What to do in Ho Chi Minh City: a quick guide to Saigon
Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon, is the largest city in Vietnam (with over 21 million people in its metropolitan area). It is also the former capital of South Vietnam until the end of the Vietnam War (American War for the Vietnamese). It is the fastest developing city in the country and has become its financial, cultural and scientific center. Being such a big and important city in the country, it has a lot to offer. This is why I wrote this guide on what to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
I am going to be honest, Ho Chi Minh City lacks the outstanding beauty of Hoi An or the genuine spirit of Hanoi. However, if you want to understand the country’s contemporary history, Ho Chi Minh is the place to go. Ho Chi Minh City was the epicenter of Vietnamese history during the French independence war and most of the events during the Vietnam War with the States happened around the area.
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11 top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
1. Explore Colonial Saigon
One of the most characteristic things about Ho Chi Minh City is its modern architecture sprinkled with remnants of its French Colonial past. It is a beautiful contrast that you can’t miss if you visit the city.
Some examples of French colonial buildings are the Notre-Dame Cathedral, the beautiful Post Office with a giant picture of Ho Chi Minh and the palatial People’s Committee (City Hall).
Other remarkable colonial buildings are the Opera House, the National Historical Museum or the iconic Ben Thanh Market (covered in a later section).
A great way to finish your French colonial tour is to visit the Independence Palace (or Reunification Palace). It has absolutely nothing of colonial architecture but symbolizes the end of French colonialism. It was built in 1955 on th of the Norodom Palace, the Governor’s Estate during French colonial times, so there is a deep meaning behind it.
You can follow this easy map through Ho Chi Minh’s city center to visit some of the most iconic colonial buildings:
*This is by no means an exhaustive list, but rather a small guide of the colonial buildings that I found worth visiting when in Saigon.
2. Get the chills at the War Remnants Museum
One of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to visit the War Remnants Museum. It is not for the faint of heart: it does not shy away from the horrors that happened (and are still happening) during and because of the Vietnam War. I have to say that, even though I superficially new about the war, visiting this museum made me have a completely new perspective on it. It also gave me chills to think of what people are willing do for just a few resources.
Among some of the exhibits are some American tanks, helicopters and planes, the cages that they used to house the prisoners. The most horrendous of all: the aftermath of the use of Agent Orange by the Americans on the Vietnamese population. This museum may not be for everybody, but I think as a Westerner, it is important to visit places like this to understand what our effect in the world is and how entitled we have felt in the past over other cultures.
Despite the horror of the content of the museum, it was my favourite spot in Ho Chi Minh because it made me understand a lot about Vietnam and about the World. I really encourage you to visit.
* I will not include pictures from the inside because I didn’t take any. It didn’t feel right to do so.
Travel tip: the museum is open from 7.30 to 18h (with a lunch break from 12-13.30) and it costs 40,000 VDN (around 1.4€).
3. Fear for your life when crossing a street
Well, this happens all over Southeast Asia. Traffic is crazy, driving rules are mostly optional and there are TONS of people on the roads and no specific crossing sites. This is even more dramatic in Ho Chi Minh City. It seems that the 21 million inhabitants have decided to hop on their scooters at the same time and drive around like a swarm of bees. Crossing the streets in Ho Chi Minh City is an adventure. Luckily, some street lights have appeared in the last years, making it easier for tourists to cross. Regardless, beware of the traffic in Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel tip: in Ho Chi Minh and in the rest of Southeast Asia, the trick to cross a road safely is to move forward at a constant pace so the drivers can estimate where you will be in the next seconds. They will make sure to dodge you. Don’t stop suddenly or run. This will most likely cause an accident.
4. Go nuts at Ben Thanh Market
Benh Thanh Market is a massive market where you can buy any souvenir you may need: from a North Face (ish) backpack to some beautifully crafted chopsticks. It’s a fantastic place to practice your haggling skills. Also, if you are a foodie, stock up on great Vietnamese spices to bring back home! I really recommend visiting Ben Thanh Market if you want to do some shopping in Ho Chi Minh City.
Travel tip: if you’re traveling Vietnam North to South like we did, this is the perfect spot to buy most of your souvenirs so you don’t have to carry them around throughout your trip.
It is open all day long and very busy in the morning. If you visit it later in the evening, some stuff may be gone already, but the vendors will also be willing to lower the price a bit more. We went there several times during our stay in Ho Chi Minh City, and chances are you will too!
Travel tip: if you’re hungry there are some food stalls in the market and, most importantly, a Street Food Market right next to it. It is not the most authentic food you’ll find in the city, but it is cheap and it allows you to taste several different cuisines in one spot.
