{"id":12167,"date":"2021-11-24T19:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-24T18:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/?p=12167"},"modified":"2023-05-02T17:25:59","modified_gmt":"2023-05-02T16:25:59","slug":"12-things-to-do-in-ho-chi-minh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/girlaroundtheworld.co.uk\/12-things-to-do-in-ho-chi-minh\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Things To Do in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – A Complete Guide To the City"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In case you\u2019re planning a trip to Ho Chi Minh<\/a> soon, I have two important things to say. First: I envy you, you\u2019ll have SO much fun! And second: beware, as this city is so amazing, you\u2019ll need quite some days in order to see everything. If you\u2019re 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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

Are you convinced? Let\u2019s find out about all the best things to do in Ho Chi Minh city!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/a>12 Best things to do in Ho Chi Minh city, Vietnam<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s my complete list of Ho Chi Minh city attractions:<\/p>\n\n\n

1 – Nguyen Hue Walking Street<\/h3>\n\n\n
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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\u2019s Committee with a statue of Ho Chi Minh, the war hero who the city is named after. This street is where you\u2019ll 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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2 – Coffee Apartments<\/h3>\n\n\n
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RELATED READ: <\/strong>Cafe Apartment Saigon \u2013 3 Best Cafes Worth Visiting<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ll 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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3 – Bitexco Financial Tower & Saigon Skydeck<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Look up and you will see the Bitexco Financial Tower<\/a>. Dominating the city\u2019s 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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The building has an observation deck for tourists on the 50th floor (Saigon Skydeck) which costs 200.000 VND<\/a> (a bit less than 9$) to enter. However, I would recommend visiting the EON Heli Bar<\/a> on the 52nd floor instead. The price of a drink is less than the entry cost to the observation deck and you\u2019ll get 360\u00b0 views of the city. Go late afternoon to grab a good window table and stay for sunset over Saigon city!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> The entrance to the EON Heli Bar can be tricky to find. Head to the building\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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4 – Central Post Office<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The iconic Saigon Central Post Office<\/a>, 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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5 – Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Notre Dame Cathedral<\/a> (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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the way, you can visit the Notre Dame Cathedral in Ho Chi Minh city free of charge!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FUN FACT:<\/strong> The Cathedral is located in Paris Square and it has a red brick facade brought all the way from Marseille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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6 – Cu Chi Tunnels<\/h3>\n\n\n
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RELATED READ: <\/strong>Cu Chi Tunnels in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam – Tours VS Visiting By Yourself<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> 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<\/a> 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<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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7 – War Remnants Museum<\/h3>\n\n\n
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Speaking of the war\u2026 the War Remnants Museum<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warning to the wary, this is an emotionally heavy experience, but also incredibly interesting and important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

War Remnants Museum entrance fee:<\/strong> 40,000 VND (1.70$)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> If you\u2019re passionate about this subject, I recommend booking this War Remnants Museum and Cu Chi Tunnels full-day tour<\/a>; you\u2019ll learn tons of precious information from your guide!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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8 – T\u00e2n \u0110inh Church<\/h3>\n\n\n
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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\u2019s also the second biggest church in Ho Chi Minh, after Notre Dame Cathedral!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FUN FACT:<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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9 – Independence Palace<\/h3>\n\n\n
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The Independence Palace, also known as the Reunification Palace<\/a>, 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\u2019ll find the war rooms and tunnels, telecommunications rooms, and other equipment used to spread war propaganda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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10 – Ben Thanh Market<\/h3>\n\n\n
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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<\/a> is the place to shop for ALLLL kinds of things and it\u2019s located in District 1. From Rolex replicas to Nike sneakers, tailor-made suits, designer handbags, porcelain tea sets and painted fans \u2013 this market provides a mish mash of bits and bobs to fill your suitcase with. And let\u2019s not forget about the street food stalls at Ben Thanh Market as well! Alternatively, you can also visit Binh Tay Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP #1:<\/strong> Remember to always, always<\/em> bargain! Their first price will be a \u201ctourist price\u201d that will have you paying way too high.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP #2:<\/strong> 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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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11 – Binh Quoi Village<\/h3>\n\n\n
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RELATED READ: <\/strong>Binh Quoi Village, Ho Chi Minh City \u2013 Complete Guide and Reasons To Visit<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Located only a short car ride from Ho Chi Minh City, the Binh Quoi Tourist Village<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> 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\u2019ll be able to try everything!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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12 – Mekong Delta<\/h3>\n\n\n
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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. <\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

TIP:<\/strong> I recommend this 9-hour tour<\/a> for 45$ that will take you on a rowing boat adventure for 9 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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BONUS: Extra things to do in Ho Chi Minh city if you have more time<\/h2>\n\n\n
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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\u2019s my list of bonus places to visit in Ho Chi Minh city:<\/p>\n\n\n\n