Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
28 curated spots from Ho Chi Minh City itineraries
Activities & Attractions
15 curated experiences
Ben Thanh Market
Wander the stalls selling souvenirs, textiles, spices, snacks, and fresh juice; practice light bargaining and soak up the classic Saigon market atmosphere recommended for first-time visitors.[1][2][3]
1h · Free (shopping extra)
Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck
Skydeck sunset views (5-6 PM golden hour); less-crowded side angles for photos; no tripods.
1h · $10
Bach Dang Wharf Riverside
Relax by Saigon River with modern skyline views for sunset photos; Grab 10 min from mall.
1h 15m · Free
Ben Thanh Market & Shopping
Street market for local food stalls and modern boutiques nearby; focus on silk scarves, coffee; photography from upper walkways.
1h 45m · $20-40
Bui Vien Walking Street Nightlife
After dinner, walk 10–15 minutes to Bui Vien Street to experience Saigon’s backpacker nightlife: bars with live music, neon lights, street performers, and people-watching from a sidewalk table with a drink.[2][3]
2h · $5-20 (drinks and snacks)
Cu Chi Tunnels Tour
Explore 250 km of wartime tunnel network. Experience includes crawling through authentic tunnels, viewing traps and bunkers, tapioca root tasting (VC's wartime food), optional shooting range, rice paper workshop, and lacquer art studio visit. Maximum 20 people per group for intimate experience.
5h · $40–70 per person
Fine Arts Museum
Browse modern Vietnamese art in a clean colonial-modern building; photo-friendly galleries, 10-min walk.
1h 30m · $2
FPM Fine Arts Gallery
Contemporary Vietnamese art exhibits; photography allowed indoors; best angles from upper floors.
1h 15m · $5
Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Stroll the sleek pedestrian boulevard with fountains, modern sculptures, and evening lights for relaxed people-watching and photos.
1h 30m · Free
Nguyễn Huệ Walking Street & Saigon City Hall (People’s Committee Building)
Stroll the broad pedestrian boulevard of Nguyễn Huệ, framed by cafes and shops, and photograph the ornate French colonial Saigon City Hall at the northern end; continue a short walk to admire nearby historic buildings and modern towers side by side.[2][3]
1h · Free
Opera House Exterior
Photo the elegant modern-colonial facade and gardens; quick stop, no interior needed.
45m · Free
Saigon Central Mosque
Visit this elegant mosque with clean domes and arches; respectful outer photos, 10-min walk from street.
45m · Free
Takashimaya Mall
Explore upscale modern mall for clean design photos and light shopping; AC, 10-min walk.
1h 30m · Free
Tao Dan Park Hike
Easy 1-2km shaded trails through gardens; wear sneakers, low fitness level; 8:30-10 AM for cool temps and golden light.
1h 30m · Free
War Remnants Museum
Explore exhibits documenting the Vietnam War from the Vietnamese perspective, including powerful photography and outdoor displays of military vehicles; plan time to move slowly and process the content.[2][3]
1h 30m · $2-5Restaurants & Food
13 local favorites
Be An Vegetarian Café
Cozy AC spot with vegan Vietnamese breakfast like pho, banh mi, and smoothies; order vegan pho or fresh spring rolls.
1h · $8-12 per person
Ben Thanh Street Food Market
Casual open-air food court just off Ben Thanh Market with multiple stalls serving dishes like bánh xèo, phở, fresh spring rolls, and grilled seafood; try a mix of small plates to share and a local draft beer.[1][3]
1h · $10-20 per person
Bún Thịt Nướng Nguyễn Trãi
A simple, local-style spot for classic bún thịt nướng (grilled pork over rice noodles with herbs and fish sauce); order a bowl with extra fresh herbs and a cà phê đá.
45m · $5-10 per person
De Tham Restaurant - Vietnamese Cuisine & Vegetarian Food
Vegan-friendly Vietnamese with pho, rice dishes; specify vegan for fresh herb plates, 8-min walk.
1h · $10-16 per person
Filthy Vegan
100% vegan Western-Viet fusion like burgers, pizzas; order vegan hotdog or pizza, 10-min walk.
1h 15m · $12-20 per person
Hai's Restaurant - Vietnamese Cuisine & Vegan Food
Vegan Vietnamese gems like stir-fries, soups; order vegan bun cha, 7-min walk.
1h · $11-17 per person
Hoang's Kitchen - Vietnamese Cuisine & Vegan Food
Highly rated spot with vegan Vietnamese like spring rolls, curries, pho; order mock meat dishes, Grab 10 min from Bitexco.
1h 15m · $12-18 per person
Ivegan Supershop Ben Thanh
Clean cafe with vegan bowls, sandwiches, and smoothies; try vegan banh mi or poke bowl, 10-min walk.
1h · $10-15 per person
La Moi Plant-Based Restaurant
All-vegan deli with Vietnamese brunch like congee, salads; try plant-based banh xeo, 5-min walk from hotel.
1h · $9-14 per person
Riverside Restaurant in Cu Chi or Return Transit to HCMC
Many Cu Chi tours include lunch (check booking details). If not, stop at a small local restaurant near the tunnel exit for grilled fish, fresh spring rolls, or com tam (broken rice). Simple, fresh, authentic.
1h · $8–15 per person
ST25 by KOTO
Vegan Vietnamese rice bowls, salads; try vegan com tam, 10-min Grab from hotel.
1h · $10-15 per person
The Deck Saigon
Riverside modern fusion with pho and fresh pastries; book ahead for terrace seating.
1h 15m · $40-60 per person
The Lounge - Sheraton Saigon
Upscale Vietnamese fusion with wine tasting flights; order pho and regional wines.
1h 30m · $50-80 per personMore on Ho Chi Minh City
BUILD YOUR HO CHI MINH CITY PLAN
Insider picks, smart timing, and a plan ready when you are.
Start Planning