Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City – A guide to Saigon attractions

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An ultimate guide to the top things to see in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. Where to stay, transportation, attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and safe issues.
Are you ready to discover the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City?

If you are planning a trip to Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City (AKA Saigon) is on your travel itinerary, you must read this post.

We’ve listed the best things to do in Ho Chin Minh City, tourist attractions, as well as some advice on how to survive the crazy traffic, safety, and how to experience the real local food! Welcome to our Saigon Guide, be ready for a lot of information and travel tips.

Ho Chi Minh City was our first stop in Vietnam and WOWW… The city is not only a tourist destination, but it’s also packed with expats and it’s one of the favorite cities among Western teaching English in Vietnam.

We used GIGAGO eSIM to stay connected in Vietnam. Easy and affordable!

I was aware of how busy the city is and that there would be plenty of interesting things to do in Saigon, but I never thought it would be such an intense city! No doubt Ho Chi Minh City is one of the must-see places in Vietnam

Before starting this trip, we heard many mixed opinions about Ho Chi Minh City. Some people love Saigon (if you don’t yet know, Saigon was the former name of Ho Chi Minh City, it was changed after the Vietnam War), and others hate it. For us, it was a big surprise!

We were prepared for a very messy and dirty city, and actually, it is, but somehow it works. After 2 or 3 days in Ho Chi Minh, even the chaotic traffic makes sense.

Rob liked Ho Chi Minh City more than me. By the end of the week, I was tired of people offering things all the time, asking where I was going, where I was from, if I wanted a taxi, a bus, a chicken…

But despite that, I really enjoyed discovering what to do in Ho Chi Minh City, and I would definitely go back for more. 

Explore the streets of Ho Chi Minh, especially Chinatown, is among the best things to do in the city.
The streets of HCMC are fascinating.

 

Ho Chi Minh City attractions

There are so many things do in Saigon, and that surprised us. For me, the city has a strong character, with many nice cafes, bars, and restaurants hidden from the crowd, untouched by tourists.

We planned to visit Ho Chi Minh City in 5 days, and that was just enough time to see the top attractions in Saigon. We even managed to fit into our short itinerary, a two-day tour outside the city.

So, if you want to travel at a more relaxed pace and enjoy all the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh and around, I would say 7 days in Saigon is perfect. For those short in time, or planning a 2-week trip in Vietnam, it’s possible to visit the city in 1 or 2 days but you will need to plan your Ho Chi Minh City sightseeing wisely. 

So let’s go to what really matters: what to do in Ho Chi Minh City! We gonna talk about what to see in Ho Chi Minh City by topics, places to visit to historical attractions, museums, and religious sites. At the end of the post, you will find ou recommendations on where to stay in Ho Chi Minh, how to get around the city, food tours and safety issues. A complete guide to Ho Chi Minh City!

 

The best things to do in Saigon

Discover Saigon by yourself! Most of the tourist attractions in Ho Chi Minh City are located in District 1 and are close to each other; you can easily walk between them. For the attractions that are outside District 1, you will need a taxi ride, but they are not too far, don’t worry!

 

Among Saigon top attractions, a visit to the city biggest market is on the top of the list.
Haggle your way through Ben Thanh Market.

» Visit Ben Thanh Market

This is a huge food and souvenir market in the heart of Ho Chi Minh. It used to be the place where the locals could buy/sell groceries and textiles, but nowadays it’s a tourist attraction.

All the goods are overpriced, so bargain a lot (find our tips on how to bargain in Vietnam here). The market is open during the whole day, but after 1 pm the stalls selling meat, fish and fresh veggies start to close. After dark, the action happens on the street beside the market, food restaurants, and clothes shops take the whole lane and they will try to convince you to buy handmade crafts and t-shirts.

 

» See French architecture and historical buildings

When Vietnam was a French colony and Ho Chi Minh City was called Saigon, the city lived an opulent period. Together with the baguette recipe and the taste for wine, the French also left in Ho Chi Minh some beautiful architecture.

The historical buildings are very close to each other, you can see and visit them during a pleasant walk through District 1 [city center]. These buildings are some of the top attractions in Saigon, and most of them you can see or visit for free:

 

The Central Post Office is one of Ho Chi Minh City tourist spots and it's beautifully restored.
The Central Post Office holds a lot of history ✉️
  • Central Post Office

Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office dates from 1891, some people and historical websites tell it was designed by Gustave Eiffel, others say it was Alfred Foulhoux, the fact is that the Post Office is an important landmark in the city. Inside the building, you can admire the marble floor, the paintings and even the old telephone boxes are still there.

