Things To Do
in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is Vietnam's largest, most dynamic metropolis where shiny skyscrapers, French-colonial architecture, and bustling street life collide. The city pulses with motorbike traffic, late-night markets, and a thriving food culture that mixes northern, central and southern Vietnamese flavors. Historic sites like the War Remnants Museum and Reunification Palace sit alongside trendy cafés, rooftop bars, and tech startups.
It’s energetic, occasionally chaotic, and endlessly rewarding for travelers who enjoy food, history, and urban exploration.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down at Tan Son Nhat International Airport and arrange a private transfer to your centrally located hotel. Unpack, freshen up, and sip a local cà phê sữa đá at a nearby street café while you absorb the city’s energy. Take a gentle stroll along the Saigon River to watch the boats drift by and prepare for your days ahead.
Board a late afternoon river cruise that glides past landmark bridges and waterfront parks. Sample light Vietnamese snacks on deck as you learn about the river’s role in Saigon’s history. Return to shore for a riverside café visit and people-watching along the promenade.
Choose a restaurant with outdoor seating to enjoy your first authentic bánh xèo or fresh spring rolls. Wander through a nearby night market to browse handicrafts, clothing, and tasty street eats. Head back to your hotel early to rest, or find a rooftop bar for a nightcap and city lights view.
Begin with a guided tour of the Reunification Palace, exploring its preserved state rooms and underground bunkers. Learn about the key events that shaped Vietnam’s modern history through photos and stories. Snap photos on the shaded lawn before heading out.
Walk over to the War Remnants Museum to witness powerful exhibitions that chronicle the conflict and its aftermath. Take your time reading personal accounts, viewing military artifacts, and reflecting in the serene courtyard. Grab lunch at a nearby café serving classic cơm tấm (broken rice) with grilled pork.
Dine at a family-run seafood restaurant in District 1 and sample garlic butter crab or lemongrass clams. Afterwards, explore Bùi Viện Street’s lively bars and live music venues. If you prefer a quieter evening, find a jazz lounge tucked away on a side alley.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| 🚌Local bus or short taxi (Grab) ride | $0.50-5 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $30-80 |
| ☕Coffee at a café | $1.50-4 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction entry | $1-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Incredible, affordable and diverse food scene with excellent street food.
- Rich history and cultural sites within a compact urban area.
- Energetic nightlife, cafés, and rooftop bar culture.
- Good base for day trips to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels.
- Relatively low cost for accommodation, food, and transport.
- Heavy motorbike traffic and occasional air pollution can be overwhelming.
- High humidity and heavy rains during the wet season may disrupt plans.
- Petty crime like bag-snatching and common tourist scams require vigilance.
- Language barriers can complicate specific requests in smaller establishments.
- "Xin chào" - Hello
- "Cảm ơn" - Thank you
- "Xin lỗi" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Bao nhiêu?" - How much?
- "Không có đường (or Không có nước mắm)" - No sugar / No fish sauce (useful for dietary requests)
- "Tôi bị dị ứng với ..." - I am allergic to ...
Places to Visit in Ho Chi Minh City
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic red-brick cathedral in the city center—best shots early morning or late afternoon when light softens and crowds are thinner.
Beautiful French-colonial interior and ornate details—great for architectural and interior shots.
Panoramic cityscapes from one of the tallest buildings—ideal at sunset for skyline photography.
Vibrant pedestrian boulevard with fountains, street performers, and city-life scenes—best in the evening.
Greener spaces and local life scenes; Turtle Lake offers colorful urban photography of vendors and commuters.
Pagodas, busy markets, and narrow streets with vivid colors and textures—excellent for street photography.
Elegant façade, especially photogenic at night when lit up.
Food in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Rice noodle soup with beef or chicken; in Ho Chi Minh City the broth is often slightly sweeter and served with a plate of herbs and bean sprouts. Find it at long-running phở stalls in District 1 and local neighborhoods at dawn or late night.
Must-Try!
Crispy baguette sandwich filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, herbs, and chili. Try famous vendors in District 1 or street stalls near Ben Thanh Market.
Broken rice served with grilled pork, a fried egg, pickles, and scallion oil — a classic Saigon comfort lunch available at dedicated cơm tấm eateries across the city.
