Planning a trip to Saigon? Discover 15 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, from history to food and day trips.
Saigon is a different experience. Ho Chi Minh City is loud, hot, chaotic, and in a way quite magical when you get used to it. With the scooters buzzing past your ears and the smell of street food available on every corner, it’s a city that quickly draws you in, whether you’re only stopping for a couple of days or decide to make it your base for a longer trip through Vietnam. That’s why we’ve put together our top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, so you can skip the guesswork and go straight to the best activities. 🛵
our awards:
Best Free Thing to Do: Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
Best for History Buffs: War Remnants Museum
Best Day Trip: Cu Chi Tunnels
Best View: Landmark 81 Observation Deck
Best for Nightlife: Bùi Viện Walking Street
Best Unique Experience: Water Puppet Show
1. The Notre Dame Cathedral and the Saigon Central Post Office in District 1 (Best Free Activity To Do) ⛪
We recommend starting here since it’s free and beautiful! Originating in the 1880s, this French colonial building gives District 1 its distinct character. Even though the cathedral is now being renovated, it remains very photogenic from the outside thanks to its red brick and two towers. The post office nearby is fully operational and sells vintage-style postcards. The ceiling inside has a museum-like atmosphere rather than the feel of a place where you’d send a letter!
Essential Info for Notre Dame Cathedral & Post Office
- Price: Free!
- Best time: Morning, for fewer crowds and softer light
- Location: District 1, corner of Han Thuyen and Cong Xa Paris
2. Independence Palace, District 1
The presidential palace in former South Vietnam has stayed practically the same since April 30, 1975, when a tank crashed through its gates and thereby brought the Vietnam War to an end. We suggest using the audio guide since the rooms are far more interesting with some background information, whether it’s about the war command bunker or the president’s private quarters. When traveling with children, the tanks and fighter jets on site are in fact one of their favorite things!
Essential Info for Independence Palace
- Price: Around 40,000 VND (about $1.50 USD) for the palace only, or roughly 80,000 VND for the combo ticket that includes the historical exhibition
- Hours: The ticket counter usually runs from 8:00 AM to around 3:30 PM daily, and the grounds stay open a bit later
- Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1
- Hint: Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for this activity, and go early to avoid the heat and the tour buses!
3. War Remnants Museum (Best for History Buffs)
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
This is the museum we’d put at the top of your list. By means of preserved military equipment, photographs, and personal accounts, the War Remnants Museum gives a direct and, in some cases, graphic description of the history of the Vietnam War. We recommend staying for at least 1.5 to 2 hours, and we advise that certain displays, especially those concerning Agent Orange, may not be appropriate for younger children.
Essential Info for War Remnants Museum
- Price: Around 40,000 VND (about $1.50 to $2 USD) for adults
- Hours: Generally 7:30 AM to 5:30 or 6:00 PM daily, including weekends and holidays
- Location: 28 Vo Van Tan Street, District 3
- Tip: Go in the morning while it’s cooler, and give yourself extra time if you want to read through all eight themed exhibits!
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4. Day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels (the best day trip) 🌿
If you have extra time, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Ho Chi Minh City within three days! The tunnels were part of a large underground network used during the war, and you can crawl through widened sections and see demonstrations of booby traps. We recommend booking a small-group or private tour since you can’t explore on your own, and with a smaller group, you’ll spend much less time waiting.
Essential Info for Cu Chi Tunnels
- Price: Entrance runs around 90,000 to 135,000 VND (roughly $3.50 to $5 USD), and organized tours from the city usually cost $15 to $30 USD per person, including transport
- Hours: Generally 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily
- Duration: Half day, around 5 to 6 hours round trip
- Tip: Pick Ben Duoc over Ben Dinh if you want a more authentic vibe with fewer crowds!
5. Bui Vinh Walking Street, District 1 (Best for Nightlife) 🎶
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
From nightfall on, the backpacker area becomes busy with loud music, inexpensive beer, and a lot of partying! It’s ideal for solo travelers and groups, but it isn’t suitable for people who want a quiet dinner. Street performers and vendors line the streets, and the atmosphere gets livelier as the night goes on.
