20 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh Any Time of the Year!

Ho Chi Minh (or Sai Gon) is a city in Vietnam that is of great cultural and historical significance. If you plan to visit this city, here is a list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh. This city has lots of wonders for visitors to uncover.

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Ho Chi Minh Top Attractions

Giac Lam Pagoda

Giac Lam Pagoda, meaning Feel the Woods Temple, is one of the oldest temples in Ho Chi Minh, dating back to 1744. When you enter this temple, you can see a bodhi fig tree or the tree of awakening. It was gifted by a monk from Sri Lanka who visited this place in 1953. Here, you can take strolls through the beautiful gardens and relax your mind in this peaceful environment.

• Address: 565 Lac Long Quan, Ward 10, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City 70000
• Open hours: 5:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 20:00 daily
• Phone: 028 3865 3933

War Remnants Museum

The War Remnants Museum, dedicated to the history of the Vietnam War, is a great source for educating people about the impacts of the Vietnam War. This place attracts many visitors worldwide, and every year, almost five hundred thousand tourists visit this famous place. You can see old pictures, victims’ memorabilia, and former military vehicles here. The M48 Patton tanks, Huey helicopters, attack bombers, and other items used during the war are here.

• Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, Vo Thi Sau Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open hours: 7:30 – 17:30 daily
• Website: baotangchungtichchientranh.vn

Pham Ngu Lao Street

If you are a night owl, visiting Pham Ngu Lao Street should be necessary. This place acts as Ho Chi Minh City’s major café hub and bar. If you are tired of going from place to place, this street is a great choice. Here, you can find several good bars and cafes to satisfy your thirst and hunger. This street is also home to well-known hotels like the Majestic and the Rex. These hotels also have rooftop bars for magnificent city views and maximum fun and entertainment.

Saigon River Cruises

Taking a cruise on the Saigon River is a great way to see Ho Chi Minh City from a new angle. You’ll get to enjoy views of the city’s skyline, busy riverside, and landmarks like the Bitexco Tower. There are different types of cruises to choose from, whether you want a daytime trip to take in the sights or a sunset cruise for a more romantic vibe.

Some cruises even include dinner with traditional Vietnamese dishes and live music, making it a fun and relaxing experience. You can also book smaller boat tours that go off the beaten path, exploring quieter areas and local life along the river.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame Cathedral is located in the city’s center so you can reach it easily from every corner of Ho Chi Minh. The Romanesque Revival architectural style of the building looks majestically beautiful, and the towers of this building are forty meters in length. The beautifully stained windows of this cathedral allow sunshine to enter the majestic Cathedral building. The staff is also available to tell you about the history of this building for better insight.

• Address: 01 Paris Commune, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000

Ben Thanh Market

Situated in the middle of Ho Chi Minh City, Ben Thanh Market has been famous for its food court and shopping areas ever since it came into being. This place has several shops selling various items at incredibly low rates compared to the other local markets. While strolling through this market, you can buy fruits, clothes, sports items, souvenirs, and locally made handicrafts. If you get hungry during your shopping sessions, this place also has many food vendors and cafes along its roads so that you can taste the local cuisine at reasonable rates.

• Address: Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open hours: 4 AM – 7 PM | Night market open after 7 PM

Fine Arts Museum

The Fine Arts Museum of Ho Chi Minh City is established in a colonial-style mansion and is worth visiting if you love art. This place has on display several Vietnamese artworks that date back to the bronze era and stretch from that time in history to this point.

• Address: 97A Duc Chinh Ward, Nguyen Thai Binh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open hours: 8:00 – 17:00 daily
• Website: baotangmythuattphcm.com

Saigon Central Post Office

You don’t have to travel to Europe to appreciate European architectural influences within the heart of Saigon at the City Post Office. It’s a location where almost every visitor to Saigon is sure to check-in. 

The Post Office, designed by the renowned French architect Gustave Eiffel and constructed between 1886 and 1891, exudes European charm. Its striking yellow facade immediately captures the attention of tourists upon arrival. Dominating the interior of the Post Office is a grand clock adorned with intricate details.

Besides taking photos, you can also purchase souvenir items sold outside the post office. You can also explore the architecture inside the post office and learn more about the city’s history through exhibitions and workshops organized by the post office.

• Address: 02 Paris Commune, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 70000
• Open hours: 7:30 – 18:00 daily
• Phone: 028 3924 7247

Cu Chi Tunnels

This is also one of the most well-known tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City, located around 70 kilometers from the city center. The Cu Chi Tunnels are an underground defensive system constructed during the Vietnam War (1946–48). 

