Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a lively destination filled with history, culture, and delicious food. Exploring the city on a scooter, learning about its rich past at historical sites, or trying Vietnamese food, there’s something for every traveler! Read this guide to discover some of the interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Pro Tip: Check out our Siem Reap things to do here!
1. Explore the City via Scooter
Riding a scooter is one of the best ways to experience the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City. It’s how locals get around, offering an exciting way to see the city up close. You can join a scooter tour and let a local guide navigate while you enjoy the ride!
2. Eat Bun Bo Hue
If you’re a foodie, you can’t visit Ho Chi Minh City without trying Bun Bo Hue, a flavorful Vietnamese dish packed with beef, lemongrass, and spicy broth. A must-try for anyone who loves bold flavors and authentic cuisine!
3. Visit the Nuen Tentat Apartments
These old apartments are full of character and history, giving you a peek into what life in Saigon used to be like!
4. Join a Sightseeing Bus Tour
This sightseeing bus tour lets you visit some of the city’s most famous spots without the hassle of commuting. You can get off at any stop, explore places like Notre Dame Cathedral, the War Remnants Museum, Ben Thanh Market, and the Opera House, then hop back on when you’re ready to see more. You can book this tour + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
5. Eat Banh Mi
Banh Mi is a world-famous Vietnamese sandwich that combines a crispy baguette with a mix of meats, pickled vegetables, and special sauces. You’ll find plenty of street vendors selling this tasty snack all over the city, each with its own unique twist!
6. Eat Banana Sticky Rice
For a sweet treat, try banana sticky rice, a traditional Vietnamese dessert made of glutinous rice, coconut milk, and ripe bananas.
7. Visit the Cu Chi Tunnels
The Cu Chi Tunnels are an essential stop for history lovers. You can even crawl through a section of the tunnels to experience the conditions firsthand. Book this tour + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
8. Join a Street Food Tour
This street food tour is guided by locals, and you’ll get to try a variety of authentic Vietnamese flavors, from sizzling grilled meats to fresh spring rolls and refreshing sugarcane juice. You can book this street food tour here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
9. Join the Mekong Delta Tour
A Mekong Delta tour takes you beyond the city and into the lush countryside. You’ll cruise along the river, visit local villages, and witness the floating markets where vendors sell everything from fresh fruits and coconut candies to handmade goods. Book this tour + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
10. Visit the Vinh Trang Pagoda
Located in the Mekong Delta region, Vinh Trang Pagoda is a stunning Buddhist temple famous for its giant Happy Buddha statue.
11. Join a Vietnamese Coffee Class
If you love coffee, this experience is a must-try! You’ll brew Vietnamese coffee in different ways, learn about its cultural significance, and hear the stories of local farmers through videos. You can book this activity here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
12. Visit the War Remnants Museum
The War Remnants Museum is a powerful and emotional museum that provides deep insights into Vietnam’s war history. Book your tickets here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
13. Explore Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is a must-visit for those who love shopping and street food. You’ll find everything from local handicrafts and souvenirs to traditional Vietnamese dishes at this bustling market.
14. Visit Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon is a stunning example of French colonial architecture. This cathedral is a landmark in the heart of the city and is a great place to take photos and admire historical design.
15. Watch a Puppet Show
Enjoy a Vietnamese water puppet show, where wooden puppets glide on water, bringing stories to life with traditional music. After the show, relax on a dinner cruise, savoring delicious food on a wooden boat while admiring the sparkling Ho Chi Minh City skyline. Book this activity here + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
16. Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
One of the most beautiful and significant temples in Ho Chi Minh City, the Jade Emperor Pagoda is known for its intricate carvings, statues, and spiritual significance.
17. Join an Instagram Half-day Tour
Explore the city’s most photogenic spots in just three hours! In this tour, you’ll visit landmarks like the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Post Office, learn fascinating stories from your guide, and capture the best photo angles. Book this tour + use my code TRAVELFORPHOEBEKLOOK for a discount!
With so many things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll never run out of places to explore and memories to make in this part of Vietnam!
And if you’re looking for more exciting adventures in Southeast Asia, I highly recommend this tour I joined. It was well organized, so I could fully enjoy the experience without stressing over the details. Check it out here!