Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

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Opera House featuring street scenes, theater scenes and night scenes
Saigon River featuring skyline, a lake or waterhole and a high rise building
Ho Chi Minh City
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Ho Chi Minh City Hall Square showing night scenes, modern architecture and heritage architecture

Ho Chi Minh City Attractions

Ho Chi Minh City is a unique blend of the ancient and modern. Incense-scented temples and colonial structures lie nestled alongside sleek, towering skyscrapers, giving the city a distinct skyline and feel. Formerly known as Saigon, the city's architecture offers poignant reminders of its French-colonial past and the tumultuous legacy of the Vietnam War is still felt at places like the Reunification Palace and Cu Chi tunnels. But that's not to say Ho Chi Minh City is stuck in the past. This contemporary city is full of new and fascinating things just waiting to be uncovered.


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What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Free Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

Traveling to Ho Chi Minh City on a budget? The following can be seen for nothing.

HCMC Museum - Old or young, this gallery will inspire your imagination and hold your attention.

Rainbow Bridge - Architecture enthusiasts will certainly enjoy marveling at the modern design of this local landmark.

Saigon South - Stop for a while in this popular place and experience life as a local.

Australian Consulate General - Speak to a local resident and find out why many tourists stop by this place.

Saigon Central Mosque - Throw a bit of spirituality into your vacation by spending some time at this holy site.

30-4 Park - Grab your picnic blanket, pick up a snack and find a shady area to appreciate Mother Nature.

Areas & Neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City is divided into several urban districts, no two of which are alike. From Buddhist temples to modern skyscrapers, the city and its surrounding area are full of unique things and places to discover.

District 1 - The center of business and administration in the city, District 1 is also home to many historic landmarks and contemporary attractions. The area encompasses sights like the Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica, Reunification Palace, and the famous Rex Hotel. At the center of it all, the Bitexco Financial Tower-once the tallest building in Vietnam and currently the tallest in Ho Chi Minh City-helps to define the city's ever-evolving skyline.

Mekong Delta - Outside the city, the Mekong Delta is a network of distributaries fed by the Mekong River. Lauded as a biological treasure trove, the area is rich with wild nature, agriculture, and rural culture that's worth a day of exploring. Towns like My Tho and Ben Tre offer opportunities to escape the bustle of the big city and dive into local life.

Cholon - With a history dating back to 1778, Cholon is the largest Chinatown in Vietnam. With the Binh Tay Market at its center, the area features ornate Chinese architecture and an authentic, local atmosphere. Cholon is home to the Thien Hau Temple, an extravagant temple dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, as well as the Quan Am Pagoda, a Buddhist pagoda dedicated to the goddess Guanyin.

What to See

Ho Chi Minh City is filled with historic monuments and elegant remnants of its past, its city center still lined with wide boulevards and French colonial buildings. Visit the landmark of Reunification Palace, formerly known as Independence Palace, which endured both French colonization and the Vietnam War and now functions as a historic museum. The city is home to a number of museums, including the Gia Long Palace or Ho Chi Minh City Museum, Museum of Vietnamese History, and the fascinating War Remnants Museum where relics from the Vietnam War and first Indochina War are on display. Take in Ho Chi Minh City's art scene by visiting the Museum of Fine Arts or catching modern acrobatic spectacles like the A O Show Saigon.

Sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City

All kinds of adventures await in Ho Chi Minh City, from exploring the city's fascinating history to diving into its vibrant cuisine. Architecture lovers can spend their days strolling between the brick bell towers of the Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, the grand facade of the Municipal Theatre (also called the Saigon Opera House), and the Hotel Majestic, built in a classical French Riviera style. History buffs can head underground at the Cu Chi tunnels to get a glimpse into the lives of Vietnamese soldiers during the Vietnam War. Families can wave hello to the animals at the Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens, and then check out the thrills and attractions at the Suoi Tien Amusement Park, whose themed areas are based on Vietnamese legends and history. And if all you want is a day at the beach, nearby Vung Tau and Long Hai offer sun, surf, and sand just a short ride away.


 

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Discover the most popular places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Discover the most popular landmarks and neighborhoods in Ho Chi Minh City

Guerrero

District 1

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Central urban district and financial hub, bustling with luxury shopping centers and historical sites like Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica and Saigon Opera House. Explore Bùi Viện and Nguyễn Huệ districts for various amenities.

District 1
Ben Thanh Market featuring street scenes, markets and shopping

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

4/5(706 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Make a stop by Ben Thanh Market or Bui Vien Walking Street while you're exploring the area.

Downtown Ho Chi Minh City
War Remnants Museum showing interior views

District 3

Bustling heart of Ho Chi Minh City, District 3 boasts French-style villas, Xá Lợi Pagoda, and Vĩnh Nghiêm Pagoda. Easily accessible via Saigon railway station, the largest railway hub in the country.

District 3
Saigon Central Post Office featuring interior views and heritage architecture

Dong Khoi

4.5/5(455 area reviews)

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are just a few highlights of Dong Khoi. Make a stop by Union Square or Dong Khoi Street while you're exploring the area.

Dong Khoi
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District 7

Home to Phú Mỹ Hưng New City, District 7 boasts urban vibes and educational institutions like RMIT University Vietnam and Tôn Đức Thắng University. Easily access Thủ Đức via the Phú Mỹ Bridge.

District 7
Bui Thi Xuan which includes street scenes and a city

Ben Thanh

If you're spending some time in Ben Thanh, Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market are top sights worth seeing.

Ben Thanh

 

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Frequently asked questions

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?
With a blend of shopping and nightlife, there are plenty of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. While you're here, check out Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, a major attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ho Chi Minh City?
Begin your day with a visit to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace. Then, tour other areas of Ho Chi Minh City for a bite to eat and some souvenir shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City?
The top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City is Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, so make sure to put it on your sightseeing list.
Is three days enough to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
Three days in Ho Chi Minh City is plenty of time to visit the city's main attractions. Many guests book for four days on average. Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, Independence Palace and Dam Sen Water Park are top-rated sights. Like to see more? Hang around a bit longer to visit nearby hotspots like Tân Phong.
Is Ho Chi Minh City a walkable city?
With exciting neighborhoods and top sights within walking distance of the city center, Ho Chi Minh City is a good place to experience on foot. Have fun wandering between Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace. Then take a stroll through District 1, located 0.2 miles from downtown, and Ben Nghe, which is roughly 0.3 miles away.
What are some activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with tiny adventurers or hard-to-please teens, an itinerary filled with cool activities takes your trip to the next level. Browse our ideas for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults?
Whether you're a culture enthusiast, food lover or outdoor explorer, there are loads of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults including Bui Vien Walking Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Are there free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
One of the easiest ways to discover free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to chat to a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on hip neighborhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. HCMC Museum is one sight that doesn't have an admission fee.