There are numerous things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. This place has many extremely interesting things to experience for all visitors.

If you wish to understand more about the time of reunification in Vietnam, we recommend visiting monuments, museums, and the Cu Chi Tunnels.

You also take a street food tour and relax at a hip café to experience regional specialties. You can observe the sunset and nightlife while having coffee on the rooftop of the highest building in the city.

It is well worth spending at least three or four days exploring this historic city. At Vietnamtour.in, we recommend the top activities in Saigon below.

Let’s dive into the article!

Table of Contents

Visit Independence Palace and The War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum will help you understand the history of the Vietnamese wars. When you arrive at the museum, you will observe how nations worldwide united in opposing French colonialism and American involvement in Vietnam.

You may see explosives, weapons like rifles and knives, photographs, and details of military campaigns and assaults on the higher levels. A must-see component displays the legacy of Agent Orange’s fallout.

The Independence Palace, which is only 7 minutes on foot from the War Remnants Museum, allows guests to tour the grounds in an open-air electric car. The car is the ideal mode of transportation for exploring because it is practical, cozy, and secure for guests.

Take Photos of Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

You will find the Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral in the city’s center. French architects built it between 1863 and 1880.

Its design demonstrates Saigon’s exposure to French culture and Christianity. All the building materials, including the vivid and energetic red exterior wall bricks, were imported from France.

The Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral is a “holy land” for tourists who like checking in or taking photos. Feeding the friendly pigeons at the Saigon Notre Dame Basilica is another must-do activity.

Send A Letter to Your House from The Saigon Central Post Office

The Saigon Central Post Office is one of the most iconic sights of this city. This area is ideal for those who wish to appreciate the stunning architecture, send a postcard, or write a hand letter.

Upon arriving, you may relax on wooden benches. It will seem like time is moving much more slowly because you can see the old Saigon.

Walking along the hallway, you’ll find thousands of souvenirs, including postcards, stamps, images, and photos. Due to their low pricing, these goods are always excellent for purchase as gifts for families and friends.

Visit Tan Dinh Church

Tan Dinh Church resembles a pink fairy castle in a clear blue sky. Its color contrasts with the sunshine’s yellow hue, producing a dreamy atmosphere.

You will like the striking pink and lovely Gothic design. It resembles Roman construction, giving it a stunning elegance.

As a result, both amateur and professional photographers love this location. Many visitors wait to take the perfect shots.

See Sunset from Bitexco Financial Tower

If you enjoy tall buildings and gorgeous scenery, spend your free time touring Bitexco Financial Tower. This design, inspired by the shape of a lotus blossom, is one of its most distinctive charms.

You can immerse yourself in breathtaking vistas and engaging activities when you visit the tower. This building has many pubs, restaurants, retail malls, and entertainment venues.

The Saigon Skydeck is one of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City. A telescope on the 49th level will enable you to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, including the Ben Thanh Market, Notre Dame Cathedral, and Saigon City Hall.

It would help if you got a fantastic picture of Ho Chi Minh City nightlife, filled with sparkling lights and a bustling street.

Admiring Saigon’s Night at Landmark 81 Skyview

Landmark 81 Skyview occupies the Landmark 81 building’s top three stories. According to records from 2019, the skyscraper is the highest structure in Southeast Asia.

A translucent glass system encircles the observatory, allowing visitors to watch the stunning entirety of the city from above. It’s a perfect chance for you to capture the breathtaking shots of Saigon.

Explore Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market is a busy place during the day and night. It is a must-see destination in this vibrant city. There are 12 entrances and four main gates in Ben Thanh Market. The large clock tower is at the main entrance.

You’ll find rows of vibrant fabrics and clothes as you enter this gate. You may also purchase Vietnamese packaged foods and delicacies, including coffee beans, tea, fish sauces, and dry products.

You can buy fresh cuisine with fish and meat at the north gate. Meanwhile, the west side entrance is a paradise of hand-craft items.

Generally, the Ben Thanh Market has the most outstanding selection of wood and cloth crafts. These handmade items will be the perfect gifts for your friends.

Go Shopping and Have Dinner at Shopping Malls

Takashimaya and Saigon Centre: Takashimaya is one of the most opulent malls in the City. It offers you everything from fashionable clothes to mouthwatering dishes.

Diamond Plaza: Diamond Plaza is one of the oldest, most exquisite, and opulent retail malls. It is the best location for dining, shopping, and watching movies. In addition, it is a magnificent architectural building that combines Eastern and Western, old and new Saigon, and ancient and modern architectural styles.

Crescent Mall: The expansive and lush Crescent Mall is a must-see in Phu My Hung. As they arrive at the mall, you will see a sizable garden with overgrown grass and trees, a children’s playground outside, little lakes, and mountains.

A benefit of shopping malls in Ho Chi Minh City is the significant number of fashionable and accessory retailers. The food court, which offers hundreds of dishes and beverages, is an advantage.

Stroll along Bui Vien Walking Street

If Hanoi has Ta Hien, then Ho Chi Minh City has Bui Vien Walking Street. Bui Vien, also known as “Western Street,” is the busiest drinking street in Ho Chi Minh City. This area is considered a neighborhood for tourists from all over the world coming to Vietnam. They come here to make friends, socialize, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere.

