Binh Quoi Village, Ho Chi Minh City – Complete Guide and Reasons To Visit

Binh Quoi Village is hands-down one of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh City if you’re looking for a small dose of rural Vietnam right in the heart of the largest city in the country. It’s Ho Chi Minh’s green paradise, designed to look like a miniature Mekong Delta.

In case you’re planning a trip to the popular Binh Quoi tourist village, you’ll be happy to know that I gathered everything I know and learned after my visit there in this complete travel guide! You’ll find lots of precious information here, from the location of this attraction to the best things to do there, required budget, ways of getting there and more!

Let’s dive right into it!

Quick facts about Binh Quoi Village, Ho Chi Minh City

Quick facts about Binh Quoi Village

It is said that the traditional bamboo village called “Binh Quoi Village” on Thanh Da Peninsula is one of the best-kept secrets of Ho Chi Minh City, but today I’m going to tell you all about it!

Located only 15 minutes away from downtown Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Quoi Village is a real touch of greenery among the concrete and tall buildings of the city. The idea behind this tourist attraction is to bring a piece of the famous Mekong Delta without even leaving the city. And if you’ve already visited the Mekong Delta and its gorgeous scenery, you’ll see just what a wonderful job they’ve done with this space!

Once you arrive here, you’ll be enchanted to see a blue canal, coconut trees, lily ponds, beautiful walking paths, a bamboo monkey bridge and rural cottages. Plus some pretty cool cultural events to join too!

The entire attraction is set up as a tourist village (it’s also in the name, duh!) and some of the best things to do here include fishing and eating at the all-you-can-eat buffet. But more on this in the special section below!

RELATED READ: 12 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – A Complete Guide To the City

Why visit Binh Quoi Tourist Village?

Binh Quoi Tourist Village
© Photo: binhquoi.vn

In case my brief introduction above wasn’t enough to convince you to add the tourist area of Binh Quoi to your Vietnam bucket list, let me offer you a few more reasons.

Okay, let’s say you’ve already explored a bit of Ho Chi Minh City and you’ve seen its Coffee Apartments, gorgeous buildings such as the Bitexco Financial Tower, the Cathedral and more. After walking all around this modern concrete jungle, doesn’t it feel good to have your fix of nature without having to do a faraway day trip?

And that’s what village Binh Quoi is all about! Imagine a day of relaxation, paddling in the lake, fishing, eating Vietnamese specialities such as fresh fish in coconut sauce or simply walking around and admiring the rustic huts, tucked away behind lush vegetation. To me, this sounds like a little piece of heaven!

RELATED READ: Travel Guide to Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Tours VS Visiting By Yourself

Where is Binh Quoi Village located?

where is binh quoi village map

Binh Quoi Village is located on the riverside of Saigon, on Thanh Da Peninsula, around 10 kilometres away from the city centre. There are 3 different areas/park branches (more info right down below). 

BINH QUOI VILLAGE ADDRESS: 1147 Binh Quoi, Binh Thanh District. Find it on Google Maps here.

You can see its exact location on the map above.

Area breakdown

binh quoi village areas map

Although most articles on the web (yes, I’ve done my research!) mention that Binh Quoi comprises of two areas, I’ll let you know that there are actually three: Binh Quoi 1, Binh Quoi 2 and, of course, Binh Quoi 3. All of them are on Binh Quoi Street, only a few kilometres away from each other and I recommend visiting all of them in order to get a complete grasp of this wonderful destination. Especially if you don’t want to lose the chance to take plenty of photos, of course!

Binh Quoi 1

Binh Quoi 1 is the most popular and affordable tourist area out of the three. It’s basically an oasis filled with lotus ponds, coconut groves, green grass, cottages and floating markets. It is also the venue for different culinary and music festivals. 

But probably one of the best things about this area is the buffet that takes place on the weekends. Every weekend they organise the “Southern reclaiming cuisine” buffet and it’s an excellent chance to taste more than 100 traditional local dishes.

Binh Quoi 2

Although the first area is the most famous one, there are plenty of interesting, cultural things to do at number 2 as well, especially if you’re a sports lover. There you can find a swimming pool, canoes, a tennis course, folk games and more!

This area is also where you’ll find 45 bungalows and some more comfortable, resort-like services if that’s what you’re looking for. Plus, they organise a weekend buffet as well, this one called “Delicacies in the Coastal Region” that is all about fish dishes cooked by real fishermen and served together with the locals.

Binh Quoi 3

Also known as Quan Xua, this tourist area is more rustic and old school and it’s a great place if you want to enjoy some traditional food or coffee down by the Saigon river. I especially recommend this part of Binh Quoi Tourist Village if you’re a family with children, as they have a big green garden and an outdoor space with lots of activities for them such as swings, seesaw and more. This is also where you’ll find some restaurant options that serve Western European cuisine.

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Binh Quoi evening buffet

Binh Quoi evening buffet

Talking about the amazing food in the village, Binh Quoi is probably most famous for its open-air weekend buffet. You’ll find fresh, delicious dishes here, cooked by locals and sometimes fishermen. I don’t know about you, but I would never turn down the opportunity to try traditional Vietnamese dishes in such a beautiful setting!

Prices start at 300.000 VND (13 USD) per person.