 

Notre Dame Cathedral is in the heart of Saigon, and it's one of the main religious places to see in Ho Chi Minh City.
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica – former Saigon Church.
  • Notre Dame Cathedral

In front of the post office is the Notre Dame Cathedral, a huge church in the heart of a Buddhist city, another legacy from the French. Built in the 1880’s it was originally called Saigon Church. However, in 1959, after the installation of the statue “Peaceful Notre Dame”, the name was changed. Nowadays, it’s called Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, one of the religious and historical Ho Chi Minh attractions.

 

One of the places to see in Ho Chi Minh City is the Opera House, which building is a great example of French architecture.
Saigon Opera House.
  • Saigon Opera House

Keep walking through Dõng Khói Street till you reach the Opera House, another attraction in Ho Chi Minh city. This one you can’t get inside for free, you need to buy spectacle tickets to be able to see the interior design.

Due to our short time in the city, we didn’t visit it, also we decided to spend our evenings searching for things to do in Ho Chi Minh at night and exploring Saigon food scene, not so cultural, but very yummy. [more details further down in this post]

Around the Opera House, there are other historical buildings, the Hotel Caravelle and the Hotel  Continental Saigon. If you look at these three buildings, you have the sensation of being in a European city, a disconnected view from your Southeast Asia trip.

 

The People's Committee Building is beautiful during night time, an unmissable thing to see in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The People’s Committee Building is such a lovely place.
  • Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee

Turn at the Lê Loi street, on the next corner you will reach Nguyen Hue walking street with the posh Hotel Rex and the City Hall. The People’s Committee is beautiful at night time – all lit up.

In front of the City Hall, the statue of Ho Chi Minh is greeting his followers and the tourists visiting the square.

 

Want to know what to do in HCMC? One of the coolest things is to explore the Nguyen Hue walking street by night!
A great place to mingle and watch the locals go by.

» Nighttime at Nguyen Hue walking street

Go for a walk, listen to some young guys playing music, or for a selfie with uncle Ho Chi Minh statue… Nguyen Hue walking street gets really busy after sunset and it’s one of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh City at night.

Not only tourists go there, but many locals also come with friends and family to enjoy the fresh evening breeze. For more tips to enjoy the cities nightlife read this awesome Gay Guide to Saigon.

 

» Walk along the Saigon River

Saigon River is not the cleanest one, I have to tell you the truth. But I was surprised to see that there is a nice walk lane along it, with flowers, branches, clean and safe. During night time we went to the riverside near to the Nguyen Hue walking street, and early in the morning, we found it the perfect place for a run in Saigon.

 

Walk along the Saigon River to better explore Ho Chi Minh City.
HCMC seen from above.

» Bitexco Financial Tower, one of the highest buildings in Vietnam

Among the non-historical things to do in Saigon, a visit to Bitexco Tower is a nice one. Go for the sunset, and get to see how big Ho Chi Minh City is.

The financial center is the symbol of Vietnam’s development. It’s the tallest building in the country and from the top of the Tower, you get a beautiful 360º view of Saigon. This is one of the most magnificent ways to enjoy all the things to see in Ho Chi Minh City.

There are two ways to go to the top of Bitexco Tower, one is paying 200 thousand Vietnamese Dong, roughly 10 USD to access the observation deck on the 50th floor. Or you can go to the EON 51 Sky Bar located on the 52nd floor and have a drink while enjoying the view.

Coffee or juice will cost between 130,000 – 160,000 Vietnamese Dong, cheaper and tastier than going only for the observatory deck.

Book you ticket online to visit the tower and observation deck without queues.

 

Historically rich places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam is full of history, culture, and heritage. I found the following Saigon tourist attractions to be fascinating, although a bit dark.

 

» War Remnants Museum

Now let’s talk about what to do in Saigon that is not so pretty, but you must visit. The War Remnants Museum is where to go in Saigon for a real history lesson. If you are from western countries, like us, you have likely learned the American version of the Vietnam War. In Saigon, you have the chance to listen to the other side of history, the Vietnamese version, and this one is hard to take.

