Ho Chi Minh City, or Saigon, a city as dynamic as it is loud, is where business and pleasure meet in Vietnam. The capital city has a population of over 8 million people, and just as many motorbikes.
Up until 1954, Vietnam was under French colonial rule, and over 60 years later, the influence of this period is still apparent here, mixed in with the Vietnamese’s own unique touch. From French architecture next to traditional buildings to baguette-inspired dishes for breakfast, Saigon is a fascinating land of east meets west. And it’s one of the places you can ball out on a budget, too.
READ MORE: Check out our latest Vietnam travel guide to get your trip started.
There are a total of 24 districts in Ho Chi Minh City, broken up into 19 inner-city districts and 5 rural. Among the inner city areas, District 1, 2, 3, and 7 are a few of the most popular areas to stay.
Discover our pick of what to do in Ho Chi Minh City
- Haggle for souvenirs in Ben Thanh Market
- Explore Saigon-chic in flea markets
- Fill your stomach with incredible street eats
- Feast on the fresh catches in Seafood Street
- Indulge in the nightlife at Bui Vien Walking St
- See Ho Chi Minh City from the rooftop bars
- Get your coffee fix in the cafe apartment
- Vacation in Chinatown and Japan Town
- Visit the Notre-Dame cathedral
- Historical trip to Cu Chi Tunnels
1. Haggle for souvenirs in Ben Thanh Market
The largest market in Ho Chi Minh City just happens to be the epitome of what the place has to offer-it’s hot, busy and noisy. Filled with locals and tourists alike, you’ll find enthusiastic vendors and interesting products all in one place.
The market opens at 7 AM and it starts to get busy from there. The chances are that you are staying in District 1, so it’s probably a short walk to the market. From souvenir t-shirts to fake luxury goods, Vietnamese coffee, local dried foods and accessories, there is something for every tourist.
One tip for shopping in Ben Thanh Market is to pick up a few phrases to help with bartering. Since this is a tourist attraction, the prices start high but there is still a bit of bargaining space between them.
2. Explore Saigon-chic in flea markets
If you’re still in the mood for a good splurge, check out the local outdoor markets. The hipster and art culture is very strong in Saigon and has resulted in many popup or weekend flea markets where you will find trendy clothes and handicrafts for the cost of what you’ll get anywhere else.
Head to Saigon Flea Market, open on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of every month, in District 3 for a taste of the alternative shopping haven.
Others such as the Hello Weekend Market have a thriving community of online stores and new local brands looking to grow their customer base.
3. Fill your stomach with incredible street eats
Almost every country in Asia is known for its unique (and sometimes bizarre!) street food and Ho Chi Minh City is no exception.
In this street food paradise, you can find roadside stalls selling a delectable range of street food good for a snack to a full meal.
For starters, you can get a bowl of pho for as low as 20,000 VND in the street side stalls all throughout the districts.
Other popular street food in Vietnam include bun cha, banh mi, banh khot, banh xeo, bun rieu, sup cua and many others.
4. Feast on the fresh catches in Seafood Street
Vietnam is one of the world’s largest seafood exporters, and if you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City, this means that you will have your pick of the freshest seafood available right from its shores.
Vinh Khanh Street in District 4, or ‘Seafood Street’, has a steady range of seafood restaurants that are known to serve one of the best shellfish and other aquatic life in Saigon.
The most popular restaurant on this street is ốc Oanh. ốc, the vietnamese word for “snails”, are the star of the show here and they offer different species cooked in a variety of ways.
One thing to note is that the restaurants on these streets will sometimes offer tourists a menu with no prices. Ask for one that states the cost of each dish so you’ll not end up shelling out a huge sum!
5. Indulge in the nightlife at Bui Vien Walking St
Nightlife here is Ho Chi Minh City at its peak and locals and tourists love to kick back and relax with toasting a couple of beers.
Bui Vien Street is the famous backpacker street and drinking hub in the heart of District 1. If you choose to stay in this area, brace yourself for the jarring music and lively chatter coming from the bars and clubs on both sides of the street that begins right at sundown.
Otherwise, Bui Vien Walking Street is just a short walk or Grab ride from anywhere in District 1. Grab a couple of friends and enjoy the street vendors and performers along with beers that start from only a dollar.
6. See Ho Chi Minh City from the rooftop bars
Not in the mood for rowdy nightlife scenes? Explore Vietnam’s growing cocktail scene in the rooftop bars around the city.
While beer is still the top of the drinking chain here, cocktails and spirits have made an entrance in recent years for those looking to party in style.
Some notable bars include Chill Sky Bar, Saigon Rooftop Bar at Caravelle Hotel, Glow Skybar Saigon and so many more.
7. Get your coffee fix in the cafe apartment
Cafe culture is thriving in Ho Chi Minh City, with trendy youngsters making up a significant portion of the demographic.
In District 1 (you may be starting to notice a trend around this district by now) there is even a whole building dedicated to the cafe chasers and food lovers of Saigon.
The cafe apartment, previously a housing block, is now home to the cafe hotspots in the city. One must-try when you come here is the famous Vietnamese egg coffee, which makes for an interesting experience.
8. Vacation in Chinatown and Japan Town
It may be worth exploring Chinatown and Japan Town when you’re here, especially since Vietnam has a large population of Chinese and Japanese immigrants, who take part in shaping the culture today.
A vibrant treasure trove of influences from the immigrant and expatriate groups in Vietnam, each little town is filled with bars, antique shops and restaurants to check out.
Each street carries heavy influence from the communities residing there, so you can be transported to another country right in Ho Chi Minh City!
9. Visit the Notre-Dame cathedral
The Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral is a distinct landmark in Ho Chi Minh City built in the 1880s.
Serving as a religious place of worship and a prominent tourist attraction in the city, the building stands at 60m tall and has a stark French influence that is common in a lot of the architecture in Saigon.
The cathedral’s Romanesque features and stained glass windows make for the perfect photo op while also being a great place to explore.
10. Historical trip to Cu Chi Tunnels
No trip to Vietnam is complete without discovering the deep history of the place. Unlike other tourist attractions, the atmosphere in the Cu Chi Tunnels is a more sombre one, as they were a significant part of the war.
The area spans over 120km, mostly underground, and offers a sneak peek into the life of the soldiers below ground in tunnels used for living, storage facilities and even hospitals.
A tourist activity to do here is to climb into the narrow underground tunnels that have been slightly expanded for tourists and experience what it was like to be a soldier in the fight against the French.
So when will you visit Ho Chi Minh City?
The capital city of Vietnam is a wonderful place to travel, whether you’re looking to indulge in good eats, shopping or immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Vietnam. So, grab a couple of friends, pack your bags and get ready for the endless list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
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