Essential Info for Bùi Viện
- Price: Free to walk around, and drinks are usually super cheap
- Best time: After 7:00 PM
- Location: District 1, between Pham Ngu Lao and De Tham streets
6. Ben Thanh Market, District 1
Certainly no guide to activities in Ho Chi Minh City could fail to include Ben Thanh Market! The market has a wide variety of souvenir stalls, tailors, and vendors selling snacks, and it’s one of the simplest things to do in Ho Chi Minh City with children because it’s colorful and offers plenty to eat. It’s best to go in the morning when it’s cooler, and don’t hesitate to haggle a bit!
Essential Info for Ben Thanh Market
- Price: Free to enter
- Best time: Morning
- Location: District 1, at Le Loi, Ham Nghi, Tran Hung Dao, and Le Lai streets
- Tip: Start your haggling around 50 percent of the first price you hear!
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7. Jade Emperor Pagoda, District 1
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
Aren’t you glad we’ve finally reached a change of scene? The Pagoda of the Jade Emperor is the place you ought to visit. This sophisticated Taoist temple is well known for its intricate wood carvings, the curling incense, and a small pond together with a lovely turtle outside. It’s far quieter than the main attractions, which makes it ideal for a break halfway through your trip.
Essential Info for Jade Emperor Pagoda
- Price: Free, though donations are welcome
- Best time: Morning, for a peaceful vibe
- Location: 73 Mai Thi Luu Street, District 1
8. Landmark 81 Observation Deck (Best View)
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
Landmark 81 SkyView is a 461.3-meter-tall observation deck offering astonishing views of the Saigon River and the entire city! It also has a glass sky bridge, VR games, and a café, making it an enjoyable experience for families. Go in the late afternoon to see the city skyline during the day and watch Ho Chi Minh City light up at night!
Essential Info for Landmark 81
- Price: Roughly 300,000 VND (about $11 to $12 USD) on weekdays, and around 500,000 VND on weekends and holidays
- Hours: Generally 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily, with the last entry an hour before closing
- Location: 720A Dien Bien Phu, Binh Thanh District
- Hint: Book in advance for a small discount!
9. Water Puppet Show (Best Unique Experience)
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
This traditional Water Puppet Show art form first developed in the flooded rice fields in the north and has now been recognized by UNESCO, so it is one of the most interesting and unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City! Since it is completely visual, you don’t need to know any language, and the performance lasts about 50 minutes, making it an excellent activity for visitors in Ho Chi Minh City, particularly if you have children with you. Arrive early, as shows can sell out!
Essential Info for Water Puppet Show
- Price: Roughly $5 to $10 USD
- Duration: About 50 minutes
- Location: Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, District 1
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10. Saigon River Cruise
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
If you want to slow down a bit in the evening, then taking a cruise along the Saigon River is a lovely alternative! You’ll enjoy cool breezes and skyline views as the city lights begin to twinkle. Options include a short sightseeing loop or a more comprehensive dinner cruise with live music.
Essential Info for River Cruise
- Price: Roughly $15 to $50 USD depending on whether dinner’s included
- Best time: Sunset
- Hint: It’s a good idea to book your cruise in advance during the weekends, as the popular cruises get full quickly!
11. The Performance at the Saigon Opera House 🎪
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
The O Show, a contemporary circus and acrobatics act that combines traditional Vietnamese motifs with vigorous choreography, takes place in the beautiful Saigon Opera House, built in the colonial period. Arrive early to take in the Opera House, a landmark in itself!
Essential Info for O Show
- Price: Roughly $25 to $70 USD depending on your seat
- Duration: 60 to 70 minutes
- Location: Saigon Opera House, District 1
12. Street Food and Motorbike Night Tour
Photo courtesy of GetYourGuide
If you’re short on time and still want to try all the dishes, why not get on the back of a local guide’s scooter for a street food tour of the city during one night? Along the way, you’ll have the chance to taste foods such as banh xeo and grilled skewers. This tour is best for adults or older children, since it ends late and requires navigating Saigon’s traffic.
Essential Info for Street Food Motorbike Tour
- Price: Roughly $55 USD per person
- Duration: 3 to 4 hours, in the evening
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13. Mekong Delta Day Trip
Another excellent choice for your three-day plan in Ho Chi Minh City is a half- or full-day trip to the Mekong Delta: it offers a completely different pace, with canal boat rides, visits to fruit orchards, and stops in small villages. If your timetable permits, we recommend spending an overnight in Can Tho so that you can see the Cai Rang Floating Market at sunrise, since this is indeed a major highlight!
