Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: A Guide for Travelers

Ho Chi Minh Metropolis in Vietnam, often known as Saigon, is a metropolis that by no means sleeps. It’s a bustling metropolis in southern Vietnam that gives a novel mix of historical past, tradition, and modernity.

It’s a spot the place you will get misplaced within the maze of slender alleyways, discover the colonial structure, and eat your method by way of the markets. There are lots of issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

On this information, I spotlight a number of the prime points of interest and actions that you simply shouldn’t miss throughout your go to to Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. It’s best to be capable of take pleasure in all these actions in case you have 3 full days in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

Take a look at our itinerary for 14 days in Vietnam!

Right here is an outline:

Discover the historical past of Vietnam’s largest metropolis

Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has a wealthy historical past, that’s mirrored in its many museums and landmarks. It has been the capital of French Indochina, South Vietnam, and the scene of the Fall of Saigon that ended the Vietnam Warfare. It additionally has a colourful tradition.

Listed below are a number of the greatest locations to go to to study concerning the historical past and tradition of this fascinating metropolis.

Go to the Independence Palace

Independence Palace was the previous residence of South Vietnam’s president throughout the conflict. It’s a image of the nation’s turbulent previous and serves as a reminder of the Vietnam Warfare, which lasted from 1954 to 1975. In the course of the Vietnam Warfare, the Independence Palace was the official residence of the South Vietnamese president.

The palace was initially inbuilt 1868 by the French colonial authorities, however was later destroyed throughout World Warfare II and rebuilt within the Sixties.

Immediately, the Independence Palace is a well-liked vacationer attraction. You may have a glimpse into the lavish life-style of Vietnam’s former leaders there. The palace is fantastically embellished with vintage furnishings, ornate chandeliers, and paintings that dates again to the seventeenth century.

In case you are probably not into this sort of museums—you may simply benefit from the Palace’s lavish backyard, as I did. It offers an exquisite cooling reduction on this all the time scorching and humid metropolis.

Associated tour: War Remnants Museum & Independence Palace Walking Tour

Museum of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

Museum of Ho Chi Minh City is thought for its stunning structure and gardens.

The palace was inbuilt 1929 by French architect and was initially used as a customs home after which as a residence for the Governor of Cochinchina.

The palace has witnessed many historic occasions. It noticed the Japanese occupation, the Viet Minh rebellion, the assassination of President Ngo Dinh Diem, and the autumn of Saigon.

Museum of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis shows varied artefacts associated to the historical past and tradition of Vietnam. You may see statues, ceramics, maps, automobiles, bikes, and private belongings of Ho Chi Minh there.

The palace was used because the short-term official residence of the Prime Minister (Ngô Đình Diệm). To arrange for the potential for a coup, Diệm oversaw the development of three intensive tunnels stretching from the palace to numerous elements of the town.

The tunnels have been constructed for Diệm and different officers to flee if vital. Throughout a 1963 coup, Diệm used one of many tunnels to flee the palace siege, however was later caught and executed. The palace was later rebuilt in 1966.

You will note some tanks and helicopters in entrance of the Museum of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. They’re a part of the Warfare Remnants Museum, which I describe beneath.

You may see there:

• UH-1 “Huey” helicopter
• F-5A fighter
• a M48 Patton tank
• an A-1 Skyraider assault bomber

The museum itself shouldn’t be giant, and there may be not that a lot to see. However the value shouldn’t be excessive both—40,000 Ok per individual (lower than $2).

Handle: 65 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh, Vietnam

Go to the Warfare Remnants Museum to study concerning the Vietnam Warfare

The Warfare Remnants Museum is an informative museum for anybody eager about studying extra about historical past. Additionally it is a sobering reminder of the Vietnam Warfare and its influence on the nation and its folks.

The Warfare Remnants Museum shows pictures, weapons, and private accounts that doc the conflict. These reveals showcase the conflict from the Vietnamese folks’s perspective.

Right here is the museum’s web site – War Remnants Museum

This go to might be arduous and sobering. I do know it was for me, a US citizen. It was additionally unusual to see some army helicopters (outdated), which I’m used to cheering for on airshows, however they have been thought-about being ‘the enemy’s’ tools.

