Previously known as Saigon, Ho Chi Minh is Vietnam’s biggest city. This place has a lot of history as they were occupied by the Khmer Empire, the French, and even undergone a war. There might be some bad history, but right now, Ho Chi Minh is thriving and is considered one of the best in South East Asia. With many tours and a lot to know, you would not be bored with this place. Know what to do in Ho Chi Minh City in our article!
One of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to see the Cu Chi Tunnels. They are a network of underground tunnels where the Vet Cong soldiers hide during the Vietnam War. There were also booby traps on these 120-kilometer long place. It’s very informative if you tour here, plus if you are interested, you could try to hide in one for a few seconds!
From 1859 to the 1950s, the French colonized Saigon. Many Western-style buildings, as well as French Villas, were constructed during those times. Now, they are preserved, and you can see them in Ho Chi Minh. Popular buildings include Saigon Opera House and Notre-Dame Basilica Cathedral of Saigon.
If you want to learn the history of the wars that involved Vietnam – the Vietnam War and Indochina War, the War Remnants Museum is the perfect place to be. There are bombs, weapons, and even helicopters displayed that have been used during the war. A narration is also posted on how the war started and ended in English, so you could read them. You will definitely learn and understand a lot here.
Want to experience local life? Well, sail through the Mekong Delta River and learn more about how they earn their living and see where they live. With a tour with Tinggly, you can also experience seeing locals perform and enjoy a Vietnamese feast.
See Ho Chi Minh City from up above at Saigon Skydeck. Have a 360-degree view of the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. The best time to come in? When it’s almost sunset as you can see the view with the sun up high, see it setting, and the city’s night lights. It’s magical and one of the fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
A 50-hectare amusement park located in District 11 is the Dam Sen Cultural Park. It has 30 areas from game zones to lakes, gardens to a waterpark, and roller coasters to theatres. You should definitely enjoy a full day here, or maybe two! It’s a great place for all ages!
Located on the Buu Long Mountain is a gorgeous Buddhist temple, the Buu Long Temple. It was only a small temple in the 17th century but expanded in the 18th and 20th centuries. Walking 100 steps to the beautiful Pagoda will be worth it as it’s super gorgeous! Plus, as it is not that popular, there are not many tourists here.
Itching to read a new book or just sip coffee on great scenery? Walk along Nguyen Van Binh Street, also known as Ho Chi Minh City’s Book Street. Buy new or used books here for an affordable price. There are also cafes which you can enjoy coffee and the cool vibe. Bookworms should not miss this!
Relax at Tao Dan Park after you tour all over Ho Chi Minh City. With fresh air and stunning gardens, you can unwind here. You can also hike or jog here. There is also a play area for kids and a temple inside which you can visit.
Buy everything you need in a famous market in the center of the city. The Ben Thanh Market offers goods, souvenirs, local street food, and so much more. It’s a day market from 6 am to 6 pm and a fun night market until 6 pm. It’s one of the things in Ho Chi Minh City you should not miss.
Located in Ho Chi Minh City, 500 m from War Remnants Museum, Orchids Saigon Hotel features accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a fitness center, and a bar. The rooms are fitted with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer, and a desk. At the hotel rooms are fitted with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.
Price: Starts at USD 36 for a Superior Double Room
This French colonial-style hotel enjoys a prime location in central Ho Chi Minh City, overlooking the Opera House on Lam Son Square. Luxurious and elegant, the air-conditioned rooms at Park Hyatt Saigon all come with a 48-inch LED TV, Bose Bluetooth speaker, and Nespresso coffee maker, mini iPad. Bathrooms are equipped with a soaking tub and a walk-in rain shower.
By Air: Tan Son Nhat International airport (SGN) is the busiest airport in Vietnam and serves Ho Chi Minh City. There are domestic and international routes. Aside from flights to South East Asia and East Asian countries, there are also flights to France, Moscow, UAE, Australia, Qatar, and many more. From the airport, you can ride a bus or shuttle to the city center.
