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20 of the best free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

03/12/2025

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Seeking free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City? Whether you are visiting famous landmarks or wandering bustling streets, the city offers a vibrant experience for everyone.

1. Uncover Saigon’s past at museums and historical sites

1.1. People’s Committee Building

Address: 86 Le Thanh Ton Street, Ben Nghe Ward

Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee Building spans over 18,000 square meters with frontages on the streets of Le Thanh Ton, Pasteur, and Dong Khoi. Constructed in 1909, this building initially served as Saigon City Council and was designed by architect Fernand Gardès. Today, the city’s Department of Tourism manages public tour registrations here. Note that while admission to the building is completely free, tour fees depend on the arrangements of travel agencies. Tourists should check the Department of Tourism for updated tour schedules.

Snap photos of the iconic People’s Committee Building (Source: Collected)

1.2. Saigon Central Post Office

Address: 2 Cong Xa Paris Street, Sai Gon Ward

Visiting Saigon Central Post Office stands out among free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1891 on Cong Xa Paris Street, this architectural gem blends elegant French design with timeless traditional charm. With its vivid yellow exterior, graceful arches, and elaborate detailing, it stands as one of the city’s most picture-perfect landmarks. A large vintage clock above the entrance, engraved with the building’s construction dates, adds to its historic appeal. Today, the post office remains a must-see attraction.

1.3. Ton Duc Thang Museum

Address: 5 Ton Duc Thang Street, Sai Gon Ward

While exploring free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, one cultural highlight you shouldn’t miss is Ton Duc Thang Museum. This museum honors a leader of the same name in Vietnam’s revolutionary past. Tucked away on Ton Duc Thang Street, it spans nearly 2,000 square meters, featuring five permanent exhibitions and one rotating exhibition. The exhibits are arranged chronologically, covering everything from Ton Duc Thang’s early years to his presidency. The museum’s 3rd and 4th floors have an interactive room which makes history come alive for visitors.

Discover Vietnam’s revolutionary history at Ton Duc Thang Museum (Source: Collected)

1.4. Thu Ngu Flag Tower

Address: Vo Van Kiet Street, Ben Thanh Ward

Thu Ngu Flag Tower is one of Saigon’s oldest historical sites, first built in 1865 and later restored in 2021. Standing 30 meters tall and made entirely of iron, it was the first structure in the city used for maritime signaling and patrol. Its base is shaped like an eight-pointed star, inspired by the layout of Gia Dinh Citadel. Flags or lights atop the pole once guided ships entering and leaving the port. This site is a quiet and meaningful stop for history lovers. Visiting it will be a great addition to your list of free things to do in Saigon.

1.5. Southern Women’s Museum

Address: 200-202 Vo Thi Sau Street, Xuan Hoa Ward

Established on April 29, 1985, the Southern Women’s Museum (202 Vo Thi Sau Street) is a popular cultural attraction in Ho Chi Minh City. As one of the notable free attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, this museum offers a rich look into history. By June 2022, it had collected 44,108 artifacts and scientific documents. Here, visitors can explore 27 permanent exhibitions, along with rotating and mobile exhibitions that highlight the vital role of Southern Vietnamese women in national defense and the preservation of cultural heritage.

Explore the 15 best museums in Ho Chi Minh City for your next visit!

2. Wander Ho Chi Minh City’s markets and streets

2.1. Ben Thanh Market

Address: Le Loi Street, Ben Thanh Ward

Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit when you are exploring Ho Chi Minh City, not only for shopping but also for a taste of the local culture. Open daily from 6 AM to 7 PM, this market offers everything, from clothes and souvenirs to handicrafts, electronics, and Vietnamese food. After 7 PM, it transforms into a bustling night market filled with street food and drinks. There’s no entrance fee, so visitors are free to browse and explore at their own pace. Visiting Ben Thanh Market is one of the most popular free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Shop local goods and street food at Ben Thanh Market

Shop local goods at Ben Thanh Market (Source: Collected)

2.2. Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

Address: Alley 52, Ho Thi Ky Street, Vuon Lai Ward

Established in 1987, Ho Thi Ky Flower Market has grown from a cluster of small stalls into a lively street. Open 24/7 even on holidays, it becomes especially enchanting at night when flowers glow under the lights. Beyond being a popular place to buy flowers, the market showcases Saigon’s unique cultural charm. Visitors strolling among the vibrant blooms can feel the city’s energetic rhythm while enjoying a fresh atmosphere. Visiting Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh for free.

2.3. Bui Vien Street

Address: Bui Vien Street, Ben Thanh Ward

As one of the best free things to do in Saigon, visiting Bui Vien Street offers a vibrant evening for tourists and locals alike. After dark, this area comes alive with a mix of cultures, nightlife activities, and non-stop fun. Alongside bars and pubs, lively beer stalls and diverse street foods tempt visitors at every turn. From affordable snacks to premium drinks, Bui Vien Street caters to all tastes. Exploring the surrounding alleys offers even more charm. Bui Vien Street is open on weekends, from 7 PM to 2 AM.

Experience lively nightlife and street food on Bui Vien Street

Experience lively nightlife on Bui Vien Street (Source: Collected)

2.4. Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Address: Nguyen Hue Street, Sai Gon Ward

Nguyen Hue Walking Street offers some of the best free cultural experiences in Ho Chi Minh City. This pedestrian street invites visitors to browse bookstores, sip coffee, and enjoy open-air performances in Nguyen Hue Square. The street comes alive day and night with music and dances, creating an atmosphere that captures the spirit of the city. Whether you’re people-watching or admiring the city’s architecture, Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a perfect spot to soak in the local culture – without spending a single dime.

Although Nguyen Hue Walking Street is open around the clock, it becomes a true pedestrian zone from 6 PM to 10 PM on Saturdays and Sundays, when all vehicles are restricted to give visitors a safe and open space to stroll.

2.5. Saigon’s mural streets

Exploring mural streets is a creative way to enjoy free things to do in Saigon. These vibrant walls, showcasing iconic Vietnamese scenery, are perfect for photos. Two notable mural streets in Ho Chi Minh City are:

The mural street in Tan Binh, covering 520 square meters, which is the largest of its kind in the city.
A 100-meter-long mural on Nguyen Huu Canh Street, which features over 10 large paintings of famous destinations like Ha Long Bay, Ha Giang, Hoi An, and more.

Explore vibrant murals on Tan Binh’s famous mural street (Source: Collected)

Check out 21 bucket-list things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!

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