What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Activities, attractions and tours

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Things to do

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour

Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour

฿1,113
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Cu Chi Tunnels and Mekong Delta - VIP Tour
Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels Full-Day Excursion

Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels Full-Day Excursion

฿911
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
Mekong Delta and Cu Chi Tunnels Full-Day Excursion
Tan Son Nhat Airport - Ho Chi Minh City - Fast Track Service

Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport

฿1,181
per traveller
74% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh city: Arrival Fast track at Tan Son Nhat Inlt. Airport
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours

฿844
per adult
100% of travellers recommend
Ho Chi Minh City Full Day Tours
Ho Chi Minh City Saigon Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

City Sightseeing Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour

฿709
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
City Sightseeing Ho Chi Minh City / Saigon Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket

Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket

฿337
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
Bitexco Financial Tower: Saigon Sky Deck - Fast Track Ticket
Picture 8 for Activity Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour

Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour

฿236
per adult
Ho Chi Minh City: Panoramic City Bus Tour
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Top places to visit

1. Ben Thanh Market

Bến Thành Market is the oldest surviving market in Ho Chi Minh City and one of Vietnam’s top destinations. It is a must-see for anyone visiting this 300-year-old city. Explore the colorful stalls and buy food, souvenirs and clothing from the local vendors.
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2. Dong Khoi Street

Spend a day on busy Dong Khoi Street and hunt for luxury items in grand department stores, eat in classy cafés and marvel at beautiful examples of 19th-century architecture.
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3. Pham Ngu Lao Street

For cheap meals, accommodation and markets in the center of Ho Chi Minh City, look no further than Pham Ngu Lao. It is known by Vietnamese locals as “khu tay ba lo”, which translates to “Backpacker’s area.” If you are a traveler on a budget, Pham Ngu Lao is the place to be.
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4. Saigon River

See the iconic houses on stilts on the banks of the Saigon River and enjoy views of some of the city’s most famous buildings from a boat cruise. Explore the villages and canals of the Mekong Delta where migratory birds live among the thick mangroves.
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5. Ho Chi Minh City Opera House

Whether you are a cultural enthusiast or simply appreciate beautiful architecture, the Saigon Opera House is a sight not to be missed. Also known as The Municipal Theatre of Ho Chi Minh City, this gleaming white landmark is a visual reminder that Saigon was the capital of French Indochina at the turn of the 20th century.
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6. Vincom Center Shopping Mall

Shop in the flagship stores of brands such as Ralph Lauren, Armani and Hugo Boss at the Vincom Center Shopping Mall. Select a meal from the superb international cuisine offered at the large food court or taste delicious bread straight from the oven at the on-site bakery.
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What to do in Ho Chi Minh City

Stay near popular Ho Chi Minh City attractions

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Ben Thanh Market

7.8/10 (6,130 reviews)
This iconic 1914 marketplace showcases Vietnamese commerce with over 3,000 vendor stalls selling crafts and textiles. Visit the vibrant food court to sample authentic pho amid the sensory-rich atmosphere.
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Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City

Find the best Ho Chi Minh City areas for the activities you enjoy most. Learn more about Ho Chi Minh City
Learn more about Ho Chi Minh City
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Downtown Ho Chi Minh City

Known for its fantastic nightlife and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Downtown Ho Chi Minh City. Check out top attractions like Ben Thanh Market and Benthanh Street Food Market, and jump on the metro at Ben Thanh Station or Opera House Station to see more of the city.

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Phu Nhuan

Visitors to Phu Nhuan appreciate its restaurants. A visit to Tan Son Nhat Market and War Remnants Museum might round out your trip if you're looking to see more of the area.

A bustling market with various stalls selling bags, shoes, and other goods.

Ben Thanh

While you're in Ben Thanh, take in top sights like Ben Thanh Market and jump on the metro at Ben Thanh Station to see more of the city.

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Dong Khoi

The fantastic nightlife and popular shops are a few things travellers love about Dong Khoi. Check out Union Square or Vincom Center Shopping Mall while you're visiting, and jump aboard the metro at Opera House Station to get around town.

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Little Japan

Take time in Little Japan to visit attractions like Saigon Japan Town and Ho Chi Minh City Opera House. You might also appreciate the abundant dining options, and you can hop on the metro at Opera House Station to see more of the city.

Day trip destinations from Ho Chi Minh City

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Bien Hoa

Frequently asked questions

Is Ho Chi Minh City worth visiting?
Offering a mix of shopping and nightlife, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City. While you're here, head to Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, a key attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Ho Chi Minh City?
After you've visited leading attractions like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, spend the rest of your day enjoying the food and retail options in Ho Chi Minh City.
What is the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can't go home without checking out Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, ranked the top tourist attraction in Ho Chi Minh City.
Is three days enough to stay in Ho Chi Minh City?
You can easily tick off leading sights like Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden, Independence Palace and Dam Sen Water Park with a three-day stay in Ho Chi Minh City. On average, many travellers book four days here. There's plenty to see and do nearby too, so stay a bit longer and head to Tân Phong.
Is Ho Chi Minh City a walkable city?
Some top sights in Ho Chi Minh City, including Saigon Zoo and Botanic Garden and Independence Palace, are within walking distance. You can also experience several of the city's neighbourhoods on foot. Only 0.32 kilometres from central Ho Chi Minh City is District 1 and Ben Nghe is 0.48 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids?
Whether you're holidaying with tiny adventurers or thrill-loving teens, an itinerary filled with fun activities is the key to a stress-free getaway. Check out our ideas for what to do in Ho Chi Minh City with kids.
What to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or outdoor adventurer, there's no shortage of things to do in Ho Chi Minh City for adults including Bui Vien Walking Street and Nguyen Hue Walking Street.
Are there free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City?
One of the best ways to learn about free things to do in Ho Chi Minh City is to speak with a local tour guide. You'll get insider advice on interesting neighbourhoods, parks and other hotspots you can visit without opening your wallet. HCMC Museum is one sight that doesn't have an entrance fee.