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Things To Do In Ho Chi Minh City

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Ho Chi Minh City best things to do & tourist guide

Ho Chi Minh City , still commonly known as Saigon, is the heart and soul of Vietnam. It’s a bustling, dynamic and industrious centre, the largest city (9.5 million), the business capital and the cultural trendsetter. The best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City are in the streets, where much of the city’s life takes place, is a myriad of shops, stalls, stands-on-wheels and vendors selling wares spread out on sidewalks.

The city churns, ferments, bubbles and fumes. Yet within the teeming metropolis are the timeless traditions & beauty of centuries old culture. Sights to see in Saigon include the Giac Lam Pagoda, the neo-Romanesque Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Hall, Cholon market and the former War remnants museum, scene of such havoc during the 1975 evacuations.

And, that’s not all, the city is changing rapidly and we back you up for an up to date list of best things to  & travel guide in Ho Chi Minh City, in 2025.

15 Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City: Top Places and Activities

Practical information about Ho Chi Minh City

The heart and soul of Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon / certainly lives up to its reputation as a travel hot spot in Southeast Asia with it’s has funky markets, luxury malls, a painful history & a vibrant nightlife, many fabulous sights and attractions that reflect its unique heritage, here is some useful practical information about Ho Chi Minh City:

Time zone: Vietnam standard Time (ICT), UTC+7

Currency: Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Language: Vietnamese

Best time to go: December to April (dry season)

Visa: Some European, ASEAN will get one on arrival, rest of the world require to apply – Check Vietnam visa requirements

Transportation: Taxis, buses & popular ride-hailing apps to book from

Tipping: Not required, but always appreciated

Wifi: Widely available

Sim cards: Easy to buy, get one on arrival with around 100k -200k VND (5-10 USD)

Best areas to stay: Bui Vien street for backpackers, Thao Dien for expat areas 

Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City?

Learn about Vietnam War through the War Museums & the jungle covered tunnels at Cu Chi
Saigon Cuisine: A Journey through South-Vietnamese Delicacies
Perfect starting point to the beaches in South Vietnam
Gateway to the mighty Mekong River – the world of waterways
Experience chaotic yet charming life on back of motorcycle
Energetic nightlife, get to know the vibrant after-hours activities by locals

22 best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Fasten your seatbelts as Ho Chi Minh City is a metropolis on the move – and we’re not just talking about the motorbikes that throng the streets. Saigon is home to French colonial architecture, host some of the best pagodas in Vietnam at its most dizzying is a place of culture that has driven the whole Vietnam forward with its limitless energy.

1. War Remnant Museum

Opened in 1975, just a few months after the liberation, the War Remnants Museum is one of the most popular attractions & among the top places to see while in Saigon. Laid out in 8 themed rooms are different aspects of the war from imprisonment, to chemical warfare and military might.

Once known as the museum of Chinese & American war crimes. The displays present a one-sided view, many of the most disturbing photographs illustrating US atrocities come from US sources, including those of the infamous My Lai Massacre.
Check outside to see US armored vehicles, artillery pieces, bombs, and infantry weapons. One corner of the grounds features the notorious French and South Vietnamese prisons on Phu Quoc and Con Son Islands. Artifacts include the iconic French guillotine and the notoriously inhumane ‘tiger cages’ used to house Viet Cong prisoners. The ground floor showcases a collection of posters and photographs supporting the international antiwar movement, providing a counterbalance to the horrors presented upstairs.
Some of the exhibits are shockingly gruesome, explicit photos and prisoner cages detail a war-torn history. This is the story of the Vietnam War told from the other side which mixes the atrocities of war with the reality of military hardware.

Practical Info

Address: 28 Vo Van Tan, District 3 Hours: Open daily 7:30am – 12pm(closes for lunch), re-opens 1:30pm – 5pm

The museum of top places to see in Saigon & is still relatively central; walkable from Ben Thanh market – only a couple of blocks behind the Reunification Palace. 

