9 Best Things to Do in Ho Chi Minh for First-Timers

Millicent Lim

Last updated 29 Aug 2025

Must-Visit Attractions & Hidden Gems in Ho Chi Minh

Looking for a quick weekend getaway in Southeast Asia? Discover the charm of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where vibrant markets, historic landmarks, fresh spring rolls, and fragrant Vietnamese coffee await your next escape!

Wander through the bustling streets filled with aromatic local cuisine, step inside museums that echo stories of Vietnam’s past, and admire the French colonial architecture as you joyride your way through the city.

If you’re ready for a trip filled with culture, flavor, and history, here are 10 of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh that you definitely don’t want to miss.

1. Dive into Vietnam’s War history

Before we jump right into the list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh, did you know Vietnam was once divided into two: North and South Vietnam? The city was once the capital of South Vietnam before the country’s unification in 1975.

Formerly called Saigon, a name that is still widely used by locals and travelers today, the name was later changed to honor its revolutionary leader and former president, Hồ Chí Minh, for his role in Vietnam’s fight for independence.

War Remnants Museum

To learn about Vietnam’s past and its tumultuous struggle against colonialism, you’ll want to visit the War Remnants Museum, one of Ho Chi Minh’s most visited museums.

The exhibits on display may be quite graphic and shocking, but they paint the realities of the Vietnam War and the country’s later independence through the lens of the Vietnamese people.

It is a sobering yet fascinating experience that offers a deeper insight into the adversities the citizens of Vietnam had to endure and overcome for the nation to stand where it does today.

Things To Do

War Remnants Museum: Understanding Vietnam’s Past

Explore the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City and uncover Vietnam’s history!

Independence Palace

Just a 10-minute walk (or 5-minute drive) from the War Remnants Museum is the Independence Palace. Officially known as the Reunification Convention Hall in Vietnam, it was built to replace the original Norodom Palace, which was heavily damaged during the war.

The palace served as a government residence and administrative office, but it’s best known as the site that marked the Fall of Saigon, when a North Vietnamese army tank crashed through its gates on April 30, 1975.

Today, it’s open for visitors to explore its grand halls, war rooms, and gardens to get a glimpse into the events that led to the country’s reunification.

Củ Chi Tunnels

Want a more immersive experience? Delve deeper into Vietnam’s war history by exploring this famous underground hideout.

The Cu Chi Tunnels played a crucial role during the Vietnam War by providing the Viet Cong soldiers a place to hide and move during combat. Spanning over 200 km, the Cu Chi tunnels served as hospitals, living quarters, rest spots, food and weapon caches, and even meeting rooms.

Today, this fragment of Vietnam’s history has become the city’s biggest attraction and a top must-see spot on any things to do in Ho Chi Minh list.

Explore the narrow tunnels in this one-of-a-kind experience. Try to put yourself in someone else’s shoes as you learn how the soldiers ate, slept, and fought in sunless conditions during the war. Get up close and personal with the weapons, tanks, and booby traps that played a part in one of history’s most significant conflicts.

2. Admire the French Colonial Architecture

Ho Chi Minh City is truly a place teeming with history. In fact, as you stroll through its busy streets, you’ll find Vietnam’s rich history woven into the daily activities of the locals and in the buildings that line the city–where French colonial influences still linger.

Another way to step back in time is to explore District 1, which is home to some of Ho Chi Minh City’s most iconic colonial landmarks.

Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica

Marvel at the Saigon Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica, built with red bricks imported from France.

Central Post Office

Admire the Central Post Office, designed by French architect Alfred Foulhoux with its vaulted ceilings and arched windows.

Saigon Opera House

Don’t miss the elegant Saigon Opera House, modeled after Paris’ Petit Palais.

People’s Committee Building

The People’s Committee Building is a stunning example of French colonial city hall architecture that continues to serve as the city’s administrative headquarters.

Feeling overwhelmed with all these things to do in Ho Chi Minh so far? An easy and convenient way to explore all these landmarks is through the Ho Chi Minh City Sightseeing Bus, which allows you to hop-on-and-off at key stops.

