21 Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City

If it’s your first time in Ho Chi Minh City, brace yourself; this place doesn’t slowly introduce itself.

It grabs you by the senses and tosses you headfirst into a blur of honking scooters, sizzling street food, rooftop views, and back-alley gems that somehow feel more alive than entire cities elsewhere.

There’s no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, but figuring out what’s actually worth your time can be overwhelming.

I’ve returned more times than I can count, sometimes for a week, sometimes for a full month, and it always pulls me back in. It’s chaotic, yes, but in the kind of way that feels electric. Beneath the noise, there’s rhythm. And beneath the rhythm, there’s culture, flavor, and character that make it one of the most memorable cities in Southeast Asia.

This list filters out distractions and highlights the real gems, the things I’d recommend to any first-timer or even seasoned visitor.

Visit the War Remnants Museum in District 3

This is one of those stops that sticks with you. The War Remnants Museum doesn’t sugarcoat, it’s raw, emotional, and eye-opening.

You’ll see powerful photojournalism, preserved military equipment, and exhibits that cover the Vietnam War from multiple angles, many of which aren’t often taught in Western schools.

Give yourself at least an hour in the museum, and don’t be surprised if you walk out feeling a bit heavy. That’s the point. To truly understand Vietnam’s past and the resilience of its people, this is essential.

Shop and snack your way through Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh is chaotic, loud, and yes, it’s touristy. But it’s also one of the best places to throw yourself into the local rhythm.

The market’s been operating since the French colonial era, and it’s now a magnet for everything from souvenirs to street food.

You’ll find knockoff watches, colorful textiles, coffee beans, and hawkers trying to haggle with every step.

But the real highlight is the food court in the center, try a bánh xèo (crispy Vietnamese pancake) or some fresh spring rolls if you need a snack break.

Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta

If you’re craving a break from the city’s motorbike roar, this is it. The Mekong Delta offers a completely different pace, think stilted houses, narrow canals, floating markets, and boat rides past endless rows of coconut trees. It’s lush, tranquil, and a refreshing reset after a few days in the city.

I highly recommend joining a guided day tour that picks you up early from your hotel and handles all the details. You’ll sample regional fruits, glide through palm-shaded canals on a traditional sampan boat, and stop by local villages that feel worlds away from the chaos of District 1.

Most tours also include visits to honeybee farms, coconut candy workshops, or rice paper-making spots, yes, they’re a bit curated for tourists, but still interesting and totally part of the experience. Along the way, you’ll likely pass small countryside pagodas nestled in the rice fields, offering a glimpse into the spiritual side of Delta life.

Some tours even squeeze in a visit to Vinh Trang Pagoda, one of the region’s most iconic temples with its giant reclining Buddha and peaceful gardens.

Hop On a Sightseeing Bus and Explore the City with Ease

I usually avoid these hop-on, hop-off buses in cities, but in Ho Chi Minh City, they’re surprisingly practical. The streets are hectic, the sidewalks aren’t always walkable, and the landmarks are spread out.

This double-decker ride gives you a breezy overview of the city without needing to dodge scooters or decode Grab fares every five minutes.

It’s also one of the best ways to get your bearings, especially if you only have a day or two. You’ll pass everything from the Saigon Opera House to the post office, and the rooftop seating is perfect for quick photos without having to elbow your way through a crowd.

Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

This one’s not in the city center, you’ll need to book a half-day or full-day tour, but it’s an iconic experience for anyone visiting Ho Chi Minh City. The Cu Chi Tunnels are a preserved section of the vast underground network that Vietnamese soldiers used during the war.

You’ll learn how people lived, cooked, and moved underground, and yes, you can crawl through some of the tunnels yourself. They’ve been slightly widened for tourists, but they’re still claustrophobic enough to give you a solid dose of perspective.

Tip: If you’re even mildly claustrophobic like myself, maybe peek inside and leave the crawling to someone else.

Step inside the Jade Emperor Pagoda

One of my favorite temples in the city, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is moody, smoky, and a little mysterious in the best way.

Built by the Cantonese community in the early 1900s, it’s filled with wood carvings, deities, and the ever-present scent of incense swirling through the air.

You won’t need more than 20–30 minutes here, but it’s a meaningful contrast to the hyper-modern skyline not far away. Just be respectful when taking photos; this is still an active place of worship.

Catch the view from the Bitexco Tower Skydeck

Let’s be honest, it’s not the tallest tower in the world, but it still delivers a killer view.

The Bitexco Financial Tower stands out with its helipad jutting out like a futuristic tongue, and from the Skydeck, you’ll get a full panorama of the city’s organized chaos.

Go at golden hour for the best shots and a more forgiving heat index. Pro tip: skip the café inside and opt for a post-view drink at one of the nearby rooftop bars instead.

Stroll down Nguyen Hue Walking Street at Sunset

Nguyen Hue Walking Street is the city’s buzzing pedestrian promenade, flanked by grand colonial buildings, luxe hotels, and the occasional water fountain show.

