What does Vietnam’s largest city feel like when thousands of motorbikes flow through colonial boulevards, street food stalls sizzle on every corner and modern skyscrapers rise beside historic temples?
Welcome to Ho Chi Minh City, still widely known as Saigon.
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s economic and cultural powerhouse. The city blends French colonial architecture, vibrant street markets, historic war sites and modern rooftop cafés, creating one of the most energetic urban experiences in Southeast Asia.
From exploring the famous Ben Thanh Market to visiting the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, travelers quickly discover that Ho Chi Minh City is a place where history and modern life collide.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, along with practical travel tips for exploring Vietnam’s most dynamic metropolis.
Why Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City offers a fascinating mix of history, culture and modern city life.
Travelers visit the city to experience:
- historic landmarks from the Vietnam War
- vibrant street food culture
- lively markets and shopping districts
- rooftop cafés and skyline views
- day trips to the Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels
Because of its energy and diversity, Ho Chi Minh City is often considered the most exciting urban destination in Vietnam.
Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
Visit the War Remnants Museum
One of the most important historical sites in Vietnam is the War Remnants Museum. The museum documents the Vietnam War through photographs, artifacts and military equipment. Visitors can learn about the conflict and its impact on the country.
The exhibits provide a powerful insight into Vietnam’s modern history.
Explore Ben Thanh Market
Ben Thanh Market is one of the most famous markets in Ho Chi Minh City.
Inside the market, visitors can browse stalls selling:
- clothing and souvenirs
- handicrafts and textiles
- Vietnamese coffee and spices
- street food and local snacks
In the evening, the surrounding streets transform into the Ben Thanh Night Market, where travelers can sample Vietnamese dishes and shop for souvenirs.
See Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon
Built during the French colonial period, Notre Dame Cathedral of Saigon is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city.
However, the cathedral is currently undergoing a major restoration project expected to continue until around 2027. Visitors can still admire the exterior architecture, though parts of the building are covered with scaffolding.
For better photo angles, many travelers take pictures from the Central Post Office steps or nearby cafés. Limited access may still be available during Sunday Mass.
Visit the Central Post Office
Located next to the cathedral, the Saigon Central Post Office is another iconic colonial landmark. The interior features elegant arches, historic maps and traditional telephone booths. Visitors can still send postcards from this historic post office.
Discover the Cu Chi Tunnels
Located about 70 kilometers from the city, the Cu Chi Tunnels are one of the most famous historical attractions near Ho Chi Minh City. This underground tunnel network was used during the Vietnam War for communication, shelter and military operations.
Visitors can explore sections of the tunnels and learn about wartime survival strategies. Many travelers visit the tunnels as a half-day or full-day tour from the city.
Walk Along Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Nguyen Hue Walking Street is one of the most lively areas in Ho Chi Minh City.
The wide pedestrian boulevard connects the city center to the Saigon River and is surrounded by cafés, restaurants and historic buildings. The area becomes especially vibrant in the evening when locals gather to enjoy street performances and city views.
Visit the Jade Emperor Pagoda
The Jade Emperor Pagoda is one of the most beautiful temples in Ho Chi Minh City. Inside the temple, visitors can see intricate carvings, statues of Taoist deities and incense-filled prayer halls.
The pagoda offers a peaceful atmosphere that contrasts with the busy streets outside.
Enjoy Rooftop Views of Saigon
Ho Chi Minh City’s skyline is best appreciated from one of its many rooftop cafés and bars. These venues offer panoramic views of the city and are especially popular during sunset when the skyline begins to glow with evening lights.
Popular places for rooftop views include:
- Bitexco Skydeck – panoramic views over the Saigon skyline
- Chill Skybar – one of the most famous rooftop bars in the city
- Saigon Saigon Rooftop Bar – historic rooftop overlooking the Opera House
These locations are among the best places to enjoy the atmosphere of the city after dark.
Ho Chi Minh City Food Guide
Ho Chi Minh City is one of the best places in Vietnam to experience Vietnamese street food.
Popular local dishes include:
- Banh Mi – Vietnamese baguette sandwich
- Pho – traditional noodle soup
- Com Tam – broken rice with grilled pork
- Hu Tieu – southern Vietnamese noodle soup
The city is also included in the Michelin Guide Vietnam, which recognizes several restaurants and street food stalls across Ho Chi Minh City.
Travelers can enjoy Michelin-recognized dishes at affordable prices. Popular Bib Gourmand restaurants include Cuc Gach Quan, along with several well-known pho and banh mi stalls in District 1 and District 3.
Best Districts to Stay in Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City is divided into several districts, each offering a different travel experience.
District 1 – Best for First-Time Visitors
The main tourist area with major attractions, rooftop bars, markets and historic landmarks.
District 3 – Culture and Local Cafés
A quieter district known for temples, historic streets and charming cafés.
District 2 (Thao Dien) – Modern Riverside Neighborhood
A popular area with international restaurants, art galleries and stylish cafés. Metro Line 1 connects Thao Dien with the city center.
Day Trip to the Mekong Delta
One of the most popular excursions from Ho Chi Minh City is a trip to the Mekong Delta.
Located a few hours south of the city, the region is famous for:
- floating markets
- coconut villages
- scenic river boat rides
- lush tropical landscapes
Travelers often visit destinations such as My Tho, Ben Tre or Can Tho to experience traditional life along the Mekong River. Many tours include boat rides through canals, visits to local villages and tastings of tropical fruits grown in the delta region.
Best Time to Visit Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh City has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round.
Dry season (December – April)
The best time for sightseeing with sunny weather.
Wet season (May – November)
Short afternoon rain showers are common but travel remains comfortable.
How to Get Around Ho Chi Minh City
HCMC Metro (Line 1)
The newly opened Metro Line 1 (Ben Thanh – Suoi Tien) is one of the fastest ways to travel across the city.
The metro connects District 1 with modern areas such as Thao Dien, known for cafés, restaurants and nightlife.
Tickets usually cost 7,000–20,000 VND.
Grab App
Ride-hailing apps such as Grab are widely used for taxis and motorbike rides.
Motorbike Taxi
Motorbike taxis are one of the fastest ways to move through heavy city traffic.
Walking
Many attractions in District 1 are located close together and can be explored on foot.
Suggested 2-Day Ho Chi Minh City Itinerary
Day 1
Visit the War Remnants Museum
Explore Notre Dame Cathedral and Central Post Office
Walk along Nguyen Hue Walking Street in the evening
Day 2
Visit Ben Thanh Market
Take a trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels
Enjoy rooftop views of the city
Travel Tips for Visiting Ho Chi Minh City
Start sightseeing early to avoid midday heat
Carry small cash for street markets
Use Grab for convenient transportation
Be cautious when crossing busy streets
Explore More Vietnam Travel Guides
If you're planning a longer journey across Vietnam, these guides can help:
Vietnam Travel Guide
Hanoi Travel Guide
Ha Long Bay Travel Guide
Da Nang Travel Guide
Hoi An Travel Guide
You can also explore curated Vietnam Tour Packages by Desh Videsh Travels, which include Ho Chi Minh City along with other destinations across Vietnam.
