21 bucket-list things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

There is no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. In this article, we will delve into 21+ exciting experiences in this city, which cater to history buffs, culture enthusiasts, nature lovers, and foodies alike. Use this article as a guide to fully explore the unique beauty of this city and create lasting impressions for years to come.

1. Free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Amidst the bustling Ho Chi Minh City, there are many free activities for you to enjoy.

1.1. Relax at Tao Dan Park

Tao Dan Park, a green oasis in District 1, is a fascinating attraction to see. Here, visitors can walk in an approximately 10-hectare area surrounded by tall, lush old trees and enjoy the fresh, cool air. Visitors can also gather to have picnics, participate in games such as swings and slides, or chat with local people to learn more about local life. In the park, the Memorial Temple of King Hung with its solemn beauty, ancient architectural style, and historical value, is also a place you can visit.

1.2. Join a free walking tour with the locals

Taking a walking tour is a great way to explore around. This is one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City as it will take you through many famous attractions. Currently, there are many walking tours for tourists to choose from, such as the iconic sightseeing tour around Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, Nguyen Hue Walking Street, etc., the food tour to enjoy local dishes like banh mi, or the tour to explore the Chinatown area with Ong Bon Pagoda, Tam Son Assembly Hall, etc.

1.3. Stroll along Bui Vien Street and Nguyen Hue Street

To immerse yourself in the vibrant life of Ho Chi Minh City, come to Nguyen Hue Street and Bui Vien Street. Nguyen Hue Street is a familiar attraction every weekend evening. Here, you can stroll around, watch street performances, explore the local cuisine, and relax at a cafe. Meanwhile, Bui Vien Street is bustling at night, attracting many tourists and young locals with street art, lively bars and pubs, and impressive spots for photography.

1.4. Chill out at Turtle Lake

In District 3, there is a beloved attraction for stress relief: Turtle Lake. As one of the cool things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can come here and sit by the green lake, under the shade of trees to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and watch the bustling streets. Moreover, visitors can join young locals singing, listen to the rustling sounds of trees, and enjoy snacks such as grilled corn, grilled rice paper, iced tea, etc.

1.5. Pay a visit to the Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a spiritual site where people worship the Jade Emperor – a deity in Oriental cultures. Built in the late 19th century, it features the architecture of ancient Chinese temples. Here, visitors can feel the solemn atmosphere and admire the magnificent architecture with colorful decorative patterns, exquisite carvings, tiled roofs, etc. The pagoda attracts many people to come pray for prosperity, peace, children, and love.

1.6. Discover Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market in District 10 is a famous place to explore the sleepless vibrancy of Saigon. Here, visitors can take photos with countless flowers such as daisies, roses, orchids, lotuses, etc. Besides, Ho Thi Ky Night Market is also a famous food paradise with a variety of dishes such as sweet soup, banh xeo, spring rolls, grilled dishes, snails, Thai delicacies, and Korean treats, etc.

1.7. Wander around Ben Thanh Market

Regarding tourism in Ho Chi Minh City, visitors cannot overlook Ben Thanh Market. Here, besides taking photos with the clock tower, visitors should stroll around to explore the local life, shop for local products, or indulge in the local cuisine. The market is divided into four areas selling everything including textile, clothing, groceries, food, drinks, souvenirs, etc. The diverse range of goods here will surely fascinate you and help you understand more about the culture of this city.

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2. Unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Besides traditional experiences, there are many unique things to do in Saigon for visitors.

2.1. Take a double-deck boat tour on the Saigon River

The double-decker boat tour is a newly introduced tourism product of Ho Chi Minh City, allowing visitors to feel the calm beauty of the Saigon River, enjoy the breeze, and admire landmarks on both sides of the river. This tour takes tourists through major landmarks such as the Bitexco Financial Tower, Landmark 81, or Ba Son Bridge. With the guide’s narration, visitors will understand more about the city’s culture. The ticket prices range from 179,000 VND to 339,000 VND per trip.

2.2. Visit Michelin-guide restaurants in Saigon

In addition to enjoying street food, visiting Michelin-guide restaurants is also one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for foodies. Anan Saigon is a notable mention – the first restaurant to be awarded a Michelin star in the city. Here, visitors can enjoy dishes including Dalat Pizza, taco banh xeo, fish sauce ice cream, and 100-USD bread. Some other restaurants that you can consider are Pho Minh, Dim Tu Tac, Chay Garden, Cuc Gach Quan, and Com Tam Ba Ghien.

2.3. Take a short train ride from Ho Chi Minh City to Bien Hoa

From Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can enjoy a cheap yet interesting train experience to explore Bien Hoa. Visitors can leisurely enjoy the natural scenery along the way. Currently, there are 6 daily train trips with a travel time of only about 45 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from 31,000 VND to 99,000 VND per trip. When in Bien Hoa, visitors can see many attractions such as Buu Long Tourist Area, Nam Cat Tien National Park, etc.

Visiting a cafe in Saigon is worth a spot on the list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, and net-filtered coffee adds more excitement to this experience. Coming to these cafes, visitors can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and witness the skillful baristas using the net to make each cup of coffee. Visitors can also feel the slow-paced atmosphere of Ho Chi Minh City in the early mornings and listen to the locals’ casual conversations. Some famous net-filtered coffee shops are Ba Lu, Cheo Leo, and Phan Dinh Phung.

