Ho Chi Minh City, the vibrant but chaotic capital city of Vietnam, is completely overwhelming and utterly different to the rest of the country, located in the far south of Southern Vietnam.
I arrived on a short bus ride from the sleepy beach town of Mui Ne, and let me tell you, it 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. Ho Chi Minh City is a great place to learn about the history of Vietnam, and is not to be missed.
In this article I'll talk about all of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, from taking a guided tour of the Cu Chi Tunnels used by the resistance in the Vietnam War to heading out for the night on Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
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 major 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.
The heart of Ho Chi Minh City lies in District 1, where you'll find most of the top things to see and do, from historical sites to the best places for street food and nightlife.
🇻🇳 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, including stops in Central Vietnam!
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!
15 Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
The best things about Ho Chi Minh City are 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 Hồ Chà 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 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.
This tourist attraction is considered one of the best places to understand the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective, making it essential for any first time visitor.
Independence Palace (Reunification Palace)
The Independence Palace, also known as Reunification 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 Exploring the City
Ho Chi Minh City is Vietnam's biggest city, which makes it a really good place 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 local 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 center around District 1 also has plenty of shops for both Vietnamese souvenirs and international brands.
You can explore different markets throughout the city, from the Ho Thi Ky Flower Market for beautiful blooms to various street vendors selling everything from souvenirs to local snacks. Each market offers a unique opportunity to experience local life and interact with Vietnamese people.
Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Built in the nineteenth century by French colonists (who originally named it the Church of Saigon), Notre Dame Cathedral is located in downtown Ho Chi Minh. It went under a major renovation in 2023 and has since reopened to the public.
This popular spot in the central district showcases French colonial architecture and provides a perfect place for photos and quiet reflection amidst the busy city.
Visit Tao Dan Park
Tao Dan Park is a small city park, within easy walking distance from the area of District 9 where most of the hostels and other budget accommodation options are in Ho Chi Minh. If you want a short escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, this is the place to head!
This green space offers a rare respite from the busy roads and provides excellent opportunities to observe local life as Vietnamese families and friends gather here, especially in the evenings.
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.
Going Out on Bui Vien Walking Street
Bui Vien Street is a pedestrianised street very close to where the majority of hostels and backpacker accommodations are. For me it was a bit too chaotic - a lot of bright lights and loud clubs all playing music that clash with each other - but a few of the people I met travelling had great nights out here.
Bui Vien Walking Street is considered the perfect place for backpackers wanting to experience Ho Chi Minh's nightlife, though it can be quite overwhelming due to the crowds and noise.
Exploring Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a wide boulevard in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. It's a bit more of a calmer / family friendly / quieter night out vibe than Bui Vien Street, and it's popular with locals, Vietnamese tourists, and foreign tourists alike. (Bui Vien Street very much caters to foreign tourism.) This is where you'll find the famous cafe apartment building (the address is 42 Nguyen Hue Walking Street), where all of the apartments in the building have been turned into traditional Vietnamese coffee shops.
Get Your First Banh Mi
If you're flying into Ho Chi Minh City from elsewhere and this is your first time in Vietnam, it's absolutely essential that you get your first Banh Mi asap. This is for two reasons; firstly, because they're the best things you will try in your whole life, and secondly because here they are made quite differently to how they're made in the north, so it's great spot to try both!
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 Cu Chi 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.
A day tour costs around 380kVND (€13) and includes transport from the city center. If you're interested in Vietnam War history, it's worth visiting, but manage your expectations. This network of tunnels provides insight into how the Viet Cong survived and operated during wartime.
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 way to see views over this chaotic city, head up high! The Saigon Skydeck in the Bitexco Financial Tower (the tallest building in Ho Chi Minh City) offers 360-degree views from the 50th floor for around 520kVND (€20). This observation deck provides an excellent vantage point to appreciate the scale of this busy city.
There are also plenty of rooftop bars throughout the city where you can watch the sunset with a drink in hand. These favorite spots offer a perfect way to escape the street corners and busy roads below.
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 place 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).
Do a Street Food Tour
Ho Chi Minh City, being as big as it is, is a great place to do a street food tour. If you're planning a whole Vietnam itinerary, I'd recommend doing food tours, cooking classes, or similar, more than once as you travel through Vietnam. The food and culture in the south is quite distinct from the north and learning about these differences is really interesting.
If you don't have time to squeeze in a tour, make a quick stop at Ben Thanh Street Food Market to try some local dishes! You'll find everything from noodle soup (pho) to Vietnamese coffee, and it's a good place to experience authentic flavours without any extra cost for tours.
Jade Emperor Pagoda
This atmospheric temple, Jade Emperor Pagoda, 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 way 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 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 better places in other Vietnamese cities more appealing.
Is 2 days enough for Ho Chi Minh City?
Two days is enough to see the major 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 to cover a lot of ground.
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 top things, take a day trip, explore different neighbourhoods, and experience the food scene without feeling too rushed. You'll have easy access to all the best places with sufficient time to appreciate each one.
What should you do in Ho Chi Minh City?
The must-do experiences are visiting the War Remnants Museum, exploring the Reunification 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 from the Saigon Skydeck.
Are there good day trips from Ho Chi Minh City?
Besides the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, you can take a Mekong Delta tour to experience rural life, visit Ha Long Bay (though this requires more time), or explore the surrounding area for a different perspective on Vietnamese culture outside the central district.
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, I 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. Whether you're exploring the heart of Ho Chi Minh City in District 1 or venturing to the Cu Chi Tunnels, there's a good reason this chaotic city remains one of Southeast Asia's most compelling destinations.