The 20 best unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

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1. Weave through narrow alleys

If you want to immerse yourself in the vibrant local atmosphere and capture unique snapshots, don’t miss the chance to visit the following alleys:

• Le Thanh Tong Alley: Located in District 1, this alley attracts visitors with its Japanese-ish setting, featuring lanterns and Japanese signage.
• Hao Si Phuong Alley: Situated in District 5, this popular photography spot stands out with its colorful, vintage buildings.
• Beer Alley: Located on Pham Ngu Lao Street, this small alley has a layout that makes you feel like you are lost in Hong Kong, with its colorful neon signs and walls covered in old newspapers.
• Alley 144 Pasteur: On Pasteur Street, this alley boasts an impressive photography spot with walls painted in various vibrant colors.
• Alley 59 Nguyen Du: Located on Nguyen Du Street, this alley is notable for its striking cobalt-blue painted walls.

Ho Chi Minh City – a city with many unforgettable experiences (Source: Collected)

2. Experience a night tour at Cu Chi Tunnels

For history enthusiasts, going on a night tour at Cu Chi Tunnels is one of the most unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The “Moonlight in Warzone” night tour uses moonlight as a backdrop to re-enact the life of the locals amidst the sounds of bombs and gunfire at night. The tour runs from 6 PM to 8:40 PM, with tickets priced at 399,000 VND per person. Tour schedules are updated monthly on the historical site’s website and Facebook fan page, so remember to check them out to book your tickets.

3. Embark on a spiritual journey

Ho Chi Minh City provides memorable spiritual journeys via its sacred temples, churches, and mosques. Some notable Vietnamese temples are Jade Emperor Pagoda (73 Mai Thi Luu Street), Ong Bon Pagoda (264 Hai Thuong Lan Ong Street), Pho Quang Pagoda (21 Huynh Lan Khanh Street), and Xa Loi Buddhist Temple (89 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street). The city also has churches with long histories such as Notre Dame Cathedral (01 Cong Xa Paris Square) and Tan Dinh Church (289 Hai Ba Trung Street). You can also visit Muslim mosques like Jamia Al-Musulman Mosque (66 Dong Du Street), and Hindu temples like Mariamman Temple (45 Truong Dinh Street).

There are many temples in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

4. Enjoy dinner on a Saigon River cruise

Cruising the Saigon River to admire the city’s dazzling nightlife is one of the most unusual things to do in Saigon. The cruise will take you along the river to see landmarks like Nha Rong Wharf and Landmark 81 while enjoying the fresh atmosphere. On board, you will find musical performances, magic shows, and various dining options. Ticket prices range from 350,000 VND to 1,000,000 VND, depending on the type of cruise.

5. Go paddleboarding at Thanh Da Peninsula

If you seek a peaceful moment amidst the bustling city, go paddleboarding at Thanh Da Peninsula. Here, you can admire the pristine beauty of the Saigon River while relaxing amidst the cool river breeze. Paddleboarding fees range from 250,000 VND to 450,000 VND per person. It is best to book a full tour to get all the necessary equipment and guidance. Also, you should paddle at sunrise or sunset for the most beautiful views.

Paddleboarding – one of the cool things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam (Source: Collected)

6. Take a waterbus tour – among the best unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

The waterbus tour along the Saigon River is a popular experience that allows visitors to see the city from a unique perspective. This 11-kilometer journey lets you immerse in the peaceful atmosphere of the river and see iconic landmarks such as Ben Nghe Port and Phu My Bridge. Opting for early morning or late afternoon rides will let you enjoy the stunning sunrise or sunset on the Sai Gon River. This experience is available from 7 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and from 7 AM to 11 PM on weekends, with a fare of 15,000 VND per one-way trip.

7. Explore a sleepless Saigon via an all-night double-decker bus tour

With the all-night double-decker bus tour, you can admire the city’s dazzling lights and experience the vibrant atmosphere at night in Saigon. On this open-top, double-decker bus, you will pass by many famous attractions, including the Independence Palace, Notre Dame Cathedral, Ben Thanh Market, Ba Son Bridge, Bitexco Financial Tower, Bui Vien Street, and more. Not only will you enjoy the sparkling sights, you will also get to listen to narrations about each attraction to gain a deeper understanding about them. This hop-on hop-off tour runs all night, lasts approximately 70-75 minutes, and departs every 30 minutes. The ticket price is 200,000 VND.

