Explore the 10 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh city to immerse in local culture, from historic landmarks to the authentic flavors of vibrant Vietnamese food.
I am truly impressed with how Saigon connects its glorious past to modern life, where historical tours and street food are fantastic experiences that I believe you shouldn’t miss.
Top 10 must-do experiences in Ho Chi Minh City
From the perspective of a traveler who has visited many major cities while you travel Vietnam, Saigon is not just a stopover, but an intensely vibrant life experience. Here are 10 of the best things I’ve “enjoyed” here:
#1. Visit the War Remnants Museum
Visiting this site is often considered one of the 10 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the country’s past.
I chose this place because I wanted to look deeply into the historical scars that have forged the resilience of the Vietnamese people today. Stepping into the outdoor exhibition area with its giant fighter planes, a breathtaking feeling began to overwhelm me.
But it wasn’t until I entered the galleries displaying images of “Agent Orange” or “Tiger Cages” that I was truly speechless. The haunting black-and-white photographs made me understand just how precious the peace I enjoy truly is.
With an entrance fee of just 40,000 VND (approximately $2.40 AUD), this is a deeply moving history lesson that anyone should experience to truly understand Vietnam.
#2. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels (Half-day tour)
About 1.5 hours from the city center, I chose a half-day tour to Cu Chi because I couldn’t believe an “underground city” actually existed. I tried crawling through the narrow, dark tunnels, which were only about 20 meters long but felt endless.
With tour prices ranging from 600,000 to 800,000 VND (approximately $36 to $48 AUD), this experience is made even more enjoyable when it concludes with sitting under the forest canopy, savoring boiled cassava with sesame salt dip – a simple meal steeped in wartime stories.
#3. Watch a water puppet show or other traditional performing arts show
Watching a water puppet show at the Golden Dragon Theatre is often ranked among the top 10 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. I visited the Golden Dragon Theatre out of curiosity about an art form where the main stage is the water.
Behind bamboo screens, the artists manipulate wooden puppets to dance, breathe fire, and splash water with incredible skill, all set against a backdrop of vibrant traditional music.
I particularly liked the character of Uncle Teu with his witty smile. Although I didn’t fully understand the Vietnamese dialogue, the actions simulating plowing and fishing told me about a vibrant rice-farming civilization.
The ticket price of around 300,000 VND (approximately $18 AUD) is entirely justified for such a unique cultural heritage site.
#4. Check-in at Notre Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
Visiting Notre Dame Cathedral and the Central Post Office is often counted among the 10 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. These two structures made me feel like I was standing in the heart of ancient Europe.
I chose to check in here because of the beauty of the red bricks used to build Notre Dame Cathedral, which were transported from Marseille and have remained durable over time.
Right next door is the Central Post Office with its beautiful wrought-iron dome. I spent time sitting on a wooden bench inside the post office, writing a handwritten letter to my mother. The feeling of connecting the past and the present through old stamps was truly special. This activity was completely free, but the sentimental value is priceless.
#5. Take a stroll through Ben Thanh Market
I couldn’t miss Ben Thanh Market because it’s the “heart” of Saigon’s commerce. I love the feeling of wandering through the stalls selling vibrant silk fabrics, inhaling the rich aroma of nuts and dried teas.
Here, I learned how to bargain cheerfully with the vendors, who could speak three or four languages fluently. After buying a brocade bag at a 30% discount, I stopped by the food court in the center of the market to try a bowl of flavorful vermicelli with fermented fish sauce. It was a market trip full of emotions and a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds.
#6. Take a stroll on Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Exploring Nguyen Hue Walking Street is often included in the top 10 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for travelers who want to see the modernity and youthful energy of Saigon.
I chose to come here in the evening when the heat had subsided. Looking at the brightly lit high-rise buildings, especially the historic Rex Hotel or the towering Bitexco Tower, I saw a Saigon that was rising powerfully.
I bought a cup of bubble tea from a street vendor (around $2-$3 AUD), sat on the ground in the square, and watched groups of young people practicing their dance moves and families having fun by the fountain. A wonderful, modern, and completely free public space.