These tunnels were utilized by Viet Cong soldiers as covert shelters during combat, as well as communication and supply channels, hospitals, food and ammunition storage, and housing accommodations for numerous North Vietnamese fighters.

You can view instructional videos about the tunnels and explore the mysterious rooms deep down. If you’re bold enough, try squeezing through the tight tunnels for a more authentic experience. Within the Cu Chi Tunnels complex is an amusement area with various activities, such as renting bikes for leisure, swimming, camping, dining, rowing, kayaking, and pedal boating. You have to buy a ticket for the majority of these activities.

• Address: Phu Hiep, Cu Chi, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open hours: 7:00 – 17:00 daily
• Phone: 028 3794 8830
• Website: diadaocuchi.com.vn

Landmark 81

Landmark 81 is the tallest building in Vietnam, boasting a unique design inspired by Vietnamese bamboo, symbolizing the country’s future development and prosperity. With an impressive height of 416.2 meters, you can easily spot Landmark 81 from virtually anywhere in Ho Chi Minh City.

Aside from its magnificent apartments, Landmark 81 has a spacious entertainment and eating area of over 700 square meters, including an infinity pool, Southeast Asia’s highest rooftop bar, and even a snow slide. 

Additionally, at the base of the building, there’s a 14-hectare park inspired by Central Park in New York, the world’s largest park. This park offers a serene oasis with lush green lawns, Japanese-style gardens, flower beds, and scenic landscaping. You can enjoy kite flying, BBQ grilling, and hosting outdoor events in this refreshing environment.

• Address: 720A D. Dien Bien Phu, Vinhomes Tan Cang, Binh Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open hours: 8:30 – 23:30 daily

Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is a renowned street, often the venue for major cultural and artistic events in the city. This street comes alive, especially in the evenings and on weekends. People flock here to take strolls, snap photos, enjoy artistic performances, and savor delicious food. 

Make sure to visit the building at number 42 on this street. It’s a nine-story old apartment building that has been revamped into restaurants and cafes. Each cafe here has its unique charm, making it quite intriguing. Many cafes even have balcony areas with direct views of the bustling walking street below. You can drop by these places, sip your drink, and enjoy the vibrant street scene below.

Ho Thi Ky Food Street 

The culinary street on Ho Thi Ky Street in District 10 is a bustling destination that attracts tourists and locals. Despite being a flower market during the day, it transforms into a vibrant food street in the evening. Food vendors open daily from 3 PM to around 11 PM. The street boasts over 100 eateries serving various dishes from Europe, Asia, and different regions of Vietnam.

The prices for dishes range from 7,000 to 100,000 Vietnamese Dong (0.3 – 4 USD). Some must-try items include Grilled Beef wrapped in Lemongrass, Thai noodle soup, Che (a Vietnamese sweet dessert), Bun Thit Nuong (grilled pork with vermicelli noodles), Grilled Skewered Meat, and Lemongrass-Grilled Beef Spring Rolls.

• Address: Alley 52 Ho Thi Ky, Ward 1, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City 700000

Saigon Skydeck at Bitexco Financial Tower

The Saigon Skydeck observation deck is located on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, making it Vietnam’s first observation deck at a height of 180 meters. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Ho Chi Minh City from here. 

The observation deck features six high-powered telescopes with 360-degree horizontal rotation and a 50-degree vertical tilt. Additionally, six touch-screen information displays are arranged along the observation deck’s glass walls.

Saigon Skydeck is open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM. Ticket prices are divided into various categories, and visitors can purchase them directly at the Bitexco Tower lobby or online through intermediary platforms. Moreover, within the Bitexco Tower, there are numerous shopping centers and restaurants for you and your family to enjoy leisurely shopping and dining.

• Address: 2 Hai Trieu Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000
• Open hours: 8:00 – 23:00 Monday to Saturday, 9:30 – 23:00 on Sunday

Independence Palace

If you are passionate about history, this is the place to be. It’s closely tied to many significant historical events in Vietnam. Dinh Độc Lập, also known as the Independence Palace, began construction in 1868 but was later demolished and rebuilt to cover approximately 4,500 square meters within a 12-hectare compound.

Inside the palace, you can explore the working and living spaces of the past government, such as the president’s office, the banquet hall, bedrooms, and recreational areas. Additionally, you can revisit vibrant images from earlier times at the exhibition area.

You’ll find lush green lawns with trees and scale models of tanks and airplanes outside the palace. It’s a great spot for a stroll and capturing beautiful photos.