Best things to do at Binh Quoi Tourist Village in Ho Chi Minh City

Ho Chi Minh City
© Photo: binhquoi.vn

I know I mentioned most of these activities in various parts of this article already, but let me also make a short round-up for you in case you need the bigger picture:

RELATED READ: Cafe Apartment Saigon – 3 Best Cafes Worth Visiting

Best time to visit

Binh Quoi Tourist Village

If you’re an experienced traveller or if you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you might expect this precious advice coming from my end: if you want to enjoy a place without the usual crowds of tourists, make sure you get there early. This applies to Binh Quoi Tourist Village as well, with some additional notes.

If you’re visiting this site to walk around and take pictures, then Monday mornings (or weekday mornings in general) are your best option, as that’s when there are fewer tourists than usual. But if you’re visiting for the cultural entertainment and buffet, you’ll have to visit on Saturday or Sunday evening, as that’s the only time they take place, although you’ll be joined by many other tourists as well. 

TIP: If you have enough time in your Ho Chi Minh City itinerary to dedicate an entire day to this beautiful green space, then you can arrive on a weekend at the opening time to enjoy the park without tourists, then stay until the buffet is ready. Worth it!

Although Binh Quoi Village can be enjoyed all year round, it’s best to visit from December to March when Ho Chi Minh City has the best weather and the temperatures are ideal for exploring outdoors.

OPENING HOURS: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM

BUFFET: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM. Only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays

Ticket prices

Ticket prices at Binh Quoi Village

You’re not ready for this: there is NO Binh Quoi Tourist Village entrance fee. Free entry! Zero, nothing, nada! 

Instead, you’ll have to pay for the activities you want to do inside, as well as the restaurant buffet. And the cost of the transportation to the village and back, of course. 

Which takes us to my next point…

How to get there

vietnam transportation

As I mentioned before, Binh Quoi Village is located in the Binh Thanh District, on the banks of the Saigon river, around 20 minutes by car from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City. Below you’ll find various ways to get there, depending on your budget and preference:

TAXI

An easy, hassle-free option. You can take a metered taxi (Mai Linh or Vinasun are the most recommended companies) from the city centre directly to the village, which should cost you from 150.000 to 200.000 VND (6.60 to 8.80 US$) one-way. If the driver asks for a higher price, try to negotiate or ask him to turn on the meter. If he refuses, just pick another driver.

GRAB

This is Vietnam’s version of Uber and it works exactly the same. You download the app, add your card and set up your destination. The advantage here is that you’ll know exactly how much you’ll be paying beforehand, as the ride’s price will appear after the app finds a driver for you.

GOVIET

In case you want to ride a scooter to Binh Quoi Village, you can take a GoViet scooter, which is slightly cheaper than renting a regular one from the city centre. 

BUS

Bus no. 44 leaves from Ben Thanh Market (more exactly, the station is on Le Thi Hong Gam Street) and will take you to Binh Quoi Street, which is right next to the village. The ticket price is 5.000 VND (0.20 US$).

BONUS: My top tips

tips for visiting binh quoi

I already told you basically everything I know about the Binh Quoi Tourist Village, but I didn’t tell you my precious tips yet. Which is exactly what I’m going to do now:

This was my complete, detailed guide that everyone should read before visiting Binh Quoi Tourist Village! That, of course, you want to be fully prepared with for all the technical details that will help everything go as smoothly as possible. 

In this post, I have told you all about the opening times and how to get to Binh Quoi Village, which of the 3 different villages are worth visiting and what activities to do in each, how much it costs and everything in-between. So if you’re dreaming of a day of relaxation in Ho Chi Minh City that combines culture, eating in a garden by the Saigon river, walking around thatched bamboo huts, indulging in delicious food and more, search no more than the hidden gem of Binh Quoi Village!

In case you want to learn more about Ho Chi Minh City and its attractions before your trip, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about the city. And here you will find all my articles and stories about Vietnam.

xoxo,

Melissa

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A complete guide to Binh Quoi Village in Ho Chi Minh
A Complete Guide to Binh Quoi Village in Vietnam

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Cafe Apartment Saigon – 3 Best Cafes Worth Visiting

In case you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, you might’ve heard about the country’s incredible coffee culture. And if you want to set foot in Ho Chi Minh City soon, then you surely know about the Cafe Apartment Saigon on Nguyen Street! If not, worry not, as I have gathered aaaaall the information you need on the Coffee Apartments in Saigon below, including the 3 best cafes worth visiting inside the building!

And, trust me, if you’re a lover of coffee and coffee shops, you just HAVE TO add this incredible attraction to your bucket list. It’s one of the most photographed buildings in the country, after all! 

I have written about it before in my Complete Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam Guide, but this time I’ll tell you about it in-depth, together with my personal experience visiting it.

Let’s go!

Quick info about Ho Chi Minh Cafe Apartment

info about Ho Chi Minh Cafe Apartment

Before jumping into the three recommendations, let me tell you some interesting information about this quirky attraction:

What is the Cafe Apartment Saigon?

Let’s start at the beginning. The Apartment Cafe is basically a 9-storey old apartment building converted into a tourist spot and the epicentre of coffee culture in Ho Chi Minh City (once known as Saigon). 

It has quite an interesting history, I might add. The building is around 60 years old, it has undergone some renovations over time and, at one point, it even housed American officers in the 50s and until the post-war period. 

