We recently came back from a 9 day trip in Vietnam and Ho Chi Minh City, also known as Saigon, was our first stop in the vibrant country. With its bustling streets, rich history, and delicious cuisine, this city offers a wide range of experiences for everyone to enjoy.
Here are the top 10 things you must do if you find yourself in Ho Chi Minh City!
1. Explore the Cu Chi Tunnels
While the Cu Chi Tunnels is a little bit outside of Ho Chi Minh City, it’s at the top of our list. You are transported into the history of the Vietnam War by visiting these underground tunnels. They stretch for over 250 kilometers and played a crucial role in the war effort for Vietnam, and it’s a piece of history they’ve preserved all these years. We recommend taking a guided tour to learn about the various tunnels, booby traps, and hidden chambers that were used by the Vietnamese soldiers. You can eve crawl through some of the tunnels yourself to experience what life was like for the soldiers who lived and fought underground.
2. Visit the Mekong Delta
Another place slightly outside of the big city is the Mekong Delta. The Mekong Delta is a breathtaking network of rivers, swamps, and islands nestled in the southern tip of Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. Here you can cruise through the maze of rivers on a traditional wooden sampan, bike through verdant rice fields, or kayak through mangrove forests teeming with exotic wildlife. You can even delve into the rich history of the region by visiting ancient temples and archaeological ruins.
3. Discover the Notre Dame Cathedral
The Notre Dame Cathedral is an iconic symbol of Ho Chi Minh City. Built by French colonialists in the 19th century, this beautiful cathedral features two impressive bell towers and intricate stained glass windows imported from France. Similar to the La Sagrada Familia to Barcelona (IFYKYK), this cathedral has been under construction and still was when we visited. While we didn’t get a super clear glimpse of its beauty, it’s worth passing if you can make the time to see it!
4. Explore Book Street
Book Street is exactly what it sounds like, a street lined with shops that sell all types of books! From old novels to children’s books, this street is perfect for the reader in the group. If you don’t read much, this area is still really great for souvenirs. If you want to grab a cafe sua da (Vietnamese iced coffee) while you look around, there’s a cafe in the middle that sells that and more.
5. Wander through Ben Thanh Market
Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Ben Thanh Market, one of the city’s oldest and most famous markets. This marketplace offers a wide variety of sights, sounds, and definitely smells. There are a lot of stalls that sell anything you can think of: from fresh produce to local handicrafts to clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. Warning, this market can get extremely overwhelming and we were told by locals that the prices here are a lot higher than anywhere else.
That said, bargaining is encouraged, so put your negotiation skills to the test and see if you can score a great deal!
6. Enjoy a Saigon River Cruise
Taking a Saigon River cruise is one of the best ways to see the city, especially at night. You can choose from a variety of cruises, from short river tours to dinner cruises with live music, any of them is a great way to take in the city’s skyline from a different perspective. Check out some great options from Viator:
7. Indulge in Vietnamese Street Food
Ho Chi Minh City is a food lover’s paradise, offering a delectable array of Vietnamese dishes to tantalize your taste buds. Indulge in a bowl of steaming pho, a flavorful Vietnamese noodle soup typically made with beef or chicken. Sink your teeth into a mouthwatering banh mi, a classic Vietnamese sandwich filled with a combination of meat, fresh vegetables, and savory sauces. Sample the delicate flavors of fresh spring rolls, bursting with herbs, shrimp, and vermicelli noodles.
We were a bit wary of street food when we first arrived because we didn’t want to get sick. As an alternative, we did a Street Food tour and we couldn’t recommend it more! The company vets all the stalls to make sure it’s safe to eat for tourists, and I can confirm no one on the trip got sick afterwards. Doing a tour in the evening is also a really great way to get a glimpse into what local life is like in Ho Chi Minh City.
8. Visit the Cafe Apartments
The Cafe Apartments in Ho Chi Minh City are a unique blend of vintage charm and modern buzz, tucked away on the bustling Nguyen Hue Walking Street. Imagine a nine-story building adorned with vibrant cafes, each brewing its own distinct atmosphere. Each floor boasts a different cafe, from sleek espresso bars and cozy hideouts serving traditional Vietnamese phin brews to trendy cafes with innovative latte art and quirky decor. Whether you’re a caffeine connoisseur or simply seeking a respite from the city’s heat, there’s a perfect cup waiting for you.
They even had our favorite coffee shop from Japan, Arabica Coffee, too! The Cafe Apartments are (supposedly) closing soon due to the building structure, so take a visit while you can!
9. Stroll along Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Speaking of Nguyen Hue Walking Street, even if you don’t go to the Cafe Apartments it is still worth a visit! The street is a pedestrian-only boulevard that stretches between the City Hall and the Saigon River. Take a leisurely stroll along this bustling street, lined with shops, cafes, and entertainment venues. This pedestrian-friendly area offers a great opportunity to people-watch, grab a coffee, and browse through local shops and boutiques.
10. Immerse yourself in the nightlife of Bui Vien Street
For those seeking a lively evening scene, head to Bui Vien Street in the heart of the city’s backpacker district. This vibrant street comes to life after dark and offers a wide range of bars, clubs, and street vendors. We visiting during Halloween, so we didn’t stay long because of how crowded everywhere was. If you like nightlife, this is definitely the place to go!
Ho Chi Minh City truly offers a mix of history, culture, and culinary delights. Whether you’re exploring its historical landmarks, savoring delicious street food, or simply immersing yourself in the local atmosphere (and scooters), you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience in this city.