5. Reach for the sky at modern Ho Chi Minh City
The fast development of Ho Chi Minh City has French colonial building sitting right next to glass and steel skyscrapers. This gives the city some of the amazing contrasts that characterize many Southeast Asian cities. This also offers a vertical expansion of the city with fantastic spots with a view. Ready for my go-to suggestion for basically any city I’ve been in? Get a view of the city from above, preferably with a drink in your hand.
Recommendations on rooftop bars in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City offers many rooftop bar options for many budgets. That being said, given the prices in Vietnam, all options are quite affordable for a Western pocket. The most iconic rooftop bar is that on the most iconic skyscraper in the city, the Bitexco Financial Tower. Being one of the tallest buildings in the city, it offers fantastic views on its Heli Bar by the helipad on the 52nd floor, the EON restaurant on the 51st floor or the Saigon Skydeck on the 49th (for a fee).
If instead of height you’re looking for a colonial setting surrounded by modern buildings, I suggest you visit the rooftop terrace of the Rex Hotel Saigon. Ot is located in the very heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The marble floors, live music and free entrance (you must order something, but that is expected) make of this rooftop bar one of my favourites. Also, you get a very nice view of the modern Ho Chi Minh skyscrapers lighting up during sunset.
Photo credit: Rex Hotel Saigon
If you’re looking for other options, on the chill side you have Saigon Saigon of the Caravelle Saigon, Level 23 Wine Bar at Sheraton Saigon Hotel or Shri Restaurant & Lounge at Centec Tower. I you’re on a budget but would like some rooftop drinks, check out The View Rooftop Bar at Duc Vuong Hotel. On the party side, you can choose between Chill Sky Bar on the AB Tower or Glow Skybar Saigon. If you’re on a budget but want to have some party with a view, have a look at Broma Not A Bar Saigon.
On the newer side, the tallest skyscraper in Vietnam Landmark 81 completed in 2018 also offers an observation deck (Skyview) with great views of the city. However, the entry fee is very steep (810,000 VDN, around 30€), so I recommend some of the other options.
6. Rest from the craziness at Le Van Tam Park/Tao Dan Park
Ho Chi Minh is a busy city. And I mean BUSY. The heat, the noise, the crowds and the tall buildings will get a toll on you eventually. In those cases, head to the parks! Saigon is home to some really nice parks and green areas. Use them to recharge before continuing on your quest for more amazing sights and activities in this hectic city.
Try out the local favourite September 23rd park or the central Le Van Tan Park. If you want something more unique, go to Tao Dan Park. There, locals do outdoors excercise and Vietnamese songbird owners bring their birds to socialize and learn new songs from one another.
7. Give a treat to your taste buds with some Vietnamese food
Anywhere you are in Southeast Asia, gastronomy should be a big part of your trip. This is particularly true in Vietnam and, consequently, in Ho Chi Minh City. You’ll find street food vendors virtually everywhere. Especially around the markets. Ho Chi Minh has also quite a good restaurant scene.
You’ll find the Vietnamese country-wide popular dishes such as the sandwich Banh Mi, the famous soup Pho Bo or steamed rolls Banh Cuon.
You will also find Saigon specialties such as the local Mud creeper snails, the originally farm food-turned bombshell Com Tam (broken rice), your new favourite breakfast Op La or the Bun Thit Nuong noodles. Another thing to try in Ho Chi Minh is the Vietnamese chocolate at Maison Marou.
If you’re looking for something still Vietnamese but a bit more upscale, we really enjoyed Secret House, with their modern touch of traditional Vietnamese classics. Plus, the restaurant is beautiful and quite affordable.
8. Enjoy Saigon’s nightlife
Ok, Vietnam is not really a country to visit if you’re looking for party. Other destinations easily beat Vietnam in party. However, if there is a place for nightlife in Vietnam, that is Ho Chi Minh City. And if there is a place that never sleeps in Ho Chi Minh City, that is Bui Vien street. The epicenter of the backpacking culture in Saigon, Bui Vien will clutter your senses with loud music, the smell of street food and the neon lights.
While Bui Vien is mostly targeted to tourists, some locals enjoy practicing their English by joining conversations in this street. If you’re looking for something less crowded, there are plenty of spots to hang out in Ho Chi Minh. An obvious choice would be one of the rooftop bars I mentioned above. Ho Chi Minh is also the place to go if you’re looking for live music bars. If you’re looking to dance the night away, check out Lush Nightclub.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed nightlife, there are plenty of fine dining (as well as dining in the dark) options to choose from. You can find fancier activities such as tickets to the Saigon Opera House or a luxury dinner cruise along the river.
10. Learn some Vietnamese recipes at a Cooking Class
I will continue saying it: Vietnamese food is one of the best in the world. You should take a piece of it back home! For this, I recommend taking one of the many cooking classes in the city. We did not take our cooking class in Ho Chi Minh City since we already learned a few recipes in our cruise in Halong Bay and our Cooking Class at Red Bridge in Hoi An, but in a big city like Ho chi Minh there are plenty of options to choose from.