3. Explore the city’s bustling market scene

It’s impossible to leave Vietnam without checking out the market scene. It’s simply the place to be if you’re looking to buy anything from souvenirs, clothes, fresh produce, handicrafts, and live entertainment. How could anyone ever resist?

Bến Thành Market

Ben Thanh Market is one of Ho Chi Minh’s most iconic spots, and also one of the oldest surviving structures in the city. It’s packed with vendors selling everything from souvenirs to street food, and the atmosphere is lively and vibrant. It’s a great place to pick up local goods, taste traditional Vietnamese dishes, and experience the daily life of a Saigon resident.

Klook Tip: The market and its surrounding areas tend to get crowded and overwhelming, especially on weekends. While it’s rare for pickpocketing incidents, they do occur occasionally, so always be careful and mindful of your belongings.

Curious about the markets beyond Bến Thành? Consider a Morning Markets Motorbike Tour to make the most of Saigon’s market scene.

Things To Do

Shop, Eat, Repeat: Your Ben Thanh Market Guide

Your complete Ben Thanh Market guide—find the best food, clothes, and souvenirs in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City.

Ho Thi Ky Flower Market

Up for something fresh and fragrant? Head to District 10!

The Ho Thi Ky Flower Market is the largest flower market in the region. The best thing about it? It’s open all day, but truly comes alive at night when trucks arrive with fresh flowers from Dalat–the City of Eternal Spring. You’ll also find the nearby street food stalls just as attractive, as they offer a wide range of delicious food to satisfy your late-night craving.

Street food at a traditional Vietnamese market

If you’re feeling extra adventurous, try a Saigon Street Food and Sightseeing Motorbike Night Tour to discover the city’s nightlife and other hidden spots only locals will know.

4. Enjoy a feast of the senses with the local cuisine

Someone once said, “There’s no better way to learn about a country than to eat your way through it.” Now, we’re not too sure who came up with this quote, but if you’re a true foodie, it’s definitely something that will resonate.

Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

No one should be content with their gastronomic journey in Vietnam until they’ve had an authentic bowl of Phở (simple rice noodles paired with a flavour-packed broth).

For that, Phở Hòa Pasteur is one stop you should make to fuel up before exploring the rest of Saigon.

Address: 260C Pasteur, Phường Võ Thị Sáu, Quận 3, Hồ Chí Minh

Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:30 PM daily.

Contact: +84 8 3829 7943

Bánh Mì (Vietnamese Sandwich)

If you’re on-the-go, a banh mi (baguette filled with meat, savory ingredients, cilantro, and other vegetables is a great takeaway meal.

The best place in Saigon to get them is definitely Bánh Mì Huynh Hoa, with its generous portions and great taste!

Address: 26 Lê Thị Riêng, Phường Phạm Ngũ Lão, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

Opening hours: 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily.

Contact: +84 962 455 517

But pho real though, a food tour is by far the best way to eat your way through a city where all you need to bring is your appetite. These small-group guided tours will ensure you get the most authentic local food there is when you have a local bringing you around.

5. Get a caffeine fix from a local cafe

Caffeine addict or not, Vietnamese coffee is an essential part of the Ho Chi Minh experience. Coffee is undoubtedly one of Vietnam’s most popular products around the world, second only to Brazil in the coffee business. Here, it’s not just a drink, it’s a way of life.

Vietnamese coffee is no ordinary coffee either (read: bold and strong!)

Known for their famous Vietnamese drip coffee, or Phin cà phê, you can choose to have your coffee black or iced. But if it’s your first time, we’d recommend trying the cà phê sữa đá, which is an iced coffee with sweetened condensed milk–perfect for beating the tropical heat.

You can find Vietnamese coffee at practically every food joint you visit, but do try to visit Ho Chi Minh’s biggest and most popular Vietnamese coffee chain, L’usine Le Loi.

Pro-tip: Sip, don’t gulp. It’s meant to be savored.

Address: 34 Lê Lợi, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

Opening hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily.