Putting its rich history aside, it is still an apartment building, but with a twist – ever since Nguyen Street became a pedestrian walkway gaining a lot of popularity in 2015, the owners (which regained ownership of their properties after the fall of Saigon in 1975) started renting their apartments to small businesses. Which are mostly coffee shops, tea houses, fashion boutiques, beauty parlours and even co-working spaces. And it seems they’re growing in number every day!

colourful balconies Nguyen Street

The building looks cool, yet gritty on the outside with its colourful balconies, which is definitely part of its charm. But it’s what is on the inside that counts, right? And once you step foot into this apartment building on Nguyen Hue walking street, you’ll see exactly why it has become so popular. 

This apartment block hosts lots of independent businesses and cool spots to hang out, grab a coffee, work together with other creatives, go on an unconventional date and more! 

NOTE: It is said that, officially, it’s kind of… illegal to rent these apartments for commercial, non-residential use, so all the businesses inside might get evicted at any moment. Which only means one thing: make sure you visit this apartment block while you still can!

TIP: Each level of the building is different and unique and, because of the building’s layout, some shops or coffee apartments might be more visible than others. This is exactly why I advise you to take your time, skip the elevator and explore each level with patience. Oh, and make sure you walk past it at least once at night as well, it looks even more cool when all the colourful signs are lit up!

Where is the apartment building located?

Where is the Cafe Apartment

The location of the apartments is in District 1, on the famous Nguyen Hue pedestrian street, at number 42. It’s iconic and you can easily remember it!

ADDRESS: The Cafe Apartment – 42 Nguyen Hue Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City

Useful info to know once you arrive

RELATED READ: 12 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – A Complete Guide To the City

3 Best cafes worth visiting

I really loved our visit to the Coffee Apartment block – it’s hip, modern and very good-vibey. After exploring some cute fashion boutiques and shops, we visited some of the coffee shops too and these are the three I loved most (and that I, of course, recommend!). By the way, there are more than 30 cafes here, which makes choosing almost impossible!

1 – Saigon Ơi ($)

saigon oi
Saigon Oi cafe in Ho Chi Minh

Saigon Oi really impressed us with its incredibly flavourful coffee and creative, fun drink options on the menu. The decor is rather simple and natural, with wooden floors and plants forming a real garden inside a bathtub, which I liked a lot! And in case you have some emails to send or calls to make, you can even work in this cosy environment.

You can find various snacks, juices, salads, Vietnamese coffee and other non-caffeinated drinks on their menu (lucky me – reviewing a cafe apartment although I don’t really like caffeine!). Ah! And their balcony has a very pretty view of a bit of the city and Saigon river too – perfect for some photo opportunities!

FIND IT ON: 5th floor

WHAT WE HAD: Yogurt Rainbow Drink & Iced milk coffee

OPENING HOURS: daily from 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM

INSTAGRAM: @saigonoicafe

WEBSITE: https://saigonoicafe.com/

2 – Thinker and Dreamer ($$)

Thinker and Dreamer
Thinker and Dreamer coffee

Intimate, romantic and super cosy, Thinker and Dreamer coffee shop is a real “forest” inside the apartment building! They have amazing coffee and a hip but tiny balcony facing Nguyen Hue Street with a nice view.

TIP: The owners really know how to speak social media, so if you’re browsing the menu and see a little icon of a camera next to a drink, this means that the drink is Instagram-worthy, haha!

NOTE: They now have two locations in the city, one at 42 Nguyen Hue and one on 26B Le Loi Avenue in District 1, very close nearby.

FIND IT ON: 4th floor

WHAT WE HAD: Coffee of Mr Thinker & Coffee of Mr Dreamer

OPENING HOURS: daily from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

INSTAGRAM: @thinker.dreamer.coffee

WEBSITE: https://thinkerdreamer.vn/

3 – Partea ($)

partea
partea saigon coffee apartments
© @partea.tearoom

This is probably one of the most famous spots inside the apartment block! Partea (get it? get it?) is an English-style tea house with a really unique, accurate decor – it oddly feels like you’re in England! So if you’re planning on drinking some 5 o’clock tea, this cosy and comforting place is the best choice. They have entire walls full of tea flavours (and coffee too!), lots of teapots to choose from, a cosy atmosphere and lots of yummy, gorgeous cakes to accompany your drink.

FIND IT ON: 4th floor

WHAT WE HAD: a pot of Jasmine Tea & an amazing lava cake with a ball of ice-cream

OPENING HOURS: daily from 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

INSTAGRAM: @partea.tearoom

FACEBOOK: Partea – Tea Room

Other notable places to check out at 42 Nguyen Hue

42 Nguyen Hue

In case you’re looking for an extensive list of cool spots inside this apartment block other than these 3 cafes, make sure you check out the following too if you have the time:

RELATED READ: Travel Guide to Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Tours VS Visiting By Yourself

BONUS: Everything you need to know about coffee in Vietnam

coffee culture in vietnam

Vietnam has a rich history – and their love for coffee is no exception. Coffee was introduced in Vietnam by the French in 1857 but it has only become a real “national sport” in 1990, thanks to a program started by the Government. Nowadays, Vietnam is the second-largest coffee exporter in the world. And us, travellers, can’t be anything but thankful!