The War Remnants Museum entrance fee: 40,000 VND (about 1,5 USD) for adults and 20,000 VND (<1 USD) for children, students & war veterans.
Visit the War Remnants Museum, District 3

2. Cu Chi Tunnels

The Cu Chi Tunnels are a network of underground passageways that run to more than 120 miles (200 kilometers) in total length in this area alone. Work by the Viet Cong commenced in 1948 as a means of shelter from the French air attacks during the Indochina conflict.
The network provided vital access and strategic control over the large rural area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City; over the following two decades the tunnels became a complex underground city including hospitals, defenses and living quarters. This meant despite all the bombings in the area many of the local people could still continue to live underground. In its prime and at its most impressive the Cu Chi Tunnels stretched from the southern Vietnamese capital all the way to the Cambodian border to the west, and in places was dug to 3 stories deep.
Much of the original tunnel system was destroyed in bombing raids during the 1970s but existing parts have been restored and opened as a poignant and fascinating reminder. Many of the Cu Chi Tunnels vary greatly in size and accessibility allowing a leisurely visit for the curious or a challenging exploration for the more intrepid visitor.

Practical Info

Located approximately 20 mi (30 km) northwest of central Ho Chi Minh City, off the road to Tay Ninh town. Opens daily from 9am to 5pm.

Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fee: 70.000 VND (2.5 USD)
cu chi tunnels

3. Saigon central post office

Few major cities count the post office among their top tourist attractions, but the classic interior of Saigon Central Post Office continues to be a favorite destination among travelers visiting such a landmark in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time.

Completed in 1891, the design of this architectural landmark mimics an old world European railway station with mile-high ceilings, a larger-than-life portrait of Ho Chi Minh and a centrally located clock face. These rich details are what manage to draw even the travelers who arrive with plans to purchase stamps or mail postcards, to pause and soak up the brilliant interior, which includes hand-painted maps of the old city.

Practical Info

The Central Post Office is free to enter & is located near the corner of Nguyen Du and Cong xa Paris, within walking distance from the Cong xa Paris bus stop. It is across the street from Notre Dame Cathedral.

Visit Saigon Central Post Office, District 1

4. Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica

Out of best places to visit, the Gothic twin bell towers of this classic cathedral stretch high into the skyline, marking this as a destination for those looking to escape the buzz of Ho Chi Minh and find some quiet contemplation. Saigon Notre-Dame’s striking red façade and towering stone archways were constructed with materials imported from France in the 1800s. But its unique architecture is not the only draw to this iconic city landmark.

In 2005, visitors reported seeing tears flow from the eyes of a statue of the Virgin Mary here, making it a destination for Catholics on religious pilgrimage.

Practical Info

Free to enter, no entrance ticket is required – Saigon Notre-Dame Basilica (Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral) is located in downtown Ho Chi Minh between Le Duan and Nguyen Du near the Cong xa Paris bus stop. It is a block northeast of the Reunification Palace.

Check-in Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral, District 1

5. Saigon foodie tour with motorbike at night

Street foods are part of the daily life in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City isn’t an exception with food tours offered as an activity, specially at night. There are countless places offer foodie tour, however, the local way says something different. The street foods you eat in Saigon are represents the dishes from all the corners of the country and the best way to experience this unique culture encounter would be to go local and join a “Saigon Street food tour on back of a motorbike” together with a visit to some of the night-markets held every evening in the city.

Saigon foodie tour and night market tour at night

6. Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)

The Reunification Palace is an important site of political & cultural significance, built by the French in 1868 to mark the newly established colony of Indochina.

In 1945, it briefly became the headquarters for the Japanese after their defeat of the French. In 1962, two Vietnamese rebel pilots bombed the palace – the president survived but the palace did not. He commissioned a new one to be built. It was renamed Independence Palace and the design became a Modernist icon.
In 1975 the palace was the symbolic site of the triumphant liberation of Saigon. Vietnam was then reunified; since then the building has been known as Reunification Palace.

Today it is a working government building as well as having areas open to the public as one of the must see tourist attraction & sights in Ho Chi Minh City. Visit the private quarters, the president’s former office and the War Command Room. You get a real sense of what happened here and its importance in Vietnamese history.

Practical Info

Situated in the heart of District 1 , a short walk from Ben Thanh market – follow Le Loi away from the market circle and turn left onto Nam Ky Khoi Nghia.
Address: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street, District 1 Hours: Open daily 7:30am – 11am (closes for lunch), re-opens 1pm – 4pm
The Reunification Palace entrance fee: 65.000 VND for adults, 45.000 VND for university students, and 15.000 VND for kids under 5 years of age.
Visit the Reunification Palace, District 1

7. Jade Emperor Pagoda

Built at the turn of the 20th century and dedicated to the Taoist god, Emperor Jade Chua Ngoc Hoang (or the God of Heavens), the Jade Emperor Pagoda is a working temple that’s widely considered to be one of the finest and most atmospheric sights to see in Ho Chi Minh City.

