Places Of Interest In Ho Chi Minh: Things To Do & Activities

Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon as many still fondly call it, is a place where the past and future collide in the most captivating way. It’s a city of relentless energy, where motorbikes zip through bustling streets, towering skyscrapers stand beside centuries-old temples, and vibrant markets hum with life from dawn until dusk.

From its French colonial charm to its cutting-edge urban scene, Ho Chi Minh City offers an experience that’s both dynamic and deeply rooted in history. Beyond its lively streets, the city is a treasure trove of cultural gems, incredible food, and unforgettable experiences.

History of Ho Chi Minh

Once known as Saigon, the city was the capital of South Vietnam until the end of the Vietnam War in 1975, when it was renamed Ho Chi Minh City. In the 1990s, as Vietnam opened its doors to the world with economic reforms, Ho Chi Minh City began attracting a wave of international visitors.

Nowadays, Ho Chi Minh’s food scene, historical significance, and non-stop energy make it one of Southeast Asia’s most exciting destinations. From backpackers seeking affordable adventures in Bui Vien Street to luxury travelers enjoying rooftop bars with panoramic skyline views, Ho Chi Minh offers a little bit everything for prospective tourists.

Best Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City is a blend of history, culture, and modern vibrance. Whether you’re drawn to its colonial landmarks, wartime history, or lively street markets, the city delivers an unforgettable experience.

Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon

A stunning remnant of French colonial architecture, the Notre Dame Cathedral is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Built in the late 19th century using materials imported from France, its red brick facade and twin bell towers make it a striking sight.

Located in the heart of District 1, the cathedral is a peaceful escape from the city’s hustle, and it’s especially photogenic in the early morning or late afternoon light.

Saigon Central Post Office

Just across from Notre Dame Cathedral, this grand yellow building with green shutters is another architectural gem from the French colonial era. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, the Saigon Central Post Office is still a functioning post office, making it a perfect place to send postcards home.

Inside, you’ll find a beautifully preserved interior with high ceilings, arched windows, and a massive portrait of Ho Chi Minh overlooking the main hall.

War Remnants Museum

One of the most impactful museums in Vietnam, the War Remnants Museum provides a sobering look into the Vietnam War and its lasting effects. Exhibits include war photography, military vehicles, and firsthand accounts of the war’s devastating consequences.

While some displays can be emotionally heavy, the museum offers valuable insight into Vietnam’s history and resilience.

Cu Chi Tunnels

For a hands-on history lesson, the Cu Chi Tunnels are a must-visit. Located about an hour outside the city, this vast underground network was used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war.

Visitors can crawl through some of the tunnels, see hidden trapdoors, and even try shooting an AK-47 at the nearby firing range. It’s a fascinating experience that brings Vietnam’s wartime past to life.

Ben Thanh Market

No visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without exploring Ben Thanh Market, the city’s most famous marketplace. Inside, you’ll find a whirlwind of street food stalls, souvenir shops, and traditional Vietnamese crafts.

From fresh spring rolls and pho to beautifully crafted lacquerware and silk scarves, it’s the perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere.

Jade Emperor Pagoda

A deeply spiritual site, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most important Buddhist temples. Built in the early 1900s, it’s an atmospheric mix of incense-filled halls, intricate wood carvings, and serene turtle-filled courtyards.

The pagoda is dedicated to Ngoc Hoang, the Jade Emperor, and remains an active place of worship for locals.

Bui Vien Walking Street

If you’re looking for non-stop nightlife, Bui Vien Walking Street is where the party happens. Often compared to Bangkok’s Khao San Road, this lively area is packed with bars, street performances, and affordable restaurants.

It’s a great place to experience Ho Chi Minh City’s youthful energy, meet fellow travelers, and enjoy a mix of cheap drinks, music, and late-night food.

Bitexco Financial Tower & Sky Deck

For the best panoramic views of the city, head up to the Bitexco Financial Tower’s Sky Deck. Standing at 262 meters tall, this sleek skyscraper offers stunning 360-degree views of Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline.

If you prefer a drink with your view, visit EON Heli Bar on the 52nd floor, where you can sip cocktails while taking in the dazzling city lights.

Mekong Delta

A short trip from Ho Chi Minh City, the Mekong Delta offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese river life. Explore floating markets, lush rice paddies, and small fishing villages as you cruise through the winding waterways.

Whether you’re paddling through coconut groves or tasting honey tea and tropical fruits, the delta is a peaceful contrast to the city’s buzz.

Reunification Palace

A place of tremendous historical significance, the Reunification Palace (also known as the Independence Palace) was where the Vietnam War effectively ended in 1975, when a North Vietnamese tank crashed through its gates.

