionals alike, guests are taught different recipes and provided with demonstrations of knife skills and an explanation of popular cooking techniques. Whether mastering hoisin sauce or creating closed stuffed pork balls – by the end of the course, each chef-in-training is confident recreating their very own Vietnamese meal!

Street Food Tours

Visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offers travelers a rich and unique cultural experience. An exciting way to explore the city is to take a street food tour and sample the delicious cuisine. In addition, companies in Ho Chi Minh City offer walking tours of the streets and alleyways of the city, from which visitors can experience Vietnamese dishes up close.

Street food tours generally begin at a central hub such as Ben Thanh Market or Pham Ngu Lao Backpacker Street, where visitors are welcome to try some traditional snacks before embarking on their journey. The following foods can generally be found during the tour:

  • Phở: A type of Vietnamese noodle soup typically made with flat white rice noodles and served with various local herbs and vegetables.
  • Banh Mi: A Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with meats, pâtés, and vegetables, including pickled carrots and daikon.
  • Goi Cuon: Spring rolls are usually made with pork, shrimp, vermicelli noodles, mushrooms, and other local ingredients; these are served wrapped in lettuce leaves and sauces like hoisin peanut sauce or tamarind fish sauce for dipping.
  • Banh Xeo: A type of savory fried cake made from wheat flour and turmeric powder; this is usually filled with pork, shrimp, bean sprouts, and vegetables.

In addition to trying delicious local fare during street food tours in Ho Chi Minh City, tourists will also get an insight into Vietnam’s vibrant culture through different sights, such as famous pagodas or markets frequented by locals. Tours are generally tailored to fit various tastes; selecting one based on preference is possible, such as vegan-friendly options or nocturnal adventures!

Local Temple Visits

Ho Chi Minh City offers a variety of spiritual and cultural experiences. Visitors have the opportunity to explore several notable temples and pagodas. In addition, local temples provide a glimpse into the daily life of locals, offering insight into the traditional beliefs, values, and customs that make Vietnam a unique destination.

Visitors can discover various temples throughout the city, including:

  • Reunification Palace Buddhist Pagoda: Located inside Reunification Palace, the King established this temple in 1790, with four stone pillars engraved with Buddhist scripture.
  • Turtle tower Temple: Located on Nguyen Hue Boulevard, Turtle tower temple features a two-story structure in the center of Ho Chi Minh City’s metropolis landscape.
  • Giac Vien Pagoda: This ancient Buddhist pagoda is located in Cholon District and is one of Vietnam’s most important religious monuments.
  • Chua Ong Pagoda: Boasting artwork from local artisans and wood carvings crafted from salvaged boats, Chua Ong Pagoda is an excellent example of Vietnamese architecture with ornate ceilings, sculptures, water features, and a large parmigiana area near Bac Nam Cau bridge.

For those looking to experience spirituality in an urban setting, visiting local temples in Ho Chi Minh City can be a unique cultural experience to add to any trip itinerary!

Outdoor Activities

Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offers an array of exciting and unique outdoor activities that any traveler can enjoy, whether you’re a nature lover or an urbanite. From visiting the famous Cu Chi Tunnels to exploring the nearby Mekong Delta, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your time in this bustling city. Read on to discover some of the best outdoor activities to try out in Ho Chi Minh City:

Boat Cruises on the Saigon River

Boat cruises on the Saigon River are a great way to experience the beauty of Ho Chi Minh City while still being able to ad.

Mekong Delta Day Trip

The Mekong Delta is an hour’s drive from Ho Chi Minh City. This vast network of rice paddies, fruit orchards, and canals provides the perfect backdrop for an outdoor adventure.

A day trip to the Mekong Delta will take you into a world of lush green fields, elaborate temples, ancient pagodas, and peaceful villages surrounded by a cane. You can experience this remote pastoral haven by taking a boat ride through the tranquil tributaries of the mighty river.

For a cultural experience in the Delta, try exploring mangrove forests, visiting craft workshops, or sampling some of Vietnam’s tasty treats, such as tropical fruits or snake wine, while experiencing local life in one of the vibrant floating markets. You can also see traditional events like pole-climbing competitions or performance art, including magic shows, cockfighting demonstrations, and musical performances from talented artists such as pipers and conventional string bands.