Beneath a roof adorned with elaborate depictions of dragons, birds, and animals, this fascinating pagoda is filled with exquisite gilt woodcarvings and reinforced papier maché statues of various Buddhist and Taoist deities.
The statue of the Jade Emperor, shrouded in robes and flanked by his guardians, resides in the dramatically named Chamber of 10 Hells. Out the door and to the left of this main chamber is a semi-­enclosed room presided over by Thanh Hoang, the Chief of Hell, sitting alongside his red horse, while the Goddess of Mercy, Kuan Yin, an important part of any Taoist temple, has an altar on the top floor.

To the right of the tree­lined courtyard in front of the temple grounds is an overcrowded tortoise pond, earning the temple its nickname, Tortoise Pagoda. Learn more about Religions in Vietnam

Practical Info

Jade emperor pagoda is opens daily from 7am-­6pm and located at the address: 73 Mai Thi Luu, District 1, Ho Chi Minh. There is no entrance fee, however, donation is appreciated and visitor are advised to dress modest.
jade emperor pagoda

8. Ben Thanh Market

Definitely among the tp 10 things to do – if shopping is in the list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, then, the most central of all, teeming Ben Thanh Market and its surrounding streets comprise one of the city’s liveliest areas.

Let the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City lift you up and carry you through this network of colorful bustling activity. Cho Ben Thanh, or Ben Thanh Market, comes alive every evening with a thrum of tireless energy that never ceases to enthrall.
This is the most celebrated and regularly visited of the markets. It is also the most central, located in one of the liveliest parts of the city where the streets and alleyways surrounding the market place fill with food stalls.
At Ben Thanh Market you can expect to find almost everything that the locals might need in their day to day lives: from fresh meats and vegetables to clothes, domestic items, pots, woven baskets and bamboo ladders. This is a feast for the senses.Take in the sounds: the excited chatter of shoppers and the pitch of vendors’ voices rising into the steaming night.
Breathe in the sweet spiced air – chili, tamarind, ginger – and witness the bright array of colors from exotic fruits to beautiful silks. Try the food stalls for authentic dishes at local prices. This is a rich experience at the beating heart of the city, equally exciting for shoppers and spectators.

Practical Info

Easy to find in the heart of District 1 where Le Loi, Tran Hung Dao and Le Lai converge at the central roundabout.

Address: Cnr Le Loi, Trang Hung Dao, Le Lai – Hours: Open daily. Comes alive around late afternoon/sunset, wraps up in late evening – Admission: Free to enter the Ben Thanh Market.

Ben thanh market shopping place

9. Saigon Opera House

Known as Ho Chi Minh City Theater (Nhà Hát Thành Phố Hồ Chí Minh), is a landmark piece of French colonial architecture. Here is where east meets west at this stunning example of French Colonial architecture in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The gleaming white municipal theater, which is home the Ho Chi Minh City Ballet and Symphony Orchestra, was built in 1897.

Its well-lit façade casts a brilliant glow on nearby city streets. Visitors can file into the 1,800 seat theater to catch regular dress rehearsals, or buy a ticket for one of the weekly cultural shows the theater is known for. On weekends, free public performances take place on the opera house steps and the nearby park offers travelers a perfect spot to stop and enjoy the music.

Practical Info

The Saigon Opera House is located at, address: 7 Lam Son Square in the Ben Nghe Ward of District 1 within walking distance of the 101 Hai Ba Trung bus top. The Opera House is an easy walk from the Post Office and Notre Dame. 

saigon opera house

10. Mekong River Delta [Day Tours & Activity]

The Mekong Delta is a top peak for tours and activities from Ho Chi Minh City. It covers an area of approximately 15,000 square miles (40,000 square kilometers) to the west of Ho Chi Minh City. The Mekong Delta is where the mighty Mekong river completes its 2,700 mile (4,300 km) journey from the Tibetan plateau and empties its riches into the South China Sea.
This is an area of lush, tropical and fertile lands. It is often referred to as the ‘rice bowl’ of Vietnam due its huge production of rice crop. Vegetables, exotic fruits (coconuts, mangoes, rambutan) and fishing also feature prominently here. Life in the delta revolves around the river, and as such this is the only real way to view and understand it. See its many waterways, communities and cottage industries that are so vital to the way of living here including the thriving local floating markets.
The area is rich in lush green vegetation and the pace of life is relaxing, the setting natural and serene. This makes for a great break away from the hustle of the city and an insight into local life.