Although it will be a bit hard to find your classic almond flat white in Vietnam, there are other caffeinated specialities worth exploring here. Which is an amazing thing, as travelling is all about experimenting with new things, right?! 

First of all, you should know about… condensed milk. Yes, the Vietnamese drink their coffee with condensed milk instead of your classic, frothy cow milk or vegan alternatives. Odd or not, it’s really delicious!

Here are some unmissable coffee-related drinks to try while you’re in Ho Chi Minh City, especially at the Cafe Apartment:

RELATED READ: Binh Quoi Village, Ho Chi Minh City – Complete Guide and Reasons To Visit

Aaand that’s absolutely everything you need to know about the famous Cafe Apartment in Ho Chi Minh City! I have told you every tiny detail, from its history after the fall of Saigon to where to park, how much the elevator costs compared to the staircase, what to visit inside and even some drinks worth ordering while you’re there!

In short, this is a hip, modern and creative spot worth visiting at least once in your lifetime – and especially if you’re a lover of caffeinated drinks, tea or cute desserts! Once you enter the building you’ll surely enjoy the atmosphere and grungy style!

In case you’re looking for more exciting things to do in Ho Chi Minh, make sure you click here to find all my articles about this incredible city. And here you’ll find all my posts and stories about Vietnam.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Cafe Apartments - A Complete Guide - Ho Chi Minh Vietnam
Cafe Apartments

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Travel Guide to Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Tours VS Visiting By Yourself

Cu Chi Tunnels are a huge tunnel system spawning over 121 km near Ho Chi Minh (Saigon), in the Cu Chi District. They’re one of the most popular tourist destinations in HCMC and in all of Vietnam and an important symbol of the American War… which is why I won’t be at all surprised if you have them on your travel itinerary as well. These tunnels are a must-visit, regardless if you’re passionate about history or not!

In case you’re planning a trip there soon, this complete travel guide to Cu Chi Tunnels will tell you everything you must know before your visit!

Let’s go:

Quick info and a bit of Cu Chi Tunnels history

Cu Chi Tunnels history

If you want to symbolize the determined spirit of the Vietnamese people, no other site can be as symbolic as the Cu Chi Tunnels. This 75-mile (121km) immense network of connecting tunnels located in the Cu Chi district of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam has turned into a war memorial park and is now a popular tourist destination in Asia.

The construction of the tunnels began in the late 1940s during the war against the French, to provide a way to communicate between villages and to evade French army sweeps of the area. It took over 25 years to build the entire underground network that stretched up to the Cambodian border, with repairs to the old tunnels and extensions taking place in the 1960s.

The tunnels’ great significance to the Viet Cong came about in their confrontation with American forces, playing a major role in their surviving (and eventual overcoming of) the Vietnam War. The tunnels were utilized by Viet Cong soldiers as a hiding place during the war. They also served as communication and supply routes, hospitals, food and weapon stocks, and living quarters for countless Vietnamese guerillas. The tunnel network, sections of which were several stories deep, incorporated numerous trapdoors, constructed living areas, storage provisions, weapon factories, field hospitals, command centres, and kitchens. 

Now you can see very little evidence of the fighting and bombing that shuddered Cu Chi during the war. In the late 1960s, America carpet-bombed the whole place and destroyed most of the tunnels and everything around. In spite of the tunnels’ destruction, they served their purpose and played a key role in North Vietnam winning the war. 

So I guess it’s needless to say that Cu Chi tunnels are one of the most important sights in Ho Chi Minh City and they should definitely be on your itinerary for the city, regardless if you’re passionate about the Vietnam War or history in general. 

Now let’s find out everything tourists need to know before visiting the Cu Chi tunnel system in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon):

Where are the Cu Chi Tunnels located?

Where are the Cu Chi Tunnels located

The Cu Chi Tunnels are located around 60 km northwest of Ho Chi Minh City, in southern Vietnam. It takes around 1h30min to get there from HCMC by car and 2 hours by bus.

Cu Chi Tunnels address: Đ. Tỉnh Lộ 15, Phú Hiệp, Củ Chi, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 733814, Vietnam. Find it on Google Maps here.
Co-ordinates: 11.142680, 106.462304

RELATED READ: 12 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – A Complete Guide To the City

Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fee

Cu Chi Tunnels entrance fee

If you are visiting the Cu Chi Tunnels with a tour, your entrance price will be covered in the tour price. If you are making your own way to the underground tunnels, you can easily buy your tickets on arrival.

Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc have different entrance fees:

There’s also a shooting range at Cu Chi where you can try your hand at real shooting just like the soldiers, for separate prices. You can choose your desired gun which will come with a 10-bullet set. If this interests you, below are the prices for 1 bullet:

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam

Which site should I visit: Ben Dinh vs Ben Duoc

Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc tunnels

There are two tunnel display sites that you can choose to visit: Ben Dinh or Ben Duoc.

Personally, I would recommend visiting Ben Duoc, as it contains part of the earliest, authentic tunnel system used by the Viet Cong and provides a more authentic experience. However, if you’d prefer a more comfortable visit, Ben Dinh has been altered for tourists with tunnel recreations and repairs to make tunnels more spacious to accommodate travellers. Great for families too!

In terms of distance, Ben Dinh is closer to Ho Chi Minh, while Ben Duoc is a bit further away.

