Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) is Vietnam’s largest and busiest metropolis. A vibrant mix of culture, history, street food, and skyscrapers, it’s a place where every traveler can find something exciting. This guide, Jellyfish will walk you through the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh, so you won’t miss out on the most unforgettable experiences.
1. Visit the war remnants museum: Confront the past
One of the most powerful museums in Southeast Asia, the War Remnants Museum offers an unflinching look at the Vietnam War and its aftermath from the Vietnamese perspective.
Why you should go:
- See real military aircraft, tanks, and bomb fragments
- Explore photo exhibitions by war journalists from around the world
- Learn about the impact of Agent Orange and global peace efforts
Visitor tips:
- Go early in the morning to avoid the crowds
- Set aside at least 1.5 to 2 hours for a complete visit
- Some content may be emotionally heavy be prepared
This museum offers a sobering reminder of the country’s past and is a must among the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh if you want a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s resilience.
2. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels: Step into a soldier’s world
Located about 60-70km northwest of the city center, the Cu Chi Tunnels are part of an intricate underground network used by Viet Cong soldiers during the war.
Why it’s worth it:
- Crawl through tunnels used for hiding, transporting supplies, and setting traps
- See booby traps, bomb craters, and reconstructed bunkers
- Learn survival tactics in the jungle
How to visit:
- Book a half-day tour through a trusted travel agency
- Choose early morning departures to avoid the midday heat
- Combine it with a Mekong Delta tour for a full day trip
This experience gives you an immersive glimpse into wartime ingenuity and determination.
3. Dive into chaos at Ben Thanh market
A quintessential Saigon experience, Ben Thanh Market is loud, crowded, colorful — and fascinating. This is where you’ll find souvenirs, local foods, textiles, and traditional Vietnamese goods all in one place.
What to do there:
- Shop for handicrafts, T-shirts, spices, and dried fruits
- Taste dishes like bánh xèo, gỏi cuốn, and chè at the food court
- Practice your bargaining skills
Pro tip:
Go in the late afternoon (around 4–5 PM) when stalls begin setting up for the night market.
This market might feel overwhelming at first, but it offers a real slice of daily life in the city and ranks high among the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh for shopping lovers.
4. Admire colonial beauty at Notre-Dame Cathedral & Central Post Office
Situated in District 1, these two iconic French colonial structures stand as reminders of Saigon’s historical connection with France.
What to see:
- Notre-Dame Cathedral: Built with bricks imported from Marseille
- Central Post Office: Designed by Gustave Eiffel with stunning interior arches
What to do:
- Send a postcard from the functioning post office
- Snap photos with the contrasting background of colonial and modern Saigon
These landmarks are central to Saigon’s identity and offer excellent photography opportunities.
5. Take a guided street food tour (preferably by motorbike)
No visit to Ho Chi Minh City is complete without diving headfirst into its street food culture. And the best way? On the back of a motorbike with a local guide.
Why this is a must:
- Taste authentic dishes that you won’t find in tourist areas
- Learn about local ingredients and regional cooking styles
- Experience local life after dark through lively alleyways and roadside eateries
What to eat:
- Cơm tấm (broken rice with grilled pork)
- Bánh tráng nướng (“Vietnamese pizza”)
- Hột vịt lộn (fertilized duck egg, for the brave!)
Tip: Choose a reputable operator that prioritizes hygiene and small group sizes.
This is hands-down one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh for foodies.
6. Watch sunset from Bitexco Tower or Landmark 81
If you want to see just how far Saigon has come, head up to one of its skyscrapers.
Two great options:
- Bitexco Skydeck (262m): A helicopter pad-shaped deck with a full view of the Saigon River
- Landmark 81 (461m): Currently the tallest building in Vietnam, with an observation deck and high-end shopping
Why it’s worth it:
- Stunning views at sunset or night
- Sip a cocktail at a rooftop bar like EON51 or Blank Lounge
- Escape the street noise and take in Saigon from above
7. Take a day trip to the Mekong Delta
Just a 2-hour drive from the city, the Mekong Delta feels like a different world — a slower, more peaceful countryside filled with boats, canals, and fruit orchards.
Things to experience:
- Boat ride through narrow palm-lined canals
- Visit a local home for tea, music, and snacks
- Taste exotic fruits like dragon fruit, rambutan, and durian
Tip: Avoid the large group tours and opt for smaller, eco-friendly operators for a more personal experience.
This escape is a refreshing contrast to the city’s chaos.
8. Unwind at Tao Dan park or 23/9 park
Among the skyscrapers and noise, these public parks offer calm and community.
Why visit:
- Tao Đàn Park: Tree-shaded, with exercise equipment, bonsai trees, and bird song contests
- 23/9 Park: More central and social, perfect for people-watching
Local tip: Visit early morning to see locals doing tai chi, playing badminton, or drinking coffee.
These parks show the softer side of Saigon’s fast-paced lifestyle.
9. Discover hidden cafes in secret alleyways
Behind metal gates and faded buildings lie some of the city’s best cafes — vintage, artsy, and full of surprises.
Where to explore:
- Apartment 42 Nguyễn Huệ: Home to dozens of coffee shops stacked in an old apartment building
- Hẻm 14 Tôn Thất Đạm: Quiet cafés and vintage boutiques
- Phạm Ngũ Lão: Local-style cafes with street views
Why it’s worth it:
- Escape the heat and noise
- Try local drinks like bạc xỉu (Vietnamese milk coffee) or sinh tố bơ (avocado smoothie)
- Meet young artists, students, and creatives
If you’re looking for authentic, everyday Saigon, this is where you’ll find it.
Final Thoughts
From historical war relics to rooftop bars, motorbike food tours to riverside markets Ho Chi Minh City is bursting with experiences. With this guide to the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh, you’re well on your way to seeing, tasting, and feeling the city in all its layered beauty.
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