15 EPIC THINGS TO DO IN HO CHI MINH CITY FOR FIRST-TIMERS

1. STROLL AROUND NOTRE-DAME CATHEDRAL AND CENTRAL POST OFFICE

Step into the heart of old Saigon by strolling between two of the city’s most iconic landmarks — the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Saigon’s Central Post Office. Though the cathedral is currently under renovation, its red-brick facade and twin bell towers still make a striking impression. 

Across the street is the Saigon’s Central Post Office. Designed by Gustave Eiffel, this colonial-era gem blends French architecture with Vietnamese details. Its arched ceilings, green ironwork, and old-school phone booths make it more than just a place to mail a letter — it’s a living piece of history. 

💡Tips for visiting: 

Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and take your time exploring. You can buy charming postcards and handmade souvenirs right inside the Saigon’s Central Post Office, everything is fairly priced, and there’s no need to haggle.

📍Opening hours:

-Monday to Friday: 7:00 – 19:00 

-Saturday: 7:00 – 18:00 

-Sunday: 8:00 – 18:00 

🎟 Tickets: Free entry

2. GET LOST IN PAGES ON SAIGON’S BOOK STREET

After exploring the grandeur of the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the historic charm of the Saigon’s Central Post Office, take a few extra steps to unwind on Ho Chi Minh’s Book Street. Shaded by trees and lined with cozy bookshops and cafés, it’s the perfect place to slow down, browse unique titles, or enjoy a quiet coffee while people-watching.

Saigon Book Street is more than just a tourist spot, it’s a cultural window into the heart of Saigon and Vietnamese life. It holds a special place in the city, offering both literary value and a strong local spirit.

📍Opening Hours:

-Monday to Friday: 8:00 – 21:00

-Saturday & Sunday: 8:00 – 21:30 

🎟 Tickets: Free entry

3. SHOP AND EAT AT BEN THANH MARKET

Ben Thanh Market is one of Saigon’s most iconic landmarks — a place where the city’s energy, flavors, and character all come together under one roof. Whether you're here for souvenirs, street eats, or simply to soak up the buzz, this is where the adventure truly begins.

Wander through colorful stalls, test your bargaining skills, and follow the delicious scents drifting from the food court. Most importantly, don’t miss the chance to try authentic Vietnamese dishes — just follow the locals to the busiest stalls for the best picks!

💡Tips for visiting:

If you’re planning to buy clothes or souvenirs, be sure to check the prices and compare a few stalls before making a decision. Learning the art of bargaining isn’t just useful — it’s part of the fun and a great way to interact with locals!

📍Opening hours: 4:00 - 19:00

4. VISIT THE INDEPENDENCE PALACE AND THE WAR REMNANTS MUSEUM

More than just a striking example of 1960s architecture, the Independence Palace stands as a powerful symbol of Vietnam’s journey toward peace and unity. Formerly the seat of the South Vietnamese government, this historic site witnessed the moment the Vietnam War came to an end — when a North Vietnamese tank broke through its gates on April 30, 1975. 

Today, visitors can explore the palace to get a real sense of the political and military history of the era, with original meeting rooms, private quarters, and underground bunkers all preserved in time. It’s like walking through a living museum of Vietnam’s pivotal past.

📍Opening hours: 7:00 - 18:00

🎟 Ticket prices:

1. General admission (Palace + Exhibition Hall) 

-Aged 6 - 17: 20.000 vnd/person

-Aged 18 - 59: 80.000 vnd/person

-Aged 60+ yrs: 40.000 vnd/person

2. Limited admission (Palace or Exhibition Hall)

-Aged 6 - 17: 10.000 vnd/person

-Aged 18 - 59: 40.000 vnd/person

-Aged 60+ yrs: 20.000 vdn/person 

For more information please check at the official website.

💡Tips for visiting: 

Plan to spend around 1.5 to 2 hours exploring the Independence Palace and its exhibition areas. Audio guides can be rented if you’d like a deeper understanding of what you’re seeing. The staff are also friendly and ready to help with any questions. You'll also find clean restrooms inside, coffee shops on the grounds for a quick break, and vending machines with cold drinks to keep you refreshed during your visit.

After visiting the Independence Palace, you can take a short 5-minute walk to the War Remnants Museum. It offers a sobering but important look at the impact of the Vietnam War. Through powerful photographs, military equipment, and deeply personal stories, you’ll gain insight into the country’s painful past and the resilience of the Vietnamese people. It’s a thought-provoking experience that often leaves visitors deeply moved.

📍Opening hours: 7:30 - 17:00

🎟 Ticket price: 40,000 vnd/person (The ticket counter is closed at 4:30 pm)

5. APPRECIATE VIETNAMESE ART AT THE MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS

Tucked inside a graceful colonial-era mansion, the Ho Chi Minh City Museum of Fine Arts offers a quiet, inspiring escape from the city’s hustle.