From Hanoi, Vietnam: Vietnam’s biggest cities are far away – North and South of the country. It will take about 33 – 36 hours by railway through the Reunification Express Train. Don’t worry, as the train is equipped with reclining chairs and even bunk beds.
There are also buses and sleeper buses which could take 35 – 38 hours. It’s recommended that you take the train or bus if you travel all around Vietnam – like stop in particular cities rather than only these two.
By Land, from Cambodia: You can travel to Cambodia by land travel. It’s a popular backpacking route – Phnom Penh to Ho Chi Minh. There are direct busses which could take about 6-8 hours travel time. You can read more about it here.
Transportation Tip: If you’re looking for the cheapest way to book the Trains, Buses, Ferries, Transfers on this route, we use 12Go.Asia to compare the prices!
Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and I fell in love with the experience. I aim to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, taking pictures, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my Instagram.
22 thoughts on “10 Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam [with Suggested Tours]”
Do any trips go to northern South VietNam? Like Hue, Camp Eagle and Camp Evans and firebases, Eagle beach and some of the small villages around Hue? Even some video tours. I’m not sure I could emotionally make a trip there even now
Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country’s natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats. There are some beautiful beaches along the coast, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.
I love this country.
Vietnam looks like such an amazing place to visit, I love how much culture there is! You would definitely find me shopping in the market and trying out some delicious food! xx
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Do any trips go to northern South VietNam? Like Hue, Camp Eagle and Camp Evans and firebases, Eagle beach and some of the small villages around Hue? Even some video tours. I’m not sure I could emotionally make a trip there even now
Most visitors to Vietnam are overwhelmed by the sublime beauty of the country’s natural setting: the Red River Delta in the north, the Mekong Delta in the south and almost the entire coastal strip are a patchwork of brilliant green rice paddies tended by women in conical hats. There are some beautiful beaches along the coast, while inland there are soaring mountains, some of which are cloaked by dense, misty forests. Vietnam also offers an opportunity to see a country of traditional charm and rare beauty rapidly opening up to the outside world.
I love this country.
Lively city to explore. So much fun as modern and tradition mix in your exploration,
The Cu Chi Tunnels look fascinating. How amazing it was preserved to serve as tourist spot now
Though not a country I have ever considered visiting Vietnam is swiftly moving up my life. I would love to visit the Cu Chi Tunnels.
Looks like an amazing place to visit, thankyou for sharing your travels, I love learning about places I have yet to visit.
Feel like Ive really learnt something today thanks to your background in the name changing of Saigon. Thanks!
What a fantastic place to visit and I love how colourful everything is, even the food x
Vietnam looks like such an amazing place to visit, I love how much culture there is! You would definitely find me shopping in the market and trying out some delicious food! xx
I never realised there was so much to do there, you are so lucky to havel travelled to these great places x
So many amazing things to do in Vietnam! I need to visit one day
I am always so envious of your travels! This looks fab
I think I would just want to eat constantly if I was in Vietnam 🙂
I like these ideas. I’d definitely have to do some shopping in the market. Sailing the river would be really nice as well.
Everything about this place looks fascinating, especially the sailing. I’m planning a trip to Asia next year and still don’t know where to go x
I really want to go along the Mekong Delta – considering a trip to Cambodia and Vietnam next year so definitely want to do it!
My boys would love the remnants museum! H x
The Cu Chi Tunnels sound fascinating! I hope you don’t have to climb down that tiny hole though! 😉
Vietnam looks like a lovely place to visit and its unique blend of culture and beautiful views makes it a wonderful holiday destination.
Oh it looks like there is LOTS to do. I’d love to test my haggling skills in the market!
Vietnam looks an amazing place to visit. You never hear that many people talking about going there!
I would love to travel, exploring other countries and learning about the new and old culture. The food looks so nice and fresh x