In both Ben Dinh and Ben Duoc, low-power lights have been used in the tunnels to make travelling through them easier, and both sites display the different types of booby traps that were utilised during the war, so when it comes to safety and information, both sites have you covered. Plus, another nice thing while you’re there is that you can also enjoy a very simple meal similar to what Viet Cong guerillas would have eaten in those days. Interesting!

TOP TIP: If you’re a history buff, make sure you go to the War Remnant Museum as well. There’s also a pretty beautiful temple at Ben Duoc, built in the memory of all Vietnamese people that were killed at Cu Chi – worth a quick glance as well!

Best time to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Best time to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels opening hours:

If you are going there with a tour, you can choose from a morning one that usually starts at 8 AM or an afternoon tour from 12:30 PM. Make sure you reserve around 2 hours to explore the site and 4 to 5 hours in total for the trip with transportation included. More details and recommendations below! 

If you want to visit by yourself, early morning would be the best idea in order to beat the crowds. As close to the opening time as possible!

As for the season, it’s generally considered that the Cu Chi Tunnels are best visited during the dry season, from October to April. You can visit during the rainy season (May to November) as well and there will be no flooding inside the tunnels, but it will be a less comfortable experience as the grounds are mainly outdoors. Extra humidity and muddy, so be prepared!

RELATED READ: 10 Unmissable Da Nang Tourist Attractions – A Complete Guide To The City

How to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

How to visit Cu Chi Tunnels

There are plenty of travel agencies in District 1 that provide half or full day trip options to the Cu Chi tunnels. Morning tours generally go from 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM, while afternoon tours are from 12:30 PM to 6:40 PM.

Most of these tours include pick up and drop off at centrally located hotels in District 1, an English-speaking tour guide, tapioca, hot tea, and bottled water. The best part about guided tours is that a knowledgeable local guide will tell you heaps of interesting information and underground stories about the tunnel system, booby traps, “tunnel rats” soldiers and more. And for an extra fee, some tours also take you to the Cu Chi shooting range where you can try shooting an AK 47 or other guns. Real bullet experience, guys!

Costs start from 200.000 VND (8.70 USD) and can reach up to 2.000.000 VND (86.80 USD) according to the transportation and facilities provided during the trip.

Here are some hand-picked tour options that you can book in advance. Scroll down to find out how to travel to Cu Chi Tunnels by yourself in case you don’t want to join a local tour:

a) Organised tours

GROUP TOURS:

PRIVATE TOURS:

How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels by yourself

b) How to get to Cu Chi Tunnels by yourself

The most challenging part about visiting the Cu Chi tunnel complex by yourself is getting there. In order to help you out, I have noted the most popular options below:

BY BUS

The cheapest transport to travel from Ho Chi Minh City to the Cu Chi Tunnels is by public bus. From the Central Bus terminal at 23-9 Park in District 1, take bus 13 headed to Cu Chi bus station. From Cu Chi bus station (the last stop on bus 13), switch to bus 79 headed to Ben Duoc Tunnel. You can walk to the tunnel entrance from there.

The total travel time is around 2 hours and it will cost 16.000 VND one-way (0.70 USD). Keep in mind that the final bus back from the Ben Duoc bus stop leaves at around 5:30 PM.

BY BOAT

If you enjoy waterways then a boat tour could be the ideal travel option for you to explore Cu Chi tunnels. There are several boat tour companies offering services to the Cu Chi Tunnels such as the Saigon River Tour Company and Les Rives. My recommendation is to book this VIP speedboat tour online.

BY TAXI

If you are travelling with a small group or family, hiring a taxi to Cu Chi tunnels is probably your best option. Ma Linh and Vinasun are two popular taxi companies in Ho Chi Minh City where you can book your trip to the tunnels in advance. The price should be around 500.000 to 600.000 VND (21.70 to 26 USD). Booking a Grab (Southeast Asia’s version of Uber) is also a good, cheaper option.

BONUS: My top tips for Cu Chi Tunnels

top tips for visiting cu chi tunnels

Now that you know all the most precious, practical information about exploring both Ben Duoc and Ben Dinh sites at Cu Chi, I couldn’t let you leave without sharing some of the best tips I learned while I was there!

RELATED READ: 9 Things to do in Hoi An, Vietnam – A Complete Hoi An Guide

Picture of canon camera on a deck in nature.

Here’s our camera gear that we take all around with us as we travel, perfect for your Vietnam trip and the tunnels too. It has everything you’ll ever need!

CAMERA: Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

EVERYDAY LENS: Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens

WIDE ANGLE LENSSigma 10-20mm f3.5 EX DC

PORTRAIT LENS: Sigma 35mm F1.4 DG

GOPRO: GoPro HERO8 Black

TRIPODBenro Mach3 Tripod Ser 2 Alum 4 Sect

NV FILTER: Hoya 82mm Variable Density Screw-in Filter

CAMERA BAG: Manfrotto MB MA-BP-BFR Advanced Befree Camera Backpack

HARD DRIVE: LaCie 4 TB

RELATED READ: If you want to read more about our photography gear, I recommend checking out my dedicated article: What’s in my Camera Bag – All My Travel Blogging Gear

This was my complete guide for the famous Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon (Ho Chi Minh). I have gathered all the most important information in this post – a bit of history about the Vietnam War tunnels, entrance prices, recommended tours, what you should expect to see there, plus some precious tips. In short, you have everything you could need to know here before your trip to this famous complex in Southern Vietnam!