However I discovered the show of army tools deserted by the US forces attention-grabbing. They ooze historical past!

However it additionally made me very appreciative of the power of Vietnamese folks to place the previous up to now. They’re all smiles and friendliness towards the foreigners and use any probability to apply their English with you. They usually actually recognize their French buildings!

Here is link to the see the museum’s location and photos.

Nonetheless, in case you determine to go to the museum, possibly go to one thing brilliant and cheerful afterwards? You may go to Central Put up Workplace—the enduring French constructing of Saigon.

Admire the French Structure of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

In the event you’re eager about colonial structure and historical past, take a stroll by way of District 1.

Ho Chi Minh Metropolis was the capital of French Indochina from 1887 to 1954. The French colonists constructed some spectacular buildings throughout that point. These buildings mirrored their type and affect. Two iconic landmarks, the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Central Put up Workplace, have been each constructed throughout French colonization within the late nineteenth century.

Central Put up Workplace

The most effective locations to admire the French structure of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is the Central Put up Workplace. It was constructed between 1886 and 1891, and it was designed by Gustave Eiffel, the well-known engineer who additionally designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Inside, you may see an infinite portrait of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of contemporary Vietnam, in addition to outdated maps and telephones. The Central Put up Workplace remains to be functioning as a submit workplace at the moment, and you may ship letters and postcards from right here to wherever on the earth.

The constructing is gorgeous each inside and outdoors, and it’s enjoyable to go to.

Go to the Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon – one other iconic landmark in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is the Notre Dame Cathedral. It was constructed between 1863 and 1880 by the French colonists. The cathedral was named after Our Girl of the Immaculate Conception, and a statue of her stands in entrance of the primary entrance. It’s a place of worship for Catholics, in addition to a vacationer attraction for guests who wish to admire its magnificence and historical past.

The cathedral is at the moment beneath renovation and isn’t open to the general public, however you may nonetheless see its exterior and take images from the skin.

Metropolis tour Ho Chi Minh

Taking a city tour in Ho Chi Minh is enjoyable as a result of you may see many historic cities and buildings and map the way in which in your self-guided stroll later.

A few of the locations you may go to on a metropolis tour are:

• Ben Thanh Market, a bustling market the place you could find every little thing from souvenirs to spices to native delicacies. Examine this market later on this submit.
• Bitexco Monetary Tower and Saigon Skydeck, a contemporary skyscraper that gives panoramic views of the town from its statement deck.
• Saigon River, a scenic waterway that runs by way of the town and provides boat cruises and water actions.
• Nguyen Hue Strolling Road, a pedestrian-only road that’s lined with outlets, cafes, eating places.
• HCMC Opera Home, an attractive colonial-style constructing that hosts cultural performances and occasions.
• Rex Resort, a historic lodge that was a well-known assembly place for journalists and diplomats throughout the Vietnam Warfare.
• Ho Chi Minh Statue and Metropolis Corridor, a monument to the revered chief of Vietnam and an imposing French-style constructing that serves because the seat of the town authorities.

These are simply a number of the highlights of a metropolis tour in Ho Chi Minh. You may book your trip online or by way of native operators. The Ho Chi Minh Hop On Hop Off tour can also be an effective way to get round to all the massive sights.

Pattern native delicacies

Meals is a serious a part of any journey to Vietnam, and Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is not any exception. With road meals on each nook and numerous eating places serving up conventional dishes, you’ll by no means go hungry right here.

Be certain that to strive a number of the native specialties corresponding to pho (a noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwich), and spring rolls. In the event you’re feeling adventurous, head to native markets, the place you may strive every little thing from snails to grilled goat meat.

For these in search of a extra upscale eating expertise, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis has loads of choices as nicely. Take a look at The Deck Saigon for gorgeous river views and connoisseur Vietnamese delicacies or Cuc Gach Quan for a comfortable ambiance and farm-to-table dishes. Right here’s one other farm-to-table expertise – a cooking class!

Take a look at these healthy dishes in Vietnam.

Getting misplaced in native markets

One in every of my favourite issues to do in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is simply wander by way of its many markets. Not solely do these bustling hubs supply a number of the greatest road meals round, however they’re additionally an important place to buy souvenirs, in case you are on trip.