2.5. Explore the cuisine of the Chinese community in Saigon

The Chinatown area in Ho Chi Minh City attracts many visitors to come and enjoy the authentic Chinese cuisine. Here, visitors can admire rows of ancient Chinese houses about 100 years old and see many ancient temples. Visitors can also enjoy special Chinese dishes such as roast duck, curry fish balls, dim sum, etc. In the area, Luong Nhu Hoc Lantern Street is one of the notable attractions in the evening, where lanterns with vibrant colors and shapes create a sparkling beauty that will leave visitors in awe.

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3. Fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

The list of things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City promises endless joy for both domestic and international visitors.

3.1. Explore Cu Chi Tunnels

For history lovers, exploring Cu Chi Tunnels is an essential experience. Located about 70 kilometers away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, these tunnels are deeply intertwined with the nation’s struggle for independence. Here, visitors can pay respects at Ben Duoc Temple and tour the underground passageways to gain insight into Vietnamese soldiers’ challenging way of life. Additionally, there is an outdoor weapons museum for visitors to try shooting, cycling paths to relax, and a large lake to kayak, swim, fish, etc.

3.2. Take a Saigon Hop-on Hop-off bus tour

The Hop-On Hop-Off bus tour in Ho Chi Minh City takes visitors to the city’s famous landmarks such as the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and more. While on the bus, travelers can experience the vibrant atmosphere and listen to narrations about each attraction. Opting for a night tour allows for a mesmerizing view of the city’s illuminated skyline. Ticket prices for the hop-on-hop-off bus tour range from 150,000 VND to 500,000 VND.

3.3. Indulge in the beauty of nature in Can Gio

Can Gio, located more than 40 kilometers away from the center of Ho Chi Minh City, is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts. Visiting Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, Vietnam’s first biosphere reserve, is among the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Here, visitors can enjoy fishing, kayaking, cycling, hiking, and visiting Monkey Island. Additionally, visitors can explore Thanh An Island with its serene natural landscapes, the Revolutionary Base of Rung Sac for history exploration, and Hang Duong Seafood Market for various delicious dishes.

3.4. Watch the ‘À Ố Show’ at Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

The ‘À Ố Show’ is one of the most spectacular performances in Ho Chi Minh City. The show combines bamboo circus acts, beautiful contemporary dances, live music, and unique storytelling, depicting the charm of urban and rural life in Vietnam. From these inspiring performances, visitors can gain insights into Vietnam’s peaceful countryside and bustling urbanization, all while discovering the classical architectural gem of Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. Ticket prices for the show range from 800,000 VND, and it is advisable to book tickets early.

3.5. Try stand-up paddleboarding in Thanh Da Peninsula

Stand-up paddleboarding is a new addition to the list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. During the journey to Thanh Da Peninsula, you can admire the pristine natural beauty of the Saigon River, the luxurious beauty of the villas in Thao Dien, and the towering skyscraper of Landmark 81. Moreover, you can relax amidst the cool river breeze and enjoy the sunset over the Saigon River. Prices for the stand-up paddleboarding experiences range from 250,000 VND to 450,000 VND per person.

3.6. View the city from Saigon Skydeck

Saigon Skydeck, located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower in District 1, is Vietnam’s first observation deck. At a height of 180 meters, it offers a panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City. The observation deck features six long-range telescopes that can rotate 360 degrees, allowing visitors to observe famous landmarks, with an interactive touchscreen system providing detailed information about each landmark. Witnessing the vibrant cityscape from above at night will make this experience even more memorable.

4. Romantic things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is also a destination for those seeking romance with various exciting experiences.

4.1. Have dinner on a Saigon River cruise

Cruising on the Saigon River and admiring the city’s dazzling nightlife is one of the most romantic experiences in Ho Chi Minh City. Every evening, visitors can board a cruise at Saigon Port. The cruise will take visitors on a tour along the river to admire places like Nha Rong Wharf, Ben Nghe Port, etc. On the cruise, there are many dining options available, such as a la carte Asian or European dishes or combo meals. Additionally, the boat offers musical performances, enhancing the overall experience.

4.2. Walk across Anh Sao Bridge at night

Strolling on Anh Sao Bridge amidst the sparkling lights is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night. This bridge is adorned with thousands of LED lights, along with two cascading waterfalls with a seven-color lighting system. This design gives visitors the feeling of walking among countless twinkling stars. Thanks to its romantic beauty, this attraction is favored by young people, especially couples who want to experience the wonderful nightlife in Ho Chi Minh City.

4.3. Take a local cyclo ride

For a romantic way to experience the local culture, visitors can take a cyclo ride along the tree-lined streets of Ho Chi Minh City. This traditional three-wheeled bicycle taxi exudes elegance, ensuring enjoyable exploration. The cyclo drivers also serve as tour guides, taking visitors to major attractions in the city such as Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts, War Remnants Museum Vietnam, Independence Palace, Saigon Central Post Office, Ben Thanh Market, etc. for a leisurely journey.

Whether you are drawn to rich history, vibrant culture, natural landscapes, or delectable cuisine, there is an array of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City that cater to diverse interests. Let’s embark on an unforgettable journey and discover the magic of the city’s unique charm.

Beyond Ho Chi Minh City, travelers can continue their wonderful Vietnam travel to other captivating cities such as Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc. For some fun in these cities, head to the entertainment complexes of VinWonders to indulge in thrilling games, architectural marvels, nature explorations, and vibrant festivals. Additionally, if you want to elevate your experience, opt for a stay at the luxurious hotels and resorts of Vinpearl, which boast international-standard facilities and all-inclusive services.

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*Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for reference purposes only. Travelers should contact the management board of the attractions for the latest updates on ticket prices and tour routes.

 

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