In case you need more helpful tips and information for your trip to Ho Chi Minh, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts and stories about this wonderful place. And here you can find all my articles about Vietnam!

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Vietnam?

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Guide to the Cu Chi Tunnels Vietnam
Cu Chi Tunnels Guide Vietnam

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12 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – A Complete Guide To the City

In case you’re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh soon, I have two important things to say. First: I envy you, you’ll have SO much fun! And second: beware, as this city is so amazing, you’ll need quite some days in order to see everything. If you’re eager to create a bucket list for your trip, scroll down to find my ULTIMATE list of things to do in Ho Chi Minh, together with my accommodation recommendations, dishes to try and information about how to get around the city. 

Ho Chi Minh is the biggest city in Vietnam and an amazing destination that caters to all types of tourists out there. The city was called Saigon in the past and it was the capital of South Vietnam. Only after the Vietnam War the city changed to Ho Chi Minh, but be prepared to hear both names during your trip – and in this article as well!

ho chi minh city location in vietnam

Ho Chi Minh city is known for its gastronomy (pho soup, anyone?), beautiful pagodas, numerous cultural spots and interesting buildings.

Are you convinced? Let’s find out about all the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh city!

12 Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam

There are SO many unmissable things to do in Ho Chi Minh city, that it was a real struggle to keep my list at only 12 activities. Regardless of how hard it was, I made it! So here’s my complete list of Ho Chi Minh city attractions:

1 – Nguyen Hue Walking Street

Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Nguyen Hue Street in Ho Chi Minh

This pedestrianised promenade is found at the centre of District 1, surrounded by 19th century French colonial architecture. At one end you can find the Saigon River and at the other the People’s Committee with a statue of Ho Chi Minh, the war hero who the city is named after. This street is where you’ll find a lot of restaurants, hotels, malls and the famous Coffee Apartments that we speak of later in this guide. Definitely one of the best spots for walking around in the city of Saigon!

2 – Coffee Apartments

Coffee Apartment in Ho Chi Minh
Ho Chi Minh Coffee Apartments

RELATED READ: Cafe Apartment Saigon – 3 Best Cafes Worth Visiting

Now covered in shining, multicoloured neon lights, the old building at 42 Nguyen Hue has had a long life. Built in the 1950s, the old apartment block used to house the Government and US military. Now, you’ll find nine floors of independent cool coffee shops, tea parlours, fashion boutiques, hip bars and street food eateries. One of the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh for cool tourist pictures!

3 – Bitexco Financial Tower & Saigon Skydeck

Bitexco Financial Tower in Ho Chi Minh
Bitexco Financial Tower Ho Chi Minh

Look up and you will see the Bitexco Financial Tower. Dominating the city’s skyline, this 68-floor skyscraper presents a distinctive sky deck and helipad which makes it easy for visitors to spot. By the way, in 2011, it was named the tallest building in Vietnam! 

The building has an observation deck for tourists on the 50th floor (Saigon Skydeck) which costs 200.000 VND (a bit less than 9$) to enter. However, I would recommend visiting the EON Heli Bar on the 52nd floor instead. The price of a drink is less than the entry cost to the observation deck and you’ll get 360° views of the city. Go late afternoon to grab a good window table and stay for sunset over Saigon city!

TIP: The entrance to the EON Heli Bar can be tricky to find. Head to the building’s main entrance, go up one floor with the escalator and follow the signs for the 52 bar. You will be shown a lift that will take you directly up to the bar on the 52nd floor.

4 – Central Post Office

Central Post Office in Ho Chi Minh City

The iconic Saigon Central Post Office, built in the 19th century by no other than the architect of the Eiffel Tower (sounds pretty random, I know), is known for its stunning architecture! It’s a French colonial building with details from both Gothic and Renaissance eras, so a pretty unique thing to see in Ho Chi Minh. Outside, the entrance of this bright yellow building is marked with a large clock; inside, looping arches frame the high ceiling.

TIP: This is still a functioning post office with two wings branching out from the main office, so you can take the opportunity to send a postcard home.

5 – Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral
Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral

The Notre Dame Cathedral (no, not the one in Paris, but VERY close!) was built by the French colonies between 1863-1880. Before the re-construction, a competition was held to decide who the architect of the church would be. The winner, Jules Bourard, decided to build a smaller version of Paris’ original Notre Dame. Today, the cathedral is a place of worship for the catholic community in the city of Ho Chi Minh.

By the way, you can visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh city free of charge!

FUN FACT: The Cathedral is located in Paris Square and it has a red brick facade brought all the way from Marseille.

6 – Cu Chi Tunnels

Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh

RELATED READ: Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Tours VS Visiting By Yourself

This network of tunnels, located in the Cu Chi District, played a huge part in the Viet Cong surviving (and eventually overcoming) the American War. The tunnels, dug deep and running across a large part of the country, were the main war bases for the Viet Cong. Not only were they used as hiding spots during combat, they also contained entire living spaces – kitchens, supply routes, communications, medical aid rooms and storage for food and weapon supplies. 