Relax on a double-decker bus and discover the vibrant nightlife of Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

8. Get a panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City

Seeing the panoramic cityscape from above is one of the most unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The breathtaking aerial views reveal unexpected scenes of beauty, such as the bustling roads filled with vehicles or skyscrapers illuminated by twinkling lights. The best place to take in Saigon from above is the Saigon Skydeck, which is located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower at a height of 180 meters. Equipped with six long-range telescopes that can rotate 360 degrees, the Skydeck allows visitors to observe famous landmarks. You can also visit Landmark 81 and AB Tower for similar experiences.

9. Discover the city on a bicycle

Embarking on cycling tours are among the unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. The city offers several bicycle tours, including the Herb Tour to explore traditional medicine streets and the Vam Sat Tour for a nature-filled adventure. You can also rent the public bicycles of TNGo to leisurely explore the city center and visit major attractions like Saigon Post Office, Independence Palace, Ben Thanh Market, and Ho Chi Minh Museum. To rent a bike, go to one of the 43 public bike parking areas in the city. The fee starts at 10,000 VND per hour.

10. Capture instagrammable photos at Go Vap Railway Station

Go Vap Railway Station is a lesser-known spot in Ho Chi Minh City. Located at 1A Le Lai Street, Go Vap District, this station, which has been closed for some time, features a classic, vintage scene with moss-covered walls and old rail tracks. This classic yet mystical beauty makes it a must-visit spot for stunning photos. If you are into photography and want to explore a quieter side of Saigon, don’t miss the chance to check out Go Vap Railway Station.

11. Learn about the culture of the Central Highlands in Cu Chi Fosaco

Cu Chi Fosaco Cultural Village is an excellent place for experiencing the life of the ethnic groups from the Central Highlands. It is located in Nhuan Duc Commune, about 8 kilometers away from the Cu Chi Tunnels. Here, you can admire the traditional architecture of the Central Highlands, such as “rong” houses and stilt houses. You can also learn about the customs of the ethnic groups through activities like weaving and pottery-making. Other offerings include local delicacies and cultural performances. The village also features beautiful spots with lush greenery for camping and immersing oneself in serene nature.

Cu Chi Fosaco showcases the life of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands (Source: Collected)

12. Find an old Saigon at old apartment buildings

Looking for unusual things to do in Saigon for an unforgettable journey? Amidst the bustling city, visiting time-worn apartment buildings feels like entering another world, with brick staircases, iron railings, moss-covered walls, and narrow corridors. At these apartment buildings, you will get to experience a more serene atmosphere, interact with the locals, and explore unique cafes. Some old apartment buildings that are frequently featured in social media photos include Ly Tu Trong Apartments, Ton That Dam Apartments, 42 Nguyen Hue Apartments, and Hao Si Phuong Apartments.

13. Elevate your wellbeing with a medical tour

Since 2016, medical tourism in Ho Chi Minh City has been officially introduced and has garnered significant attention from both domestic and international visitors. Through medical tours, you can explore both medical facilities and tourist attractions. In Vietnam, traditional medicine tours are particularly popular, which help relieve stress and improve health. With these tours, you will experience massage and acupressure that helps you relax, enhance blood circulation, and reduce stress. Or, you can enjoy skin care treatments with premium spa services at affordable prices.

Premium spa services are affordable in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

14. Watch the “À ố” circus show – one of the unique things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

If you are an art and culture enthusiast, you can’t miss out on the “À ố” show – one of the most spectacular performances in the city. This show combines bamboo circus acts, contemporary dances, live music, and unique storytelling to portray the charm of both urban and rural Vietnam. From these captivating performances, visitors can gain insights into Vietnam’s peaceful countryside and bustling urban life. The show is held at Saigon Opera House, which is located at 7 Cong Truong Lam Son Street, District 1. Ticket prices start at 800,000 VND. For the latest show schedules and ticket booking, visit the show’s official website or Facebook fan page.