The War Remnants Museum, one of the top things to see in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
We need to talk about war and what’s left of it…

The first thing you need to learn, in Vietnam they don’t call it the Vietnam War, they call it the American War, and the result of the conflict you can see inside and outside of the museum. The consequences of this tragic war still affect the daily life of Vietnamese people.

For me, the War Museum is one of the top things to do in Saigon, it’s not pleasant, it’s not beautiful, but is important to understand the history and how our politicians keep making the same geopolitical mistakes.

The pass for the museum is valid for one day, which means you can go out, take a deep breath, have a coffee, and then come back to finish the visit.

 

» Reunification Palace

Also known as the Independence Palace, here you can view a history of war and conflict. The museum is open 7 days a week, from 7:30 am to 11:30 pm.

One of the best places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City is the Reunification Palace, where you will travel to the past and go deep in Vietnam's history.
Travel back in time in the Reunification Palace.

The palace is one of the most important buildings in Vietnam. It’s where the Americans planned the war strategies and where the conflict finished. In 1975 a North Vietnamese Army tank smashed the gates and they hung a flag on the balcony symbolizing the end of the war.

Since that day the palace is frozen in time, everything inside is original, and the visitors can have a close look at how life was inside the palace during wartime.

What about going on a Jeep tour from your hotel to the Reunification Palace, as well as the FITO Museum? Book this cool trip by GetYourGuide here.

 

Religious places to visit in Ho Chi Minh City

Other fascinating Saigon attractions are the many temples and pagodas scattered around the city and surrounds. My top favorites include:

 

» Mariamman Hindu Temple

Mariamman Hindu Temple is one of the unmissable attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.
Mariamman Hindu Temple ?

Located in the heart of District 1, this Hindu Temple is surrounded by hotels, restaurants and coffee shops. The colorful statues on the facade catch everybody’s attention, and the interior is decorated in a classical Hindu style. The temple was built in the 19th century and it’s a place to worship the Mariamman Goddess.

 

» Chinatown and Thiên Hâu Temple

One of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City is the Chinatown. Located on District 5, a bit far from the city center, it takes around 15 – 20 minutes to get there by taxi.

The Chinese area called Cholon dates back to 1778, and the community managed to keep their traditional architecture and way of living during the French colonial period and during the Vietnam War.

The Thiên Hâu Temple in the heart of Chinatown is a place you must visit when travelling to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
The Thiên Hâu Temple, where Chinese and Vietnamese cultures meet for worship.

One of the recommended things to do in Saigon’s Chinatown is to visit the Thiên Hâu Temple. This Chinese Pagoda was built to worship the Lady of the Sea and it’s a good example of Chinese architecture mixed with Vietnamese details. The incense is burning all day long and even though it’s located in a busy street of Saigon, the peace and the silence inside the temple surprised me.

 

»  Jade Emperor Pagoda

For me, this was the most interesting temple we visited in Vietnam, no doubt one of the unmissable things to do in Ho Chi Minh. It’s a bit far from the tourist route, but worth the taxi ride. The temple was constructed at the beginning of the 20th century by a Cantonese Chinese community and it’s packed with locals.

Want to know where to go in Ho Chi Minh City? Emperor Jade Pagoda, for us, is one of the best attractions in Saigon; such an interesting temple.
Don’t miss out on this very unique temple!

Inside, you can see a big statue of Emperor Jade Chua Ngoc Hoang or the “God of Heavens” and many other gods and goddesses.

The building is small, with tiny side alleys and intense smell of incense, oil and raw meat. It has a unique and theatrical atmosphere like you have been transported to another time, another dimension…

Don’t get intimidated by this strong religious vibe, pay respect to Emperor Jade in the main room, and walk your way to the left side of the altar, where you will find tiny alleys with small rooms and more sacred figures.

Really in the back of the temple, you will see people offering meat, eggs, food, fake money and many other things to the Gods. When I arrived there, I almost threw up, the smell was very strong, but I held my breath and kept going, trying to understand what was happening around us.

We visited the Emperor Jade Pagoda on a Saturday afternoon, the temple was super busy, one of the best places to go in Saigon to see the religious side of the Vietnamese people.

The temples are not only a cultural and religious attraction of Ho Chi Minh City; there you can understand the faith and how the Vietnamese people live.
Contemplate their faith to absorb their culture.

Visiting the temples is one of the top things to do in Saigon, but remember that they are a place of faith and many locals go there to worship, so be respectful. Keep quiet, dress respectfully and if you feel like praying, buy an incense inside the temple and help them to maintain the beautiful buildings.