TIP: I recommend visiting this place with a professional guide in order to fully understand the importance and rich history of this place. For example, on this half-day trip to the Cu Chi Tunnels you can learn interesting facts of how the Viet Congo resisted against the US Army, how they lived in the tunnels, and much more. Alternatively, you can combine Cu Chi Tunnels with the Mekong Delta (more info about it below) and take this VIP tour instead.

7 – War Remnants Museum

War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh
War Remnants Museum Vietnam

Speaking of the war… the War Remnants Museum is devoted to telling the history of the Vietnam War. After passing through the ticket offices, you encounter a courtyard filled with aircrafts used by the United States Army. The inside of the museum is split into areas which showcase different aspects of the war; the worldwide fight for peace, the photographers and press that helped share the reality, horrific stories of war crimes, and much, much more.

Warning to the wary, this is an emotionally heavy experience, but also incredibly interesting and important.

War Remnants Museum entrance fee: 40,000 VND (1.70$)

TIP: If you’re passionate about this subject, I recommend booking this War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels full-day tour; you’ll learn tons of precious information from your guide!

8 – Tân Đinh Church

Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh Vietnam
Tan Dinh Church in Ho Chi Minh

The Tan Dinh Church, famous to tourists for its cotton candy pink colour, may be the most photogenic site in town! It features details of Gothic and Renaissance architecture and it’s also the second biggest church in Ho Chi Minh, after Notre Dame Cathedral!

FUN FACT: In 1887, Sisters of Saint-Paul de Chartres were invited to set up a boarding school and an orphanage by the church, giving home to over 300 children within three years. Afterwards, a publishing house was added, where disadvantaged children were taken in and educated.

9 – Independence Palace

Independence Palace in Ho Chi Minh City

The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace, is famous worldwide because of the events of 1975 – a tank led by the Northern Vietnamese Army crashed through its front gates to date the end to the Vietnam War. The building now functions as a museum and the most interesting feature of the Independence Palace is its basement, where you’ll find the war rooms and tunnels, telecommunications rooms, and other equipment used to spread war propaganda.

10 – Ben Thanh Market

Ben Thanh Market Ho Chi Minh

One of the top things to do in Ho Chi Minh city for foodies! From local handicrafts to knock-offs of branded goods, Ben Thanh Market is the place to shop for ALLLL kinds of things and it’s located in District 1. From Rolex replicas to Nike sneakers, tailor-made suits, designer handbags, porcelain tea sets and painted fans – this market provides a mish mash of bits and bobs to fill your suitcase with. And let’s not forget about the street food stalls at Ben Thanh Market as well! Alternatively, you can also visit Binh Tay Market.

TIP #1: Remember to always, always bargain! Their first price will be a “tourist price” that will have you paying way too high.

TIP #2: I recommend visiting the market in the morning, as vendors will offer smaller prices because they want to make their first sale quickly. Why? Good question. They say this will bring them good luck for the day!

11 – Binh Quoi Village

Binh Quoi Village
Binh Quoi Village

RELATED READ: Binh Quoi Village, Ho Chi Minh City – Complete Guide and Reasons To Visit

Located only a short car ride from Ho Chi Minh City, the Binh Quoi Tourist Village is a real-life replica of a traditional Vietnamese village. It has been created amazingly well and has a real sense of authenticity! My personal highlights were the lakes and ponds with large lily pads, traditional fisherman boats and bamboo bridges. 

By the way, Binh Quoi is a great place to visit if you love photography, as there are so many hidden, picturesque corners to explore!

TIP: Make sure you stay for lunch, as they prepare an amazing buffet where you can feast on some incredible Vietnamese food. The price is higher than local restaurants in Saigon, but you’ll be able to try everything!

12 – Mekong Delta

Mekong Delta in Ho Chi Minh City

The Mekong Delta is the Southeastern region of Vietnam. The river and its subsidiaries are now home to a whole river-world where you can find villages and its pagodas, markets, houses, and so much more – a great place to taste some authentic Vietnamese life! The Mekong Delta can be visited on day trips, where you will paddle in between villages, eat at delicious riverside restaurants and explore the life of the river communities. 

TIP: I recommend this 9-hour tour for 45$ that will take you on a rowing boat adventure for 9 hours.

BONUS: Extra things to do in Ho Chi Minh city if you have more time

Extra things to do in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam

The 12 attractions in Ho Chi Minh above are totally unmissable, but if you have some more time for exploration or this is not your first time visiting Saigon, then you might be eager to find out about some extra things to do. No worries, here’s my list of bonus places to visit in Ho Chi Minh city:

Best tours of Ho Chi Minh city by type of traveller

cafe apartment in ho chi minh city
Ho Chi Minh Bitexco

I know, the list of things to see in Ho Chi Minh city is huge and super interesting, but if you don’t want to deal with all the hassle of organising your entire itinerary by yourself, an excellent solution would be to book some already organised guided tours. Below I have chosen some of the best ones I could find in the city: 

BONUS: Organised day trips from Ho Chi Minh

day trip to mekong delta vietnam

If you have some more time on your hands and you’re up for a day trip from Ho Chi Minh, here are your best options:

Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

Ho Chi Minh city is no short on accommodation options. You can choose from anything from hostels and budget places to more luxurious hotels that offer everything you can wish for. District 1 is the BEST place for tourists visiting Saigon, especially if you want to be close to all the main attractions. Here’s my top recommended accommodation for travellers visiting Saigon for the very first time:

LUXURY: Liberty Central Saigon Citypoint

MID-RANGE: Lotus Central Hotel

BUDGET: The Akoya Ben Thanh Hotel

HOSTEL: The Common Room Project

ENTIRE APARTMENT: Somerset Ho Chi Minh City

RELATED READ: If you want to find out more information about where to stay in Ho Chi Minh city, including hand-picked recommendations for accommodation and advice about which part of the city to choose, you can read this article: Where to stay in Ho Chi Minh.