Practical Info

The Mekong Delta officially starts about 60 miles (100 kilometers) to the west and south of Ho Chi Minh City. The floating markets on the delta are really in full-flow early morning. A long day on the river can be hot and unshaded, even with refreshment stops – so take precautions!
mekong river delta

11. Chợ Lớn (Saigon Chinatown)

Cholon, Saigon’s Chinatown district, dominates the west bank of the city, boasting the attractions of Quan Am Pagoda, Thien Hau Temple, Binh Tay Market and numerous teahouses. Visit this long-established Chinese community (the largest of its kind in Vietnam) and soak up the fascinating culture, architecture and sights.
Quan Am Pagoda – a Chinese-style Buddhist temple – features beautiful courtyards, gardens, a pond and a Jade Emperor. At Thien Hau Temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, check the stunning carved porcelain ceiling designs.

Cholon Mosque and Cha Tam – the catholic cathedral – as well as the thriving Binh Tay market also add to the rich texture of this historic community. Check out Saigon Halal foods

Practical Info

Cholon, covering districts 5 & 6, can be reached by boat from the jetty on Saigon river down Ben Nghe channel, or by taxi or bike. Head for Binh Tay Market as a central starting point. From here hire a cyclo by the hour to leisurely cruise Nguyen Trai Road and its nearby streets to Quan Am pagoda and Thien Hau temple as you take in the area’s unique atmosphere.
Cholon’s address: Centered around Nguyen Trai, Districts 5 & 6 – Admission: Free, no ticket required
cholon chinatown

12. Thien Hau Temple

The Cholon neighborhood, Ho Chi Minh City’s Chinatown, is dotted with traditional Chinese-style pagodas and temples, including one of the neighborhood’s most popular places of worship, the Thien Hau Temple. Built by Cantonese immigrants in the early 19th century, this temple honors the goddess of the sea, Thien Hau (more commonly named Mazu).
Located on a busy street, it would be easy to walk right past Thien Hau, but it’s well worth stopping in to see the architecture and interior. On the outside, the temple roof is adorned with delicately worked porcelain figures depicting scenes from Chinese legend. You’ll find even more of these porcelain dioramas on the interior walls of the temple as well.
Before you even step through the exterior gate of the temple, the smells of burning incense should already be apparent. Dozens of huge conical coiled incense hang from the ceiling over the main worship area, permeating the space with a smoky haze and an intense odor.

Practical Info

Thien Hau temple entrance fee: Free to enter. The address: 710 Nguyen Trai, Phuong 11, District 5, Ho Chi Minh city – Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thien Hau Temple in Ho Chi Minh City

13. Saigon skydeck

The high-speed elevator inside the Bitexco Financial Center skyrockets travelers up 49 floors to a glass observation deck ribbed with neon lights that give this city landmark a distinctly club-like vibe.
Travelers say views from Saigon Skydeck are some of the best in Ho Chi Minh, offering a 360-degree bird’s eye view of Ben Thanh Market and Notre Dame Cathedral, among other city icons.

Practical Info

The Saigon Skydeck is located near the corner of Ho Tung Mau and Hai Trieu in the Central Business District. It is on the 49th floor of Bitexco Financial Center and open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 9:30 p.m. Entrance fee / ticket / Admission fee is about 255k VND (USD10)

saigon skydeck

14. Saigon River

As a main water supply, the Saigon River is critically important to the residents of Ho Chi Minh City. Spend a few days in Ho Chi Minh, and you’ll discover it’s a young, modern city on the move. In contrast, cruising along the Saigon River gives you a glimpse of a more rural Vietnam, where life moves at a slower pace, much like it did decades ago.

The best way to experience the river is by plying its waters in a traditional Vietnamese junk boat. Many such tours offer a meal — usually lunch or dinner — along the way. While it’s possible to see the river for the river’s sake, you can also use the river to get to the popular Cu Chi Tunnels used by the Viet Cong to infiltrate the area surrounding Ho Chi Minh City during the Vietnam War.

While the portion of the river seen by most tourists is in southern Vietnam, it actually starts in southeastern Cambodia and flows south over a 140-mile (225-kilometer) distance.