Essential Info for Mekong Delta Day Trip
- Price: Roughly $25 to $45 USD for a day trip, or $70 to $150 USD for an overnight
- Hint: If you’re taking an overnight trip, then it’s a good idea to keep your main suitcase at the hotel in town!
14. Rooftop Bars and Views of the Skyline in District 1 🍹
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
Why not go to a rooftop bar after a full day of sightseeing? Places such as Banana Mama Rooftop Bar & Kitchen offer cocktails and relaxed food, plus panoramic city views, and plenty of similar spots line District 1 and the river.
Essential Info for Rooftop Bars
- Price: Drinks typically run $5 to $15 USD
- Best time: Sunset onward
15. Wander the Apartment Cafe Building, District 1 (Unique Thing to Do) ☕
Photo courtesy of Tripadvisor
Near Nguyen Hue Walking Street, a 1960s apartment building has been converted into a space with several floors of small cafés, each with its own balcony overlooking the street below! It’s truly one of the most interesting and unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh, and the building is completely free for visitors to explore. It’s also ideal for a rainy-day plan!
Essential Info for Apartment Cafe Building
- Price: Free to enter; cafés charge individually for drinks
- Location: Nguyen Hue Walking Street, District 1
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Practical Info for Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Getting Around District 1 and Beyond 🚕
Before you arrive, download the Grab app, which offers car, motorbike, and food delivery services and eliminates the need for haggling when getting around. District 1 is also very walkable so that you won’t need a ride for every journey. One piece of advice: when crossing the road, walk slowly and confidently, since traffic will go around you rather than stop, and the traffic lights are basically optional!
What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in 2 Days
- Day 1: District 1 landmarks, like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Independence Palace, and Ben Thanh Market
- Day 2: War Remnants Museum, Landmark 81, and a rooftop bar or river cruise at sunset
What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City in 3 Days
Include the Cu Chi Tunnels or a day trip to the Mekong Delta as your third day, and then arrange to see the Water Puppet Show or go on a street food tour that evening!
Best Time to Visit 🌤️
The dry season lasts from December to April and is usually the best period for sightseeing because it is hot but not very humid. From May to November, the rainy season occurs, although the showers are generally short rather than long, soaking ones. If you want to avoid crowds and have more businesses open, then it’s best to stay away from Tet, Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, which takes place in late January or February!
Cash vs. Card 💵
In Ho Chi Minh City, cash is still the preferred payment method, especially at markets and street food stalls, so always carry small denominations. Although many ATMs are available, only more upscale restaurants and hotels reliably accept cards.
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Ready to Explore the Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City?
Ho Chi Minh City packs so much into one trip- history, food, nightlife, and everything in between- and that’s exactly why it’s such an unforgettable stop on any Vietnam itinerary! Whether you’ve got 2 days or a full week, District 1’s landmarks, a few unique local experiences, and easy day trips to the Cu Chi Tunnels or Mekong Delta make this city work for solo travelers, couples, and families alike. Just pace yourself, because there’s so much to see that it’s easy to try cramming in way too much!
FAQ for Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
How many days do you need in Ho Chi Minh City?
2 to 3 days is plenty to hit the highlights and squeeze in a one-day trip! You can always stay longer if you want to take it slow.
What is there to do in Ho Chi Minh City District 1?
District 1 has most of the city’s big landmarks, like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Central Post Office, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, and Bùi Viện Walking Street!
What are some unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
The Water Puppet Show, the Apartment Cafe Building, and a street-food motorbike tour are the standout picks!
Is Ho Chi Minh City good for kids and families?
Yes, definitely! Ben Thanh Market, the Water Puppet Show, and Landmark 81 are great family stops, though we’d skip or shorten the War Remnants Museum for younger kids since some exhibits are graphic.
Is Ho Chi Minh City the same as Saigon?
Yep! Ho Chi Minh City was called Saigon before Vietnam’s reunification in 1975, and plenty of locals still call the city center Saigon today.
What is the best time of year to visit Ho Chi Minh City?
December through April is your best bet since it’s the dry season! The city’s great year-round, though, since rainy-season showers tend to be short.