 

What to do in Saigon if you’re hungry

Now let’s talk about another top thing to do in Saigon: eat Vietnamese food! We are big fans of street food, and even with my new vegetarian diet, we decided to risk ourselves in some street stalls.

Most of the restaurants near Ho Chi Minh tourist attractions are prepared to serve tourists, which means that the price can be higher and the flavors might not be 100% original. To discover hidden places and local restaurants in Saigon we asked for help, we booked a food tour with someone who knows about traditional local food.

 

Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City WithLocals

We booked a food tour with WithLocals, a worldwide company that connects travelers with local people, so you get the chance to experience real local life and make new friends! Everything that we love!

Trying local food is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Go for a food tour and discover amazing flavours.
Discover a delicious and even more authentic side of HCMC while making new friends!

After a long day ticking the list of things to see in Saigon, we were starving, and the food tour was the perfect way to wrap it up. I can tell you how awesome the experience was, but I can’t give you the address of the places, that is part of our tour agreement. Be prepared for mouth-watering dishes and some really local desserts.

Phuong, our guide, picked us up at 6 pm at our Airbnb address [we rented a private ensuite room in a huge Vietnamese house, get your Airbnb credit here] and we were ready to taste the real Saigon.

 

1st Food tour stop – Traditional food 

Our first stop was a stylish cozy restaurant. The place is well decorated and they don’t have a menu. When you arrive, you discover what is the dish of the day. Homemade food and traditional recipes. 

We tried the vegetable soup, dried fish, fish in a dark sauce, deep-fried chicken, stir-fried water spinach, vegetables, and rice. My favorite was the spinach and fish with sauce, Rob loved the soup and the fried chicken. We tried not to eat too much, to keep some space for the next food stop.

A Vietnamese bowl.
Vietnamese food: colorful and yum yum!

 

2nd Food tour stop – Dessert

Dessert time! More local impossible! We arrive in this tiny alley, where the women in front of the shops do their best to catch people’s attention. When they saw two westerns walking by, they screamed even louder. Phuong guided us to one of the shops, inside only Vietnamese people and a bunch of kids looking at us very curious.

The specialty is Loggan ice cream, made with a sweet fruit common in Southeast Asia that reminds lychee. The first round was Loggan ice cream, the second time I ordered coffee flavor and Rob tried the chocolate one.

Loggan ice cream, a local dessert we discovered during our Food Tour in Ho Chi Minh City!
Loggan ice cream: a fresh delicacy.

 

3rd Food tour stop – Nguyen Hue walking street

Time to jump in a taxi and head to our next destination: Nguyen Hue walking street. A stroll around the city center was everything we need to burn the food we eat. It’s incredible how busy this part of the city gets during the evening, so different from the afternoon when we passed by there.

After a bit of walking, we went to our last stop on the food tour! The taxi did so many turns that I got lost, no idea where we stopped. Almost 9 pm and the restaurant was busy, serving from fruit smoothies to local delicacies as duck eggs with a baby duck inside. No, we didn’t try it, too much for me. Remember, I just started a vegetarian diet.

We skipped the duck eggs, and instead, Phuong ordered some egg and rice pancakes, fresh spring rolls, deep-fried cheese, and tropical fruit smoothie. My belly was immense; I couldn’t walk properly. I was happy and ready to fall asleep.

And so it was time to say goodbye, the local food extravaganza had finished. Our local guide put us in a taxi, gave directions to the driver and we went home. Safe and satisfied!

Thanks to Phuong and With Locals, it was a tasty and unique experience in Ho Chi Minh!

 

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Finding the best place to stay in Ho Chi Minh is the key to a successful trip. There are many hotels in Ho Chi Minh City, guesthouses, hostels, and Airbnb apartments, but some of them are quite far from the District 1, so you’re gonna have to spend time and money going around the city.

District 1 is the best area to stay in Ho Chi Minh City. If you plan to stay anywhere from 3 to 5 days in the city, I’d recommend finding a hotel there. It’s close to most of Ho Chi Minh tourist attractions, there are several tourist agencies to book tours around Saigon and also restaurants with English menu.

I found it a bit dirty and the pushy street vendors can be annoying, but District 1 is definitely the best area to stay in Saigon.

