Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, is a bustling and vibrant metropolis in southern Vietnam. With its rich history, diverse culture, and delicious cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this city.

From exploring historic landmarks and museums to indulging in street food and shopping, there’s something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top 5 things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City to help you make the most of your visit.

1. Admire the Notre Dame Cathedral

The French-built Notre Dame Cathedral, a striking red brick structure constructed between 1877 and 1883, boasts two towering spires that stand nearly 58 meters (190 feet) tall. The neon-lit statue of the Virgin Mary adds to its grandeur. While still a functioning religious site, the cathedral is also a popular tourist spot. It gained international attention in 2005 when a teardrop was said to have fallen from the Virgin Mary statue. However, visitors should note that the Notre Dame Cathedral is closed for renovations until 2023.

2. See the Cao Dai Holy See Temple

The Caodaism religion, which combines Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism, is less than a century old. This ornate and colorful Cao Dai temple is its main temple, featuring a giant globe behind the main altar with the religion’s “divine eye” symbol. Admission is free, but visitors must follow certain rules, such as entering through the side door, removing their shoes, and using separate doors for men and women. Many visitors combine a visit to the temple with an excursion to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

3. Crawl through the Cu Chi Tunnels

Visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels offers an opportunity to explore the vast network of narrow tunnels that were utilized by the Viet Cong during the Vietnam War to fight against American soldiers. Tourists can walk through over 100 meters of tunnels, gaining a sense of how the Vietnamese defended their country against a stronger force. It’s an intense and humbling experience, and those who are claustrophobic may want to avoid it. Expect to pay around 350,000 VND for a tour.

4. Ascend the Saigon Skydeck

If you want a complete view of the city, the Saigon Skydeck is the place to go. As one of the country’s tallest buildings, it offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the city from its observation deck on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower. Admission is 200,000 VND, which includes a bottle of water, and the deck is open daily from 9:30 am – 9:30 pm. Just make sure to check the weather forecast beforehand, and consider visiting at night to see the city in all its illuminated glory.

5. Take a food tour

If you’re a food lover, exploring Ho Chi Minh’s foodie neighborhoods is a must-do activity. One of the best ways to do this is by taking a tour with Street Food Adventure Tours. They offer a wide variety of street food, including rice vermicelli with BBQ pork, coconut juice, and Vietnamese coffee, among other options. You can choose from vegan and vegetarian tours as well. While most tours are conducted via motorbike, they also have a few walking tours available on their website. Tours are priced at around 820,000 VND, so make sure you come with a big appetite!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Ho Chi Minh City offers a vibrant and exciting travel experience with a range of unique and fascinating attractions. From exploring the historic landmarks of the Notre Dame Cathedral and Cao Dai Temple to crawling through the Cu Chi Tunnels to taking in the panoramic views from the Saigon Skydeck, and indulging in the local cuisine on a street food tour, there is something for everyone in this bustling city. Don’t miss out on these top 5 things to see and do when you visit Ho Chi Minh City.