Today, it remains frozen in time, offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s past leadership with its preserved meeting rooms, underground bunkers, and 1970s-style interiors.

Where & What To Eat in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City is a food lover’s paradise, offering a mix of street food stalls, local markets, and high-end restaurants. Whether you’re craving a steaming bowl of pho or a crunchy banh mi, this city has it all. Here’s a guide to the must-try dishes and where to find them.

Pho

There’s no better way to start your food journey in Ho Chi Minh City than with pho, Vietnam’s beloved noodle soup. The key to a great pho is the broth, which simmers for hours with beef bones, star anise, cinnamon, and other aromatics. The result is a fragrant, deeply umami-packed soup poured over rice noodles, thinly sliced beef or chicken, and fresh herbs.

For an authentic bowl of pho, Pho Hoa Pasteur (260C Pasteur, District 3) is a top choice. It’s been serving up rich, flavorful broth for decades, attracting both locals and tourists.

Banh Mi

A crispy French-style baguette meets a mix of savory meats, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, and chili sauce—banh mi is the ultimate Vietnamese street food. Every bite offers a balance of crunch, softness, sweetness, and heat, making it one of the most delectable sandwiches you’ll ever eat.

For the best banh mi in Ho Chi Minh, head to Banh Mi Huynh Hoa (26 Le Thi Rieng, District 1). This famous spot is known for its generous portions of pork cold cuts and buttery pâté.

Com Tam

Com tam, or broken rice, is a staple dish in Southern Vietnam, once considered a meal for the working class but now a beloved local specialty. Served with a grilled pork chop (suon nuong), shredded pork skin, a fried egg, and a side of tangy fish sauce, com tam is hearty, smoky, and packed with umami flavors.

One of the best places to try this dish is Com Tam Ba Ghien (84 Dang Van Ngu, Phu Nhuan District). They’re known for their thick, juicy pork chops, marinated to perfection and grilled over charcoal.

Bun Thit Nuong

For a dish that’s both light and flavorful, bun thit nuong is a must-try. This dish features vermicelli noodles topped with grilled pork, fresh herbs, crushed peanuts, and crispy fried shallots, all drizzled with nuoc cham (Vietnamese fish sauce). The contrast of warm, smoky pork with the cool, fresh noodles and herbs makes this dish incredibly addictive.

A favorite spot for this dish is Bun Thit Nuong Chi Tuyen (175C Co Giang, District 1), which is known for its smoky, perfectly charred pork and generous toppings.

Goi Cuon

Goi cuon, or Vietnamese fresh spring rolls, are light, refreshing, and bursting with flavor. These delicate rolls are made with rice paper wrapped around shrimp, vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and thinly sliced pork, served with a rich peanut hoisin sauce. Unlike fried spring rolls, goi cuon is a healthier and fresher option.

For the best goi cuon, visit Goi Cuon Hoa Ma (25 Vo Van Tan, District 3), where the rolls are made fresh to order, ensuring the perfect texture and taste.

Hu Tieu

Hu tieu is a Southern Vietnamese noodle soup that’s lighter than pho but just as flavorful. The broth is slightly sweet, often made with pork bones, dried squid, and shrimp, giving it a unique depth. Served with pork, seafood, and fresh herbs, hu tieu comes in two styles: served with broth (hu tieu nuoc) or dry with a side of dipping sauce (hu tieu kho).

For one of the best bowls of hu tieu in the city, try Hu Tieu Nam Vang Quynh (261 Cong Quynh, District 1), a beloved eatery famous for its clear yet flavorful broth and generous portions of pork and shrimp.

Bo La Lot

Bo la lot is a street food favorite, featuring minced beef wrapped in aromatic betel leaves, then grilled over charcoal. The betel leaves add a smoky, slightly peppery flavor, making the juicy beef filling even more delicious. It’s usually served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and nuoc cham for dipping.

For some of the best bo la lot, visit Bo La Lot Co Lieng (321 Vo Van Tan, District 3), where the beef is perfectly seasoned and grilled to perfection.

Che

Che is Vietnam’s version of a sweet soup or pudding, made with a variety of ingredients like coconut milk, mung beans, jelly, tapioca pearls, and tropical fruits. Some versions are served hot, while others are served chilled with ice, making it a refreshing treat on a hot day.

For a delicious bowl of che, head to Che Ky Dong (District 3), a small shop specializing in che thap cam (mixed sweet soup).

Ca Phe Sua Da (Vietnamese Iced Coffee)

If you’re a coffee lover, Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is an absolute must-try. Made with strong Robusta coffee brewed through a traditional metal filter, it’s then mixed with sweetened condensed milk and served over ice. The result is bold, sweet, and incredibly refreshing.

