Ho Chi Minh City is chaotic, overwhelming, and completely different from the rest of Vietnam. I arrived on a short bus ride from the sleepy beach town of Mui Ne, and let me tell you, that was quite the contrast! But after spending four days exploring this incredible city, I can also tell you that the things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are some of the most memorable and important experiences you'll have in Southeast Asia. This city is not to be missed.
Ho Chi Minh City's influences are much more western than the rest of Vietnam, and honestly it reminded me much more of Bangkok than anywhere else in Vietnam. But beneath all that chaos lies a city with profound historical significance, incredible food, and experiences that will genuinely change your perspective on the world and the country of Vietnam. It's not the most beautiful city I've ever visited, but it's definitely one of the most impactful.
Contents
- About Ho Chi Minh City
- How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City
- Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Practical Tips for Visiting Ho Chi Minh City
- Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Conclusion
About Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, still commonly called Saigon by locals and travellers alike, is Vietnam's largest city and economic powerhouse. This sprawling metropolis of over 9 million people serves as the country's commercial heartbeat, and it's where you'll find the most visible reminders of the Vietnam War, alongside modern skyscrapers and traditional Vietnamese culture that are all mashed together in one incredibly intense experience.
Most travellers spend 2-3 days in Ho Chi Minh City, which is honestly plenty to see the main attractions and get a feel for the place. It's a major destination and a travel hub - you'll encounter plenty of other tourists here, especially around the main historical sites, and you'll meet many people that are just passing through or staying for one night.
🇻🇳 Read more: A Full Travel Guide to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
How to Get to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Most international travellers arrive directly at Tan Son Nhat Airport, which connects Ho Chi Minh City to destinations across Asia and beyond. If you're already in Vietnam, you'll likely be coming from a beach town like Mui Ne or Na Trang, Dalat, or Hoi An. As I mentioned before, the trip from Mui Ne was only about four hours. From Dalat you'll likely take an overnight bus as the journey is between 7-8 hours, and from Hoi An, the bus trip is an eye-watering 19 hours.
I wouldn't recommend going directly from Hoi An to Ho Chi Minh City, if you have the time to spare - there are so many things to see along the way!
From Hanoi, you have several options: flying takes about 2 hours and usually costs around 1,300k-2,600kVND (50-100€), although of course you can get better deals if you're lucky or you book in advance. There are also sleeper buses that take a day and a half of constant travel, but I really wouldn't recommend that to save twenty quid!
Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The great thing about Ho Chi Minh City is that it offers a real mix of historical sites, cultural experiences, and modern cityscape. Some of these activities will be emotionally challenging, others are pure fun, but all of them give you a different perspective on Ho Chi Minh City and Vietnam as a whole.
War Remnants Museum
This is hands down one of the most important things I did in Vietnam, but be warned: it's not for the faint-hearted. The War Remnants Museum is really hard-hitting and very emotional, but it's something you absolutely must see if you want to understand Vietnam's recent history and the impact of the Vietnam War.
The museum displays the war from a Vietnamese perspective, and some of the exhibits are genuinely disturbing. I spent about 2 hours there, and honestly needed a bit of time to process everything afterwards. Entry costs around 40kVND (1.50€), and it's open daily. Just prepare yourself mentally before you go. I will honestly never forget what I saw in that museum.
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
The Independence Palace is where the Fall of Saigon officially ended the Vietnam War in 1975, making it one of the most historically significant buildings in the country. You can tour the preserved rooms, including the war bunkers, and see where South Vietnam's government operated during the conflict.
Entry costs around 65kVND (2.50€), and you can explore at your own pace. It's quite surreal walking through rooms that played such a crucial role in Vietnamese history, and the preserved 1960s and 70s décor gives you a real sense of stepping back in time.
Shopping and City Exploration
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's biggest city, which makes it a really good stop on your itinerary to get things repaired, replace lost items, or just generally do a bit of shopping. The shopping scene ranges from massive modern malls to traditional markets, and you'll find pretty much anything you need here.
Ben Thanh Market is the most famous, though it's quite touristy. For a more authentic experience, check out Binh Tay Market in Cholon (the city's Chinatown district). The city centre around District 1 also has plenty of shops for both Vietnamese souvenirs and international brands.
Saigon Central Post Office
Designed by Gustave Eiffel (yes, the same guy who did the Eiffel Tower), the Saigon Central Post Office is a beautiful example of French colonial architecture. It's still a working post office, so you can send postcards home, but it's also worth visiting just to admire the building's gorgeous interior with its high ceilings and vintage telephone booths.
Cu Chi Tunnels Day Trip
The Cu Chi Tunnels are probably the most famous day trip from Ho Chi Minh City, and whilst they're historically fascinating, I have to be honest - they were a bit underwhelming for me. The tunnels were used by the Viet Cong during the war, and you can crawl through some reconstructed sections to get a feel for what life was like underground.