Come sunset, the whole place comes alive, street performers, couples on dates, teens with skateboards, and photographers chasing golden hour.

What I love about this stretch is that it gives you the full Saigon flavor in one straight shot.

You’ll pass by the iconic Ho Chi Minh statue, floral displays, and if you’re lucky, a local dance crew practicing their next TikTok (or just showing off).

Eat your way through a Ho Chi Minh City Scooter Food Tour

The best way to eat in this city? Hop on the back of a scooter with a local guide and dive headfirst into its chaotic, flavor-packed food scene.

A scooter food tour will take you through hidden alleys and night markets to taste local favorites like banh xeo (Vietnamese crepes), com tam (broken rice), and sizzling street-side BBQ.

It’s not just about the food, it’s about the full-throttle energy of seeing Ho Chi Minh City the way locals live it: fast, flavorful, and full of surprises.

Sip Vietnamese Iced Coffee at The Workshop

Vietnamese iced coffee (ca phe sua da) is a cultural institution, and there’s no better place to enjoy one than

The Workshop is tucked inside a French colonial building, this stylish coffee lab is where industrial chic meets serious caffeine.

Their baristas know their beans, and the vibe is perfect for either cooling off or diving into some people-watching.

Whether you’re a coffee snob or just need a mid-morning kick, this is where to get it.

Join a Guided City Tour to get your bearings fast

Ho Chi Minh City is a sensory overload in the best way, and a guided city tour helps you make sense of it all.

You’ll hit all the highlights like the War Remnants Museum, Reunification Palace, and major temples, all while soaking up the city’s fast-paced rhythm.

For first-time visitors, it’s a no-brainer. You get the history, the context, and a shortcut to understanding this beautifully chaotic place.

Snap photos of the bright pink Tan Dinh Church

Yes, it’s that pink. Tan Dinh Church resembles someone taking a regular Catholic church and dipping it in strawberry milk. It’s bold, beautiful, and totally Instagram bait.

But beyond the bubblegum façade, it’s also one of the oldest churches in the city, dating back to the late 1800s. Whether you’re religious or not, the aesthetic punch alone makes it worth a visit (and a dozen photos).

After snapping your shots, take a short stroll to the small park nearby, where locals often gather for early morning stretches or afternoon chats.

Right across the street, you’ll also find the Tan Dinh Market, a lively local spot that’s packed with everything from textiles and produce to bánh mì stalls and cheap iced coffee.

It’s one of those classic Saigon contrasts: a candy-colored cathedral, a buzzing market, and daily life unfolding all around. Don’t just stop for the photo, take some time to explore the neighborhood too.

Wander the 42 Nguyen Hue apartment block

This crumbling, post-war-era apartment building has been reimagined into one of the coolest vertical hangouts in the city.

Each unit now houses quirky cafés, indie boutiques, or rooftop lounges.

Start from the bottom and work your way up, each floor is a new discovery, and the views from the higher balconies are worth the climb (or elevator wait).

Experience the chaos and charm of Bui Vien Street nightlife

Some love it, some run from it. But no first-timer should skip Bui Vien Street, the backpacker nightlife hub of Ho Chi Minh City.

It’s loud, it’s messy, it’s neon-soaked, and it’s undeniably fun. Grab a cheap beer, dodge the occasional fire breather, and soak up the absurdity. Just don’t expect a quiet night

TIP: Watch out for pickpockets on this street, especially during the night

Unwind by the fountains at Turtle Lake

In the heart of District 3, Turtle Lake is this oddly peaceful traffic circle that somehow manages to be a hangout spot.

Locals come here to chill, snack on street food, or chat with friends by the glowing fountains.

It’s also a great spot for night photos and people-watching. A little chaotic, a little calm, just like the city itself.

Explore the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Post Office

You can’t miss this duo. The Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon and the Central Post Office are located right across from each other, offering a crash course in French colonial architecture.

Snap the red brick church (built with bricks shipped from Marseille), then head into the post office to admire its vaulted ceilings and old-school charm. You might even spot a few locals actually mailing things.

Browse and people-watch on Book Street in District 1

Just steps from the Cathedral and Central Post Office, Nguyen Van Binh Book Street is one of the most pleasant little corners in District 1. Rows of open-air bookshops, colorful cafés, and shaded benches perfect for people-watching flank the tree-lined pedestrian lane.

Even if you’re not there to shop, it’s a refreshing spot to slow down after sightseeing in the area. Grab a drink, flip through a local magazine, or enjoy the quiet in a city that rarely slows down.

There’s often a local art exhibit or photography show running too, which adds another layer of charm. If you’re like me, you’ll end up staying longer than planned. It’s just that kind of spot.

Watch a show at the Saigon Opera House

A night at the opera house isn’t just about music, it’s about soaking up a stunning slice of culture in one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.

The architecture is straight out of 19th-century Paris, and the shows range from ballets to modern Vietnamese acrobatics.

Even if you don’t usually do the theater thing, this one’s worth it for the setting alone.

