Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon, is a bustling metropolis and the largest city in Vietnam. With its rich history, cultural diversity, and modern development, it offers an exciting and unique experience for tourists. From historical landmarks and bustling markets to scenic parks and vibrant nightlife, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this vibrant city.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 10 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City to help you make the most of your visit. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Ho Chi Minh City has something for everyone to enjoy.
Best 10 things to do in Ho Chi Minh City
1. Get lost in Chinatown
Chinatown in Ho Chi Minh City is a vibrant hub of activity, filled with a maze of temples, restaurants, jade ornaments, and medicine shops. One of the main attractions in the area is the sprawling Binh Tay Market, where visitors can browse through an array of goods and souvenirs.
However, there are also a number of fascinating temples in the vicinity, such as the Chinese Chua Quan Am Temple and the Catholic cathedral of Cha Tam. Boasting the largest Chinatown in Vietnam, with approximately 500,000 Chinese residents in the city, a visit to this area provides a glimpse into the rich culture and history of the Chinese community in Vietnam.
2. Visit the Ho Chi Minh City Museum
Having served as a Governor’s Palace, committee building, and Revolutionary Museum over time, the city museum in Ho Chi Minh City boasts a rich history. Today, visitors can explore a collection of weaponry and memorabilia from Vietnam’s revolutionary struggle, as well as view captured U.S. fighter planes and tanks from the Vietnam War.
Housed within the former Gia Long Palace, the museum features both permanent exhibitions and rotating special exhibitions. Visitors are encouraged to check the museum’s website for details on current exhibits, which are available in English. Admission to the museum costs 30,000 VND, with an additional fee of 20,000 VND for photography.
3. See the Emperor Jade Pagoda
Constructed in 1909, this temple pays tribute to the ultimate Taoist deity, Emperor Jade, and stands out as one of Vietnam’s most remarkable pagodas. Dubbed the Tortoise Pagoda due to the presence of turtles in its pond, the temple’s interior boasts elaborate woodcarvings and sculptures of both divine and heroic figures, with Emperor Jade taking center stage. Additionally, the roof is adorned with intricate tilework featuring characters from Buddhist and Taoist myths.
See the Emperor Jade Pagoda
4. Shop at the Ben Thanh Market
While the market in District 1 may be bustling with people and pickpockets, it remains the perfect spot to discover local handicrafts, snags some affordable souvenirs, and savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine.
As the biggest market in Vietnam, it’s worth getting lost in the lively atmosphere and taking it all in. Be sure to haggle for the best deal as vendors tend to offer inflated prices to tourists. Just exercise caution and keep your wallet secure while wandering about.
5. Escape to Can Gio Island
Can Gio Island, or Monkey Island, draw in both tourists and locals seeking a reprieve from the city’s frenzy? Though the beaches may not rival those of Thailand, the island offers a laid-back ambiance and ranks among Vietnam’s finest islands. Nestled within the Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated site, the island houses a monkey sanctuary and mangrove forests, making it a nature lover’s paradise.
To reach the island, you’ll need to embark on a two-hour journey and hop on the #75 bus from 23/9 Park. Alternatively, if you prefer not to navigate the island alone, guided tours are available for purchase in District 1, complete with transportation. Prices for full-day tours range from 590,000-1,170,000 VND.
6. Unwind in Twenty-Three September Park
Previously the site of the Saigon Railway Station, this park now stands in its place following the station’s demolition. During early mornings and after-work hours, the park teems with individuals partaking in physical activities and games.
Observe a Tai Chi session, join in a round of badminton, or strike up a conversation with one of the many students who frequent the area. Beneath the park lies a sprawling underground entertainment complex, with ample activities nearby. Grab a book and a snack, and savor the laid-back local vibe.
7. Visit Ba Thien Hau Temple
Nestled in Chinatown, the Ba Thien Hau Temple is a Buddhist temple that was established in 1706 to pay homage to the Chinese sea goddess, Mazu. According to belief, Mazu soars through the sky on a cloud or mat, rescuing seafarers in peril.
Although the temple’s exterior may not be overly impressive, its interior is adorned with porcelain figures and its roof features vibrant dioramas. On March 23rd of the lunar calendar, visitors can witness vibrant celebrations such as parades and dancing to commemorate Lady Thien Hau’s (Mazu’s) birthday.
8. Tour the War Remnants Museum
This museum presents a distinctively “pro-communist, anti-capitalist” perspective, yet remains an intriguing visit. Centered on the Vietnam War, which claimed between 1,500,000 to 3,500,000 lives, the museum’s foremost attraction is its array of bombs, tanks, planes, and other war machinery, including an American F-5A fighter jet displayed at the entrance. Admission to the museum costs 40,000 VND.
9. Take a cooking class
To obtain an exceptional keepsake, enroll in a cooking class. It’s an excellent opportunity to acquire new culinary techniques, sample novel delicacies, and delve into the country’s gastronomy and history.
Typically, the cooking course involves a market tour, enabling you to personally select fresh ingredients for your meal preparation. Though tour options differ, a top-notch excursion accompanied by a local chef usually commences at 800,000 VND.
10. Catch a show at the Opera House
The Ho Chi Minh City Opera House is among the most well-preserved specimens of French colonial architecture in Vietnam (the country was under French rule for nearly a century). Constructed in 1897 as an opera venue, it currently features a diverse range of shows, including ballet, bamboo circus performances, and traditional Vietnamese plays and dances. Consult the website or visit the front gate to discover the current schedule of events during your visit.