Practical Info

Activities in the Saigonr iver include: Saigon River Dinner Cruise: Buffet, Set Menu.
saigon river

15. Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

Southeast of Ho Chi Minh City, where the Mekong Delta meets the South China Sea, Can Gio Mangrove Reserve is a UNESCO Biosphere reserve. Said to be the “green lungs” of the city, the area is an important natural wetland that attracts numerous bird species like migratory spot-billed pelicans and painted storks, and acts a nursery for many types of fish and marine life like crabs and shrimp.
Boat trips to the reserve include wildlife spotting adventures in Giant Bat Lagoon, a paddling excursion to Rung Sac Guerilla Base, and a stop at Vam Sat Eco Park, where you can visit a crocodile reserve, spot monkeys playing in the trees, and take a hike through the mangroves to spot birds and other wildlife.

Practical Info

Can Gio can be reached by boat or car from Ho Chi Minh City, and tours may stop at a riverside market or Can Gio Museum before venturing into the wilderness of the reserve. Trips include meals, transportation, guides, and entrance fees. Admission and tickets are varies depending on the type of activity you taking.

Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve

16. Giac Lam Pagoda

Giac Lam Pagoda is widely recognized as an important and historic pagoda, the oldest temple in the city. Built in 1744 on an undeveloped area of jungle, it has since been consumed into the west of the city.
Originally thatched, the buildings have undergone significant remodeling at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Historically significant, it is now protected as an official cultural heritage site.
In the main garden stands a famous bodhi tree donated by Sri Lanka to the temple in 1953, in its shade stands a statue of bodhisattva Aralokiteshvara. In the grounds also stands a 32 meter (100 foot) high seven story hexagonal stupa; in total there are over 100 statues to admire.
There is also an eerie and worth seeing funerary chamber with photos and shrines dedicated to former monks of the temple. At the main altar, Buddhists pray for peace and good health. By writing their names and their relatives’ names on paper and sticking it into the grand bell they believe their wishes will be carried when the bell is struck and echoes into heaven.

Practical Info

Usual temple rules apply – respectful clothing, no hats, no smoking – but here shoes are permitted.

Located on Lac Long Quan, to the north of District 5, (not in Cholon area). May be combined with a visit to Cholon but a cyclo or taxi trip would be necessary to reach it.

Giac Lam Pagoda’s Address: 118 Lac Long Quan, Tan Binh, District 5 – Opening hours: daily at sunrise – about 9pm. Closed each lunchtime for midday prayers & chores – Admission, ticket: Free
Giac Lam Pagoda

17. Cao Dai Temple

There are many Cao Dai temples around southern Vietnam but none that compare to this. This stunning example is the most impressive in all senses. Built over a 20-year period and completed in 1956, it is the original…and the best.
Like the Cao Dai religion itself, the building’s architecture marries eastern and western influences. The temple is part-cathedral, part-pagoda, part-mosque, and part-fairytale. Unusual pastel colors are embellished with gold and polished glass, and outside the building is guarded by ornate brightly-colored dragons that are as much fantasy as fearsome.
The interior is equally if not more striking than outside. Swirling Rococo design is complemented by various statues of gods – Jesus Christ, Brahman, Buddha – standing side by side; a vision of peaceful harmony in a once war-torn area.

Practical Info

Situated in the town of Tay Ninh, approximately 60 miles (100 kilometers) northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, the congregation of priests and devotees of the Cao Dai Temple are very welcoming of respectful visitors. Discreet photography is permitted. Uniquely here you are privileged to witness any of the 4 daily worship services making this an unforgettable experience.
Hours: Open daily from dawn to dusk – Ticket, Admission: Free to enter
cao dai temple

18. Cai Be - Floating Markets

Deep in the rice paddies of the Mekong Delta, you can visit the bustling floating river market at Cai Be. The riverfront village is a major hub for the farmers, wholesalers and buyers who congregate here into a raft of produce-laden longtail boats, and the agricultural products bought and sold at this market are distributed throughout the country.

Many vendors specialize in just a handful of fruits of vegetables, which they advertise with samples tied atop wooden poles. You can visit the market as part of a boat tour from nearby Vinh Long. Along the riverbank near the market, you can see a picturesque Catholic cathedral, and it’s worth exploring the village and strolling paths along the area’s numerous side canals.