15. Go shopping at Saigon’s fairs

Mentioning the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, market fairs come to mind as great places to shop, have fun, and immerse yourself in the local life. Three of the most popular market fairs in the city are:

• The Box Market: Alongside fashion and food stalls, you can enjoy lively dance covers, live acoustic performances, henna painting, tarot reading, and nail art here.
• The New District: This fashion market is known for numerous renowned local brands. You can also take stylish photos at unique photo booths.
• Hello Weekend Market: This is a paradise for fashion lovers, where you can also explore a long line of food stalls offering a wide variety of dishes.

You should check the official Facebook fan pages of each market fair for the latest details on their upcoming schedules and venues.

Get a stylish outfit at a market fair in Ho Chi Minh City (Source: Collected)

16. Visit Chinatown in District 5

Among the unusual things to do in Saigon, visiting Chinatown in District 5 stands out. This historic area, dating back to the 17th century, preserves many traditions in culture, architecture, and cuisine. As you explore the area, you will be impressed by Chinese pagodas and assembly halls such as Ba Thien Hau Pagoda and Tue Thanh Assembly Hall. Here, a must-try experience is savoring delicious Chinese dishes like roast duck and dim sum. Don’t miss the chance to take photos at the lantern street of Luong Nhu Hoc with its impressive display of red lanterns, or visit Binh Tay Market to shop and soak up the lively atmosphere.

17. Explore the 9-storey cafe apartment building

A fascinating spot that has been attracting both domestic and international visitors is the 9-storey cafe apartment building at 42 Nguyen Hue Street. Built in 1960, this building has transformed into a lively space with numerous shops, cafes, and co-working spaces. Be sure to take photos at the brightly decorated hallways of the building, which feature vibrant artwork and creative signage. Then, you can relax at one of the cafes here, enjoying the famous Saigon coffee amidst a peaceful atmosphere. Notable cafes in the building include Partea, Delight Kafe & Tea, Boo Coffee, Young Coffee, and Orien Tea.

The 9-storey cafe apartment building at 42 Nguyen Hue Street (Source: Collected)

18. Follow the footprints of “Biet Dong Saigon”

If you are interested in exploring Ho Chi Minh City’s history with a focus on the patriotic spirit during wartime, don’t miss out on the “Following the Footprints of Biet Dong Saigon” tour. On this tour, you will visit the Secret Weapon Bunker and Biet Dong Saigon Intelligence Museum with valuable stories and exhibits. Particularly, at Do Phu Cafe – a secret operational base – you can enjoy coffee paired with fried dough sticks, savor the unique broken rice with kimchi, and see a mailbox holding historical documents of Biet Dong Saigon.

19. Experience Saigon’s coffee culture – among the unusual things to do in Saigon

Visiting Saigon without experiencing its coffee culture is a major oversight. For this, you must try Saigon’s racket coffee, which is named so due to the fact that skilled baristas use a racket to prepare it. Some well-known racket coffee shops include Ba Lu (193 Phung Hung), Cheo Leo (109-36 Nguyen Thien Thuat), Vot Cafe (330/2 Phan Dinh Phung), and Chu Thanh (480 Tan Phuoc).

On the other hand, “bet” coffee offers a unique experience of sitting on the ground on the sidewalk or in a park to enjoy your coffee. Sitting around, listening to the locals’ casual conversations, watching the streets, and savoring a cup of delicious coffee has become a local cultural experience. You can try this experience around Notre Dame Cathedral, Saigon Opera House, Turtle Lake, or 30/4 Park.

Trying racket coffee – an unforgettable experience in Saigon (Source: Collected)

20. Visit craft villages in the city

Last but not least, visiting craft villages is a unique experience for any visitor to Ho Chi Minh City. Tucked away in bustling streets, these traditional craft villages have been preserving the local heritage. You can visit Phu Binh Lantern Village in District 11 to see red paper lanterns in various shapes hanging along the streets. An Hoi Bronze Casting Village in Go Vap District, which is over 100 years old, is where skilled artisans create intricately handcrafted bronze incense burners. Le Minh Xuan Incense Village in Binh Chanh District, one of the oldest and largest incense producers in Southern Vietnam, is also worth a visit. Additionally, you can explore Bay Hien Textile Village in Tan Binh District and Fermented Pork Roll Village in Thu Duc City.

These unusual things to do in Ho Chi Minh City offer unique experiences that go beyond the typical tourist attractions. From exploring hidden craft villages and visiting historic neighborhoods to enjoying the vibrant art scene and trying the local delicacies, there is something for everyone.

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