They’re additionally nice sensible locations for a nomadic traveler to replenish its journey gear, and get, let’s say, a Nike backpack for $4!:). I don’t know the way a lot of an precise ‘Nike” is in my backpack, nevertheless it seems to be and feels good, and for $4 I wasn’t too choosy!:)

Individuals watching can also be enjoyable.

Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market in Chinatown is probably the preferred market within the metropolis and provides every little thing you may consider, and even didn’t know existed! You will discover a colourful number of objects on this bustling hub, from contemporary produce to clothes and souvenirs.

Ben Thanh Market is likely one of the oldest and most well-known markets within the metropolis. After you discover the market” limitless stalls, you may as well take pleasure in quite a lot of road meals and drinks. You will discover pho, banh mi, spring rolls, espresso, and coconut juice and rather more right here.

Ben Thanh Market is open day by day from 6 am to 7 pm. And after darkish it transforms right into a energetic night time market crammed with further meals stalls and distributors lining the streets.

In case you are in search of an genuine cultural expertise, Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit vacation spot!

Bin Tay Market (Cholon Chinatown Market)

Bin Tay Market market is a vibrant market in Chinatown, the place you may expertise the tradition and delicacies of the Chinese language group. You will discover quite a lot of items, corresponding to materials, electronics, home items, and Chinese language herbs and medicines.

Did you just like the meals on the markets? Perhaps you must discover ways to cook dinner this meals?

Take a Vietnamese cooking class

This cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City features a experience on a conventional Vietnamese cyclo to Ben Thanh Market. You’ll store for contemporary herbs and produce there after which discover ways to put together quite a lot of typical Vietnamese dishes. You’ll be guided by knowledgeable chef.

So now you’ve already tasted Vietnamese meals, and realized the historical past of Vietnam. You additionally explored French structure, so possibly you want to see the historic Vietnamese structure?

Cultural Vietnamese structure

Go to the Jade Emperor Pagoda

Jade Emperor Pagoda is a Taoist Temple.

Vietnam seldom practices Taoism in its pure kind; nonetheless, the Vietnamese people faith has absorbed sure facets of it. You may see Taoist temples right here and there in Vietnam.

Go to the Jade Emperor Pagoda in case you’re eager about Taoist tradition and faith. The pagoda is a crucial shrine in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis and was inbuilt 1909 by a Chinese language service provider named Liu Daoyuan.

It’s devoted to the Jade Emperor, who’s the supreme god of Taoism. You’ll discover statues, work, and woodcarvings inside, in addition to a pond with sacred turtles.

Admission is free, and you may be a part of the locals in burning incense and making choices to the gods. It’s a peaceable and religious place that provides you with a glimpse into Vietnam’s wealthy spiritual traditions.

Benefit from the nightlife of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

Ho Chi Minh Metropolis is a metropolis that by no means sleeps, with a energetic nightlife. If you stroll on a busy road at night time, it is extremely thrilling to see so many individuals exterior, having fun with the cooler temperatures! I believe I loved this time of the day probably the most.

You don’t have to stroll removed from any primary road to eat in case you are hungry. There are such a lot of locations to eat all over the place, opened late!

And in case you are within the temper to membership, right here is the record of prime nightclubs in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

Finest golf equipment round Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

Bars in District 1

That is the center of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s nightlife and among the many hottest areas for clubbing. That is the place most vacationers keep. You will discover many bars and golf equipment right here catering to numerous tastes and budgets.

Just a few of the perfect golf equipment in District 1 embrace:

• Chill Sky bar:
  That is considered one of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis’s most famed rooftop bars. It provides breathtaking views of the skyline with an elegant ambiance. The music sometimes options EDM and hip hop, whereas the drinks might be dear however price it. On the identical flooring, you may as well bask in nice eating on the Chill Eating restaurant.
  Handle: AB Tower, 76A Đ. Lê Lai, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
• Apocalypse Now Bar:
  A legendary membership that has been round for over 20 years, drawing locals and foreigners alike. Apocalypse Now Bar has two flooring with a spacious dance flooring, pool desk, and a stage for stay music on the bottom flooring. The higher flooring has a lounge space with sofas and a balcony. The DJ performs a mix of rock, pop, and dance, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
  Handle: 2F Nguyễn, Thi Sách, Bến Nghé, TP, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 70000
• Lush Membership:
  A classy membership that pulls a younger and trendy crowd. The membership spans two flooring, with a large dance flooring, VIP space, and a bar on the bottom flooring, Lush Membership additionally has a rooftop terrace with a pool and a bar on the higher flooring. The music primarily options EDM and home, and the drinks are fairly priced.
  Handle: 156/2 Lý Tự Trọng, Phường Bến Thành, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Bars in District 3

This can be a quieter and extra residential area in comparison with District 1, nevertheless it nonetheless provides some wonderful choices for clubbing. A few of the prime golf equipment in District 3 are:

• Carmen Bar:
  An intimate and comfortable bar that makes a speciality of stay music, particularly Latin and jazz. The bar boasts a country and stylish decor with picket furnishings, pink curtains, and candles. The music is carried out by gifted native and international musicians, and the drinks are fairly priced.
  Handle: 8 Lý Tự Trọng, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
• Envy Membership:
  An opulent and glamorous membership showcasing state-of-the-art sound and lighting methods. Envy Membership provides exhibits with spectacular performances by dancers, singers, and DJs. The membership has a big dance flooring surrounded by VIP cubicles and tables. The music primarily options EDM and hip hop, and the drinks are costly however high-quality.
  Handle: 74-76 Đ. Nam Kỳ Khởi Nghĩa, Phường Nguyễn Thái Bình, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 11111
• Seventeen Saloon Saigon:
  A western-style bar offering stay rock music each night time. Seventeen Saloon Saigon has a cowboy theme with picket barrels, leather-based sofas, and cowboy hats. The music options energetic bands enjoying basic rock hits from the 70s to the 90s. The drinks are low-cost and powerful.
  Handle: 130A Đ. Phạm Ngũ Lão, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Bars in District 4

This can be a working-class district with a fame for being tough and harmful, nevertheless it additionally provides some hidden gems for clubbing. A few of the prime golf equipment in District 4 embrace:

• TNR Saigon:
  A pleasant and relaxed bar that gives low-cost drinks and wonderful music. The bar has a pool desk, and you may request your most popular music from the DJ. The gang is usually expats and backpackers who come right here to socialize and have enjoyable.
  Handle: 57 Đỗ Quang Đẩu, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000
• Ong Cao Craft Beer:
  A craft beer bar providing quite a lot of native and imported beers on faucet or in bottles. The bar has a contemporary and minimalistic decor with picket tables and stools. The employees are educated and useful, and the costs are affordable.
  Handle: 240 Đ. Bùi Viện, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh
• Broma Not A Bar:
  A rooftop bar offering splendid views of the streets beneath. The bar has a laid-back and informal vibe with picket furnishings, fairy lights, and vegetation. The music primarily options indie rock and different pop, and the drinks are reasonably priced.
  Handle: 41 District, 41 Đ. Nguyễn Huệ, Quận 1, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh

Be certain that to style this beer in Vietnam!

HCMC has a buying scene that caters to all tastes and budgets.

Listed below are a number of the greatest locations to take pleasure in buying in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

• Ben Thanh Market:
  Extra particulars about this marker are above.
• Vincom Middle:
  This is likely one of the largest malls in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, with over 250 outlets, eating places, cinemas, and leisure services. You will discover worldwide manufacturers corresponding to Zara, Mango, Adidas, and Nike, in addition to native services and products.
• Style boutiques:
  In the event you’re in search of a pleasant outfit by native designers, you may try a number of the vogue boutiques in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis. A few of the standard ones are L’Usine, Nosbyn, Cashew, and Ren. You will discover fashionable and distinctive clothes, equipment, and footwear at affordable costs.

Store for bargains and souvenirs at Saigon Sq.

Saigon Sq. is a wholesale vogue mall in District 1, the place you could find lots of low-cost clothes, footwear, baggage, and equipment. The standard could range, however you may haggle for a cheaper price. The mall is standard amongst locals and foreigners alike.