If you prefer more physical activities, there are plenty to choose from, such as:

  • Bird-watching tours for those interested in nature.
  • Water sports activities such as jet skiing, fishing, and kayaking.
  • Cycling through paddy fields to observe daily farmer’s life.
  • Cooking classes with local chefs.
  • Heritage tours take visitors back to real Vietnamese life before its modernization.
  • Trekking around different areas to uncover hidden gems and shops selling unique handmade items for souvenirs.
  • Last but not least, visit Tien Giang province to truly understand how wooden sampans carry products far throughout this small region efficiently by rivers.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest

Can Gio Mangrove Forest is located about 45km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City and makes for a great day trip from the city. It’s the perfect place to explore and learn about Vietnam’s beautiful ecosystems. This nature reserve is part of the Mekong Delta, home to over 800 species of flora and fauna, including monkeys, snakes, crocodiles, storks, turtles, and other animals.

The area is surrounded by vast mangrove forests, which provide a safe habitat for many rare birds and animals. Several walking paths lead you through the lush vegetation, allowing you to discover exotic wildlife during your visit. You can also take a boat trip along the Can Gio River and spot more species. In addition, there are bike rentals available at some resorts and local food vendors if you get hungry during your journey in the forest.

Can Gio Mangrove Forest has something for everyone in your group – from spotting wildlife to taking peaceful strolls through nature:

  • Spotting wildlife
  • Taking peaceful walks through nature
  • Taking a boat trip along the Can Gio River
  • Exploring the lush vegetation
  • Renting bikes at resorts
  • Eating at local food vendors

Nightlife

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as many locals call it, is a hub of exciting nightlife and entertainment. There’s something for everyone – from lively outdoor bars filled with locals to intimate jazz clubs with live music to buzzing night markets.

Read on to learn more about all the great things to do in Saigon after the sun goes down!

Saigon Skydeck

Saigon Skydeck is located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower and offers unparalleled views of Ho Chi Minh City. The indoor and outdoor ideas encompass the entire city and its surroundings. Guests can relax on comfortable seating while enjoying various drinks, snacks, and light meals from the rooftop bar.

Visitors can also take a few minutes to check out the museum, with interesting artifacts detailing the history of Saigon. In addition, special events, music festivals, art exhibitions, and more are regularly held at Saigon Skydeck, allowing visitors to experience vibrant nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City.

Rooftop Bars

Ho Chi Minh City is home to an exciting array of rooftop bars offering spectacular cityscape views and a fantastic atmosphere. These chic venues are the perfect spot to sit back and relax while enjoying a drink or two and some tasty bites.

From vibrant dance spots to chilled-out lounges, there is something for everyone to enjoy on Ho Chi Minh City’s rooftops:

  • PV Veranda Bar offers great cocktails, with sweeping views of Hai Ba Trung Street from the 14th floor.
  • Dibar features modern décor, inventive mixology, and tasty snacks.
  • For evening vibes with live music and DJs, head up to Speak Easy Rooftop Bar & Restaurant or Broma Not a Bar – both venues have an upbeat energy that will ensure you have a good time until the sun comes up!

If dancing isn’t your thing, then fear not. There are plenty of other options available for those hoping for a more relaxed evening out in Ho Chi Minh City:

  • Shri Lounge is popular with locals and tourists due to its modern decor and cozy atmosphere.
  • Another favorite spot is Chill Skybar – it serves up drinks surrounded by sky-high city views on many nights until 4 AM!

Live Music Venues

Ho Chi Minh City, referred to as Saigon by many locals, offers an exciting nightlife scene with plenty of venues to hear live music. There’s something for everyone, from jazz bars to open-air clubs with live bands and DJs. So whether you’re looking for blues, rock, EDM, or something in between, the city has plenty of places to go.

To get you started on your search, here are a few of the top venues in Ho Chi Minh City for live music:

  • Saigon Soul Pool Club – Located near District 2 at 141 Nguyen Van Huong Street on the Thu Thiem Peninsula, this leisure hub is a unique playground featuring an Olympic-sized pool and live DJs spinning house and EDM tunes against a picturesque skyline backdrop. Open from Tuesday to Sunday from 4 PM to 2 AM.
  • Live Spot Bar – A popular choice for local jazz lovers formed over five years ago by Vietnamese saxophonist Ha Hoai Linh and a group of his musician friends. Located at 12A Cao Ba Quat Street and is open from 5 PM – 1 AM from Monday-Saturday with drinks starting at around $3.
  • Quan Ngon Restaurant – Easily one of Saigon’s biggest and most popular restaurants, it fills up quickly during peak hours but clears up later when live music takes over, starting at 10:30 PM every night. Explore their seven different floors featuring an array of South East Asian cuisines while enjoying live performances by local jazz bands or acoustic acts singing pop songs with instrument accompaniment making it one of the best places if you are looking for an escape away from all tourist traps. Located at 94 Dong Khoi Street just down the street from Opera House/Cong Vien 23/9 Park is open daily from 10 AM – 12 AM.