One of its most remarkable features is the impressive collection of Buddhist sculptures—carved from stone, wood, and bronze—tracing Vietnam’s spiritual and artistic traditions from ancient Champa to later dynasties. Alongside these treasures, you’ll find vibrant folk paintings, lacquerware, and modern works by contemporary Vietnamese artists. It’s a wonderful blend of old and new, where timeless craftsmanship meets the pulse of today’s creative voices.

Buddha Statue in Ho Chi Minh Museum

For art buffs, exhibitions by emerging local talents are regularly held here. You can check the museum’s website or Facebook to see what’s on next and plan your visit accordingly.

📍Opening hours: 8.00 - 17.00

🎟 Ticket Prices:

-Adults: 30,000 VND/person

-Children: 15,000 VND/child

6. DISCOVER HIDDEN CAFES INSIDE THE CAFE APARTMENTS

Originally built as a residential block in the mid-20th century, The Cafe Apartments has transformed into one of Ho Chi Minh City’s most eclectic cultural hotspots. Each unit tells a story—what were once private homes are now cozy cafés, design studios, boutiques, and even a few local pubs. 

Despite its modern makeover, the building still retains much of its vintage charm and it’s the perfect place to wander, grab a coffee, and soak in the city’s layered personality.

💡Tips for visiting:

You can climb the charming vintage stairs for free, but if you prefer not to walk, there’s a small elevator available. Just make sure to have some cash on hand—typically around 5,000 VND as the lift isn’t free. The good news? Many cafes will happily refund this fee if you make a purchase.

📍Opening hours: Most shops open from 8:00 AM to 10:00 PM

7. DO A SIDE TRIP TO THE CU CHI TUNNELS

Though located a fair distance from central Ho Chi Minh City, the Cu Chi Tunnels offer a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s wartime history that makes the trip entirely worthwhile. This vast underground network once served as living quarters, supply routes, and hideouts for soldiers during the Vietnam War. Crawling through the narrow passageways, you'll get a glimpse into the tough conditions and clever strategies used during that era.

Taking the bus is budget-friendly, but you’ll likely spend hours in Saigon’s infamous traffic. For a faster and more scenic route, consider a boat tour along the Saigon River, it’s a refreshing way to glimpse local river life and reach the tunnels before the heat and crowds roll in.

💡Tips for visiting:

For the best experience, it’s a good idea to book a morning boat trip from Saigon to Cu Chi. It’s typically a half-day tour, so you’ll be back in the city by afternoon with plenty of time for more adventures

To get a deeper look into life around the tunnels, why not pair the journey with a relaxing bike ride through local craft villages and lush green plantations? Our Boat & Bike Tour to Cu Chi is a great way to experience both.

8. EMBARK ON YOUR OWN STREET FOOD HUNT

Landing in Vietnam without trying the street food is like going to Italy and ignoring the pasta. Unthinkable! Saigon’s sidewalks are packed with sizzling pans, secret family recipes, and aunties who’ve been perfecting their noodle game longer than you’ve been alive. Grab a tiny stool, follow the crowd, and get ready for a delicious adventure, no fancy restaurants needed.

💡Small tips: Do a little research on Google Maps and follow the locals, if a spot is packed with Vietnamese diners, chances are it’s delicious and trustworthy.

9. RENT A BIKE AND EXPLORE SAIGON’S STREETS

There’s no better way to soak in the rhythm of Saigon than by riding through it on two wheels. A bike lets you weave through alleys, glide past colorful street markets, and stumble upon charming old buildings and quirky cafes you’d never spot from inside a car. Just let the road take you. Cycling can turn Saigon into your own personal adventure map. No need to battle the traffic. Check out these relaxed cycling routes around Ho Chi Minh City and safty tips.

Prefer something more off the beaten path? Join us for a bike ride to the Binh Quoi green oasis hidden right inside the city — peaceful, local, and refreshingly different.

10. WANDER DOWN BUI VIEN WALKING STREET (THEN ESCAPE IT)

Ready for the ultimate sensory overload? Head to Bùi Viện Walking Street, Saigon’s famous “backpacker district,” where neon lights, loud beats, and party vibes hit you all at once.

Once the sun sets, the whole street turns into a pedestrian-only party zone. You’ll find everything from fire dancers and street magicians to grilled octopus on a stick and people offering massages every 5 meters.

It’s chaotic. It’s loud. It’s like a music festival mixed with a street food market… on steroids.

But here’s the deal: it’s a blast to visit—once. Walk through, soak in the madness, grab a cheap beer or two, and then… escape. Find a chill rooftop or hidden bar nearby to give your eardrums a break and process what just happened.

💡Tips for visiting:

-Keep an eye on your belongings. Like many busy nightlife areas around the world, pickpocketing can happen here, especially when the crowd gets dense.

-Bring small cash. Some street vendors and smaller bars don’t accept cards.