Recommendations of cooking classes in Ho Chi Minh City
One of the most beloved cooking classes is M.O.M Cooking Class, located in District 1 and offering a taste if authentic Vietnamese cuisine including event-related dishes (such as Thet, the new year celebration). It is significantly cheaper than other cooking classes, at 851,000 VDN (30€) and the duration of the class is 3h.
If you want something more immersive, I suggest Saigon Cooking Class by the owners of the Hoa Tuc restaurant in downtown Saigon. You will have a market visit to see what you need to buy and where de produce comes from followed by a class in the flat above the restaurant, which used to be an opium distillery during French colonial times (don’t worry! It’s not anymore). the rate for the full tour is 1,048,000 VDN (38€) and lasts for 4h. You can also choose shorter classes without the market tour with a price reduction.
Other recommended options include GRAIN Cooking Studio (more upscale and modern), Lua’s Kitchen (more homey) or the Saigon Cooking Class (more professional). You can also use some bundles that will take you on day trips including visits to the fields or markets and a cooking class:
11. Be overwhelmed in Saigon’s Chinatown
Cholon, from Vietnamese Cho (market) and Lon (big). This is a big area in Ho Chi Minh City that has been traditionally inhabited by Hoa people (Vietnamese people with Han Chinese ancestry), thus making it Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. In fact, it is the largest Chinatown in the world by area.
The whole district shares the thriving chaotic atmosphere of most Chinatowns in the world. And it helps that a large portion of it dedicated to trade and food. As such, the heart of the quarter is the main market Binh Tay. This is, in my opinion, its main attraction. Binh Tay is located in a French colonial building constructed in the1880s. The market, as many other Vietnamese markets, is a labyrinth of stalls. They sell all kinds of products, including fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood from all over Vietnam as well as other sections focused on handicrafts and textiles. Unlike Benh Thanh, this market caters mainly to the local population, so the variety of goods is lower, but so is the price.
Other attractions in Cholon include Thien Hau Temple or Quan Am Temple, both featuring traditional Buddhist-Chinese architecture. The quarter is also home to Cholon Mosque and Cha Tham Cathedral.
Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City
If you’re only gonna be in Ho Chi Minh City for a few days, I recommend that you stay in District 1. This will give you easy access to most major attractions.
Budget
We stayed at 9 Hostel and Bar, a very central hostel with private rooms starting at 10€ per night for a double room with AC. The hostel also has a rooftop bar where you can socialize with other travellers. An alternative is Saigon April Homestay, a little guesthouse in the center of the city with clean spacious rooms, for only 16€ per night for a double room that will give you more privacy than a hostel.
Mid-range
A really nice and central option is Triple E, a nice and clean boutique hotel with clean rooms starting at around 26€ per night for a double room. If you’re ready to spend a bit more for an absolutely gorgeous hotel, have a look at Fusion Suites Saigon, with beautiful wooden ceiling Nordic style rooms starting at around 56€ per night for a double room.
Luxury
If you’re ready for a splurge, check out the over the top decoration and experience at The Reverie Saigon. If you prefer a quiet retreat, instead book a nice villa at An Lam Retreats Saigon River, a lush garden resort hotel overlooking the river.
How to move around in Ho Chi Minh City
Since most of the tourist attractions, restaurants, and hotels are located around the same area in the District 1, everything is walking distance. Very rarely taxis or public transportations will be necessary.
If you need to go a bit further or just can’t be bothered walking, your best option is Grab, the SE Asian version of Uber, in which you can have a car or mototaxi pick you up for a very low price! Download it for Android or iOS.
To get to HCMC from the airport, you can queue in the taxi line. The trip will cost you around 170,000 VDN (around 6,5€), if you ask the driver to turn on the meter. Otherwise, or if you book it in the counter inside, it will probably cost around 300,000 (around 13€).
To move around the Ho Chi Minh area and visit surroundings, buses are the most effective means of transportation, other than private cars or taxis. Book your tickets below:
Closing statement
There are many other cities and towns in Vietnam that have more beautiful temples. The same can be said about stunning nature or heart-warming food. However, you should go to Ho Chi Minh city to understand the recent history of the country and how it has shaped the character of its people. I think that 3 days should be enough in an itinerary through Saigon. The places listed above are, in my opinion, the most interesting ones. If you stay longer, there are plenty more things to do in such a big city, such as visiting the Jade Emperor Pagoda. Particularly, I suggest that you do some day trips, since Ho Chi Minh City has a very central location in Southern Vietnam:
Top Day Trips from Ho Chi Minh City
Continue your trip in this perfect itinerary in Vietnam:
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15 best things to do in Hanoi, Vietnam
What to do in Hoi An: the ancient gem of Vietnam
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