I really wanted to try crawling through the tunnels, but as soon as I crouched down I ended up turning around because it was so tight! When my friend came out the other side, he said I'd made a good decision because even he'd found it quite difficult.
Tours cost around 380kVND (13€) and include transport from the city centre. If you're interested in Vietnam War history, it's worth doing, but manage your expectations.
Saigon Opera House and Cultural Experiences
The Saigon Opera House, also known as the Municipal Theatre, is a stunning French colonial building that hosts regular performances. Even if you don't catch a show, the building itself is beautiful to look at from the outside, especially when it's lit up at night.
Rooftop Bars and Saigon Skydeck
For the best views over this chaotic city, head up high! The Saigon Skydeck in the Bitexco Financial Tower offers 360-degree views from the 50th floor for around 520kVND (20€). There are also plenty of rooftop bars throughout the city where you can watch the sunset with a drink in hand.
One unique experience is the infinity pool at Le Vela Saigon. Le Vela Saigon is actually a hotel, but you don't have to stay there to access their rooftop infinity pool, you can enter by paying around 340kVND (13€). It's a great way to cool off and escape the chaos for a few hours (although, I went here on my last day in Vietnam, so I spent most of my time there crying, oops).
Jade Emperor Pagoda
This atmospheric temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor is one of the most important religious sites in the city. Built in 1909, it's filled with statues of Buddhist and Taoist deities, and the incense-filled atmosphere creates an almost mystical experience. Entry is free, and it's a peaceful escape from the city's intensity.
Dam Sen Water Park
If you're travelling with kids or just want a fun day out, Dam Sen Water Park offers a break from all the historical sites. It's got water slides, pools, and various attractions spread across a large park. Entry costs around 260kVND (10€), and it's especially popular with Vietnamese families at weekends.
Practical Tips for Visiting Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City
Walking around Ho Chi Minh City can be challenging due to the intense traffic and lack of proper pavements in many areas. The traffic is truly mental - I've never seen anything quite like it, and I genuinely struggled to cross the street by myself because nobody even looks at what the traffic lights are saying.
Your best bet for getting around is using Grab to order motorbike taxis or cars. Motorbike taxis are cheap and quick but can be terrifying if you're not used to the traffic (they give you a helmet, though, unlike in Thailand). Traditional taxis are also available, but make sure they use the meter or agree on a price beforehand.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with two main seasons: dry season (December to April) and wet season (May to November). I visited in February, which was absolutely sweltering but thankfully dry. The heat is intense year-round, but the wet season brings heavy afternoon rains that can make getting around even more challenging.
The best time to visit is probably during the dry season, particularly January to March, when rainfall is minimal. Just be prepared for temperatures around 30-35°C every single day.
Money & Costs in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is more expensive than the rest of Vietnam, but still very affordable compared to Western standards. ATMs are everywhere, and most accept international cards, though they usually charge withdrawal fees of around 55kVND (2€).
Credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas, but street food vendors and local markets only take cash. For budget travellers, you can get by on 650k-780kVND (25-30€) per day including accommodation, food, and activities. Mid-range travellers should budget around 1,300k-1,560kVND (50-60€) per day.
FAQs About Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting for tourists?
Absolutely, but it depends what you're looking for. If you want to understand Vietnam's recent history, experience incredible street food, and see a major Southeast Asian city in action, then yes. However, if you're looking for traditional Vietnamese charm or peaceful cultural experiences, you might find other Vietnamese cities more appealing.
Is 2 days enough for Ho Chi Minh City?
Two days is enough to see the main attractions like the War Remnants Museum, Independence Palace, and do a day trip to Cu Chi Tunnels. You'll get a good taste of the city, but it will feel quite rushed. Three or four days would be ideal.
Is 3 days enough for Ho Chi Minh City?
Three days is the sweet spot for Ho Chi Minh City. This gives you time to see all the major attractions, take a day trip, explore different neighbourhoods, and experience the food scene without feeling too rushed.
What should you do in Ho Chi Minh City?
The must-do experiences are visiting the War Remnants Museum, exploring the Independence Palace, trying the incredible street food, and taking a day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels. Beyond that, wander around District 1, visit some temples, and try to get up high for city views.
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City isn't the most beautiful place I visited in Vietnam, and it definitely isn't the most relaxing. But it's one of the most important. The historical sites here offer crucial insights into Vietnam's recent past, whilst the energy and chaos give you a completely different perspective on Vietnamese life compared to the more peaceful towns and cities elsewhere in the country.
If you're planning a trip to Vietnam, definitely recommend including Ho Chi Minh City in your itinerary - just don't expect it to be like anywhere else in the country. Come prepared for heat, chaos, incredible food, and some genuinely moving historical experiences that will stay with you long after you leave.