11. TRY SAIGON’S CRAFT BEER SCENE

You might be wondering—what’s so special about Vietnamese craft beer? Let’s break it down. Just like its cuisine, Vietnam’s craft beer scene is bold, inventive, and rooted in local flavor. Brewers here love to experiment with ingredients like pepper, mango, passion fruit, dragon fruit, and even cucumber. You’ll also find subtle nods to regional tastes with additions like cacao or coffee, giving each pint a real sense of place.

These small-batch brews may be inspired by Western styles, but they carry a distinct Vietnamese soul. Expect quirky names, surprising flavor combos, and yes—there’s even a phở-inspired beer, infused with hints of cinnamon, star anise, and ginger. It’s a little sweet, a little spicy, and 100% unforgettable.

Craving a cold one yet? We’ve put together a full Craft Beer Guide to Saigon so you can sip your way through the city’s most flavorful brews, taprooms, and tasting rooms. Cheers to that!

12. EXPLORE CHOLON - SAIGON’S CHINATOWN

Founded in 1778 by Chinese immigrants, it grew into a rich enclave of commerce, traditions, and architecture. Despite the passing years, it still pulses with the traditions and energy of its Chinese-Vietnamese community.

Cholon offers a deeper cultural immersion than most parts of Saigon. Expect to be surrounded by narrow, bustling alleys filled with antique shops, Chinese lantern stores, herbal medicine vendors, and small eateries serving soulful Cantonese-Vietnamese dishes.

A Chinese-style meal in Saigon’s China town | @makemypapaproud

💡Tips for visiting:

Try to come in the morning when the streets are livelier but not too crowded. Take your time soaking in the atmosphere — and if walking’s not your style, hopping on a bike isn’t a bad idea at all.

You can also rent a quality bike from us by the hour or for a full day, all at a reasonable price!

13. WATCH A CULTURAL SHOW AT THE OPERA HOUSE

Nestled in the heart of District 1, the Saigon Opera House (officially the Municipal Theatre) is one of the most stunning remnants of French colonial architecture in Ho Chi Minh City. Built in 1898, its ornate facade and elegant interiors make it worth a visit even if you're just passing by.

But to truly appreciate the building’s grandeur, step inside for a live performance — and if you see only one, make it the AO Show. 

The AO Show is a modern Vietnamese cultural spectacle that blends circus arts, contemporary dance, acrobatics, and traditional folk music. Performed without spoken dialogue, it uses powerful visuals, bamboo props, and live percussion to tell a story of Vietnam’s transformation from peaceful countryside life to vibrant urban sprawl. It’s both poetic and dynamic — a beautiful expression of Vietnam’s past and present.

💡Tips for booking:

You can check available shows and schedules on the official website or Facebook page of the Saigon Opera House or the AO Show. Make sure to book your tickets in advance, especially during weekends or holidays, as popular shows often sell out quickly.

📍Opening hours:

-Monday to Friday: 9:00 - 16:30

-Saturday and Sunday: 9:00 - 12:00

🎟 Ticket prices: From 800,000 VND to 1,750,000 vnd/person, depending on the seat type and show.

14. EXPLORE THE MUSEUM OF TRADITIONAL VIETNAMESE MEDICINE

If you're drawn to traditional Vietnamese architecture, this museum is a real gem. Built from reclaimed wooden frames, bricks, and roof tiles transported from ancient houses in Hanoi, it recreates the rustic charm of a centuries-old Vietnamese home in District 10. 

The space spans six floors with 18 rooms, each filled with ornately carved wooden details, black-lacquered stair railings, and traditional motifs that reflect both Northern Delta temple design and Southern garden house influence. Bamboo clumps at the entrance and the subtle scent of herbs inside give the place an atmospheric welcome. Every detail mirrors a reverence for craft and cultural heritage.

You'll find various tools and objects used in traditional medicine across 2,500 years of history — from herbal grinders and medicine jars to intricate wooden statues honoring Vietnam’s most respected physicians. It’s a compact yet immersive experience that sheds light on the country's rich heritage of healing.

💡Tips for visiting:

The Fito museum is in District 10, which might be far from your hotel. Plan your visit alongside nearby attractions or food spots to make the trip worth it. There are also lots of coffee shops around if you need a break.

📍Opening hours: 8:30 - 17:30

🎟 Tickets: Free entry

15. TAKE IN THE CITY VIEWS FROM THE SAIGON SKYDECK

If you want to see Ho Chi Minh City from a whole new angle, head up to the Bitexco Financial Tower Skydeck. Located on the 49th floor of one of Vietnam’s most iconic skyscrapers, this observation deck offers panoramic, 360-degree views of the entire city, from the winding Saigon River to the endless sprawl of rooftops and distant landmarks.

It’s a great place to visit during sunset, when the city lights start to flicker on and the skyline transforms into a glittering sea of light. Inside, you’ll also find interactive screens that help you identify major sights below.

📍Opening hours: 9:30 - 21:30

🎟 Tickets: around 240.000 vnd/person (booking available on online platforms)

That’s a wrap on our 15 recommended activities for first-timers in Ho Chi Minh City! Safe travels — and don’t forget to bring your curiosity (and maybe a little extra room for all the food)!