#7. Enjoy Street Food
This was the heart of the trip. I followed a local friend to wander through the narrow alleys of District 4. Sitting on a plastic chair by the roadside, I sampled Pho with its sweet broth, Banh Mi sandwiches with various cold cuts and fragrant pate, a bowl of spicy Bun Bo Hue, and the famous Banh Trang Tron (mixed rice paper salad) popular with Vietnamese youth.
The feeling of eating while listening to car horns and lively conversations is a truly authentic local experience. Each dish costs only 30,000 – 60,000 VND (approximately $1.80 – $3.60 AUD), but the richness of the flavors and the warmth of the people in each bowl of food made me feel incredibly welcome.
#8. Admire the Skyline from the Rooftop Cafe
Instead of quieter options, ending a long day at a rooftop bar in the heart of District 1, one of the best areas to stay in Ho Chi Minh City delivers a completely different kind of energy.
From the high floor, the entire city unfolded like a galaxy, with shimmering motorbikes like golden threads. I ordered a tropical-flavored cocktail and sat quietly, gazing at the Landmark 81 tower in the distance.
With prices starting from 200,000 VND (approximately $12 AUD), this experience is often listed among the 10 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, offering the perfect space to escape the noise, breathe in the fresh air high above, and admire a charming Saigon illuminated by colorful lights.
#9. Cruise on the Saigon River
Instead of viewing the city from above, I chose to see it from the water. A dinner on a cruise ship was the perfect choice. The ship glided smoothly along the river, soothing music played, and exquisite dishes were served amidst a refreshing breeze.
Looking at the towering buildings reflected on the shimmering water, I saw a truly romantic and gentle Saigon. The cruise ticket, including dinner, costs around 800,000 – 1,200,000 VND (approximately $48 – $72 AUD), a high-class experience that helped me refresh my emotions after hours of exploring the city streets.
#10. Experience the nightlife on Bui Vien Street (Western Street)
The final and most “noisy” activity was Bui Vien Street. I chose this place because I wanted to enjoy the carefree atmosphere of travelers. Draft beer was cheap (around $1.50 – $2.50 AUD/bottle), lively music spilled from the bars onto the street, and people of all nationalities joined together to create a rhythm.
I made friends with an Australian guy and a Japanese girl right there at a sidewalk beer table. Bui Vien isn’t for those seeking tranquility, but it’s the best place to see a sleepless, vibrant Saigon that welcomes everyone.
05 Tips for First-Time Visitors to Ho Chi Minh City
Your journey exploring the “Pearl of the Orient” will be much more enjoyable and reassuring when you know what to do and master a few tips to adapt to the pace of life here. Below are 5 golden tips to help you enjoy Saigon like a true local:
- Get acquainted with “street crossing etiquette”: Saigon traffic can be terrifying with millions of motorbikes. The trick is to walk slowly, steadily, and without stopping suddenly; the drivers will automatically weave past you like a flowing stream.
- Use a ride-hailing app (Grab/SM Green): Instead of taking a traditional taxi, download the Grab or Xanh SM app to see the price beforehand and avoid being overcharged. A motorbike ride (GrabBike) around District 1 only costs about $1.50 – $3 AUD, very quick and convenient.
- Be careful with your personal belongings: Saigon is relatively safe, but you should be mindful of protecting your phone and bag when walking on the streets, especially in crowded areas like Bui Vien. Wear your backpack in front of you or hold your bag securely when taking photos.
- Distinguishing between large denomination banknotes: Vietnamese polymer banknotes have many zeros and different denominations.20,000 VND (~$1.20 AUD). It’s very easy to confuse it with the sheet.500,000 VND (~$30 AU)D)Because they are both shades of blue. Please double-check the zeros on the banknotes before making the payment.
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese sentences: Although people in Saigon are very good at English, a simple “Hello” or “Thank you” will earn you warmer smiles and more enthusiastic assistance from local vendors.
Conclusion
Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant symphony where long-standing historical values and modern life coexist, offering visitors countless experiences that define the 10 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. With a little openness to immerse yourself in the local cuisine and lifestyle, you’ll find that Saigon is not just a destination, but an unforgettable memory on your journey of exploring the world.
