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Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
Introduction to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) is an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists because of the unique interference between modern culture and long-standing traditions.
This place preserves the heroic historical marks of the Vietnamese people through relics such as the Independence Palace, Nha Rong Wharf, Cu Chi Tunnels, etc.
At the same time, the city is also vibrant with the pace of modern life, shown through skyscrapers, bustling commercial centers, and bustling shopping streets.
A Corner of Ho Chi Minh City at Night
Visitors can join the Ho Chi Minh City tour at any time of the year, however, the best time to visit is from December to April when the weather is cool and there is little rain.
Come and explore Ho Chi Minh City with Asia Links Travel to experience diverse culture, and heroic history and enjoy the vibrant, modern atmosphere of one of the largest cities in Vietnam!
Top 10 Must-See Attractions in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, also known as magnificent Saigon, is an attractive destination for domestic and foreign tourists because of its excitement, bustle, and unique attractions.
Below are the top 10 Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City you cannot miss when coming to this largest city in Vietnam.
1. Ben Thanh Market
With its distinctive architecture and active retail district, this location is regarded as a symbol of the city. Visitors can find countless items from clothes and accessories to souvenirs and enjoy delicious street food.
This remarkable Ben Thanh Market is undoubtedly one of the top must-visit Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
2. Independence Palace
Famous historical site associated with important events of the nation. The magnificent mansion with unique architecture and precious historical artifacts will bring visitors back to the nation's heroic past.
Independence Palace
3. Notre Dame Cathedral
Ancient French architectural work with romantic beauty is a must-see and a popular location for Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visitors can visit inside the church, admire the exquisite sculptures, and immerse themselves in the peaceful, quiet space.
4. Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
A place to store valuable artifacts and documents about the city's history and culture from its earliest times to the present. Delving into the museum's collection is a fantastic addition to your Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about the formation and development of Saigon and understand more about the culture and people here.
5. Cu Chi Tunnels
The secret network of trenches built during the war is a testament to the resilience and indomitability of our army and people. Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels is a fascinating experience and a highlight of many Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Visitors can visit the living and fighting areas of the soldiers and experience the feeling of living underground.
Exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels
6. Nguyen Hue Walking Street
A modern, vibrant neighborhood with splendid high-rise buildings and diverse entertainment activities. Visitors can walk on the street with sparkling lights, shop at high-end stores, enjoy street food, and immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere of the city. This is a must-see on your list of things to see in Ho Chi Minh City!
7. Saigon Zoo
The oldest zoo in Vietnam with a diverse ecosystem, where visitors can admire more than 1,500 rare animal species from around the world. Visitors can also participate in entertainment activities for children and experience special performances. Don't miss this opportunity to see some amazing creatures when exploring the many things to see in Ho Chi Minh City.
8. War Remnants Museum
A place to display artifacts and images of the Vietnam War, contributing to educating the young generation about the nation's heroic history and the value of peace. Visitors will be able to look back at the years of hardship and sacrifice of our army and people in the war against America to save the country. The War Remnants Museum is a powerful reminder of the past and a must-see among the many things to see in Ho Chi Minh City.
The War Remnants Museum
9. Suoi Tien tourist area
Unique spiritual cultural tourist area with architectural works simulating Vietnamese classics and legends. Visitors can visit areas such as Vietnamese Village, Fairy Tale Castle, Butterfly Garden, etc, and participate in exciting entertainment games. For a taste of Vietnamese culture and mythology, Suoi Tien is a great stop on your list of things to see in Ho Chi Minh City.
10. Nha Rong Wharf
Ancient Saigon Port, where President Ho Chi Minh set foot in the country after 30 years of traveling abroad. Visitors can visit the museum inside the wharf, learn about the life and career of President Ho Chi Minh, and admire the romantic Saigon River.
Nha Rong Wharf is steeped in history and a great addition to your exploration of the many things to see in Ho Chi Minh City.