Ho Chi Minh City lit up at night.
A city of lights ✨

We stayed in a private ensuite room, in a big house located in a small alley behind the Ben Thanh Market. We paid 20usd per night, a really good deal. To find more Airbnb offers in Saigon click here and get 20 USD credit to spend on your first booking!

Choosing the best hotel in Vietnam can be tricky. There are many fake reviews, especially on Tripadvisor, so you never know if you will get a superb or excellent room, as the reviews say. During our trip to Vietnam, we used Booking.com to search and book our accommodation. You can find everything from top luxurious hotels to budget hostels, and the reviews are trustworthy. You must stay in the hotel to review a property on Booking.com, so the possibility of fake reviews is low..

Here is a list of the best places to stay in Ho Chi Minh city according to travelers on Booking.com:

1 – The Reverie Saigon – Rooms from USD 239 per night

2 – Chez Mimosa – Rooms from USD 37 per night

3 – Nguyen Shack – Rooms from USD 49 per night

4 – The Cozi House – Rooms from USD 40 per night

5 – Villa Song Saigon – Rooms from USD 175 per night

 

Looking for things to do in HCMC? Rent a scooter and have your own local transport.
Renting a scooter to explore Ho Chi Minh City is a must!

How to get around and to the attractions in Ho Chi Minh City

As we said before, many attractions can be reached walking. Be careful, the traffic is chaotic and even to cross the street can be a dangerous challenge there. If you prefer to take a taxi, be prepared to spend some time stuck in the traffic jam. Especially by the end of the day, when everybody is trying to go home after work.

During the whole trip in Ho Chi Minh we used the taxi company called Vinasun, the drivers were very helpful and they all used meter, we didn’t need to ask for it. Thumbs up!

Want to rent a motorbike in Saigon? Well, I’m a big fan of renting a scooter to get around the cities, but I’m not sure if I can face Saigon’s traffic. It’s your call, but remember to have your international driver’s license and good travel insurance. We travel with World Nomads Insurance and have never had a problem with them.

If you like the idea of zipping through the busy streets, and sightseeing from a motorbike, you can book a motorbike tour and enjoy the sights from the back of the bike. Definitely one of the fun things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.

Don’t forget to buy your Travel Insurance!

We use World Nomads and SafetyWing. Just click on the name of the company and book your insurance now. If you need more information, read our Travel Insurance Guide here.

 

Survive the crazy and busy traffic in Saigon - a daily challenge if you want to visit Ho Chi Minh City tourist spots on foot.
Scooters, scooters everywhere!

How to get from the airport to Ho Chi Minh City

Before I explain how to get from the airport to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, let’s talk about getting to Ho Chi Minh. You can travel to Saigon by air or land, it all depends on where you are coming from and your budget.

To find the best flights to Ho Chi Minh City search and book via Skyscanner or Kiwi.com.

If you are traveling overland, then you can choose between buses and trains. We use 12Go and Bookaway websites to search for the best routes and timetables, then we compare the prices and book the one that suits us better. 

Depending on where you are staying, you can take a bus or taxi from the airport to your hotel in Saigon. We took a taxi and it was very easy. We paid less than 200,000 Vietnamese Dongs from the airport to the Ben Thanh Market where we were staying.

Our way back from District 1 to the airport was even cheaper. The bus to the city center runs only till 6 pm, so if you arrive late, a taxi will be your only choice to reach town.

Before you explore Vietnam and visit all Saigon top attractions, you must organize your Tourist Visa on Arrival.
Vietnam Tourist Visa.

When planning your arrival in Ho Chi Minh City, leave some spare time to sort out your Visa on Arrival. The Immigration Office in Ho Chi Minh Airport is famous for its long queues.

 

Safety issues – Is Ho Chi Minh safe?

Be aware of pickpockets and don’t be too flashy with your mobile phone and camera when visiting Ho Chi Minh tourist spots.

We spent almost a month in Vietnam and we didn’t feel unsafe or in danger, but we know a lot of people that had their phones or wallets snatched while sightseeing in Ho Chi Minh City.

There are some areas in Saigon that look unfriendly and very poor. I would say that they look more dangerous than actually are. Most of Ho Chi Minh is quite safe. While searching for the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh, only take official taxis, and be careful with motorbike taxis.

To be on the safe side, we keep money and phone in our front pockets most of the time, and Rob carries our passports and bank cards on his money belt [we used the AmazonBasics money belt, it’s very comfy and safe].