Get a local bowl of Pho that blows tourist spots away

Skip the generic spots with laminated menus and plastic chairs. The best pho in Ho Chi Minh City is often tucked into side streets with names you’ll forget and flavors you never will.

Saigon-style pho tends to be sweeter and more herb-forward compared to its northern cousin. While Hanoi pho, the original pho, is more intense with broth flavour, it is served without toppings on the side.

Ask locals, wander away from the big roads, and look for a steaming pot and a full table of old Vietnamese men, that’s your sign. A good bowl of pho here will ruin you for pho anywhere else.

By the way, the location in the photo is here if you’re wondering. I’d recommend the pho there; it’s also Michelin-approved!

Take in the Riverside charm of Thao Dien

Thao Dien in District 2 is where expats, creatives, and digital nomads gather. It’s quieter than downtown, with leafy streets, chill cafés, and riverfront views.

Spend an afternoon browsing boutique shops, sipping on craft cocktails, or just sitting by the water watching the boats go by. It’s like a small-town escape inside the city.

The area also offers a few different rooftop bars with excellent views of the entire city skyline!

Explore Chinatown in District 5’s Cho Lon Market

Massive, colorful, and packed with history, Cho Lon is Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown. This area dates back hundreds of years and still buzzes with traditional medicine shops, ornate temples, and enough market chaos to keep you wandering for hours.

Make time for the Binh Tay Market, admire the intricate Taoist pagodas, and definitely come hungry.

The dim sum and street snacks here are flavorful, authentic, and a far cry from the watered-down versions you’ll find elsewhere. It’s the kind of place where getting lost down a side street might just lead to your best meal in the city.

Getting Around Ho Chi Minh City

Scooters everywhere, sidewalk traffic jams, and crosswalks that feel more like vague suggestions, welcome to Ho Chi Minh City. At first glance, the sheer pace and unpredictability can be intimidating, especially if it’s your first time in Southeast Asia.

But here’s the thing: this city has rhythm. Once you understand how it flows, where to walk, how to ride, and when just to stay put, it all starts to make sense.

You don’t need to master Vietnamese, and you don’t need a rental car. Most of the time, getting around is surprisingly efficient and even fun.

Just a heads up though, sidewalks aren’t sacred here. Don’t be surprised if scooters hop onto them during traffic jams to cut through the gridlock.

I’ve had plenty of near brushes and more than a few startled steps. So keep your head up, watch your step, and never assume the sidewalk is yours alone.

Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, these are the best (and most realistic) ways to move around the city with ease.

• Airport Transfers: It’s best to book a private airport transfer to avoid scams and arrival chaos. Grab is a solid backup option, just head to the ride-hailing pickup zone outside the terminal.

• Walking: Certain areas, such as District 1 and Turtle Lake, are walkable in short bursts, especially around major attractions. Be aware that sidewalks often serve as scooter parking or makeshift cafes.

• Grab (Car or Scooter): The go-to app for locals and travelers. Grab works seamlessly in HCMC, whether you need a motorbike taxi or full car ride. I personally use it constantly, It’s quick, cheap, and saves you from negotiating prices.

• Taxis: Stick to Vinasun or Mai Linh only. Always check the meter, and avoid unmarked taxis or ones hovering near tourist spots. Overcharging is common if you’re not careful.

• Ho Chi Minh City Metro: As of 2024, Line 1 of the city’s long-awaited metro is finally open. It connects central District 1 to the northeast suburbs (including Suoi Tien Theme Park). It’s a game-changer for avoiding road traffic, just note that coverage is still limited while more lines are being developed.

• Buses: Ultra-budget but not tourist-friendly. Routes can be confusing and signage minimal. Skip unless you’re staying long-term or feeling adventurous.

• Motorbike Rentals: Fun but risky. Ho Chi Minh traffic is chaotic, and riding here isn’t for the faint of heart. Only rent if you’re experienced riding in Southeast Asia.

• Crossing the Street: Yes, it deserves its own bullet. The trick is slow and steady; don’t run or panic. Walk with purpose and let the scooters weave around you. It’s chaos, but controlled chaos.

What to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: Final Thoughts

Whether it’s your first visit or your fifth, Ho Chi Minh City has that perfect mix of history, energy, and delicious unpredictability that keeps you coming back.

The real magic here isn’t just ticking off famous attractions, it’s embracing the rhythm of the city.

One moment you’re sipping iced coffee in a quiet courtyard, and the next you’re dodging scooters on your way to a hidden rooftop bar. That contrast is what makes this place unforgettable.

From chaotic markets and peaceful temples to food tours on scooters and river cruises in the Mekong Delta, there’s no shortage of incredible experiences. If you’re headed north after your visit, I highly recommend making time for a few days in Hanoi, it offers a totally different pace and vibe.

And if you’re heading south or looking for some beach downtime, Da Nang is a great addition to your Vietnam itinerary, especially if you’re craving sea views without the crowds of other coastal cities.

Whatever your plans, Ho Chi Minh City will leave a mark. It always does when I visit!