The street is a hub of many street food vendors, with some signature dishes like skewers, grilled chicken, seafood, and more. Additionally, there are endless entertainment options such as bars, pubs, massage parlors, and street performances.

Enjoy A Dinner Cruise on Saigon River

A Saigon River cruise will be a fantastic option to escape the crowded, busy streets usually filled with visitors. You will get the opportunity to enjoy some delectable cuisine and take in the splendor of the Saigon River during dinner on the river cruise.

Many dinner cruises leave from one of Saigon’s two busiest ports, Bach Dang Wharf or Saigon Harbor. The cruise cost varies from 550,000 to 1,500,000 VND per person, depending on the quality.

Take Part in A Cooking Class

Taking a cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City is a must-do experience. You will have the chance to talk with chefs and hear them share stories about local customs and traditions. Additionally, participants can cook and enjoy the dishes they prepare. The class is also an opportunity to make friends and connect with people from all over the world who are traveling in Vietnam. Some classes even include a market visit to select ingredients for cooking. You can also learn how to bargain like the locals to avoid overpaying.

Take a Tour to Explore The Best of Ho Chi Minh City

Ms Rupa and her family at Cu Chi Tunnels - our customers — *Ms Rupa and her family at Cu Chi Tunnels – our customers*

Are you looking for an adventure trip? The following two tours are the most popular among visitors:

Cu Chi Tunnels Half-Day Tour: We recommend you take a half-day tour to the Cu Chi Tunnels to discover the guerilla struggle in Vietnam. The tour guide will help you to enter the underground tunnels to learn about the Viet Cong soldiers’ daily lives.

Trek The Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve: The UNESCO-designated Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve is a fantastic ecotourism destination for those who love thrilling outdoor activities. This full-day tour includes canoeing through picturesque canals, mangrove forests, and a bat swamp. Challenge your courage by fishing for carnivorous crocodiles at a crocodile farm. The monkeys in Can Gio will leave you with unforgettable funny memories.

Learn about President Ho at Ho Chi Minh City Museum

Ho Chi Minh City Museum has been in operation for more than 40 years. It is an educational center about the revolutionary history, moral thought, and life of President Ho Chi Minh. Visitors can come here to pay tribute, learn, and research about President Ho Chi Minh. The museum is the southern Vietnamese people’s deep affection for the great leader of the nation. The museum has 7 exhibition rooms, including 3 special thematic exhibition rooms. The highlight is the event of President Ho Chi Minh’s journey to find a way to save the country.

Pray in Jade Emperor Pagoda

The Jade Emperor Pagoda is a familiar ancient temple to the people of Saigon and tourists. The temple is famous for its unique architecture, with pink as the dominant color. Since it was built by the Chinese, the temple features many architectural characteristics of that nation. The vibrant colors of the temple will undoubtedly leave an indelible impression on visitors. When visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda, you can pray for children, and for peace for your family. Additionally, young people can pray for love at the altars of the Holy Mother and the Matchmaker Gods, Mr. Tơ and Mrs. Nguyệt.

Watch Shows at Saigon Opera House

Saigon Opera House is a structure built in the architectural style of the French colonial era. The Opera House is surrounded by a spacious, tree-lined boulevard, characterized by a distinctly European style. The Opera House was recognized as a national monument in 2012. This is a venue for performances of ballet, orchestras, and national opera. Additionally, several famous shows are performed here in the evening, such as A O Show, Teh Dar, and The Mist. Ticket prices depend on the performance, ranging from 8 USD to 80 USD.

Chill out at Rooftop Bars

Rooftop cafes are a very popular type of café in Ho Chi Minh City. Not only can you enjoy delicious drinks, but you can also admire the panoramic view of the city. The experience is especially wonderful in the evening, when the city lights up and the atmosphere is cool. Not only do people come to enjoy coffee, but this place has also become an ideal spot for many young people to take photos for Instagram. Some rooftop cafés you can check out include:

Love Rosie Rooftop Cafe
Gio Rooftop Cafe
Trang Non Rooftop
Co Ba Dong Khoi
Sargon Rooftop Coffee
Jean Paul Café
Nang Rooftop Coffee

Shopping in Chinatown (or Cho Lon)

Chinatown was once considered the city center due to the bustling and lively trading activities. There are a total of 2,300 stalls here, offering dozens of different types of goods. The architecture of Chinatown is heavily influenced by Chinese style, with intricate carvings on the roof tiles. This is a well-known wholesale market that specializes in supplying various goods in large quantities at wholesale prices, making it very popular among merchants. Additionally, it is home to many Chinese communities. Therefore, visitors coming here can immerse themselves in the lifestyle and culture of the Chinese people in Vietnam.

Final Thoughts

It’s great to visit the historical and cultural sites on foot and acquire exciting anecdotes from the locals. A day to the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve or a half-day excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnel are must-dos for adventurers.

The culinary experience is one of the most rewarding things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. So, what do you like to do the most here?

Book a Vietnam tour package with us and experience all of them!