What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities, attractions and tours

Opera House which includes theatre scenes, a city and night scenes
Opera House which includes theatre scenes, a city and night scenes
Saigon River featuring a city, skyline and a lake or waterhole
Ho Chi Minh City
Vietnam featuring a bay or harbor and a pond

Ho Chi Minh City Attractions

Vietnam’s largest and most energetic metropolis, Ho Chi Minh City is home to everything from chic designer malls and glass skyscrapers to ancient temples, pagodas and local markets. Boasting a vibrant nightlife, unbeatable food scene and great shopping, the city has more than enough to keep you busy during your stay in Vietnam. Explore Ho Chi Minh City’s museums, monuments and religious sites, party the night away in one of bars or clubs on Pham Ngu Lao Street or jump on a bike and experience this dazzling city on two wheels.

Areas & Neighbourhoods in Ho Chi Minh City

District 1 – District 1 is the most central and action packed area of Ho Chi Minh City. Full of bars, clubs, restaurants and shopping areas, the district is the perfect destination for an unforgettable night out. Explore the evocative streets of the French Quarter, shop for bargains in Ben Thanh Market or learn about the country’s recent past at Reunification Palace.

Cholon – Located in District 5, Cholon is Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. Bursting with life and boasting a fantastic choice of authentic eateries, spend a day exploring the area’s traditional Chinese charm and sampling its many culinary delights.

District 3 – Young, vibrant and packed full of coffee shops, bars and independent shops, District three is popular with Ho Chi Minh City’s students and young professionals. Explore the district’s parks, people watch from one of the many cafes or shop for bargains in the area’s many fashion boutiques.

Cu Chi – The main reason to visit this outlying district of Ho Chi Minh City is the Cu Chi Tunnels. A vast network of underground chambers and passageways, the tunnels will give you a glimpse into what life was like in the city during the Vietnam War.

Things to See in Ho Chi Minh City

Most of Ho Chi Minh City’s sights and attractions are located in the centre of the city. In District 1 you’ll find the iconic Reunification Palace, the fascinating War Remnants Museum, the magnificent Saigon Post Office and the 19th century Notre Dame Cathedral. The atmospheric streets of the French Quarter are also well worth a few hours of your time during your stay in the city, while no trip to Vietnam’s capital would be complete without a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Whether you’re interested in history, food, nightlife or culture, you’ll find plenty to keep you busy in Ho Chi Minh City. Join a street food tour to learn more about Vietnam’s cuisine, explore the restaurants markets and alleyways of Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, meet locals and travellers in the bars around Pham Ngu Lao Street or learn about the country’s history and culture in one of Ho Chi Minh City many excellent museums and galleries. If you’re feeling especially brave, rent a bike or moped and explore this high octane city like a local.

You can also book top Ho Chi Minh hotels and great Ho Chi Minh package holidays right here on Expedia.co.uk.


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Top places to visit

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.
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Ben Thanh Market featuring signage and markets

2. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.
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Pham Ngu Lao Street which includes shopping, night scenes and street scenes

3. Dong Khoi Street

Spend a day on busy Dong Khoi Street and hunt for luxury items in grand department stores, eat in classy cafés and marvel at beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture.
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Dong Khoi Street which includes heritage architecture and night scenes

4. Saigon River

See the iconic houses on stilts on the banks of the Saigon River and enjoy views of some of the city’s most famous buildings from a boat cruise. Explore the villages and canals of the Mekong Delta where migratory birds live among the thick mangroves.
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Saigon River showing a river or creek, boating and a city

5. Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden is Vietnam’s largest zoo and one of the oldest zoos in the world. The park is home to more than a hundred species of plants and animals. Visit the creatures that call this place home or enjoy a peaceful walk through the fragrant gardens.
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Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden which includes zoo animals and a park

6. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the Saigon Opera House is a sight not to be missed. Also known as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this gleaming white landmark is a visual reminder that Saigon was the capital of French Indochina at the turn of the 20th century.
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Opera House featuring night scenes and heritage architecture

7. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

See the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica’s majestic statue of the Virgin Mary and imposing bell towers and then step inside to discover a light and peaceful space far removed from the bustling streets outside. Take a tour to find out more about the building’s history and be sure to explore the lush gardens around the cathedral.
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Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica which includes street scenes, a church or cathedral and heritage architecture

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What to do in Ho Chi Minh City


Popular places to visit

Explore areas of Ho Chi Minh City

Guerrero

District 1

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in District 1. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and HCMC Museum, and jump on the metro at Opera House Station or Ben Thanh Station to see more of the city.

District 1
Top view aerial of Mai Chi Tho road, Thu Thiem peninsula and center Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam  with development buildings, transportation, energy power infrastructure. View from District 2

District 3

District 3 is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to War Remnants Museum or The Most Holy Redeemer Saigon.

District 3
Ben Thanh Market featuring shopping, night scenes and markets

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(153 area reviews)

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market, and jump on the metro at Ben Thanh Station or Opera House Station to see more of the city.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Central Post Office which includes interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(93 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Dong Khoi. Check out Vincom Center Shopping Mall or Dong Khoi Street while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Opera House Station to get around town.

Dong Khoi
Well worth doing the tour

Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ben Thanh
Beautiful scenery in the early sun of Khanh An Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam - little Japan in Saigon. Travel and landscape concept.

Little Japan

4/5(44 area reviews)

Take time in Little Japan to visit attractions like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Opera House Station to see more of the city.

Little Japan

 

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Day trip destinations from Ho Chi Minh City

Frequently asked questions

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?
Offering a mix of shopping and nightlife, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. While you're here, head to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ho Chi Minh City?
After you've visited leading attractions like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can't go home without checking out Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is three days enough to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, Independence Palace and Dam Sen Water Park with a three-day stay in Ho Chi Minh City. On average, many travellers book four days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Tân Phong.
Is Ho Chi Minh City a walkable city?
Some top sights in Ho Chi Minh City, including Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kms (0.20 miles) from central Ho Chi Minh City is District 1 and Ben Nghe is 0.48 kms (0.30 miles) away.
What are some activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults including Bui Vien Walking Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Are there free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without opening your wallet. HCMC Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.

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