What to eat in Ho Chi Minh City & Best restaurants in the city

When it comes to gastronomy, Vietnam is a very special place and Ho Chi Minh city is one of the top destinations if you want to get a taste of real, authentic food! If you’re heading to Saigon and want to make sure you don’t miss anything important when it comes to street food and restaurants, make sure to get a taste of each of the following dishes:

PHO

An absolute must while you’re in Ho Chi Minh! This is an authentic Vietnamese noodle soup with different types of meats. Because it’s so popular among locals and tourists alike, you’ll find this dish everywhere in the city, but one of the best places to go is Pho 24.

Pho dish in Ho Chi Minh City

BANH MI

Banh Mi is one of those unmissable dishes to try while you’re in Vietnam. It’s basically a baguette sandwich with pickled vegetables, pork (usually), cilantro and some chili. It may sound simple, but it’s bursting with flavours! You can try one of the best banh mi sandwiches at Banh Mi Huynh Hoa.

banh mi sandwich in ho chi minh

BANH XEO

This is a crispy pancake made of rice flour, stuffed with various fillings. It is traditionally eaten using your hands, so get ready to get messy eating a banh xeo like a real Vietnamese! You can find the best one at Banh Xeo 46A.

banh xeo dish in ho chi minh

OC

If you’re feeling adventurous, then you should try Oc – a platter full of shellfish (clams, shimp, snails, crabs) cooked in sauce, steamed or grilled. There are various options for this dish, depending on what shellfish and cooking methods you prefer. I recommend going to Oc Dao in Saigon for some of the best culinary experiences when it comes to oc.

oc dish in ho chi minh

CA KHO TO

If you love fish, this is an absolute must-try. Picture this: caramelised, braised catfish soaked in a rich gravy made of soy sauce, fish sauce, garlic and more spices. All served in a clay pot, alongside a bowl of steaming rice. Yummy! One of the best versions in Saigon is found at Dong Hoa Xuan.

ca kho to dish in ho chi minh

TIP: If you’re really into gastronomy and you want to learn how to make some traditional Vietnamese dishes, a cooking class is one of the best ideas. This Farm-To-Table Healthy Cooking Class is a very good option, as well as this Ben Thanh Market Tour and Cooking Class.

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Getting around Ho Chi Minh City

When it comes to Ho Chi Minh, getting from point A to point B might be a bit of a challenge because of traffic, which is similar to everywhere in Vietnam. But if you’re fully informed about the public transportation system of HCMC, everything will be a breeze! Here’s what you need to know:

WALKING

If you’re staying in the city centre (read: District 1), the easiest and most convenient way to get around the city is by foot. The central area of Ho Chi Minh is not that big and if you’re only planning on visiting the main attractions in the center, you’ll be fine just by walking.

TAXI

The best way to get from point A to point B while you’re here is to take a taxi: Mai Linh or VinaSun are two reliable, scam-free options. Alternatively, you can use the Grab taxi app, which is only available in the big cities of Vietnam.

MOTORCYCLE TAXI / XE ÔM

These are like taxis, only they’re… motorcycles, of course. This means they’re faster and way more convenient than a car or bus when you travel during high traffic. Perfect for short distances! And don’t forget to wear a helmet, please (should be provided by the driver). 

BUS

Although they’re cheaper, they are way slower than a taxi or a motorbike. Still, buses can be convenient ways of getting around the city if you’re on a super tight budget, as the usual fare is 0,50$. 

HOW TO GET TO THE CITY FROM THE AIRPORT

The most popular option is to take a shuttle bus from the airport to the center of the city (45 minutes, no more than 2$). Or, alternatively, if money is not a problem and comfort is a priority, I recommend you to take a private transfer for stress-free transportation.

When it comes to Vietnam, Ho Chi Minh is truly a remarkable destination. This wonderful city caters for all types of travellers, from backpackers eager to explore some of the most beautiful pagodas as food markets (such as Ben Thanh or Binh Tay Market) to luxurious travellers that are coming to Saigon to spend their days sipping on a cocktail on a rooftop bar. Regardless of what your travel style is, Ho Chi Minh won’t disappoint! 

In my complete Ho Chi Minh travel guide above I’ve told you everything you need to know about the best things to do in Saigon – from the Insta-famous Coffee Apartments to Cu Chi Tunnels and some day trips as well. I’ve also offered you LOTS of precious information regarding accommodation in the city, must-try dishes and public transportation. I hope this travel guide was useful!

Although Ho Chi Minh is pretty much amazing, it’s not the only destination in Vietnam worthy of a plane ride. If you want to read more about other cities and my complete adventures in Vietnam, I recommend clicking here.

xoxo,

Melissa

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An Ultimate Guide to Ho Chi Minh City
Ho Chi Minh Vietnam - An Ultimate Guide

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