In addition, Ho Chi Minh City also has countless other attractive tourist destinations such as Bui Vien Western Quarter, Saigon Central Post Office, Cho Lon, Vincom Center, etc Tourists can freely Explore and experience interesting things in this dynamic city.
Ho Chi Minh City Cuisine
Ho Chi Minh City, a magnificent land, not only attracts tourists with its vibrant pace of life but also retains them with its rich and diverse cuisine.
Walking around the bustling streets of places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can easily encounter street vendors and small roadside eateries emitting a delicious aroma, inviting diners to stop and enjoy.
Explore Broken Rice (Cam Tam)
List of famous street foods not to be missed:
- Broken rice (Com tam): A simple dish but full of flavor. Fragrant broken rice mixed with golden grilled ribs, crispy pork skin, and fatty egg rolls, served with rich sweet, and sour fish sauce, creates a harmony of irresistible flavors.
- Noodles (Hu Tieu): A dish with a strong Southern impression with chewy noodles, sweet broth cooked from stewed bones, and diverse toppings such as pork, beef balls, shrimp, mushrooms, etc. Diners can customize their bowl. Choose to eat it dry or in liquid, add some fresh green vegetables, lemon, and chili to stimulate your taste buds, and experience the delightful flavors this dish offers while exploring the many places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City.
- Pha Lau: Unique dish with the main ingredients being pork and beef organs stewed in fresh coconut water and marinated with rich spices. Pha lau is often eaten with bread and dipped in sweet and sour fish sauce, creating an unforgettable flavor.
- Mixed rice paper: A favorite snack of Saigon youth. Chewy rice paper mixed with shredded green mango, boiled quail eggs, beef jerky, herbs, and special sauce prepared according to each restaurant's recipe. Each piece of cake is the perfect combination of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet, creating an irresistible appeal.
And to cool down on hot Saigon days, visitors should not forget to enjoy cool drinks:
- Coffee: indispensable drink of Saigon people. Coffee here is brewed with a filter or machine and can be enjoyed hot or iced, adding a little condensed milk or sugar depending on your preference.
- Kumquat coconut water: The sour taste of kumquat blends with the cool sweetness of coconut water, bringing an instant refreshing feeling.
- Sugarcane juice: A simple but no less attractive refreshing drink. Sugarcane juice is pressed from the whole tree, keeping the natural sweetness and coolness.
- Gotu kola with coconut water: A refreshing and nutritious drink. Gotu kola is pureed with fresh coconut water, and added with a little sugar and ice, creating the perfect cooling drink.
Coffee Sai Gon
Ho Chi Minh City Tour Packages often include visits to local markets where you can try these delicious drinks and many more! Exploring Saigon's cuisine is a fantastic way to experience the city's culture.
Saigon cuisine is not only delicious dishes but also a typical cultural feature of this land. Visitors to Saigon should take the time to explore and enjoy unique street foods, to fully feel the flavor and culinary quintessence here.
Consider incorporating some Ho Chi Minh City Tours that focus on Saigon's culinary scene - you won't regret it!
Ho Chi Minh City at Night: Best Nightlife Spots and Evening Activities
When night falls, Ho Chi Minh City puts on a new outfit, more sparkling and vibrant than ever. This is the ideal time for visitors to explore nightlife venues and participate in the best evening activities.
1. Bach Dang Wharf
The most vibrant marina in Saigon at night, where visitors can experience yachting on the Saigon River, watch the sparkling city at night, and enjoy romantic dinners.
2. Bui Vien West Street
Famous for its bustling, vibrant, and multicultural atmosphere. Visitors can immerse themselves in vibrant bars and clubs, or simply walk on busy streets, enjoy cool beers, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Saigon at night.
Bui Vien West Street
3. Rooftop cafes
Where visitors can see the panoramic view of the sparkling city at night, enjoy delicious coffee, and enjoy the romantic atmosphere.
4. Entertainment areas
Vincom Center, Saigon Skydeck, Bitexco Financial Tower, etc. are ideal places for tourists to have fun, watch movies, shop, and enjoy cuisine.