Practical Info

The boat ride from Vinh Long to the floating market takes about one hour, and you can visit farms and explore island and side branches of the river along the way. It’s a two-hour drive to Vinh Long from Ho Chi Minh City, and morning is the best time to visit the market.
cai be floating market

19. Dong Khoi Street

The colorful cafes and cheap hostels of Pham Ngu Lao Street may attract a budget-friendly crowd, but the well-heeled set know that Dong Khoi Street, with its elite boutiques, French architecture and trendy cafes is the premier commercial center of the city, for things t see and attractions around the area.

Travelers can wander through up-market shops selling silks and other handmade items, or comb through the stocks of high-end luxury brands at more mainstream stores. Visit the polished storefronts and quaint cafes off the hidden side streets for a less touristy vibe, and head to the nearby opera house, Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office to take in some of the city’s most popular sites. All about best places to see in Saigon.

Practical Info

Dong Khoi Street (walking street of Saigon) is easily accessible from the 60, the 58 and the 13 buses.

dong khoi street

20. Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station

One of the many must see places around Saigon and is often included as part of a tour to the nearby Cu Chi Tunnels, Cu Chi Wildlife Rescue Station is a rescue and rehabilitation center for rare wild animals that have been confiscated from illegal animal traders in Ho Chi Minh City.

The types of animals taken in include bears, gibbons, pangolins, cobras, sea turtles, and monitor lizards, among many others. The center is run by local non-governmental organization Wildlife at Risk, and it’s the first multi-species rescue station in the South of Vietnam. Visitors can make arrangements to tour the center, meet many of the animals, and even help with feeding or preparing food for the animals.

Practical Info

To visit the center requires advance notice and a donation of 200,000 VND per person, which goes to food and rehabilitation of the animals. Normal visiting hours are 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4:30 p.m., unless the staff is away on rescue, in which case tours may not always be available.
Address: 1073 Tỉnh lộ 15 An Nhơn Tây – Hours: Daily 7:30am-11:30am & 1pm-4:30pm – Admission: 200,000 VND — This place reported closed

21. Dam Sen Water Park

This is a fun-filled attraction for kids of any age. And I mean ANY age! Dam Sen Water Park is a city oasis in which to escape the tropical heat. The park area is comprised of landscaped gardens as well as the waterslides.
There are plenty of rides both in and out of the water. There is a rollercoaster, several water slides and a wave pool. The great thing is that there are lifeguards on duty, so parents can feel free to lounge in the poolside bamboo chairs under the shade of the palm trees.
Here there is something for everyone, the slides and rides can get excitedly busy whereas away from the play areas there are landscaped gardens with lagoons, pagodas and some bizarre animal sculptures or just areas to relax and enjoy.

Practical Info

An attraction for locals and visitors alike for some water activities in Ho Chi Minh City. At times a place to relax, recharge and revitalize, at times a lively theme park, Dam Sen Water Park offers great value and variety for all.

Best reached by taxi as it’s a fair distance from the city center.

Address: 3 Hoa Binh, District 11 – Opening Hours: Wed – Mon 9am – 6pm. Closed Tuesdays – Admission: Adults (over 160cm) 160.000VND – Kids (below 140cm)100.000 VND – Package ticket from 220 – 300k VND (10-15 USD)

22. Quan Am Pagoda

Travelers can enter into this charming 19th-century Chinese-style Buddhist pagoda via an ornate gatehouse, which leads the way to an impressive courtyard and several altars that make up one of Ho Chi Minh’s most popular pagodas & things to see.

Visitors will find brilliantly colored artwork that pays homage to Thien Hau and Manjusri decorating the altars and hallways of Quan Am. And while travelers agree the traditional pagoda is the main attraction, a nearby garden complete with quiet reflecting pond, rocky landscapes and a covered pavilion offers an equally impressive opportunity to explore.

Practical Info

Quan Am Pagoda is located on Lao Tu Street in Cho Lon in District 5 of Ho Chi Minh. No entrance ticket.

FAQ: Ho Chi Minh City

Saigon is a name conjures up a thousand jumbled images, besides popular things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, skip the touristy things and wander through timeless alleys to ancient pagodas or teeming local markets, past ramshackle wooden shops selling silk, spices and baskets, before fast-forwarding modernity into the future beneath sleek skyscrapers or at designer malls, gourmet restaurants and unusual minimalist bars.