• Address: No. 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh Ward, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open hours: 8:00 – 15:30 daily

Dam Sen Cultural Park

This is an ideal destination if you’re traveling with your family, especially with young kids. With a sprawling area of over 50 hectares, Dam Sen Cultural Park has everything you need to entertain your family all day. 

Here, you can engage in water activities at the water park, partake in thrilling rides at the amusement zone, explore the aquarium, visit the zoo, or take a stroll beneath the refreshing tree canopies and savor delicious Vietnamese cuisine at the food court. Rest assured, your family will have a fantastic day here.

• Address: 262 Lac Long Quan, Ward 5, District 11, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open hours: 9:00 – 17:00 daily

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens

Saigon Zoo and Botanical Gardens in Ho Chi Minh City was constructed in 1864 and is one of the world’s oldest zoos. Often referred to as the city’s “green oasis,” it offers fresh air and a serene atmosphere. 

The zoo has over 1,300 animals representing 125 species, including rare ones like flamingos, tapirs, golden-cheeked gibbons, golden deer, cheetahs, and leopards. The grounds are adorned with more than 2,500 lush trees, showcasing a rich variety of over 900 plant species.

When you visit, apart from witnessing these unique animals and plant life, you can also capture plenty of picturesque photos, engage in various fun activities at the entertainment zone, and enjoy artistic performances.

• Address: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City 700000
• Open hour: 7:00 – 17:30 daily

Nguyen Van Binh Book Street

This street has a length of about 144 meters and is divided into three distinct zones: the bookstall area, the exhibition area, and the book cafes. In the book stalls area, you’ll find 20 book stalls featuring books from renowned publishers. The exhibition area is a gathering place for various types of old and rare books, often hosting lively interactions between authors and readers.

Apart from that, there are lots of book cafés around. There, you can read books while enjoying a cup of coffee. It’s also an excellent spot to capture some stunning Instagram photos. This place stands out with its unique book displays, charming scenery, and a diverse range of colorful book backgrounds.

• Address: Nguyen Van Binh Street, Ben Nghe, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City
• Open hours: 8:00 – 22:00 daily

Saigon Outcast

This is a must-see if you enjoy community-driven entertainment hubs rich in culture and art. It’s made of shipping containers and has a unique design with bars, sports areas, and other amenities. Great painters cover Those containers in graffiti, giving them an extremely cool and edgy vibe. 

They hold a variety of activities here, such as henna tattoo sessions, wood carving exhibitions, skating and BMX competitions, and graffiti competitions. Additionally, there are weekly Thursday night movie screenings and regular weekend concerts. It’s a truly one-of-a-kind experience for your trip.

• Address: 188/1 Nguyen Van Huong, Thao Dien, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City 70000
• Open hours: 10:00 to 23:00 daily
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saigonoutcast/
• Note: They are in the process of relocating; check their Facebook page to see whether they have reopened yet.

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

Cần Giờ, situated approximately 50 km from the city center, offers a diverse terrain featuring forests, hills, and a scenic coastline. Its land area is roughly equivalent to that of Singapore. This is where Vietnam’s first-ever mangrove forest was officially recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

When you visit, you’ll have the opportunity to explore the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve and engage in various exciting activities. You can hop on a canoe to cruise through the mangrove forest, visit the historic Revolutionary Base at Rung Sac, marvel at the sight of over 1,000 free-roaming monkeys, and tour the bat, bird, and crocodile conservation areas. Another favorite activity is conquering Tang Bong Tower, standing tall at 26 meters, to enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the mangrove forest.

Buu Long Pagoda

Admire the architectural masterpiece of Thailand right in Ho Chi Minh City, why not? Established in 1942, Buu Long Pagoda is an architectural gem that beautifully blends the cultures of Thailand, India, and the Nguyen dynasty. The main pagoda of the temple, standing at an impressive height of 56 meters, is the tallest in Vietnam. It follows a palace-style architectural design, predominantly in white, with vibrant gold accents adorning its pinnacle, in the style of Thai temples.

With its unique location nestled amidst lush green hills, Buu Long Pagoda is a popular choice for many to meditate or admire the surrounding scenery, seeking inner peace and tranquility.

• Address: 81 Nguyen Xien, Long Binh, District 9, Ho Chi Minh City 70000
• Open hours: 8:00 – 18:00 daily

Those are some interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh that we want to recommend. Enjoy your trip, and share with us what’s your favorite spot.