Another suggestion is to book your tours online with trustworthy companies like GetYourGuide or at a local travel agency. Before buying, shop around to compare and choose the best price/quality. If someone on the street offers you a private tour, a recommendation to a very, very cheap place to stay or eat, or if they offer to take you to a place (in case you are lost), think twice. Your scam alert should beep at this moment.

 

Ho Chi Minh and a beautiful sunset over the city.
The sunset in Ho Chi Minh City is marvelous.

 

Final thoughts on Ho Chi Minh City

Our guide of the top things to do in Saigon has come to an end. We’ve highlighted the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and how you can survive and enjoy this intense city!

There are a few other places of interest in Saigon and activities to do nearby, such as tours to the Mekong Delta, Cu Chi Tunnels, and some other temples. So if you have spare time don’t forget to check them out. 

If you follow our tips on where to stay in Saigon, how to get around, and safety advice, I’m sure you’ll have an awesome vacation in Ho Chi Minh City. If you need any help planning your trip to Vietnam, leave a comment, also feel free to share with us your travel experiences in Saigon and around!

During our one month trip in Vietnam, we also visit the picturesque Hoi An where we did a Vespa Tour, the stunning Sapa Mountain for 2-day trekking through the rice terraces, and our last stop was Hanoi for some local experiences. Read all the guides and be inspired to discover this beautiful country. 

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An ultimate guide to all the top things to do in Saigon. Where to stay, transportation, attractions in Ho Chi Minh City and safe issues. Everything you need to know to organize you trip to Vietnam!

58 thoughts on “Things to do in Ho Chi Minh City – A guide to Saigon attractions”

  1. Wow, such an informative and detailed post! When I went to Ho Chi Minh, I unfortunately only was able to go to the market and also the War Remnants museum from your list. I don’t think I realized they had buildings there with such beautiful, colonial architecture. The part I mainly was in was just noisy, crowded, and loaded with motor bikes! I liked it overall, but I think I would have liked it more if I had more information like this going into it 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Michelle!!
      Saigon is so busy and noisy that some people don´t venture themselves to far from the market and District 1. Now that you there are more interesting things to do in Ho Chi Minh, maybe is time to plan another trip to Vietnam! 😉
      Cheers,
      Nat

      Reply
    • Well Vicky, for me Bangkok is bigger and busier, but somehow more organized than Ho Chi Minh City.
      The amount of motorbikes in Saigon is just crazy, and they honk all the time, what makes Ho Chi Minh way more noisy than BKK.
      It´s hard to compare, especially because I learned to love Bangkok!
      All the best,
      Nat

      Reply
  2. Such an enticing portrait of Ho Chi Minh City. As a visitor planning to see Vietnam these tips about what it’s really like to deal with the crowds and how to get around are priceless.

    Reply
  3. The War Remnants Museum was a memorable part of our trip to Saigon. It is true, especially as an American, that we only get one side of the story about the war. Seeing a museum telling a very different story was both fascinating and terribly sad at the same time.

    Reply
  4. My favorite part would definitely be the Bitexco Financial Tower as I love views above a city, it’s such a great way to get an idea of how big a place is …

    Reply
  5. I would love, love, love to visit Vietnam and you have listed so many impressive things to see and do. I do not think I have ever seen any post office in the world as stately as Ho Chi Minh Central Post Office. And the food tour with locals and visit to Thiên Hâu Temple would be my first choices.

    Reply
    • Hi Melody!
      The post office is impressive indeed. But for me the highlight was the food tour. I felt confident enough to try so many different dishes, I would never eat those “strange” things if I was alone. 🙂
      Happy travels,
      Nat

      Reply
  6. There is a major distinction here for me. I would probably really like Ho Chi Minh city for the few days that we were there traveling, but I wouldn’t want to live there. It’s just so far from what I’m used to, and I would want more calm than it can afford. But it’s an incredible city, and for me, great to explore for a few days.

    Reply
  7. Looottss of great practical info in the post, thanks for that! I pinned it so I can make a reference when I plan to go to Saigon. It’s funny, we have a Little Saigon in LA but it’s nothing compared to everything mentioned in the post. Can’t wait to see the real thing! Especially the French architecture. It’s so pretty!