3-4 days is the answer, however, how Many Days to Spend in Ho Chi Minh City is greatly depends on your travel plan – The city’s home to great sights, things to do, and where all the untold story of Vietnam war begins. Generally, you could experience all the treasures in just a 3 days at minimum.

If you extend your stay to 4-5 days, you could head to experience Cu Chi, Mekong and probably Vung Tau for a beach fun. Make sure to check out → Vietnam 4 weeks travel itinerary

ATM’s are just around any corners and everywhere – to withdraw, the best banks are Vietcombank, BIDV, Techombank & VPBank – the ATM’s withdraw fees are vary from bank to bank, but usually around 30 – 50k VND.

The money exchanges are also available through the banks, but usually both local sand tourists refer to Ben Thanh Market for money exchange tat tends to have better rates than banks. Check out Vietnamese Money & ATM

Festivals & local events taking place in Ho Chi Minh City including Tet New Year which occurs the first day of the first lunar month. Nguyen Hue Flower Festival together with Dan Spring Flowers Festival, also during Tet. Southern fruit festival and also few others including events at local pagodas.

Basically, Ho Chi Minh City along with the southern Vietnam has two seasons: the wet (May to November, wettest from June to September) and the dry (December to April). The hottest and most humid time is from the end of February to May. Check out Weather in Ho Chi Minh City

  • February: with little or no rain, with the lowest humidity – this is the time city is celebrating the lunar new year.
  • March: Most of the days with clear sky, some rain during the late hours and almost no humidity.
  • December: Dry month for Ho Chi Minh City with temperature start to drop.
Budget travellers tend to congregate around Pham Ngu Lao St & the backpacker street of Bui Vien. Mid-range upmarket hotels concentrated around Dong Khoi St at the eastern side of District one – Almost all the 5 star international hotels such as Rex, Park Hyatt, InterContinental, Renaissance, Le Meridien and few other along with a handful of 3-4 star hotels are all located within this area.
Regardless of the category of a hotel you’re looking for, we advice you to stay in District 1 from where you an access to most tourist sights and best things to do and also, if you’re booking a tour to Mekong & or Cu Chi, the pick up would be anywhere within the district 1 and Bui Vien.
If you travel for food, the Ho Chi Minh City is the food capital of Vietnam with no doubt. The local foods are something for everyone. Saigon food & drinking scenes offer best of all regional foods from north and Hanoi to center and Danang.
Everywhere you look while walking around Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll be tempted by something delicious – whether a famous Com tam, Beef noodle soup (Bun bo), Saigon sandwich (Banh mi) or a wide selection of seafood BBQ in the streets.
There are both local foods and fine dining with International cuisine.

Tan Son Nhat International Airport in Ho Chi Minh City runs several daily flights to Hanoi, Danang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc and other major cities in Vietnam. Vietnam Airline, the national career operate all the routes. Other airlines too.

In addition, International flights In & Out of Vietnam operates between Asia, Europe, USA and Australia. Daily flights to Bangkok, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur and other routes are available to book from.
There are an extensive bus services connect Ho Chi Minh City to Mekong, Dalat & Nha Trang, Muine, Hoi An, Danang and cities in central highlands. The cheapest option is to book the overnight buses and again, the pick up usually place in and around district 1. The 7 hours bus to Dalat costs around USD10 and to Nha Trang with USD15 for 9 hours ride. Book them in advance through your hotel and or any of those small travel agent in the city.
Also, there are regular, fast and affordable Limousine services (16 seat comfy mini-buses), with very comfortable seats, good service run between Ho Chi Minh City to cities in Mekong and Vung Tau.
Trains from Saigon train station in Nguyen Thong, District 3; serve coastal cities to the north of HCMC. Purchase tickets from Saigon Railways Tourist Services, to avoid any commission, or from most travel agents for a small fee.
There is a daily train travels to Danang – Also, the train from Saigon to Hanoi takes around 35 hours to cross the 1,740 Kilometers. There are 4 trains including SE2, SE4, SE6 and SE8 (which belong to Reunification Express train) on this route. They depart daily and take about 33 to 36 hours (From Saigon to Hanoi).
Walking, rent a private car, or book a tour, or just take a taxi. Most of the things to do & tourist sights are in the center of Ho Chi Minh City (District 1). Walking could be a great way to do both sightseeing and see around.
To arrange car or book a tour, check with almost every hotel, tourist agencies, or travel counter around the district 1. Remember, the rental also includes a driver because foreigners cannot drive in Vietnam without a Vietnamese driver’s license. If you book a tour, that includes a private car, guide and a driver with reasonable price.
Taxis are available 24 hours a day, use Mai Linh, or Vinasun Taxi, or consider Grab (Works similar to Uber), Taxis with meters drive through the streets, with a price of around 12,000 VND for the first kilometer. Expect to pay approximately 25,000 VND (about $1) for a trip from Reunification palace to Pham Ngu Lao& backpacker street.
In the evening, enjoy Nguyen Hue Street, HCMC’s most popular walking area. The grand French-colonial Ho Chi Minh City Hall provides a stunning backdrop, especially when illuminated at night, with the beloved statue of Ho Chi Minh in front.
On weekend nights, the 670-meter Nguyen Hue Street turns pedestrian-only, bustling with street food, souvenir stalls, vendors, and live music. Visit the Apartment Café Building, a nine-story tower with cafés, shops, boutiques, and speakeasy bars. During Tet (Lunar New Year), Nguyen Hue transforms into ‘Flower Street’ with vibrant, colorful flowers.