5. Restaurants
Saigon has countless restaurants serving a variety of dishes from Asia to Europe, meeting all the needs of tourists. Visitors can enjoy luxurious, romantic dinners or simply simple but flavorful street food.
6. Bars
Saigon has countless bars serving a variety of drinks and music, from vibrant, bustling bars to luxurious, quiet bars. Guests can choose a bar that suits their preferences to enjoy relaxing moments after a long day of exploring the city.
Ho Chi Minh City at night offers visitors countless interesting and exciting experiences. Explore the nightlife spots and participate in the best evening activities for a memorable trip.
Moving around Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City, with its vibrant lifestyle and dense population, possesses a diverse transportation system to meet the mobility needs of residents and tourists.
Below are some of the most popular means that visitors can refer to when planning their itinerary for the many Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Bus
Ho Chi Minh City bus system is extensive with many routes, and reasonable fares, and is suitable for those who want to travel economically.
Visitors can easily find information about bus routes, routes, and ticket prices at bus stations or on mobile applications.
Consider exploring Ho Chi Minh tours that often include comfortable air-conditioned transportation, allowing you to relax and enjoy the sights.
Motorbike
The most popular vehicle in Ho Chi Minh City offers flexibility and freedom of movement. Visitors can rent motorbikes at rental shops throughout the city.
However, Ho Chi Minh tour packages often include guided motorbike tours led by experienced riders.
This is a great way to explore the city and surrounding areas safely while learning about local culture and hidden gems.
Taxi
Convenient choice for those who want to travel comfortably and safely. Taxi prices in Ho Chi Minh City are relatively reasonable, visitors can easily catch a taxi on the street or book a car through mobile applications.
Taxis are a great option for reaching specific destinations related to your Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City list, especially after a long day of exploring.
Technology motorbike taxi
Grab and Gojek are two popular technology motorbike taxi applications in Ho Chi Minh City. This service offers convenience, speed, and competitive prices compared to taxis.
Tourists just need to download the application, book a car and pay online.
In addition, visitors can also choose to travel by horse-drawn carriage or cyclo to experience the unique culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City tour suggestion
In Ho Chi Minh City
Saigon Jeep Tour - Food Tours & Live Music
Saigon Jeep Tour whisks you through Saigon by night on open-air Jeeps.
Explore hidden gems, savor iconic bites (Banh Xeo, Banh Khot!), witness live cooking, and unwind at a bar with captivating live music.
An unforgettable Saigon night awaits!
Saigon Street Food Tour by Jeep
Don't miss Saigon's night street food scene by Jeep! "Saigon Street Food Tour By Jeep" explores hidden gems, from Banh Xeo and Banh Khot to fresh seafood.
This Ho Chi Minh City tour also visits the flower market and nightlife, finishing with refreshing ice cream.
Tour of neighboring locations
6-Day Hanoi - Halong Bay - Saigon
Fully explore the Vietnam tours in just 6 days with the Hanoi - Ha Long - Saigon tour! The journey takes you through the ancient capital Hanoi, beautiful Ha Long Bay - a World Natural Heritage, the historic Cu Chi war tunnel system, and vibrant Saigon.
This trip is the perfect combination of culture, nature, and history, giving you unforgettable experiences. Join the tour now to discover the quintessential beauty of Vietnam with Asia Links Travel!
11-Day Vietnam Exploration
Explore Vietnam tour packages for 11 days! The package tour takes you through attractive destinations: Hanoi, Ninh Binh, Ha Long, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, and the Mekong Delta region.
Enjoy the beautiful scenery, cuisine, culture, and rich history of Vietnam with Asia Links Travel!
Secrets to Discovering Ho Chi Minh City
- Plan your trip in detail.
- Refer to articles sharing experiences traveling to Saigon.
- Learn about the local culture before arriving.
- Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing.
- Bring a map or use a map app to get around.
- Prepare cash because some places do not accept card payments.
- Grasp a few basic Vietnamese sentences to communicate with local people.
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