For an unforgettable coffee experience, visit Cộng Cà Phê, a chain of trendy cafés known for their strong, rich iced coffee. Another great option is The Workshop Coffee (27 Ngo Duc Ke, District 1), a specialty café offering high-quality Vietnamese coffee beans brewed to perfection.

Best Shopping Spots in Ho Chi Minh

Ho Chi Minh City is a shopper’s paradise, blending traditional markets, modern shopping malls, and unique boutique stores. Whether you’re hunting for luxury brands, handcrafted souvenirs, or trendy fashion, there’s a place for every style and budget.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is the city’s most famous market, offering everything from clothing and handicrafts to fresh produce and street food. It’s the perfect place to bargain for souvenirs, with vendors selling Vietnamese silk, lacquerware, coffee, spices, and traditional ao dai outfits. The market also boasts a fantastic street food section, perfect to shop and snack at.

Saigon Square

Saigon Square is a bargain hunter’s dream, often called the “indoor Chatuchak” of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s filled with clothing, bags, and accessories, many of which are export-quality brands at a fraction of the price. It’s also fully air-conditioned, providing pleasant reprieve from the Vietnam heat.

Takashimaya Vietnam

For a high-end shopping experience, Takashimaya Vietnam is the go-to destination. This Japanese department store features premium international brands like Dior, Chanel, and Ralph Lauren, alongside Vietnamese designer boutiques. The gourmet food section also offers Japanese and Vietnamese delicacies.

Diamond Plaza

Diamond Plaza is a stylish shopping mall located near Notre-Dame Cathedral. It houses international fashion brands, a cinema, and even a bowling alley, making it a great place for a mix of shopping and entertainment. For a fun evening, head to the top floors for an amazing view of Ho Chi Minh City while enjoying a meal.

Vincom Center

As one of the largest shopping centers in Vietnam, Vincom Center is a stacked visit. It actually consists of two buildings—Vincom A, which houses luxury brands, and Vincom B, which focuses on high-street fashion and tech stores. It also features a massive underground food court, making it a great place to grab a bite between shopping sprees.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Ho Chi Minh?

The dry season is the most popular time to visit Ho Chi Minh City, as the weather is pleasant, with lower humidity and little to no rain. Average temperatures range from 21°C to 34°C, making it comfortable for exploring outdoors. December to February are the coolest months with refreshing breezes and good weather, though prices are higher and crowds are larger.

March to April are the hottest months of the dry months, but still manageable. This period sees fewer tourists, making it a great time for those who want cheaper accommodation and fewer crowds at top attractions.

How Many Days Do You Need In Ho Chi Minh?

A 3–4 day trip is perfect for most travelers, allowing time for both sightseeing and soaking in the city’s energy. With 3 to 4 days, you can see all the major attractions without rushing, though you may want an extra day or two if you’re looking to take a deep dive into the city at a more laid-back pace. Take your time and enjoy the history and culture of Ho Chi Minh.

Where To Stay In Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh City has a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious five-star hotels. The best area to stay depends on your travel style, budget, and your preferred district.

The Reverie Saigon – A 5-star luxury hotel with elegant European-inspired interiors, an infinity pool, and breathtaking views of the Saigon River in District 1.

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint – A mid-range hotel in District 1 with modern rooms, a rooftop pool, and easy access to Ben Thanh Market and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.

The Hideout – A comfortable, budget-friendly hostel with dorms and private rooms. It’s located in Pham Ngu Lao, Ho Chi Minh City’s backpacker hub, filled with cheap bars and street food stalls.

Orchids Hotel Saigon – A 4-star hotel with a stylish design and great city views located in District 3.

Mia Saigon – Luxury Boutique Hotel – A stunning riverside hotel with spacious suites and a luxurious infinity pool in District 2.

How Do You Get Around In Ho Chi Minh?

Ho Chi Minh City is a fast-paced metropolis where navigating the streets can feel like an adventure. If you want to beat the traffic and zip through the streets, motorbike taxis (known as “xe ôm”) are one of the fastest ways to get around. You can flag one down on the street or book through apps like Grab and Gojek for a safer and more reliable ride.

If you’re confident in your riding skills, renting a motorbike can be a thrilling and more freeing way to explore the city and nearby areas like the Cu Chi Tunnels. Ho Chi Minh City also has an extensive bus network that covers most major attractions. While not the fastest option, buses are the cheapest and offer a more local experience.

Conclusions

Ho Chi Minh City is a destination that never stands still—a place where history, culture, and modern life collide in the most exhilarating way. Whether you’re exploring centuries-old landmarks, indulging in world-class street food, or navigating the vibrant chaos of its streets, every moment in this city is an adventure.

If you have the time, you can explore other parts of Vietnam.