What to do in Ho Chi Minh City in 3 days

The Ho Chi Minh City’s experience is about so many things to do, 3 days, 4 days, or even 7 days itineraries would keep you you busy. The city offers locals and tourists an abundance of fascinating museums, historical sites, lively neighborhoods, fantastic restaurants, and more coffee shops and cocktail bars than you can count. A 3 days itinerary could well cover all the best things to do including tourist attractions & day trips.

Day 1: Explore Saigon city center

Start a 3-day itinerary in Ho Chi Minh City with a Vietnamese coffee at one of the city’s many cafés. Try Cà Phê Sữa đá, an iced coffee with condensed milk. Then, visit the Notre-Dame Cathedral, a stunning example of French colonial architecture built between 1877 and 1883, featuring imported red bricks and beautiful stained-glass windows.

Next, explore the Saigon Central Post Office, designed by Gustave Eiffel and built between 1886-1891. Afterward, head to Ben Nghe Street Food Market to sample must-try Vietnamese dishes, including the iconic noodle soup, Phở.

Places / Sights to see in the afternoon

In the afternoon, head to visit the War Museum. This powerful museum offers deep insights into the impact of the American/Vietnamese war. The museum, housed in a large three-story building. Allocate at least two hours to explore it fully.

Next, visit the nearby Independence Palace, the former residence of the President of South Vietnam. This museum documents life during the war and the dramatic moment in 1975 when a North Vietnamese tank breached its gates, signaling the war’s end.

Day 2: Excursion to Cu Chi Tunnels

You can’t miss this day on a Ho Chi Minh City itinerary, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels, a vast network of underground passages used by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War.

During a visit, take a guided tour to learn about the soldiers’ weapons, traps, and tactics. You’ll even have the chance to crawl through some of the narrow tunnels. Be prepared for tight spaces; claustrophobia might be a challenge!

Afternoon: Local food, beer and evening fun

The afternoon hours of the day 2 should be spend on local things to do – dive into a Bánh Mì crawl around the Bùng Binh Phù Đổng roundabout. Start at Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa for a generous baguette packed with cold cuts, perfect for sharing or saving for later. Then, visit Bánh Mì Hồng Hoa for a roast pork sandwich with crispy crackling. If you’re still hungry, head to Bánh Mì 37 for a tasty sandwich with juicy pork patties and a special sauce.
Next, explore the vibrant Bui Vien Street in District 1 for a taste of nightlife in Saigon. This bustling area offers cafés, bars, restaurants, street vendors, and clubs. Enjoy a locally brewed Bia hơi beer on a tiny stool or, for a more upscale experience, try Firkin Bar for expertly crafted cocktails and whiskey.

Mekong Delta in the morning of Day 3

Today, drive toward the Mekong. cruise on the mighty river. This area is known as the ‘Rice Basket of Vietnam’, the rich and fertile lands producing huge amounts of rice, coconuts, vegetables & tropical fruits. Paddle through the maze of palm-lined canals, getting a glimpse of daily life & enjoy a typical Mekong lunch.
After a busy few days in Ho Chi Minh City, spend the last afternoon & evening relaxing. Enjoy a café, buy souvenirs at Ben Thanh Market or head to Saigon River for a sunset cruise with dinner & live music.

The Explore blog

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