    Reply
    • HI Francesca!!
      That’s funny, I never thought LA would have a Little Saigon, and I´m sure it´s very different from the original one. Ho Chi Minh city is so unique and intense, if you have the chance go and experience it!
      All the best,
      Nat

      Reply
  8. I really enjoyed this look at Saigon and was sad that we were only there for a layover last time. Before, we spent a week there and it was the first experience had in Southeast Asia. Ben Thanh Market is just a food paradise and probably the first place I’d visited upon returning. Thanks for sharing this and for taking me back to HCMC!

    Reply
  9. Aaah, it looks like a dream! There really are still a lot of places in Asia that I haven’t been to yet and Saigon is on top of my list! Thank you for sharing your experience <3 Asia will really always have a special place in my heart

    Reply
    • Hi Vanessa!!
      So glad you liked the guide… Crossing the streets can be scary, but after the second day I was already enjoying it… Just walk, they will avoid you…hahaha
      All the best!
      Nat

      Reply
  10. Next time I travel to Asia, Vietnam is definetely on the list. Thanks for your lovely in-depth review! Hoping to read more about less well-known spots in Vietnam soon.

    XOXO

    Reply
  11. Enjoyed reading this comprehensive report, your writing style is very precise. Looking forward to visit Vietnam one day.
    Best regards from Germany, Oliver

    Reply
  12. Hello, Natalie Deduck, outstanding and informative blog about things to do in Saigon! Actually, I did not know much about it, but after reading your blog , I must say, it’s an amazing place to enjoy our holiday.

    Reply
  13. Brilliant !….lovely, in-depth review of Ho Chi Minh City. I’ve now got lots of ideas for my visit in June, and as a foodie, really looking forward to trying the street food..especially the ‘ with locals’…great tip.

    Reply
  14. Hi, thanks for this interesting article. One of the thing you can’t miss while being in Saigon is the discovery of Cholon, the Chinese district, which remains the most traditional area of Saigon. You will find d small alleys, traditional doctors and shops, little pagodas, busy markets, people living in the street, small restaurants etc. Cheers, Fabrice

    Reply
  15. I would as well recommend the area of Hoang Sa street, belong to canal, going from District 1 to District 3.
    It’s quite typical, with lively cafés and nice atmosphere, and it is full of very narrow alleyways where you cannot drive by car but only by motorbike or bicycle, and it really is a great place to dive to feel in a Saigon which is very different from the center (Opera, Cathedral, Post office) etc…… You really feel like in a more intimate relation with the city.

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  16. Your article was very helpful..we will arrive in Ho chi minh City early morning. Can you suggest things to do in district 1 at early am? Thanks a lot

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    • Hi Anton,
      I believe a few places would be open early in the morning. You can try to visit the Ben Thanh Market, the Mariamman Hindu Temple, the Emperor Jade Pagoda and walk around the Saigon River, it’s busy at morning.
      Happy travels,
      Nat

      Reply
  17. Greetings from Malaysia ! Thank you for posting this article ! I’ll be going to Vietnam on this weekend , your article will surely be my guide !! ???

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  18. Enjoyed your stories of Ho Chi Minh City will study it more. I am interested in how the traffic compares with the Philippines . I have lived here 6 years and can’t believe there is worse traffic than here. We will see.

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  19. Hello Friend

    I want to come to HCM. Kindly confirm whether Visa on Arrival is there or not for Indians.
    How many days will be sufficient for visiting HCM city.

    Regards

    Reply
  20. Nice article, I am very glad to read this topic about Ho Chi Minh city which I already visited during Vietnam tours. I think Ho Chi Minh is a city where hundreds of things happen at the same time and something as simple as crossing the street here becomes an extreme adventure. In addition to tailors, mountains and paper lanterns, Hoi An’s food is absolutely delicious, it was my favourite of all Vietnam. There are many places to see and enjoy like Mui Ne, Hue, museums, memorials and history regarding the war. So I love this place to visit. I have found this golden opportunity through Countryside Adventures which gave me more facilities to visit Vietnam tours, especially this wonderful Ho Chi Minh city where I have enjoyed a lot. So I really wish to visit that Ho Chi Minh city in Vietnam tour again.

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  21. Great wrap up, I’m heading there for a couple of weeks soon with my family. I’m keen to learn about the American war tragedy, I’m sure my wife will enjoy the markets. I’m a bit worried about those pickpocketers, hope they’re not too bad.

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    • Hi Ramon,
      We traveled in Vietnam and didn’t face any trouble related to pickpockets. My advice is to be alert and keep your wallet & phone in your front pocket, or even better use a money belt.
      Cheers

      Reply

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