Noodle soups from the south/central regions offered in many street stalls; variations include clear broth or thicker sauces with seafood or pork, commonly found in morning markets and small restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling central market for souvenirs and local eats; try bánh xèo, fresh fruit, spring rolls, and sweet chè desserts at busy food stalls.
Large market in Chinatown offering Chinese-influenced ingredients, dim sum, and street vendors serving authentic regional flavors.
Concentrated clusters of late-night vendors serving seafood, grilled skewers, and snack plates — lively and budget-friendly.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A slight nod or a handshake is common when meeting; use surnames with 'anh'/'chị' (older brother/sister) for polite address. Avoid overly physical gestures or back-slapping with new acquaintances.
Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees), remove shoes before entering certain areas, speak quietly, and avoid pointing with your feet. Always ask before photographing people inside places of worship.
Maintaining composure and avoiding public displays of anger preserves 'face.' Direct confrontation is often avoided—be patient and polite in negotiations.
Wait for the eldest to start eating in formal situations; use both hands when giving or receiving items when possible, and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice (it resembles funeral rituals).
Safety
Tipping in Ho Chi Minh City
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; small tips (5–10% or rounding up) are common in restaurants and helpful for porters, guides, and drivers. Many small street vendors and taxis do not expect tips, but drivers may appreciate rounding up the fare.
Cash (Vietnamese đồng, VND) is king for markets and small vendors; ATMs are widely available in the city but carry small bills. Credit cards are accepted at mid-to-upscale restaurants, hotels, and shops; mobile payments (Momo, ZaloPay) are growing but typically need a local SIM and bank account.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm to hot daytime temperatures with lower humidity and less rain—best time for outdoor activities, day trips, and walking tours. Expect peak tourist numbers and higher prices around Lunar New Year (Tet) and Christmas/New Year.
Hot and humid with frequent afternoon thunderstorms; short heavy showers are common and can cause flash flooding in low areas. Mornings are often fine—carry a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes; plan indoor activities for afternoons and evenings.
City slows down around Tet with many shops and restaurants closed; cultural events and decorations are vibrant—book transport and accommodation well in advance or expect limited services.
Ho Chi Minh City at Night
Hiking in Ho Chi Minh City
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
About 40–50 km southeast of the city, this UNESCO biosphere offers boat tours, short hikes, wildlife spotting (monkeys, birds), and mangrove scenery rather than strenuous mountain hikes.
Approximately 150 km north of Ho Chi Minh City, Cat Tien has rainforest trekking, wildlife viewing (including primates), and multi-day trails—best accessed via organized tours or private transport.
Around 100 km northwest, offers cable car access and trails with panoramic views—options for moderate hiking and day trips.
Airports
How to reach Ho Chi Minh City by plane.
The main international airport serving Ho Chi Minh City, located about 6–8 km from District 1. Well connected by taxis and ride-hailing apps; expect traffic during peak hours.
Planned large international hub intended to reduce congestion at Tan Son Nhat; stages of new infrastructure may affect future travel—check current status before planning.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in the city, forming the majority of residents and shaping language and culture.
A significant community concentrated in Cholon (District 5), with distinct cultural and culinary contributions.
Growing population of expatriates, digital nomads and foreign businesspeople, particularly in central districts and new developments.
Migrant workers from other provinces and some ethnic minority groups contribute to the city's workforce and cultural diversity.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular spectator and participatory sport; local clubs and enthusiastic supporters are common, with matches drawing passionate crowds.
Popular recreational sports played in clubs and community centers across the city.
Traditional Vietnamese martial arts practiced both recreationally and competitively; classes available at local gyms.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ho Chi Minh City.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and vegan options are increasingly common—look for 'chay' (vegetarian) restaurants and dishes. Many street vendors can adapt meals without fish sauce or meat upon request, but language barriers mean using a translation card helps.
Rice-based cuisine makes gluten-free eating feasible (pho, rice paper rolls, cơm tấm) but watch out for soy sauce and cross-contamination in busy stalls.
Carry a card in Vietnamese listing your allergies (especially shellfish and peanuts). In restaurants, ingredients are often shared so be cautious with street food if you have severe allergies.