Contact: +84 28 3636 6512

If you’re someone who needs your Flat White 24/7, Ho Chi Minh’s modern cafes are equally worth a try.

The Workshop serves up some pretty decent Eggs Benedict and provides a respite from the busy streets of Ho Chi Minh.

Address: 27 Ngô Đức Kế, Bến Nghé, Quận 1, Hồ Chí Minh

Opening hours: 8:00 AM - 8:30 PM daily.

Contact: +84 8 3824 6801

Want to expand your Vietnamese coffee knowledge? Join a Vietnamese Coffee Workshop to learn traditional techniques and skills you can bring with you back home.

6. Explore the magnificent Mekong Delta

Dubbed a “biological treasure trove," the Mekong Delta is one of Vietnam’s largest tourist attractions. The delta actually splits into several canals and rivers that are filled with floating markets and villages. This Vietnamese treasure is also home to over 1,000 animal species that include the supposedly extinct Laotian rock rat.

Explore the best of Vietnam’s local life as you sail through the busy waterways on board a traditional boat. You’d also experience some of the best service on board – from food and beverages to cold towels, your needs are well taken care of.

Don’t miss your chance to witness some of Vietnam’s best sceneries at the lush and rich rice fields that fill most parts of the Mekong Delta. In fact, Mekong Delta’s rice fields produce about half the quantity of Vietnam’s agricultural output!

7. Watch a show at the beautiful Saigon Opera House

The A O Show is your next best choice of Vietnamese history knowledge if you don’t fancy crawling on all fours underground in the ever-so-narrow tunnels. Offering a perfect combination of humour and drama, this thrilling show performed at the Saigon Opera House will give you a sneak peek into the country’s history and culture through a lighthearted performance.

From dance to circus performances, sit back as some of the country’s best dancers and performers tell you more about Vietnam and its past, showing its journey from a rural settlement to a modern city.

If you’re feeling peckish after the show, end your night at the Hoa Tuc Restaurant situated in a historical French colonial building. Enjoy local delights such as pho, spring rolls, and banh mi all under one roof!

8. Catch an enchanting performance at the Traditional Water Puppet Theater

Enjoy a good show? Add this Traditional Vietnamese Water Puppetry Performance to your things to do in Ho Chi Minh City!

At the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater, you’ll experience Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage through puppets performing folk tales and legends on a unique water stage–an art form that originated in the Red River Delta.

Even without understanding Vietnamese, the expressive puppets, traditional sounds of bamboo flutes, wooden bells, and cymbals, and colorful visuals allow you to soak in traditional Vietnamese storytelling.

9. Cruise the Saigon River on the Saigon Princess

Looking to elevate your evening in Ho Chi Minh City? Set sail aboard the Saigon Princess Dining Cruise, and enjoy a luxurious two hours of food, entertainment, and relaxation along the Saigon River.

Watch as the city skyline lights up, savor a buffet prepared by skilled chefs, and let the music set the perfect mood. Departing from Saigon Port in District 4, this cruise is ideal for families, couples, or anyone looking for a memorable evening in Saigon.

If it’s your last day in the city, there’s no better way to end your stay!

Ready to explore the best of Ho Chi Minh City?

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FAQ

What not to miss in Ho Chi Minh?

Don’t miss the War Remnants Museum and Independence Palace for a glimpse into Vietnam’s history, and Ben Thanh Market for food and shopping. Explore the Củ Chi Tunnels and other cultural gems like the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theater for a full taste of Ho Chi Minh City’s heritage.

Is Ho Chi Minh worth visiting for tourists?

Absolutely! It’s no unfamiliar name on any traveller’s tongue–for good reason! Whether you’re looking for a taste of foreign nostalgia or a simple weekend getaway, the largest city of Vietnam deserves to be marked as your next travel destination!

Is 3 days in Ho Chi Minh enough?

Especially with options like sightseeing and day tours, three days is enough to see the city’s highlights (including museums, markets, and key landmarks). For excursions like the Củ Chi Tunnels or a Saigon River cruise, you may want to extend to fully enjoy the experience.