Top 17+ Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City for First-Time Visitors
Ho Chi Minh City has recently been ranked among the World’s Top 100 Destinations for 2024, reaffirming its status as one of Asia’s most dynamic urban hubs. If you’re wondering about the Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City, this comprehensive guide will give you a clear picture of what to do in Saigon to embrace the city’s energy, history, and unforgettable activities.
Where is Ho Chi Minh City?
Located in southern Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh City is the country’s economic powerhouse. Locals are famously open, direct, and lively – a style of hospitality that feels different from Hanoi’s quiet charm. When booking flights, make sure you arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport, not Noi Bai in Hanoi.
Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh City
There are countless exciting neighborhoods and experiences waiting for you. From cultural landmarks to street food and nightlife, this curated list covers exactly What to do in Saigon and where to eat in Saigon for first-time visitors.
Go Around the City by Saigon Waterbus
Exploring the city itself is one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Try the Saigon Waterbus for a scenic ride along the river or hop on the double-decker sightseeing bus for a panoramic introduction to major landmarks.
Visit the City’s Famous Historical Sites
Understanding history is essential when deciding what to do in Saigon. One of the Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is connecting with its layered past through iconic landmarks.
Ho Chi Minh City Museum of History
This museum showcases artifacts from Vietnam’s ancient to modern eras.
Location: 2 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Ben Nghe ward, HCMc
Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 11:30 AM & 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Tue–Sun)
Ticket: ~30,000 VND
Independence Palace
A powerful symbol of reunification, this landmark marks the end of the Vietnam War in 1975.
- Location: 135 Nam Ky Khoi Nghia, Ben Thanh ward, HCMc
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 6 PM daily
- Ticket: ~40,000 VND
War Remnants Museum
A sobering yet essential museum documenting the war’s impact through photographs and artifacts.
- Location: 28 Vo Van Tan, Xuan Hoa ward, HCMc
- Opening hours: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
- Ticket: ~40,000 VND
Cu Chi Tunnels
An underground tunnel network used during wartime, offering visitors insight into guerrilla warfare tactics.
- Location: Phu Hiep, Cu Chi, HCMc
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Ticket: ~125,000 VND
Saigon Opera House
A beautiful example of French colonial architecture hosting cultural performances.
- Location: 07 Cong Truong Lam Son, Ben Nghe ward, HCMc
- Opening hours: Event-based
- Ticket: Varies by show
Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica of Saigon
An iconic red-brick cathedral built in the 19th century, reflecting French colonial heritage.
- Location: 01 Cong Truong Cong xa Paris, Ben Nghe ward, HCMc
- Visiting hours: Exterior open daily
- Ticket: Free
Visit the City’s Best Local Markets
Shopping at traditional markets is one of the Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Luxury brands can be found worldwide, but Vietnamese markets offer local specialties and handicrafts you won’t find elsewhere.
Ben Thanh Market
The city’s most famous market for souvenirs, dried goods, and street food.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Night market until 10:00 PM)
- Ticket: Free
Binh Tay Market
Located in Chinatown, featuring a large central courtyard filled with sunlight and breeze.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ticket: Free
Tan Dinh Market
Known for delicious street food and vibrant fabric stalls — perfect for eating and shopping simultaneously.
- Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Ticket: Free
Local Food – Where to Eat in Saigon
Exploring where to eat in Saigon ranks among one of the most fascinating things to do in this hustle city.
- Hu Tieu Nam Vang: A clear, slightly sweet pork-based noodle soup topped with shrimp and minced pork. Try at Hu Tieu Thanh Xuan (District 1). Price: 50,000–70,000 VND.
- Banh Mi Saigon: Crispy baguette filled with pâté, cold cuts, pickles, and herbs. Popular at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa. Price: approx 60,000 VND.
- Com Tam: Broken rice served with grilled pork, fish sauce, and pickles — smoky, savory, satisfying. Try Com Tam Ba Ghien. Price: 60,000–90,000 VND.
- Fried Fish Balls (Ca Vien Chien): Street snack skewers dipped in chili sauce — fun and flavorful. Found around school areas. Price: 20,000–40,000 VND.
- Vietnamese Iced Coffee (Ca Phe Sua Da): Strong, bold Robusta with condensed milk over ice. Try at local sidewalk cafés. Price: 25,000–50,000 VND.
Admire the Skyline from the Best Rooftop Bars in Saigon
Relax and take in the bustling streets of District 1 alongside the iconic skyscrapers that define the city’s skyline. Pick a stylish rooftop bar, sip a handcrafted cocktail, and enjoy a million-dollar view right before your eyes.
Twilight Sky Bar, one of the best rooftop bars in Saigon, with its prime location and expansive panorama, is the perfect spot for those who love high-altitude scenery!
Explore Nguyen Hue Walking Street
A vibrant pedestrian boulevard where locals gather to skateboard, perform music, and socialize. Surrounded by cafés and apartment-style coffee buildings, it’s a lively evening destination. If you’re unsure what to do, spending a sunset here is one of the Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. Grab street snacks, sip milk tea, and watch the city move.
Discover Bui Vien “Western Street”
Famous for backpacker energy and dynamic Nightlife in Saigon, Bui Vien is the go-to for bars, beer, and live sports screenings. You’ll meet travelers from around the world here. For high-energy dancing, try Twilight Sky Bar. For a more relaxed rooftop vibe, Aqua Sky Bar offers chilled music and city views. Experiencing this district is undeniably among the Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City.
Tips Before Your Trip to Ho Chi Minh City
Planning ahead makes exploring Ho Chi Minh City much easier:
- Exchange Money
- Use official exchange counters or banks.
- Keep small denominations for markets and street food.
- Learn Basic Vietnamese: “Xin chào” (Hello); “Bao nhiêu?” (How much?); “Không, cảm ơn” (No, thank you)
- Wear Comfortable Clothinightweight outfits for tropical weather, sneakers for long walking days
- Sunscreen and a hat for daytime exploring
Stay in One of the Best Hotels in Saigon
Located in the heart of District 1, steps away from Ben Thanh Market, La Siesta Premium Saigon sits in one of the best areas in Saigon for first-time visitors. Its central position makes exploring the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City effortless.
The highlight is its infinity pool and rooftop bar overlooking the skyline – perfect after a day of discovering What to do in Saigon. Known among the Best boutique hotels in Saigon and consistently ranked among the Best hotels in Saigon, it combines elegant design with warm hospitality. As one of the city’s most trusted best service hotels, it ensures your first trip feels seamless and memorable.