Suoi Tien Theme Park

In case you are a touring with a household, go to Suoi Tien Theme Park, a Buddhist-Themed Amusement Park.

Suoi Tien Theme Park is an amusement park in District 9, Thu Duc Metropolis, Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, Vietnam. It’s the world’s first water park dedicated to Buddhism, particularly the SE Asian animistic type of Buddhism. The park contains a number of leisure areas that illustrate Vietnam’s historical past and legends.

These areas are: Au Co and Lac Lengthy Quan, the Battle of Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, and the 4 Noble Reality.

The park opened in 1995 and is likely one of the hottest vacationer locations in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

Some points of interest within the park

• Crocodile Kingdom:
  A big pond with over 1,500 crocodiles that guests can feed with fishing rods.
• Tien Dong Seaside:
  A person-made seashore with a waterfall that has the face of an emperor sculpted into it.
• Dinosaur Backyard:
  A backyard with life-size fashions of dinosaurs and prehistoric animals.
• Curler Coaster:
  An exhilarating experience that goes by way of a dragon’s mouth and a large Buddha statue.
• Unicorn Palace:
  A palace with statues and work of unicorns, fairies, and angels.

The park additionally has a zoo, a cinema, a spa, a temple, and lots of eating places and outlets.

Suoi Tien Theme Park park will likely be served by Suoi Tien Park Station on the primary line of the Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, that’s at the moment beneath building. It’s open from 8:00 AM to five:00 PM day-after-day.

The admission price is 90,000 VND (about 3.9 USD) for adults and 45,000 VND (about 1.9 USD) for youngsters.

You may go to their official website for extra data.

Day journeys from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis

Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a community of underground tunnels that have been utilized by the Viet Cong (VC) guerrillas throughout the Vietnam Warfare. The tunnels have been situated within the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh Metropolis.

They stretched for about 250 kilometers, connecting completely different VC bases and hiding spots. The tunnels have been dug by hand, typically utilizing easy instruments corresponding to shovels and baskets.

The tunnels have been used for various functions, like:

• Hiding from American and South Vietnamese forces, who relied closely on aerial bombing and floor
  patrols.
• Transporting provides, weapons, and communications throughout the battlefield.
• Offering shelter, medical care, meals, and leisure for VC troopers and supporters.

The tunnels had traps to cease enemies, like explosives, spikes, scorpions, and snakes. To destroy them, the People and South Vietnamese used bombs, chemical substances, canines, and troopers known as tunnel rats who searched inside. However the tunnels have been sturdy and helped the VC resist the stronger enemy.

The Cu Chi Tunnels at the moment are a part of a conflict memorial park in Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, the place guests can study concerning the historical past and expertise of the tunnels. The tunnels have been widened and lit to accommodate vacationers, who can crawl by way of them and see varied reveals and shows.

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a well-liked attraction for locals and foreigners who wish to study concerning the Vietnam Warfare or like one of these attraction. There are lots of day journeys to the tunnels from Ho Chi Minh Metropolis, together with this half-day tour and this full-day tour that also visits the Mekong Delta.

Mekong River tour

Expertise the integral a part of Vietnam’s historical past with a go to to the Cu Chi Tunnels, thought-about being a must-see attraction.

Improve your go to to an expensive tour that features round-trip transport by a luxurious limousine and a leisurely cruise on the Mekong River. You’ll have a customized expertise in a small group of seven with air-conditioned consolation whereas exploring the tunnels with a information.

Proceed the tour to Mekong River for an unforgettable expertise.

Discover the Mekong Delta on a rowboat and motorboat, and observe the agricultural lifetime of the locals.

There are alternative ways to e-book a metropolis tour in Ho Chi Minh, relying in your preferences, price range and time.

One of many choices is on-line reserving. You may examine costs, evaluations, itineraries and availability of various excursions and select the one which fits you greatest. A few of the web sites that provide on-line reserving for metropolis excursions in Ho Chi Minh are Get Your Guide and Viator.

In the event you plan to go to Vietnam, don’t miss Ho Chi Minh Metropolis!

You’ll take pleasure in this splendidly vibrant metropolis and all the highest points of interest it provides!